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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Feb 2008

Vol. 647 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 12, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 13 to 106, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 107 to 112, inclusive, answered orally.
Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 112.

Hearing Impairment Claims.

Joe Costello

Question:

114 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence the number of claims for damages by members of the Defence Forces for deafness determined in court or settled out of court at the latest date for which figures are available; the amount paid out today in terms of damages and legal costs; the number of such claims outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6329/08]

Up to 31 December 2007, a total of 15,913 hearing loss cases had been disposed of by the Department of Defence or the State Claims Agency and a further 879 cases were outstanding. The total expenditure on these cases up to 31 December 2007 was €285 million. Compensation paid totalled €187.1 million and legal costs totalled €97.9 million. Of the 15,913 cases finalised, 271 were the subject of court awards and 12,741 resulted in compensation payments from out of court settlements or under the so-called "Early Settlement Scheme". A number of cases were either withdrawn or dismissed.

The "Early Settlement Scheme" (ESS) was an administrative process used to negotiate early settlements in hearing loss cases where liability was not contested. The ESS process was introduced to dispose of the large volume of claims more cost effectively and speedily than would have been the case had proceedings been allowed to reach finality through the court system.

The ESS for settlement of hearing loss cases was wound up in 2004. Following the signature of a revised Delegation Order by the Government in July 2005 the management of all outstanding or new cases was delegated to the State Claims Agency with effect from 1st September 2005

Army Strength.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

115 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence when the commitment made in the programme for Government 2007 to provide the Defence Forces with an additional 350 military personnel in training will be fully implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6360/08]

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force as the strength sufficient to meet all foreseeable military requirements for the period comprehended by the White Paper (i.e. up to 2010). This remains the position. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. This recruitment will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper.

The agreed Programme for Government provides for an additional provision of up to 350 troops to be in training at any given time. However, as I already made clear to the House in December last it has not been possible to provide funding to activate the provision in 2008. This is due primarily to the requirement to prioritise funding for the Chad mission. This matter will be further considered in the context of the 2009 Estimates.

Public Information Campaign.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

116 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence his proposals in regard to the 2008 annual programme of major stimulated exercises and to use these structured exercises to support sustained public awareness and reassurance. [6344/08]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

119 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the progress as chairman of the Government’s Task Force on Emergency Planning he has made in preparing a public information campaign on emergency planning; when it is proposed to run the campaign; the costs involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6372/08]

Joe Costello

Question:

138 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Defence his proposals for the distribution of a new handbook on emergency planning to every household; when the distribution of the booklet will begin; the way it will be distributed; the anticipated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6328/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 116, 119 and 138 together.

As Chairman of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, I am conscious of the need to raise public awareness of the excellent work that is being undertaken in this area by government departments and public authorities.

In 2006, the Office of Emergency Planning carried out market research into this issue and the results showed that a majority of people did not know what plans the State has to deal with major emergencies or what actions they should take in the event of an emergency occurring.

Following on from this research, I subsequently proposed a communications strategy to Government for the implementation of a public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning. The campaign, which was approved by Government in October 2006, provides for the following initiatives:

production and countrywide distribution of an introductory handbook on emergency planning

a media advertising campaign to let people know what this handbook is about and to provide reassurance that its publication is part of the continuing development of emergency planning and not a cause for alarm.

the use of structured exercises on an ongoing basis by individual departments to deliver key messages on their emergency plans to the wider public.

This will be the first time that information on all of the State's emergency plans are presented to the public in an easy to read handbook. The handbook will also provide practical advice on how individuals themselves can prepare for some of the more common emergencies. The handbook will be launched in April next and it will be distributed to homes over a two-week period. The total cost is approximately €2.5 million.

I wrote to my Cabinet colleagues earlier this month and requested that all departments and relevant agencies exercise their plans at a strategic level in order to reassure the public that these plans are of a high standard and are kept under constant review.

Defence Forces Patients Charter.

Richard Bruton

Question:

117 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date on the implementation of the Defence Forces patients charter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6354/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

151 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence his new proposals in regard to attracting personnel to the Medical Corps. [6339/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 151 together.

I can assure the House that Defence Forces personnel requiring medical treatment are getting the care they need. The challenges in the medical arena have been recognized for some time and a review of the provision of medical services is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces. The Representative Associations are involved with us in this review. The scope of the review includes the level of service to be provided to members of the Defence Forces and the resources required for the delivery of that service.

The review has already produced a Patients Charter with the agreement of all parties. I welcome the agreement on the Patients Charter as it clearly identifies the rights of members of the Defence Forces as patients, their obligations as users of the Defence Forces medical services and the obligations on the providers of the services.

The full implementation of the Patients Charter is awaiting completion of the administrative procedures governing the referral by the Medical Corps of patients for external medical treatment. This is expected to be completed shortly.

However, the key issue at this time is the acknowledged shortage of Medical Officers (Doctors) in the Medical Corps. The establishment for doctors is forty seven (47). The current strength of Medical Officers serving in the Defence Forces is twenty two (22).

The difficulties with the recruitment of Medical Officers have endured for some time despite the concerted efforts of my Department and the Defence Forces. The numbers attracted to work in the Defence Forces have served only to address natural wastage. The pay and allowances of doctors and dentists were recently increased substantially in consultation with the Minister for Finance. In addition, the Defence Forces have recently undertaken an intensive recruitment campaign. The results of both of these initiatives have been disappointing.

The services of civilian medical Practitioners are used to provide back-up to the Medical Corps in ensuring that the primary health care requirements are met. In addition to providing primary care, the Medical Corps must also deliver a range of services to the Defence Forces including occupational medical services. In view of the complexity of the challenge and the need for concrete steps, I have decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. I will shortly issue documents to invite tenders for this consultancy. The consultancy will deal with all relevant issues affecting the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces. My officials have also had exploratory discussions with the Health Service Executive (HSE) about possible sharing of resources or a reciprocal arrangement that would provide opportunities for Defence Force Doctors to develop their skills and competencies and gain experience within a large health care environment. Further discussions are scheduled for the coming weeks.

The development of the capacity of the Medical Corps forms part of the agreed programme for Government. I am committed to providing a sustainable medical service to meet the needs of the Defence Forces both at home and abroad.

Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 112.
Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 116.

Overseas Missions.

John Curran

Question:

120 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the explosion that occurred in the Lebanon on 8 January 2008 injuring two members of the Defence Forces serving with UNIFIL; the number of Irish troops serving both with UNIFIL and in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6370/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

122 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the investigation that has been held into the attack on a UN vehicle in Lebanon on 8 January 2008 in which two Irish soldiers were injured; if it is has been established who was responsible for the attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6326/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 122 together.

On 8th January 2008, two members of the Permanent Defence Forces, serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were injured when the UNIFIL vehicle in which they were travelling was targeted by a roadside bomb on the main coastal road north of Sidon. The soldiers had superficial injuries and were taken to the local hospital in Sidon by Lebanese army personnel. The soldiers were treated for their injuries and kept in over-night for observation. Both were discharged from the hospital on the following day, 9th January and they then returned to Naqoura. A UNIFIL investigation team, led by an Irish officer, is investigating this incident. The investigation is ongoing.

Seven members of the Permanent Defence Force are currently deployed in the UNIFIL HQ in Naqoura. A further 3 personnel are serving with the Observer Group Lebanon element of United Nations Troops Supervision Organisation (UNTSO).

Defence Forces Equipment.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

121 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence his proposals in 2008 to increase the size of the Navy flotilla and develop the Air Corps airlift capabilities. [6345/08]

Following Government approval to go to tender, notice of a competition for the purchase of replacement vessels for the Naval Service was sent to the Official Journal of the European Union on 24 August 2007. The competition sought tenders for the purchase of two Offshore Patrol Vessels and one Extended Patrol Vessel, with an option for up to two additional vessels. The process comprises two stages — Stage 1, a Request for Proposals and Stage 2, an Invitation to Tender.

The closing date for Stage 1- Request for Proposals was 26 October 2007. Stage 1 Proposals are being evaluated at present in my Department and following the evaluation a detailed specification will issue to those invited to participate in Stage 2 — Invitation to Tender. The "Invitation to Tender" is expected to issue in May 2008, with tenders due for return in July/August. Following detailed tender evaluation it is expected that a contract will be awarded in late 2008/early 2009 with delivery being 18 months to 2 years later. It is likely that the vessels acquired as a result of this process will be significantly larger than those they are replacing.

Recent years have seen the Air Corps take delivery of many new aircraft, with eight Pilatus trainers, 2 EC135 training helicopter and the 4 AW 139 utility helicopters. A further 2 utility helicopters are due for delivery this year. The main focus of the Air Corps in 2008 will be on introducing these into service and on developing their capabilities with the aircraft introduced into service in recent years.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 120.

Defence Forces Medical Services.

James Bannon

Question:

123 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the reason it is not possible for all former medical officers employed in the Defence Forces to conduct annual medical examinations and assist in eliminating any shortfall that may exist. [6350/08]

Bernard Allen

Question:

159 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of annual medical examinations conducted by the Defence Forces Medical Services in 2007; the reason for any shortfall; and the way he proposes to eradicate this deficit in 2008. [6349/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 159 together.

All members of the Permanent Defence Forces are required to undergo an annual medical examination. In 2007 a total of 8,111 annual medicals were conducted. The shortage of Medical Officers in the Medical Corps was the principal reason why every member of the Defence Forces did not undergo a medical examination in 2007. Personnel due to serve overseas, those wishing to extend service and recruits and cadets are among those prioritised for medical examination.

The services of civilian medical Practitioners are used to provide back-up to the Medical Corps in ensuring that the primary health care requirements of the Defence Forces are met. This can include retired Defence Force medical officers. However, previous service in the Defence Forces does not, of itself, constitute sufficient reason to engage any particular doctor. Annual medical examinations are part of the occupational medical service of the Defence Forces and the preference is, therefore, that they be conducted by serving Medical Officers.

The challenges facing the Medical Corps have been recognized for some time and a review of the provision of medical services is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces. The Representative Associations are involved with us in this review. The scope of the review includes the level of service to be provided to members of the Defence Forces and the resources required for the delivery of that service.

Given the ongoing issues and mindful of the need to make progress in this area I have decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. The potential contribution of civilian medical practitioners will be within the scope of this consultancy. The documents to invite tenders for this consultancy will be issued shortly.

Departmental Staff.

Noel Coonan

Question:

124 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Defence the number of civil servants by grade serving in his Department by grade on 1 January 1996, 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2008 together with the ratio of principal officers, assistant principal officers and higher executive officers to clerical officers. [6362/08]

The reply is in the form of a tabular statement.

Number of civil servants by grade serving in the Department of Defence

Grade

1 Jan 1996

1 Jan 2000

1 Jan 2008

Secretary General

1

1

1

Assistant Secretary

2

2

2

Head of Corporate Services

1

1

1

Principal

9

11

12.9

Chief Technical Officer (Civil Defence)

1

1

Accountant Grade I

1

1

1

Assistant Principal

24

24

34

Technical Officer Grade II

2

2

Higher Executive Officer

58.5

64.5

49.4

Properties Officer

1

1

1

Administrative Officer

2

Executive Officer

58.5

73.5

76.8

Assistant Properties Officer

1

1

Staff Officer

30

34

33.4

Senior Technical Assistant

1

1

Clerical Officer

131.5

172

133.8

Clerical Assistant

60.5

Grade merged with Clerical Officer Grade

Paperkeeper

3

Examiner of Maps

1

1

Total

387

391

331.4

The ratio of Principal Officers, Assistant Principals and Higher Executive Officers to Clerical Officers is as follows:

1 Jan 1996

1 Jan 2000

1 Jan 2008

Principal to Clerical Officer

1 : 15

1 : 16

1 : 10

Assistant Principals to Clerical Officer

1 : 5

1 : 7

1 : 4

Higher Executive Officers to Clerical Officers

1 : 2

1 : 3

1 : 3

The figures for 2008 exclude staff in the Civil Defence Board which was established as a separate agency on the 7th of May 2003.

Medical Appointments.

Pat Breen

Question:

125 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence the number of enlisted personnel referred to medical consultants in 2007; the average waiting period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6352/08]

There is no central data-base of referrals of members of the Defence Forces to medical consultants either at Defence Forces Headquarters, Brigade or Unit level. The record of a referral is maintained on the individual's file. Consequently, the information requested is not readily available and compiling it would require a disproportionate amount of resources.

Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 112.

Child Care Facilities.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

127 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence the progress made on providing a workplace child care facility in the Curragh Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6359/08]

A request to provide crèche facilities for members of the Defence Forces has been made by the Defence Forces Representative Associations. The Defence Forces Partnership Steering Group, which was established following on from Partnership 2000, has tasked a Partnership Sub-Committee with examining the issue of the provision of childcare facilities under a number of headings, including demand for places, location and cost. The report from the Sub-Committee on the feasibility of the project is awaited.

Court Cases.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

128 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost to the Defence Forces of payments and legal costs arising from a decision of the Circuit Court to dismiss a case taken by his Department against a person (details supplied) over alleged over-claiming of overseas expenses; if other similar cases being taken by his Department have been settled; the estimated costs involved in these cases. [6331/08]

As this matter is still within the Judicial process the Deputy will appreciate that it would be wholly inappropriate for me to comment on the matter.

Questions Nos. 129 to 131, inclusive, answered with Question No. 112.

Bullying in the Workplace.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

132 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the operation of the equality and anti-bullying measures in the military in 2007. [6342/08]

The Defence Forces and the Department have taken a wide variety of initiatives and have devoted extensive resources to this issue, since Dr Eileen Doyle and the External Advisory Committee presented their original report "The Challenge of a Workplace" in March 2002. This report addressed the entire range of interpersonal issues within the Defence Forces. Its contents and recommendations were accepted in full.

An Independent Monitoring Group was established in May 2002 to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the original Doyle Report. The Independent Monitoring Group's own progress report, "Response to the Challenge of a Workplace" was launched by my predecessor on 24 September 2004. It describes the significant progress achieved since the publication of the original Doyle Report in 2002. The report is available on the Defence Forces website.

The ongoing implementation of the recommendations of the Doyle report has been one of the highest priorities for the Defence Forces and the Department since its publication. Policies on equality, dignity and bullying are being constantly communicated to all ranks. I am satisfied that the military authorities are alert and vigilant to this issue and are committed to addressing the matter in a continuing and proactive manner through educational modules on interpersonal relationships which are now embedded in career courses for all ranks.

My Department has received a total of six (6) claims in 2007 that primarily allege bullying/harassment. In addition, seventeen (17) calls were received by Careline during 2007. Careline is an independent external confidential "Free Phone" Helpline and Counselling Service which was set up for members of the Permanent Defence Force in March 2003. One (1) related to bullying/harassment.

The Independent Monitoring Group recommended that a review of progress within the Defence Forces should take place in 2007 and that it should be published. I can confirm that the first meeting of the review group, including representatives of military management, PDFORRA, RACO, Department of Defence and external expertise is scheduled to take place this month.

Overseas Missions.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

133 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the number of Irish troops currently serving in Kosovo; if he is satisfied with all arrangements for their safety and security having regard to the expected unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6325/08]

KFOR was established on 10 June, 1999 in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1244, for an initial period of twelve months, to continue thereafter unless the UN Security Council decides otherwise. KFOR's mandate is to establish a secure environment in Kosovo conducive to the implementation of refugee return and reconstruction. KFOR has a current strength of approximately 15,000 troops drawn from 24 NATO countries and 11 non-NATO countries including Ireland, Austria, Finland and Sweden.

KFOR operates under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, that is, it is entitled to use force to implement its mandate and to protect itself and the international civil presence.

Ireland has participated in KFOR since August 1999. The total number of Irish troops currently serving in Kosovo is 285. The figure is broken down as follows:

37th Infantry Group — 217

Headquarters Staff — 11

Framework Nation Staff — 57

The Irish (37th) Infantry Group, currently serves in the Multi-National Task Force (Centre) — MNTF (C) — with Ireland as current lead nation. In addition to Ireland, the Task Force also comprises troops from the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Sweden, Finland and Latvia. The Task Force's area of responsibility is generally the Pristina region, covering 7 municipalities with a population of approximately 1 million. The Irish commitment comprises a MOWAG mounted APC Company together with support and logistic elements and various HQ personnel.

In August 2007, Ireland assumed responsibility as Framework Nation for the Multinational Task Force Centre (MNTF (C)) in KFOR for a period of 12 months and additional Defence Forces personnel were deployed to KFOR, for the Framework Nation period. Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty from the Defence Forces assumed command of the MNTF (C) when Ireland took on the framework nation role commanding 1,200 troops from 6 nations. Currently 57 Irish Defence Forces personnel serve with the Framework Nation.

I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving in KFOR. They are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. I can assure the House that ongoing threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and we continually review both personal equipment and force assets, to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles. No mission is without danger, but I am satisfied that all appropriate security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all Defence Forces personnel serving in KFOR.

On 17 February 2008, the Kosovo Assembly adopted a resolution which declares Kosovo to be independent. The EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) of 18 February agreed a common EU response to the declaration of independence, which amongst other important provisions recalled the EU's commitments contained in the European Conclusions of 14 December 2007, as well as the agreement to Joint Actions establishing an ESDP Police and Rule of Law mission and appointing an EU Special Representative in Kosovo. The conclusions also stated that the EU will continue to cooperate with the UN, KFOR, OSCE and other international actors in order to preserve stability in the region.

I was speaking to Brigadier General Gerry Hegarty earlier this morning and he informed me that the situation in Kosovo, following this declaration remains relatively calm. KFOR troops are on standby and patrolling.

Veterans Groups.

Willie Penrose

Question:

134 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the amount of subvention provided in 2007 to support and encourage the work of the officially recognised veterans groups (details supplied) and the provision made in 2008. [6340/08]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

165 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Defence the progress his Department is making in implementing the commitment in the programme for Government to provide annual subventions to support and encourage the excellent work of the officially recognised veterans groups ONET and IUNVA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6371/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 165 together.

The Organisation of National Ex-Servicemen and Women, or Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann Teoranta (ONET) has enjoyed the long-standing official recognition of my Department and the Defence Forces. ONET is dedicated to looking after the welfare of all ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces. A main objective of ONET is to ensure the welfare of ex-servicemen and women by way of providing accommodation to homeless members in need of such domestic accommodation and providing other assistance that may be required by way of advising referrals to the relevant agencies.

The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) was formed in 1990. Membership is available to those, both serving and retired, who have successfully completed a tour of duty with a UN Force or Organisation. Both associations are financed primarily through membership fees, voluntary contributions and fundraising.

In October 2006, in recognition of the valuable work of ONET and IUNVA and to mark almost 50 years of Defence Forces involvement in international peacekeeping with the United Nations, I was pleased to support the work of both organisations in the form of a once off grant of €50,000 to each from my Department.

The Agreed Programme for Government June 2007 commits to the provision of annual subventions to ONET and IUNVA. I am advised that this can best be achieved through the payment of an annual grant-in-aid to both of these voluntary organisations. Officials from my Department are currently in discussions with both organisations with regard to the arrangements for the payment of these grants-in-aid.

Commemorative Events.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

135 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence the proposals for official commemorations in 2008 for the anniversary of the Easter Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6334/08]

A commemoration will be held this Easter Sunday at the GPO to mark the 92nd anniversary of the Easter Rising 1916. The format of this year's commemoration will be a military ceremony centred on the GPO with appropriate military honours rendered. Personnel from the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and Reserve will participate and there will be an Air Corps fly past subject to prevailing weather conditions. The ceremony will be attended by the President, An Taoiseach and a small number of invited guests. The ceremony, similar to last year's ceremony, will consist of a reading of the proclamation, the laying of a wreath by the President and a flag raising ceremony.

Details of the ceremony will be published in the newspapers closer to the event.

Question No. 136 answered with Question No. 112.

Compensation Payments.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

137 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the amount paid out to members of the Defence Forces for each of the past five years in respect of compensation claims for injury or illness; the amount paid in respect of legal costs associated with these claims in the same period; the steps being taken to reduce the level of such claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6330/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is in the form of a Tabular Statement.

The figures in the Tabular Statement represent the amounts paid in settlement of actions against the Minister for Defence. They include payments to serving and non-serving members of the Permanent and Reserve Defence Forces in respect of personal injuries and material damage. They also include amounts paid to Civilian Employees, and members of the public. I am concerned, of course, to ensure that such claims are kept to a minimum and that when they do arise they are dealt with expeditiously and efficiently.

The State Claims Agency has been working with the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence to examine incidents giving rise to claims and trends emerging in order to identify and obviate, if possible, the underlying causes of injury to civilian and Defence Forces personnel.

In 2004, the Defence Forces established a Risk Management Steering Group and a Risk Management Implementation Group to implement the overall Defence Forces Risk Management Policy. An Instruction on Health and Safety Risk Management was promulgated throughout the Defence Forces in 2006.

During 2006, external auditors from the State Claims Agency carried out a comprehensive audit of the Defence Forces Health and Safety Management systems. This audit examined systems in Defence Forces HQ, in each Formation and in 14 different Units selected by the auditors. All areas audited met with OHSAS 18001 standards. The Defence Forces is the first State organisation to have its Safety Management System validated by the State Claims Agency.

Non Hearing Loss Claims

Year

Awards/Settlements

Legal Fees

2003

3,522,547

1,030,490

2004

3,149,599

1,755,582

2005

3,403,930

2,101,038

2006

3,178,452

3,022,502

2007

2,011,443

2,584,526

Question No. 138 answered with Question No. 116.

Army Barracks.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

139 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the reason the proposed renovation of military accommodation in A, B and C blocks in Cathal Brugha Barracks has not commenced on schedule; when work will start; and the revised projected completion date. [6366/08]

Defence Forces Regulations require members of the Defence Forces to live in Barracks unless they are given permission to live out. Over the years the practice has been for significant numbers of personnel to live out of barracks.

Currently, the Defence Forces have the capacity to provide long-term living-in accommodation for up to 2,800 personnel, which represents about 25% of all personnel. This is in addition to a significant capacity to provide short-term accommodation for those engaged in training or participating in military exercises or operations.

As part of the Defence Forces modernisation programme €40m (approximately) has been spent from 1999 to-date on refurbishing both long-term and short-term accommodation across the Defence Forces.

Arising from the changing security situation and to provide a sound basis for future modernisation of living-in accommodation my Department, in conjunction with the military authorities, is undertaking a study to identify the Defence Forces' overall operational requirement for personnel required to live in barracks and the standard of accommodation to be provided. I expect that this work will be completed in the coming weeks.

The outcome of the study will provide the basis for a 3-5 year programme of refurbishment of living-in accommodation to be undertaken in conjunction with the overall Defence Force Infrastructure Development Programme. In considering the priorities for the building programme for 2008 and 2009 my Department has decided that no further costs will be incurred on the refurbishment of living-in accommodation until the 3-5 year plan is in place.

The requirement for living-in accommodation in Cathal Brugha Barracks is being considered as part of the overall Defence Force requirements and the provision of any accommodation required there will be addressed in the 3-5 year programme.

Arising from the outcome of the living-in study I will also consider amending the Regulations to reflect a change in emphasis from one of people living in unless given permission to live out, to one of people living out unless required to live-in.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Creed

Question:

140 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Defence the reason the option of co-locating elements of his Department and elements of defence headquarters was not implemented as part of the Government’s decentralisation initiative. [6364/08]

The Government Decision on decentralisation, announced by the Minister for Finance in his Budget Statement on 3 December 2003, provides for the transfer of all of my Department's Dublin based civil service staff to Newbridge, Co. Kildare and the transfer of Defence Forces Headquarters to the Curragh. In addition to the 200 civil servants who will be based in Newbridge, over 40 military personnel, including the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chiefs of Staff, will be co-located with my Department.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

141 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Defence his views on the call by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child to raise the minimum age for membership of the Defence Forces to 18; the number of personnel under 18 who are currently full members or in training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6336/08]

I have carefully considered the recent report of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child including the suggesting of raising the minimum age for recruitment to the Defence Forces. Attracting, training and retaining good calibre personnel are key factors in maintaining the successful operation of the Defence Forces at home and abroad. The Defence Forces compete to attract these personnel and the current arrangements governing the age for recruitment forms part of the overall human resources strategy.

Under Defence Forces Regulations and Administrative Instructions, the minimum age for ‘general service enlistment' to all branches of the Defence Forces is 17 years. General service enlistment is immediately followed by a basic training period of several months, before the recruit is "passed out" as an active member of the PDF. The duration and structure of this training is such that few enlisted personnel become available for any operational military duties within the State while they are under 18 years of age. Members of the Defence Forces must be over 18 years of age before they are deployed abroad on peace support operations.

The minimum age of entry for cadets is also 17 years. Cadets undergo a structured programme of training of more than 12 months duration that leads to the award of a Commission as a junior Officer.

The minimum age of entry for the Reserve Defence Force is also 17. Members of the Reserve are not accepted as being trained to the minimum standard required for Reserve operations until they have completed their ‘Three Star Private' Course that is normally conducted in the second year of service. Therefore the vast majority of Reserve entrants are not eligible for any operational military duties until they are at least of age 18.

There is one exception to the legal minimum age of 17 years. Regulations currently permit the recruitment of trade ‘apprentices' for the PDF specifically as trade apprentices from the age of 16 onwards. However, administrative practice is to set the minimum entry age for PDF apprentice entrants at 17 years. Apprentice entrants are assigned to special technological courses of training and study lasting for 3-4 years. Apprentices are not assigned to military duties until they have completed their specialist technical/ technological training.

In practice, therefore, Defence Forces personnel who are under 18 years of age are essentially in the preliminary stages of training. They remain under the direct supervision of experienced and competent Officers and Non Commissioned Officers. They are within a supportive and structured military training system that optimises their development and continually reviews and assesses their progress in training.

Applicants for the Defence Forces who are under 18 years of age must have the written consent of a parent or a legal guardian.

In recent years, about 22% of the personnel intake into the Permanent Defence Force has been under 18 years of age at entry. There are currently 29 personnel serving in the PDF who are under 18 years of age, 27 of whom are still in training. There are currently 251 personnel serving in the Reserve Defence Force who are under 18 years of age. Of these 199 are undergoing recruit training, 34 are undergoing "Two-Star" to "Three-Star" training and the remaining 18 have achieved Private Three-Star rank.

In the light of the foregoing explanation and the requirement to attract good personnel and key skills to the PDF and to local units of the RDF, I do not propose to amend the minimum age for recruitment to the Defence Forces.

Defence Forces Medical Officers.

Pat Breen

Question:

142 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence the number of currently serving Defence Forces medical officers who meet the criteria for membership of a specialist register; the register classification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6353/08]

The military authorities have advised that, based on a review of the current Medical Register, Defence Forces Medical Officers hold the following registration

Specialist Register

Number of Defence Forces Medical Officers

Occupational Medicine

Six

Sports Medicine

One

Psychiatry

One

Pathology

One

General Practice

One

The one person entered on the sports medicine section of the Register is also registered in the occupational section. All Medical Officers serving in the Defence Forces hold full registration with the Medical Council.

I am advised that it is not possible to ascertain how many currently serving Medical officers meet the criteria for inclusion on a Specialist Register. Inclusion on a Specialist Register is not mandatory. A doctor could well meet the criteria but choose not register. It is only on registration that eligibility is confirmed. Also, some Medical Officers may well meet the criteria for more than one Special Register, but be registered on only one.

Defence Forces Expenditure.

James Bannon

Question:

143 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Defence the number of civilian doctors, dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists providing services to the Defence Forces, for the year ending 31 December 2007; the amount paid to them collectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6351/08]

The numbers of civilian doctors, dentists, pharmacists and physiotherapists who provided services to the Defence Forces, in the year ending 31 December, 2007 are listed as follows:

Amount paid

Doctors

334

2,425,436

Physios

121

439,034

Dentists

167

1,113,385

Pharmacies1

35

512,450

Pharmacists2

2

46,080

1The amount shown under Pharmacies is in respect of prescriptions and dispensing fees.

2The Pharmacists were engaged under contract during 2007.

The key issue in the provision of medical services to the Defence Forces at this time is the acknowledged shortage of Medical Officers (Doctors) in the Medical Corps. The establishment for doctors is forty seven (47). The current strength of Medical Officers serving in the Defence Forces is twenty two (22).

The difficulties with the recruitment of Medical Officers have endured for some time despite the concerted efforts of my Department and the Defence Forces. The numbers attracted to work in the Defence Forces have served only to address natural wastage. The pay and allowances of doctors and dentists were recently increased substantially in consultation with the Minister for Finance. In addition, the Defence Forces have recently undertaken an intensive recruitment campaign. The results of both of these initiatives have been disappointing.

The services of civilian medical Practitioners are used to provide back-up to the Medical Corps in ensuring that the primary health care requirements are met. In addition to providing primary care, the Medical Corps must also deliver a range of services to the Defence Forces including occupational medical services. In view of the complexity of the challenge and the need for concrete steps, I have decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. I will shortly issue documents to invite tenders for this consultancy. The consultancy will deal with all relevant issues affecting the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces.

Question No. 144 answered with Question No. 112.

Defence Forces Strength.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has proposals to augment the strength of the Defence Forces all ranks male and female; if he will augment, upgrade or otherwise enhance military and vehicular equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6374/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

616 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he will increase the strength of the Army, Navy and Air-Corp with particular reference to the need to maintain specific strength during Irish troop deployment overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6781/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 616 together.

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 set out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force as the strength sufficient to meet all foreseeable military requirements for the period comprehended by the White Paper (i.e. up to 2010). This remains the position. It is my intention to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. This recruitment will continue to maintain the strength at the level set out in the White Paper.

The agreed Programme for Government provides for an additional provision of up to 350 troops to be in training at any given time. However, due primarily to the requirement to prioritise funding for the Chad mission, it has not been possible to provide funding to activate this provision in 2008. This matter will be further considered in the context of the 2009 Estimates.

The White Paper on Defence provides for an allocation of up to 850 Permanent Defence Force personnel to be deployed overseas at any one time. While this may be exceeded for short periods, deployments above this level are not sustainable on an ongoing basis within existing resources. Any commitments to EU or UN missions will be met within this context.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. Significant investment has taken place in recent years across all facets and elements of the Defence Forces. This investment has been assisted by pay savings arising from the reduction in the strength of the Permanent Defence Force in the context of the White Paper, which have been fully re-invested in the provision of equipment and infrastructure for the Defence Forces.

From the Army's perspective the major investment has been in the contracts for Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers. In the period from 2001 to 2007 the Defence Forces acquired a total of eighty Mowag APCs, manufactured in Switzerland, at a cost of €120m. The APCs have been used extensively on overseas service and will be in operational service in Chad.

It is expected that a tender competition for the purchase of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle will be initiated over the next three months. A sum of some €6m is provided in the 2008 provision to allow for a down payment under a contract in the latter part of this year.

There has also been a substantive programme for the acquisition of modern transport vehicles over the years. Acquisitions include Nissan patrols, minibuses, Ford transits, heavy load carrying vehicles (Drops) and specialist EOD vehicles.

In recent years, significant work has been carried out on the acquisition of an Integrated Protection and Load Carrying System. This system includes Body Armour, Helmets, Rucksacks and Battle Vests. 8000 units of Body Armour, 12,000 Helmets and 12,000 Rucksacks have been delivered in recent years at a combined total cost of €13.5m.

To complete the modern integrated protection and load carrying system, an order has been placed for the supply of 12,000 Battle Vests at a cost of some €2.2m. The Battle Vests are used for the carriage of essential items such as ammunition, personal radio, water and ancillary equipment. The order will be completed by the second half of 2008.

The level of investment in military equipment has ensured that Defence Force's personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment to carry our their day-to-day roles both at home and overseas and for training purposes and I will ensure that this investment will continue into the future.

Defence Forces Properties.

Liz McManus

Question:

146 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence the Defence Forces properties disposed of in 2007; the amount accrued from each disposal; and the capital and new equipment the proceeds of these sales were invested in. [6338/08]

The total amount accrued from Department of Defence properties disposed of in 2007 was €1.617 million, comprised of the following sales:

Ballincollig, Co. Cork — €1,183,588

Fort Camden, Crosshaven, Co. Cork — €64,008

Market House, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan — €122,824

Married Quarters — No. 47 McKee Park, Dublin 7 — €127,016

Married Quarters — No. 16 Orchard Park, Curragh, Co. Kildare — €120,000

As a result of the Government decision that proceeds from the sale of surplus properties should be re-invested in the Defence Forces, there has been an unprecedented level of expenditure on modern equipment and infrastructure in recent years. This programme of investment is on-going. However, proceeds from property sales in any particular year are not linked to specific investment projects.

National Monuments.

Chris Andrews

Question:

147 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding his proposal for a national memorial to commemorate deceased members of the Defence Forces who have died in service; when he expects this monument to be ready; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6306/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

162 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in the construction of the promised national monument to honour deceased members of the Defence Forces; if it is intended to proceed with the planned location in Merrion Square, Dublin 2; when it is expected to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6327/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 162 together.

The Memorial being designed by the artist, Mr. Brian King, is a pyramid shape made primarily of granite slabs resting on a steel frame interspaced with toughened glass panels. In the structure there are figures representing members of the Defence Forces. Four Defence Forces personnel in relief are cast in bronze, representing the Air Corps, Army and Naval Service both permanent and reserve.

The concept is simple in theory but has proven more difficult in practice due to the intricacy of the design and the need to ensure precise compatibility of each component part.

This is a complex art piece comprising many components, the four main components being, stone, steel, glass and bronze. Each individual component is crafted by specialists and the artist has worked closely with the various craftspeople to ensure precision in each component part to ensure minimum delay in constructing the piece. It is important that the extra time needed is spent at this stage to ensure the overall success of the project when it goes on site.

The memorial, which will be situated in Merrion Square, Dublin, is expected to be completed by the end of June 2008.

Defence Forces Strength.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

148 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Defence the number of non-nationals (details supplied) serving in his Department; the number serving at each grade and by gender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6361/08]

My Department does not currently have any non-national staff as described by the Deputy. As the headquarters of my Department is decentralising in full to Newbridge, Co. Kildare, and that location is oversubscribed with applicants on the Central Applications Facility (CAF), recruitment in recent years has been limited to existing civil service staff from the CAF who applied to relocate to Newbridge.

Defence Forces Medical Officers.

Bernard Allen

Question:

149 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence the number of retired Defence Forces medical officers employed by the Defence Forces; the types of contracts operated; and the number employed who are beyond the mandatory retirement age of 65. [6348/08]

There are six retired Defence Forces Medical Officers who are currently engaged on a regular basis to provide medical services to the Defence Forces. These Practitioners are engaged, as required, and are paid on an item of service basis. Three of these Practitioners are aged over 65 years. These Practitioners are practising in a private capacity.

Search and Rescue Service.

Willie Penrose

Question:

150 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in regard to promoting greater cooperation and knowledge sharing between the coastguard, the Navy and the Air Corps to ensure that the waters surrounding Ireland are safer for seafarers and coastal communities and preventing their use for the illegal importation of illicit drugs. [6341/08]

The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region, for pollution and salvage response in the marine environment, and for marine safety awareness. Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners.

However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in relation to Search and Rescue and drugs interdiction. In this regard, the Naval Service and Air Corps provide support to the civil authorities as the need arises and within their available capability.

A Service Level Agreement is currently being finalised between my Department and the Department of Transport for the provision of services to the Irish Coast Guard by the Defence Forces. The overall operation and implementation of the Service Level Agreement will be monitored by a Steering Group comprising representatives of my Department, the Defence Forces, the Department of Transport and the Irish Coast Guard. At an operational level, the parties to the Agreement are committed to the achievement of its objectives through co-operation and partnership between the main service providers, namely the Naval Service, the Air Corps, the Army, and the Irish Coast Guard.

Officials from my Department and the Defence Forces are represented on the Irish Marine Search and Rescue Committee, which is chaired by the Irish Coast Guard. The IMSAR Committee meets twice yearly and its functions are to keep under review the general arrangements for marine search and rescue in Ireland, to consider the implications of any intended changes in equipment, deployment or organisation in any arm of the Committee, and to consider as necessary liaison with neighbouring search and rescue organisations and any regional search and rescue agreements in which Ireland is a participant. The Defence Forces also participate in regular search and rescue exercises with the Irish Coast Guard.

Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking.

The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities.

There is close co-operation between the civil authorities — An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service — and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission.

The Naval Service, An Garda Síochána, and the Customs Service are represented on the National Maritime Security Committee, as is the Irish Coast Guard. This committee provides another useful forum for the exchange of experience and information between the Defence Forces and the civil authorities.

I am satisfied with the progress is being made in regard to promoting greater co-operation and knowledge sharing between the Irish Coast Guard and the Defence Forces with regard to maritime safety. I am similarly satisfied that the extent of Naval Service and Air Corps reconnaissance, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Irish Coast Guard, has had and will continue to have a major and beneficial impact in deterring drug trafficking and other illegal activities.

Question No. 151 answered with Question No. 117.

Commemorative Events.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

152 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence when he will correspond with party leaders asking them to nominate representatives to the all-party Oireachtas consultation group on the commemoration of the 1916 Rising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6333/08]

I wrote to Party Leaders on the 17th of January, inviting them to nominate representatives to the Group. I have only received one nomination to date. I hope to arrange a meeting of the new group as soon as I receive nominations from the other Party Leaders.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

153 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Defence if he has received the report of the study group to examine the possible introduction of the use of roll-over protection systems in Irish troop carrying vehicles, which he was due to receive in early December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6335/08]

Following the Road Traffic Accident involving a military vehicle near Granard, County Longford, in June 2007, a working group, consisting of a board of officers, was established by the Defence Forces to investigate the possible provision of Roll-Over Protection Systems (ROPS) in Troop Carrying Vehicles.

The Group contacted a number of retailers of ROPS in order to obtain information on the operation of the systems which would be essential in the formulation of the Group's understanding and final recommendations. The Group had hoped to present its report by December 2007. However, due to the failure of some of the retailers to respond in time, the completion of the report was delayed.

The Group has now completed its report and will shortly be presenting it, with recommendations, to the Defence Forces Deputy Chief of Staff (Support).

Question No. 154 answered with Question No. 112.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Creed

Question:

155 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Defence the estimated costs involved in the decentralisation of elements of his Department to Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6365/08]

Arrangements for the acquisition of a site and the construction of a new headquarters building for my Department in Newbridge are primarily matters for the Office of Public Works. I am informed that the total estimated cost of site acquisition, construction of accommodation, furniture, etc. is €30m approx.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

John Curran

Question:

156 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Defence if there has been progress in recruiting additional staff at the military archive in Cathal Brugha barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6369/08]

I am pleased to say that progress has been made in recruiting additional staff at the military archive in Cathal Brugha barracks. Following competition, 1 senior civilian archivist/project manager and 6 civilian archivists have been selected for recruitment. I anticipate that these will be place early in Quarter 2, 2008. The senior civilian archivist/project manager and 3 archivists will be assigned the Military Pensions Archive project covering the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence. This will ensure that these records are made available in good time for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising in 2016. The other 3 archivists will be assigned as additional staff for the Military Archives.

Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 112.

Decentralisation Programme.

Noel Coonan

Question:

158 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Defence if a cost benefit analysis was conducted on the decentralisation of elements of his Department to Newbridge and elements of Defence Forces headquarters to the Defence Forces training centre in the Curragh Camp; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6363/08]

As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Finance in his Budget speech in December 2003, announced that a total of 8 Departments would be moving their headquarters from Dublin to provincial locations. As part of this programme, all of my Department's Dublin based civil service staff are re-locating to Newbridge and the Defence Forces Headquarters will relocate to the Curragh. In coming to its decision on decentralisation, the Government took account of a wide range of factors in selecting suitable locations and departments and agencies.

Immediately following the announcement of the programme, a Decentralisation Implementation Group was appointed to prepare an overall implementation plan in consultation with all of the organisations involved, including my Department. My Department has produced implementation plans for the Group, setting out the detailed arrangements that will be put in place for relocation, such as risk assessment and mitigation strategies, service and business continuity, and business processes and systems. These plans are being progressed in preparation for the move. The re-location of my Department to Newbridge and of the Defence Forces Headquarters to the Curragh will take place in 2009.

Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 123.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

160 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the new proposals in regard to strengthening the Defence Forces Reserve in 2008. [6343/08]

The White Paper on Defence 2000 outlines the blueprint for the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). The Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan provides for the phased enhancement of Reserve capabilities over the period to the end of 2009.

The plan provided for a non-integrated Army Reserve with an establishment of 9,292 personnel, and a Naval Service Reserve with an establishment of 400 personnel. Revised organisational structures which included closure and amalgamation of units, came into effect in October 2005. The Reserve has been re-organised along similar lines to the PDF with three brigades, a Reserve Defence Force Training Authority and a dedicated Naval Service Reserve. Improvements in clothing, equipment and quantity and quality of training have been delivered. These factors were identified as being important issues for members of the Reserve, as well as being necessary to improve the overall capability of the Reserve. In addition, the Plan provides for the development of an Integrated Army Reserve. In accordance with the Implementation Plan, a pilot scheme for the Integrated Reserve was run in 2007. The military authorities have advised me that the Integrated Reserve will continue to be developed in 2008 in the light of experience gained during 2007.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a publicity and awareness campaign to promote recruitment to the RDF is being planned and will be carried out later in the year. I am satisfied that the outstanding elements of the Implementation Plan will be addressed over the period to end 2009.

Defence Forces Recruitment.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

161 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence the progress made by the chief of staff in regard to his previous review of recruitment into the Defence Forces at all levels and implementing changes that will facilitate recruitment from among cultural and ethnic minorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6332/08]

The question of the recruitment of foreign-nationals to the Defence Forces is not a new one. Defence Force Regulations have always allowed for the recruitment of foreign-nationals to the Defence Forces. People from diverse backgrounds have already been employed in the Defence Forces, but this has mainly been in certain specialised areas. This has worked well — albeit on a limited scale. Currently my emphasis is on ensuring that there are no barriers to ethnic minorities or foreign nationals joining the Defence Forces.

Entry to the Permanent Defence Force is either through the Cadetship Competition, Apprenticeship Competition, General Service Enlistment or Direct Entry Competitions which are held to fill vacancies in specialist appointments. All applicants for each of these entry streams are required to meet qualifying criteria.

The Cadet Competition is the entry level for recruitment as an Officer of the Defence Forces. As you are aware, I have made changes to the Cadet competition to broaden the entry criteria thereby making it easier for qualifying foreign nationals to apply for cadetships.

The Chief of Staff has undertaken a review of enlistment into the Defence Forces at all levels and as a result the Defence Forces have begun to implement a number of changes, which will further facilitate the recruitment and retention of people from ethnic and cultural minorities:

A strategy for Cultural Diversity Management is currently being put in place. Many organisations in Ireland have experience in this area including the Health Service Executive and the Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces is liaison with these organisations to ensure that its strategy reflects accepted strategies across the Public Service.

The Defence Forces are currently establishing links with ethical and cultural community groups based in Ireland, in order to brief the groups on the Defence Forces and its current entry requirements. The groups will be invited to forward submissions to the Defence Forces on their views of service in the Defence Forces and to highlight any barriers to recruitment, which they feel may exist.

A new Defence Forces advertising campaign is being designed to reflect its strategy for cultural diversity.

In order to ensure best practice in respect of recruitment and retention of personnel from diverse groups the Human Resource Management Recruitment Officer has joined the Employers Diversity Network established by the Public Appointments Service and the Irish Management Institutes Cultural Diversity Bizlab.

On the 30 November 2007, the Defence Forces issued their Equality, Diversity and Equal Status Policies. This document includes the Defence Forces:

Gender Equality Policy,

Anti Racism Equality Policy,

Discrimination and Promotion Policy,

Equality of Opportunity in Recruitment and Advertising of Jobs,

Equal Opportunities in the Interview Process,

Equality of Opportunity in Job Orientation and Job Induction,

Equality of Opportunity in Overseas Service,

Career Promotion and Progression.

A Dignity Charter has also been put in place, which clearly identifies the requirement for Defence Force personnel to uphold the values of tolerance, dignity and understanding and to respect the right of each individual to dignity in their work environment.

In relation to recruitment there are generally more applicants for positions in the Defence Forces than places available. My Department and the Defence Forces are fully committed to ensuring that all suitably qualified candidates who wish to do so are given the opportunity to join the Defence Forces. The primary focus in recruitment is to attract people with the core competencies required by the Defence Forces.

Question No. 162 answered with Question No. 147.

White Paper on Defence.

Liz McManus

Question:

163 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in the review of the implementation of the White Paper on Defence. [6337/08]

The Review of implementation of the White Paper on Defence 2000 was published in April 2007.

The White Paper set a target for implementing change and reorganisation in the Department of Defence and Defence Forces over a 10-year period. The Review of implementation finds that good progress has been made. Particularly noteworthy are the improvements in equipment, infrastructure, training and Human Resources management. The emphasis on developing capabilities and improving interoperability has been successful and continues to facilitate the Defence Forces contribution to peace and security at home and internationally. The reorganisation of the Reserve, set to continue out to 2009, and establishment of the Civil Defence Board on a statutory basis are also significant. The review also noted that the progress achieved had also accommodated very significant developments in the national and international defence and security environments and extensive internal reorganisation and restructuring to the Defence organisation. The Review is available on my Department's website.

Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 112.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 134.
Question No. 166 answered with Question No. 112.

Information Society Commission.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

167 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the date of establishment of the Information Society Commission group on the content industry; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6601/08]

The Information Society Commission's Content Advisory Group was established in May 1999 to look at the content industry in Ireland and the potential for Ireland to act as an international centre for the industry. The Group held its first meeting on 11 May 1999 and its final meeting on 4 October 1999.

The 18 members of the Group were appointed by the Information Society Commission and consisted of members of the Commission and other experts in the content field.

Population Statistics.

Richard Bruton

Question:

168 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the population figures in each of the 18 Dublin Garda districts in the 2006 census. [5946/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.

Population of Dublin Garda Districts (source: Census 2006)

Dublin Garda District

Population

Pearse Street

16,684

Kevin Street

49,047

Donnybrook

50,831

Crumlin

51,356

Tallaght

131,427

Terenure

51,895

Santry

57,179

Coolock

121,626

Raheny

83,372

Blanchardstown

141,640

Lucan

76,917

Clondalkin

66,905

Store Street Fines Office

15,953

Fitzgibbon Street

41,390

Bridewell, Dublin

22,011

Dun Laoghaire

70,228

Bray

73,300

Blackrock Co. Dublin

86,805

Total

1,207,566

Note: The precise boundaries of the Garda Districts are being finalised in consultation with the Gardaí at present. The figures therefore may be subject to slight amendment.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

169 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Taoiseach the amount drawn down through his Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5973/08]

No drawdowns have been made by my Department between 2002 and 2008 in respect of the percent for arts scheme.

Departmental Funding.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

170 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Taoiseach the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5988/08]

No capital projects have been funded by my Department from 2002 to date in 2008 and consequently there were no cases in which the percent for arts grant applied.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

171 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Taoiseach the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6004/08]

My Department's financial management system is Oracle Financials which was supplied by Oracle EMEA Limited. The annual maintenance cost associated with this system in 2008 is €30,184.

In February 2008, the operation of this system was transferred to the Financial Shared Service Centre in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, which will be responsible for maintenance of this system in the future.

My Department also currently maintains data on a previous legacy financial system, Prose FMS, which was supplied by Version 1 Software. This system is maintained for the purpose of access to financial records for audit and other query purposes. The cost involved in maintenance of this system relates to the purchase of the requisite licences and was €7,537 in 2007.

Travel Schedule.

Enda Kenny

Question:

172 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the official programme for his recent visit to Manchester; the projected cost of the visit; the mode of transport used; the names and titles of the persons who accompanied him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6006/08]

On 10 February, I travelled to Manchester by Government Jet where I had a meeting with the British Prime Minister. The Prime Minister and I also attended the event at Old Trafford to mark the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster.

I later attended an Irish Community Reception at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester before returning to Dublin that evening. While there, I met with the management committee for the centre and reviewed their plans for the building of a new centre.

Those who accompanied me are as follows:

Martin Fraser, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach

Pat Hennessy, Director General, Department of Foreign Affairs

Eoghan O'Neachtain, Government Press Secretary

David Feeney, Taoiseach's Private Secretary

Olive Melvin, Taoiseach's Personal Assistant

John Byrne, Security Officer

Tony Maxwell, Official Photographer

The cost of the Government Jet is borne by the Department of Defence in accordance with usual procedures. There may be minor additional costs relating to transport and subsistence expenses but these are not yet available.

Tourism Sector.

Mary Upton

Question:

173 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Taoiseach the number of people directly and indirectly employed in the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5873/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is not available. Extensive statistics on employment and Tourism are compiled by the CSO. However sectoral data are compiled using the NACE classification, which is the standard EU classification for economic activity. Due to the fragmented and diverse nature of tourism, it is not identified as a sector within the classification.

In order to estimate direct and indirect employment generated by the tourism sector, a Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) would be required. Currently, no official TSA is compiled for Ireland.

Equity Stakes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

174 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6638/08]

My Department does not hold an equity stake in any company.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

175 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Taoiseach if there have been any new developments in receiving the co-operation of the British Government into the investigation of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6750/08]

I have consistently called on the British Government to cooperate fully with inquiries which were established in this jurisdiction into the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974. Both the Barron Inquiry and the Commission of Investigation in their reports commented on the reluctance of the British authorities to provide access to original documentation on security grounds. I regret that such material was not provided. There have been no new developments.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

176 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7024/08]

I understand that this question is being answered individually by all Ministers. My own Department does not have responsibility for any such regulators or regulatory bodies.

Tax Code.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

177 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a VRT rebate is allowable on all vehicles purchased since Budget 2008 which have the relevant manufacturer’s CO2 documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6226/08]

I announced in my Budget Statement December that the revised VRT system to take greater account of CO2 emission levels will be introduced on 1 July 2008. I have no plans to introduce a VRT refund scheme for people who register cars prior to 1 July 2008.

Architectural Heritage.

Tom Hayes

Question:

178 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the steps that need to be taken to remove the scaffolding from the Rock of Cashel as it is coming into the busy tourist season. [6236/08]

The current conservation programme of repairing the masonry on the walls of the Cathedral is continuing. The Transepts are almost completed and the main focus will then be on the Chancel. Scaffolding is an essential requirement to progress the required pointing and is moved in accordance with the programme of works. The scaffolding does not interfere with the visitors overall enjoyment of the National Monument.

Garda Stations.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

179 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress that has been made on the selection of a new location for the Dundrum Garda station; when construction will commence; when relocation is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6518/08]

Despite a trawl of the property market over a number of years, no suitable site was identified to meet the accommodation requirements of An Garda Síochána at Dundrum, Dublin.

The Office of Public Works recently carried out a detailed study of the existing Dundrum Garda Station property and have submitted a development proposal to An Garda Síochána for its consideration. A response is awaited.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

180 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount drawn down through his Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5968/08]

OPW has implemented the Government's Per Cent for Art Scheme in its capital construction projects since 1997. OPW adheres to the General National Guidelines on Public Art published by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism in 2004.The following are the amounts drawn down for expenditure under the Per Cent for Art Scheme on OPW managed projects:

Year

2002

1,510,641

2003

1,426,606

2004

373,774

2005

873,861

2006

964,747

2007

1,309,671

Jan 2008

233,977

It must be noted that Per Cent for Art funding is subject to limits as follows. Construction projects costing up to €2,550,000 may include an art budget of 1% of net construction costs, i.e. €25,500. For projects costing between €2,550,000 and €6,300,000 an art budget of 1% up to a maximum of €38,000 is allowed. For projects costing between €6,300,000 and €12,700,000, an art budget of €51,000 is allowed. For projects costing in excess of €12,700,000, an art budget of €64,000 is allowed.

Departmental Funding.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

181 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5983/08]

I take it that the Deputy's interest is in construction projects funded by my Department's Vote in the relevant period, to which the guidelines on the Public Art: Percent for Art scheme apply.

Since the guidelines were issued in 2004, my Department has directly funded the construction of a crèche under the civil service childcare initiative in Mahon, Cork. The Percent for Art scheme is being applied in this case.

In the period from 2002 to 2003 before the guidelines issued, my Department funded the construction of three crèches under the civil service childcare initiative in Athlone, Ennis and Sligo. The scheme was not applied in these cases.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

182 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5999/08]

My Department operates one Financial Management System, namely JDEdwards which was acquired from Software Resources Limited (since taken over by System Dynamics Consulting Limited). The cost of maintaining the system for 2008 is €73,787.52.

Data Protection.

Simon Coveney

Question:

183 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the results of the review of systems and procedures operated by Departments and agencies to protect the confidentiality of personal data, reports of which were due to be returned to his Department by 1 February 2008; if the results are not yet finalised, when they will be finalised; and if they will be published. [6160/08]

Replies to our request to Departments and agencies for details of the systems and procedures in place to protect the confidentiality of personal data are being examined and evaluated and findings are being collated. When this work is completed a report will be submitted to Government for consideration. It is intended to present this in the next few weeks.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

184 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people who have availed of tax relief for childminders minding children at home; the breakdown of the counties they come from; the estimated cost of the tax relief to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6299/08]

The statistics requested by the Deputy are not yet available. It is understood from the Revenue Commissioners that data derived from the income tax returns for 2006 are currently being compiled in relation to this and other areas and will become available in the coming months.

Joan Burton

Question:

185 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has made provisions to ensure that imported second hand cars are subject to the new emissions based VRT regime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6300/08]

Under the revised VRT system, the VRT rate applicable to both new and used imported cars registered on or after 1 July 2008 will be determined by the CO2 emission rating of the car and will no longer be related to engine size. As outlined in Annex D to the Summary of 2008 Budget Measures, in respect of pre-owned used cars imported after 1 July 2008, the CO2 emissions will have to be declared to the Revenue Commissioners on form VRT4 (declaration for registration of a used vehicle) by the person registering the vehicle.

The declaration will be required to be supported by documentary evidence of the CO2 emissions. Acceptable documentary evidence (provided the CO2 emissions is shown) will include:

a certificate of conformity for the particular model, (since 2001, EU law requires CO2 emission levels to be recited in this document),

or a previous registration certificate, or

a certificate from the manufacturer or distributor, or

a certificate from an organisation approved by the Revenue Commissioners to provide such certificates.

Where a certificate or a measurement confirming CO2 levels for a vehicle is not available or does not satisfy the Revenue Commissioners, VRT will be charged on registration at the maximum rate allowable i.e. 36%. Such a VRT rating would be open to appeal through the VRT appeals system.

Legislative provision for the revised VRT system will be included in the Finance Bill and further details regarding registration procedures and requirements will be set out in a Statutory Instrument.

Joan Burton

Question:

186 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of psychiatric hospitals and mental health centres that have applied for recognition under the Finance Act 2008 for the purposes of obtaining tax relief for the development of such facilities;the cost of this measure in terms of tax foregone to date; the projected cost of any such application under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6301/08]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the scheme of capital allowances for expenditure incurred on the construction and refurbishment of qualifying mental health centres which was introduced by me in the 2006 Finance Act and commenced in January 2007. It is intended that the scheme will operate on broadly the same terms and conditions as already apply in the case of the similar relief for general private hospitals. Among the conditions that must be satisfied if a mental health facility is to qualify for tax relief under the scheme is that the facility is an approved centre (i.e. registered under the Mental Health Act, 2001) and that it must have a minimum of 20 in-patient beds. As I mentioned in my 2006 Budget speech , the scheme is estimated to cost €2 million in a full year. Preliminary data on the scheme at aggregate level derived from 2007 personal tax returns, to be returned in November 2008 via the Revenue on-line System (ROS), should become available from early 2009.

Joan Burton

Question:

187 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of private hospitals that have applied for recognition under the Finance Act 2008 for the purposes of obtaining tax relief for the development of such facilities; the cost of this measure in terms of tax foregone to date; the projected cost of any such application under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6302/08]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the scheme of capital allowances for private hospitals which was introduced in the Finance Act 2002. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information on the scheme of tax relief for private hospitals was for the first time specified and separately included in personal income tax returns for the tax year 2004, which were due for filing in October, 2005. No specific Revenue information on the cost of the scheme is available for the tax year 2002 (when the scheme of relief for private hospitals was introduced) or for 2003. Based on the information that has been received and collated to date for the tax year 2004, there were 37 claims for €4.5 million capital allowances for the construction of private hospitals. This figure would correspond to a maximum Exchequer cost of the order of €1.9 million for these returns in terms of income tax foregone.

Corresponding data available for the tax year 2005 indicates that there were 60 claims for €7.7 million capital allowances for the construction of buildings used for private hospitals. This figure would correspond to a maximum Exchequer cost of the order of €3.2 million for these returns in terms of income tax foregone. Corresponding data based on 2006 returns is in the process of being compiled and is not yet available.

Joan Burton

Question:

188 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of private nursing homes that have applied for recognition under the Finance Act 2008 for the purposes of obtaining tax relief for the development of such facilities; the cost of this measure in terms of tax foregone to date; the projected cost of any such application under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6303/08]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the scheme of capital allowances for capital expenditure on registered nursing homes which was introduced in 1997. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information on the scheme of tax relief for registered nursing homes was for the first time specified and separately included in personal income tax returns for the tax year 2004, which were due for filing in October, 2005. No specific Revenue information on the cost of the scheme is available for the tax year 2003 or previous years. Based on the information that has been received and collated to date for the tax year 2004, there were 287 claims for €16.6 million capital allowances for the construction of nursing homes. This figure would correspond to a maximum Exchequer cost of the order of €7 million for these returns in terms of income tax and corporation tax foregone.

Corresponding data available for the tax year 2005 indicates that there were 498 claims for €30.3 million capital allowances for the construction of nursing homes. This figure would correspond to a maximum Exchequer cost of the order of €12.4 million for these returns in terms of income tax foregone. Corresponding data based on 2006 returns is in the process of being compiled and is not yet available.

As regards projected costs, there is no system of prior application and approval under the scheme of tax relief for the construction or refurbishment of registered nursing homes. When the relevant facilities have been completed, and provided they meet the necessary criteria, investors can then claim tax relief on the expenditure incurred under the scheme in their annual income tax returns as part of the self-assessment system. All returns are subject to check and possible audit to ensure that, among other things, the tax relief is correctly claimed.

Joan Burton

Question:

189 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will confirm that training provided by an employer in the context of skills development for an existing job is not treated as a benefit in kind by the Revenue Commissioners, that training provided for any future employment, including where this is an element of a redundancy package, is considered to a be a BIK having implications for the recipient of the training, including those who are about to be made redundant; the BIK charges applicable in respect of training for future employment in the case of impending redundancy; the amount of this category of tax charged for each year from 2005 to date in 2008; if he has received representations from parties involved in redundancy negotiations in relation to this matter; if he will examine the disparity in the tax treatment of such training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6304/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that training provided by an employer in the context of skills development of an employee of that employer — be it for the employee's current or future role with that employer — is not treated as giving rise to a taxable emolument where the training undertaken is relevant to the business of the employer. I am further informed by the Revenue Commissioners that where re-training is linked to a redundancy setting, and forms part and parcel of an overall redundancy package, then the normal tax rules relating to redundancy payments apply.

When making returns to Revenue of benefits-in-kind and other non-cash benefits provided by them to their employees, employers are not required to identify the different types of benefit. There is, therefore, no basis for estimating the yield to the Exchequer from treating training provided for any future employment as a taxable emolument. As far as I am aware, my Department has not received any representations from parties involved in redundancy negotiations in relation to this matter.

Niall Collins

Question:

190 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will advise in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick for a C2 certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6305/08]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a C2 application was received for the person in question on 10 December 2007. The C2 application was examined and the tax affairs of the applicant for the tax years 2005, 2006 and 2007 were reviewed in accordance with the legislation. As a result of this review, Revenue were in contact with the applicant concerning registration for income tax and subsequently additional information was requested from this person's tax agent on 5 February 2008. This information has not as yet been received. The C2 application will again be considered on receipt of the requested information.

National Parks.

Pat Breen

Question:

191 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works have applied for a tree felling licence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6376/08]

The Office of Public Works have applied to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for a licence to remove trees in order to reduce flood risk at Clonlara. A tree survey requested by the Department on foot of the application has now been completed and a report will be prepared this week. The OPW already applied for consent from the National Parks and Wildlife Service which is also required in order to proceed with the works.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

192 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the financial arrangements the State has entered into with regard to the collocation of private hospitals on publicly owned lands adjacent to public hospitals; if his Department has estimated the amount of tax that will be foregone by the State in relation to the building, equipping and running of these hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6381/08]

The scheme of capital allowances for the construction or refurbishment of buildings used as private hospitals was introduced in the Finance Act 2001 and came into effect in May 2002. Provided that capital expenditure on the proposed co-located private hospitals, which are designed to free-up capacity in public hospitals, conforms with the existing legislation governing that scheme, normal tax relief will apply.

The cost of such tax relief will ultimately depend on the level of qualifying capital expenditure and no such expenditure on the proposed co-located hospitals has yet been incurred. For each €100 million of qualifying capital expenditure on these hospitals, the cost of tax relief to investors (assuming a marginal tax rate of 41% for those investors) would amount in gross terms to €41 million spread over 7 years. Of course, with the additional activity generated by the construction of the hospitals, the employment generated and the related services provided on which taxes will be paid, additional revenues would accrue to the Exchequer.

In relation to the hospital co-location initiative, I have been informed by the Minister for Health and Children that the Board of the HSE has approved the successful bidder status on six sites as follows: Waterford Regional Hospital, Cork University Hospital, Limerick Regional Hospital, Sligo Regional Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, St James's Hospital. Since then, the hospitals and the bidders have been working towards finalising the Project Agreements. It is expected that the Project Agreements for Beaumont, Cork and Limerick hospitals will be signed very soon. It is also anticipated that the signing of the Project Agreements for the other three sites will be concluded shortly thereafter. Connolly Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, which are also participating in the co-location initiative, are at an earlier stage of the procurement process. A tender in relation to Connolly Hospital is under consideration and it is expected that the invitation to tender (ITT) for Tallaght Hospital will issue in the near future.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

193 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6419/08]

The following table gives details of the operating budgets for all regulators and regulatory authorities under the aegis of the Department of Finance for 2006 and 2007

Regulatory Body

Budget 2006

Budget 2007

Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority

48,700,000

51,577,000

Commission for Public Service Appointments

984,000

1,059,000

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

194 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6633/08]

In the time available it has not possible to collate all of the material requested by the Deputy. My officials are currently completing the process and as soon as this has been completed I will forward any relevant data directly to the Deputy.

Garda Stations.

Damien English

Question:

195 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the site has been acquired for the new Garda divisional headquarters for Meath; the cost of acquiring the site; when construction on this project will begin; when he expects the new station to be available for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6646/08]

The Office of Public Works awaits the advice of An Garda Síochána in regard to a new divisional Garda Headquarters for Meath.

Niall Collins

Question:

196 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position in relation to a building (details supplied) in County Limerick. [6738/08]

The Office of Public Works are preparing the appropriate planning consultation documentation under Part 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) for the construction of a new Garda Station for Kilfinane, Co Limerick. It is expected that this documentation will be ready shortly.

Niall Collins

Question:

197 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position in relation to a building (details supplied) in County Limerick. [6740/08]

The provision of a new Garda Station at Doon, Co. Limerick is currently under consideration in the context of the Rural Garda Station Replacement Programme.

National Spatial Strategy.

David Stanton

Question:

198 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the proposals and their cost that have been submitted to his Department under the Gateways Innovation Fund; when he expects the evaluation and decision-making process to be completed in relation to each of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6853/08]

Following the Call for Proposals under the Gateways Innovation Fund (GIF), which has an allocation of €300m, proposals from all nine NSS gateways (Cork; Dublin; Dundalk; Galway; Letterkenny; Limerick/Shannon; Athlone/Tullamore/Mullingar; Sligo; and Waterford) were received by the closing date of 15th November 2007. The total funding sought by the Gateways under the GIF is about €720m and the proposals are currently being evaluated against the criteria set down in the Call for Proposals by the GIF Management Committee. The Management Committee consists of representatives of the Department of Finance and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (with appropriate input from other Departments and agencies as required). Goodbody Economic Consultants have been commissioned to assist in the evaluation process. The Committee will, in due course, report to and make recommendations to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who will then bring their joint recommendations to Government.

Child Care Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

199 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance his plans to remove creches and preschools from the rateable valuation net or the plans his Department has to open a new category of rateable valuation for child-care facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6860/08]

The Valuation Act 2001, which came into effect on 2 May 2002, provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose including constructions affixed thereto are rateable. In regard to the Valuation Act, 2001, I should point out that the Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his duties under the Act, and that I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, have no function in decisions in this regard.

The basic premise under the Act is that all interests (including buildings) are rateable unless expressly exempted under schedule 4. Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 outlines the categories of property and the various uses that are deemed to be non rateable under the Act. Paragraphs 10 (education) and 16 (charitable purposes) are two areas in that schedule which may be relevant to the rateability of child care facilities. Accordingly, purpose-built child care buildings designed and used to make profit are rateable as commercial buildings. Houses which have been adapted for commercial use in a dedicated area (i.e. converted garage for exclusive use as child care) are rateable, for that specific area.

The Valuation Act 2001 maintains the long-standing position that commercial facilities — including all private child care - facilities such as play schools, preschools, crèches and Montessori schools — are liable for rates. It was not intended that the Valuation Act 2001 would expand or contract the valuation base. The rateable valuation of commercial property is based on net annual value (NAV) i.e. the rental value of the property. Any individual ratepayer who has concerns about the valuation of their property or of any part thereof, including its rateability or the method of calculation may, on payment of a statutory fee of €250, apply to the Valuation Office for a revision of the valuation. If dissatisfied with the outcome, they may appeal to the Commissioner of Valuation in the first instance and subsequently to the independent Valuation Tribunal. There is also a further right of appeal to the High Court and ultimately to the Supreme Court on a point of law.

Health Services.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

200 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for the domiciliary care allowance in County Louth; and the number of applicants successfully awarded the grant. [5947/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Noel O'Flynn

Question:

201 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Health and Children if domiciliary care allowance will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [6121/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

202 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the rationale behind a system which requires people who have qualified for an invalidity pension to have to reapply annually for a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6513/08]

The assessment of eligibility to medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged over 70 who have an automatic entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act 1970, medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants.

Section 58 of the Health Act, 1970, as amended, provided for GP visit cards for adult persons with limited eligibility for whom, in the opinion of the HSE, and notwithstanding that they do not qualify for a medical card, it would be unduly burdensome to arrange GP medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. In assessing eligibility, the HSE uses guidelines based on the applicant's means, which includes their income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, child care) and travel to work. The assessment process also takes account of other factors, such as medical or social need, which may impact on their ability to meet the cost of GP services.

I am informed by the Executive that its guiding principle in setting a medical card review date is to set a date in each case at which an income/dependency change or other change could reasonably be expected to occur which could affect eligibility. I am further informed by the Executive that, in general, the cases of persons whose sole income is derived from Invalidity Pension are subject to review every five years.

Hospital Services.

Tom McEllistrim

Question:

203 Deputy Thomas McEllistrim asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will provide the necessary funding to Kerry General Hospital in order that it can provide a proper orthopaedic service, that is, there must be immediate separation of the trauma and elective orthopaedic services both in terms of ward accommodation and theatre lists into defined trauma and elective services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5943/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

204 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if responsibility for the provision of respite care for the wheelchair sector has been transferred (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reasoning for the transfer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5956/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

205 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount drawn down through her Department for the percent for arts scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5970/08]

The percent for arts scheme is managed by the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) on behalf of all Government Departments. The details in relation to my Department will be conveyed by the OPW in their reply to this Question. The percent for arts scheme is managed by the Office of Public Works ( OPW ) on behalf of all Government Departments. The details in relation to my Department will be conveyed by the OPW in their reply to this Question.

Departmental Funding.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

206 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of capital projects funded by her Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5985/08]

Following the inception of the Per Cent for Art Scheme, the Health Boards / Eastern Regional Health Authority were advised of the requirements under the scheme and were encouraged to ensure that the project budgets for all relevant projects included an appropriate provision for art. In the period 2002 to 2004, approximately 126 major capital projects were completed in the health sector. Within the broad guidelines of the scheme it was a matter for the former Health Boards / Eastern Regional Health Authority to operate the scheme and information on projects where funding for art was drawn down was not routinely returned to my Department.

Responsibility for the planning and management of capital construction and refurbishment projects in the health sector, is a matter for the Health Services Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

207 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of financial management systems in place in her Department; the persons who provided her Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6001/08]

My Department uses one financial management system — the FMS. This was supplied by Progressive Systems Enterprise which was acquired by Version 1 in July 2006. Version 1 maintain the software. In 2007, the cost of software maintenance for the live and backup infrastructures was €44,866. My Department reviews and updates this system as requirements demand.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Jack Wall

Question:

208 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department investigated the cost saving factor of subvention for applicants to reside in retirement villages rather than long stay hospital placement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6086/08]

I am unaware of such an investigation, referred to by the Deputy being carried out. The Deputy will be aware that the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme was introduced in 1993. Under the legislation providing for the Scheme the Health Service Executive (HSE) can make a grant payable towards the cost of providing nursing care in a registered private nursing home.

In order to qualify for a subvention the individual must be sufficiently dependent to require maintenance in a nursing home and unable to pay any or part of the cost of maintenance in the home, i.e., you must pass a means test. In 2007 the HSE circulated National Guidelines for the Standardised Implementation of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme to all Local Health Offices. The Guidelines are also available on the HSE's website. Under the guidelines, the assessment of means is to be carried out using a national standard financial assessment method.

On a related note, I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the Government's commitment to the development of sheltered housing. In 2007 the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government established a Cross Departmental Team on Sheltered Housing, involving the Department of Health and Children, the HSE, Office for Social Inclusion and the local authorities. The Cross Departmental Team will, in conjunction with the Office of the Minister for Older People, develop and oversee policy in relation to sheltered housing provision for older people and agree protocols for integrated management and delivery of housing and related care services. The establishment of the Cross Departmental Team forms part of an overall strategic response to the housing needs of older people, as outlined in the Government's Housing Policy Statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities.

Jack Wall

Question:

209 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has taken up the twenty percent option on placements in retirement villages in County Kildare that have been determined in the planning applications of such facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6087/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Decentralisation Programme.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

210 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason, contrary to the Government’s decentralisation policy, certain Health Service Executive offices are being moved from rural cities such as Kilkenny to larger urban centres such as Cork, inter alia, the recruitment department of the HSE based in St. Canice’s Hospital, Kilkenny and the HSE superannuation department based in Kilcreene Hospital, Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6092/08]

The moves referred to by the Deputy are not connected with the Government's decentralisation initiative. They are, in fact, part of a programme ongoing within the HSE since February 2006 for the development of a national shared services function across the organisation. The HSE is already a decentralised organisation with staff employed at locations across the country.

Shared services is the name given to the various support functions such as finance, human resources, procurement and ICT which are essential to the running of any organisation. The HSE views the introduction of shared services across a number of functions as a major transformation programme which has the potential to deliver significant and important efficiencies and benefits to the organisation. There is a commitment within the HSE to established three shared services sites in Manorhamilton, Dublin and Kilkenny. The Dublin and Manorhamilton locations will undertake human resource processes, while finance will have a shared services operation located in Kilkenny.

The National Human Resources Shared Services Centre will be responsible for providing HR services, including recruitment, superannuation and personnel administration across the entire Executive. Work of this nature is currently being migrated from a local level to these centralised offices. Work that the Executive deems unsuitable for this National Office, will be undertaken at HSE Area level in HR Departments located in Cork, Tullamore, Galway and Kells. The HSE believes that this approach will contribute towards greater efficiency and less duplication in the delivery of practices through the streamlining of key HR processes. The HSE has informed me that, as a result of this consolidation of work, the recruitment and superannuation functions currently based at the sites in St. Canice's Hospital and Kilcreene Hospital, Kilkenny, referred to by the Deputy, will, in time, be delivered from this HR shared services centres.

The HSE have established a national joint working group comprised of HSE management and trade union officials with an independent chairperson, which oversees this national shared services project and full consultation will occur with staff as and when the implementation plan is full developed. As per previous agreements, every HSE employee working in Human Resource services will be accommodated in the location where they are currently employed and will fill vacancies locally.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Pat Breen

Question:

211 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Clare would be facilitated with a place for residential living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6103/08]

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.

The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget. The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

212 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Cork with special needs can be provided with the required dental treatment. [6115/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

213 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Cork University Dental School does not provide a service for special needs patients to have restorative treatment under general anaesthesia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6140/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

214 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) with Down’s syndrome and an intellectual disability has been unable to have dental treatment at the Cork University Dental School and Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6141/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

215 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist persons (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [6143/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

216 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4. [6144/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Bernard Allen

Question:

217 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who is 25 years old, has Down’s syndrome with an intellectual disability and a history of cardiac murmur, has been refused dental treatment under general anaesthetic on the grounds that they are too old to receive general anaesthetic treatment. [6158/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Pension Provisions.

John Cregan

Question:

218 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the human resources section of the Health Service Executive will provide information requested by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in order that their pension entitlements can be calculated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6165/08]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for the management of its human resources, including the provision of information regarding individual employees. In that regard, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

219 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive payment under the health repayment scheme particularly as the claimant maintains that all the necessary documentation has been submitted. [6180/08]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Martin Ferris

Question:

220 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for patients requiring artificial limbs. [6193/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

221 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied). [6197/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

222 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that many people with intellectual disabilities have been unable to access dental care in the Cork area due to the withdrawal or unavailability of full anaesthetic services; if there is a dispute ongoing between the Health Service Executive and Cork University Hospital on this issue; the nature of such a dispute; the steps being taken to resolve the issue in order to avoid further inconvenience and suffering to these patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6202/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

223 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason sufferers of Huntington’s disease are excluded from the long-term illness scheme. [6211/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

284 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a medical condition will be included under the long term illness scheme (details supplied). [6387/08]

Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, Parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.

Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility. People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

Non-medical card holders and people whose illness is not covered by the LTI can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €90 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines. In addition, non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

224 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can expect to get a bed for surgery in Galway Regional Hospital. [6214/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services.

James McDaid

Question:

225 Deputy James McDaid asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Mental Health Tribunals that have been held since the implementation of the Mental Health Act 2001; the cost of these tribunals since the implementation of the Mental Health Act 2001; and if there is separate funding to cover the cost of these tribunals, or if these costs are taken from the overall budget allocated to mental health. [6227/08]

The following table sets out the number and cost of mental health tribunal hearings which have taken place since the commencement of Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 2001 on 1st November 2006, to the 31st December 2007:

No. of tribunals held

Cost of tribunals

2006

175

1,001,174

2007

2,248

9,008,051

The above figures do not include a number of outstanding attendance fees which have yet to be submitted by mental health tribunal panel members to the Mental Health Commission or the overheads associated with the administration of the mental health tribunals by the Commission. The costs of the tribunals are met from the budget of the Mental Health Commission. Funding for the Commission is provided from Vote 39 of the Office of the Minister for Health and Children.

Health Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

226 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the long waiting list for speech and language assessment in north Clondalkin and the urgent need for a full time speech and language therapist to be appointed to Rowlagh Health Centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6241/08]

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.

The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget. The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

227 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to ensure that a locum is employed to replace a dermatologist in the Mater Hospital who is currently on long-term leave as patients are currently having their appointments deferred for 12 months; and if she will ensure that alternative arrangements are made in order that a patient (details supplied) in Dublin 11 can be seen at an early date. [6245/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

228 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Comhairle na nOspidéal; if this group is still in existence; the purpose and role of this group; the number of members of the board of this group; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6246/08]

Comhairle na nOspidéal was established under the Health Act, 1970 and its inaugural meeting took place in September 1972. Its main executive functions were to regulate the number and type of appointments of consultant medical staff in hospitals providing services under the Health Acts and to specify qualifications for such appointments.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. In accordance with the Government's Health Service Reform Programme, Comhairle na nOspidéal was dissolved under the Health Act 2004 and its functions transferred to the HSE with effect from 1 January, 2005. Board members continued in an advisory capacity until the scheduled end of their appointed terms of office in December 2005.

Dental Health Foundation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

229 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Dental Health Foundation; if this group is still in existence; the purpose and role of this group; the number of members of the board of this group; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6247/08]

The Dental Health Foundation (DHF) is a registered charity and my Department has no function in its management. My Department, however, engages the DHF in providing the secretariat services for the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health. In this role, the DHF provides support to the Expert Body in the organisation of meetings; the development of the work agenda and the management and co-ordination of research initiatives; and the duties associated with the implementation of decisions taken by the Expert Body.

Departmental Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

230 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre; if this group is still in existence; the purpose and role of this group; the number of members of the board of this group; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6248/08]

The National Disease Surveillance Centre (NDSC) was established in late 1998 conjointly by the eight Health Boards and with the approval of the Minister of Health and Children. The NDSC was governed by a Board of Management nominated by the Chief Executives of the Health Boards and the Department of Health and Children. With the establishment of the Health Service Executive (HSE) the NDSC became the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) under the aegis of the HSE on 1st January 2005.

The Mission Statement of the HPSC is "To improve the health of the Irish population by provision of the best possible information on disease including infectious diseases through surveillance and independent advice, epidemiological investigation, research and training."

HPSC has six main areas of responsibility, namely, surveillance of some of the major communicable diseases; operational support by providing expert advice to, and responding to requests for support from, departments of public health or hospitals; training for professionals working in communicable disease control; research in identifying and developing best practice in communicable diseases; policy advice to Departments and appropriate agencies in relation to the development of standards, guidelines and practices, and promoting the adoption of best practice by different agencies; and providing information on infectious diseases to the public and the media.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

231 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Hospital Trust Board; if this group is still in existence; the purpose and role of this group; the number of members of the board of this group; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6249/08]

The Hospitals Trust Board was established under The Public Hospitals (Amendment) Act 1938. The Board, no longer having any functions to discharge and no monies remaining, is to be dissolved. Final accounts are in preparation and once received the relevant legislative amendments will be made in order to facilitate the winding up the Hospital Trust Board.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

232 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Primary Care Reimbursement Service; if this group is still in existence; the purpose and role of this group; the number of members of the board of this group; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6250/08]

The Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) is part of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is subject to its governance structures. The PCRS does not therefore have a board in its own right. The PCRS discharges the functions, which prior to 2005, were undertaken by the General Medical Services (Payments) Board. Part 10 of the Health Act 2004 effected, inter alia, the dissolution of the General Medical Services (Payments) Board and the transfer of its functions, employees, lands and property to the HSE.

It supports the delivery of primary healthcare by providing reimbursement services to Primary Care contractors (General Practitioners, Pharmacists, Dentists and Optometrists/Ophthalmologists) who have contracts with the HSE to provide services to members of the public in their own community. In addition, the PCRS also reimburses Primary Care contractors for services provided to eligible recipients under a variety of community schemes, including the Drugs Payment Scheme, the Long Term Illness Scheme, the Dental Treatment Services Scheme, the Primary Childhood Immunisation Scheme, the High Tech Drugs Scheme, the Methadone Treatment Scheme and the Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme.

Each year, the HSE publishes the Primary Care Reimbursement Service's statistical analysis of claims and payments. The 2006 report shows that over 2.26 million persons used the services of primary care contractors that year and that the PCRS processed in excess of 60 million transactions, with associated expenditure under a range of schemes amounting to over €2.07 billion.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

233 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Beaumont Hospital Board; if this board is still in existence; the purpose and role of this board; the number of members of the board; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6252/08]

The Board of Beaumont Hospital was established under the Beaumont Hospital Board (Establishment) Order, 1977, as amended by the Beaumont Hospital Board (Establishment) Order, 1977 (Amendment) (No.2) Order 1988.

The Board is responsible, inter alia, for the management and development of the services provided by the hospital; for the provision of medical, nursing and para-medical teaching facilities and for the conduct of medical research.

The Board may consist of up to 15 members, all of whom are appointed by the Minister for Health and Children. Four members, including the Chairperson, are appointed directly by the Minister. The remaining eleven members are appointed by the Minister as follows:

One public representative from either the Fingal County Council area or the Dublin City Council area;

The Chair and the Vice-Chair of the Medical Board to be appointed ex-officio;

Two members to be appointed on the nomination of the unions (one representing nursing, one representing other grades);

One member to be appointed on the nomination of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland;

One member to be appointed on the nomination of Dublin City University;

One member to be appointed on the nomination of the North Dublin GP Group;

Three members to be appointed on the nomination of the Chairperson in consultation with the CEO.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

234 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the board of the Adelaide and Meath Hospital; if this board is still in existence; the purpose and role of this board; the number of members of the board; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6253/08]

The Board of the Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, incorporating the National Children's Hospital, was established under the Health Act 1970 (Section 76)(Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, incorporating the National Children's Hospital) Order, 1996.

The Board is responsible for the management of the activities of the Hospital and the services provided.

The Board may consist of up to 23 members, 8 of whom are appointed by the Minister for Health and Children:

6 of the appointments are made on the nomination of the President of the Hospital;

1 on the nomination of the Health Service Executive, and

1 on the nomination of the Board of Trinity College, Dublin.

Of the remaining members, 6 are appointed by the Adelaide Hospital Society, 6 by the Meath Hospital Foundation, and 3 by the National Children's Hospital Foundation.

Voluntary Hospitals.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

235 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this board; the number of members of the board; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6254/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

238 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Children’s University Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6257/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

240 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Coombe Women’s Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6259/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

243 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Incorporated Orthopaedic Hospital of Ireland; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6262/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

245 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Mater Misericordiae University Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6264/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

250 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6269/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

252 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Rotunda Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6271/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

254 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6273/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

263 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of St. Vincent’s University Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6282/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235, 238, 240, 243, 245, 250, 252, 254 and 263 together.

The hospitals referred to in the Deputy's questions are voluntary hospitals and I have no role in the appointment of persons to their Boards.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

236 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Central Mental Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this board; the number of members of the board; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6255/08]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Jimmy Devins) The Central Mental Hospital was established in 1850, and is still in existence. The appointment and role of any Board is a matter for the HSE.

Voluntary Organisations.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

237 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Central Remedial Clinic; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this board; the number of members of the board; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6256/08]

The Central Remedial Clinic is a voluntary organisation. The Minister for Health and Children has no function in the appointment of the board of the Central Remedial Clinic.

Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 235.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

239 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of City of Dublin Skin and Cancer Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6258/08]

The City of Dublin Skin and Cancer Hospital was established by Charter in June 1916. The hospital closed in October 2006 and its services have transferred to St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park. I have no role in relation to the appointment of members to the Board.

Question No. 240 answered with Question No. 235.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

241 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Cork University Dental School and Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6260/08]

The Cork University Dental School and Hospital is still in existence. It is run jointly under the auspices of the HSE and University College Cork and does not have a board of management.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

242 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Dublin Dental Hospital Board; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6261/08]

The Dublin Dental Hospital was established under the terms of the Dublin Dental Board (Establishment Order), 1963, as amended. Accordingly, the Board is appointed by me as Minister for Health and Children.

The Board consists of one Chairperson and thirteen members. I nominate the Chairman and five Board members. There are also four statutory nominees (i.e. one Royal College of Surgeon's nominee and three University of Dublin, Trinity College, nominees) and four traditional nominees (i.e. two Minister for Education and Science nominees and two Irish Dental Association nominees).

The purpose and role of the Board is to ensure appropriate governance in the management and delivery of a range of oral health services.

Question No. 243 answered with Question No. 235.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

244 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Leopardstown Park Hospital Board; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6263/08]

In 1979 a memorandum of agreement was reached between the Department of Health (Ireland) and the Department of Health and Social Services (United Kingdom) whereby the day today running of the Hospital was assigned to a Board of Management. The Board set up under the Leopardstown Park Hospital Board (Establishment) Order 1979 and confirmed by the Health (Corporate Bodies) (Amendment) Act, 2007 consists of 9 members. All 9 appointments are made by the Minister of Health & Children, but two of the 9 are made on the nomination of the Secretary of State, United Kingdom.

Question No. 245 answered with Question No. 235.

Voluntary Hospitals.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

246 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Mercy University Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6265/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

255 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of South Infirmary Victoria Hospital Limited; if this company is still in existence; the purpose and role of this company; the equity stake held by the State, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6274/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

257 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of St John’s Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6276/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246, 255 and 257 together.

The hospitals referred to in the Deputy's questions are voluntary hospitals and I have no role in the appointment of persons to their Boards.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

247 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the National Maternity Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6266/08]

A Board of Governors has responsibility for the management of the National Maternity Hospital. The hospital was incorporated by Royal Charter, 1903 as amended by the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin (Charter Amendment) Act, 1936.

Under the Charter, the Minister for Health and Children has "the right from time to time to nominate two persons as Governors". The current Board of Governors includes two such persons nominated by the Minister.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

248 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the National Rehabilitation Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6267/08]

The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) was established in 1963 and is still in existence.

The Purpose and Role of NRH is to provide specialist Rehabilitation Services for patients who have acquired physical or cognitive disability as a result of accident, injury or illness. The NRH provide specialist rehabilitation in Brain Injury (including Stroke), Spinal Cord Injury, Amputee and Limb absence, and Paediatric rehabilitation, for the national population.

There are 15 Board Members all of whom have been appointed by the Sisters of Mercy as per the Hospital Constitution.

Voluntary Hospitals.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

249 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Our Lady’s Hospice, Harold’s Cross; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6268/08]

The Minister for Health and Children has no function in relation to the appointment of members of the Board of the Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross. Our Lady's Hospice is an independent voluntary organisation that provides social care services to the community.

Question No. 250 answered with Question No. 235.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

251 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of Peamount Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6270/08]

The Minister for Health and Children has no function in relation to the appointment of members to the Board of Peamount Hospital. Peamount is an independent voluntary organisation that provides social care services to the community.

Question No. 252 answered with Question No. 235.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

253 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Royal Hospital Donnybrook; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6272/08]

The Minister for Health and Children has no function in relation to the appointment of members of the Board of the Royal Hospital Donnybrook. The Royal Hospital Donnybrook is an independent voluntary organisation that provides social care services to the community.

Question No. 254 answered with Question No. 235.
Question No. 255 answered with Question No. 246.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

256 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of St. James’s Hospital Board; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6275/08]

The Board of St. James's Hospital was established under the St. James's Hospital Board (Establishment) Order, 1971 as amended by the St. James's Hospital Board (Establishment) Order, 1971 (Amendment) Order, 2004.

The Board is responsible, inter alia, for the management and development of the services provided by the hospital; for the provision of medical, nursing and para-medical teaching facilities and for the conduct of medical research.

The Board may consist of up to 15 members, all of whom are appointed by the Minister for Health and Children. Five members are appointed directly by the Minister and include the Chairperson and 2 local electoral area representatives from Dublin City Council. The remaining 10 members are appointed by the Minister on the nomination of the Medical Board of the Hospital (2), the group of trade unions representing non-medical staff at the hospital (2), the University of Dublin, Trinity College (2) and the Chairperson of the Board in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer of the hospital (3).

Question No. 257 answered with Question No. 246.

Voluntary Organisations.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

258 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of St. John of God Community Adult Mental Health Service; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6277/08]

The St. John of God Community Adult Mental Health Service is operated by the St. John of God Order. The role of this body and the appointment of any Board, is a matter for the Order.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

259 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of St Luke’s and St Anne’s Hospital Board; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6278/08]

St. Luke's and St. Anne's Hospital Board was established on 6 December 1988 under the St. Luke's and St. Anne's Hospital Board (Establishment) Order 1988 (Statutory Instrument No. 322 of 1998). The primary function of the Board was to provide a service for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases, diseases of skin and such benign conditions as are amenable to treatment provided for malignant diseases. On 30 July 1999, the St. Luke's and St. Anne's Hospital Board was revoked under the St. Luke's and St. Anne's Hospital Board (Revocation) Order 1999 (Statutory Instrument No. 252 of 1999).

On 30 July 1999, the St. Luke's Hospital Board was established under the St. Luke's Hospital Board (Establishment) Order 1999 (Statutory Instrument No. 253 of 1999). Section 6 of the Order provides for the appointment by me of ten members to the Board, to include one nominee each from the Board of Management of St. Vincent's Hospital, the Irish Hospice Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society, the Chief Executive Officers of the Health Boards and the Irish College of General Practitioners. The primary function of the Board is to provide a service for the diagnosis, treatment and care of cancer patients, with particular emphasis on the provision of radiotherapy services. On 24 December 2007, I appointed a new St. Luke's Hospital Board for the period to 23 December 2009.

Voluntary Organisations.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

260 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of St. Mary’s Hospital and Residential School in Baldoyle; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6279/08]

I understand that St. Mary's Hospital and Residential School in Baldoyle has been taken over by St. Michael's House which is an independent voluntary organisation. I have no role in relation to the appointment of board members to St Michael's House.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

261 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of St Patrick’s Hospital and Marymount Hospice; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6280/08]

The Minister for Health and Children has no function in relation to the appointment of members of the Board of either St Patrick's Hospital and Marymount Hospice. St. Patrick's Hospital and Marymount are independent voluntary organisations that provide social care services to the community.

Voluntary Hospitals.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

262 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of St. Vincent’s Hospital; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6281/08]

St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview was founded in 1857. It is a public voluntary hospital, governed by a Board of Governors under the chairmanship of the Archbishop of Dublin. I have no function in relation to the Board of this hospital.

Question No. 263 answered with Question No. 235.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

264 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the advisory committee for human medicine; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6283/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

265 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the advisory committee for veterinary medicines; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6284/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

266 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Poisons Council; if this council is still in existence; the purpose and role of this council; the number of members of the board of this council; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6285/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

267 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Food Safety Consultative Council; if this council is still in existence; the purpose and role of this council; the number of members of the board of this council; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6286/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

270 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the scientific committee of the Food Safety Authority in Ireland; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6289/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 264 to 267, inclusive, and 270 together.

The Advisory Committee for Human Medicines was established on 1 January 1996 and is still in existence. The committee assists and advises the Irish Medicines Board in relation to any matters pertaining to the safety, quality or efficacy of medicinal products for human use referred to it by the Board and it provides advice in cases where it is proposed to refuse to grant a licence for a medicinal product on any grounds relating to its safety, quality or efficacy. The committee consists of between six and twelve members — all of whom are appointed by the Minister for Health and Children.

The Advisory Committee for Veterinary Medicines was established on 1 January 1996 and is still in existence. The committee assists and advises the Irish Medicines Board in relation to any matters pertaining to the safety, quality or efficacy of medicinal products for animal use referred to it by the Board and it provides advice in cases where it is proposed to refuse to grant a licence for a medicinal product on any grounds relating to its safety, quality or efficacy. The committee consists of between six and twelve members — all of whom are appointed by the Minister for Health and Children with the consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The Poisons Council was established on 16 March 1962 and is still in existence. The council advises the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to any Regulation made under the Poisons Act and on any other matter in relation to poisons, their manufacture, storage, transport, distribution, sale or use. The council consists of 18 members — all of whom are appointed by the Minister for Health and Children but five of whom are nominated by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The Food Safety Consultative Council was established on 19 December 2000 and is still in existence. The council allows the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) to fulfil its responsibility to consult with representatives of consumers, producers, retailers, distributors, caterers and manufacturers on activities or other measures to be undertaken. The council consists of 24 members — not more than twelve of whom are nominated by the Minister for Health and Children; three are nominated by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, one by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and one by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The remainder are appointed by the Board of the FSAI.

The Scientific Committee of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland was established on 24 February 2000 and is still in existence. The committee advises the Board of the FSAI on scientific and technical questions relating to food safety and hygiene; the implementation and administration of food inspection services; and the nutritional value or content of food. The committee consists of 15 members — all of whom are appointed by the Minister for Health and Children, following consultation with the Board of the FSAI.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

268 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Irish expert body on fluorides and health; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6287/08]

The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health (known as the Expert Body) was set up in 2004 and is still in existence. The Expert Body consists of one chairman and twenty two members who are appointed by me.

The purpose and role of the Expert Body is set out in its terms of reference as follows:

To oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the Forum on Fluoridation

To advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research — including new emerging issues — on all aspects of fluoride, its delivery methods as an established health technology and as required.

To report to the Minister on matters of concern at his/her request or on own initiative.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

269 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the National Children’s Advisory Council; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6288/08]

The National Children's Advisory Committee was established in May 2001. The first Council served from May 2001 until May 2004. The second term of the reconstituted Council commenced in April 2005. This second term is due to conclude in mid-2008.

The Council has an independent advisory and monitoring role in relation to the implementation of the National Children's Strategy and reports to the Minister for Children, in that regard. Its functions are:

to advise the Minister on all aspects of children's lives, including the development of child well-being indicators;

to advise the Minister on the better co-ordination and delivery of services to children;

to contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Strategy;

to undertake and advise on research and to advise on training in relation to the Strategy;

to advise on the development of mechanisms to consult with children.

The National Children's Advisory Council provides independent advice to the Minister for Children. Through its diverse membership the Council is uniquely placed to provide advice, which reflects a combination of expertise and practical "on the ground" experience. The Council also plays an important role in monitoring the implementation of the National Children's Strategy. One of the key features of the Council, when it was first established, was that for the first time, an Advisory Council to the Minister included youth members who would work alongside nominees from the statutory and voluntary sector. The current Council includes five youth members who have been elected by the Children and Young People's Forum of the Office of the Minister for Children. Further information on the Council is available on www.ncac.ie.

The current Membership of the National Children's Advisory Council is as follows:

Chairperson

Mr Peter O'Brien

Children and Young People's Forum Representatives

Ms Nicola Conroy

Mr James Doyle

Ms Alison Jack

Ms Isobel Jones

Mr Paul O'Toole

Statutory Sector

Mr Michael O'Fiannachta, Department of Education and Science

Mr Seamus Mannion, Health Service Executive

Ms Elizabeth Canavan, Office of the Minister for Children

Mr Charlie Hardy, Office of the Minister for Children

Ms Bernie Priestly, Irish Sports Council

Ms Anne-Marie O'Connor, Department of Social and Family Affairs

Ms Mary Meaney, National Disability Authority

Mr Finbarr Murphy, An Garda Síochána

Ms Gaye Tanham, the Arts Council

Ms Sorcha Byrne, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Voluntary Sector

Ms Maria Corbett, Children's Rights Alliance

Ms Norah Gibbons, Barnardos

Ms Jackie O'Callaghan, National Parents Council / Post Primary

Mr Michael O'Connor, Focus Ireland

Mr Diarmuid Kearney, National Youth Council of Ireland

Ms Collette Murray, Pavee Point

Ms Caroline O'Sullivan, ISPCC

Sr. Catherine Prendergast, Council of Religious of Ireland

Ms Irene Gunning, National Childcare Coordinating Committee

Ms Jennifer Wallace, National Consultative Committee on Racism and Interculturalism

Research

Dr. Saoirse Nic Gabhainn, National Children's Research Advisory Board

Ministerial Nominees

Mr David Hopkins

Mr George Maybury

Dr. Dermot Stokes

Question No. 270 answered with Question No. 264.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

271 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Women’s Health Council; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6290/08]

The Women's Health Council is a statutory body established on 25th June 1997 and continues in existence. All 15 board members are appointed by the Minister for Health and Children.

The functions of the Women's Health Council are as follows:

1.Advising the Minister for Health and Children on all aspects of women's health

2.Assisting the development of national and regional policies and strategies designed to increase health gain and social gain for women.

3.Developing expertise on women's health within the health services.

4.Liaising with other relevant international bodies which have similar functions as the Council.

5.Advising other Government Ministers at their request.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

272 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the heart health taskforce; if this taskforce is still in existence; the purpose and role of this taskforce; the number of members of the board of this taskforce; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6291/08]

The inaugural meeting of The Heart Health Task Force took place on the 21st September, 1999. The Heart Health Task Force was set up to give overall direction and impetus to the implementation and review of the Cardiovascular Health Strategy and Building Healthier Hearts.

There were twenty six members of the Task Force, all of whom were appointed by the Minister for Health and Children. The work of this Task Force is now complete and it is no longer operational.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

273 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the primary care taskforce; if this taskforce is still in existence; the purpose and role of this taskforce; the number of members of the board of this taskforce; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6292/08]

The Primary Care Task Force was established in April 2002 and concluded its work in June 2005 following the transfer of its responsibilities to the Health Service Executive. The Task Force represented a partnership between my Department and the former health boards to drive the implementation of the Primary Care Strategy on a national basis. The Task Force was comprised of 3 staff of my Department and 4 staff of the former health boards who were either on full-time or part-time secondment to my Department.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

274 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the strategic taskforce on alcohol; if this taskforce is still in existence; the purpose and role of this taskforce; the number of members of the board of this taskforce; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6293/08]

The Strategic Task Force on Alcohol (STFA) was established in January 2002 by the previous Minister for Health and Children, Mr Micheal Martin T.D. The brief of the STFA was, inter alia, to recommend specific evidence based measures to Government to reduce alcohol related harm in Ireland. The Taskforce had a membership of 28 drawn from a wide range of bodies including representatives from government departments, health professionals, the Gardaí, non-governmental organisations and the drinks industry. The STFA produced an Interim Report in May 2002 and completed its work by publishing a Second Report in September 2004.

Hospital Car Parks.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

275 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the Beaumont Hospital Car Park Limited; if this company is still in existence; the level of equity held by the State in this company; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6294/08]

My Department is advised that Beaumont Hospital Car Park Company Limited is a subsidiary company of Beaumont Hospital Board. I have no role in the appointment of Directors to the Board of this company.

My Department has, therefore, requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the specific issues raised.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

276 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the national child care management committee; if this committee is still in existence; the purpose and role of this committee; the number of members of the board of this committee; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6296/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

277 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the date of establishment of the national child care co-ordinating Committee; if this committee is still in existence; the purpose and role of this committee; the number of members of the board of this committee; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person the remaining board members are appointed by; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6297/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.

The National Childcare Strategy: A Report of the Partnership 2000 Expert Working Group on Childcare (1999) recommended the establishment of a National Childcare Management Committee. Following this recommendation a new National Childcare Co-ordinating Committee (NCCC) was established in late 1999 and held it's first meeting on 17th December 1999. The NCCC is chaired by the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC).

When the Committee was first established it was tasked with several functions including to advise in relation to the development of a childcare infrastructure, to advise the Minister in relation to childcare under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, and to develop a co-ordinated approach to childcare provision over the life of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP). The NCCC was also tasked to assist in the development of the CCCs, which were successfully launched in 2001, and to initiate research into childcare provision at both national and local level. With the introduction of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) and the coming to an end of the EOCP, the terms of reference of the NCCC were revised in June 2007 and its functions include providing advice and assistance to the OMC in relation to the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010, including childcare issues under the NCIP and the National Childcare Training Strategy, and in regard to Sioltá, the National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education, and the Framework for Early Learning. The NCCC is also tasked with developing a co-ordinated national approach to childcare provision during 2007 -2010.

The Committee currently has 30 members who represent the organisations listed below. Where vacancies arise they are filled, generally, by the nominating body. Office of the Minister for Children (Chair); Department of Education and Science; Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU); Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC); Community Pillar; Farming Pillar (IFA); Regional Assemblies (BMW, S&E); FÁS; HSE; IPPA — The Early Childhood Organisation; Barnardos; Childminding Ireland; National Children's Nurseries Association (NCNA); Forbairt Naoinraí Teo; St Nicholas Montessori Society of Ireland; Irish Steiner Waldorf Early Learning Education Association; National Women's Council of Ireland; County Childcare Committees; Pobal Ltd; Chambers of Commerce Ireland; Planet; Community Groups National Representatives Network; Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education (CEDCE); Dublin Institute of Technology (Childcare Training).

Pharmacy Regulations.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

278 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the proceedings of the meeting of the Joint Committee of Health and Children on 12 February 2008 attended by the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; if her attention has been drawn to the need for acceptable solutions in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6309/08]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

289 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the possible withdrawal of services of pharmacists from 1 March 2008 and taking into account the urgency of the situation, she will approve the appointment of an independent arbitrator who will report within a specific period of time in order that the crisis can be averted from 1 March 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6412/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 289 together.

The meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children on 12 February 2008 allowed for a frank and open discussion on the issues of concern to pharmacists arising from the decision to introduce revised wholesale pricing arrangements from 1st March 2008. The meeting also enabled the Health Service Executive (HSE) to outline its plans in respect of the interim pharmacy contract with a flat rate dispensing fee, which it is offering to pharmacists on a voluntary basis to address concerns about the alleged impact of the new wholesale pricing arrangements on GMS-dependent pharmacists, in particular.

I am concerned, in particular, to support pharmacies which have a high proportion of medical card patients and where a dispensing fee of €3.27 applies for most transactions. Many of these pharmacies are in rural or inner city areas and provide an important social and health service. With my support, the HSE has indicated it is prepared to offer a higher fee, of no less than €5 per item dispensed, to community pharmacists, on the basis of an interim contract which would be essentially the same as the existing contract.

The Government is firm in its view that the wholesale mark-up paid on the price of drugs should be reduced to a level that is fair to both taxpayers and wholesalers. The existing mark-up in the range of 15-17.6% is neither reasonable nor sustainable. The decision to pay an 8% mark-up from 1 March, and 7% from 1 January 2009, will go ahead.

At this point, the HSE has not been formally notified by any community pharmacist of their intention to withdraw services under the present pharmacy contract.

I met with the Irish Pharmaceutical Union last week and heard their point that there should be an independent assessment of the fees offered. In the light of this, I am establishing an Independent Body to begin work immediately to assess an interim, fair community pharmacy dispensing fee of at least €5 to be paid for the medical card scheme, the Drugs Payment Scheme and other community drug schemes. This Body will be chaired by Seán Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It will take submissions from all sides and will carry out its own analysis. It will be asked to make its recommendations by the end of May 2008. Its recommended fee level, subject to Government approval, will be backdated to 1 March 2008. The development of the substantive new contract will get under way immediately and will be completed as soon as possible; this will be done under the auspices of an agreed facilitator and it too will be priced by the Independent Body.

The terms of reference of the Independent Body are: To advise the Minister for Health and Children on the appropriate level of dispensing fee to be paid to community pharmacists for existing services provided under the GMS and community drug schemes having regard to; (i) the overall public interest including the issues of patient safety and continuity of supply; (ii) the fee of €5 per item which has already been offered; (iii) the reasonable costs incurred by pharmacists in providing services under the schemes and the value of the professional service of dispensing; and (iv) the statutory obligation on the HSE to use the resources available to it in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public; and to submit a report on the matter to the Minister for Health and Children.

The requested date for submission of the report is 31 May 2008. Both the HSE as the contracting body and the IPU as the representative organisation for community pharmacists, along with other stakeholders, will be entitled to make submissions to the Independent Body addressing whatever factors and issues are of concern to them.

The Independent Body will also be entitled to engage whatever outside expertise it requires to assist it with its task. Based on its consideration of submissions received and its own independent evaluation, the body will recommend an appropriate dispensing fee to my Department that would, in its view, represent a fair and reasonable price to be paid for the pharmaceutical service currently being provided by community pharmacists to the HSE under the GMS and community drug schemes.

Each pharmacist will have three options: to avail of the interim contract as outlined by the HSE letter of 2 January 2008 immediately; to accept the interim contract upon the report of the Independent Body; or to stay with the existing retail fee structure until the agreement of a substantive new contract. I believe this provides all concerned with a reasonable way to make the transition to a fair and transparent method of payment for present services and, I hope, greatly developed pharmacy services in the near future.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael McGrath

Question:

279 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an application on a behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Cork under the nursing home charges repayment scheme. [6346/08]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Michael McGrath

Question:

280 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in issuing a decision regarding an application for special housing aid for the elderly by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [6379/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The HSE's responsibility includes the operation of the Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly, on behalf of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. The Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

281 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children suffering from diabetes in Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath who are in receipt of domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6382/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

282 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects a liaison nurse for cystic fibrosis patients to be appointed for the mid-west area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6383/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Staff.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

283 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the nature of each of the grade VIII or above Health Service Executive posts that were approved by her Department and the Department of Finance to date in 2008 under the terms of the Employment Control Framework; the work these four people will be doing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6384/08]

Under the terms of the Employment Control Framework introduced in December 2006, the HSE is required to obtain the prior approval of my Department and the Department of Finance for the filling of posts at Grade VIII and above. I wish to advise that, so far this year, my Department has approved the filling of six posts at Grade VIII and above. It might be noted that five are vacant posts and one is an upgrading. The details of these posts are shown in the following table:

Title of Post

Grade of Post

Reason for filling

Type of work

Finance Officer

Grade VIII

Death of postholder

Responsible for the overall Finance function in the Mercy University Hospital

Buildings and Maintenance Manager, PCCC

Grade VIII

Upgrading based on job evaluation

To manage the estates and facilities on behalf of Galway PCCC

General Manager

General Manager, Community Care

Previous General Manager Transferred

Operations Manager for the delivery of PCCC services in Cavan/Monaghan and support Local Health Manager in the delivery of planned business targets

A/General Manager

General Manager, Community Care

Existing General Manager movingto another post

To manage and coordinate the delivery of all health and personal social services within Cork and North Lee PCCC

Chief Assistant Technical Services Officer (CATSO)

CATSO

CATSO on career break

To provide engineering and project management service for ongoing capital projects in the HSE West — Limerick

Grade VIII

Grade VIII

Post currently filled in an acting capacity

To be responsible for the management and control of all resources, human and financial, associated with the post in consultation with line manager in the Local Health Manager’s Office North Dublin

Question No. 284 answered with Question No. 223.

Hospital Services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

285 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children when the renal dialysis unit at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore will be fully operational; if the uncommissioned section will be commissioned in one move rather then on a piece meal basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6394/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

286 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in total and the number from each county in the midlands Health Service Executive area, waiting to gain admission to the renal dialysis unit at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore; the number of these people currently using other units; the number waiting using other facilities in tabular form, naming each facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6395/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Sean Fleming

Question:

287 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the waiting list for treatment on the National Treatment Purchase Fund; the number of these people who are on the public health waiting list for less than six months, between six and nine months, between nine and twelve months and longer than twelve months, who have applied for treatment under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6398/08]

Sean Fleming

Question:

288 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding available for the National Treatment Purchase Fund in 2008; the number of procedures expected to be carried out under this fund; the way this compares in 2007; if it is sufficient for the National Treatment Purchase Fund to meet its obligations to provide prompt procedures for people on public waiting lists over three months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6399/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 287 and 288 together.

As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.

Question No. 289 answered with Question No. 278.

Departmental Properties.

Denis Naughten

Question:

290 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on handing over land (details supplied) in County Galway to a voluntary organisation; the number of organisations seeking to acquire such land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6519/08]

Denis Naughten

Question:

291 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on providing land to a voluntary organisation (details supplied) in County Galway for the provision of voluntary housing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6520/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 290 and 291 together.

The Deputy's questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

292 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that payments due to a hospital (details supplied) in County Limerick in respect of facilitating sessional commitments for a consultant nephrologist and a consultant breast surgeon are paid as written confirmation was given that the Health Service Executive accepted responsibility for providing this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6525/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Care of the Elderly.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

293 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on the application by persons (details supplied) in County Kerry for a home care package; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6540/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Judicial Proceedings.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

294 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 12 February 2008, when she expects to have the costs of the action referred; and if she will provide it when it is available. [6547/08]

My Department has not yet been furnished with details of the costs in the action referred to by the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

295 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a position (details supplied) within the Health Service Executive in County Mayo will be filled temporarily to cover a maternity leave to ensure a continuation of services for those who need physiotherapy. [6548/08]

Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the number of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Child Care Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

296 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if an extension to the deadline for the contractual stage of a project (details supplied) in County Mayo can be extended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6549/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

297 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if he would investigate the possibility of sanctioning additional funding for the building of a larger facility for the provision of the extra childcare places projected for a facility. [6550/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which will invest €575 million over 5 years, with €358 million of this in capital grant aid for childcare services.

Capital applications approved under the NCIP are subject to certain criteria, one of which is that contracts should be signed within one year from the notification date of approval or face decommittal. I understand that the Group referred to by the Deputy is approaching their contractual deadline of one year. A decision on the status of their approved funding has not been taken at this time. In each case, and having regard to all other relevant factors, account is taken of any particular circumstances which may have applied. The Group will be notified of the position in due course.

I understand that in December 2007 the Group in question contacted Pobal, which manages the day to day operation of the NCIP on behalf of my Office, to enquire whether it would be possible to receive additional funding to expand the proposed service. I also understand, that, following discussion with Pobal and the local County Childcare Committee, the Group confirmed that they would be in a position to complete the proposed service expansion within their allocated budget.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

298 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (detail supplied) will receive a refund under the nursing home scheme. [6553/08]

The Health Service Executive has responsibility for administering the Repayment Scheme and the information sought by the Deputy relates to matters within the area of responsibility of the Executive.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Noel Coonan

Question:

299 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting list for children seeking speech therapy in Tipperary north; if she will compare them with other areas nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6560/08]

Noel Coonan

Question:

300 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech therapists appointed to cover the Tipperary north region; the reason for the delay in speech therapy intervention for children; the plans and time frame her Department have to reduce the waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6561/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 300 together.

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements.

The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Properties.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

301 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the companies in which her Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6635/08]

There are no companies in which my Department holds an equity stake.

Hospital Services.

Damien English

Question:

302 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Meath who was referred from the Beaumont Hospital to St. Luke’s for radiation therapy must wait up to three months to receive an appointment at St. Luke’s for this vital therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6643/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular question raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Departmental Reports.

Tom Hayes

Question:

303 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will release the multi-disciplinary Pollack report on cystic fibrosis facilities and treatment requirements; when the recommendations will be made public; and if she will make a statement on the reason it was delayed. [6743/08]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the report by Dr Ronnie Pollock which was commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. I understand that the report was published in 2005.

Tom Hayes

Question:

304 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will release the national children’s hospital report, as plans for development cannot move forward until it is issued; if a timeframe has been agreed; and if there is a way that this can be brought forward. [6744/08]

The Deputy may be referring to the High Level Framework Brief for the new national paediatric hospital, prepared on behalf of the HSE by Rawlinson Kelly & Whittlestone Ltd (RKW), an established UK-based health care planning company.

The details of the report were announced in October last by the Health Service Executive and the report is available on the HSE website, www.hse.ie. The High Level Framework Brief has been provided to the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board. The Brief will help to inform the work of the Board in planning, designing, building, furnishing and equipping the new hospital.

Tom Hayes

Question:

305 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive will have the Cork University Hospital general review ready for her Department; if the timeframe on that is agreed; and if there is a way it can be brought forward. [6745/08]

Tom Hayes

Question:

325 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Wrixon report will be published. [6824/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 325 together.

The review of acute hospital services in the HSE South which is being chaired by Prof. Gerry Wrixon will identify the appropriate model for acute service provision in Cork and Kerry and will recommend how best to reconfigure acute hospital services in the area to deliver on this model.

I am advised by the HSE that the final draft is currently being reviewed by the Project Team. The review has taken slightly longer than anticipated as its scope was broadened to incorporate community based services and to allow wider consultation with key stake holders. The publication of the report is a matter for the HSE.

Infectious Diseases.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

306 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has been in contact with the Health Minister in the Six Counties in relation to joint approaches to hospital-based infections such as MRSA and clostridium difficile; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6748/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

307 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the alarm caused at the large number of deaths attributed to clostridium difficile in hospitals in all of the Health Trust areas in the Six Counties; the known incidence of the disease in this jurisdiction; if there are figures for the level of infection by hospital and by Health Service Executive region; if there are figures for the incidence of C-Diff and MRSA in private hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6749/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.

There is ongoing North/South co-operation in relation to many health issues. I met with Minister McGimpsey, Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland in October and November 2007. The specific issue of MRSA/hospital associated infections was not discussed on those particular occasions. However, since the early part of this decade our National SARI Group has worked jointly with the Anti-Microbial Resistance Action Plan Group in Northern Ireland which is part of their Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety. The HSE has also collaborated with Northern Ireland and the UK in a recent prevalence study on HCAIs and will continue to work together like this, where feasible, into the future.

Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) are not new and are a challenge for all healthcare providers in all jurisdictions. For centuries they have been a side effect of medical treatment, especially in hospitals. There are a number of types of HCAI, MRSA and Clostridium difficile are two such types. The more medical care a person requires, the more likely they are to develop a health care associated infection. These infections are, therefore, more common among people with serious illnesses or at high risk such as patients with a weakened immune system, patients who have been treated for leukaemia or cancer, or who have had an organ transplant.

In Ireland, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the HSE has been collecting data on MRSA for some time now. In 2007, 43 Irish laboratories serving 64 acute hospitals (public and private) participated in their data collection system representing an estimated 98% coverage of the Irish population. At present we do not have the relevant statistics for each individual hospital. However the total number of MRSA cases recorded over the last five years was 445 cases in 2002, 480 cases in 2003, 553 cases in 2004, 592 cases in 2005, 588 cases in 2006 and 432 cases by the end of the 3rd Quarter in 2007.

A National Surveillance System has recently been established by the HSE to collect data and provide information on a quarterly basis on four key areas, to monitor HCAIs in our health system: Staphylococcus bacteraemia; Antibiotic consumption; Alcohol gel use; MRSA surveillance in Intensive Care Units.

The data for 2006 is currently being finalised and a report will be released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre in the near future. This report will include rates of MRSA bloodstream infection, listed by individual hospital. Data for 2007 will be available in early 2008 and MRSA bloodstream infection rates for all publicly funded hospitals will be published quarterly thereafter. All of this will greatly assist in the monitoring of improvements in infection control.

Clostridium difficile is not at present a notifiable disease and, as a result, it is difficult to quantify the extent of infection in the health care system. However, Clostridium difficile infection was examined in the Third Prevalence Survey of Health Care Associated Infections in acute hospitals in 2006. The survey found that thirty-six patients had Clostridium difficile representing 0.5% of patients studied. My Department, in conjunction with the HSE, is actively considering the addition of a small number of diseases including Clostridium Difficile to the list of notifiable diseases. This will be finalised as soon as the EU issues a new list of case definitions. In the meantime I am arranging that Clostridium Difficile be included as an organism which is notifiable under the category acute infectious gastroenteritis. This will in effect make Clostridium Difficile notifiable in the short term.

The HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan in March 2007. An Infection Control Steering Group, chaired by Dr. Pat Doorley, National Director (Population Health) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Over the next three to five years, the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infections by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. Achievement of these targets will benefit all patients who are at risk. These targets will be achieved through the development of national and local level action plans to reduce the potential for spread of infections between persons in healthcare settings, and, in addition, will focus on reducing antibiotic use in Ireland. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.

While accepting that not all HCAIs are preventable, I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken here to reduce the rates of infection and to treat them promptly when they occur.

Care of the Elderly.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

308 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12, an elderly person recovering from cancer who has tried unsuccessfully to get meals on wheels delivered to them; if she will take steps to ensure that the service is delivered to the person; and if she will make additional resources available to ensure that everyone in need of the service can receive it. [6758/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

309 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for a new health centre at Ballydowd, Lucan, County Dublin; when it is expected to commence construction; when it is expected to be open; the services that will be provided there and for which catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6761/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

311 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for a new health centre at Adamstown, Lucan, County Dublin; when it is expected to commence construction; when it is expected to be open; the services that will be provided there and the catchment area of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6763/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 309 and 311 together.

The Primary Care Strategy aims to increase health service capacity through the development of services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others.

It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting and the establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services.

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is being considered by the HSE, having regard to a number of factors. These include the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public/private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services generally over the coming years. I understand that the HSE has recently sought expressions of interest from the private sector for the provision of the Primary Care Team infrastructure, with the HSE proposing to enter into fixed term leases with such providers.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have replies issued directly to the Deputy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

310 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for an addiction centre on the St. Loman’s Road, Lucan, County Dublin; when it is expected to commence construction; when it is expected to be open; the services that will be provided at the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6762/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 311 answered with Question No. 309.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

312 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6791/08]

Medical cards are made available to persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services. The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged over 70, who have an automatic entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants.

In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who do not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

313 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the universal screening programme for cystic fibrosis will be implemented; the form this test will take; if the resources for the tests are available; the estimated cost of the screening programme; and if the staff training for this test has already been undertaken. [6811/08]

The Health Service Executive National Service Plan, 2008 includes a provision for the implementation of a screening programme for cystic fibrosis in newborns by the end of 2008. My Department has requested the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the specific issues raised.

Hospital Staff.

Tom Hayes

Question:

314 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the already planned consultant specialising in cystic fibrosis will be commencing work in Cork University Hospital, and Limerick Regional Hospital; if the appointments have been advertised; and the location where they have been sanctioned. [6812/08]

There are approximately 1,100 people with cystic fibrosis living in the Republic of Ireland. Approximately 45% are adults and 55% are children. The Minister identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority. Development funding of €4.78m was provided in 2006 and a further €2m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate the recruitment of additional medical, nursing and allied health professional staff to improve services.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the position regarding the issues raised investigated and to have a detailed reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

315 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding has been considered for a gym in the Cork University Hospital in order to carry out fitness assessments for out-patients; and if facilities are available for cystic fibrosis patients to take fitness assessments other than using the hospital corridors to run in. [6813/08]

There are approximately 1,100 people with cystic fibrosis living in the Republic of Ireland. Approximately 45% are adults and 55% are children. The Minister identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority. Development funding of €4.78m was provided in 2006 and a further €2m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate the recruitment of additional medical, nursing and allied health professional staff to improve services.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the position regarding the issues raised investigated and to have a detailed reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

316 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the reporting system and management within the Health Service Executive; the manner in which management is structured; if it is organised by region, area of responsibility or role; the way in which the general practitioner service, the out-patient service, community nursing and hospitals are managed together; if an organisational chart is available; and if so, if one can be provided. [6814/08]

Under the terms of the Health Act 2004, the Board of the Health Service Executive is the governing body of the HSE with authority to perform the statutory functions of the HSE. The members of the Board are appointed by the Minister.

In general terms, the Board of the HSE is empowered to appoint the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE, such CEO being recruited under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. The Board may delegate such functions of the Executive as the Board sees fit to the CEO. The CEO also becomes a member of the Board on appointment as CEO by virtue of being CEO.

The CEO is responsible to the Board of the HSE for the performance of his functions and the implementation of the Boards policies. The CEO is charged with the carrying on, the managing and the controlling of the administration and business of the HSE, and the performance of such other functions as are assigned to him by the Health Act or other statute, or as may be delegated to him by the Board under Section 18 of the 2004 Act.

The Act empowers the CEO to delegate his functions to specified employees of the HSE acting under the general direction and control of the CEO, and in compliance with such directions, limitations and guidelines as are specified by the CEO. The Act authorises further sub delegation by those specified employees to other specified employees, under the authorisation of the CEO.

In practical terms, the CEO is served by a management team of nine National Directors who each head a specific management function e.g. the National Hospitals Office, Primary Community & Continuing Care, Finance, Human Resources, Corporate Planning, Population Health etc.

Each National Director is served in turn by their own management team of Assistant National Directors who each typically function in relation to a particular function or alternatively in relation to a geographical region of service provision, as appropriate. The National Hospitals Office is served by eight regionally based hospital networks.

Section 6 of the Health Act, 2004 states that the Health Service Executive is a corporate body. In view of this, the precise manner in which the general practitioners service, the out-patient service, community nursing and hospitals are managed together including the provision of an organisational chart, is a matter for the HSE itself. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to respond directly to the Deputy.

Tom Hayes

Question:

317 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage the €2 million allocated in November 2006 for cystic fibrosis specific medical staff positions that has been spent; the number of additional roles this funding represented; and the number of these additional roles that have been filled. [6815/08]

Tom Hayes

Question:

318 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the 57 new positions identified and approved for appointment in 2006 for cystic fibrosis that have been appointed, approved, and are in situ to date. [6816/08]

Tom Hayes

Question:

327 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the €4.78 million allocated in November 2005 for cystic fibrosis specific medical staff positions that has been spent; the number of additional roles this funding represents; and the number of these additional roles that have been filled. [6826/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 317, 318 and 327 together.

In 2006 and 2007 additional revenue funding of €6.78m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to develop cystic fibrosis services. The most recent report from the HSE advises that, arising from the €4.78 additional revenue funding for 2006, 44 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis have been appointed to date across a number of hospitals, including St Vincent's, Beaumont, Temple Street, Crumlin, Tallaght, Cork University Hospital, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

The Health Service Executive has advised that the €2m additional revenue funding for 2007 will facilitate the recruitment of 23.5 additional staff dealing with cystic fibrosis services. The necessary funding is available to facilitate the recruitment of a further 37 staff nationally. My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly on the specific operational issues raised in the Deputy's questions.

Tom Hayes

Question:

319 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the processes involved in applying for, providing the paperwork for, visiting the doctor for, and finally receiving a flutter device for parents of cystic fibrosis patients; the timeline involved; the estimated expenditure for each application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6817/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Tom Hayes

Question:

320 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of donor coordinators here; if Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s offer to pay €150,000 for donor coordinators has been considered; and if a decision has been made on the matter. [6818/08]

As operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the specific issues raised.

The Deputy may wish to note that my Department asked the HSE to undertake a review and analysis of any factors that impact on organ procurement and retrieval rates at individual hospitals. The review involves a national audit of potential organ donors which commenced last September in 35 acute hospitals with Intensive Care Units. The audit will seek to identify any obstacles to donation and any measures which may be required to increase the level of donation and retrieval of organs at individual hospitals.

Medical Cards.

Tom Hayes

Question:

321 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason children with cystic fibrosis cannot be allocated a medical card in their own right, even if their families do not apply; and if the costs involved in looking after the medical needs, travel, accommodation, sports facilities, and physiotherapy of the child are factored into the medical card application. [6820/08]

The assessment of eligibility to medical cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged over 70 who have an automatic entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants. Under Section 45 of the Health Act, 1970 medical cards are provided for persons who, in the opinion of the HSE, are unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for themselves and their dependants. This provision also entitles qualifying dependants to avail of a medical card. The HSE may also grant a person full eligibility for a particular service, where the person would be unable, without undue hardship, to provide that service for themselves or their dependants. In assessing an application for a medical card on behalf of a child, the HSE uses guidelines based on the means of the child's parent(s)/guardian(s), which includes their income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare and travel to work. The assessment process also takes account of other factors, such as medical or social need, which may impact on their ability to meet the cost of GP services.

I have no plans to provide for the granting of medical cards to any particular group as a whole. However, my Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this exercise, a review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards in the context of financial, medical and social need is being undertaken and is expected to be completed by autumn 2008.

Health Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

322 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a programme to educate parents on cystic fibrosis and the way to manage it, as well as the probability of families having a child with the disease when it occurs in the family history, as there is large scale ignorance about the disease. [6821/08]

The Deputy's question mainly relates to the management and delivery of health and social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Tom Hayes

Question:

323 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the activities of the Irish Transplant Authority; the yearly budget for the past three years; the budget spent each year for the past three years; and the number of staff employed by the authority. [6822/08]

I take it that the Deputy is referring to the National Organ Procurement Service which is based at Beaumont Hospital. Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Surveys.

Tom Hayes

Question:

324 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason getting permission for ethical permission for surveys and studies takes one year to process; if she will implement a standard ethical permission for surveys and studies; and the reason granting permission for external and independently funded surveys and studies takes so long when it provides information for the Health Service Executive and her Department to use. [6823/08]

Having made enquiries in the matter, it has not been possible to ascertain particular studies or surveys to which the question refers. Should the Deputy provide information on a specific case or cases where a problem has arisen in relation to ethical permission for studies and surveys, I will be pleased to have the matter investigated further.

Question No. 325 answered with Question No. 305.

Hospital Staff.

Tom Hayes

Question:

326 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when a consultant specialising in cystic fibrosis for children will be recruited for Waterford Regional Hospital. [6825/08]

There are approximately 1,100 people with cystic fibrosis living in the Republic of Ireland. Approximately 45% are adults and 55% are children. The Minister identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority. Development funding of €4.78m was provided in 2006 and a further €2m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate the recruitment of additional medical, nursing and allied health professional staff to improve services. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the position regarding the issues raised investigated and to have a detailed reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 327 answered with Question No. 317.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

328 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will allow late application for the nursing home refund scheme where the late application was due to reasonable cause; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6836/08]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the Health Repayment Scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. Since the launch of the Health Repayment Scheme in August 2006, the HSE has informed my Department that it has undertaken extensive national and local media communication campaigns to ensure that potential applicants are made aware of the Scheme. In addition, a series of nationwide road shows was undertaken to create awareness of the Scheme and to provide hands on support to applicants.

The HSE also undertook a final publicity campaign in December 2007 which consisted of a national print advertising campaign, a national radio advertising campaign which included advertisements in the Irish Independent, Irish Times, Irish Examiner, Sunday World and Sunday Independent. In addition, a regional media campaign resulted in press releases issued to the local print press and regional radio interviews on 20 stations. In view of the various measures undertaken by the HSE/Scheme Administrator to maximise awareness of the scheme, I have decided not to extend the closing date for receipt of applications.

Child Care Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

329 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason childcare communities (details supplied) that have been approved provisionally for funding are not eligible to be considered for continuing payment having received interim payments only; if there were intentions of changing this regulation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6842/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which will invest €575 million over 5 years. I understand that, in July 2007, the Group referred to was approved under the NCIP interim staffing support scheme for a start up grant of €3,000 in respect of the period September to December 2007. The interim scheme was introduced in 2007 to facilitate services which could not meet the contractual deadline applicable to the staffing support grant scheme under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), and pending the introduction of the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) in January 2008.

With the closure in December 2007 of funding under the EOCP, community-based childcare services with a focus on disadvantage continue to be eligible for support funding under the CCSS, to which €153 million in Exchequer funding has been allocated during 2008-2010. Community childcare services funded under either the EOCP or interim NCIP staffing support schemes were eligible to apply under transitional arrangements introduced for the CCSS and the Group in question has been approved for funding of €4,500 transitional funding in respect of the period January to June 2008. All such transitional funding is calculated on a pro-rata basis on the previous level of staffing support funding for which approval was given.

The Childcare Directorate of my Office has recently received an appeal from the Group in regard to the amount of transitional funding for which it has been approved. This appeal has been copied to Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the NCIP on behalf of my Office, for examination and assessment. Following Pobal's assessment of the application, which will include any new information provided in their appeal, it will be forwarded to the Childcare Directorate of my Office for final consideration and decision. The Group will be notified of the outcome in due course. Funding for the period post June 2008 will be based on the parent profiles submitted by the Group, on the same basis as other Groups funded under the scheme and details of CCSS were announced in December, 2007.

Mental Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

330 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will examine proposals (details supplied) on Familiscope; and if she will develop them as part of the Mental Health Strategy. [6846/08]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

331 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if stage two of the national review of Health Service Executive funded adult day services was completed in 2007; if a progress report on same has been completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6855/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

332 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be provided for a person (details supplied) in Lucan, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6858/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

333 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7021/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated within my Department and will be forwarded as soon as it becomes available.

Road Traffic Offences.

Michael Creed

Question:

334 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Transport the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork will not have penalty points removed from their driving licence three years to the date after the offence was committed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6220/08]

The penalty points system, including the application of such points on the licence record of an individual, is provided for in the Road Traffic Act, 2002. Penalty points endorsed on a licence record remain on that record for a period of three years from the appropriate date in each instance. That date is specified in section 7 of the Act as 28 days from the date of the notification issued under Section 5.

Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

335 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the date of establishment of the Commissioners of Irish Lights; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6594/08]

The establishment of the Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) predates the foundation of the State. The lights service dates back to the 18th century. CIL was established in that name by the Dublin Port Act of 1867. CIL has responsibility under the Merchant Shipping Act 1894, an Act of the UK Parliament for the superintendence and management of all lighthouses and other aids to navigation in respect of the State and the adjacent seas and islands. The Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (UK) empowers the Commissioners with the same function for Northern Ireland and the adjacent seas and islands.

The entire system of lights around the coasts of Britain and Ireland is administered as a single financial unit known as the General Lighthouse Fund (GLF). The GLF is controlled by the UK Department for Transport (DfT). As a result, the three GLA's are under the aegis of the DfT. Due to this unique link, the Aids-to-Navigation Section of the Department of Transport monitors, but does not control the activities of CIL.

The Board of CIL comprises up to 16 Commissioners including the Lord Mayor of Dublin and 3 others nominated by Dublin City Council together with 12 co-opted members; these latter positions are filled by the Board as vacancies occur and 5 Executive members. As Minister for Transport I have no role in the appointment of Commissioners.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

336 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the amount drawn down through his Department for the percent for arts scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5974/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

337 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5989/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 337 together.

While guidance has been issued to the Local Authorities and State bodies under my Department's aegis on the one per cent for arts scheme, my Department does not have comprehensive data on the operation of the scheme by these agencies. My Department will be reminding these various agencies of their obligations under the scheme and will be seeking information on the operation of the scheme to date.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

338 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6005/08]

My Department has one financial management system (Agresso), supplied by Mentec International Ltd. Technical support contracts for the system are in place with a cost of 83539.56 euros inclusive of VAT per annum.

Airport Development Projects.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

339 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has been requested to fund in any way the proposed development of the new terminal at Dublin Airport; and his response to such a request. [6148/08]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

340 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline the detail of his recent Indecon Public Policy Lecture; if he referred to the need to maximise the productivity impact of scarce public sector resources; and his views on whether there are public sector resources at stake in the proposed development at Dublin Airport and that value for money guidelines requiring a full cost benefit analysis for projects costing over €30 million be respected. [6149/08]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

341 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he is satisfied that the Dublin Airport Authority has fully exercised its responsibilities to ensure the best use of public resources under DAA management in this case before authorising the use of public funds and allowing construction to proceed. [6150/08]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

342 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the fact that terminal two and the new runway are components of the new National Development Programme, the value for money provisions of chapter 12 of the NDP and the EU guidelines have been respected. [6151/08]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

343 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if the environmental cost implications of terminal two and the new parallel runway will be fully assessed as promised in the Programme for Government 2007. [6152/08]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

344 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007 to carry out a multi-criteria analysis of all transport projects to take environmental factors into account, this has been done in relation to the proposed terminal two. [6153/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 339 to 344, inclusive, together.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) operates under a clear commercial mandate and its capital investment programme is funded from its own internal resources. The question of Exchequer funding for the DAA therefore does not arise.

Proposals in relation to the development of Dublin Airport are, in the first instance, a matter for the DAA which has statutory responsibility to manage, operate and develop the airport and to provide such facilities and services as it considers necessary for aircraft and passengers. Accordingly, the issue of cost benefit analysis in relation to proposed expansion projects at Dublin Airport is a matter which falls within the responsibility of the management and board of the DAA.

The DAA, of course, is required to comply with Chapter 10 of the NDP to the extent appropriate to a commercial SSB that will fund its capital expenditure programme from its own resources. Also responsibility for compliance with Department of Finance capital appraisal guidelines rests with the Board of the company.

During the long and detailed planning processes for Terminal Two and the Second Parallel Runway, the DAA and its advisers engaged in extensive consultation with all stakeholders and complied with all planning and environmental analysis requirements.

Finally, I would point that, in line with the Government decision of May 2005 mandating the DAA to build Terminal Two, independent experts have since reported on the specification and cost of Terminal 2. The experts appointed by the Department concluded that the methodology, approach and execution of the planning objectives and considerations for passengers adopted by the DAA accords with best practice. They also found that the estimated cost of the new terminal is within industry norms for this type of project in a European capital city. The verification team report is available on my Department's website. (www.transport.ie)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

345 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the advantages that would arise from a second airport serving the greater Dublin area, Leinster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6154/08]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

346 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport if he will have the value for money implications of an alternative second airport analysed as part of his appraisal of Dublin Airport’s expansion plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6155/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 345 and 346 together.

I am satisfied that Dublin Airport has the capacity to expand to meet our aviation traffic needs for the foreseeable future. Because of the prudent policy of acquiring land banks in the environs of the airport to cater for future growth, the Dublin Airport Authority is now in the happy position of being able to undertake the second terminal and second runway on land it already owns.

With traffic of 23 million passengers in 2007, Dublin Airport will remain the country's main airport serving the needs not just the needs of the travelling public in the surrounding counties but also of the country's tourism, business and freight sectors generally. The National Spatial Strategy has acknowledged that the expansion of air services from Dublin Airport to a wider range of destinations is essential in the interests of underpinning Ireland's future international competitiveness. Also, DAA has a commercial mandate to develop Dublin Airport and DAA is also required to comply with the Department of Finance capital appraisal guidelines, as appropriate to a commercial SSB. DAA has also received planning permission for the proposed second terminal and second runway. Accordingly, the question of analysing the merits of an alternative second airport for Dublin does not arise at this juncture.

Tourism Industry.

Dara Calleary

Question:

347 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the agency within his Department that has responsibility for marine tourism; and the budget allocated to marine tourism for 2008. [6189/08]

My Department has no official responsibility for marine tourism and, consequently, there is no departmental budget allocated to marine tourism for 2008. There is no agency under the aegis of my Department that has responsibility for marine tourism. Responsibility for tourism development lies with Fáilte Ireland.

Light Rail Project.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

348 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to ensure progress on the development of the LUAS line through the Tallaght west estates to City West and Saggart; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6313/08]

Transport 21 provides for an extension of the Luas Red Line (Connolly — Tallaght) to Citywest and Saggart. Significant progress has been made recently in advancing this project. The RPA has finalised arrangements with a consortium of local developers for the delivery of the project. On 20th December 2007 the RPA submitted an application for a Railway Order for the project. Subject to approval of the Railway Order, it is expected that construction will commence towards the end of 2008 and the new spur line is expected to be completed in 2010.

Public Transport.

James Reilly

Question:

349 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the application by Dublin Bus to use the port tunnel to service the fastest growing town here and possibly Europe, namely Swords, County Dublin and in particular the application for the express Dublin Bus service the 41X to use the port tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6314/08]

My Department supports the use of the Port Tunnel by any bus operator, whether it is Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann or a private operator. On the 22nd March, 2007, Dublin Bus notified my Department of its proposal to re-route four of its existing Route 41X services from Swords via the Port Tunnel. At that time, my Department advised the Company that the proposal was in conflict with a prior application from a private operator for a high frequency bus service from Swords to the City Centre via the Port Tunnel. Therefore, in accordance with legislative procedures, Dublin Bus was advised that a decision on its proposal was being deferred until the prior application was finalised. At present, there are no services authorised to use the Tunnel on the 41X route. Applications from private bus operators and notifications from the State Companies are dealt with on a first come basis and Dublin Bus is aware of these procedures.

The prior application was finalised and my Department issued a licence on the 3rd October, 2007 to the private operator concerned. My Department is currently considering the Dublin Bus proposal taking into consideration the introduction of the newly licensed service and the matter has been the subject of ongoing contact with Dublin Bus. An issue such as that which has arisen in relation to the Route 41X only occurs where my Department considers that the proposal conflicts with a prior application.

My Department has previously approved Dublin Bus to operate the Route 33X (Skerries-City Centre) and Route 142 (Portmarnock- Malahide- City Centre-Rathmines) service via the Port Tunnel. My Department has no other outstanding proposals from Dublin Bus for services from Swords that would utilise the Port Tunnel.

Rural Transport Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

350 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the impediment encountered by wheelchair users, persons who are visually impaired, elderly and people with restricted mobility have with the present public transport system in rural areas where access to public transport for such people is a problem; if his attention has been further drawn to the extra costs that people with such disabilities have in having to use alternative transport; the proposals he has for persons with limited mobility to gain access to public transport in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6392/08]

Under the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) launched in February 2007, thirty-four community transport groups around the country are being funded to address social exclusion in their rural areas arising from unmet public transport needs. Older people and people with disabilities form the core customer base of the RTP. Pobal, which administers the Programme on behalf of my Department, has commenced a process to extend the RTP on a phased basis with a goal of achieving nation-wide coverage in due course in line with Government policy. Indeed, I recently announced increased funding of €2m for the RTP in 2008 to assist this process. Funding is also available to the Programme from the Department of Social and Family Affairs in respect of the Free Travel Scheme which applies to the RTP.

The bottom-up approach developed during the pilot Rural Transport Initiative (2002-2006) demonstrated the effectiveness of the community and voluntary initiative and involvement in the provision of rural transport services. The RTP is building on that concept and the main drivers of community rural transport continue to be the local communities themselves.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

351 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the course of action open to a group of pensioners of Dublin Port Company whose pensions are linked by agreement to the salary of a Secretary General of a Government Department but who have been denied the pay award of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector of June 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6537/08]

Dublin Port Company is the responsible authority for the administration of pension schemes within the company. Accordingly, payments under such pension schemes are an operational matter for the company. The legislative provisions relating to superannuation schemes in the State owned port companies are contained in Sections 40 and 41 of the Harbours Act, 1996.

Road Network.

David Stanton

Question:

352 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his role in designating roads to be national roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6554/08]

Section 10 (1) (a) of the Roads Act, 1993 provides that the Minister may by order classify any existing public road or any proposed public road as a national road.

Departmental Records.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

353 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 289 of 12 February 2008, the content and detail of the personal information which was compromised from the theft of a laptop of an officer of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6557/08]

The laptop concerned was stolen from an officer in the Marine Survey Office of my Department. It was password protected. Marine Surveyors inspect marine vessels. Confidential or sensitive information is not required for the purposes such inspection. The personal information on the laptop related, therefore, to a number of owners/operators names, addresses and contact details. It is likely that much, if not all, of this information is available in the public domain. A system was put in place in October 2007 whereby information of this nature is now encrypted on all Departmental laptops and mechanisms are in place to remotely immobilise and wipe any information on any portable data devices lost, missing or stolen from my Department.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

354 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6639/08]

The Minister for Finance is the primary shareholder of the three State Airports. Department of Transport officials hold two shares and the Minister for Transport holds one share in each of the airports. The Minister for Transport holds a 20% stake in Aviareto, the company that was awarded the contract to operate the International Registry under the Capetown Convention. The authority for the Minister to acquire shares in the company was given under Section 10 of the International Interests in Mobile Equipment (Capetown Convention) Act, 2005.

The Irish Aviation Authority is a Commercial State Body established under the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. In accordance with Section 20(1) of the Act, the Minister was issued with one share of one pound (Euro 1.27) in the share capital of the company. This shareholding remains constant to date.

The Minister for Transport is the primary shareholder in the ten State port companies established under the Harbours Act 1996-2000 as follows:

Port of Cork Company

Drogheda Port Company

Dublin Port Company

Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company

Shannon Foynes Port Company

Galway Harbour Company

New Ross Port Company

Port of Waterford Company

Dundalk Port Company

Wicklow Port Company

The Minister's level of equity in each company is effectively 100%, with the Minister for Finance holding a nominal share in each.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

355 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7025/08]

Under the aegis of the Department of Transport, the primary function of the following bodies is regulation:

Commission for Aviation Regulation

Commission for Taxi Regulation

Railway Safety Commission

The Commission for Aviation Regulation and the Commission for Taxi Regulation are self-financing, are funded through regulatory charges and do not receive any funding from the State. Data associated with the operating costs of these bodies are available from the respective Annual Reports. The Annual Reports for 2007 are not yet available. The operating budget for the Railway Safety Commission was €1.786m in 2006 and €2.09m in 2007.

Manchester Martyrs.

Martin Ferris

Question:

356 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are any moves to have the remains of Larkin, Allen and O’Brien, The Manchester Martyrs, brought back to Ireland for re-interment; and if he will make a statement on their progress. [6222/08]

Excellent and painstaking research by a number of independent groups and individuals continues in an effort to identify the precise location of the remains of Michael Larkin, William O'Brien and William Allen, known collectively as the Manchester Martyrs. Following their hanging on 23 November 1867, the remains of the three men were buried in Strangeways prison. To facilitate construction works in Strangeways in 1991, the remains of some sixty prisoners were exhumed and cremated, including those of the three men. The ashes were reburied in caskets at Blackley Cemetery. Researches to date have not expressly identified any of those remains as those of the three men. The British authorities have advised that there are no surviving records of prisoners buried in any of the Manchester gaols prior to 1880.

Despite these difficulties, the independent groups and individuals continue their efforts to achieve a positive identification of the remains of the three, either individually or as a group. However, pending such positive identification, the question of repatriation to, and re-interment in, Ireland does not arise. Officials in my Department have met with interested groups and, together with our Embassy in London, continue to monitor developments.

The Deputy may also be interested to know that the Irish Government, through the Díon Fund, provided £5,483 last year to the Department of Humanities at the University of Central Lancashire to conduct an educational and research project on the history of the Manchester Martyrs.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

357 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount drawn down through his Department for the percent for arts scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5969/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

358 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5984/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 358 together.

Please find below information relating to the capital construction projects funded by my Department and, related to those projects, the amount spent on artworks for each year since 2002 to date in 2008. The artworks in question are primarily for our 75 Missions abroad.

Year

Capital Construction Projects

Artwork Purchased

2002

50 projects

11,905

2003

47 projects

9,180

2004

30 projects

58,000

2005

43 projects

46,500

2006

60 projects

150,000

2007

56 projects

158,034

2008 (to date)

13 projects

31,000

In implementing the "Per Cent for Art" scheme, which is based on an amount of up to 1% of capital cost, my Department generally calculates the percentage which it spends on artwork on the basis of the total annual cost of all capital construction projects, rather than as a percentage of each individual project. On the other hand, a current example of a capital construction project where we are implementing the "Per Cent for Art" scheme on an individual project basis is the recently opened Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre on O'Connell St. There, the provision of artwork is currently being considered with a projected budget of €22,000, reflecting 1% of the capital expenditure. My Department works closely with the National Gallery of Ireland, the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the Office of Public Works in this area, who provide and maintain artwork for use in Missions abroad and at Headquarters.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

359 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6000/08]

My Department has two financial management systems in operation, one for Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and one for Vote 29 (International Cooperation). There are two systems in place as the financial management of the two is kept separate, to take account of different requirements and, in particular, the specific needs of the aid programme. Both systems are versions of SUN software. They are provided by Core Financial Systems Ltd., under a contract awarded in January 2006, on the basis of a competitive public tender process. The total cost of maintaining the software in 2007 was €235,697.

Conflict Resolution.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

360 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way, regarding the development of a conflict resolution unit announced in June 2007, existing Irish mediators will be involved in the new conflict resolution unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6404/08]

It is my firm view that if Ireland is to play a more active role in international conflict prevention and resolution, it will be necessary to mobilise the conflict resolution expertise that already exists in the country. Placing our experts within international agencies or in conflict related programmes and projects will allow Ireland to extend its reach on conflict resolution and contribute further to international efforts to resolve conflicts.

Drawing on the very positive experience of the Irish Aid Rapid Response Corps, which has seen Irish expertise successfully deployed to the benefit of those suffering in humanitarian crises, I intend establishing a database of experts in conflict-related activities who are willing to be placed temporarily, under the aegis of the Government, with international agencies or in conflict related programmes and projects. I would expect that those involved will be drawn from a wide field of activities including peacekeeping, development, academic research and analysis.

In setting up the database, my Department will of course consult with Irish people and organisations with expertise in this area. We will benefit from their experience, and the experience of setting up the Rapid Response Corps, in putting the process in place. Officials from my Department will also liaise with the international agencies with whom experts might be placed in order to determine international best practices in this regard.

Passport Applications.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

361 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passports that were routed through members of Dáil Éireann in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6526/08]

Passport applications forwarded by members of the Oireachtas (Dáil and Seanad) are processed by a section of the passport office. This section also processes applications forwarded by, for instance, the Health Services Executive for children in their care. In 2007, and following further checking of our records, a total of 6,326 applications were identified as having been processed through this section. Applications through Oireachtas Members (Dáil and Seanad) were recorded manually over the years. However, in order to be able to better facilitate future queries on this issue, a system has now been put in place to record electronically details of applications by Members of the Oireachtas (Dáil and Seanad) or their offices.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

362 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6634/08]

My Department does not hold an equity stake in any companies.

Offaly Regeneration Company.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

363 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the date of establishment of Offaly Regeneration Company Limited; the purpose and role of this body; the level of equity held in this company by himself; the number of board members of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6734/08]

The Offaly Regeneration Company Ltd was established in May 2000. The purpose of the company is to promote and advance economic and social development generally in the Midland region, and, in particular, in County Offaly, including through close co-operation with partner bodies in the US, Canada and Northern Ireland. It is a registered company, with no share capital and limited by the guarantee of its founding shareholders. I understand that the board of the company, which is normally composed of 10 members, currently has a vacancy. As appointments to the board of directors are made by an AGM of the company, the vacancy on the board is expected to be filled at the next AGM. I do not hold any equity in the company, nor do I appoint any members of the Board.

Atlantic Corridor is a registered business name of the Offaly Regeneration Company Ltd. As I indicated in my written reply to Parliamentary Question number 231 on 13 February, the Government has provided funding to Atlantic Corridor, Ireland, via the Offaly Regeneration Company Ltd., which is the implementing agency for Atlantic Corridor, Ireland. Atlantic Corridor Ireland, through its implementing agency, has been involved in promoting the development of the region in terms of business and education through North-South co-operation and international linkages.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

364 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7020/08]

There are no regulators or regulatory authorities operating under the aegis or responsibility of my Department.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

365 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date of establishment of the Advisory Irish Council for Technology, Science and Innovation; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6599/08]

The Advisory Science Council was established by Government in April 2005 under Forfás legislation as a successor body to the Irish Council for Science, Technology and Innovation. The Council operates within the context of the arrangements put in place by Government in June 2004 for the co-ordination and governance of science, technology and innovation matters, which include the Cabinet Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), the Inter-Departmental Committee for STI and the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser. The role of the Council is (i) to act as the primary interface between stakeholders and policymakers in the STI arena, contributing to the development and delivery of a coherent and effective national strategy on STI; and (ii) to provide advice to Government on medium and longer-term policy for STI and related matters.

The Terms of Reference of the Council state that it will comprise not more than 12 members, including an independent Chair, of which not less than 4 will be from the academic sector and not less than 4 from the enterprise/professional sector, plus a representative from Forfás. All Council members are appointed under Forfás legislation, following consultation with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The appointments may be for a fixed term.

The Government has set a goal for Ireland to become a leader in research and development and innovation and has committed a budget of €8.2 billion under the NDP 2007-2013 and the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013 towards achieving this goal. The Advisory Science Council is one of the bodies who are actively working with my Department to ensure that the objectives of the SSTI are realised.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

366 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of board members of Screen Training Ireland; the number of whom are appointed by him; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6682/08]

I understand from FAS that there are twelve members on the Film and Television Advisory Group that advises FAS on Screen Training Ireland which is part of the Services to Business Division within FAS.

FAS appoints the chairperson and members of the Advisory Group. The Film and Television Advisory Group advises and assists the FAS Board on the training and development requirements of the independent film and television sector and on planning to cater for them.

Industrial Development.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

367 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of land owned by the Industrial Development Authority and Enterprise Ireland in west Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5945/08]

The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which I have a function. Accordingly, your query in relation to IDA land in West Cork has been forwarded to the Secretary of IDA Ireland for his consideration.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

368 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount drawn down through his Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5966/08]

The Per Cent for Art Scheme under which all Government Departments and their Agencies are required to spend up to 1% of their budget for capital projects on art, subject to certain maximum limits, is administered by the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Office of Public Works (OPW).

Construction projects including restoration projects and refurbishment projects undertaken by the Department are normally completed on behalf of the Department by the OPW. The only artwork supplied to my Department by the OPW in recent years under the Per Cent for Art Scheme is a piece of glass work which is located in the reception area of the Department's Kildare Street building. That artwork was supplied by the OPW in 2005 following major refurbishment works carried out by the OPW for the Department. My Department has no information concerning the expenditure incurred by the OPW on that artwork. My Department has not directly drawn down any funding for expenditure on art works under the Per Cent for Art Scheme in the period 2002 to date.

Departmental Funding.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

369 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5981/08]

My Department does not directly fund capital projects.

Capital funding allocated to my Department's Vote is expended through various agencies under the remit of my Department, including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, FAS, Shannon Development, InterTrade Ireland, the National Standards Authority of Ireland and the 35 City and County Enterprise Boards.

The funding is used by the agencies to operate programmes which provide a range of grants, supports and financial facilities to clients. Capital funding also covers the maintenance and development of the agencies' buildings and upgrading of equipment. The operation of programmes funded through capital expenditure in my Department's Vote is a day-to-day matter for the agencies concerned. Details of the programmes, which involve many hundreds of clients, are available in the agencies' Annual Reports and on their websites.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

370 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5997/08]

There are two financial management systems in my Department. The principal financial management system is Oracle Financials e-Business Suite. This system is used to track expenditure and receipts for the Department and its Offices and is used to produce the Department's Appropriation Account. The previous financial management system (FMS) is maintained only for the purpose of providing historical data.

The Oracle Financials system

This Oracle product was originally implemented for my Department by Fujitsu Services who also currently provides support for this system. In 2007 Oracle license costs were €98,326.79 and maintenance costs were €113,672.03. The maintenance costs include the provision of technical and functional expertise, customisations, training and skills transfer and the provision of a help desk.

FMS

The original provider of our FMS (Financial Management System) was Progressive Systems Enterprise. Our current support provider is Version1. Since the implementation of Oracle Financials e-Business Suite this system is no longer used to manage our financial systems and is maintained only for the purpose of accessing historical financial information. In 2007 the license costs were €12,352.89 and maintenance costs were €2,978.42.

Job Losses.

Martin Ferris

Question:

371 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Industrial Development Authority supported companies in Kerry which have ceased to operate or have laid off workers in the past ten years, have reimbursed the authority, and if he will provide a table listing the companies and the sums involved. [6161/08]

I have been informed by IDA Ireland that of the 12 IDA supported companies in County Kerry that have ceased to operate or have laid off workers in the past 10 years, 6 had an outstanding grant liability to repay. Of that number, 5 companies have repaid a total of €3,213,954 to the Agency. In the case of one company the Agency is in the process of grant revocation in the amount of €240,000. The tabular statement sets out the details of the companies involved and of the amounts of money refunded.

Table showing the amount of grant repayments made to IDA by client companies in County Kerry which have ceased to operate or have laid off workers in the past 10 years.

Company Name

Town

Year of Closure

Refunded

Year of Refund

Comment

Transferred

Tralee

2006

400,000

2007

Company Name Confidential

Killorglin

N.A

272,961

2006

Transferred to EI

Transmould Limited

Killarney

2005

207,859

2005

Rosenbluth International

Killarney

2004

765,652

2004

Sport Socks Co (Ireland) Ltd

Caherciveen

2004

1,567,482

2004

Jet Environmental

Killorglin

2005

240,000*

Revocation in Progress

Total

3,213,954

Note 1: Not included in total figure.

Departmental Agencies.

Martin Ferris

Question:

372 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Industrial Development Authority supported companies which have ceased to operate or which have laid off substantial numbers of their employees are liable to reimburse the authority for any investment funds received; and if so, the sums that have been reimbursed over the past ten years. [6162/08]

Where IDA supported companies close or lay off substantial numbers of employees during the period of the grant agreement they are liable to reimburse the Agency for funds received except for Training Grants. In the 10 year period 1998 to 2007 grant repayments amounting to €207,616,000 were made to the Agency. The amount repaid in each of those years is set out in the tabular statement.

Table showing the amount of grants repaid to IDA Ireland in respect of each of the Years 1998 to 2007.

Grant Recovered 1998-2007

Year

€’000

1998

30,592

1999

15,409

2000

15,213

2001

21,419

2002

41,806

2003

24,569

2004

21,910

2005

11,350

2006

10,776

2007

14,572

Total

207,616

National Minimum Wage.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

373 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employers who have been found to have failed to pay the minimum wage to their employees can be fined; the maximum fine that can be levied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6198/08]

The National Minimum Wage Act, 2000 provides that a person found guilty of an offence under the Act shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €1,904.61 or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or to both. A person convicted on indictment shall be liable to a fine not exceeding €12,697.38 or, at the discretion of the court, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years, or both.

In circumstances where the offence of which the person was convicted is continued after conviction, the person shall be guilty of a further offence on every day on which the act or omission constituting the offence continues, and for each such further offences, the person shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €253.95 or on conviction on indictment to a fine not exceeding €1,269.74.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

374 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of employers that have been found to have failed to pay the minimum wage to their employees; the number of employees who have been affected; the number of prosecutions taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6199/08]

In 2007 the National Employment Rights Authority carried out 1,942 inspections/visits in relation to the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000. The majority of the inspections/visits undertaken were part of a focused employment rights compliance inspection campaign in sectors covered by the National Minimum Wage.

In 192 cases, breaches were detected for offences such as failure to pay the appropriate rate/ training rate under the Act, failure to keep records to show compliance with the Act, failure to keep records for 3 years as required by the Act. No prosecutions have been initiated to date in respect of these breaches. Arrears of €124,475 have been recovered to date. Details are not available in relation to number of employees covered by these arrears.

The primary role of the National Employment Rights Authority in the case of breaches of employment rights legislation, is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including redress for the employees concerned and payment of any arrears due to those employees.

It should be noted that in the majority of cases employers rectify breaches of employment law and pay any arrears due to employees without prosecution. However, the National Employment Rights Authority reserves the right to initiate prosecutions in respect of breaches of certain employment legislation.

Targeted campaigns, accompanied by awareness and promotional activities, will be a significant feature of National Employment Rights Authority's future employment rights compliance and information strategy.

The Deputy should be aware that Rights Commissioners of the Labour Relations Commission also hear complaints concerning breaches of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.

Semi-State Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

375 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration has been given to the privatisation of Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6200/08]

Since 1987, on the formation of Irish Fertilizer Industries Limited (IFI), a joint venture with ICI, Nitrigin Eireann Teoranta (NET) has acted as a holding company. More recently, NET's primary role following the liquidation of IFI in 2002 has been to monitor the progress of that liquidation in the context of NET's claims on the liquidation.

As mentioned in my recent response to the Deputy, (PQ No. 5332 refers), following the pay-out of the last substantial dividend to unsecured creditors during 2007 by the liquidator of IFI, it became clear that there would be no funds remaining in the liquidation to meet any liabilities to NET. NET and ICI had previously agreed that any liabilities to them should be subordinated in favour of other unsecured creditors. As overall unsecured creditors of IFI received 47.5% of their claims, there was no longer any meaningful role for NET. As a consequence of this, measures were taken on 20 December 2007 to wind up NET as a members voluntary liquidation i.e. a solvent liquidation.

The liquidator is currently carrying out the liquidation process. Given the absence of any business activity, privatisation of NET was not relevant.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

376 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration has been given to the privatisation of Arramara Teoranta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6201/08]

Arramara Teoranta is a client company of Udaras na Gaeltachta and as such I have no responsibility in this matter.

Trade Union Recognition.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

377 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to of the situation where a company (details supplied) is refusing to recognise union representatives for its workers from south of the border, while willingly dealing with union representatives for workers north of the border; and his views on whether this kind of double standard is a form of discrimination against Irish workers. [6239/08]

It has been established in a number of legal cases that the constitutional guarantee of freedom of association does not guarantee workers the right to have their union recognised for the purpose of collective bargaining.

The system of industrial relations in Ireland is essentially voluntary in nature. In line with this voluntarist approach, a High Level Group comprising representatives from IBEC, ICTU, and various Government Departments and agencies and chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach was established under Partnership 2000 to consider proposals submitted by ICTU on the recognition of unions and the right to bargain. This Group recommended that two distinct procedures be put in place for the resolution of disputes where negotiation arrangements are not in place and collective bargaining does not exist — a voluntary procedure and a legislative fall back procedure.

These recommendations were implemented through the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice on Voluntary Dispute Resolution) (Declaration) Order 2000 (Statutory Instrument No. 145 of 2000) and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001. These measures were improved by the introduction of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Enhanced Code of Practice on Voluntary Dispute Resolution) (Declaration) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 76 of 2004), the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice on Victimisation) (Declaration) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 139 of 2004) and the Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. The Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 and S.I. No. 139 of 2004 contain specific protections for employees against victimisation as regards trade union membership or activity in situations where it is not the practice of the employer to engage in collective bargaining negotiations, the internal dispute resolution procedures (if any) normally used by the parties concerned have failed to resolve the dispute and a trade union or an excepted body has taken steps to invoke the procedures under S.I. No. 76 of 2004.

More generally, matters relating to discrimination come within the remit of my colleague Mr Brian Lenihan, TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, although I understand that the Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2007 do not address the issue of discrimination in relation to trade union membership.

Job Creation.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

378 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide assurances that every action possible will be taken to attract new jobs to Tallaght, Dublin 24; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Tallaght is the third largest populated centre here with a very young population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6310/08]

While I may give general policy directives to the agencies under the Industrial Development Acts, the Enterprise Development Agencies under the aegis of my Department have put in place a range of strategies, programmes and financial incentives to promote economic and enterprise development that will support sustainable employment throughout the country.

In terms of job creation, Enterprise Ireland activity is aggressively focussed on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies who are setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland at a national and regional level through support of research in companies and third level institutions. Enterprise Ireland provides a range of supports for high potential start up companies including, financial supports, business and marketing advice, mentoring and product development. Enterprise Ireland also supports the provision of incubation space for new start ups.

The Forfás Employment Survey 2006 shows that there are 347 Enterprise Ireland assisted companies located in South County Dublin providing over 11,000 full time jobs and over 1,000 part time jobs.

South County Dublin is fortunate to have world class business parks such as Citywest and Grange Castle, all located adjacent to the main centres of population. Major developments are taking place in all these locations and prospects for future quality employment in Tallaght are very good.

The role of the South Dublin County Enterprise Board (CEB) is to provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level throughout South Dublin, which is inclusive of the Tallaght area. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing enterprises may qualify for financial and non-financial support. In 2007 full-time employment in South Dublin CEB client businesses located in the Dublin 24 region grew by 23 jobs. 128 people from businesses based in the Dublin 24 area took part in over 30 different management and capability development courses provided either directly or indirectly by South Dublin CEB. 11 clients based in Dublin 24 also took part in the Board's mentoring programme at a cost to the CEB of over €23,000.

IDA Ireland continues to work with state agencies and other stakeholders to market Tallaght and all of South County Dublin for new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as well as encouraging existing FDI to expand. Grange Castle business park continues to attract high level FDI and the announcement in November that Microsoft Corporation has selected Grange Castle as the location for its new European data centre is a further indicator of Ireland's standing internationally as a global knowledge based economy. Microsoft plans to invest $500m in the construction of the data centre and will employ up to 75 people. It is testament to IDA and South County Dublin's commitment to growing next generation businesses in the area.

I am aware that Tallaght has a very young population. People have very good supports in the schools of Tallaght and an excellent Institute of Technology. Tallaght is also supported by good infrastructure which attracts investment by foreign companies. I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the development agencies under the remit of my Department will continue to bear fruit in terms of employment development for the Tallaght area.

Industrial Development.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

379 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funds made available by the Government and his Department to fund land banks, or receipts returned to his Department, and the policy issues that arise due to the changes, additions or reductions to the land banks available to State agencies charged with industrial and employment growth, in the major cities and by regions for the past five years; the date for such changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6317/08]

The management of the State's land banks for industrial development purposes are vested in IDA Ireland, who provide property solutions to its client companies and those of Enterprise Ireland, and in Shannon Development, who perform a similar role in the Shannon region.

IDA Ireland is developing a regional network of strategic sites to attract sector specific investment as well as providing bespoke property solutions, at commercial rates, in its business parks and sites throughout the country. This property programme is mostly funded from the Agency's own resources that are generated from property sales and lettings.

In the past five years (2003 to 2007) a total of €44.9m has been provided to IDA Ireland by way of Exchequer funding, through a Subhead in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Vote. This represents a relatively small proportion of the total cost of the programme over these years. The agency holds a number of vacant properties for marketing purposes at any one time and there are costs associated with building and site maintenance. Shannon Development is a limited company and operates its land bank without state aid.

The amount of land held by the agencies may vary from time to time depending on the prevailing economic circumstances. The availability of tailored property solutions for existing or prospective clients is one important marketing tool for the Agencies. The trend over recent years has been to consolidate holdings and to divest of properties deemed no longer suitable for promotion. In this connection an Expenditure Review of IDA Ireland's Property Programme, which was led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and concluded in 2004, noted that the property programme was being managed efficiently and effectively by the Agency. Furthermore, the Review noted with approval the largely self- financing nature of the property function and recommended that it be continued as a central part of financial planning within the Agency. In addition, the Review approved of the Agency's policy of disposing of property solutions no longer needed while, at the same time, recognizing the Agency's need to have a set amount of property available for marketing at any one time.

The management of the property programme is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agencies and not one in which I have a function. Accordingly, the Deputy's query has been forwarded to the Secretary of IDA Ireland and the Secretary of Shannon Development for their attention.

Decentralisation Programme.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

380 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if FÁS is looking at other properties in Birr; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6565/08]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

381 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date of completion for the property acquisition for the site of decentralisation of FÁS to Birr; if it has been fully finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6566/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 and 381 together.

The sale was closed and FÁS took possession of the site for its proposed new office on 4th October 2007.

Various options for the construction of the proposed office are currently under consideration by FÁS which has direct responsibility for this matter.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

382 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6631/08]

Shannon Development, one of the State Agencies under the remit of my Department, is also a company, wholly owned by the State. The Company's share capital as at 31st December 2007 was €183,521,371.59. Shares are valued at €1.27 and distribution is as follows:

Minister for Finance — 144,505,015 shares

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment — 1 share

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism — 1 share

I also hold one share in Nitrigin Eireann Teoranta (NET). The major shareholder is the Minister for Finance, with a shareholding of almost 100 million shares. On 20th December 2007 measures were taken to wind up NET as a members' voluntary liquidation and there was no equity value in NET at the time of liquidation.

Industrial Development.

Damien English

Question:

383 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the lands in the ownership of the Industrial Development Authority in County Meath; their acreage; the percentage of that which remains undeveloped; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6647/08]

The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which I have a function. Accordingly, your query in relation to IDA properties in County Meath has been forwarded to the Secretary of IDA Ireland for his consideration.

Job Creation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

384 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by the Industrial Development Authority within the Border midland western region for each of the past five years; if this equates to 50% of the jobs created by the IDA in each of the years over that period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6652/08]

Enda Kenny

Question:

385 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is still the policy of the Government and the Industrial Development Authority to create 50% of all jobs created by the IDA within the Border midland western region; the proposals for 2008 in this regard; the method by which the IDA intend to fulfil the 50% target and the sectors in which this will be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6653/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 385 together.

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. In the period 2003 to 2007 a total of 9,584 new jobs were created in the BMW Region. The tabular statement (Table 1) shows the number of jobs created in each of the years in question.

For the period 2000 to 2006 IDA Ireland set a high-level performance target for the Objective 1 (BMW) Area, which committed the Agency to work to deliver a target of 50% of all new Greenfield jobs to be located in the Objective 1 Area. Despite difficult global trading conditions, substantial progress was achieved against this target and in that period 36% of all new Greenfield jobs were located in the area. This represents a rolling average calculated over the seven-year period and these are shown for each year in Table 2.

In recent years, Ireland has undergone a transformation from a low wage/low cost economy towards a high value and knowledge-based one. Arising from this transformation, the nature of foreign direct investment (FDI) has changed and Ireland is now competing for premium mobile investments against the most advanced countries in the world. A key aspect of the high value, knowledge intensive FDI, for which Ireland now competes, is that it increasingly favours locations in or near centres of urban scale, where it has access to the concentrations of infrastructure, skills and services it needs.

Accordingly, IDA Ireland has aligned its strategy with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS). In line with the NSS, IDA is focused on delivering investments to the Gateway and Hub locations nationally, and specifically those in the BMW region. This strategy involves matching investor requirements with the competencies, infrastructure and critical mass of the Gateway and Hub locations to secure the maximum number of investment for Ireland. The key sectors of focus for IDA are Life Sciences, Information and Communications Technologies and high value Services activities. In this connection, it must be remembered that, under the revised EU Regional Aid Guidelines, the BMW and South East Regions are the only areas where Regional aid is available up to 2013. Ultimately it is the investor who decided where to locate.

In recent years IDA, because of Government policy, has supported the development of the BMW Region by substantially increasing the size and remit of its regional offices in the area. Today, over 80 staff are based in its regional offices in Athlone and Sligo. Delivering regionally based innovative, world class property solutions is a priority for the Agency. A successful example of this approach has been the delivery of an advance planning permission for a Biopharmaceutical facility in Oranmore, Co Galway. This is a truly unique marketing resource and the first of its kind in Ireland.

I am satisfied that the policies being pursued by the Government, and Agency, together with the roll out of the National Development Plan, will continue to bear fruit in terms job creation and investment for the Region.

Table 1 showing the number of new jobs in the Objective 1 (BMW) Area in each of the years 2003 to 2007

YEAR

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Number of New Jobs

2,120

1,890

2,600

1,528

1,446

Table 2 showing Percentage of New Greenfield Jobs Created by IDA* (2000-2006)

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

%

%

%

%

%

%

%

BMW

45

43

44

46

41

39

36

South & East

55

57

56

54

59

61

64

*Figures provided on a cumulative basis for each period.

Enda Kenny

Question:

386 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Industrial Development Authority jobs created in County Mayo for each of the past five years; the accumulated total as a percentage of IDA jobs created in that five year period; the investment involved; the number of jobs by sector created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6654/08]

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency.

At present there are 19 IDA supported companies in Mayo employing almost 3,000 people in permanent jobs and approximately 500 more in temporary and contract employment. I am satisfied that the actions of the development agencies together with the continued roll out of the NDP will continue to bear fruit in terms of economic development for the people of the Mayo.

In the past 5 years a total of 493 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies in County Mayo, which represents 1% of all new jobs created in IDA supported companies in the country in the same period. The attached tabular statement sets out the number of new jobs created, by sector, in each of the years in question.

Statistics in relation to investment in job creation are not maintained on a county - by -county basis. IDA recognises the need to provide high value employment opportunities in the key towns in Mayo that provide sustainable long-term jobs. In line with the National Spatial Strategy (NSS) the linked hub of Castlebar/Ballina and the town of Westport are priority locations for IDA and are being actively promoted for new FDI. IDA is committed to the development of Mayo and is working continually with the existing client base to deepen the global strategic importance of the Irish operations within their parent corporations. In addition, the Agency is investing significantly in the provision of planned and focussed property solutions in the county by developing world class Business and Technology Parks in Ballina, Westport, and Castlebar. This is an essential marketing tool in the process of attracting potential new investors to the county.

Table showing the number of new jobs, by sector, created in County Mayo in each of the years 2003 to 2007

NACE Sector

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Food products beverages and tobacco

4

0

14

14

6

Textiles and textile products

0

0

0

0

0

Clothing, footwear and leather

0

0

0

0

0

Pulp paper and paper products; publishing and printing

8

0

0

0

0

Chemicals chemical products and man-made fibres

22

23

15

0

86

Rubber and plastic products

5

0

0

7

0

Other non-metallic mineral products

0

0

0

0

0

Basic and fabricated metal products

0

1

5

2

3

Machinery and equipment n.e.c.

0

0

0

0

2

Electrical and optical equipment

49

34

48

4

3

Transport equipment

0

2

2

0

0

Other manufacturing n.e.c.

0

0

0

0

0

International Services

21

85

4

10

14

Financial Services

0

0

0

0

0

ALL SECTORS

109

145

88

37

114

Work Permits.

Michael Creed

Question:

387 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will confirm receipt of an application for a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will approve this application. [6840/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this application was refused and the employer was notified of this decision in writing by letter dated 8th February 2008 and of their right to appeal within 21 days. To-date no such appeal has been received in the Employment Permits Section.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

388 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7018/08]

Under the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1924, my Department prepares and administers legislation in areas such as commerce, employment rights, occupational safety health and welfare, competition and consumer rights, chemicals and intellectual property. Naturally, in that regard, we exercise many regulatory functions.

The information requested by the Deputy, insofar as it relates to Offices and Agencies which come within my Department's remit, and which have significant regulatory powers is as follows:

Name of “regulator”

Total Operating Budget in 2006 (€ million)

Total Operating Budget in 2007 (€ million)

Labour Court

€3.464

€3,895

Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB)

€1.304

€1.578

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) [Regulatory functions are one of several functions of the NSAI]

€21.889 (provisional outturn — subject to audit)

€23.661 (provisional outturn — subject to audit)

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority

€2.298

€2.353

The Competition Authority

€5.830

€6.100

Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs

€4.289

€4.379

Interim National Consumer Agency / National Consumer Agency (established on 1st May 2007 under the Consumer Protection Act 2007)

€3.000

€4.018

Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement

€4.713

€4.823

Companies Registration Office

€9.308

€10.097

Registrar of Friendly Societies

Provision contained in Departmental figures

Provision contained in Departmental figures

Irish Takeover Panel

€1.096 — year ended June 2006

€1.265m — year ended June 2007

Ministerial Appointments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

389 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of board members of the national coaching and training centre; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6675/08]

There are eight members of the Board of the National Coaching and Training Centre. The Board is appointed by the Irish Sports Council.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

390 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount drawn down through his Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5961/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

391 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the Percent for Art grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5976/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.

My Department provides capital grants for the development of arts and culture infrastructure around the country. One of the conditions of this funding is compliance with the Per Cent for Art Scheme. It is a condition of all capital arts funding that prior to the final grant payment being made project promoters must provide evidence of compliance with the terms of the scheme, subject to the limits set out in the guidelines. Approximately €477,000 has been spent on art commissioned under the scheme by 44 completed projects that have been grant aided under my Department's Arts Capital Scheme.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

392 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5992/08]

The Financial Management System used in my Department is Oracle E-Business Suite — Oracle Financial Applications, and is maintained and run by the Financial Shared Services of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Killarney, Co. Kerry under the terms and conditions of a Service Level Agreement. The subscription fee for the software in 2008 will be €9,900 and this will be payable to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

393 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of League of Ireland games he has attended in his capacity as Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6036/08]

While I have a keen interest in Eircom League football and in particular, the role it plays in encouraging participation in sport at local level, I did not have the opportunity to attend an Eircom League of Ireland match in the relatively short period between my appointment as Minister and the end of the season in November 2007.

I hope to be in a position to attend some matches during the new season starting in early March.

Sports Capital Programme.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

394 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will report on his dealings with South Dublin County Council in respect of a stadium (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if he will provide assurances that every action is being taken to ensure the progress of the building programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6308/08]

I have been assured by South Dublin County Council that the Contractor is ready to resume the works on the stadium within weeks and it is hoped that the first phase can be completed before the end of this year at an estimated cost of €9m. Phase One will see the completion of the stand on one side of the pitch with a seating capacity of 3,000, the playing surface, changing rooms and showers and other amenities. Officials from South Dublin County Council have met with officials from my Department to discuss the funding of the project. My Department has already allocated grants of €2.44m under the Sports Capital Programme to the development over the period 2000 to 2002. I have recently announced a new round of the Sports Capital Programme and I understand that South Dublin County Council will be making an application for funding for the project under the Programme. The normal terms and conditions of the Sports Capital Programme will apply to any successful application.

Disadvantaged Status.

Mary Upton

Question:

395 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the Budget 2008 document was correct when it stated under the Arts, Sport and Tourism Group section C.7 that €1.5 million was to be allocated to support sport in disadvantaged areas; the reason in response to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 12 February 2008, he informed the House that this money was to provide opportunities for persons with a disability to participate in sport and physical activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6538/08]

In the Budget 2008, my Department was allocated €1.5 million from the Dormant Accounts Funding under Subhead C7 of my Department's Vote.

This funding was part of €42.75 million allocated in the 2008 Budget from the Dormant Accounts Fund across a range of Votes. As I stated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 12th February 2008, my colleague the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs has overall responsibility for dormant accounts spending. The funding through my Department is an element of a larger set of economic and social disadvantage funding measures including funding for persons with a disability.

The 2008 special funding of €1.5 million through my Department is to provide opportunities for persons with a disability to participate in sport and physical activity by way of the appointment of Sports Inclusion Development Officers in Local Sports Partnerships.

Last year, special funding was allocated from the dormant account funds through my Department for projects to increase participation in sports and recreation in disadvantaged areas.

My Department also provides significant funding for sports in disadvantaged areas through the Irish Sports Council and the Sports Capital and Local Authority Swimming Pool Programmes in addition to these special measures under the dormant accounts funds.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

396 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6626/08]

My Department does not currently hold equity stakes in any companies.

Sports Capital Programme.

Finian McGrath

Question:

397 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a club (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [6844/08]

Under the sports capital programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The programme is advertised on an annual basis.

The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications is 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for online applications. Application forms are available from my Department or directly from the Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie.

All applications received before the deadline will evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

The Deputy may be interested to know that the club in question have been allocated €370,000 under the programme in 2005 and 2006.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

398 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7013/08]

Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority was established under the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003. One of its functions is the regulation of standards in the Tourism industry. Details of the operating budget for Fáilte Ireland are contained in its annual reports, copies of which are placed in the Dáil Library, and in my Department's Annual Estimates.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

399 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of rent supplement who the community welfare officers have deducted overpayment money from their allowances, in view of the fact that they have not made the payment to their landlords having received payment from the CWO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6203/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of my department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Where the HSE becomes aware that a person receiving rent supplement is not using that supplement to meet housing costs, the supplement may be stopped and an overpayment may be raised. Any overpayment of rent supplement incurred in circumstances of this kind may be recoverable from the tenant. It is a matter for a Community Welfare Officer (CWO) of the HSE to determine if an overpayment should be raised and recovered, taking into account all of the circumstances of each particular case. Where an overpayment is deemed to be recoverable, a CWO will make appropriate arrangements with the tenant for recovery of the overpayment.

Available statistics do not specifically identify the number of people who have had deductions made from payments, where rent supplement was found not to have been paid over to a landlord. However, enquiries with the community welfare service suggest that the scale of this particular type of overpayment is not significant.

Flood Relief.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

400 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if compensation will be made available to those affected by the recent floods in Fermoy town and Mallow town; if his attention has been drawn to the hardship they endured during the flooding and the severe personal damage they suffered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6240/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes.

Under the legislation governing the scheme, the HSE may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need to people on social welfare or health board payments. This is a once-off payment to meet an unforeseen or special need that cannot be met from a person's basic income.

Assistance in the form of an Urgent Needs Payment (UNP) can be also made to persons who would not normally be entitled to SWA, to assist, for example in cases of flood damage with immediate needs, such as food, clothing, fuel, household goods and perhaps shelter. Assistance can be provided to people affected, in cash or in kind.

Over the past few months, flooding has been experienced in a number of areas of the country. My Department's role in supporting the response to the recent flooding primarily involves supporting the community welfare service in the provision of ENP and UNP funding in the short term and other supports where applicable to cater for the long-term effects of the flooding. Any support given relates to damage to a person's home or loss of essential items. It does not extend to business or commercial losses. Local community welfare officers are available to provide assistance on an individual basis where that is warranted. If any person is experiencing hardship as a result of the recent flooding, they should contact their local Community Welfare Officer in the first instance.

Live Register.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

401 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Bandon, County Cork including the number of those who are long term unemployed for the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5944/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

406 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Skibbereen, County Cork including the number of people who are long term unemployed for the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6028/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

407 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Kinsale, County Cork including the number of people who are long term unemployed for the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6029/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

408 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Dunmanway, County Cork including the number of people who are long term unemployed for the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6030/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

409 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Clonakilty, County Cork including the number of people who are long term unemployed for the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6031/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

410 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Castletownbere, County Cork including the number of people who are long term unemployed for the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6032/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

411 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people on the live register in Bantry, County Cork including the number of people who are long term unemployed for the years 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6033/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 406 to 411, inclusive, together.

The data requested is collated by my Department at local office level and is given in tabular form below in respect of Bandon, Skibbereen, Kinsale, Clonakilty, Castletownbere and Bantry for the years 2004 to 2007 as recorded for the last Friday in each of these years and for the last Friday in January 2008.

2004

2005

2006

2007

Jan-08

Bandon

Total on LR

538

520

500

631

660

Long Term Unemployed

200

209

212

226

227

Skibbereen

Total on LR

395

403

411

394

412

Long Term Unemployed

99

98

103

98

102

Kinsale

Total on LR

629

640

601

639

659

Long Term Unemployed

302

299

309

272

275

Dunmanway

Total on LR

216

226

242

0

0

Long Term Unemployed

49

42

58

0

0

Clonakilty

Total on LR

472

465

451

497

515

Long Term Unemployed

177

200

200

202

211

Castletownbere

Total on LR

191

140

134

134

161

Long Term Unemployed

64

18

37

44

43

Bantry

Total on LR

350

322

347

358

396

Long Term Unemployed

89

48

109

98

109

Data in respect of Dunmanway is not collated separately at present as the office is temporarily closed. The figures for that area are included in Bandon and Macroom figures with small numbers of claims in other offices.

The live register is published monthly by the Central Statistics Office. The live register figures and a range of related statistical data can be accessed via the Central Statistics Office website (www.cso.ie).

Social Welfare Benefits.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

402 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in relation to rent supplements payable under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, if his attention has been drawn to the rent ceiling on which supplement is based are entirely unrealistic in the current rental market and that this gives rise to a situation in which persons on very low incomes are obliged to make private arrangements with landlords for payment of higher rents in order to secure accommodation; if he will review the rent limits under the rent supplement scheme to take account of realistic rent levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5957/08]

Rent supplement is administered on my behalf by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different eligible household types to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household.

There are currently over 60,000 rent supplements in payment. Some 46,000 have been awarded since the current rent limits were set in January 2007. This suggests that the limits are set at reasonable levels at present.

Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes, including people in low wage employment. Notwithstanding these limits, under existing arrangements the HSE may, in certain circumstances, exceed the rent limits. This discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness

In January 2007 a review was completed of the maximum levels of rent which a person may incur and still be eligible to receive rent supplement. The purpose of the review was to inform the process of setting new limits, applicable from January 2007 until 30 June 2008. The review included consultation with the HSE, the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Central Statistics Office, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and voluntary agencies working in this area. This process ensures that the new rent limits reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country. Arising from the review, rent limits were adjusted upwards, from January 2007, for a number of household types in 14 counties.

I intend to have rent limits reviewed this year with a view to implementing any revision found to be necessary, from 1 July 2008. A consultative approach will be used to conduct this review.

Questions Nos. 403 and 404 withdrawn.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

405 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6003/08]

Oracle Financials is the financial management system which produces the Departments two statutory accounts annually. These two accounts — the Appropriation Account and the Social Insurance Fund account — showed an annual outturn of €7.3 billion and €7.7 billion respectively for 2006, the last year for which full information is available.

This financial system is used widely across the public and private sectors and supports the normal range of accounting functions such as General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Purchasing, Inventory and Fixed Assets. The system was initially acquired in 1998 at a cost of €480,000. The implementation was done by CFM following a competitive tendering process. A separate query and reporting tool known as Business Objects was also implemented in tandem with Oracle Financials to provide management reporting facilities.

The most recent annual software licence and support fee for Oracle Financials application and database software was €60,000.

The Oracle Financials system is monitored on an ongoing basis and has been upgraded regularly to keep up with emerging business needs. The most recent upgrade in 2006 was implemented at a cost €235,000.

The Department has a number of large-scale payment systems through which sixty two million payment transactions are generated annually. While these systems would include some financial accounting features, the payment and receipts data related to these payment systems is fed into Oracle's general ledger where all Departmental expenditure is brought to account and it is from the general ledger that the Department's annual accounts are produced.

Questions Nos. 406 to 411, inclusive, answered with Question No. 401.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

412 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal will be heard for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [6101/08]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

413 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid out in rent supplement by the Health Service Executive to recipients in Cork for the years 2005 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6112/08]

The following table shows expenditure on rent supplement to recipients living in Cork from 2005 to 2007.

Expenditure on Rent Supplement from 2005 to 2007 in Cork

Year

€m

2005

34.18

2006

36.69

2007

39.47

2008

*

* Expenditure in HSE South is 5.88m (provisional) in January 2008. County breakdown not currently available

Pension Provisions.

Noel O'Flynn

Question:

414 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will allow more flexibility in pension payments relative to the electronic payment method; if an agent will be allowed to sign; and if the validation period will be maintained at 12 weeks rather than 20 days. [6120/08]

The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers' includes payment at a local post office or to a bank or building society account; or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own personal circumstances.

Currently some 50% of customers receive their payment electronically direct to their Post Office, bank or financial institution. The remaining customers are paid by paper based payment instruments — cheques, post drafts or personal payment order books.

The Department is implementing a three-year strategy to change paper based payment instruments to electronic payments at post offices and financial institutions. The programme is being implemented on a phased basis to coincide with book renewal production schedules and as personalised payable order books expire.

Concerns have been raised about the position of customers who use "agents" to collect their payments. The Department is aware of these concerns and have put in place arrangements to continue using book payments in these cases.

Customers who collect their payment at a post office will present their Social Services Card and sign for their payment in the normal way. Payments can be collected up to 60 days after the due date in the case of pensioners and up to 100 days for child benefit recipients. Certain other customers have 20 days to collect their payment which is considered to be the optimum time for collection of a weekly means based payment. Payments that go out of date are returned to the Department, which will be arranged for replacement payment made as appropriate.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

415 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a bereavement grant application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted in respect of their late mother. [6181/08]

A cheque for €850.00 in respect of the Bereavement Grant, was issued to the individual's home address on 8th February 2008 in respect of his late mother's death.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Question:

416 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of an application for supplementary rent allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6183/08]

The Health Service Executive has advised that a rent supplement of €117 per week has been awarded to the person concerned with effect from 10 December 2007. The Executive has also advised that all payments due will issue to the person concerned shortly.

Departmental Bodies.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

417 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the members of the implementation activation group for the implementation of the Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6396/08]

The Government discussion paper, Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents, put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

Any proposed new payment can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other Departments and Agencies. A sub-group of the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion is currently working on an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations. Work on the development of this implementation plan is progressing. Issues including access to childcare support, education, training and activation measures continue to be discussed with the relevant Departments and Agencies. The sub-group is comprised of representatives from the Departments of the Taoiseach, Education and Science, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Finance, Social and Family Affairs, the Office of the Minister for Children and FÁS.

At the same time, an Implementation Working Group has been established in this Department to progress the issues involved in ending the one-parent family payment and introducing a new income support payment for lone parents and other parents on low income. This group is chaired by the Secretary General of the Department and is comprised of representatives, at Principal Officer level, from the relevant policy and operational divisions.

Social Welfare Benefits.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

418 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the criteria agreed with An Post for the provision of electronic payment card machines in small rural post offices for the payment of social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6401/08]

It is government policy to facilitate the greater use of electronic payment systems in the economy in the interests of developing a world-class payments environment in Ireland. In this context, the National Payments Implementation Program Advisory Group, under the aegis of the Department of An Taoiseach, monitors the growth in electronic payments, the reduction in cash transactions and any new payment mechanisms which come on the market. My Department is represented on this Group.

The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers' includes payment at a local post office or to a bank or building society account; or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own personal circumstances.

Currently some 50% of customers receive their payment electronically direct to their Post Office, bank or financial institution. The remaining customers are paid by paper based payment instruments — cheques, post drafts or personal payment order books.

The Department is implementing a three-year strategy to change paper based payment instruments to electronic payments at post offices and financial institutions. The programme is being implemented on a phased basis to coincide with book renewal production schedules and as personalised payable order books expire. The replacement of books with swipe cards will have no impact on customers paid at post offices. Customers will simply present their Social Services Card and sign for their payment in the normal way. An Post and the Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) are committed to assisting customers in the use of cards for collecting their payment.

The post office network, and the facilities available at any individual post office, is a matter for An Post.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

419 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the problems social welfare recipients are having receiving their payment through the post in the Donnycarney/Fairview area since 7 February 2008; and the steps that will be taken to ensure prompt delivery of social welfare payments in the future. [6524/08]

Social Welfare cheques are collected from a central area in my Department at agreed times daily by An Post for delivery to the Dublin Mail Centre for sorting and ongoing delivery to our customers. These cheques are given priority treatment. No complaints of delays of receipt of payments have been received in my Department in respect of the areas mentioned.

The post office network, and the operations of postal services, is a matter for An Post.

Building Regulations.

Michael Ring

Question:

420 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has carried out an audit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6531/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

421 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the sectoral plan (details supplied) includes offices in County Mayo; and if so, if the audits have been carried out and by whom. [6532/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 421 together.

Section 25 of the Disability Act, 2005 requires that all public buildings be fully accessible by 2015 and that they at least meet the minimum standard as set out in Part M of the Building Regulations, 1997 — 2006. The Department's Sectoral Plan (as required by section 31 of the Act) sets out an Action Plan in this regard. This Plan provides for a programme of formal access audits all of our buildings including in Co. Mayo. Since 2006, fifteen such audits have been undertaken but none as yet in the Mayo area. Audits of the ten offices in County Mayo will be carried out in due course.

My Department is reliant on the Office of Public Works (OPW) to commission these audits and to undertake any works of a substantive nature which are recommended in the subsequent reports. The OPW also manage the allocation of funds for this work. My Department is working closely with the Office of Public Works with a view to meeting the targets set down in the Sectoral Plan. I would like to add that most of my Department's Offices meet a basic standard of physical accessibility. In addition, my Department is continually upgrading its facilities and where offices are found to be totally unsuitable for their purpose there is a replacement programme in place. In relation to those offices which are currently inaccessible, alternative arrangements are made, where necessary, to accommodate individual accessibility requirements.

Departmental Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

422 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if there is a person in a position (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6533/08]

Under the Disability Act 2005, the Department is required to have Access Officers in place to support the provision of assistance and guidance for people with disabilities in accessing our services. In compliance with this requirement, the Secretary General appointed Access Officers to cover the Department's various offices across the Country. An Access Officer is in place in the Western Region which covers County Mayo.

Disability Sectoral Plan.

Michael Ring

Question:

423 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of a sectorial plan (details supplied). [6534/08]

As required under the Disability Act 2005, the Department of Social and Family Affairs prepared and published its Disability Sectoral Plan in December 2006. A copy of this Plan has been sent to the Deputy.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

424 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6637/08]

My Department does not hold an equity stake in any company.

Mortgage Interest Supplements.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

425 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of a local authority mortgage interest supplement in 2005 and 2006; the number in receipt of private mortgage interest supplements in 2005 and 2006; and the expenditure on these schemes in 2005 and 2006. [6852/08]

The table shows the number of recipients and expenditure on mortgage interest supplement in 2005 and 2006.

Recipients and Expenditure — Private Mortgage Interest Supplement and Local Authority Mortgage Interest Supplement in 2005 and 2006

Private Mortgage Interest Supplement

Local Authority Mortgage Interest Supplement

Year

Recipients

€000

Recipients

€000

2005

2,741

5,834

479

505

2006

3,023

7,377

401

496

Translation Services.

David Stanton

Question:

426 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the languages for which his Department or persons contracted by his Department provides translation services; the average amount of time it takes for a translation to be completed; the average amount of time by which the processing of claims were delayed in 2007 as a result of translations being required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6857/08]

Translation services are provided for all languages and the majority of requests relate to supporting documentation for use in claims processing. The Department of Foreign Affairs provides a translation service for a number of EU languages. Requests for all other languages are sent to translation companies. In 2007 over 1,100 documents required translation into a number of different languages excluding Irish.

Response times can vary depending on the number of requests on hand at that time and the language required. The average time for translations completed in 2007 was approximately six weeks. The impact of translation time can vary but in the main does not lead to undue delay in processing claims.

My Department makes every effort to source the translation of documents as quickly as possible in order to avoid any delays.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

427 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7023/08]

The Pensions Board is the only regulatory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The statutory role of the Board is to monitor and supervise the operation of the Pensions Act 1990. This involves the regulation of occupational pension schemes and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts and the provision of advice to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on pension matters generally.

The operations of the Pensions Board are largely financed by annual fees payable to it by occupational pension schemes and by providers of Personal Retirement Savings Accounts. Expenditure by the Board in 2006 and 2007 was €6.60 million and €6.59 million (provisional) respectively.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Question:

428 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the mechanism available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to obtain a panic alarm through the social welfare individual or community grant system; if such grants are available to senior citizens by any mechanism within his Department; if so the mechanism a person must use to obtain such a grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5958/08]

Socially monitored personal alarm systems are available as part of my Department's ‘Scheme of Community Support for Older People'. The Scheme is open to people aged 65 and over who have a genuine need for assistance and is administered by local community and voluntary organisations throughout the country with support provided by my Department.

The funding available under the Scheme (maximum amounts) is as follows:

€300 in respect of the once-off cost of installing a socially-monitored alarm system;

€200 in respect of physical security equipment;

€200 in respect of security lighting;

€50 in respect of smoke alarms;

€150 in respect of interior emergency lighting for qualifying older people on our offshore islands.

Applications under the Scheme are accepted throughout the year and can be made through a local community or voluntary group. Information on relevant groups in Co. Kildare is available from my Department at the following telephone numbers 071 9186761/62/63. Alternatively, a list of Groups approved under the Scheme in recent years is available on my Department's website: www.pobail.ie.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

429 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount drawn down through his Department for the percent for arts scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5963/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

430 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5978/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 430 together

In the time available, it has not been possible to compile the information sought by the Deputy. I am arranging for the information to be complied and forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

431 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5994/08]

The main financial management system in my Department is the JD Edwards system. Three other tailored financial management systems in my Department (dedicated to Gaeltacht/island grants; payroll; and travel/subsidence payments, respectively) are interfaced with the JD Edwards system for the purposes of both payments and reporting, so as to provide an integrated accounting package.

Details of the providers and the annual maintenance costs (excluding ad hoc in-house maintenance performed as part of normal day-to-day duties, as required) are shown in the table below.

Financial Management System

System Provider

Annual Maintenance Contract Cost

JD Edwards

System Dynamics

81,246

Quest

Quest Computing Ltd

35,251

Core Pay + Core ESS

Core Computers

34,688

Grant Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

432 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the names of organisations qualifying for recent grant assistance under a scheme (details supplied). [6106/08]

Details of organisations which received funding under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People from 2003 to date are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie. Details of funding prior to 2003 are available in the Dáil Library.

Community Development.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

433 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to meet the concerns of a project (details supplied) in County Waterford in regard to the withdrawal of support from framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6416/08]

The Community Development Programme provides financial assistance to some 180 Projects nationally. These projects operate local resource centres or provide services aimed at addressing the problems faced by communities caused by poverty and disadvantage. Funded Projects meet the needs of women and children, those with disabilities, the homeless, lone parent families, the elderly, the unemployed, young people at risk, Travellers and other disadvantaged groups.

As part of the current programme support, the Department publicly tendered for the provision of support services to Projects in 2004. Six companies, including Framework, were chosen following a public tender process to provide services on a regional basis for the period June 2004 to end May 2007. These contracts were extended, initially, to the end of 2007, and then, to the end of May 2008, in order to complete a consultation process with Projects on the future of the Programme. The Department is considering the results of this consultation process and developments under other Government programmes targeting disadvantaged people. Some improvements identified by Projects have already been implemented, including allowing Projects to have a greater say on procuring support and training appropriate to their own needs. As part of the development of a new Programme, arrangements for the provision of future support services for Projects are under consideration. My Department recognises the value of support services and is considering the best way to enable Projects, at this stage of their development, to access support services that best meet their needs.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

434 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6628/08]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department does not currently hold an equity stake in any company.

Departmental Funding.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

435 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the assistance his Department can give an organisation (details supplied) in County Waterford in regard to funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6753/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department does not operate a specific scheme or programme to support playground committees, however, my Department does operate a number of programmes and schemes and some funding may be available for an element of the project that the Deputy refers to. It should be noted however that each of the schemes and programmes operated by my Department are governed by rules and regulations, which projects must meet in order to qualify for funding.

Details of all the programmes and schemes operated by my Department, including eligibility criteria can be accessed on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

436 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7015/08]

An Coimisinéir Teanga is the only organisation within the ambit of my Department coming within the scope of the Deputy's question. It is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Official Languages Act and investigating complaints from members of the public in this regard. An Coímisinéir is independent in the performance of his functions. Its operating budget, for the years 2006 & 2007, was as follows:

Year

Budget

€000

2006

731

2007

842

Safety Works.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

437 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in the completion of a lease to ensure important safety works are carried out in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6186/08]

This matter is under extensive communications with Donegal County Council. The current position is that the Department is working with the Chief State Solicitor's Office concerning the preparation of a lease. Every effort is being made to expedite the matter.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

438 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will provide with regard to Sean Fisheries Protection Authority, the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6590/08]

The Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, provided for the establishment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). This independent authority was established on January 1st 2007. The principal functions of the Authority as set down in the Act are:

1. To secure efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law and seafood safety law.

2. To promote compliance with and deter contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law.

3. To detect contraventions of sea-fisheries law and food safety law.

4. To provide information to the sea-fisheries and seafood safety sectors on sea-fisheries law and food safety law and relevant matters within the remit of the Authority, through the Consultative Committee, or by any other means it considers appropriate.

5. To advise the Minister in relation to policy on effective implementation of sea-fisheries law and food safety law.

6. To provide assistance and information to the Minister in relation to the remit of the Authority.

7. To collect and report data in relation to sea-fisheries and food safety as required by the Minister under Community law.

8. To represent or assist in the representation of the State at national, Community and international fora as requested by the Minister.

9. To engage in any other activities relating to the functions of the Authority as may be approved of by the Minister.

The Act provides that the Authority shall consist of at least one but not more than three members. The person who held, immediately before the establishment day, the position of Seafood Control manager in the Department was deemed to be appointed a member. Other than as set out above, a member of the Authority is appointed by the Minister.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

439 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide with regard to Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6591/08]

The BIM Board is made up of six members. All members are Ministerial appointees as set out in the 1952 Sea Fisheries Act.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

440 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will provide with regard to aquaculture licences appeals, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6592/08]

Section 23 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1997 provides that the Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board shall consist of a Chairperson and six other members.

In accordance with that Section the Chairperson shall be appointed by the Government, while the remaining members of the Board are appointed by the Minister from amongst persons nominated by classes of organisations prescribed under Section 23.

Section 27 of the Act provides that the Minister shall appoint, from amongst the members of the Board, a person to be the Deputy Chairperson of the Board.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Frank Feighan

Question:

441 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Departments attention was drawn to the fact that REP scheme two and three payments were going to be deferred from 1 January 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5951/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Frank Feighan

Question:

442 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that farmers had entered into a five year contract with her Department and that they would be paid at the end of every year once they had complied with the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5952/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

443 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount drawn down through her Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5960/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

444 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of capital projects funded by her Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5975/08]

I propose to take Question Nos. 443 and 444 together.

I refer the Deputy to the reply by the Minister for Finance to these questions. Material in regard to my Department is included in that reply.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

445 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of financial management systems in place in her Department; the persons who provided her Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5991/08]

My Department's financial management system comprises the SAP R3 Accounts system which was introduced into my Department in 2001. The original system was provided by IBM. Additional modules were added in 2003 and the system was updated in 2006. The annual cost of maintaining the software is €193,000. This annual maintenance fee does not include the cost of the on-site development and support team which comprises officials of the Department and a number of contract staff. The estimated cost of the contract staff in 2008 is €850,000.

Grant Payments.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

446 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will be awarded their correct REP scheme money for 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6084/08]

The 2007 payment for REPS 3 (second year payment) issued on 19 January 2007. There was a reduction in the payment due to the disposal of leased land. The person named has written to my Department to confirm that he understands the reason for the reduced payment. He has also recently applied for his third year payment.

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Dan Neville

Question:

447 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when 10.01 outstanding entitlements under the single farm payment will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [6116/08]

An application was received on 25 April 2007 requesting the transfer of 10.01 standard entitlements by way of lease to the person named from another farmer.

An issue involving unused National Reserve entitlements held by the person named prevented the immediate processing of this application. This issue has since been resolved and the requested transfer has been fully processed.

Payment issued to the person named on 14 February 2008.

Michael Ring

Question:

448 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme payment. [6122/08]

Payments to REPS 4 farmers under contracts which commenced in 2007 are now issuing.

The person named applied for REPS 4 on 17 January 2008. My officials are in discussion with the European Commission on the payment arrangement to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

Disposal of Animals.

Michael Ring

Question:

449 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason in relation to the disposal of cattle and sheep seized from a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for the deductions against the gross value realised for the animals; the person that money was given to; the cost factors that were involved in this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6123/08]

Three cheques with a total value of €1,777.11 issued to the person named on 23 January 2008 together with a statement detailing the gross amount, deductions and the net amount. Total deductions against the gross value of the animals in question amounted to €1,833.85 of which €1,680.27 was in respect of haulage costs and the remaining €153.58 was for miscellaneous expenses (veterinary fees, insurance, levies etc.).

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

450 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted the installation aid grant. [6176/08]

The person concerned is an applicant for aid under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. Her application has been approved and payment will issue shortly.

Early Retirement Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

451 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and granted the early retirement scheme. [6177/08]

The Early Retirement Scheme application for the person named has been approved for payment backdated to his date of valid application, 29 August 2007. However, there are issues relating to his participation in REPS which must be resolved before payment of his Early Retirement pension can commence. In this regard, my Department's Early Retirement Section wrote to the person named on 12 February 2008.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

452 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme payment. [6178/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Michael Ring

Question:

453 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved the installation aid grant following their appeal. [6179/08]

The person concerned was ineligible for aid under the Installation Aid Scheme as he was over the age-limit laid down in the Scheme. His appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office was not accepted as it was outside the required time limits.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

454 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [6187/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

455 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the single farm payment for 2007 will be processed and awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6205/08]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 18th April 2007. As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing these Schemes, the application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and animal identification and registration inspection.

During the course of the ground eligibility inspection, discrepancies were found with four parcels. As a result of these discrepancies, the claimed area of 58.24ha was reduced to 31.62ha. The person named was informed of these findings on 22nd October 2007. If the total area found is not sufficient to support the number of entitlements held, penalties will be applied as per the Terms and Conditions of the scheme. In this case the number of entitlements held by the person named is 58.04. As the difference between the area declared and the area found is more than 20%, under EU Regulations, no payment is due.

A request to review the findings of the eligibility inspection was received. The review is currently being processed and the person named will be informed of the outcome shortly. If the person concerned is not happy with the outcome of the review he has the right to appeal the outcome of the review to the independent Agriculture Appeals Office.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

456 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made on the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a farm waste management grant and dairy hygiene standards grant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6209/08]

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under both the Farm Waste Management Scheme and Dairy Hygiene Scheme. The applications for payment are currently being examined within my Department and the outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.

Wildlife Conservation.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

457 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her officials will meet with farming organisations’ representatives in Connemara, County Galway to brief them on the National Parks and Wildlife Service and her Department’s proposals on destocking on the Twelve Bens mountain range in Connemara (details supplied). [6225/08]

The situation referred to arises under the EU Wild Birds Directive and is accordingly a matter in the first instance for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I understand that the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have agreed that all farmers affected by destocking and overwintering measures which are necessary on the Twelve Bens, once the measures concerned have been determined by that Department in discussion with my Department, will be individually notified and invited to attend local clinics where their individual concerns can be discussed.

In the context of Partnership and the agricultural agreement made under Towards 2016, a formal consultation mechanism is in place between my Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the farming representative bodies. This facilitates regular consultations with the appropriate bodies in relation to issues involving designated land and the interface between nature conservation and agri-environment.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

458 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a REP scheme payment for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon has been delayed; when payment will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6233/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Michael Ring

Question:

459 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a payment under the farm waste management scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [6238/08]

Payment of grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme will be made to the person concerned shortly.

Pat Breen

Question:

460 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6375/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Fisheries Protection.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

461 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if restrictions and quotas have been placed on the fishing of dog fish or spurdog fishing; the details of any restrictions or quotas placed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6409/08]

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) scientific advice is that the stock of spurdog is depleted, that there should be no targeted fishery for spurdog and that the by-catch in mixed fisheries be reduced to the lowest possible level. On the basis of this advice, Council Regulation (EC) No 40/2008 provides for a 5% by-catch limit for spurdog/dogfish for all community vessels up to a maximum of 390 tonnes for the year in Ireland's case. In effect this means that Irish vessels may not retain onboard an amount of spurdog/dogfish in excess of 5% of the live weight of the total catch retained on board. The total amount of spurdog/dogfish landed by Irish vessels may not exceed 390 tonnes in 2008.

Grant Payments.

Joe Carey

Question:

462 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the issue of advance REP scheme payments will be settled between her Department and the EU; the circumstances under which her Department can renege on contracts already signed with participants in the REP scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6509/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

463 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [6514/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Departmental Offices.

Michael Ring

Question:

464 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farm improvement scheme applications received in the Mayo Agriculture, Environment and Structures Offices between 21 and 31 October 2007 that have not been accepted or processed by her Department at this present time with details for each AES office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6530/08]

740 applications were received by my Department in County Mayo under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007. Of these, 241 applications were received in Ballina, 198 in Castlebar and 301 in Claremorris. These applications are currently being processed within my Department up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. No applications received prior to the date of suspension of the Scheme have been rejected by my Department.

Grant Payments.

Noel Coonan

Question:

465 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she became aware that there was a problem with the payment of REP scheme two and three; when she communicated that to the farm organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6558/08]

The farming organisations were made aware in December 2007 of the fact that the EU Regulations governing REPS 4 might, if applied strictly, require a departure from the existing practice of paying REPS participants in full at the beginning of each contract year. My officials informed them that they were making every effort to persuade the Commission that the existing practice should continue for REPS 4.

In the course of discussions on the payment arrangements for REPS 4, the European Commission raised questions early in January 2008 about the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers at the beginning of each contract year. I was informed of this and my officials immediately began to engage with the Commission seeking to resolve the problem. Following my latest round of discussions this week with EU Commissioner Fischer Boel I am glad to report that my Department can continue as before in paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. The Commissioner stated that she had no objection to Ireland continuing to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and that payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Michael Creed

Question:

466 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is an applicant under REP scheme four will receive their first REP scheme payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6562/08]

Payments to REPS 4 farmers under contracts which commenced in 2007 are now issuing. My officials are in discussion with the European Commission on the payment arrangements to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

467 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the companies in which her Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6625/08]

Details of the equity stakes held by my Department are set out below.

As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I hold a Special Share in Greencore plc. That share has the same monetary value as any other share in the company but special conditions are attached which prevent the company from engaging in a number of activities without my consent.

I hold one ordinary share in Coillte Teo, to the value of €1.26 and the Minister for Finance holds the remainder of the issued share capital.

Grant Payments.

Niall Collins

Question:

468 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to the payments due to participants of REP scheme 3. [6735/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

469 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a farm grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6741/08]

Payment of grant-aid under the Dairy Hygiene Scheme will be made to the person concerned shortly.

Sean Fleming

Question:

470 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the REP scheme three payment will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [6742/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Michael Ring

Question:

471 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is a way that an application for the installation aid grant by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo could be accepted and granted. [6759/08]

The person concerned has submitted a preliminary application (IAS 1) under the Installation Aid Scheme. However, eligibility for payment cannot be established until a valid application for payment (IAS 2) is submitted.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

472 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the basis of the statement on 24 October 2007 on the REP scheme; if she will outline what has changed since that date regarding the payments under REP scheme two, three and four respectively; the reason there was no issue regarding anniversary payments under REP scheme four after year one of the plan yet a similar payment scheme for post year one payments under REP scheme two and three are being allegedly blocked by the Commission; if the Commission is satisfied with her comments of 24 October 2007 regarding REP scheme four; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6792/08]

The farming organisations were made aware in December 2007 of the fact that the EU Regulations governing REPS 4 might, if applied strictly, require a departure from the existing practice of paying REPS participants in full at the beginning of each contract year. My officials informed them that they were making every effort to persuade the Commission that the existing practice should continue for REPS 4.

Early in January, 2008 in the course of discussions on the interpretation of the new rules for REPS 4 payment's the Commission unexpectedly challenged Ireland's long-standing practice of paying REPS farmers at the beginning of each contract year. At that stage, some €6 million had already been paid to REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers since 1 January 2008. My officials argued strongly with the Commission that the practice of paying at the start of the contract year is well established and one of which the Commission is well aware. My Department's position was outlined in considerable detail at a meeting with the Commission in Brussels on 25 January.

When Commissioner Fischer Boel was in Dublin three weeks ago to attend the Annual General Meeting of the IFA, I took the opportunity to make the same points directly to her and I emphasised the seriousness with which I regarded the situation. Following my latest round of discussions this week with the Commissioner, I am glad to report that my Department can continue as before in paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. The Commissioner stated that she had no objection to Ireland continuing to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments, which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week. Payments to REPS 4 farmers under contracts which commenced in 2007 are now issuing. My officials are in discussion with the European Commission on the payment arrangements to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

Denis Naughten

Question:

473 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how she can break the contract signed with each REP scheme two and three participant when the farmer cannot break the contract; when farmers who have reached their anniversary will receive payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6793/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Denis Naughten

Question:

474 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when her Department became aware of EU Commission concerns regarding the payment dates for REP scheme two and three; the dates on which her officials met with the Commission to resolve the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6794/08]

In the course of the ongoing discussions on the payment arrangements for REPS 4, the European Commission raised questions early in January 2008 about the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 farmers at the beginning of each contract year. My Department's position was outlined in considerable detail at a meeting with the Commission in Brussels on 25 January. When Commissioner Fischer Boel was in Dublin three weeks ago to attend the Annual General Meeting of the IFA, I took the opportunity to make the same points directly to her and I emphasised the seriousness with which I regarded the situation.

Following my latest round of discussions this week with the Commissioner, I am glad to report that my Department can continue as before in paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. The Commissioner stated that she had no objection to Ireland continuing to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Denis Naughten

Question:

475 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a derogation was sought from the EU Commission regarding the payment date for REP scheme two and three; when this derogation was sought and the reason for same; the condition of such derogation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6795/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels earlier this week about the difficulties with the European Commission in relation to the established practice of paying REPS 2 and REPS 3 participants at the beginning of each contract year. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue to receive REPS payment claims and make payments as has been done in the past, until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts.

I have directed my officials to take immediate steps to release REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payment for valid outstanding claims will begin to issue later this week.

Animal Welfare.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

476 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that has been made on an all-Ireland approach to animal health and safety, food safety and imports from outside the European Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6797/08]

Co-operation in the development of an all-island animal health and welfare strategy has progressed through the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and by a number of working groups which continued to meet during the suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The following decisions on cross Border co-operation in animal health and welfare were taken at an NSMC Agriculture Sectoral meeting on 9th November 2007.

The Council

recognised the important work that has been undertaken to develop an all-island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy;

noted the all-island Animal Health and Welfare Strategy paper developed by the North/South Animal Health and Welfare Steering Group and which includes a list of initial activities for delivery of key elements of the strategy with various milestones and deadlines for the immediate period ahead;

agreed that the way forward is through co-operation and the development of complementary policies;

agreed that the free movement of animals on the island continues to be the ultimate aim of an animal health and welfare strategy; and

requested officials to continue to oversee progress on delivery of the initial activities of the Strategy and to identify further issues to progress the Strategy for approval at the next NSMC sectoral meeting.

In relation to co-operation on food safety, the Food Safety Promotion Board, safefood, was set up under the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999. It has a statutory remit with respect to food safety on the island of Ireland including promotion; research; communication of food alerts; surveillance of food borne diseases; promotion of scientific co-operation and linkages between laboratories; and the provision of an independent assessment, through independent scientific advice, of the safety and hygiene of food produced, distributed or marketed on the island of Ireland. Since its establishment safefood has undertaken a number of extensive programmes which seek to further enhance food safety knowledge and increase capacity building across the island of Ireland.

In the exercise of its functions safefood works closely with the competent authorities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, namely the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and Food Standards Agency, respectively. Through various programmes and projects safefood has collaborated with, and built strong relationships with, the respective Departments of Agriculture on the island. safefood has a corporate philosophy of adding value to the activities of other stakeholder bodies in the food chain and liaises with departments of Environmental Health in both jurisdictions, industry as well as consumer bodies.

The conditions for import into the EU of live animals and products of animal origin from third countries are harmonised under EU Regulations and are being applied in both Ireland and N. Ireland. Imports may only enter the territory of EU through Border Inspection Posts (BIP) approved by the EU where veterinary inspection controls are applied. Moreover imports are permitted only from approved and listed third countries, or regions of those countries and, in the case of animal products, from approved export establishments. The EU rules have also harmonised the import veterinary certification requirements.

Having satisfied the entry control at a BIP imports are then free to move in intra-community trade. The Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of the European Commission carries out audits the operation of controls in the Member States, and in third countries, and publishes reports of its findings on its website. There is dialogue between the services operating EU import controls.

Foreshore Licences.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

477 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is planned to streamline the procedure for applying for a foreshore licence and to ensure that applications are dealt with in a reasonable timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6799/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

478 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is planned to amend the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2003; if all stakeholders will have an opportunity to make proposals on proposed amendments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6800/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 478 together.

The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade, and for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions. In the interim, all foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005 rest with my Department. My Department will carry forward responsibility for all other foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933, including in respect of all aquaculture developments and piers and harbours, other than in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade.

The Statement of Strategy 2005-2007 of the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources indicated that procedures would be developed for enhanced coordination and cooperation between the wide range of public bodies responsible for management of the coastal zone. This was in response to the increasing demands and pressures on coastal areas and their resources.

A consolidation and streamlining of the Foreshore Acts has also been proposed. This is intended to provide a modern, effective and integrated legal framework for the management of the State's foreshore estate in the future. Preparation of these proposals is intended to take account, among other things, of the principles in the EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, the outcome of the EU Maritime Green Paper and the EU Marine Strategy Directive.

The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will clearly assume a critical role in these proposals. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of progressing the various elements required to develop the appropriate coastal zone legislative framework. Any such consolidation and streamlining of the Foreshore Acts will be subject to a full Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA).

Regulatory Impact Analysis is a tool used to assess the likely effects of a proposed new regulation or regulatory change. It involves a detailed analysis to ascertain whether or not the new regulation would have the desired impact. It helps to identify any possible side effects or hidden costs associated with regulation and to quantify the likely costs of compliance on the individual citizen or business. As part of the RIA process of assessing the impacts, all stakeholders will have the opportunity to submit a response. These submissions will form part of the RIA, which will be a public document.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

479 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of members of the steering group overseeing the work of the RELAY Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6859/08]

The RELAY Steering Group has 12 members. The Group is chaired by an official of my Department, and also includes three senior food industry representatives, one representative from Enterprise Ireland, and one representative from each of the following research institutions: Teagasc, University College Dublin, University College Cork, University of Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, the National University of Ireland Galway and Dublin City University. Meetings of the Group are held once or twice a year, or as need arises, to review progress and to input into the RELAY dissemination programme for the period ahead.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

480 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7012/08]

My Department is the regulatory authority with responsibility for enforcement of a wide range of EU and national legislation governing primary production and processing in the agri-food sector, including animal health and welfare, plant health and fisheries activities. My Department also carries out control and inspection activities in relation to food safety and consumer protection requirements on the basis of a service level agreement with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and is responsible for the control and inspection functions in relation to obligations imposed on the beneficiaries of EU funded and co-funded schemes such as the Single Farm Payment. A large number of the Department's staff are engaged in the regulatory activity, many of whom have other duties, and it is not possible to isolate the operating budget for this type of activity. The full administrative budget for my Department in 2006 and 2007 was €281.2 million and €296.4 million respectively (including the fisheries administrative budget expenditure from 19 October 2007). The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is the regulatory authority with responsibility for the enforcement of regulations on sea fisheries protection and seafood safety. The Authority, which is funded through my Department's Vote, was established in January 2007. The operational costs in 2007 were €10.9 million.

Public Private Partnerships.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

481 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the terms of the public private partnership contract that has been agreed between her Department and a construction company for the provision of two secondary schools at Borris Road, Portlaoise, including but not restricted to the length of the lease, tax incentives, any initial payment, the ongoing cost of the lease and any final payment before the school can come into public ownership. [5949/08]

Macquarie Partnership for Ireland (MPFI) has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the provision of the first Bundle of Public Private Partnership Schools consisting of two schools in County Laois and two in County Offaly. Negotiations between the National Development Finance Agency, which is responsible for the procurement of the school, and MPFI are ongoing. It is envisaged that the contract will be signed with the next few months. If the negotiations are successful MPFI will be granted a licence to build and then operate the four schools for 25 years. All four schools will remain in public ownership. MPFI will receive no payments until the four schools have been completed and are in operation. Unitary payments will then be paid on a monthly basis for the duration of the contract and will be subject to deductions if required. No tax incentives, special initial or final payments are being provided to MPFI.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

482 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount drawn down through her Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5965/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

483 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of capital projects funded by her Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down. [5980/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 482 and 483 together.

During the period of the last National Development Plan 2000-2006 my Department accelerated the school building programme with record levels of investment and the streamlining of delivery systems. An aggregate total of well over €2.6 billion was invested in upgrading existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first and second level. This programme delivered over 7,800 building projects. The overall investment in school building infrastructure over the lifetime of the new NDP will be €4.5 billion, including almost €600 million for the school building programme in 2008. Details of the number of projects funded by my Department at first and second level from 2002 to 2007 are given in the tabular statement that follows this reply. The statistics sought by the Deputy regarding the percent for art scheme are not readily available. However, I assure the Deputy that my Department supports and encourages schools with large-scale school building projects to utilise the scheme.

Year

No. of Projects

2002

1,300

2003

1,350

2004

825

2005

1,178

2006

1,385

2007

1,500*

* Projects approved in 2007 some with completion dates in 2008.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

484 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of financial management systems in place in her Department; the persons who provided her Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5996/08]

My Department has one financial management system. The system was provided by Oracle and the annual cost of maintaining the software is in the region of €162,000.

Site Acquisitions.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

485 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department and Fingal County Council have identified and acquired a site for a post primary school (details supplied) in County Dublin as recommended by the Commission on School Accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6023/08]

As the Deputy will be aware the Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a Developing Areas Unit in my Department, dedicated solely to progressing school planning in rapidly developing areas, building on improvements that have already been made in recent years. This Developing Areas Unit, in conjunction with Fingal County Council has been working to identify and acquire sites, under the Fingal School Model, for rapidly growing areas, including the area to which the Deputy refers. A permanent site for the school to which the Deputy refers will be identified by Fingal County Council as part of their Local Area Plan.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

486 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has been acquired by her Department and Fingal County Council for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin as recommended by the Commission on School Accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6024/08]

I advise the Deputy that a site has been identified for the school in question and will be acquired in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Youth Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

487 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason every application, since 2001 to date in 2008 made by an group (details supplied) in Dublin 6 for funding to Special Projects for Youth has been rejected; the action the group can take to demonstrate their need to employ two youth workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6025/08]

I recently met a delegation on behalf of the project in question. According to my Department's records, applications were submitted annually on behalf of the project in question for funding under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme from 2005 to 2008. There is a large demand each year for financial assistance under my Department's Special Projects for Youth Scheme and a large proportion of the annual Estimate allocation is committed each year to supporting projects already funded under the scheme. As I indicated in my reply on 30 January, I am not in a position at this time to make any commitments with regard to funding for new projects.

School Enrolments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

488 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the options available to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who has been unable to secure a place in their first choice girls secondary school and has been told by the only other all girls school that they can not consider them until September 2009 and not 2008 when they are due to enter secondary school and wants to attend an all girl school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6027/08]

Enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that the schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Acts. However, in formulating an admissions policy a school must ensure it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school. Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a student, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a student. The National Educational Welfare Board is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

School Accommodation.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

489 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction a prefab for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6090/08]

The school referred to by the Deputy has made an application to my Department for temporary accommodation. The application is being processed and a decision will be communicated to the school authorities as soon as possible.

Site Acquisitions.

Brian Hayes

Question:

490 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans for providing a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 with a permanent site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6094/08]

Officials in my Department have been pursuing the question of sourcing a site to accommodate the school to which the Deputy refers. All applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a band rating. Progress on individual projects are then considered in the context of the multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Accommodation.

Tom Hayes

Question:

491 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when sanction will be approved for the purchase of a portakabin for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [6105/08]

Officials from my Department have been in contact with the school authorities regarding additional information required to process their application. On receipt of this information the application will be fully examined and the school authorities will be contacted without delay.

Physical Education Facilities.

James Bannon

Question:

492 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to funding for an astro turf pitch for a school (details supplied) in County Longford. [6113/08]

There is no record of an application in my Department for funding in relation to the provision of an astro turf pitch for the school referred to by the Deputy. The school should contact the School Building Section of my Department about the matter.

Schools Building Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

493 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of a new school building (details supplied) in County Kildare; when funding will be announced for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6146/08]

A tender report for a new school building has been received for the school referred to by the Deputy. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Accommodation.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

494 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will form a task force to examine the accommodation shortfall for students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6147/08]

I have no plans to establish a taskforce on school accommodation needs. As the Deputy will be aware the Programme for Government commits my Department to establishing a Developing Areas Unit to liaise with Local Authorities, to identify where new schools are needed and to ensure that these schools are delivered in the fastest possible timeframe. Initial work on establishing and assigning dedicated staff to the Unit began in the latter part of 2007 and it is now fully operational. In terms of its work programme for 2008, the Developing Areas Unit is advancing the delivery of 30 new primary schools which are planned to be in place for September 2008. These projects are being delivered in areas which have been identified as areas of rapid population growth. I announced the details of the individual projects recently. To deliver its 2008 programme, the Developing Areas Unit has been working closely with relevant Local Authorities on the acquisition of sites and on general pre-planning issues. Project Managers, together with architectural, engineering and quantity surveying services were recruited from the private sector in October 2007 to prepare the planning applications, undertake the necessary surveys and oversee the delivery of the schools on each site. Sites for each of the projects have been identified and site master-plans have been developed by the technical teams.

An EU tendering process to establish a drawdown contract for the off-site construction of permanent and temporary accommodation had a closing date of 2 January 2008 and has now been completed. Planning Applications have been lodged for virtually all of the schools. The successful tenderers for the construction of each individual project have been notified and the programme is on target. When taken with a number of other projects in developing areas involving extensions to existing schools, approximately 9,000 additional school places will be provided for September 2008. In the meantime, the Forward Planning Section of the Department is identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be needed for 2009 and onwards. This is also being done in close consultation with local authorities. The Forward Planning Section's findings will likewise feed into the Developing Areas Unit for delivery. My Department is satisfied that the approach which it is now taking to the identification and delivery of extra school places in rapidly developing areas will ensure that those places will be provided when and where they are needed.

School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

495 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will introduce the new provisions of the Teaching Council Act 2001; if she is satisfied that there is a sufficient resource of trained substitute teachers whose work is being done, in some instances, by untrained persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6234/08]

The Teaching Council Act 2001 provides that "the Act shall come into operation on such day or days as the Minister may appoint by orders or orders either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision and different days may be so fixed for different purposes or provisions." Many of the provisions of the Act have come into operation. The Teaching Council has made significant progress on a number of fronts, most notably in establishing and maintaining a register of teachers, processing applications for entrance on to same, determining qualifications for registration, publishing codes of professional conduct for the teaching profession, establishing a research policy, awarding research bursaries, advising the Minister on various matters including the standards of educational qualification required to enter programmes of teacher education, professional development and teacher supply, and promoting the teaching profession generally. Some sections of the Act have not yet been commenced. My Department is working closely with the Teaching Council to ensure that it is in a position to fully discharge the relevant functions in advance of the commencement of the corresponding sections of the Act. The remaining sections will be commenced when it is feasible to do so. My Department continually monitors the situation in relation to retirements, demographics and the many other factors affecting supply and demand of teachers, in the light of system needs and available resources. I am satisfied that my Department will take the necessary steps to enable the future demand and need for teachers to be met. The Deputy might be interested to note that, in this context, my Department approved an additional 210 places for the current intake to the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Primary), commencing February 2008.

School Transport.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

496 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis on which school transport has been refused in the case of a child (details supplied) in County Wexford who attends a primary school 5.1 miles from the family home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6237/08]

My Department has asked Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme, to submit a report on the background to the case referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied. The case will be considered on receipt of this report.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

497 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of Primary Circular 11/02, regarding the secondment of primary school teachers, it is possible to re-categorise colleges of education (details supplied) as her Department’s National Approved Programmes, in order to allow a period of up to ten years secondment rather than the five year secondment period which the school is allocated as it is currently classified as an outside body for the purposes of the circular, and that to make such a change is at the sole discretion of herself and would not require a change to Circular 11/02; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6377/08]

The scheme of secondment is designed to facilitate the temporary release of a permanent teacher from his or her teaching post. The procedures for secondment arrangements are set out in Department Circular 11/02. Under these arrangements a Board of Management, in framing a policy position on secondments, is required to ensure that the welfare and educational needs of pupils take precedence over all other considerations. The Board of Management must ensure that a fully qualified temporary replacement teacher can be obtained to replace the teacher on secondment. The terms of the secondment arrangement referred to by the Deputy allow for secondment to an outside organisation, in this case a College of Education, for a maximum period of five years. I regard this five-year period as an appropriate balance between the needs of the individual schools from which staff are seconded from and outside organisations — in this case a College of Education.

Site Acquisitions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

498 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made on acquiring a permanent site for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6380/08]

The Office of Public Works, which acts generally on behalf of the Department on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has been requested to source a site for this school. A suitable site has been identified and its acquisition is at the conveyancing stages.

Family Support Services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

499 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the policy approach adopted by her Department in relation to facilitating single parents at both second and third level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6393/08]

For young parents of schoolgoing age, the most pressing issues are considered to be a sensitive response to their needs, appropriate counselling, mentoring and medical assistance, minimum disruption of tuition, and appropriate access to child care. Individual circumstances will differ and accordingly, school management practice will vary from case to case. Generally, when it comes to the attention of the school that a pupil is pregnant, the school authorities check to ensure that the girl is receiving appropriate medical assistance and counselling advice. Schools endeavour to be sensitive and understanding to the girl's needs while trying to ensure that her education is not neglected. Home tuition is provided to pregnant schoolgirls who are absent from school during the later stages of pregnancy or immediately following the birth of a baby when attendance may be impractical.

Funding has been committed in 2008 for the education element of eight Teenage Parenting Support projects as a specific gender element of the School Completion Programme under DEIS in preventing early school leaving among teenage mothers. Links have been established between local School Completion projects in these areas, assisted by the SCP National Co-ordination Team and the Teenage Parenting Support Initiative Co-ordinators. The aim of these projects is to enable young women who are pregnant and young mothers to stay in second level education and to progress on to third level education or training. The Project does this by providing individual support, information and grinds where necessary. Young people participating in Parenting Support Programmes are targeted in-school, out-of-school and in higher/further education, giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential through continued participation in education and training. This will improve their life opportunities and reduce the likelihood of the young family experiencing poverty and social exclusion and being long-term dependants on State support. Single parents are target groups of two Further Education programmes, the Back to Education Initiative and the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme. Grants towards the cost of child care are given to VECs to be used to assist with the provision of child care support for learners in the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme, Youthreach, Senior Traveller Training Centres and in the Back to Education Initiative. The aim of this support is to attract people whose attendance is prevented by child care responsibilities to enrol on these programmes. Parents and guardians generally may avail of these grants.

A number of initiatives funded by the Department acknowledge the additional costs encountered by lower income students, including those with children, and support their participation in higher education. Major improvements have been made by this Government in both the income limits for eligibility and the actual grant levels for third level student support. This includes the introduction of the special rate of maintenance grant. The highest rate of this grant is now at a record level of €6,690 for the 2007-08 academic year — compared with just over €2,000 in 1996-97. To qualify for a special rate of maintenance income must be below a specified income threshold and the household income must include an eligible social welfare payment. The One-parent Family payment and the Back to Education Allowance, payable by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, are eligible payments for the special rate of maintenance grant. It should also be noted that both the One-parent Family payment and the Back to Education Allowance are excluded in the calculation of reckonable income for both the standard and special rate of maintenance grant.

The ESF aided Student Assistance Fund continues to be a vital avenue of financial support for students experiencing financial difficulties in third level institutions, assisting with such supports as rent, child care and food costs. A gross allocation of €6.219 million will be made in the current academic year for this fund. Some 9,886 students benefited from the Student Assistance Fund in 2005-6. In 2005 some institutions reported that up to 60% of their students were drawing on the Student Assistance Fund to meet child care costs incurred while they were in higher education. The Millennium Partnership Fund continues to support students from disadvantaged areas with regard to retention and participation in further and higher education. Contribution to the costs of child care for student parents is a key expenditure area of the Fund. The find, which is currently running at approximately €2 million per annum, is allocated to community partnerships and partnership companies participating in the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme.

Greater affordability of child care, linked to the creation of additional child care places, has been a key principle in both the previous and current National Development Plans. This Government has provided unprecedented levels of funding for child care in recent years. Some €499.3 million was allocated to the Equal Opportunities Child Care Programme 2000-2006 and some 41,000 places will have been created by the time the programme finishes. Child care provision will continue to attract substantial investment under the new national child care investment programme 2006-10. Some €575 million has been allocated to the new programme, which will be administered by the Office of the Minister for Children and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality child care services by supporting the creation of an additional 50,000 places. This Government also introduced the Early Childhood Supplement of €1,000 per child under six to help parents with child care costs.

A large number of third level institution also provide crèche facilities, child care facilities while others have crèches adjacent to the campus. A number of Higher Education institutions were approved for grants for child care facilities under the Equal Opportunities Child Care Programme 2000-06, which is administered by the office of the Minister for Children. All the above initiatives support single parents to continue their studies at third level. The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of child care; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children. A sub-group of the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion, on which my Department is represented, is currently working on an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations. Work on the development of this implementation plan is progressing. Issues including access to child care support, education, training and activation measures continue to be discussed with the relevant Departments and Agencies. In this regard, my Department is co-operating with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Office of the Minister for Children and FÁS in testing the non-income activation proposals in Coolock in Dublin and in Kilkenny.

Schools Refurbishment.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

500 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received from a school (details supplied) in County Donegal towards renovation and extension to the premises; if the application is being considered at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6411/08]

The school in question submitted an application under the Small Schools Scheme 2007 for additional accommodation/refurbishment. Due to the volume of applications received in my Department at the time it was not possible to allocate funding to all proposed projects and the application from this school was not successful.

School Staffing.

Michael McGrath

Question:

501 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedure for recruiting staff for a planned new school (details supplied) in County Cork; and the way vacancies will be advertised. [6414/08]

Under the terms of the Education Act 1998, the Board of Management of a primary school is responsible for the recruitment, selection and appointment of all teachers to a school. The procedures for the appointment of teachers are set out in Appendix D of the publication, Boards of Management Constitution of Boards and Rules of Procedure (revised November, 2007), copies of which are available in all primary schools to the Board of Management members and also on my Department website, www.education.ie. Boards of Management are obliged to recruit and employ fully qualified primary teachers for any vacancy in a school, regardless of the duration of the vacancy. Information regarding recognised qualifications can be obtained from the Primary Administration Section of my Department.

Schools Refurbishment.

Joe Carey

Question:

502 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be receiving their technical visit; the timeframe for the refurbishment or redevelopment of the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6510/08]

I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department is in receipt of an application for large scale capital funding from the school to which he refers. The project has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band rating. Progress on the proposed works will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

Schools Building Projects.

Simon Coveney

Question:

503 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the building of a new school (details supplied), especially in the context of the fast-tracking of a new school in neighbouring Rochestown; and if she will issue a new schedule for the completion of the school as the old ones are now irrelevant. [6511/08]

The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, is considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. The Deputy can be assured that my Department will continue to ensure that building projects such as the one in question will be commenced and delivered within the earliest possible timeframes.

Schools Recognition.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

504 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of all Irish post primary schools which have received permanent recognition from her Department in the past five years; the location of these schools; the patron body involved and the level of enrolment achieved in each case at the time of granting recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6521/08]

Since the 1st September 2002 one All-Irish Post-Primary school received permanent recognition. The school, Coláiste Oiriall, Monaghan, operates under the aegis of County Monaghan Vocational Education Committee. I will arrange to have the enrolment details forwarded to the Deputy. In general such new schools open with provisional recognition from my Department. The schools are required to complete a minimum period of three years in this mode, during which time they must demonstrate viability and that they are operating in accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools. The matter of permanent recognition can be considered when this period has expired.

Schools Building Projects.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

505 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to her reply to Question No. 468 of 12 February 2008 and in view of her application to Athy Town Council for planning permission to erect an eight classroom primary school, she will indicate the intended patron body for this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6522/08]

Discussions are ongoing in relation to the intended patronage of the school in question and a decision will be made shortly.

Schools Refurbishment.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

506 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the serious structural deficiencies in a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if she has received a request for sanction for a programme of reconstruction for the school; if she will sanction the project in view of the conditions that pupils and staff have to endure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6541/08]

A tender report for a new school building for the school referred to by the Deputy has been received in my Department. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase is considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme in which the main focus is to deliver school places within rapidly developing areas. The progression of all school building projects will be considered in this context. I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. I intend to make further announcements regarding projects that will be proceeding to construction during the course of the year as the school building programme is rolled out.

School Transport.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

507 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science when school transport will be provided for children attending a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6552/08]

The pupils referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, are not eligible for school transport to the school in question as they reside in a ‘closed school area'. In the case of amalgamations, pupils residing in a ‘closed school area' are eligible to the school of amalgamation only.

School Staffing.

Mary Upton

Question:

508 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on the appointment of a home-school liaison co-ordinator for each of the two schools (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6555/08]

A total of 450 local HSCL coordinators provide HSCL services to 691 schools (370 Primary and 281 Post primary), with an additional 80 posts made available in 2006 to extend Home School Community Liaison services to all schools selected to participate in DEIS, the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, that did not have such services. I also extended my commitment to schools not selected to participate in DEIS but already in HSCL scheme, to continue to support these schools in their efforts to deal with educational disadvantage among their students in line with both their size and level of disadvantage.

HSCL coordinator posts are provided on a full time or shared basis between schools and must be deployed to do full-time liaison duties. For the first time, posts are shared across the two sectors — primary & post primary level, to facilitate local HSCL coordinators working with the families of disadvantaged children. My Department is currently undertaking a full review of Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) clustering arrangements in all schools participating in the scheme to ensure that all schools have a level of service which commensurates with both the size of the school as well as its relative level of disadvantage. Any changes made in the HSCL clustering arrangements, which will take effect from 1 September 2008, will be notified to schools shortly.

Schools Building Projects.

Noel Coonan

Question:

509 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for the emergency works grant; when the application will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6559/08]

The Modernisation and Policy Section of my Department's Planning and Building Unit recently received an application from the school in question for emergency funding. The application will be assessed without delay and the outcome notified to the school authorities as soon as possible.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

510 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; when the project will commence at same location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6564/08]

This project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Delivery of all building projects, including Athy Community College, Co Kildare will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. I intend to make further announcements during the year of projects to proceed to construction as my Department's building programme is rolled out.

Brian Hayes

Question:

511 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a county breakdown of the projects under the school building projects programme which have completed the tender process and are not included in her most recent announcement in respect of the construction stage for 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6567/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

512 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and post-primary building projects at stage three within her Department,; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6568/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

513 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary and post primary-building projects at stage four within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6569/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 511 to 513, inclusive, together.

The level of detail requested by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I am arranging for information to be compiled by my officials and this will be sent to the Deputy shortly.

Departmental Expenditure.

Brian Hayes

Question:

514 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the legal cost to her Department in respect of defending or initiating cases through the courts in respect of special needs education; if the total sum involved can be set out in each year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6570/08]

The Deputy will be aware of my position on the issues of litigation in special educational needs and can be assured that neither I nor my Department take lightly any decision to defend cases concerning children with special educational needs. I should emphasise that my Department does not initiate any such proceedings and cases are generally only litigated where no potential settlement is acceptable to both sides and the Government's authority to decide issues of policy is in question. The State has an obligation under the Constitution to provide for primary education. In the context of children with special educational needs, that education must be appropriate to their requirements. The State decides on an appropriate form of provision, having regard to the advice available to it from relevant experts in the National Educational Psychological Service, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the Inspectorate and independent experts. The Department is not complacent in dealing with these cases and attempts, wherever possible, to reduce the potential for litigation and the levels of legal costs where they arise.

I would like to emphasise that legal costs incurred by the State in defending those cases which are brought to court, are not met directly by my Department. In accordance with financial procedures in cases involving damages or compensation against the State, costs are generally charged to the Chief State Solicitor's Office Vote as sanctioned by the Attorney General. With reference to the costs incurred by my Department which are payment of legal costs of solicitors acting on behalf of children with special educational needs the costs for the last five years are as follows:

Year

2003

3,766,276.53

2004

5,160,555.16

2005

1,211,529.68

2006

620,880.43

2007

421,176.97

Schools Recognition.

Brian Hayes

Question:

515 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have been granted temporary recognition by her Department; the names of the schools concerned; the length of time that the temporary recognition status has applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6571/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, if the Deputy has a query in relation to a specific school he can contact my officials in the Department who will be happy to assist in this regard. In general new schools initially operate with provisional recognition from my Department. During the period of provisional recognition, it is the responsibility of the school patron to provide interim accommodation. This accommodation must be capable of fully meeting the needs of the developing school until permanent recognition has been secured and my Department is in a position to provide permanent accommodation. While schools with temporary recognition do not qualify for capital funding, my Department does provide grant aid for the rental of interim accommodation. It is open to a school to seek an increase in this rental as its needs develop.

The following are the criteria for recognition of new primary schools, There must be evidence that:

The proposed school meets a need that cannot reasonably be met within existing provision.

The local community is consulted in advance.

The patron has been registered as such by the Minister for Education and Science.

A board of management will be appointed in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education and Science.

The Rules for National Schools will be complied with.

The proposed school has a minimum initial enrolment of 17 junior infants and a minimum projected enrolment of 51 pupils for the third year of operation.

All pupils are at least four years of age on 30 September of the year in which the school is due to commence operation.

The school will follow the Primary School Curriculum of my Department.

The school will employ recognised primary school teachers.

A school may apply for permanent recognition when it has complied with all the conditions of temporary recognition. The period of temporary recognition may vary from school to school.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

516 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the companies in which her Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6630/08]

Any bodies established as companies by my Department are non-commercial entities and therefore the issue of an equity stake does not arise.

Schools Amalgamation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

517 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Galway; if sites are now purchased for both projects; when funding will be made available for the projects to commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6640/08]

An agreement was reached by the respective Patrons to rationalise provision of post-primary provision in the town referred to by the Deputy to establish a single boys' and a single girls' school. The actual amalgamation in each case is dependent on the availability of suitable accommodation. In relation to the Girls school it is proposed to provide a new school on a new site. The OPW, which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, is considering a number of site proposals with the intention of acquiring a suitable site to facilitate the development of a new school building. In relation to the Boys school the Patron has offered to provide a site to accommodate the new school. As soon as these site issues are finalised, the building projects required to deliver the appropriate accommodation will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Schools Building Projects.

Damien English

Question:

518 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Meath for the proposed refurbishment and new extension of a 20 class room scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6644/08]

Officials from my Department are currently examining the revised Stage 2 submission. On completion of this examination the Schools Board of Management will be kept informed of developments. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Damien English

Question:

519 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science her plans to increase the meal allowance rate payable to VTOS learners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6645/08]

The allowances for VTOS students for meals are equivalent to these paid to participants on FÁS training courses. These allowances are increased periodically in line with increases in FÁS rates. The current rates are in operation since 2002. There are no plans to increase them in the near future.

School Enrolments.

Brian Hayes

Question:

520 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science her views on adopting the proposal (details supplied) where, in Catholic schools, up to a third of all places would be set aside for children of other denominations; if this proposal will be extended to other faith schools, particularly those schools that have recently been given approval to build; her further views on whether this policy will be a useful policy in terms of establishing or encouraging proper integration within the primary school system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6649/08]

Enrolment policies in individual schools are the responsibility of the schools' management authorities and provision is made for this under Section 15 of the Education Act 1998. While schools are required to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, regard must also be had to the ethos of the school and the preference of parents. Last December I announced further details of a new model of patronage at primary school level to be piloted from September 2008. The new community national school model reflects the impact of growing diversity in Irish society on the traditional structures for primary education provision. The model will aim to cater for the wishes of parents for denominational, multi-denominational and non-denominational education within the framework of a single patron model and single board of management structure. The pilot schools will be open to children of all religions and none and will aim to provide for religious education and faith formation during the school day for each of the main faith groups represented. A general ethics programme will also be available for children whose parents opt for that and the schools will operate through an ethos of inclusiveness and respect for all beliefs, both religious and non-religious. The model is not intended to replace the existing patron models but to provide an additional option, likely to be used particularly in growing areas. Three schools will be included in the initial pilot under the patronage of County Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC). The implementation of the new pilot patronage model has involved, and will continue to involve, consultations with the main patron bodies, management bodies and education partners.

Site Acquisitions.

Enda Kenny

Question:

521 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has been selected for the building of a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6651/08]

I presume the Deputy is referring to St. Finian's National School, Newcastle, Co. Dublin. Officials in my Department are in active discussions with landowners regarding the acquisition of a site for the above mentioned school. When a suitable site has been identified its acquisition will be considered on the context of the School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Institutes of Technology.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

522 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Athlone IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6656/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

524 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Blanchardstown IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6658/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

525 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Cork IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6659/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

526 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Carlow IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6660/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

528 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Dublin IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6662/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

530 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Dundalk IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6664/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

532 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Galway-Mayo IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6666/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

533 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Art, Design and Technology, Dun Laoghaire; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6667/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

534 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Letterkenny IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6668/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

535 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Limerick IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6669/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

550 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Sligo IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6686/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

555 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Tallaght IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6691/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

558 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Tralee IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6694/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

565 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Waterford IT; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6701/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522, 524 to 526, inclusive, 528, 530, 532 to 535, inclusive, 550, 555, 558 and 565 together.

The Governing Body of each Institute of Technology consists of a Chairperson, 17 ordinary members (18 in the case of DIT) and the Director/President. The Chairperson is appointed by the Minister. The Director/President is ex officio a member of the Governing Body. Ordinary members are appointed by the Minister on the recommendation of the Vocational Education Committee in accordance with the following provisions:

1. Six members will be nominated by the VEC of which at least three will be from a local authority. If the region served by the Institute includes part of an area that is the functional area of another VEC the Minister may allow up to four of the nominations be made by these neighbouring VEC's.

2. Two members of the academic staff of the Institute (one male and one female)

3. One non-academic member of staff of the Institute

4. Two students of the Institute (one male and one female)

5. One nominee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)

6. Five people nominated by the VEC from businesses and organisations, chosen by the Academic Council of the Institute, that reflect the courses and activities of the Institute.In the case of DIT there is also a nominee of the University of Dublin (Trinity College)

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

523 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Ballsbridge College of Further Education; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6657/08]

Ballsbridge College of Further Education is a college operating under the auspices of the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC). I do not have any role in the appointment of members to the board of this organisation.

Question Nos. 524 to 526, inclusive, answered with Question No. 522.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

527 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Dublin City University; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6661/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

529 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6663/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

531 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Froebel College of Education; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6665/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

537 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Marino Institute of Education; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6671/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

538 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Mary Immaculate College; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6672/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

539 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Mater Dei Institute of Education; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6673/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

541 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of National College of Art and Design; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6676/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

542 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of National College of Ireland; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6677/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

543 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of National Institute of Technology Management; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6678/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

544 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of National University of Ireland; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6679/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

551 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of St Angela’s College; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6687/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

552 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of St Catherine’s College of Education; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6688/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

553 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6689/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

554 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of St Patrick’s College Maynooth; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6690/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

556 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Tipperary Institute; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6692/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

557 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Tourism College Killybegs; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6693/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

559 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Trinity College Dublin; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6695/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

560 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of University College Dublin; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6696/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

561 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of University College Cork; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6697/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

562 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of University of Limerick; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6698/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

563 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of NUI Maynooth; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6699/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

564 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of NUI Galway; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6700/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

566 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Association for Higher Education Access and Disability; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6702/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

568 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6704/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

581 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Grangegorman Development Agency, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6717/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

583 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Higher Education Authority, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6719/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

585 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6721/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

586 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6722/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 527, 529, 531, 537 to 539, inclusive, 541 to 544, inclusive, 551 to 554, inclusive, 556, 557, 559 to 564, inclusive, 566, 568, 581, 583, 585 and 586 together.

The information sought in relation to the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies is available on www.dias.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to Dublin City University is available in the Universities Act, 1997. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought in relation to the Tipperary Institute is available on www.tippinst.ie. The information sought in relation to the Tourism College, Killybegs is available on www.tck.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to Trinity College Dublin is available in the Universities Act, 1997. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to University College Dublin is available in the Universities Act, 1997. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to University College Cork is available in the Universities Act, 1997. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to University of Limerick is available in the Universities Act, 1997. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to NUI Maynooth is available in the Universities Act, 1997. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to NUI Galway is available in the Universities Act, 1997. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the National University of Ireland is available in the Universities Act, 1997. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the Higher Education Authority is available in the Higher Education Authority Act, 1971. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie. The information sought in relation to the Grangegorman Development Agency is available on www.grangegormandevelopmentagency.ie. The information sought in relation to the National College of Art and Design is available in the NCAD Act 1971. A copy of the Act is available to download from www.irishstatutebook.ie.

I appoint the members of the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology, which has 15 members, and the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Sciences, which has 10 members (the Council then co-opts 2 further members). The National Institute of Technology Management is part of the Smurfit School of Business in UCD. I have no role in making appointments to the board of this organisation. St. Catherine's College of Education was closed on 31 August 2007. Institiúid Teangeolaíochta Éireann is in liquidation. I have no role in making appointments to the boards of Mary Immaculate College, Froebel College, Marino Institute of Education, St. Angela's College, St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra or St. Patrick's College Maynooth, Mater Dei Institute of Education, National College of Ireland and the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability.

Question No. 528 answered with Question No. 522.
Question No. 529 answered with Question No. 527.
Question No. 530 answered with Question No. 522.
Question No. 531 answered with Question No. 527.
Questions Nos. 532 to 535, inclusive, answered with Question No. 522.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

536 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Advisory Council for English Language Schools Ltd; the purpose and role of this company; the date of its establishment; the level of equity held in this company by the State; the number of board members of this company; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6670/08]

The Board of Directors of the Advisory Council for English Language Schools Ltd (ACELS) comprises: A chairperson nominated by the Minister for Education and Science, 1 representative each from the Departments of Education and Science, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Foreign Affairs, Fáilte Ireland, Regional Tourism, the National Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language in Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, 3 representatives of the Recognised English Language Schools Association 1 independent academic nominated by the Minister for Education and Science.

ACELS is a non-commercial entity. Further information in relation to the role, establishment date of ACELS is available on www.acels.ie.

Questions Nos. 537 to 539, inclusive, answered with Question No. 527.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

540 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of National Centre for Technology Education; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6674/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

588 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the National Centre for Technology in Education, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6724/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 540 and 588 together.

There is no Board of Management in the NCTE at present.

Questions Nos. 541 to 544, inclusive, answered with Question No. 527.

Royal Irish Academy.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

545 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Royal Irish Academy; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6680/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

546 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Royal Irish Academy of Music; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6681/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 546 together.

The information sought by the Deputy is available on the websites of the Royal Irish Academy — www.ria.ie and the Royal Irish Academy of Music — www.riam.ie. I do not make any nominations to the governing bodies of these organisations.

Vocational Education Committees.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

547 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Sallynoggin Training Ireland; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6683/08]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to Sallynoggin College of Further Education. Sallynoggin College of Further Education is a college operating under the auspices of Dun Laoghaire VEC. I do not have any role in the appointment of members to the board of this organisation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

548 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Senior College Dun Laoghaire; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6684/08]

Senior College Dun Laoghaire is a college operating under the auspices of Dun Laoghaire VEC. I do not have any role in the appointment of members to the board of this organisation.

National University of Ireland.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

549 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Shannon College for Hotel Management; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6685/08]

Shannon College of Hotel Management is a college of the National University of Ireland. I do not have any role in the appointment of members to the board of this organisation.

Question No. 550 answered with Question No. 522.
Questions Nos. 551 to 554, inclusive, answered with Question No. 527.
Question No. 555 answered with Question No. 522.
Questions Nos. 556 and 557 answered with Question No. 527.
Question No. 558 answered with Question No. 522.
Questions Nos. 559 to 564, inclusive, answered with Question No. 527.
Question No. 565 answered with Question No. 522.
Question No. 566 answered with Question No. 527.

Cross-Border Projects.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

567 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of the Centre for Cross Border Studies; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6703/08]

The Centre for Cross Border Studies is a company limited by guarantee and is jointly owned by Queen's University Belfast, Dublin City University and the Workers' Educational Association (Northern Ireland). It is not funded by the Department of Education & Science and I have no role in the appointment of members to its board.

Question No. 568 answered with Question No. 527.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

569 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Integrate Ireland Language and Training Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the date of its establishment; the level of equity held in this company by the State; the number of board members of this company; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6705/08]

Integrate Ireland Language and Training was originally established as the Refugee Language Support Unit (RLSU) in March 1999. The RLSU was a two-year pilot project under the aegis of Trinity College Dublin, Centre for Language and Communication Studies. The primary function of the unit was to co-ordinate the provision of English language support for adult refugees admitted to Ireland.

In September 2001 the RLSU became Integrate Ireland Language and Training Ltd, a not-for-profit campus company of Trinity College Dublin. The Board of Directors of IILT consists of four Trinity College directors, two Department of Education and Science directors and one FAS director.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

570 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of National Adult Learning Council; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6706/08]

The outcome of the strategic review of NALC has been under consideration in my Department. I expect to be in a position soon to make a decision on the best way forward, taking full account of existing provision and structures.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

571 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of National Adult Literacy Agency; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6707/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

574 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Teachers Arbitration Board; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6710/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

577 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6713/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

579 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Education Finance Board, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6715/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

580 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Commission on Further Education and Training Awards Council, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6716/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

582 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6718/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

589 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6726/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

591 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the National Education Welfare Board, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6728/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

592 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6729/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

593 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Residential Institution Redress Board, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6730/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

594 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the State Examinations Commission, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6731/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

596 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Teaching Council, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6733/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 571, 574, 577, 579, 580, 582, 589, 591, 592, 593, 594 and 596 together.

The information sought in relation to the Teaching Council is available on www.teachingcouncil.ie.

The information sought in relation to the State Examinations Commission is available on www.examinations.ie.

The information sought in relation to the Residential Institutions Redress Board's is available on www.rirb.ie.

The information sought in relation to the National Educational Welfare Board is available on www.newb.ie.

The information sought in relation to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland is available on www.nqai.ie.

The information sought in relation to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is available on www.ncca.ie.

The information sought in relation to the Further Education and Training Awards Council is available on www.fetac.ie

The information sought in relation to the Higher Education and Training Awards Council is available on www.hetac.ie and in the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 available on www.irishstatutebook.ie

The information sought in relation to the Education Finance Board is available on www.educationfinanceboard.com

The information sought in relation to the Teachers Arbitration Board is available on www.education.ie.

The information sought in relation to the Centre for Early Childhood Development and Education is available on www.cecde.ie.

The information sought in relation to the National Adult Literacy Agency is available on www.nala.ie.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

572 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Registration Council; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6708/08]

In accordance with the provisions of the Teaching Council Act, the Registration Council was dissolved with effect from 28 March 2006, the date on which the Teaching Council was established.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

573 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Scoil Net; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6709/08]

Scoilnet is a website managed by the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE).

Question No. 574 answered with Question No. 571.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

575 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of Educational Disadvantage Committee; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6711/08]

Section 32 of the Education Act 1998 provides for the establishment and composition of the Educational Disadvantage Committee. This Section of the Act provides that up to half of the membership of the committee shall be appointed from nominees of voluntary and other bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

576 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of board members of National Youth Work Advisory Council; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6712/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

587 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to Léargas, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6723/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

595 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the President’s Award — Gaisce, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6732/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 576, 587 and 595 together.

The Memorandum and Articles of Association of Gaisce provide for the Minister for Education and Science to appoint the members of the Gaisce Council. The Memorandum and Articles of Association provide for a Council of 15 members.

All appointments to the Board of Léargas — the Exchange Bureau are made by the Minister for Education and Science under the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Léargas. The Board of Léargas has nine serving members and two vacancies at present.

The information sought in relation to the National Youth Work Advisory Council is covered in Section 18 of the Youth Work Act 2001. A copy of the Act can be downloaded from www.irishstatutebook.ie.

Question No. 577 answered with Question No. 571.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

578 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the Commission on School Accommodation Needs, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6714/08]

The Commission on School Accommodation was set up in 1996 with the objective of informing national policy decisions on school provision at primary and post primary levels. It consists of a Secretariat, a Technical Group supporting the work of the Secretariat and a Steering Group representative of the partners in education.

Questions Nos. 579 and 580 answered with Question No. 571.
Question No. 581 answered with Question No. 527.
Question No. 582 answered with Question No. 571.
Question No. 583 answered with Question No. 527.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

584 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the International Education Board Ireland, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by her; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6720/08]

The management committee of the International Education Board of Ireland (IEBI) has a membership of 20, including representation from my Department, the Higher Education Authority, other relevant education sector interests, and other relevant Government departments and agencies including Enterprise Ireland and Fáilte Ireland.

I appoint one official from my Department to sit on this management committee. Other members of the committee are appointed by the other stakeholders, including:

the Universities, which appoint 7 members;

Institutes of Technology Ireland, which appoints 3 members;

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which appoints 1 member;

Higher Education Colleges Association, a consortium of independent third level colleges, which appoints 1 member;

MEI RELSA, an association of 65 language schools, which appoints 1 member;

Dublin Institute of Technology, which appoints 1 member;

Department of Foreign Affairs which appoints 1 member;

Higher Education Authority, which appoints 1 member;

Fáilte Ireland, which appoints 1 member;

Enterprise Ireland, which appoints 1 member;

Irish Council for International Students, which appoints 1 member.

Questions Nos. 585 and 586 answered with Question No. 527.
Question No. 587 answered with Question No. 576.
Question No. 588 answered with Question No. 540.
Question No. 589 answered with Question No. 571.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

590 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide with regard to the National Council for Special Education, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by herself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6727/08]

The National Council for Special Education is appointed in accordance with Section 21 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 which requires that the chairperson and 12 ordinary members of the Council are appointed by the Minister from among persons who have a special interest in, or knowledge relating to, the education of children with special educational needs.

Before making appointments to the Council, the Minister is required to consult with national associations of parents, recognised trade unions and staff associations representing teachers and principals of schools, and recognised school management organisations with a view, where the Minister considers it appropriate to do so, to appointing as members of the Council persons nominated for such appointment by those associations, trade unions and organisations, but the number of nominees of those associations, trade unions and organisations (taken as a whole) that may be so appointed shall not exceed 4.

The Minister is required to appoint 2 members to the Council from among persons nominated for such appointment by the National Disability Authority and 1 member from among persons nominated for such appointment by the Minister for Health and Children.

Questions Nos. 591 to 594, inclusive, answered with Question No. 571.
Question No. 595 answered with Question No. 576.
Question No. 596 answered with Question No. 571.

Schools Building Projects.

Niall Collins

Question:

597 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science when the next schedule of schools to proceed to tender and construction stage will be published. [6736/08]

In my most recent announcement on the 2008 large-scale building programme, I approved 48 projects to commence construction including 30 new primary schools in rapidly developing areas that are planned to be in place by next September under an accelerated building programme.

My Department also has other projects coming on stream to the tendering and construction stages and I will be making further announcements about these as the 2008 school building programme is rolled out. My next announcement of schools to go to tender and construction will be after Easter.

I assure the Deputy that through both increased investment under the NDP and the improved planning and delivery processes that we have put in place in recent years, the Government will ensure that school accommodation needs will be met.

School Absenteeism.

John O'Mahony

Question:

598 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science further to a previous parliamentary question the action that is being taken to combat the levels of absenteeism in Mayo schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6751/08]

The Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the single national body with responsibility for school attendance. The Act provides a comprehensive framework promoting regular school attendance and tackling the problems of absenteeism and early school leaving. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

Under the terms of the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, one of the functions of the Board is to conduct and commission research into the reasons for non-attendance on the part of students and into the strategies and programmes designed to prevent it. Ongoing activities of the Board include the development of a Code of Behaviour Guidelines and Attendance Strategies for Schools.

As detailed in my earlier response on this matter analysis of data for Co Mayo in 2004/05 indicates that in the Primary Sector 9.2% of pupils were absent for 20 days or more, while at Post Primary level the corresponding figure was 17.1%. These figures compare favourably with the national average for pupils absent for more than 20 days which is 10% at primary level and 18.8% at post primary level. I am informed by the NEWB that there is currently one Educational Welfare Officer assigned to the Mayo area and that an extra half post is to be allocated to the area pending the completion of the recruitment process currently under way for the 15 additional posts allocated to the Board last year.

This government is determined to do all that is possible to ensure that every child gets all the opportunities and support they need to enable them to achieve their potential and participate fully in education. It must be remembered also that the service provided by the NEWB is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to support schools, families and young people themselves. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes and the provision of breakfast and homework clubs.

In fact, in addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 620 staff within the education sector in education disadvantage programmes of which over 130 are additional posts allocated under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion which provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). The School Completion Programme (SCP) is a preventative measure designed to combat issues of poor attendance and early school leaving.

School attendance is a central objective of SCP with targeted interventions for children at risk of early school leaving through a variety of extra supports aimed at encouraging them to stay in school. These supports cover both educational and non-educational interventions and are provided during and outside of school time. The Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) works to involve parents in their children's education which is a crucial component in convincing young people of the value of education.

Work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration. This approach aims to develop the delivery of services in a cohesive way and ensure that optimum use is made of all resources deployed including the resources of the NEWB.

Departmental Funding.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

599 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance her Department can give an organisation (details supplied) in County Waterford in regard to funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6754/08]

The Department of Education and Science is committed to funding the provision of PE, general purpose and outdoor play areas in schools as part of the schools capital investment programme. Applications for the provision of PE or sports facilities in existing schools are considered in the context of all other applications on hand for capital investment e.g. applications for new schools; refurbishment projects; extensions; new sites; remediation programmes and so on. The provision of sports facilities will be done in the context of available resources and the published criteria for prioritising school building projects.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

600 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is in urgent need of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6786/08]

As the Deputy may be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs.

My officials have been in contact with the NCSE regarding an application for special needs assistant support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The NCSE has confirmed that the SENO has received an application for such support from the school. The SENO has requested additional information from the school in support of the application. On receipt of this information the SENO will be in a position to convey a decision on the application directly to the school authorities.

Physical Education Facilities.

Tom Hayes

Question:

601 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of the funding package worth €6.5 million announced in 2006 for the sole purpose of replacing and upgrading physical education equipment that has been allocated; the amount that has been spent; and the schools that benefited from the funding in Tipperary south. [6810/08]

I wish to inform the Deputy that primary schools received €2,000 each in PE equipment grants in 2006, at a total cost of €6.5 million. A similar grant of €4,000 per pupil, at an overall cost of around €3 million, issued to post-primary schools in 2007. These grants issued to all recognised primary and post-primary schools.

In addition, since 2000 my Department has provided in excess of €5.5m in grant-aid to primary schools to facilitate the provision of coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated with the provision of physical education. Such materials and equipment would normally have a useful life of several years.

Teaching Qualifications.

Joe Costello

Question:

602 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6837/08]

Under the Lisbon Convention and the EU Directive on Mutual Recognition of professional qualifications, Ireland is committed to giving appropriate recognition to qualifications from other countries.

In Ireland, the teaching profession is regulated for the purposes of employment as a teacher. EU Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications came into force on 20th October 2007 and ensures that professionals from any of the EU member states proposing to enter a regulated profession will have their qualifications and experience recognised appropriately. The Teaching Council of Ireland is the competent authority for the regulation of the teaching profession in Ireland and holds the register of teachers approved to teach in publicly funded schools in the State.

As a general principle, persons recognised to practice a regulated profession in their Member State of origin must be given recognition to practice that profession in a host EU Member State. However if there are shortfalls or significant gaps in the applicant's qualifications or experience vis-à-vis those required in the host Member State, the host State may require a compensatory measure — either an aptitude test or an adaptation period under supervised practice which addresses the shortfall. Therefore, such qualifications are examined on a case by case basis by the Teaching Council to ensure that the person concerned is appropriately qualified to teach in Irish schools. This is in line with normal practice under the EU Directive.

Neither I nor my Department are involved in the processing of such applications and I do not intend to intervene in this case.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Question:

603 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support proposals (details supplied) to tackle educational disadvantage. [6845/08]

With the launch of DEIS (the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion) in 2005, my Department has redoubled its efforts in addressing the challenging issues of social exclusion and educational disadvantage. The social partnership agreement Towards 2016, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-16 and the social inclusion chapter of the National Development Plan provide an integrated and cohesive strategic focus for developing and implementing policies to tackle such issues and aim to ensure effective and joined-up delivery of social inclusion programmes and services. They also adopt a lifecycle approach in addressing issues of social exclusion, including educational disadvantage, in the context of a ten year framework.

The long term perspective of these developments includes the setting of realistic high-level goals, their focus on the lifecycle and on coherent and integrated responses that can be effectively monitored. They effectively provide the framework for addressing the key educational and social challenges that individuals face and the supports available to them at each stage in the lifecycle.

The various intervention measures of the past 15 years have focused in particular on providing additional human and financial resources to address such issues as early education, literacy, the role of the family and the community in education and the problems associated with early school leaving. In addition there have been significant supports put in place for back to education initiatives, adult literacy, youth and greater access to further and higher education.

The DEIS action plan for educational inclusion both prefigured and is an integral part of the new integrated approach being adopted at national level to address problems of social exclusion and disadvantage.

The action plan provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme. DEIS brings together, and builds upon, a number of existing supports in schools where there is a concentrated level of disadvantage. DEIS represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem and adopts a multi-faceted and more integrated approach.

Also central to the success of the action plan will be an increased emphasis on planning at school and school cluster level, target-setting and measurement of progress and outcomes to ensure that the increased investment is matched by an improvement in educational outcomes for the children and young people concerned.

The DEIS action plan, which is being implemented over a five year period to 2010, addresses many of the issues raised by the correspondent. The plan is comprehensive in its approach to early education, transition from primary to second-level, the role of the family and community, literacy and numeracy, attendance and early school leaving, teacher retention and development and the active participation of children in their own development.

Schools Building Projects.

John Perry

Question:

604 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason funding has not been allocated by her Department for a new school project (details supplied) in County Sligo; if her attention has been drawn to the totally unsuitable conditions and facilities that prevail at the school; if she will give an undertaking to have funding provided for this school as a matter of the utmost urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6850/08]

The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase is considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme in which the main focus is to deliver school places within rapidly developing areas. The progression of all school building projects will be considered in this context.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

605 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7017/08]

The information requested by the Deputy in respect of the Department of Education and Science and agencies operating under its aegis is contained on the following spreadsheet.

Agency

2006

2007 Provisional Outturn

€ million

D/Education & Science — Administration costs

74.52

81.15

FETAC: Further Education & Training Awards Council

6.53

6.49

HEA: Higher Education Authority

5.73

5.94

HETAC: Higher Education & Training Awards Council

2.40

2.47

National Education Welfare Board

8.58

10.12

National Qualifications Authority of Ireland

2.05

2.26

State Examinations Commission

60.89

64.88

National Council for Special Education

7.82

8.92

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

606 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the amount drawn down through his Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5964/08]

From 2002 to date no monies have been drawn down by my Department under the Per Cent for Arts Scheme.

Departmental Funding.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

607 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Defence the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5979/08]

My Department is engaged in an ongoing capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings. The number of Capital Projects (over €500,000) funded each year since 2002 is as follows:

Year

Number of Projects

2002

17

2003

7

2004

10

2005

11

2006

10

2007

12

2008

1

The Per Cent for Art Scheme is a scheme approved by Government that allows Government Departments and public bodies (to spend up to 1% of the budget for each their capital construction projects on "Public Art", subject to certain limits and conditions). In discharging its responsibility under the Per Cent for Arts Scheme, my Department has commissioned the artist Brian King to design A National Memorial to Members of the Defence Forces who died in Service. I expect it will be completed in June 2008. The Memorial will be located in Merrion Square in Dublin. The overall cost of this will be in excess of €250,000.

My Department has also contributed funding under the Per Cent for Art Scheme for the design and erection of a memorial plaque in Sligo town to commemorate local Defence Forces Personnel who were peacekeepers in the Lebanon, the project is just recently completed and is due to be unveiled in the coming weeks. The project has been undertaken in collaboration with Sligo County Council and the military authorities.

The Deputy will appreciate the limited scope my Department has to provide "Public Art" given that access to military installations is normally restricted for security reasons. That said, my Department will continue to discharge its responsibilities under the scheme and actively seeks to identify suitable projects which will benefit both the public and the artists engaged to produce them within the provisions of the scheme.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

608 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5995/08]

My Department has a single fully integrated financial management system, the Oracle e-Business Suite, which services the requirements of both the Department and the Defence Forces. The system includes a number of modules such as Purchasing, Inventory, Accounts Payable and Receivable, General Ledger and Asset Management. Each module requires software update and product support licences while the associated technical architecture also requires database update and support licences. The overall financial management system was provided by Oracle EMEA Ltd and is licensed with that Company. The annual cost of maintaining the application software and database relating to the application is of the order of €0.736m including VAT.

Departmental Properties.

Michael McGrath

Question:

609 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of properties (details supplied) owned by his Department in County Cork. [6378/08]

The property in question is vested in the Minister for Finance. It comprises 3.5 acres approximately and includes four houses formerly used as married quarters for the Defence Forces. The Office of Public Works is in the process of disposing of the property.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

610 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6629/08]

My Department does not hold an equity stake in any company.

EU Summits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

611 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which he has had discussions with his EU colleagues in the context of European defence or security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6776/08]

I am constantly in touch with my EU colleagues both in the context of European Defence and Security and other matters. Two official meeting of EU Defence Ministers are held during each six month EU Presidency. These present the opportunity to engage in bi-lateral meetings with my Defence colleagues. The most recent meeting was the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) meeting in Brussels on 19 November 2007. I attended this meeting where the discussions covered a wide range of European Defence and Security issues. I am also kept abreast of issues arising from meetings which officials from my Department attend to discuss European Defence and Security.

I also avail of other opportunities to facilitate discussions with my EU colleagues. During my visit to Sweden on 7 November 2007 to attend the Final Exercise (FINEX) of the Nordic Battlegroup, I held discussions with the Defence Ministers of Sweden, Finland, Norway and Estonia, the other four nations contributing to the Battlegroup.

Overseas Missions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

612 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the full extent of possible locations to which EU battlegroups or RAPID response forces are expected to be deployed; if all such deployments require UN approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6777/08]

In the Headline Goal 2010, the EU set itself the objective inter alia, of being able "to respond with rapid and decisive action applying a fully coherent approach to the whole spectrum of crisis management operations covered by the Treaty on the European Union". A key element of the Headline Goal is the capability to deploy forces at high readiness, broadly based on the Battlegroups concept. A Battlegroup is designed to respond rapidly either as a standalone force, as an initial stabilisation force for larger follow-on operations, or as a reinforcing force. It comprises approximately 1,500 personnel with a readiness to deploy within 5 to 10 days after the decision to launch an operation is taken. It is deployable for up to 120 days at a distance of up to 6,000 kilometres from Brussels.

The purpose of the EU Battlegroups is to undertake operations (commonly referred to as the Petersberg Tasks which are set out in the Amsterdam Treaty) such as rescue tasks, tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking, in addition to peacekeeping and humanitarian tasks. Battlegroups could be deployed on operations at the higher end of the Petersburg spectrum — i.e. robust peacemaking and high intensity combat operations.

In November 2006, the Government formally approved the arrangements for Ireland's participation in the Nordic Battlegroup (NBG). The other members of the Nordic Battlegroup are Sweden, Norway, Finland and Estonia. The Nordic Battlegroup will be on standby until 30 June 2008. Due to the very nature of an EU Battlegroup it is very hard to give the full extent of possible locations to which EU Battlegroups or RAPID response forces could expect to be deployed.

The participation in a Battlegroup operation remains a national sovereign decision, which is made on a case-by-case basis. In the event that Ireland was to participate in a Nordic Battlegroup operation, we would be the only participant with a legal requirement for a UN Mandate. However, many Member States acknowledge that it would be politically desirable, if not a political imperative, to have a UN Mandate for any Battlegroup deployment.

Question Nos. 613 to 615, inclusive, answered with Question No. 112.
Question No. 616 answered with Question No. 145.

Search and Rescue Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

617 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if it is intended to increase the strength of coastal surveillance and defence with particular reference to the need for increased air and sea rescue services and coastal surveillance to combat drug trafficking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6782/08]

The White Paper on Defence of February 2000 sets out a figure of 10,500 personnel for the Permanent Defence Force, comprising 930 for the Air Corps, 1,144 for the Naval Service and 8,426 for the Army. The strength of the Permanent Defence Force on 31 December 2007, as advised by the military authorities, was 10,434. This comprises 8,512 in the Army, 845 in the Air Corps and 1,077 in the Naval Service.

It is intended to maintain the established Government policy of ongoing recruitment to the Defence Forces. Recruitment into the Permanent Defence Force will continue to maintain the strength at a level required to meet military needs and as set out in the White Paper i.e. 10,500 Permanent Defence Force all ranks. The Government remains fully committed to the policy of ongoing recruitment to ensure that an overall PDF strength of 10,500 is maintained.

The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies.

The Naval Service provides a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Fishery Limits. At present, fishery protection activity accounts for roughly 90% of all Naval Service patrol time. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels may be deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue, drug interdiction operations and assistance with pollution control.

The current Exclusive Fishery Limits extend to 200 miles offshore and cover an area of 132,000 nautical square miles. The Naval Service currently patrols the entire 200 mile limit and periodically patrols beyond these limits to protect specific fisheries. These patrols are carried out on a regular and frequent basis and are directed to all areas of Irish waters as necessary. The number of Patrol Vessels on patrol in Irish waters at any one time varies between three and seven. The Naval Service is committed to having at least three vessels on patrol within the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone at any one time.

Naval Service patrols are complemented by assistance provided by the Air Corps. The Air Corps Maritime Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. In accordance with the roles assigned to them by Government in the White Paper on Defence, the Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to Search and Rescue. In this regard, the Naval Service and Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability.

Responsibility for the prevention of drug trafficking rests primarily with An Garda Síochána and the Revenue Commissioners. However, the White Paper on Defence provides for a security role for the Naval Service and the Air Corps to assist and support the civil authorities in this important work. Government measures to improve law enforcement in relation to drugs, including the establishment in 1993 of a Joint Task Force involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, have helped to maximise the effective use of Naval Service resources in combating drug trafficking. The Air Corps provide air support and, on occasion, carry the Customs National Drugs Team in an observational capacity for the purpose of monitoring vessels suspected of drug trafficking and other illegal activities. There is close co-operation between the civil authorities and the Naval Service and the Air Corps in discharging this important mission.

I am satisfied that the Permanent Defence Force is fully resourced to meet all its operational requirements.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

618 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if the training and equipment available to Irish troops expected to serve overseas is in keeping with the best international standards and practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6783/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, significant investment has been made in Defence Forces equipment in recent years to provide them with the most modern equipment to undertake tasks assigned to them by Government. The equipment issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. Ongoing investment in the Defence Forces will ensure that this remains to be the case and will continue to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence.

The net result is that Defence Forces personnel serving both at home and on overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment, including body armour and breathing apparatus. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. In the case of the EU mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, the Defence Forces will deploy a full range of Force Protection assets. This equipment will include Mowag APCs, armoured vehicles, Close Reconnaissance Vehicles and indirect fire capabilities.

On-going threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and a continuous review process on both personal equipment and force assets is in place to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles in specific missions.

Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated in the light of any change in the threat assessment. Prior to deployment on missions, training packages, including realistic Mission Readiness Exercises, are conducted and validated to ensure that units are thoroughly prepared.

Overseas Missions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

619 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the full intended strength of members of the Army, Navy and Air-Corp expected to serve overseas on UN or EU missions in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6784/08]

As of 1 February 2008, a total of 427 members of the Permanent Defence Force is serving overseas. Of the 427 currently serving overseas, 413 are Army personnel, 8 are Air Corps personnel and 6 are members of the Naval Service.

The deployment of some 50 Army Ranger Wing (ARW) personnel to the European Union military mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, EUFOR TCHAD/RCA is scheduled to take place tomorrow. It is expected that the main deployment of some 400 Irish troops to the mission area will be completed by mid to late May 2008. This will bring the overall number of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas to 870 approximately.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

620 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that all military hardware and equipment is sufficiently updated in line with modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6785/08]

The ongoing equipment modernisation programme ensures that the Defence Forces are fully equipped with the most modern of equipment for their day-to-day roles at home and on overseas missions.

The equipment issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern standards. Continual investment in the Defence Forces will ensure that this remains to be the case.

Defence Forces Property.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

621 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Defence if there are plans to develop or expand facilities at Finner and Lifford Army installations in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6843/08]

There is ongoing monitoring of Defence Forces facilities to ensure they are adequate to meet military requirements. To supplement this my Department is engaged in an on-going capital building programme designed to modernise and enhance the training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces both Permanent and Reserve. The programme focuses mainly on infrastructural projects comprising the construction of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings.

In Finner at present, there is a significant project ongoing which involves the upgrading of three Accommodation Billets. This is the second phase of an upgrade programme. The cost of this phase is approximately €1m. It is expected that this project will be completed by June 2008.

Another significant project planned for Finner as part of the Capital Programme is the Construction of a Security and Administration Complex at an estimated cost of €3.5m. The new facility will comprise a new Head Quarters for the 28th Infantry Battalion, a Guardroom and an Armory. It is expected that a competition for the engagement of a design team will be run shortly. No other significant works are planned for either Finner or Lifford, but some smaller maintenance type works may be undertaken at local level.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

622 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Defence the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7016/08]

There is no regulator or regulatory authority under the remit of my Department.

Residency Permits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

623 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications for long term residency that have been granted and the number that have been refused, for each month since January 2007. [5954/08]

The statistics for long term residency requested by the Deputy are as follows:

Granted

Refused

2007

January

48

19

February

98

26

March

33

8

April

30

17

May

126

17

June

95

11

July

119

29

August

11

7

September

1

5

October

8

2

November

21

33

December

5

15

2008

January

67

23

February (Up to 15/02)

35

17

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

624 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount drawn down through his Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5971/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

625 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the Percent for Art grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5986/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 624 and 625 together.

I can inform the Deputy that, in the main, such capital building projects which are carried in respect of my Department, and most of the agencies under its aegis, are carried out by the Office of Public Works, who would oversee in that context any associated expenditure on artworks. Insofar as the Irish Prison Service and the Courts Service is concerned, the information requested is not readily available and the bodies in question will respond directly to the Deputy in due course.

Visa Applications.

John Curran

Question:

626 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made regarding an application by a person (details supplied) on behalf of their spouse. [5990/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification in respect of her spouse in May 2006.

The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department.

This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

627 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6002/08]

My Department has one financial management system which was provided by Oracle EMEA Ltd. The annual cost in 2007 under the licence agreement with Oracle for the maintenance of the software amounted to €99,293 in respect of its use by my Department.

Garda Recruitment.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

628 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people between the age of thirty and thirty five years of age who have applied to join the Gardaí in the past few twelve months; the number of those who have been taken into training; the way this compares to the percentage of those under thirty taken in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6035/08]

I have requested the information sought from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Visa Applications.

Joe Costello

Question:

629 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6088/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned has permission to remain in the State until the 22nd February 2008 as the dependant spouse of a working visa holder. The conditions of this permission to remain do not entitle her to enter employment in the State.

However, if she wishes to enter employment in the State it is open to her to contact the Work Permit Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment in relation to the spousal work permit scheme.

If she wishes to study in the State she needs to leave the State and re-enter on the appropriate visa.

Citizenship Applications.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

630 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) in County Cork, who applied for long term residency here in June 2006 have not received a decision on their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6095/08]

Officials in the Long Term Residency section of my Department inform me that there is no record of applications for Long Term Residency from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons in question were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in June 2006.

Officials in that Section are currently processing applications received in the middle of 2005 and have approximately 5,300 applications on hand to be dealt with before those of the person's concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely therefore, that further processing of the applications will commence towards the end of 2008.

I will inform the Deputy and the individuals in question when a decision is reached in both cases.

Visa Applications.

Pat Breen

Question:

631 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6104/08]

The person referred to by the Deputy attended his local Immigration Office on the 8th January 2008 and was granted permission to remain on Student conditions until 31st December 2008.

Willie Penrose

Question:

632 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take steps, to have an application for a visa in respect of a person (details supplied), who wishes to visit this country, immediately expedited, particularly in the context where this person has visited this country for two previous three month stays, during which they abided by all rules and regulations governing the granting of such visas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6107/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the application referred to was approved on 5 February 2008.

Departmental Expenditure.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

633 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases, initiated in the High Court and naming himself as a respondent, relating to judicial reviews of immigration and asylum application decisions, that were settled by the respondent in 2007 before a judgment was delivered by the court; and the total amount of settlement costs to be met by the respondent as a result of these settlements. [6108/08]

The following figures refer to Judicial Reviews challenging the validity of Deportation Orders or Transfer Orders in the Repatriation Section of INIS.

JRs challenging the validity of Deportation Orders or Transfer Orders that were settled in 2007.

96

Legal Fees paid

€752,437.00

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

634 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amounts paid in terms of fees and expenses to each person who served as a member of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal for 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6109/08]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the amount paid, in terms of fees and expenses, to each serving Member of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal for 2006 and 2007, is set out in tabular format as follows.

Tribunal Member

Fees

Expenses

Total

2006

Eamonn Cahill, SC

39,926.67

483.78

40,410.45

Eamonn Barnes, BL

20,014.64

0.00

20,014.64

Donal Egan, BL

32,340.28

0.00

32,340.28

Patrick Hurley, Solr

44,608.27

703.99

45,312.26

Bernadette Cronin, SC

25,061.53

0.00

25,061.53

Michael O’Kennedy

51,959.23

0.00

51,959.23

Olive Brennan, BL

92,093.10

954.57

93,047.67

Michelle O’Gorman, BL

73,984.85

1,882.63

75,867.48

David Andrews, SC

63,273.63

0.00

63,273.63

Ben Garvey, BL

72,852.19

489.57

73,341.76

Joseph Barnes, BL

1,417.53

0.00

1,417.53

Paul A. McGarry, BL

30,256.05

0.00

30,256.05

Bruce St John Blake, Solr

10,710.79

0.00

10,710.79

Denis Linehan, Solr

35,017.40

0.00

35,017.40

Anne Tait, Solr

13,125.40

0.00

13,125.40

John Hayes, Solr

13,567.67

0.00

13,567.67

Bernard MacCabe, BL

60,370.47

126.28

60,496.75

Ricardo Dourado, BL

29,264.17

0.00

29,264.17

Elizabeth O’Brien, BL

99,335.56

0.00

99,335.56

Susan Nolan, Solr

31,648.62

467.94

32,116.56

Samantha Cruess Callaghan, BL

19,215.41

0.00

19,215.41

Margaret Levey, BL

38,907.41

0.00

38,907.41

Judy Blake, BL

7,389.03

0.00

7,389.03

Sean Deegan, BL

14,274.00

0.00

14,274.00

David Goldberg, SC

10,884.76

0.00

10,884.76

Mary E Laverty, SC

9,880.86

0.00

9,880.86

Des Zaidan, BL

66,562.42

448.15

67,010.57

Rory McCabe

35,345.32

2,651.40

37,996.72

David McHugh, BL

58,915.51

390.59

59,306.10

Aidan Eames, Solr

9,275.26

0.00

9,275.26

Declan McHugh

21,355.07

0.00

21,355.07

Jim Nicholson, BL

71,015.06

195.02

71,210.08

Noel Whelan

6,010.60

0.00

6,010.60

Total

1,209,858.76

8,793.92

1,218,652.68

2007

Eamonn Cahill, SC

44,155.24

5,772.39

49,927.63

Eamonn Barnes, BL

3,021.75

0.00

3,021.75

Donal Egan, BL

13,571.90

0.00

13,571.90

Patrick Hurley, Solr

20,012.65

882.00

20,894.65

Bernadette Cronin, SC

3,938.25

0.00

3,938.25

Michael O’Kennedy

9,576.85

0.00

9,576.85

Olive Brennan, BL

64,621.81

527.76

65,149.57

Michelle O’Gorman, BL

113,488.88

0.00

113,488.88

David Andrews, SC

64,462.60

0.00

64,462.60

Ben Garvey, BL

113,170.10

838.37

114,008.47

Joseph Barnes, BL

0.00

0.00

0.00

Paul A. McGarry, BL

10,817.25

0.00

10,817.25

Bruce St John Blake, Slr

762.00

0.00

762.00

Denis Linehan, Solr

40,595.50

462.37

41,057.87

AnneTait, Solr

4,374.15

0.00

4,374.15

John Hayes, Solr

7,538.15

428.38

7,966.53

Bernard MacCabe, BL

102,940.60

0.00

102,940.60

Ricardo Dourado, BL

18,204.15

0.00

18,204.15

Elizabeth O’Brien, BL

103,414.40

0.00

103,414.40

Susan Nolan, Solr

20,309.55

0.00

20,309.55

Samantha Cruess Callaghan, BL

13,848.15

0.00

13,848.15

Margaret Levey, BL

58,848.20

0.00

58,848.20

Judy Blake, BL

4,746.00

0.00

4,746.00

Sean Deegan, BL

3,871.50

0.00

3,871.50

David Goldberg, SC

19,081.40

0.00

19,081.40

Majella Twomey, BL

1,772.50

0.00

1,772.50

Laura McKenna, BL

1,772.50

0.00

1,772.50

Conor Gallagher, BL

1,781.65

0.00

1,781.65

Paul Christopher, BL

0.00

Brendan Gogarty, BL

0.00

Fergus O’Connor, BL

0.00

Paul Gormley, BL

0.00

Rory McCabe

19,106.75

1,852.00

20,958.75

David McHugh, BL

45,479.90

440.24

45,920.14

Aidan Eames, Solr

6,957.50

0.00

6,957.50

Declan McHugh, BL

6,452.25

0.00

6,452.25

Jim Nicholson, BL

19,604.50

924.27

20,528.77

Noel Whelan

695.75

0.00

695.75

Total

962,994.33

12,127.78

975,122.11

Visa Applications.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

635 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to previous correspondence (details supplied), the reason for the lengthy delay in issuing a reply; and if he is in a position to provide an up-to-date position on the original request. [6110/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa applications referred to were approved for multi journey visits for one year.

The correspondence referred to by the Deputy is currently being processed by officials in my Department and a reply will be issued shortly.

Residency Permits.

Phil Hogan

Question:

636 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of a residency application for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6119/08]

Officials in the Long Term Residency section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for Long Term Residency from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person in question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in September 2007.

An examination of the residency requirement has now taken place and I understand that the applicant has been requested to supply further documentation in this regard.

Registration of Title.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

637 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date on a dealing (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [6156/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, under the provisions of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The Property Registration Authority replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

I would also like to refer the Deputy to a service for TDs and Senators concerning the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, which was introduced in May 2006. The service was introduced, inter alia, to provide a speedier and more cost effective alternative to submitting Parliamentary Questions. This service, which is operated by the Property Registration Authority, is available all year round.

I can further inform the Deputy that his query has been forwarded to the Property Registration Authority for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.

Garda Stations.

Bernard Allen

Question:

638 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 1227 of 30 January 2008 in which he states that the future of McCurtain Street Garda Station would be a matter for consideration by the Garda authorities, if he will reconsider the contents of his response in view of the fact that the station has been closed for two years. [6157/08]

I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 1227 of 30th January 2008 regarding the future of McCurtain Street Garda Station. Personnel who were originally assigned to McCurtain Street were subsequently re-assigned to Watercourse Road station. As outlined in the 2008 Annual Policing Plan, it is intended to amalgamate Watercourse and Mallow Road stations. As indicated in my reply, the future of McCurtain Street Garda Station is a matter for consideration by the Garda Authorities and I expect that this will be considered in the context of the amalgamation outlined above and in accordance with the Annual Policing plans.

Visa Applications.

Joe Costello

Question:

639 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 can be supplied with a passport or travel documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6175/08]

The person in question can apply for a temporary travel document by writing to the Immigration Operations section of my Department at 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. The applicant should provide full details of proposed trips and should include accompanying documentary evidence. Application forms are available from the Immigration Operations section upon request in writing or by telephone. The Immigration Operations helpline can be contacted between 10 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays at 6167700.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Dara Calleary

Question:

640 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when his Department will publish details of the community closed circuit television scheme 2008. [6192/08]

The Community-based CCTV Scheme, established in 2005, is designed to provide financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting the capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. The Scheme offers pre-development (Stage 1) grants of up to €5,000 to enable qualifying applicants to investigate the need for CCTV in their area and to complete a detailed proposal, and development (Stage 2) grants of up to €100,000 from my Department for the establishment of a CCTV scheme. In addition to this, the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs provides successful applicants from RAPID areas with a further grant to a possible maximum of €100,000. Pobal has been engaged to administer the scheme on behalf of the Department.

A significant number of schemes were approved for funding last year and Pobal are working with the various groups on their implementation. When significant progress is made with these schemes, I intend to invite a further round of applications. While it is not possible to provide a precise date at this stage, I expect that it will be in the second half of the year and it will be open to any group to submit an application for funding at that time. Further details of the scheme and the relevant documentation are available on my Department's website (www.justice.ie) or on Pobal's website (www.pobal.ie).

Departmental Correspondence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

641 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that the documents withheld by his Department will be returned to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6207/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the documents in question were returned to the individual in question on 15th February, 2008.

Visa Applications.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

642 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 524 of 31 October 2007, the reason no contact has been made with the person as promised. [6212/08]

The Immigration Division of my Department has recently been in contact with the person concerned outlining the options open to her concerning her immigration status in the State.

Proposed Legislation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

643 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when he will amend the Landlord and Tenant Acts 1967 to 1994 to allow a commercial tenant to waive their right to a long-term lease after five years of tenancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6216/08]

A change to the Landlord and Tenant (Amendment) Act 1980, to allow a business tenant to opt-out of the automatic renewal of his or her tenancy after 5 years, following receipt of independent legal advice, is provided for in the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006.

Garda Communications.

Michael Creed

Question:

644 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason it is taking in excess of three months for Garda clearances to be provided for prospective staff in a facility (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6219/08]

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) makes criminal history vetting disclosures to registered organisations in respect of, inter alia, prospective employees, volunteers and students on placement who would have substantive, unsupervised access to both children and vulnerable adults.

The normal, prevailing time for processing valid vetting applications is approximately 4 weeks. However, processing times fluctuate depending on seasonal demand and volumes received. As of last week, the average processing time was approximately 6 weeks.

Garda Operations.

Brian Hayes

Question:

645 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the increasing rise in the theft of satellite navigation systems; if there is information from An Garda Síochána regarding the number of such systems stolen on a per county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6231/08]

Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Garda Transport.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

646 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to provide additional funding for Garda bike units; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda bike unit at Tallaght Garda station has been particularly successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6311/08]

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that they recently invited tenders for the supply and delivery of 130 mountain bikes with an option to procure a further 130, over the duration of the contract. Responses to this tender are currently being evaluated and bikes will be allocated by the Garda Commissioner in accordance with his identified operational needs.

I have also been informed by the Garda authorities that Tallaght was one of the first areas where the Garda Mountain Bike Unit was introduced in June 2001. Since then, the bikes are in daily use both by members of the Community Policing and regular units. Their introduction has been very successful and local Garda management report that the Unit provides highly visible and accessible policing in areas such as parks, laneways, footbridges, estates, pedestrianised areas, shopping centres, Luas and Dublin Bus areas. They provide a fast and reliable mode of transport, especially during peak traffic periods. The Unit has been very successful in tackling anti-social disorderly behaviour particularly in parks and estates. Local management report that the unit has been very favourably received within the community and is also used in talks at schools on road traffic and bicycle safety.

Garda Recruitment.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

647 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans for the further recruitment of members to An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6312/08]

I refer the Deputy to PQ 1211 of 30 January, 2008. The position remains unchanged.

Citizenship Applications.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

648 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made regarding this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6390/08]

Catherine Byrne

Question:

649 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current status of an application for long-term residency by a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made regarding this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6391/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 648 and 649 together.

Officials in the Long Term Residency section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for Long Term Residency from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person in question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in September 2007.

The application has not yet been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted again at that time informing him when his application will be further examined or of any shortfall in his residency.

Pat Breen

Question:

650 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6508/08]

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory residency conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are that the applicant must:

have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years.

In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include:

periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State

periods granted for the purposes of study

periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in September 2006. On examination of the application it was determined that the applicant did not meet the above mentioned residency requirements. A letter informing him of this was issued on 23 January 2007.

A second application was received in August 2007 and again the applicant failed to meet the statutory residency requirements. A letter informing him of this issued on 4 December, 2007.

It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application if and when he is in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

Garda Deployment.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

651 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to increase Garda numbers in a station (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6516/08]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Carrigans Garda Station as of 31 January 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 5. Carrigans Garda Station forms part of the Letterkenny District and the personnel strength of Letterkenny District at the same date was 186.

The Deputy should appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available, the needs of the Garda station referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Citizenship Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

652 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a person (details supplied). [6517/08]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in January 2008.

Officials in the Citizenship Section inform me that the application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing him when his application will be further examined or of any shortfall in his residency.

Non-EEA Nationals.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

653 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-EEA nationals registered with GNIB as being resident in the State; the number of these people who have student visas; the number who are recognised refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6527/08]

The number of non-EEA nationals registered with the Garda National Immigration Bureau as being resident in the State is 138,232 (to 14th February, 2008) and comprises the following categories:

those with the status of registered

awaiting payment to register

registration renewed

awaiting payment to renew registration

those naturalised.

The number of non-EEA nationals registered with GNIB who have student visas is:

28,765 on ‘Stamp 2', which entitles a non-EEA national to work 20 hours a week while studying; and

2,497 on ‘Stamp 2A', which does not entitle a non-EEA national to work while studying.

The total number of non-EEA nationals who have been granted refugee status, between 1st January, 2001 and 31st January, 2008 is 7,490.

Citizenship Applications.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

654 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for citizenship for a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6528/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 342 on 17 October 2007 in which I said that further processing of the application will commence in the first half of 2008. The position remains unchanged.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

655 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for citizenship for a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6529/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question 342 on 17 October 2007 in which I said that further processing of the application will commence in the first half of 2008. The position remains unchanged.

Residency Permits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

656 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if persons seeking residency here can be granted it on the basis that their spouse has residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6535/08]

There is no automatic right for a non-EEA national to join his/her spouse in the State. Each case will be considered with reference to the circumstances presented and will also depend on the immigration status of the two persons involved.

Different arrangements apply depending on the category of person with whom the spouse is seeking reunification. For instance, the spouse of an Irish citizen can expect, providing the marriage is not a marriage of convenience, to gain permission to reside including the right to work.

If one of the parties is an EU or EEA national, consideration of the case will be in accordance with the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons)(No.2) Regulations (S.I. 656 of 2006), or the European Communities (Aliens) Regulations 1977 (S.I.No.393 of 1977) or the European Communities (Right of Residence for Non-Economically Active Persons) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 57 of 1997).

I understand, however, that the Deputy has a particular case in mind and that the case may be one based on parentage of an Irish citizen child. Without seeing the details of the case, however, I cannot comment further on its merits.

Departmental Correspondence.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

657 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on establishing a TD helpline for the purpose of facilitating TDs in dealing with immigration cases, in view of the severe difficulties being encountered in endeavouring to communicate with relevant officials in his Department. [6536/08]

I'm sure the Deputy will be aware that the level of migration into the State has increased dramatically in recent years and that this has led to a significant increase in the workload of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

I can inform the Deputy that, in response to the difficulties being experienced by TDs, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service propose to establish an e-mail response system specifically for e-mail enquiries by TDs and Senators. It is envisaged that the majority of e-mails would be responded to within 10 working days.

Arrangements for this measure are being put in place at present and when all the necessary resources are in place a communication will issue to all TDs and Senators about the commencement of the e-mail response system.

Garda Deployment.

John Perry

Question:

658 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans in place to ensure that a permanent Garda is stationed at a Garda station (details supplied) in County Sligo; if he will give assurances that this appointment will be made in the near future due to an upsurge of vandalism and anti-social behaviour in this area. [6574/08]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Skreen Garda Station as at 31 January 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was one. The Sergeant who was allocated to Skreen was recently transferred within the District and that vacancy was advertised and the post is expected to be filled imminently.

The Deputy should appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. The next allocation of Probationer Gardaí is due to take place on 13 March next. In that regard, the needs of Skreen Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Additional patrols are provided by uniform personnel from Sligo and Collooney station parties, supplemented by the District Detective Unit and the Divisional Traffic Corps personnel.

Local Garda management is aware of the incidents referred to and appropriate measures have been put in place by the Garda authorities to address antisocial behaviour in the area concerned.

Citizenship Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

659 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [6575/08]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2007.

Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in July 2005 and have approximately 14,400 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the applications will commence in early 2010.

I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

660 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6636/08]

I can inform the Deputy that my Department does not hold an equity stake in any companies at the present time.

Regulatory Authorities.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

661 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the National Property Services Regulatory Authority will be responsible for regulating management companies and management agents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6648/08]

Property management agents provide property-related services under contract for property management companies. Because they provide property services, such agents will, together with auctioneers and estate agents, be covered by the licensing system to be operated by the Property Services Regulatory Authority. The Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill, under which the new Authority will be formally established, is currently being drafted and I intend to publish it as soon as possible this year.

As regards property management companies, the position is that the Law Reform Commission published a Consultation Paper on Multi-Unit Developments in December 2006. It identified a broad range of regulatory and other issues arising in relation to such developments, including problems arising from the manner in which company law currently applies to property management companies.

The Law Reform Commission has indicated that it will publish, as soon as possible, its Report on Multi-Unit Developments which, following an extensive consultation process, will contain reform proposals concerning the regulation and governance of property management companies. The Government has already directed that early action be taken by the relevant Departments to address the Commission's recommendations; the types of action will, of course, be dependent on the form that the recommendations take.

A high-level interdepartmental committee, under the chairmanship of my Department, comprising representatives of relevant Departments and Offices has been established to assist in the development of a coherent and comprehensive response to the problems arising in relation to multi-unit developments. A key task of this committee will be to identify the legislative and administrative actions to be taken in response to the Commission's reform recommendations and to determine a timescale for their implementation. Following publication of the Commission's Report, this committee will report to a Cabinet Committee whose membership will include the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform; Environment, Heritage and Local Government; Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Attorney General.

Travel Documentation.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

662 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the granting of a passport to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6757/08]

As the person in question is not an Irish national, my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs cannot issue an Irish passport. However, the person in question has been granted a temporary travel document by this Department. This document is valid until 2 September 2008.

Work Permits.

Joe Costello

Question:

663 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1 is eligible for a work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6838/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the persons referred to by the Deputy do not currently have permission to remain in the State.

My officials in the Immigration Division will be in touch with them shortly outlining the options open to them.

Matters in relation to work permit applications are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

Asylum Applications.

Joe Costello

Question:

664 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6839/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 June 2001 and applied for asylum on 28 June 2001. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 8 May 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.

Civilianisation Programme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

665 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-Garda clerical staff employed by the Garda Síochána; the number placed in each Garda division; the stations that they are assigned to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6847/08]

I have requested the information sought from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Garda Deployment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

666 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of Garda Special Branch in terms of numbers and its strength in January 1998. [6848/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

667 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Special Branch Officers in each Garda division. [6849/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 667 together.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that for security and operational reasons, it is Garda Policy not to disclose the number or percentage of Detective personnel on duty at any specific area or over any given period of time.

Garda Stations.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

668 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has been made on plans to refurbish the Cork North Garda Divisional Headquarters in Fermoy, County Cork since his visit to the premises in December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6851/08]

The 2008 Annual Policing Plan provides for changes to Garda Regional and Divisional Boundaries and as part of that plan Mallow has been assigned as the new Divisional Headquarters for the Cork North Division. I am also informed by the Garda authorities that Fermoy Garda Station will be refurbished. The works will be taken forward by the Garda authorities who work in close co-operation with the Office of Public Works.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

669 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7022/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is publicly available and published annually as part of the Revised Estimates Volume.

Environmental Policy.

Finian McGrath

Question:

670 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation regarding noisy neighbours and the action elderly residents can take within the law to deal with this situation. [6145/08]

Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, a person may seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet outlining the legal options available to persons experiencing noise nuisance is available from my Department and is also on the Department's website, www.environ.ie.

Noise nuisance and other problems caused by local authority tenants are also covered under legislation. The tenancy agreement, which is the legal basis of the relationship between the local authority and its tenants, will generally contain provisions in relation to the type of behaviour that is, or is not, acceptable. The local authority is empowered, under Section 62 of the Housing Act 1966, to initiate proceedings to secure an eviction where a tenant has breached the conditions of the tenancy agreement.

In the case of noise nuisance being caused by individuals in private rented accommodation, the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 contains a provision for third parties who are adversely affected by a failure on the part of a landlord to enforce tenant obligations to refer a complaint to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) in accordance with the procedures in the Act.

I am currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution as provided for in the Programme for Government.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

671 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount drawn down through his Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5967/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

672 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the Percent for Art grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5982/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 671 and 672 together.

The provision and management of capital projects and any associated art works funded through my Department's capital programmes are matters primarily for the local authorities. My Department does not have comprehensive data on projects which have incorporated an artistic feature under this scheme.

General National Guidelines on the Per Cent For Art Scheme were issued by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in December 2004. These guidelines recommend that the commissioning body should maintain a database of all projects funded under the scheme. The commissioning body, in the case of capital projects funded by my Department, is generally the local authority.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

673 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5998/08]

My Department has one financial management system, namely Oracle E-Business Suite that was provided by Oracle EMEA Ltd. The cost of maintaining the software in 2007 was €147K.

Local Government Elections.

Dara Calleary

Question:

674 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the individual grade of local authority worker that are debarred from contesting local government elections; the reason each grade listed is debarred; the appeals mechanism available to an affected worker; and if he has plans to review this issue. [6191/08]

The provisions governing local authority membership and local authority employment are set out in sections 13 and 161 of the Local Government Act 2001. Under section 13 of the Act, a person employed by a local authority who is not the holder of a class, description, or grade of employment designated by order under section 161 is disqualified from being elected or co-opted to, or from being a member of, a local authority.

For the purposes of the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 161) Order 2004, designated employments are employments whose maximum remuneration does not exceed the maximum remuneration for the post of Clerical Officer (Grade 3) in a local authority. There are no proposals to alter this position.

Grant Payments.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

675 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the transitional accommodation project (details supplied) in County Monaghan which is seeking funding under the capital assistance scheme can expect to receive grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6208/08]

A meeting has been arranged between my Department and Monaghan County Council for 29 February, 2008, with a view to clarifying a number of issues in relation to this project. A decision on the funding application will be made as soon as possible afterwards.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

676 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding his Department has given to sewerage schemes in south Tipperary in each of the years 2002 to 2008; if he will list each of those schemes and the amount that has been allocated, and spent in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6223/08]

Details of the recoupments made by my Department to South Tipperary County Council during the period 2002 to 2007 in respect of sewerage schemes funded under the Water Services Investment Programme are set out in the following Table. In addition, my Department made block grant allocations to the Council in each of these years under the small public schemes measure of the devolved Rural Water Programme. Details of the schemes funded from those allocations may be obtained from the Council.

Scheme

Recoupments

Recoupments

Recoupments

Recoupments

Recoupments

Recoupments

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Carrick-on-Suir Main Drainage Scheme

2,739,837.97

1,112,018,94

3,632,596.24

1,693,794.10

229,687.16

102,620.60

Cashel Sewerage Scheme — Stage 3

111,834.91

389,340.86

Fethard Sewerage Scheme — Collection System Upgrade

31,506.26

Limerick Junction Sewerage Scheme

182,842.66

23,165.62

Tipperary Grouped DBO Sewerage Scheme

747,025.25

4,039,411.35

10,031,231.14

1,354,110.66

3,630,611.71

Tipperary Town Sewerage Scheme

340,731.88

632,412.99

14,189.80

9,438.00

Totals

4,122,272.67

5,807,008.90

14,067,358.04

3,088,849.02

3,860,298.87

102,620.60

Note: There have been no recoupments to date in 2008.

Environmental Policy.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

677 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his officials will meet with farming organisations’ representatives in Connemara, County Galway to brief them on the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food proposals on destocking on the Twelve Bens mountain range in Connemara (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6224/08]

In the context of Partnership and the agricultural agreement made under Towards 2016, a formal consultation mechanism is in place between the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the farming representative bodies. This facilitates regular consultation in relation to issues involving designated land and the interface between nature conservation and the agri-environment.

In addition, as regards briefing of farmers affected by destocking and overwintering measures which are necessary on the 12 Bens, once the measures concerned have been determined by both Departments, each affected farmer will be individually notified and invited to attend local clinics where their individual concerns can be discussed. This is likely to take place in the coming weeks.

Architectural Heritage.

Tom Hayes

Question:

678 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps his Department has taken to ensure that the Rock of Cashel is nominated for world heritage status; the action that needs to be taken to secure this nomination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6232/08]

Ireland ratified the World Heritage Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage in 1991. Nominations to the World Heritage List are considered only if a nominated property has been included on the State Party's tentative list i.e. an inventory of those cultural and natural heritage properties considered to be of outstanding and unique value. There are eight sites on the current tentative list, including Cashel, which can be considered for nomination. Two sites from this list have been successfully inscribed on the World Heritage List namely Brú na Bóinne, in 1993, and Skellig Michael, in 1996.

The World Heritage Committee, the main body with responsibility for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, has developed guidance for the inscription of properties on the World Heritage List, as set out in Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention on UNESCO's website. The application process typically involves the preparation of a detailed Management Plan, appropriate planning controls / restrictions in the vicinity of the site, extensive stakeholder consultation, a conservation plan and an expert comparative analysis setting out the Outstanding Universal Value of the site.

The World Heritage Committee recommends that tentative lists be reviewed every ten years. In view of this it is my intention to review the existing tentative list this year. The preparation of applications for the remaining sites on the current list, including Cashel, and for any new additions to the list, will be considered in the context of that review.

Departmental Correspondence.

Phil Hogan

Question:

679 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from a company (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and his views on the matter. [6315/08]

I received the correspondence referred to in the question and a reply issued from my office to the correspondent on 18 February 2008. The reply set out the position in regard to wastewater treatment systems under the national Building Regulations.

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 312 and 314 on 6 February, 2008.

Part H of the Building Regulations (Drainage and Waste Water Disposal) sets out the requirements for the treatment of effluent from wastewater systems. The relevant Technical Guidance Document H (TGD-H) provides guidance on how to comply with the requirements of Part H and calls up, inter alia, Irish Standard Recommendation SR:6 of 1991 — Recommendations for Domestic Effluent Treatment and Disposal from a Single Dwelling House, issued by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

TGD-H also acknowledges that wastewater treatment systems other than septic tanks may be used. Such systems are accepted as satisfactory provided it can be shown that they are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are used. Part D of the Building Regulations (Materials and Workmanship) specifies alternative ways of proving compliance, including compliance with appropriate product standards or being subject to certification by an appropriate national certification body.

The Irish Agrément Board (IAB) is the national and European recognised body for certifying new building products or systems for which national standards do not exist. The IAB is an independent body which operates under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

A new European Standard (EN 12566-3) for small wastewater treatments plants has been introduced and is now in the transitional phase of implementation. The need for new systems to comply with this standard has been brought to the attention of Local Authorities by Departmental Circular Letters BC16/2006 and BC 2/2008, dated 8 November 2006 and 28 January 2008 respectively.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently finalising a revised edition of their Manual on Wastewater Treatment Systems serving Single Houses, in consultation with all interested parties. It is understood that the EPA Manual will refer to relevant European Standards and that the NSAI propose to withdraw SR6: 1991, in favour of the proposed new edition of the EPA Manual, when available. My Department plans to amend TGD-H to call up the EPA Manual and to consider any related issues at that time.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

680 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be allocated to Wexford County Council under the housing aid for older people scheme and the disabled person scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6408/08]

Notification of individual allocations to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and the Housing Aid for Older People scheme in 2008 will be made available following the publication, shortly, of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2008.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

681 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are plans in his Department to upgrade and extend sewerage facilities in St. Johnston, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6413/08]

The St Johnston Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 as part of the Serviced Land Initiative.

My Department is awaiting submission of detailed proposals for the scheme by Donegal County Council.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

682 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether it is fair that persons who purchase their home on the affordable housing and shared ownership schemes may be prohibited from renting out spare bedrooms in their properties although no such restriction applies to those who obtain bank mortgages for their affordable homes; and his plan to resolve this anomaly. [6417/08]

The terms and conditions of the various affordable housing schemes and the regulations governing local authority loans do not prohibit an affordable home owner from renting a spare room in his/her home so long as the property is occupied by the purchaser, as his/her principal place of residence.

Local Authority Housing.

Michael Creed

Question:

683 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason his Department proposes to exclude town councils from involvement in housing allocations in the future; the reason he proposes to transfer their functions in this respect to county councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6512/08]

I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 666 and 624 of 27 November 2007 in which I indicated that, generally, housing allocations in 2008 will be made directly to city, county, borough and town councils. County and city councils have since been provided with an indication of the general level of Exchequer funding that will be available over the next three years for the main housing programmes. Otherwise the position is unchanged.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

684 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6632/08]

Some 30,000 shares of €1.30 each were issued in respect of the Housing Finance Agency. The Minister for Finance holds all except 13 of these shares with the 12 Directors holding one each and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government holding the remaining 1. The Minister for Finance is the beneficial owner of all the shares as the 13 held by the Directors and the Minister are held in a nominee capacity only.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

685 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the instruction and guidelines which he has issued to local authorities regarding the implementation of the Nitrates Directive; the additional resources which he is providing to local authorities to facilitate the implementation of the inspection programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6796/08]

The functions of local authorities under the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006 ("the Nitrates Regulations") are clearly prescribed in the Regulations and include matters such as the monitoring of water quality, inspection of farm holdings, consultation and co-ordination with other public authorities, powers to specify variations on the size of protection zones around drinking water abstraction points and related matters. The terms and requirements of the Regulations were notified to local authorities by my Department in circular letters issued to the authorities and in briefing sessions held for local authority staff.

Article 29(6) of the Regulations provides that the EPA may make recommendations and give directions to a local authority in relation to the monitoring and inspections to be carried out and other measures to be taken by the authority for the purposes of the Regulations. This provision is in keeping with the general powers of the EPA under the Environmental Protection Agency Acts to exercise supervision in relation to the performance by local authorities of their environmental protection functions. I understand that the EPA is preparing guidelines for issue to local authorities on implementation of the Regulations and other environmental legislation.

In addition to the enforcement activities of local authorities, implementation of the Nitrates Regulations is supported by farm inspections carried out by staff of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the context of the operation of the Single Farm Payment Scheme and cross-compliance requirements.

I am currently reviewing the overall employment position in the local government sector, having regard to the need to deliver front line services (including environmental inspections and enforcement functions), and achieve value for money within the parameters of Government policy on public service employment generally. As part of this review, my Department is consulting the Department of Finance in relation to the current ceiling on local authority staff numbers, including impacts in relation to increased EU requirements and other obligations on the local government sector.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

686 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Galtee regional water supply scheme will be completed; the amount of the allocated budget that has been completed to date in the interests of public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6801/08]

Tom Hayes

Question:

687 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Ardfinnan regional water supply scheme will be completed; the amount of the allocated budget that has been completed to date in the interests of public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6802/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 687 together.

The Galtee Regional Water Supply Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2009 at an estimated cost of €14.5m. The Ardfinnan Regional Water Supply Scheme is included in the Programme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €5.5m. My Department is awaiting submission of South Tipperary County Council's Preliminary Reports for both schemes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

688 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Burncourt water scheme will be completed; the amount of the allocated budget that has been completed to date in the interests of public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6803/08]

Tom Hayes

Question:

689 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Fethard water supply scheme will be completed; the amount of the allocated budget that has been completed to date in the interests of public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6804/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 688 and 689 together.

The Burncourt and Fethard Water Supply Schemes have been approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 as part of the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative at estimated costs of €6.4m and €8m, respectively.

South Tipperary County Council's revised Preliminary Report for the schemes, which are being advanced as a grouped project, is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Tom Hayes

Question:

690 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Carrick on Suir sewerage collection scheme will be completed; the amount of the allocated budget that has been completed to date in the interests of public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6808/08]

Tom Hayes

Question:

691 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Cashel sewerage scheme will be completed; the amount of the allocated budget that has been completed to date in the interests of public health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6809/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 690 and 691 together.

Proposals for water and sewerage schemes in both Cashel and Carrick on Suir were included in the list of schemes submitted by South Tipperary County Council in response to my Department's request to all local authorities in 2006 to undertake assessments of needs for capital works in their areas and to prioritise their proposals on the basis of these assessments. The assessments were taken into account in the preparation of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 which was published in September 2007 and is available in the Oireachtas Library. Given the level of competing demands for the available funding and the priorities adopted by the elected members of South Tipperary County Council, it was not possible to include these schemes in the current Programme.

Architectural Heritage.

Chris Andrews

Question:

692 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans, in view of recent reports of maintenance work being carried out on Dublin’s Georgian street-scape to have Georgian Dublin listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; if, in view of same reports, he will accelerate the process for listing Georgian Dublin as a UNECSO World Heritage Site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6835/08]

Nominations to the World Heritage List are only considered if the nominated site has already been included on the State Party's tentative list. There are eight sites on the current tentative list which can be considered for nomination. Georgian Dublin is not included on the current tentative list and therefore is ineligible for nomination at present.

It is my intention to review the tentative list of sites this year. All proposals for sites to be included on the revised tentative list will be examined as part of this review. The timeframe for nomination of a site newly inscribed on the tentative list would be at least twelve months from the date of inclusion on the list.

Gateway Innovation Fund.

David Stanton

Question:

693 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals and their cost that have been submitted to his Department under the Gateway Innovation Fund; when he expects the evaluation and decision-making process to be completed in relation to each of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6854/08]

Following the Call for Proposals under the competitive €300 million Gateway Innovation Fund (GIF) which issued in June 2007, proposals from all nine National Spatial Strategy gateways were received by the closing date of 15 November 2007.

These proposals, seeking some €720 million in total funding under the GIF, are currently being evaluated against the criteria set down in the Call for Proposals by the GIF Management Committee which consists of representatives of my Department and the Department of Finance (with appropriate input from other Departments and agencies as required). Goodbody Economic Consultants have been commissioned to assist in the evaluation process.

The Committee will report and make recommendations to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance and to me as soon as possible, and we will jointly bring our recommendations to Government.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

694 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7019/08]

In line with the definition of a "regulatory body" set out in the report — Bodies in Ireland with Regulatory Powers — published by the Department of the Taoiseach in February 2007, information in relation to the operating budgets of regulators and regulatory authorities related to my Department is set out below.

In relation to the Department's regulatory functions, operating costs associated with the discharge of these functions are included in the overall expenditure estimate provisions as published at the start of each year. The costs of discharging regulatory functions by local authorities are provided for in the local authority annual revenue budgets. These totalled €4,272.37 million and €4,719.02 million respectively in 2006 and 2007.

In relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department, the table below sets out the funding provided by my Department to bodies with regulatory powers in 2006 and 2007. It should be noted that some of the bodies concerned also receive funding from own resources such as fees.

Name of body

Year applicable

Budget

An Bord Pleanála

2006

13,609,000

2007

15,990,000

Environmental Protection Agency

2006

29,099,000

2007

39,659,000

Private Residential Tenancies Board

2006

3,480,435

2007

5,739,940

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

2006

4,662,000

2007

3,971,000

Employer’s Liability Insurance.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

695 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it was a requirement in March 1977 that companies which were holders of State mining leases were to be in possession of employer’s liability insurance cover, for mines that were in use and where people were employed. [5948/08]

There is no statutory requirement under the Minerals Development Acts for a holder of a State Mining Lease or Licence to hold employer's liability insurance and such a requirement was not a standard condition of State Mining Leases in March 1977. It is now, however, a standard condition of any such lease or licence that the holder take out and maintain both employer's and public liability insurance for the duration of the term of the lease or licence.

Renewable Energy.

Jack Wall

Question:

696 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grants available to persons seeking to renovate buildings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6182/08]

The Greener Homes Scheme provides assistance to homeowners who intend to purchase a new renewable energy heating system for either new or existing homes. The scheme is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and aims to increase the use of renewable energy and sustainable energy technologies in Irish homes.

Renewable energy heating systems are new technologies which, while proven and highly utilised overseas, are now gaining popularity in Ireland. The Irish Government, through SEI, wishes to encourage people to green their homes by contributing to the initial investment cost of installing a renewable energy heating system. The government believes that this will help ensure a faster uptake of renewable heating systems which will underpin the development of a long term market, while enabling homeowners to play their part in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The grants are provided to householders who invest in renewable energy based heating systems under the following categories:Solar heating — for space heating and/or hot waterHeat pump — horizontal collector, vertical collector, well water or air source Wood Chip or Pellet stoves — with or without integral boilerWood Chip or Pellet boilers

The funding available is summarised in the table:

Solar Thermal Space and or Hot water heating (Evacuated Tube)

300 per m2 (to max. 6m2 )

Solar Thermal Space and or Hot water heating (Flat Plate)

250 per m2 (to max. 6m2 )

Heat Pump — Horizontal ground collector

2,500

Heat Pump — Vertical ground collector

3,500

Heat Pump — Water (well) to water

2,500

Heat Pump — Air source

2,000

Wood Chip/Pellet Stove

1,100

Biomass/Wood pellet Stove with integral boiler

1,800

Wood Chip/Pellet Boiler

3,000

Each household can only avail of a single grant.

State Property.

Martin Ferris

Question:

697 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the ownership of the site on which the GPO stands; and if ground rent is being paid for that site. [6221/08]

The site on which the GPO is built is owned by the State and comprises the GPO building and a number of adjoining commercial premises on which ground rent is charged and paid. In respect of the GPO building itself, there is a licence agreement in place, effective from 1st January 1984, which provides for occupancy of the tenant, An Post, for a term of fifty years. The licence provides also for a nominal annual rent of IR£1 which, to date, has not been collected.

Electricity Transmission.

Frank Feighan

Question:

698 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide assurances that a study (details supplied) will include all projects planned or in progress and that the ESB in future will have to submit costing for underground options as part of an environmental impact statement and that commission will be open to submissions from effected groups. [6841/08]

The Study on the Comparative Merits of Overhead Electricity Transmission Lines versus Underground Cables has been commissioned by my Department and is an independent national study on the relative merits of constructing and operating overhead transmission lines compared to underground cables, having regard to technical characteristics, reliability, operation and maintenance factors, environmental impact, possible health issues and cost.

A request for tenders for the purposes of this study has now issued via the Government's eTenders website. As part of the assignment, the consultants are being asked to review submissions, which may be made to my Department on the subject matter of the study, and to take account of these submissions, as appropriate, in the final report. Advertisements were placed in National newspapers on 13th February, inviting interested parties to make submissions to the Department by 7th March 2008.

The planning and development of transmission and distribution lines are operational matters for EirGrid and ESB respectively. All utilities, whether public or private, are required to produce an environmental impact statement in respect of planning applications for significant infrastructural developments. Such requirements are part of the independent statutory planning process.

Percent for Art Scheme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

699 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount drawn down through his Department for the Percent for Art scheme in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5962/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

700 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of capital projects funded by his Department in each year since 2002 to date in 2008; the number of cases in which the percent for arts grant was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5977/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 700 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled by my Department and will be furnished to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Financial Management Systems.

Brian Hayes

Question:

701 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of financial management systems in place in his Department; the persons who provided his Department with these systems; the cost of maintaining the software; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5993/08]

There are a total of three financial management systems in place in the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The systems were provided to the Department by the companies Core, Mentec International and Version 1. The provision for maintenance and support of these systems is €111,117 for the year 2008.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

702 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grant aid that was given to applications received in his Department after 16 February 2007 (details supplied). [6096/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

703 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if each grant aided unit has been tested to establish if it achieved energy and CO2 performance levels 40% higher than current regulations (details supplied). [6097/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

704 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if it possible for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo to view their file which is with his Department and who was not successful in receiving grant aid. [6098/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 702 to 704, inclusive together.

The House of Tomorrow programme opened in 2001 and by time of closure had committed grants to housing developments comprising around 6,000 units. The programme closed for applications in June, arising from a Government commitment to revise Part L of the Building Regulations to require energy and CO2 performance levels in new homes similar to those which had been demonstrated through the House of Tomorrow programme as being achievable, or a strengthening by some 40% relative to the current regulations. In the period from 19th February 2007 to the ultimate closure of the programme at the end of June 2007, Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) committed grants of €4.8 million to projects under the House of Tomorrow programme.

Under the programme, approximately 6,000 housing units have been approved for funding support, of which over 3,000 units have been completed to date and less than 2,000 units are in normal occupancy of more than one year. In the nature of building demonstration projects of this kind, verification of energy performance in practice typically requires a minimum established pattern of one year's normal occupancy. SEI is currently commissioning an extensive performance evaluation of such established units supported under the House of Tomorrow programme, comprising assessment of the objective energy, CO2 and cost saving impacts, together with an assessment of the experiences and attitudes of affected parties including occupants, builders, service providers, architects, estate agents and local authorities in relation to representative samples of these homes. The results of this work are unlikely to be available before the end of 2008.

However, early indications from a number of the more advanced developments under the programme are that user experiences in relation to comfort levels and running costs are most encouraging.

The application file for the above subject project is held by SEI and can be viewed by prior arrangement with the Legal and Contracts Manager at SEI.

Unsolicited Mail.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

705 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to introduce an initiative to reduce the amount of unsolicited junk mail delivered through the post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6204/08]

The public receives a wide variety of mail from a number of sources, much of which can be regarded as unsolicited mail, including unaddressed mail material, which may be delivered by An Post or other operators. An Post is statutorily obliged, under Section 12 of the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1983, to satisfy all reasonable demands for postal services throughout the State.

Measures are already in place to manage the impact of direct mailing. Under Section 2(7) of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003, individuals have the right to request that they be removed from any direct mailing lists used by businesses. Householders also have the option of limiting the amount of unsolicited mail they receive by completing a Mailing Preference Service form requesting that their names be removed from mailing lists controlled by members of the Irish Direct Marketing Association. Individuals may contact the Irish Direct Marketing Association directly or, alternatively, can complete a form available from post offices. This form goes directly to the Irish Direct Marketing Association and applies to addressed mail sent by their members.

I have no intention at this time to introduce additional measures in respect of direct mailing.

Public Procurement Procedures.

Simon Coveney

Question:

706 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the contracts awarded by Postbank which should have been subject to public procurement tendering rules; and if in each case those rules were followed. [6217/08]

Simon Coveney

Question:

707 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if contracts awarded by Postbank, a subsidiary of An Post, are subject to public procurement tendering rules. [6218/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 706 and 707 together.

Postbank is a joint venture between An Post and Belgian bank Fortis and all matters relating to its operation, including tendering procedures regarding contracts awarded, are for the two participants in the joint venture.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Simon Coveney

Question:

708 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will confirm that there has not been and will not be queue-jumping or interference by his Department in favour of offshore wind projects to the detriment of onshore projects which have already applied for connection in the gate three connection process. [6405/08]

Liz McManus

Question:

756 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the changes in financial arrangements or tariffs to the onshore wind sector in recent months; if, in view of recent announcements, offshore is now the preferred option for wind energy; his views on the 8000 MW of wind applications to the grid at the present time; the position regarding these applications; if the onshore providers awaiting access to the grid will be given less favourable status than offshore wind applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6747/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 756 together.

The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) programme establishes a stable investment environment for new renewable energy projects across a variety of renewable energy technologies which might not otherwise secure the necessary investment. The different prices in REFIT, by category, for biomass, biomass AD/CHP, small-hydropower, landfill-gas, wave/ocean, large-wind, small-wind and offshore-wind reflect the different investment costs in each category. The provision of a higher price in any category is indicative of the higher costs in that category to ensure the completion of projects. However, these tariffs are not indicative of any preference for one category over another.

Requests for connections to the electricity network, in the case of both onshore and offshore wind powered projects, are a matter for ESB Networks or EirGrid. Any dispute about the terms or conditions of any response to a request for a connection is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation. I have no statutory function in the matter.

The tariffs published in the terms and conditions of the REFIT support programme for onshore wind-powered projects is €57 megawatt-hour for large scale wind powered projects and €59 megawatt-hour for small scale wind powered projects. In accordance with the published REFIT terms and conditions these tariffs have increased in line with the change in the consumer price index in 2006 with effect from 1st January 2007 and again in line with the change in the consumer price index in 2007 with effect from 1st January 2008.

Simon Coveney

Question:

709 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reasons he has refused price increases to onshore wind energy projects while granting them to offshore projects. [6406/08]

The fixed prices published in the terms and conditions of the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) support programme for wind-powered projects is €57 megawatt-hour for large scale wind powered projects and €59 megawatt-hour for small scale wind powered projects. In accordance with the published REFIT terms and conditions these tariffs have increased in line with the change in the consumer price index (CPI) in 2006 with effect from 1.1.2007 and in line with the change in the CPI in 2007 with effect from 1.1.2008.

The original scope of the REFIT scheme did not include any tariff for offshore wind projects. I announced a first time new tariff band of €140 per megawatt-hour for offshore wind on 7th February.

Telecommunications Services.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

710 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be extended to an area (details supplied) County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6410/08]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

712 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be extended to an area (details supplied) in County Donegal. [6515/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 710 and 712 together.

The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.

The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).

There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is underway. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved, including any unserved areas in Co. Donegal, and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.

The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. The four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd Consortium, Eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.

Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter, subject to agreement with the chosen candidate.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

711 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the grant aid available for the development of wind turbines; the detail and criteria necessary. [6415/08]

There are no grant programmes in place for wind energy turbines.

Question No. 712 answered with Question No. 710.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

713 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to An Post, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6576/08]

The board of An Post is made up of 15 members. Of these, the Chief Executive is an ex-officio board member by virtue of the position he or she holds. The Chairperson and seven Directors are appointed directly by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The Postmaster Director (1) and Worker Directors (4) are elected by postmasters and An Post employees respectively, and are subsequently appointed to the board by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

714 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Broadcasting Commission of Ireland, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6577/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

716 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to RTÉ, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6579/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

717 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to TG4, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6580/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

718 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6581/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 716 to 718, inclusive, together.

The following table contains the information requested.

Name of Body

Number of Members

Appointed by

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland

10

Government

RTÉ

9

Government

TG4

9

Government

Broadcasting Complaints Commission

9

Government

Leo Varadkar

Question:

715 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to The Digital Hub Development Agency, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6578/08]

In accordance with Section 15 of the Digital Hub Development Agency Act 2003, there are 14 members of the Digital Hub Development Agency board, including the Chief Executive. The members, other than the Chief Executive, are appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

Questions Nos. 716 to 718, inclusive, answered with Question No. 714.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

719 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to ESB, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6582/08]

The Board of ESB comprises 12 members, eight of whom are appointed by Government and 4 of whom are elected employee members, appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

720 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to EirGrid, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6583/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

721 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Bord Gáis, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6584/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

723 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Bord na Móna, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6586/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

724 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Irish National Petroleum Corporation Limited, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6587/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

725 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to the National Oil Reserves Agency, the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6588/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 720, 721 and 723 to 725, inclusive, together.

EirGrid

The Board of EirGrid has a total of eight members. Seven of the members are appointed by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, under Part 11 (53) of Statutory Instrument 445 of 2000. The Chief Executive is also a member of the Board under Part 11 (51) (1) (b) of Statutory Instrument 445 of 2000.Bord Gáis Eireann

The Board of Bord Gáis Éireann has a total of nine members including the Chief Executive Officer. All the members are appointed by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance under the First Schedule of the Gas Act, 1976 (Section 5), as amended.

Bord na Móna plc

The Board of Bord na Móna has a total of twelve directors. Seven are appointed by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance under Section 18(2) of the Turf Development Act 1998. Four are elected by the employees of Bord na Móna and appointed by the Minister under Section 18(6) in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Worker Participation (State Enterprises) Acts 1977 to 1993.

The Managing Director is also a director of the Board and is appointed by the Board under Section 26(3) of the Turf Development Act 1998.

Irish National Petroleum Corporation

Article 82 of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Irish National Petroleum Corporation Ltd. provides that the number of Directors (including the Chairman of the Board of Directors) shall be not less than four or more than eleven. The members of the Board include the Chief Executive of the Company, all other members being appointed by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance under Article 83 of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

National Oil Reserves Agency

The National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 (the NORA Act) provides that the principal object of the National Oil Reserves Agency (the Agency) is to perform the functions assigned to it by or under the Act, including functions of

(a) maintaining, in accordance with Part 4 of the Act, oil stocks,

(b) providing, on its own initiative or at the request of the Minister, advice, information or guidance to the Minister on any matter relating to the holding of oil stocks,

(c) collecting and recovering the NORA levy,

(d) providing, as the Agency considers appropriate, such consultancy, advisory, technical assistance and contract services (including research and training services) in the State or elsewhere, on any matter relating to the Agency's stockholding functions, and

(e) representing, at the request of the Minister, a Minister of the Government at meetings of international bodies in so far as meetings relate to the holding of oil stocks.

Under Section 14 (1) of the NORA Act 2007 the NORA board of directors is to consist of not more than five directors, including the Chief Executive who, by virtue of that office, is also a director. All other members are appointed by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance.

Prior to the establishment of NORA as a stand alone body under the NORA Act 2007, the directors of NORA were appointed by the Irish National Petroleum Corporation of which the Agency was a subsidiary company. All future appointments to the NORA board will be made by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Finance, in accordance with the NORA Act 2007.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

722 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Commission for Energy Regulation, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6585/08]

The Commission for Energy Regulation was established under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999. It is comprised of commission members rather than board members. Under the Act the Commission shall consist of at least one but not more than three members, each of whom shall be appointed by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance. The Commission currently has two members and one vacancy, which is in the process of being filled.

Questions Nos. 723 to 725, inclusive, answered with Question No. 720.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

726 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Sustainable Energy Ireland, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6589/08]

Appointments to the Board are made in accordance with the requirements of the Sustainable Energy Act 2002 (No. 2 of 2002).

The Board consists of 12 members, 11 of whom are appointed by Ministerial direction, plus the Chief Executive who is an ex- officio member.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

727 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide with regard to Mining Board, the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6593/08]

The Mining Board consists of a chairperson and two ordinary members, who are appointed by me, under Section 33(3) of the Minerals Development Act 1940.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

728 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6595/08]

The Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission, is a North South Body, which was set up under the British-Irish Agreement Act, 1999 and is still in existence.

The Act provided for the setting up of a North South Body, which would take over the functions of the Foyle Fisheries Commission and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. While the Loughs Agency took over the functions of the Foyle Fisheries Commission, the transfer of the Commissioners of Irish Lights functions did not proceed.

The Loughs Agency of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission is responsible for the conservation, protection and improvement of the fisheries in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. It is required to promote the development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in the area of marine, fishery and aquaculture matters, including the development and the licensing of aquaculture.

The Body has a Board of 12 members including a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The members are appointed by the North South Ministerial Council on a joint Northern Ireland/Ireland basis. Six members are nominated from Ireland and six from Northern Ireland.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

729 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Radió na Gaeltachta; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6596/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

742 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of DTT Network Company; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6612/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

750 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Ltd; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

751 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of RTÉ Music Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

752 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of RTÉ Transmission Network Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6622/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 729, 742 and 750 to 752, inclusive, together.

The information requested by the Deputy relates to subsidiary companies of RTÉ and Raidió na Gaeltachta. RTÉ was established under the Broadcasting Acts, 1960 to 2007, and is an independent statutory body. Board membership is a matter for RTÉ and I have no function in the matter.

Name of company

Date of Establishment

Purpose

Raidió na Gaeltachta

1971

Raidió na Gaeltachta is part of RTÉ, is not a subsidiary and therefore has no legal standing in its own right. Raidió na Gaeltachta’s remit is to provide a national Irish Language radio service as part of RTE’s public service broadcasting remit — for the people of the Gaeltacht and also for Irish speakers nationwide.

DTT Network Company

30 July 1999

Currently dormant, originally for enhancement of existing analogue network and development of digital transmission services

RTE Commercial Enterprises Ltd

15 Feb 1990

Publications and other commercial activities

RTE Music Ltd

28 October 1968 (originally called Irish and Evergreen Limited purchased by RTÉ 18th Mar 1992 and renamed) RTÉ Music Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of RTÉ Commercial Enterprises Limited.

Music publishing

RTE Transmission Network Ltd

10 Dec 2002

Management of transmission network assets

Leo Varadkar

Question:

730 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of the Advisory Committee on InfoComms; if this committee is still in existence; the purpose and role of this committee; the number of members of the board of this committee; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6597/08]

The Advisory Committee on InfoComms was established by the Minister for Public Enterprise in June 2001. The Committee was charged with advising on a strategy to position Ireland as a key global centre in advanced information and communications technology. The Committee reported in 2002 and is no longer in existence. The Committee had 9 members.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

731 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of the Energy Advisory Board; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6600/08]

The Energy Advisory Board was a non-statutory advisory committee, which met during the period of the Department of Public Enterprise to advise the Minister on general energy matters. This advisory committee is no longer in existence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

732 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of An Post Working Group; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6602/08]

The working group referred to by the Deputy is the Post Office Working Group, which no longer exists. The role of this group was to determine a basis for the sustainable operation of the post office network and to prepare a report on this subject. The group comprised of officials from the following Departments: the Department of Public Enterprise (now the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources); the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (now the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food); the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs (now the Department of Social and Family Affairs); the Department of Environment and Local Government (now the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government); the Department of the Taoiseach; and the Department of Finance.

The group was assisted by external consultants, PricewaterhouseCoopers and issued its report entitled Report of the Post Office Working Group on 23 July 2001.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

733 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of the Telecoms Strategy Group; if this body is still in existence; the purpose and role of this body; the number of members of the board of this body; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining members are appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6603/08]

The Telecoms Strategy Group was established in November 2002 by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The key objectives of the group were: to formulate an agreed goal for the development of the telecommunications sector in Ireland; to ensure greater competition and wider choice in the delivery of high bandwidth/advanced data services to industry and to society at large; to develop measures to ensure a competitive environment underpinned by a regulatory regime which actively promoted competition and investment in networks, applications and services; and to expand the scope and availability of eGovernment services and to foster other broadband demand stimulation initiatives.

The then Minister appointed 13 board members to the group comprising of six Government officials and 7 members of the telecommunications industry. In February 2005 they issued a report entitled, "Ensuring Broadband Ireland". The Committee is no longer in existence.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

734 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Aurora Telecom Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6604/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

735 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE Finance Plc; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6605/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

736 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE (IOM) Ltd; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6606/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

737 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE (NI) Distribution Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6607/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

738 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE (NI) Supply Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6608/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

739 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of BGE (UK) Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6609/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

740 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of CM Power Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6610/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

741 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Conservation Energy Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6611/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

745 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Gate Power Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

747 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Natural Gas Finance Co. Ltd; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6617/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

748 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Platin Power Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6618/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

749 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Platin Power Trading Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6619/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

753 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Sudanor Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6623/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

754 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Utility Grid Installations Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6624/08]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 734 to 741, inclusive, 745, 747 to 749, inclusive, 753 and 754 together.

Utility Grid Installations Limited and Bord Gáis Éireann's (BGÉ) share in CM Power were disposed of during 2006. These companies are no longer part of the BGÉ group. The following table sets out details of the other companies as requested by the Deputy:

Name of Company

Date of Establishment

Purpose

Aurora Telecom Limited

1998

To provide telecommunications infrastructure

BGÉ Finance Plc

2002

A requirement of a proposed financial transaction

BGE (IOM) Ltd

2003

Part of a project finance arrangement relating to the Interconnector Spurline to the Isle of Man

BGÉ (NI) Distribution Limited (renamed firmus energy (Distribution) Limited)

2005

For the distribution of natural gas in Northern Ireland

BGÉ (NI) Supply Limited (renamed firmus energy (Supply) Limited)

2005

For the supply of natural gas in Northern Ireland

BGÉ (UK) Limited

1993

To construct, own and operate transmission pipelines in the UK

Conservation Engineering Limited

1993

For the purpose of manufacturing combined heat and power

Gate Power Limited

1996

To operate a combined heat and power plant

Natural Gas Finance Co. Ltd

1984

To provide finance to Bord Gáis customers

Platin Power Limited

2003

A joint venture between BGÉ and Scottish and Southern Electricity Limited in anticipation of a joint venture development of a power plant in County Louth

Platin Power Trading Limited

2003

In anticipation of a joint venture development of a power plant in County Louth

Sudanor Limited

1993

A requirement of a financial transaction

As all of these companies are subsidiaries of BGÉ. The question on board membership is a matter for the board of BGÉ and the respective company.

All of the companies listed in the table are 100% owned by BGÉ, other than Gatepower in which it has a 70% share.

Questions Nos. 742 answered with Question No. 729.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

743 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Digital Media Development Limited; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6613/08]

The Digital Media Development Limited (DMDL) was established on 28th March 2000 and was dissolved in July 2003 when the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) Act 2003 was enacted. The company was 100% State owned. The purpose and role of DMDL was to develop the Digital Hub project. This is now the responsibility of the DHDA. There were eight original members of the Board all of whom were appointed by the Taoiseach.

Responsibility for the DMDL transferred to the Department of Public Enterprise in 2001. Following the formation of the Government in 2002 and reassignment of Ministerial duties, responsibility for DMDL rested with the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, who made one additional appointment to the board. The Chief Executive was an ex officio member of the board.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

744 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of ESB International; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6614/08]

ESB International (ESBI) was established on 28/11/1988 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB).

ESBI is responsible for the non-regulated businesses in the ESB Group. The company builds, owns and operates power stations, as well as providing a wide range of engineering and consultancy services to client in the power sector worldwide. The company is divided into the following four main business areas, ESB Independent Generation, ESB Independent Energy, ESBI Investment and ESBI Engineering and Facility Management.

ESBI does not have a board. The three directors of the company are appointed by the Board of ESB. All equity in ESBI is held by ESB.

Question No. 745 answered with Question No. 734.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

746 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date of establishment of Media Lab Europe; the purpose and role of this company; the number of members of the board of this company; the number of whom are appointed by himself; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the level of equity held by himself within this company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6616/08]

Media Lab Europe (MLE) was established as a company in May 2000 and was a collaborative venture between the Irish Government and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Modelled on the Media Laboratory at MIT, MLE was established as a hybrid between academia and the corporate world, to create a unique new centre of research in digital technologies.

The Board of MLE was jointly appointed by the Government and MIT, with three Board members appointed by MIT, 3 members appointed by the Government, and three members appointed jointly by MIT and the Government.

I have no equity in MLE, which closed in 2004.

Questions Nos. 747 to 749, inclusive, answered with Question No. 734.
Questions Nos. 750 to 752, inclusive, answered with Question No. 729.
Questions Nos. 753 and 754 answered with Question No. 734.

Equity Stake.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

755 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the companies in which his Department holds an equity stake; the level of the equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6627/08]

The companies in which my Department holds an equity stake and the level of that stake, is shown in the following table. RTÉ and Bord Gáis Éireann are statutory bodies established by legislation. They do not have issued share capital. In the case of the ESB 85% of the share capital is held by the Minister for Finance and 5% is held by an ESOT. In the case of Bord na Móna the balance of the shares are held directly or indirectly by the Minister for Finance.

Company

Level of equity stake

An Post

54,590,943 Shares of a total of 54,590,946 shares

ESB

10% of the Capital Stock

Bord na Móna plc

3 shares out of a total issued Share Capital of 61,952,007

Irish National Petroleum Corporation Limited (INPC)

2 Ordinary Shares of a shareholding of 100 authorised shares100% of the issued share capital (2 shares)

Question No. 756 answered with Question No. 708.

Regulatory Authorities.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

757 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total operating budget for all regulators and regulatory authorities within the State for the years 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7014/08]

The regulators/regulatory authorities under the aegis of my Department are shown in the following table:

Name

Budget 2006

Budget 2007

Name

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland**

5,233,293.00 (Grant in aid payment)

3,809,665.00 (Grant in aid payment)

Commission for Communications Regulation*

N/A

N/A

Commission for Energy Regulation*

N/A

N/A

*I have no function in setting the budgets for these authorities, the income and expenditure of the authorities are published in their annual reports.

**The grant in aid paid to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) in 2007 is down on 2006. This was because there were monies recouped in 2007 by the BCI from the Broadcasting Funding Scheme in respect of the cost of administration and expenses of the Scheme. From 2004 to 2006, the BCI had paid these from its own resources rather than from the Broadcasting Fund itself. The scheme provides funding to support grants for new television and radio programmes on Irish culture and heritage, it is administered by the BCI, and funded from 5% of net television licence fee receipts.

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