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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Feb 2008

Vol. 648 No. 1

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 9, inclusive, answered orally.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

10 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on holding an open and frank debate on the future direction of Government policy on genetically modified food; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7081/08]

Several Government Departments have responsibility for aspects of GM Policy, these are:

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government which has responsibility for the deliberate release for GMs into the environment including for crop cultivation.

Department of Health and Children which has responsibility for GM food safety and consumer protection.

Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment has responsibility for developments in the biotechnology industry and R&D.

And my own Department, Agriculture Fisheries and Food which has responsibility for the regulation of GM seeds, including the co-existence of GM crops to ensure compliance with GM labelling regulations

Matters relating to the initial authorisation or otherwise of crops for cultivation here in Ireland are primarily a matter for the Minister for Environment. However my Department of course, works closely with that Department to ensure that all relevant factors are fully considered in decisions that will be taken.

Following the declaration in the Programme for Government to seek to negotiate the establishment of an all Ireland GM free zone, a process of elaborating and teasing out the implications of this commitment began with the setting up of a Senior Officials Group chaired by an official from the Department of the Taoiseach. This Group, which is composed of representatives from the Departments of ELHG, DAFF, DHC and DETE, has given consideration to matters relevant to the implementation of this commitment and has identified a number of issues which require further evaluation by the individual Departments. My Department is actively involved in this process.

My colleague, Minister Sargent, has in the past, and as late as yesterday when he addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee for Agriculture Fisheries and Food, clarified that the commitment in the Programme for Government is not about banning imported feed but rather about seeking to negotiate the establishment of an all Ireland GM free zone so that we can avoid the release of live GMOs into the Irish environment.

Obviously, of most concern to this Department over the last twelve months or so is the dramatic increase in feed prices and the role GM asynchronisation has played in that. Both Minister Sargent and myself are having ongoing meetings and contact with the feed industry as a whole and with individual players in the industry so that all relevant aspects of this debate are addressed.

In view of the fact that the issue is being discussed so widely both within the House and at industry level, I am of the view that there is a sufficient level of debate taking place in regard to the future direction of policy on this issue.

Grant Payments.

Ulick Burke

Question:

11 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if charter of rights commitments have been honoured in relation to the approval of work completed and the payment of grants in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7044/08]

The Farmers' Charter 2005-2007 set out the various deadlines for processing of applications and the issuing of payments to farmers under the schemes operated by my Department. My Department makes every effort to meet such deadlines. However, I accept that, in the case of applications under the Farm Waste and Farm Improvement Schemes, these deadlines in some instances have not been met in the Wicklow area.

This was due to particular circumstances arising in the Agricultural Environment & Structures (AES) office in County Wicklow resulting in delays in the processing of the 874 applications received under the Farm Waste Management Scheme and the 262 applications under the Farm Improvement Scheme. To address this difficulty, a number of officers have been redeployed to the Wicklow area in recent weeks to alleviate the pressure which has been encountered in that office. The situation in Wicklow, of course, continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

12 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the current proposals by Sustainable Industries Ireland to build a €200 million bio-refinery in County Carlow, and that it will convert agricultural products including beet, oats and wheat into bio-ethanol; if such a proposal would be eligible for grant approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7095/08]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

16 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason in view of her public endorsement of plans for a bio-refinery in County Wexford, she did not support a similar proposal put forward by farmers in County Cork for a bio-fuel refinery on the grounds of the former sugar factory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7101/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 16 together.

I welcome any proposal to establish biofuel production facilities in Ireland, which would provide a new market outlet for Irish farmers to supply feedstock raw materials for conversion into biofuel. In this context, I did meet recently, at their request with the promoters of a bio-refinery project, which they intend to locate at a suitable site in the South East. I am not aware that the promoters of this project have sought grant assistance, but the availability of such funding is a matter in the first instance for the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources which has overall responsibility for the development of bioenergy.

My Department's role is to support the production of feedstocks by providing incentives to farmers to grow energy crops. In this context in 2007, I introduced a new National Energy Premium of €80 per hectare and a new Bioenergy Scheme to help kick-start production of energy crops in Ireland. The €80 National payment supplements the EU Premium available under the EU Energy Crops. As a further support measure, land planted with energy crops can also benefit from the Single farm payment. The buoyant market for biofuels and the introduction of the incentives contributed to almost 8,000 hectares of energy crops being planted in 2007. These initiatives are intended to complement the measures introduced by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to stimulate demand for biofuels, most particularly the €200 million excise relief scheme.

The question of the future use of the former sugar factory site at Mallow is a commercial matter for the owners, Greencore Group plc. Under the EU Restructuring Scheme for the sugar industry, Greencore submitted an aid application for restructuring aid in July 2006 under which they undertook to fully dismantle the Mallow factory and sought the maximum amount of restructuring aid. As the decision on whether to fully or partially dismantle the factory is solely a matter for the sugar processor and as the application met the requirements of the EU Regulations it was approved subject to the outcome of the Judicial Review proceedings instituted by Greencore.

Before the application for restructuring aid was received from Greencore I raised the possibility of using Mallow or Carlow for bioethanol production with the Company having regard to the provision under the restructuring scheme, the inclusion of sugar beet in the energy crops scheme and the extension of the excise relief scheme. The Company informed me that it did not intend to produce bioethanol in Mallow. Anybody who expressed an interest in the possibility of utilising these factories for bioethanol production was advised to pursue the matter with Greencore.

Sheep Sector.

Damien English

Question:

13 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will introduce measures to support the sheep sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7066/08]

The sheep sector is an important part of the overall agri-food sector and its future depends on its ability to meet the needs of the market. The Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group, which reported in 2006, included representatives from all interested parties including the relevant state bodies and my Department. The Group's report set out a series of recommendations covering areas such as production, research, advice, processing and marketing. The objective is to facilitate the development of a more profitable sheep sector in Ireland covering production, processing and marketing.

I established an implementation Group to see how the recommendations of the Strategy Group could best be implemented and it reported to me last April. Most of the recommendations in the report fall to be implemented by the industry itself and of their nature will take time for their effects to be seen. My Department is providing assistance for breeding, processing facilities, mechanical grading and quality assurance. Other aspects of the Group's report are also being pursued.

Sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, a new mixed grazing measure is specifically targeted at sheep and there are definite signs of interest in it among applicants to date under that scheme. Substantial funding of €28m a year has been allocated to fund the new supplementary measure up to 2013. I am keeping this measure under close scrutiny.

I mentioned last May that payment would be made from the National Reserve to certain sheep farmers. I am pleased that individual allocations of the €6m available were commenced last week and payments should begin to issue shortly. This will result in payments of some €42m up to 2013 in the areas concerned.

In addition to the measures being taken at producer and processor level, promotional efforts are very necessary. Bord Bia will continue to organize strategic marketing campaigns in selected European markets. The downward trend in lamb consumption in certain markets presents a real challenge. To address this, Bord Bia is collaborating with its French and British counterparts on a 3 year generic lamb promotion on the hugely important French market to promote lamb to younger consumers. This is a very significant initiative as there is great potential for high quality lamb on this market, which has over the years been an ideal outlet for quality food from Ireland.

Following the decoupling of market supports and the introduction of the Single Farm Payment, it is not possible to provide direct support for production. I believe however that, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and in line with the approach set out above, the sheep sector can continue to make an extremely valuable contribution to the agri-food sector and to the economy as a whole.

Food Industry.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

14 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way she will support and develop the food industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31177/07]

The food and drink sector plays a vital role in the Irish economy contributing 8.6% of GDP and exports of over €8 billion in 2006. It is the largest indigenous industry both in terms of manufacturing and consumer spend and I am committed to both protecting and indeed developing this key industry. The sector is important not only in the overall economic context but also for sustaining economic development and employment in regional and rural communities. Some 50,000 people are directly employed in the food and drink processing sector, supporting 110,000 agricultural jobs and a further 60,000 are employed in distribution and ancillary services.

The reform of Common Agricultural Policy in 2003 represented a fundamental shift in the EU support framework for agriculture and food. The CAP is now based on the principles of market orientation and sustainability. Ireland was the first country to fully accept decoupling and we have successfully introduced the single farm payment. However this represents but a first step in the transition by the agri-food sector to a more market oriented regime. The sector must adapt to the demands of a less supported marketplace, which is subject to increasing trade liberalisation and is rapidly evolving.

In response to the challenges and changes impacting on the agri-food sector I launched the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan. This sets out the actions required to ensure the development of a consumer focused, competitive and sustainable agri-food industry capable of meeting the challenges post CAP reform of more liberalised markets and broader societal demands on the sector. The report took on board the views of the food industry, farming representatives, academia and other government strategies and policy papers including the National Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation which explicitly recognised the crucial importance of the development of a sustainable and competitive food and agriculture sector and the key role of research and innovation in that regard.

The 2015 Plan identifies the delivery of safe, high-quality, nutritious food, produced in a sustainable manner in high value markets as the optimum road for the future of the Irish food industry in the light of the changes which have already taken place or are anticipated over the next decade. The 160 plus actions form a coherent implementation strategy, and were subsequently reinforced by the 2016 Partnership Agreement and the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

Good progress has been made since the Action plan was launched a year and a half ago. Over three-quarters of the actions are completed or being implemented on an ongoing basis. Considerable public funding has been put in place. The agriculture and food elements of the NDP will account for total public expenditure of €8.7 billion and the Agri-Vision action plan will be the key vehicle for delivery.

Some of the key measures introduced include the new milk quota trading scheme; a capital investment envelope of up to €200 million to underpin huge investment in processing scale, efficiency as well as development of value-added products; a new Rural Environment Protection Scheme to support the environmentally friendly production; a new animal welfare scheme; increased funding for enhanced marketing through An Bord Bia and a substantial increase in funding for research and development as well as the promotion of local and regional food production.

My Department has also intensified its engagement with the food industry at all levels under a variety of structures set up under the Agri-Vision Plan, which includes food industry and food agency committees.

I am confident that the investment this Government has committed over the next number of years, my Department's Agri-Vision plan and the structures I have put in place to involve industry together with the dynamic nature of our agri-food industry will ensure that it can meet the challenges that lie ahead and continue to develop as a supplier of high quality products for world-wide markets.

Pig Sector.

Tom Hayes

Question:

15 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on the effect of rising feed costs on the pig industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7077/08]

70% of pig production costs relate to feed and high feed costs are having an adverse effect on the pig sector.

The price of cereals from the 2007 harvest in Ireland was up at least 50% compared to 2006. The price of imported feed materials was up by as much as 80% and those for compound feedingstuffs are running 30% higher. World prices for feed materials are being driven upwards by a number of factors including increased demand worldwide, a switch from feed production to biofuels, reduced supplies arising from the unfavourable weather conditions in several cereal producing regions and difficulties caused by the lack of synchronised authorisation processes for genetically modified feed between the USA and the EU.

There are, however, some positive signs regarding the possible increased availability of cereals arising from the relaxation of set-aside rules, increased cereal production and temporary suspension of certain import duties. Teagasc estimates a 20% increase in cereal production in Ireland this year.

Greater synchronisation of approvals of genetically modified feed is needed if a satisfactory supply of imported feedingstuffs for our pig and poultry producers is to be assured. In particular, the EU is heavily dependent on the 34 million tonnes of soyabean meal that it imports for this purpose and the vast majority of this is genetically modified.

I have worked hard with my colleagues in Brussels and the European Commission to provide assistance for the pig sector. An aids-to-private-storage scheme introduced last November, took almost 100,000 tonnes temporarily off the market. The export refunds introduced last December and which are still in place, have helped to stabilise the market at what is normally a difficult time of the year. I raised the situation in the pigmeat market with the Commissioner when I met her in Dublin some weeks ago and again at a bi-lateral meeting in Brussels on Monday of this week. At the EU Council of Ministers last Monday, I and a number of colleagues pressed the Commission on supports for the Pigmeat sector and the Commission undertook to come forward with a relevant proposal related to private storage at today's management committee.

On the marketing front, Bord Bia is expanding the pig quality assurance scheme and has conducted an intensified pork and bacon promotion programme. In addition, my Department has drawn up meat labelling regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat and these are currently being examined by the European Commission which has until 14th March to comment on them.

Finally, I remain extremely conscious of the problems being experienced by the pig sector. I hope that the actions I have outlined will lead to early improvement and I will continue to keep them under close review.

Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 12.

School Fruit Scheme.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

17 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the European Commission proposal to give free fruit and vegetables to school children throughout the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7091/08]

At its meeting on 12 June 2007, the Council of Agriculture Ministers invited the Commission to come forward with a proposal for a school fruit scheme as soon as possible based on an impact assessment of the benefits, practicability and administrative costs involved. On 18 December 2007 the Commission launched a public consultation procedure and that process will continue until the end of February. A summary of the contributions received will be included in the impact assessment report, which the Commission intends to present in May 2008. This may be followed by a formal proposal to Council in June/July 2008 for a school fruit scheme.

The Food Dude programme, in which 900 schools will participate in the years 2007 and 2008, will provide a good environment in Ireland for take-up of a school fruit scheme. The programme developed by the University of Wales encourages children to develop a positive attitude to fruit and vegetables through role models (the Food Dudes characters), repeated tasting and rewards. Qualitative evaluations of the EU and national programmes have been very positive.

Fur Farming.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

18 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will provide a list of the registered fur farms nationally and the geographic location of these farms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7102/08]

Fur farming is a legitimate farming activity in this country. Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence, obtained from my Department. Licences are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection, is found to be compliant with a number of key conditions.

Licensed fur farms are also inspected to assess compliance with the Council of Europe recommendations concerning fur animals and Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. These farms may only utilise slaughter methods permitted under the Fourth Schedule of the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2008. The Irish fur industry is fully aware of animal welfare requirements and it has displayed a willingness to comply with the requirements of my Department.

Given that the licensed fur farms operating in this country meet current national and EU requirements there is no reason why what is, after all, a legitimate farming activity, which is permitted in the greater majority of EU Member States, should be banned. Due to on-going security concerns, the publication of the list requested is not deemed to be appropriate.

Crop Losses.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

19 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures she will take to resolve the serious financial hardship facing farmers who have had their businesses frozen due to brown rot; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7085/08]

Since the brown rot outbreak was found on Irish produced potatoes in September 2007 my Department officials have implemented the contingency plan for brown rot outbreak and has worked tirelessly to control and eradicate this dangerous bacterial disease. Disease prevention notices have been served on growers where the disease has been confirmed and this results in limiting the movement of potatoes on and off the farms involved and may only be done under permit and under the control of officials from my Department.

The handling of this disease is governed by EU legislation, which is being followed by my Department in this case. The disease poses no risk to human or animal health.

I myself and my colleague Ministers of State have met these farmers on a number of occasions. Officials from my Department are in constant contact with the individual potato growers involved, the farming organisations and the potato trade in an effort to address issues faced by the individual farmers concerned while at the same time ensuring that all possible steps are being taken to control the spread of this disease. The latest such meeting took place last Friday 18th February.

Milk Quota.

Willie Penrose

Question:

20 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will lobby the EU to increase the annual milk quota in view of the worldwide growth in demand for dairy products. [7099/08]

As the Deputy may be aware, I have been lobbying the EU for some time to agree to a milk quota increase in order to allow milk producers to respond to the positive signals on the dairy market.

I was in contact with a number of my counterparts in the weeks leading up to last September's Council of Agriculture Ministers to build support for just such an increase, as it had been clear for some time that farmers' ability to respond to the buoyancy in the dairy market was being curtailed by quota restrictions.

I followed these contacts with a formal call at the September Council meeting for a quota increase of 3 per cent from 1 April 2008. The Commission undertook to consider this in the context of its December Dairy Market Report. That report was published in December and recommended a quota increase of 2 per cent for all member states from April 2008. While I have welcomed this development, I have also continued to assert my belief that an increase of more than 2 per cent is justified at this time.

The 2 per cent proposal is now being advanced in Brussels and is expected to be voted on at the March Council of Ministers.

Animal Feed.

Denis Naughten

Question:

21 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps which she is taking to reduce the burden of red tape on small animal feed merchants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4020/08]

I am not aware of any specific requirements being placed on small animal feed merchants, other than those required of any small business enterprise, that could be considered burdensome red tape. The Deputy may be referring to the EU requirement under the EU Feed Hygiene Regulations on all operators to register as Feed Business Operators in 2006. The Regulations also require my Department to secure a declaration from these operators, within two years of registration, that they are in compliance with the obligations of such registration, particularly in relation to HACCP and food/feed safety.

A letter reminding the operators of their obligations asked that the declaration be signed. A stamped return envelope was provided. My Department is currently examining the returns. I am satisfied that this process which is related to consumer protection and food safety, did not place any undue burden on the businesses concerned.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

22 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the date of establishment of the Agri-Vision 2015 committee; the purpose and role of the committee; the number of board members of the committee; the number of whom are appointed by her Department; the person by whom the remaining board members are appointed; the amount of financial support provided by the Government to this committee for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6117/08]

The 18 member Agri-Vision 2015 Committee was established in January 2004. The purpose of the committee was to review the strategy and recommendations in the Agri Food 2010 Report in the context of developments, both external and internal, since that report was completed. While the review itself was broad ranging, it focused on a number of particular issues including the enlargement of the EU, competitiveness and efficiency of the production base and income and employment trends in agriculture and rural areas in general.

The Committee finalised their report in November 2004 and was then disbanded. Upon completion of the report, payments of €22,000 and €10,000 were made respectively to the Chairman and a consultant for analytical work provided. The Minister appointed all the board members.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

23 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives she is undertaking in 2008 to help combat climate change; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7093/08]

Climate change has potentially serious implications not just for agriculture but for all sectors of the economy. Agriculture has already made a significant contribution to Ireland's efforts to meet the targets set down under the Kyoto Protocol, achieving a reduction of 2% in greenhouse gas emissions from the sector in the period 1990 to 2005. The decision to opt for full decoupling of direct payments from production led to a substantial reduction in emissions owing to a fall in livestock numbers with an attendant decrease in fertilizer use. These reductions are projected to continue through 2008 until 2012 and beyond.

Looking ahead, the sector will continue to effect production efficiencies in order that the emissions per unit of food produced are as low as possible. In this regard it is expected that in 2008 the continued implementation of the Nitrates Regulations will result in better utilization of nutrients, with a consequent reduction in nitrogen applications. Other measures which will contribute to greenhouse gas abatement, such as the encouragement of minimum tillage, the use of clover swards and the adoption of low emission trailing shoe technology for slurry spreading have been introduced under the new Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Forestry is a significant element in the National Climate Change Strategy and plays a very important role in sequestering carbon. Forests planted from 1990 onwards are currently taking an average of 2.1 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent per annum and projected sequestration by 2020 is likely to be in the region of 4 million tonnes. My Department is actively promoting planting under the Afforestation Grant Scheme in 2008 and REPS farmers are also being encouraged to establish high nature value woodland under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme, which will be fully rolled out in 2008. Both forest products and energy crops also contribute to the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by acting as substitutes for fossil fuels and my Department will continue to invite participation in the EU Energy Crops Scheme and the Bioenergy Scheme in 2008.

I realise that further initiatives may be needed to address the challenge of climate change, which is why my Department has committed substantial funding, under the Research Stimulus Fund, to various research projects devoted to identifying sustainable greenhouse gas reduction measures. A comprehensive research needs analysis, was recently carried out by my Department and will be used to inform future calls for research in the area climate change. Furthermore, my officials are currently working closely with Teagasc and COFORD in carrying out a review of the potential mitigation options available to the sector.

Ministerial Travel.

James Bannon

Question:

24 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries she will make visits to during the next six months; the purposes of these visits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6874/08]

The countries I intend to visit during the next six months are as follows:

February — Trade and Investment Mission to Japan

March — Council of Agriculture Ministers Meeting, Brussels

April — Council of Agriculture Ministers Meeting, Luxembourg

May — Council of Agriculture Ministers Meeting, Brussels

June — Council of Agriculture Ministers Meeting, Luxembourg

July — Council of Agriculture Ministers Meeting, Brussels

Departmental Funding.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

25 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the recent submission by the Veterinary Council of Ireland to the Oireachtas joint committee seeking funding under the veterinary act to upgrade premises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7103/08]

The matters referred to which come within the remit of my Department are currently being examined. I understand that the aspects which come within the remit of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, have been dealt with in his reply of 14 February to Parliamentary Question No. 59 from Deputy Sherlock.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Simon Coveney

Question:

26 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding her recent discussions at EU level relating to the CAP health check; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7052/08]

The CAP Health Check was discussed most recently at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 18 February. There was a wide-ranging discussion with all member States outlining their priorities.

The main elements of the Communication on the Health Check relate to simplification of the single payment scheme, the expiry of milk quotas in 2015 and how to address the emerging challenges of climate change, bio-energy, water management and bio-diversity.

The Slovenian Presidency has indicated that it will present draft conclusions at the next meeting of Agriculture Ministers scheduled for 17 March with the aim of achieving the agreement of the Council on the main points of the Communication.

Legislative proposals are due to be presented by the Commission in May with a view to having a final agreement by the end of 2008.

Finally my Department will continue to consult with the two Consultative Committees that I established to advise on all aspects of the Health Check and the long term future of Milk Quotas.

Departmental Offices.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

27 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 331 of 13 November 2007 the number of applications and the amount applied for in grants under the farm improvement grants scheme received by each of the offices and sub offices of her Department by 22 October 2007; if each of these applications have been examined; if each of these applications will be accepted; if not, the shortfall in funding needed to complete these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6869/08]

As indicated in my reply to the previous Parliamentary Question referred to, 12,675 applications were received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007. These applications are currently being processed up to the level of funding made available for the Scheme under the 2006 Partnership Agreement Towards 2016. It is not possible at this stage to indicate the financial commitment, in grant terms, represented by the valid applications included in these 12,675 applications or to determine the shortfall, if any, represented by these applications.

Fishing Industry Development.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

28 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the initiatives planned to promote the indigenous fishing industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7113/08]

As you are aware a strategy for a Restructured, sustainable & Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007-2013 — Steering a New Course, was launched on January 28th 2007. The strategy sets out a visionary road map towards achieving an Irish seafood sector that is sustainable, profitable, and most of all, truly competitive and market-focused.

The strategy is based on a comprehensive report carried out by a review group made up of three eminent experts, Dr. Noel Cawley, Mr. Ruan O'Bric and Mr. Joey Murrin, appointed in June 2006. The report, which took on board the views of individual fishermen, fish farmers, processors, marketeers and other stakeholders, focuses on ten core themes and outlines specific actions to be taken in order to achieve a sustainable seafood industry.

Some of the core initiatives proposed in the report include the following:

A restructuring of the fishing fleet through decommissioning schemes, in tandem with a new approach to the management of quotas.

Improve management and control of access conditions to inshore fishing areas through the development, facilitation and implementation of national and local species management plans under the Shellfish Management Framework.

Develop a Step-Up Measure to incentivise consolidation, improve business performance and prioritise support for the development of seafood businesses where there is good potential for long-term sustainable value.

The Irish seafood industry is critical for the sustainable economic and social development of coastal communities, right around the coast and further development of these marine industries is critical to the future prosperity of these areas. There is buoyant demand for seafood both domestically and in key export markets and, as the report strongly recommends, capturing this clear and growing economic and market opportunity is the key for all development activity within the Industry.

The Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) chaired by Dr. Noel Cawley and made up of representatives from each of the catching, aquaculture and processing/marketing sectors, as well as the Department and relevant State Agencies has been set up to oversee the implementation of this report.

EU Directives.

Joan Burton

Question:

29 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of inspections carried out under the Nitrates Directive; the number of staff allocated within local authorities for the years 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7089/08]

The number of inspections carried out by officials of my Department under the cross-compliance arrangements (which include nitrates directive requirements) attaching to the Single Payment Scheme in 2006 and 2007 was 1,309 and 1,330 respectively. I do not have information on inspections undertaken by local authorities. Staff allocations within local authorities are a matter for the authorities themselves and my Department has no involvement.

Grant Payments.

Joe McHugh

Question:

30 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has had a further update from the EU commission in relation to the delay in the REP scheme payment to farmers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6865/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels on Monday 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 payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to issue.

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 arrangement to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

Proposed Legislation.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

31 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the Animal Health Bill; when she expects to be in a position to publish the Bill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7058/08]

The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments relating to animal health and welfare including an undertaking to introduce a new Animal Health Bill to consolidate and amend previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our nation's animals.

Drafting of the legislation relating to animal health (and also to take account of the commitments to introduce a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill) is proceeding within my Department. In advance of its publication, my Department will be engaging in a form of public consultation on the draft legislation, which will provide an opportunity for interested parties to submit their views.

Fisheries Protection.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

32 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will introduce a traceability system for Irish fish catch; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7112/08]

Fish landed in Ireland is currently traceable through a variety of means including sales notes, landing declarations data, and labelling requirements.

My Department has introduced a comprehensive regime for the collection of sales notes in Ireland since the 1st of January 2007, as required under Council Regulation 2847/1993. Sales notes detail the origin, size, weight, price and date of first sale fish, as well as information about the seller.

Sales notes are cross-referenced with landings data i.e. log-books and landing declarations, and this allows for comprehensive monitoring and control of fish landings into Ireland. The masters of fishing vessels over 10m in length are required to complete standard log books and landing declarations. The log-book records what type of species of fish was caught, which area they were caught in, when they were caught, the quantity caught, and the method used to catch them.

All potential buyers of first sale fish, both national and international, are required to register with the Department if they intend to purchase first sale fish landed into Ireland. A ‘registered buyer' is a person, partnership or body corporate that purchases first sale fish. Registration can be completed online via the Sea Fisheries Portal — http://www.fishingnet.ie. Further information can also be found on the BIM website: http://www.bim.ie/salesnotes.

In addition to the monitoring of catches through sales notes and landings data, Ireland has, since July 2003, in accordance with the requirements of Council Regulation 104/2000, a labelling system in place providing traceability information in respect of a wide range of seafood and aquaculture products. SI 335 of 2006 also gives effect to a range of European Communities Food Safety Legislation in respect of Fishery Products and Fish Feed. All food businesses, including seafood businesses are required to have traceability and recall systems in place.

European Council Meetings.

Seán Barrett

Question:

33 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the main agenda items for the next European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council that are of concern to Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6876/08]

The next meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will take place on 17 March. We do not, as yet, have an agenda for this meeting but items of interest to Ireland likely to feature include the Health Check of the CAP and the proposed increase in Milk Quotas for 2008.

On the Health Check I understand that the Slovenian Presidency will present conclusions to the discussions to date to be agreed either as Council or Presidency Conclusions. On 2008 Milk Quotas, the Commission has proposed a 2% increase in quotas for all Member States in the light of its analysis of market conditions.

I, and my officials have taken an active role in the discussions to date on both subjects and will do so again at the March Council. On the Health Check, I am particularly concerned to ensure that the opportunity is taken to introduce further simplification of the SPS and cross compliance while avoiding any fundamental reforms. In relation to milk quotas I favour a 3% increase, which I believe is warranted by market conditions, however there are a range of views in the Council, including some countries that are opposed to any increase.

I hope that we can significantly advance both these issues at the Council meeting in March.

Fishing Industry Development.

Pat Breen

Question:

34 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the developments that her Department will be assisting in the Cork Kerry region in relation to fisheries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6878/08]

On Monday 18th February, 2008, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, John Browne T.D., announced details of the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2008, which is worth over €23m.

Funding was allocated to projects that were identified as priorities by both the Local Authorities and the Department's Engineering Division. In addition to the funding of the six main Fishery Harbour Centres, the 2008 programme also provides for significant expenditure on various small harbours. These are harbours around our coastline under Local Authority control that both supplement and underpin the activities undertaken in our larger harbours.

One of the major projects being funded in the Cork/Kerry region is at Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre where significant development work is being undertaken in 2008. The total investment for 2008 is in excess of €9.5m which includes an allocation of €8m for the new quay construction works. The development of the harbour will allow for larger vessels carrying deeper draft and will accommodate all of the new modern vessels which have entered the Castletownbere fleet.

This year's investment also includes grant-aid of €1m for the provision of a lifeboat shore facility for the RNLI which is due to be constructed on reclaimed foreshore within Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre.

The full list of projects in Counties Cork and Kerry receiving funding in 2008 is given in the following table.

Project

Fishery Harbour Centres

Safety and maintenance (Castletownbere and Dingle)

550,000

Disability access (Castletownbere and Dingle)

100,000

Castletownbere

Dinish wharf extension

8,000,000

RNLI pontoon

1,000,000

Effluent treatment upgrade

40,000

Mainland quay extension and provision of slipway

200,000

Dingle

Dingle harbour dredging

40,000

Removal of old slipway

60,000

Additional berthing pontoons

765,000

Local Authority Projects Managed by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Engineering Division)

Kerry County Council

Cromane — Construction of pier, breakwater, access road anddredging of entrance channel

750,000

Other Local Authority Projects

Cork County Council (Western Division)

Crookhaven — Phase 1 of harbour development

525,000

Adams Quay Kinsale — Redevelopment of pier

105,399

Cape Clear — Computer generated modelling survey

100,000

Cork County Council

Ballycotton — Remedial works to breakwater

500,000

Garnish Pier — Phase 3 slipway development

192,084

Kerry County Council

Tarbert — Continuation of pier stabilisation works

37,500

Scraggane — Completion of pier extension works

75,000

Knightstown — Completion of concrete breakwater

75,000

Renard — Pier remedial works

600,000

Tahilla — Provision of concrete slipway

75,000

Caherciveen — Completion of slipway and apron

5,625

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 has earmarked a minimum of €216 million for the Seafood Development Sub-Programme. The central goal of this investment is to ensure the long term economic, social and environmental sustainability of the fisheries industry thereby maintaining the value of its activity to the costal and rural communities who rely on it and to the economy as a whole.

Costal communities dependent on the fisheries industry in the Cork/Kerry region will be in a position to continue to avail of funding under various schemes which will be introduced to assist sustainable development of fisheries areas in accordance with the European Fisheries Fund.

These schemes will be administered by Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

Departmental Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

35 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will reopen the farm improvement scheme, which is of paramount importance to the farming community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7097/08]

James Bannon

Question:

45 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has plans to reopen applications for grants under the farm improvement grants scheme during 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6873/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 45 together.

The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007 with a funding provision of €79 million as agreed under the Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. As applications under the Scheme had reached this level of funding, the Scheme was closed to new applications on 31 October 2007. I have no plans at present to reopen this Scheme.

Afforestation Programme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

36 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage targets of total land she expects to achieve in relation to afforestation of land for each of the next ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6871/08]

The national forest estate extends to some 700,000 hectares or 10% of the total land area. This figure is less than one third of the EU average.

The Strategic Plan for the Development of the Forestry Sector in Ireland, ‘Growing for the Future', sets a target of 17% of the total land area for forest cover. Over the period of the National Development Plan, the immediate objective is for annual planting to grow to 10,000 hectares per annum and stabilise at that level.

The forestry planting schemes are demand-led but the incentive structure available is kept under review to keep the afforestation option attractive to farmers.

Pig Sector.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

37 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she will take to ensure the viability of the Irish pig industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7055/08]

I am very aware of the difficulties facing the pig sector and will continue to pursue appropriate actions to alleviate them. The problems are attributable to a number of factors such as the cyclical nature of the industry, the high cost of feed and the strength of the euro, which adversely affects exports to non-EU countries.

The cost and availability of feed are critical considerations. At EU level, I and other colleagues were successful in ensuring that setaside land would be available for cultivation. It was also agreed that import duties on certain imported feed should be abolished. I continue to pursue greater synchronisation of the approval processes for genetically modified feedstuffs between the EU and other countries as this would expedite the availability of feed to the pig sector.

I have been continually to the forefront also in seeking market support measures for pigmeat. The EU aid to private storage measure introduced last October helped to temporarily remove 100,000 tonnes from the market. I raised the situation in the pigmeat market with the Commissioner when I met her in Dublin some weeks ago and again at a bi-lateral meeting in Brussels on Monday of this week. As a result of interventions by like-minded colleagues and myself at this week's Council of Ministers, the EU Commission is presenting a proposal at today's management committee allowing the extension of private storage contracts. This should ensure that the release of product from storage will not disrupt the market. I have also argued strongly and successfully for the re-introduction of export refunds for fresh and frozen pigmeat. These were re-introduced last November and remain in place.

Another important support element is Bord Bia's programme of promotion on the home and export markets. I am glad to say that Bord Bia has intensified its national pork and bacon promotion campaign for which additional funding was made available. This campaign is backed up by the very successful Bord Bia pigmeat quality assurance scheme.

Labelling is another area in which I am taking action. I am working with the Minister for Health and Children towards the introduction of legislation to provide better information to consumers on the origin of pigmeat and other meats. The draft legislation is being examined by the European Commission and other Member States, which have until 14 March 2008 to make any comments on the proposed legislation. I have also written to Commissioner Fisher-Boel to reinforce the importance and necessity for origin labelling.

Finally, I would hope that the actions I have outlined would contribute to an early resolution of the difficulties in the pigmeat sector. There cannot be a guarantee that they will solve all the problems but I am convinced that they will make a very positive contribution.

Departmental Schemes.

David Stanton

Question:

38 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 22 November 2007 if the review has commenced in respect of the farm improvement scheme; when this review will be completed; the person who is carrying out this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7116/08]

The Farm Improvement Scheme was suspended to new applications on 31 October 2007 as the applications had reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

That agreement provides for a formal review of its terms in 2008 in which all parties to the agreement will be involved.

Animal Identification Scheme.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

39 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied with the present tagging arrangement for the national herd, in view of the fact that so many, both single and double tags, have to be replaced each year; the steps she has taken to seek improvements in this system; if she has had discussions with her colleagues in Northern Ireland to bring forward an all Ireland tagging system or another replacement system to ensure that all animals can be followed through from birth to final disposal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6319/08]

My Department reviews the methods of cattle identification available within the terms of the EU requirements and keeps in touch with developments in the marketplace in relation to eartags to ensure that the tag most suited to the needs of Irish farming is available. I am satisfied that the current system of double tagging bovine animals with plastic tags is the most efficient and practical form of identification available at present. My Department is currently examining the possible future use of electronic and other means of identification for bovine animals.

Under the North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) a number of Working Groups on different aspects of animal health and welfare were established. The Working Groups continue to co-operate closely, overseen by the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy Steering Group, which is made up of senior officials from both Departments. The Working Group on animal identification has regard to the relevant European Union legislation and discusses all pertinent issues in relation to cattle identification, including tagging.

Ministerial Travel.

Seán Barrett

Question:

40 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the counties she will make visits to during the next two months; the purposes of these visits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6875/08]

Plant Closures.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

41 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her attention has been drawn to the proposals by a company (details supplied) to close their plant at Athy and that pea growers have made arrangements for the 2008 crop; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7108/08]

On 8 February the company in question announced its intention to transfer its packaging operation from Athy to a new consolidated Dublin facility. The company has stated that it is committed to continuing to source its requirement for peas for its canning plant from farmers in the Athy region. I understand that the company has entered into negotiations with the growers on handling and storage arrangements for the 2008 crop.

Bovine Diseases.

Denis Naughten

Question:

42 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will increase the age limit for compulsory BSE testing from its current limit of 30 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2034/08]

The current requirement that all bovine animals over 30 months of age, slaughtered for human consumption, must be tested for BSE is provided for in Regulation (EC) No.999/2001 of the European Parliament and of the Council, laying down rules for the prevention, control and eradication of certain transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (The TSE Regulation). Accordingly I do not have the discretion to raise this age threshold as I would wish to do in view of the major progress achieved here in relation to BSE.

I have been making repeated efforts to have the age thresholds for the various categories of animals changed, based on the results of surveillance carried out here. Under the recently amended TSE regulation there is provision for a revision to Member's States monitoring programmes (including changes to the age at which healthy slaughtered animals for human consumption must be tested for BSE) on the basis of applications by Member States in response to their improved BSE situation.

The proposals tabled by the Commission late last year included the following options for slaughter cattle:

To test all cattle over 42 months

To test all cattle born before January 1 2002 and 50 per cent of cattle born since and aged over 42 months.

To test all animals born before January 1 2004 and none (or minimum sample size) for those born since. Under each option, emergency slaughtered cattle and fallen stock over 36 months would require to be tested.

In January 2008, the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection indicated his support for the first of the three options referred to above and the Commission has consulted the European Food Safety Agency. The agreement of the European Parliament is also required for any change to the current regime.

While Ireland would have preferred the third option, we acknowledge that the option being supported by the Commission would represent significant progress and would significantly reduce the amount of testing to be undertaken here. I have written to the Commissioner again asking that outstanding issues be completed so that a new regime can be applied from the earliest date.

Grant Payments.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

43 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will facilitate farmers who wish to continue to have payments by her Department issue to them by cheque; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7098/08]

At present, farmers can choose to have their payments made by cheque or electronic funds transfer directly into their bank account and this situation will continue during the 2008 EU financial year which ends on 15 October. However, as and from the 2009 EU financial year commencing on 16th October 2008, payment by cheque will no longer be permitted under EU rules.

My Department is obliged to adhere to the requirements and controls set out by the EU Commission in administering EU funded schemes. A new requirement to make all payments under EU funded or co-funded schemes directly into bank accounts must be implemented in accordance with EU Council Regulation 1290/2005 which lays down the rules on the financing and management of the Common Agricultural Policy for the years 2007 to 2013. The detailed implementing rules for that Regulation, as set out in EU Commission Regulation 885/2006, requires that all EU paying agencies, including my Department, must adopt procedures to ensure that payments are made only to bank accounts with effect from the 2009 financial year.

My Department is in contact with farmers to facilitate the smooth switchover of payments to bank accounts. I have recently met with An Post and I am continuing to explore all avenues that will minimise disruption to farmers.

Animal Feed.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

44 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she has taken to protect the industry against the threat of adventitious presence in feed imports from non EU approved events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7104/08]

The adventitious or accidental presence of unauthorised GM events in imported animal feed became an issue last year when it became known that a small area of the 2006 US maize crop was sown with a GM maize variety, referred to as Herculex Rw. The GM event in this crop was authorised in the US but while an application for its approval had been made to the EU, it had not yet obtained authorisation for marketing within the Community. Concern was expressed, both within the EU and the Irish feed industry that this lack of synchronisation in the authorisation process could result in traces of the unauthorised event admixing in imported feed consignments. Officials of my Department worked very closely, with the US Corn Growers Association, which included a visit to the US production areas, as they drew up a segregation plan to minimise the presence of the unauthorised crop in imports. Despite this effort, a consignment of 7,000 tonnes of maize was impounded by my Department, following sampling by Department officials, and was held until October 2007 when the GM event was formally authorised for use within the EU.

I accept there are problems with the lack of synchronisation between the EU and US systems. I have raised this on many occasions with the Commission and will continue to press for a more workable arrangement.

Question No. 45 answered with Question No. 35.

Animal Diseases.

Mary Upton

Question:

46 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she plans to put a national strategy in place with regard to infectious diseases such as IBR, BDVD and Joannes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7106/08]

My Department is currently developing a herd health initiative to deal with non-regulated diseases in a comprehensive and integrated manner. The initiative has been proposed to enable Ireland achieve international best practice in the area of animal health which seeks to complement existing programmes and focus on non-regulatory issues in this area.

My officials have met with the principal stakeholders recently, including farming, industry, service providers and relevant state agency representatives and all have indicated their broad support for the initiative. All of the parties consulted shared the view that animal health is a critical contributor to competitiveness of Irish agriculture and additionally, that a superior animal health is a vital contributor to optimal farm efficiency and profitability.

Formal proposals, including funding of the initiative, will be circulated shortly to stakeholders and it is intended to progress the matter over the coming months.

Departmental Schemes.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

47 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will confirm that all farmers who have applied for the farm waste management scheme in County Wicklow will receive approval to proceed with work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7042/08]

The revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced in March 2006 in order to assist farmers meet the additional requirements of the Nitrates Directive closed for new applications at end-December 2006. Farmers who had not submitted a complete application by that date had until 29 June 2007 to submit all required drawings, etc., including confirmation that planning permission had been applied for where such was required. My Department is, of course, only able to grant approval to proceed with the investment works when such evidence of the grant of such planning permission has been lodged.

Food Prices.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

48 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she is taking to offset food price inflation; if she has consulted with various shareholders including farming organisations on the issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7094/08]

Changes in food prices are primarily a function of market forces operating at international, EU and national levels. Consistently strong economic growth in developing countries is the main driver of changing world food demand towards high-value agricultural products and processed foods. Slow-growing supply, low stocks, and supply shocks at a time of increasing demand for feed, food and fuel have led to price increases globally. Biofuel production has also contributed to the changing world food equation. In addition, rising input costs, at both producer and processor levels have fed through to put upward pressure on food prices. Pressure on input prices, in particular energy and raw material including feed costs, has combined with strong competition on world dairy and cereal markets in increasing producer prices.

In order to help alleviate some of the market difficulties in the cereals sector, the Council of Ministers decided in September to set the obligatory set-aside rate at zero for autumn 2007 and spring 2008 sowings. This is expected to lead to an expansion of EU grain production by at least 10 million tonnes next year. The most recent annual data available from the Central Statistics Office relates to 2007 when food and non-alcoholic beverages prices, as measured by the food price index, increased by 2.8% on average for that year.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

49 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her views on whether it is appropriate to come out in support of a bio-fuel refinery in County Wexford in advance of an application for planning permission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7100/08]

The agri-food sector is a source of many of the raw materials for the production of biofuels. To encourage the cultivation of crops for energy purposes I have introduced a number of incentives including a new National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare, which supplements the EU Premium available under the EU Energy Crops. I also launched a new Bio-energy Scheme in February 2007 to provide establishment grants to farmers of up to €1,450 per hectare to grow willow and miscanthus as a renewable source of energy. I have also allocated increased funding for research into biofuels and non-food crops under the Department's Research Stimulus Fund Programme. Under the 2007 Call for Proposals, I awarded some €5.3 million over the next four years to seven research projects on the suitability of Irish grassland for biofuel production, anaerobic digestion, second-generation technologies and energy crop production.

I believe Irish farmers could benefit from an increased demand for biofuel feedstocks. For this reason and against the background of securing energy supplies and combating greenhouse gas emissions I support the development of an indigenous biofuel sector in Ireland based on raw materials, which have been produced and processed locally. The agriculture sector in Ireland has the interest and potential to supply feedstocks and I have met with a number of operators interested in building biofuel facilities in Ireland based on locally grown feedstocks. In this context, at their request, I met recently with the promoters of a proposed bio-refinery project in the South East. The issue of planning permission for this or any other biofuel facility is a matter for the relevant local authority.

Departmental Schemes.

Bernard Allen

Question:

50 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications and the amount applied for in grants under the farm improvement grants scheme received by each of the offices and suboffices of her Department after 22 October 2007 and before 31 October 2007; if each of these applications will be accepted; if not the shortfall in funding needed to complete these applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6872/08]

12,675 applications were received by my Department under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension on 31 October 2007. A county-by-county breakdown of these applications is as follows:

County

Number of Applications

County

Number of Applications

Carlow

176

Longford

218

Cavan

675

Louth

209

Clare

510

Mayo

740

Cork

1,863

Meath

272

Donegal

931

Monaghan

362

Dublin

29

Offaly

282

Galway

850

Roscommon

484

Kerry

875

Sligo

255

Kildare

133

Tipperary

895

Kilkenny

519

Waterford

487

Laois

336

Westmeath

274

Leitrim

375

Wexford

295

Limerick

368

Wicklow

262

Total

12,675

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. It is not possible at this stage to provide the value of applications received between 22 and 31 October 2007.

Search and Rescue Service.

Richard Bruton

Question:

51 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she or her Department have made submissions to the Department of Transport in relation to the proposed relocation of the marine rescue stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6879/08]

In my capacity as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food I have not made representations to the Minister for Transport. As a T.D. for Donegal South West I have made a number of representations on the matter to the Minister for Transport.

Fish Quota.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

52 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will lobby the EU for a bigger quota for Irish fishermen in their own waters which is minuscule compared with other nations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7111/08]

In relation to quota allocations, the position is that Ireland's shares of the main fish stocks were set in the early 1980s when fish stocks were being shared out between Member States. The share allocations were based on catch records and reflect the fishing levels by the Irish fleet at that time. The percentage shares held by each Member State have generally remained the same for over 20 years under the principle of relative stability.

Since then it has been a priority of successive Government Ministers with responsibility for the fisheries brief to try to have these shares improved. The Common Fisheries Policy was reviewed in 1992 and again in 2002 and in both cases substantial efforts were made to push Ireland's case for increased shares of important stocks but without success. Ireland received no support from other Member States for changes in the allocation keys for the share out of stocks. The next overall review of the basic framework of the Common Fisheries Policy is not scheduled until 2012.

The practical reality is that to achieve an increase in Ireland's share of catches, other Member States would have to take a cut in their shares. This is all the more difficult to achieve when the total allowable catches (TACs) of all the main commercial species are falling and the reality is that achieving a qualified majority for such an outcome at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council where quotas are fixed for the following year, is not deliverable. At this point the European Commission and other Member States largely take the view that the quota shares are fixed and not subject to ad-hoc changes pending any more fundamental review of the Common Fisheries Policy.

The reform package, agreed in December 2002, included key national priorities such as the continuation of the Hague quota preferences, which are very important to Ireland as they guarantee minimum quotas to Ireland in certain stocks, an action plan to address the problem of juvenile fish catches, stronger control and enforcement and the establishment of Regional Advisory Councils giving fishermen a strong voice in shaping future fisheries policy at EU level.

Following protracted negotiations at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 2007 a total package of 182,699 tonnes of fish was secured for the Irish Fishing Industry for 2008. This was a significant success given the initial proposal by the European Commission, which involved cuts of up to 25% for 25 of the 37 stocks of importance to Ireland. I also successfully defended the crucial Hague preferences after a number of Member States attempted to have them set-aside.

The Cawley Report "Steering A New Course — Strategy for a Restructured, Sustainable and Profitable Irish Seafood Industry 2007 — 2013" sets out a clear strategy to maximise the value of quotas focused on increasing the value of seafood at every stage from the net to the fork. I am satisfied that the effective implementation of this Strategy, which the Government has endorsed, will deliver a sustainable, profitable and self-reliant industry that will maximise its long term contribution to coastal communities. I am fully committed to working efficiently and effectively with the industry to deliver this strategy.

Legislative Controls.

Joe Costello

Question:

53 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department’s officials are testing fertilisers for adequate nitrate urea levels on importations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7110/08]

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is the designated Control Authority responsible for implementing EU and national fertiliser legislation. Under this legislation products placed on the market must comply with specifications laid down in the relevant legislation and must be in accordance with the declared nutrient contents on the labelling.

Compliance with the relevant legislation is verified by sampling and chemical analysis for nutrient contents. To this end, a sampling programme is drawn up yearly by the Department, which is based on risk assessment. Sampling takes place nationwide at importers' premises, which are mainly situated near ports and consist of eighteen sampling locations. The number of fertiliser samples taken yearly is approximately 270.

The State Laboratory analyses the samples for plant nutrient contents. Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are chemically analysed and if they are within tolerances laid down in the relevant legislation, they are deemed to be in compliance. Levels of compliance have been most satisfactory over the years.

Mention is made in the parliamentary question of nitrate urea, which are two distinct separate forms of nitrogen. The third form of nitrogen marketed is ammonia. Urea which contains 46% nitrogen is mainly marketed as a fertiliser in its own right. Without exception this product was found to be compliant which is to be expected given the nature of the product. The nitrate form of nitrogen on the market is available in products such as calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and in nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium (NPK) compounds as ammonium nitrate. Likewise, results of analyses of these products for their total nitrogen content from both forms of nitrogen indicate that is excellent.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

54 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she expects to meet payments under the REP scheme and other schemes; the degree and value of all such payments outstanding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7114/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels on Monday last 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 some €37 million in REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January and payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to issue. 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 arrangement to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

World Trade Negotiations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

55 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that the food producing sector is adequately safeguarded to ensure the ongoing viability of agriculture and fisheries in this country in the aftermath of CAP and fisheries policy reforms in the context of WTO; if she is satisfied that access to such markets for Irish produce is likely to be affected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7115/08]

The reforms of the CAP and Common Fisheries Policy have been undertaken with a view to ensuring the viability of these sectors in the EU. The 2003 Reform of the CAP has provided farmers with certainty about income support levels through the Single Farm Payment, while freeing them to increase their income from the market by responding to consumer demands and guaranteeing a supply of safe food, produced to high animal welfare and environmental standards, at reasonable cost.

My main concern, in respect of the 2003 CAP reform, is to ensure that there is a period of stability to allow farmers to implement the changes necessitated by decoupling and to adapt to market needs in a stable policy environment. The Commission has now presented its communication on preparation for the "Health Check" of the CAP to EU Agriculture Ministers. I believe this opportunity should be taken to introduce further simplification of the Single Payment Scheme and to avoid further major policy changes. It is in this context also that the ongoing WTO negotiations represent a significant challenge. The outcome of the negotiations will determine the levels of protection and support that the EU may provide for the duration of the next agreement.

My overriding objective in the ongoing agriculture negotiations is to ensure that the terms of the agreement can be accommodated within the framework of the reformed CAP. This represents the limit of the EU Commission's negotiating mandate in these negotiations and I will continue to insist that this mandate is respected.

In terms of the Fisheries sector I believe the outcome of the WTO Rules negotiations, which include provisions on Fisheries Subsidies, must be compatible with the current EU Common Fisheries Policy. This is the objective of the EU in these negotiations and I will continue to insist that the Commission pursue a positive outcome in this regard.

Decentralisation Programme.

Pat Breen

Question:

56 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the decentralisation plan for her Department; the number of civil servants and sections planned to be located to another location; the target date of same; the number of civil servants and sections who have relocated; the number of her original Department employees who were involved in these relocations; when the total programme of decentralisation will be completed in her Department; the number of civil servants who will remain in Dublin and the percentage of the staff of her Department that will represent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6877/08]

The Government decision on the decentralisation of my Department is that our headquarters will move to Portlaoise, involving some 600 staff; the local offices in Cork city will move to Fermoy, involving some 100 staff; and the laboratories in Cork and Limerick will move to Macroom, involving up to 100 staff. These are all currently scheduled for completion in 2009. The move of the Fisheries function of my Department to Clonakilty is now substantially complete.

My Department's original Decentralisation Implementation Plan allowed for a phased movement to Portlaoise. The 2005 and 2006 phases of decentralisation to Portlaoise were completed on schedule; the 2007 phase is now concluding. The original estimate for completion of the plan was 2008, to coincide with the availability of the permanent accommodation. The OPW announced last December that a consortium, the Macquarie Partnership, has won the tender for the project to build the permanent offices in Portlaoise (as part of a public private partnership including offices in Mullingar and Carlow) and the latest OPW estimate for completion of the project is the end of 2009. A revision to the Department's Decentralisation Implementation Plan is now being considered, to reflect the changes to the timetable and the progress so far, as well as the evolving operating environment.

Separate implementation plans for Fermoy and Macroom are in place. The identification of sites for both Fermoy and Macroom is progressing with announcements expected in both locations. Some recruitment for Fermoy is currently in progress.

In total there has been an increase of 254 full-time posts in Portlaoise and 80 in Clonakilty since the programme was announced. Of the 254 staff that transferred to Portlaoise, 111 originally worked in my Department and were relocated under the programme. The Government Decision on my Department is that the headquarters will move in its entirety to Portlaoise.

Food Labelling.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

57 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when she, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, will introduce a proper labelling structure for all meats produced here; her views on whether producers and processors here meet very stringent regulations and inspections; if she will advise that all imported products meet the same restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6318/08]

The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), the Health Services Executive (HSE), the Local Authorities (LAs) and the National Consumer Agency (NCA). Specific EU legislation for the EU beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover labelling of beef sold by the catering trade I collaborated with the Minister for Health & Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.

Regarding the labelling of poultry meat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.

I have signalled my intention to have legislation brought forward to require the country of origin to be shown on poultry meat, pigmeat and sheepmeat sold in the retail and catering sectors. A draft of such regulations was prepared by my Department in consultation with the Department of Health & Children. A public consultation process was conducted by the FSAI and the draft regulations have been submitted to the European Commission for approval.

The EU Commission is currently reviewing the whole area of food labelling and recently presented proposed legislation on the provision of food information to consumers. Producers and processors must meet the regulatory requirements laid down in both EU and national legislation and inspections are carried out by my Department, the SFPA, the HSE, the LAs and the NCA as appropriate in accordance with the relevant FSAI service contracts.

EU Regulations govern the import of products of animal origin from third countries. In accordance with the regulations such 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 of the operation of controls in the Member States, and in third countries, and publishes reports of its findings on its website.

Departmental Agencies.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

58 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the efforts that have been made to resolve staffing difficulties in an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7041/08]

Arrangements have been made for the transfer of a Technical Agricultural Officer from another region to the Wicklow office and for assistance to be given by Supervisory Agricultural Officers from neighbouring counties.

Leinster House Redevelopment.

Mary Upton

Question:

59 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the length of time for the redevelopment and reconstruction of Leinster House; the estimated cost of the refurbishment; the plans for the Natural History Museum during this refurbishment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7329/08]

Serious structural deficiencies in Leinster House have been identified. It is planned to resolve these problems by undertaking a scheme of works between the summer recess 2008 and the Summer recess 2009. The proposed works will necessitate the relocation of Seanad Éireann. It has been suggested that the ground floor area of the vacant Natural History Museum building could be used for this purpose given its proximity to Leinster House. This and other options will be examined. The estimated cost of the works has not been determined as yet.

Flood Relief.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

60 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of flood hazard areas that have been identified by the Office of Public Works as part of the flood hazard mapping; if the OPW has information about how many or how much of these sites are on land zoned for future residential communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7394/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

61 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amounts spent by the Office of Public Works on flood relief works for each of the past three years with a breakdown of the amount spent for the past three years on flood risk management that does not involve flood relief works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7396/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 61 together.

Arising from the National Flood Policy the Office of Public Works is engaged in a programme to produce national flood hazard maps. In the first phase of the programme the OPW assembled historic records of actual flood events from various sources for display on a public website, www.floodmaps.ie. The records obtained vary considerably in terms of their level of detail and reliability. Also, the degree of risk indicated by these records may have been affected by developments subsequent to the flood events they record. For this reason they cannot be taken as definitive indicators of flood hazard areas. The primary purpose of displaying this data is to raise the awareness of interested parties, especially planners, of areas that may be liable to flood, pending the availability of more comprehensive flood mapping.

In 2007 OPW commenced a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Programme that will look in depth at flood risk in each catchment. As part of this Programme comprehensive maps indicating areas predicted to be affected by floods of differing severity will be developed and will be displayed on the floodmaps website. The programme will take a number of years to complete. During 2008 OPW will undertake a Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment that will produce indicative maps showing areas, countrywide, which it is considered may have a significant flood risk, as required by the recently introduced EU Floods Directive.

Under the National Flood Policy OPW's role in relation to development management is to provide advice to Local Authorities in relation to flood risk. The data on the website can be readily imported by Local Authorities onto their own information systems. It is a matter for the Local Authorities to have regard to this data when planning future development. OPW, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, is currently developing detailed guidance for Local Authorities in relation to the consideration of flood risk in Planning and Development management and control.

Expenditure by OPW on flood risk management programmes in the past three years was as follows:

Programme

2005

2006

2007

€m

€m

€m

Construction of Flood Relief Schemes

16,164.57

14,225.58

23,111.00

Flood Studies Update

0.14

0.38

0.16

Strategic Hydro-meterological Review

0.00

0.00

0.03

Flood Hazard Mapping

2.54

1.60

1.74

Flood Risk Assessment & Management

0.00

0.37

1.45

Flood Forecasting & Warning

0.00

0.12

0.09

Public Awareness & Preparation

0.22

0.08

0.03

Planning & Development management

0.00

0.00

0.12

Communications

0.00

0.13

0.00

The above figures do not include the salaries of OPW engineering and administrative staff who, in addition to their involvement in the programmes listed above, were also occupied in related activities such as developing research programmes.

In addition to the above, amounts of €15.7m, €16.4m and €19.3m were spent on maintenance of completed flood relief schemes and arterial drainage schemes, which also contributes to flood risk management.

Legislative Programme.

David Stanton

Question:

62 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress her Department has made in relation to the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 for children aged five to 18; when Part 2 will come into effect for this age group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7390/08]

David Stanton

Question:

83 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress her Department has made in relation to the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 for children aged five to 18; when Part 2 will come into effect for this age group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7389/08]

David Stanton

Question:

84 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 for children aged five to 18 in tandem with the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004; the way in which assessments and services will be provided for children aged over 16 and under 18 years who are not in school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7391/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 62, 83 and 84 together.

The National Disability Strategy, which was launched in September 2004, provides for a framework of new supports for people with disabilities. The Strategy builds on a strong equality framework, which is reflected in several pieces of equality legislation. The main elements of the Strategy are:

The Disability Act 2005;

The Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act (EPSEN) 2004;

Six Outline Sectoral Plans published by Government Departments;

The Citizens Information Act 2007

The Multi-Annual Investment Package as committed to by Government has been put in place to support these measures. One of the most important aspects of the Department of Health and Children's Sectoral Plan is the arrangements for commencing Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005. Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 commenced for children aged under 5 years with effect from 1st June 2007. This prioritisation reflects the importance of intervention early in life, which can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment.

In particular Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 provides people with disabilities with an entitlement to:

An independent assessment of health and education needs

A statement of the services (Service Statement) which it is proposed to provide

Pursue a complaint through the Health Service Executive complaints process if necessary

Make an appeal to the independent Disability Appeals Officer

The arrangements for Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 cannot be considered in isolation from the arrangements for the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004 which is the responsibility of the Department of Education and Science and provides for educational services for people with disabilities. The Department of Education and Science has informed the Department that it is envisaged that all sections of the EPSEN Act 2004 will be implemented over a five year timeframe, with the assessment process as provided for in the EPSEN Act 2004 due to commence in 2010. It is proposed that Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 will be commenced in respect of children aged 5-18 in tandem with the implementation of the EPSEN Act 2004. In preparation for its implementation, health related support services for children aged 5 to 18 and adults will continue to be enhanced to enable the Health Service Executive to meet needs identified for this group. The statutory requirements of Part 2 of the Disability Act will be extended to adults as soon as possible but no later than 2011.

A Cross Sectoral team comprising of the Department of Health and Children, Department of Education and Science, the Health Service Executive and the National Council for Special Education was established and meets on a regular basis and continues to address issues arising in relation to the implementation of both Acts. A sub-group of this team was set up in January 2008 in order to plan for the commencement of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the relevant sections of the EPSEN Act 2004 in respect of children aged 5-18 and adults.

The Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive has undertaken the first of three annual reviews of progress on the Sectoral Plan, which was published in December 2007, and is available on the Department's website. Further targets have also been identified, specifically in relation to planning for the parallel commencement of the Disability Act 2005 and the EPSEN Act 2004 for 5-18 year olds and adults.

Health Services.

Joe Carey

Question:

63 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount allocated to the National Council for the Blind for the provision of aids and appliances in the Counties of Clare, Limerick, Galway, north Tipperary, Cork and Kerry in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the amount of funding per county named above does she plan to allocate this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7201/08]

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

John O'Mahony

Question:

64 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding Parliamentary Questions 304 and 306 of 5 February 2008 and when the Parliamentary Affairs Division will supply the answers sought; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7203/08]

I understand that the National Cancer Screening Service issued a response on 19 February to the Deputy's question, number 304 of 5 February. In relation to question 306, the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive has advised that enquiries are continuing and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

65 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy in relation to domiciliary carers allowance for children with diabetes type one on a county basis; the number of applicants by county for each year since 2000; the outcome for each county for each such year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7210/08]

Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly allowance administered by the Health Service Executive. The allowance may be paid in respect of eligible children from birth to the age of 16 who have a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention which is substantially in excess of that normally required by a child of the same age. Eligibility is determined primarily by reference to the degree of additional care and attention required by the child, as assessed by the Health Service Executive's Medical Officer, rather than the nature of the disability/illness involved. While no condition is excluded, children with conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy are not automatically considered eligible for the allowance unless there is a very high degree of additional care and attention required by the child compared to that normally required by a child of the same age.

As the Deputy's question also relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004, 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.

Phil Hogan

Question:

66 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the stroke unit at St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny will be properly resourced and staffed in order that it can carry out its functions on behalf of patients as originally intended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7212/08]

Phil Hogan

Question:

82 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the stroke unit at St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny will be properly resourced and staffed in order that it can carry out its functions on behalf of patients as originally intended; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7384/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 82 together.

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.

Assisted Human Reproduction.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

67 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason IVF treatment is not available to a person with a medical card; if she has plans to change this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7222/08]

The Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction (CAHR) was established in March 2000. Its terms of reference were: ‘To prepare a report on the possible approaches to the regulation of all aspects of assisted human reproduction and the social, ethical and legal factors to be taken into account in determining public policy in this area.'

The CAHR was comprised largely of persons with expert knowledge spanning medical, scientific, social and legal domains. This expertise was a prerequisite to a precise examination of the issues concerned. The Commission published its report in May 2005. Its report was the first step in determining a policy response to Assisted Human Reproduction (AHR) and it made 40 recommendations on AHR services in Ireland.

The Government decided to refer the report to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children so that the Committee could consider and report in due course on its views of the recommendations of the Commission. The Committee was considered an appropriate forum in which to subject the report to structured democratic and political analysis and scrutiny. In the meantime, cognisant of the amount of work required, I instructed my Department to begin work on the development of an appropriate regulatory framework. As part of the analysis of the complex issues involved in Assisted Human Reproduction, the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, along with any judgement of the Supreme Court in the RvR Frozen Embryo case, will be taken into account.

AHR treatment for medical card holders is not presently funded under a specific national scheme. I am conscious though of the financial burden that such treatment can place on couples, and I have therefore asked my Department to consider policy in this regard also. Finally, persons undergoing AHR treatment services are eligible for tax relief on medical expenses incurred; the Drugs Payment Scheme also covers a number of drugs used as part of such treatment.

Departmental Expenditure.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

68 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding her Department provides to the Health Research Board; and if this funding is always taken up. [7223/08]

The total funding allocated to the Health Research Board in 2007 was €36.085m revenue and €10.511m capital. All of the revenue funding was taken up and €10.407m of the capital funding. In regard to the remaining capital funding €0.011m was not required and the balance of €0.093m will be drawn down in 2008.

Medical Cards.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

69 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in each county, her Department estimates are eligible for the general practitioner only medical card; the number of persons who have a GP only medical card in each county; if there is a quota system in place; and if so, the location of each in each county in relation to its quota; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7227/08]

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. 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. A person's eligibility to a medical card or GP visit card is only determined following application to the Health Service Executive (HSE). There is no quota system in place in respect of these benefits.

As the Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

70 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath immediately admitted to Midland Regional Hospital to have a left hip replacement carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7243/08]

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 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.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

71 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application by a person (details supplied) under the nursing home repayment scheme will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7245/08]

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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

72 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to adequately fund the early services team in St. Raphael’s, Celbridge, County Kildare, where at present 70 children are on a waiting list for assistance, with the average waiting time being 10 months. [7246/08]

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.

Community Pharmacy Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

73 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the establishment of a scheme to compensate newly established pharmacies which will be most severely affected by the reduction in payment to pharmacists that are being introduced by the Health Service Executive from 1 March 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7273/08]

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. However, 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.

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 underway 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 do not see a need to establish a compensation scheme along the lines suggested by the Deputy

Hospital Services.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

74 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is intended to provide dialysis services at Limerick Regional Hospital. [7281/08]

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.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

75 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are proposals to provide a satellite dialysis unit in Ennis, County Clare. [7282/08]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

76 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if is there is a situation in place which means that no changes will be made to current subvention and enhanced subvention payments by the Health Service Executive until the fair deal scheme is introduced (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7284/08]

There are no plans to change the rate of subvention. As the Deputy will be aware the subvention scheme is being replaced by an improved system of nursing home support, A Fair Deal. The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is at a very advanced stage and is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. It is intended to introduce the scheme on a national basis once the necessary legal and administrative arrangements are in place and the existing subvention scheme will be phased out over time.

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. 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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

77 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the proposed new health centre in Dunleer; the reason construction has not commenced; when construction will commence; when it will be completed; the accommodation to be provided and the expected cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7293/08]

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 in December 2007 the HSE 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 a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

78 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. [7294/08]

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.

Child Care Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

79 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a group (details supplied) in County Wicklow has not received any money in view of the fact that their interim funding was approved by POBAL in late December 2007; and the reason authorisation to release these funds is held up by red tape involving the sessional versus part-time issue. [7320/08]

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 from enquiries made that the Group in question applied for transitional funding under the NCIP Community Childcare Subvention Scheme 2008-2010 (CCSS) in December 2007, two months later than the requested date for return of applications from community childcare services which were supported under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP). The Group was immediately notified of their approval for transitional funding for the period January to June 2008.

I also understand that Pobal, which manages the day-to-day operation of the NCIP, has since informed the Group that their transitional funding for this period is €20,200 and that the first instalment of this funding, amounting to €10,600, was forwarded to the Group last week.

Hospital Services.

James Reilly

Question:

80 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a waiting list for stereotactic radiotherapy particularly for patients with arteriovenous malformation who are not suitable for either surgery or embolisation; if so, if a contributing factor is that equipment used to do this procedure at St Luke’s is no longer available or functioning; the length of time this has been the case; the arrangements to address the problems with the equipment and the needs of patients who are awaiting treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7323/08]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Tony Gregory

Question:

81 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of her plans for each of the eleven sites on public lands which she intends to hand over to private hospital developers; if contracts have been signed; the nature and details of contracts signed or intended to be signed; the names of the entities with whom contracts have been signed or intended to be signed; and if planning applications have been lodged for the co-located sites and the bed capacity and specialisations envisaged for each of the hospitals that are planned. [7378/08]

The co location initiative aims to make available approximately 1,000 public acute hospital beds for public patients, beds that are currently being used by private patients. The Health Service Executive (HSE) invited expressions of interest from private interests wishing to become involved in this initiative on 11 hospital sites initially. However, because of the review of hospital services in the North East, the Drogheda site was not progressed.

The HSE evaluated outline proposals received from bidders and completed the selection of shortlisted bidders. At that stage of the process it was agreed that the co location initiative would not be proceeding on two public hospital sites. Galway University Hospitals and Letterkenny General Hospital were subsequently removed as the relevant pre-qualified bidders decided, for commercial reasons, not to continue in the procurement process.

In accordance with the competitive dialogue procurement process which is being used, the Board of the HSE approved in July 2007 successful bidder status for the development of co located hospitals at the following six hospitals:

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. Application for planning permission has been made for Cork, Limerick and Beaumont.

Connolly Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, which are also participating in the co location initiative, are at an earlier stage of the procurement process. Connolly Hospital is at preferred bidder stage and it is expected that the invitation to tender (ITT) for Tallaght Hospital will issue in the near future. The Co location Private Hospitals will most likely open within 3 years of receiving planning permission and is therefore an efficient way to increase the public bed stock.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the other detailed information sought.

Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 66.
Questions Nos. 83 and 84 answered with Question No. 62.

Road Safety.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

85 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if there are grants or funding available for the cost of erecting flashing amber safety signs outside a primary school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7226/08]

The provision of road traffic signs, including the flashing amber warning lights in the vicinity of schools, is a matter to be determined by each road authority under section 95 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. It is a matter for individual road authorities to determine what warning traffic signs are desirable to be provided at any location and to assign funding for their signing programme.

Road Network.

David Stanton

Question:

86 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport if he has received an application from Cork County Council for funding in order to construct a new road onto the Great Island in Cobh, County Cork; if so his views on such an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7328/08]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads in their areas is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants.In August 2007, my Department invited applications from local authorities for consideration for funding in 2008 under the regional and local roads specific improvements grants scheme. The proposals received from Cork County Council included an application for grant aid for the R624 Cobh Road Phase 1. The 2008 road grants for regional and local roads were allocated to local authorities on 15th February. The total grant allocated to Cork County Council was €64.995 million which included a grant of €300,000 for Phase 1 of the R624 Cobh Road.

Marine Safety.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

87 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that while only about one quarter of the worlds commercial cargo ships, approximately 85,000, operate under the flag of convenience system, yet almost one half of all ships and nearly all container ships, trading into Irish seaports operate under FoC’s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7397/08]

The concept of "flag of convenience" is not a formally recognized system. There are officially recognised systems in both the EU and International organisations for identifying high-risk ships these include the "Black, Grey and White" list of flag states published by the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, the list is published on www.parismou.org. This list is used for targeting safety inspections on ships visiting Irish and European ports. Details of inspections and detentions are published on the Department's website at www.transport.ie.

Human Rights Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

88 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if meetings are planned with his Spanish counterparts in an attempt to coordinate their opposing positions on Cuba and to ignore the US position on Cuba and not make life more difficult for the Cuban people. [7229/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the European Union's 1996 Common Position on Cuba remains the basis of both the European Union's and Ireland's approach to relations with that country. The overriding objective of Ireland and our European Union partners, including Spain, in our relations with Cuba is to encourage, but not to enforce by external coercion, a process of transition to pluralist democracy and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Spanish bilateral initiatives with Cuba, including the establishment of a Human Rights Dialogue, have been pursued in accordance with the Common Position and with the relevant Conclusions subsequently adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council. The question of a meeting with my Spanish colleague to coordinate ‘opposing positions' simply does not arise therefore.

The Common Position was most recently reviewed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 June 2007, at which I participated. The Council's Conclusions deplored the fact that the human rights situation in Cuba has not fundamentally changed, and noted that the Cuban Government continues to deny its citizens internationally recognised civil, political and economic rights and freedoms. We also recognised the right of Cuban citizens to decide independently about their future.

While the European Union will continue to pursue its dialogue with Cuba's civil society and to offer to all sectors of society practical support towards peaceful change in Cuba, the Council also emphasised the Union's willingness to resume a comprehensive and open political dialogue with the Cuban authorities on all areas of mutual interest. In order to sound out the potential for such a dialogue, which should take place on a reciprocal and non-discriminatory basis, the Council decided to invite a Cuban delegation to Brussels.

The Council Conclusions represent a balanced approach, which is in accordance with the principles of the Common Position. The decision which we took in Council to invite a Cuban delegation to Brussels would provide an opportunity for establishing an open political dialogue with the Cuban authorities. The Cuban authorities have rejected this invitation. However, we remain hopeful that such a dialogue will be established in the future. In this regard, on foot of a further initiative of the European Union, a Ministerial-level meeting between the European Union Troika and Cuba was held en marge of the 62nd United Nations General Assembly in New York on 24 September 2007.

In respect of US foreign policy toward Cuba, as I informed the Deputy in my responses to Parliamentary Question Numbers 95 of 1 November, 2007, and 176 of 7th November, 2007, Ireland and our European Union partners believe that this is fundamentally a bilateral issue. Nonetheless, the European Union has clearly expressed the opposition of its Member States to all unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. Ireland, in common with our partners in the European Union, is of the view that the US economic embargo on Cuba seriously hampers the economic development of Cuba and negatively affects its entire people. On 30 October, 2007, Ireland and our EU partners therefore voted at the United Nations General Assembly in favour of the annual Cuban-tabled resolution calling for an end to this embargo.

As the Deputy will be aware, on 18 February, 2007, President Fidel Castro announced his decision not to seek re-election as President of Cuba. During the forthcoming period of transition, we will continue to monitor developments closely and support, along with our EU partners, all efforts by the Cuban people to move towards a pluralist democratic society.

Ministerial Contacts.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

89 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he has had regarding the declaration of independence of Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7387/08]

On 17 February, the Kosovo Assembly adopted a resolution which declared Kosovo to be "a democratic, secular and multi-ethnic republic, guided by the principles of non-discrimination and equal protection under the law". It undertook to implement the obligations set out in the Ahtisaari proposal for a final status settlement, emphasising "those that protect and promote the rights of communities and their members". It invited the international community to maintain international presences established in Kosovo under UNSCR 1244, and to deploy the international civilian presence to supervise implementation of Ahtisaari, and the EULEX KOSOVO rule of law mission.

At the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 February, EU Foreign Ministers noted inter alia Kosovo's commitment to accept its obligations under the Ahtisaari plan, and welcomed the continued presence of the international community in Kosovo under UNSCR 1244. The Council reiterated the EU's readiness to play a leading role in strengthening stability in the Western Balkans region, including through the establishment of the EULEX KOSOVO rule of law mission and the appointment of an EU Special Representative in Kosovo. It confirmed that the EU will continue to cooperate with the UN, KFOR, OSCE and other international actors in order to preserve stability in the region. While reiterating the EU's commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act, the Council underlined that "in view of the conflict of the 1990s and the extended period of international administration under UNSCR 1244, Kosovo constitutes a sui generis case". The Council also noted that "Member States will decide, in accordance with national practice and international law, on their relations with Kosovo."

I welcome these conclusions, which demonstrate our capacity as a Union to respond in a clear and coherent way to developments in Kosovo. I believe that the question of Kosovo's future status and stability is an issue on which Europe must lead.

Ireland will play its full part. We will contribute members of the Garda to the EULEX KOSOVO rule of law mission. On the basis of the clear and positive advice of the Attorney General on the continuation of UN Resolution 1244, we will maintain our significant presence in the UN-mandated KFOR international security presence. And we are ready to support the future economic development of Kosovo.

We regret that the years of status talks failed to produce an agreement between Belgrade and Pristina. A new UN Security Council resolution clarifying the position would of course have been preferable to the current situation. But the clear reality is that Serbia effectively lost Kosovo through its own actions in the 1990s. The legacy of the killings of thousands of civilians in Kosovo and the ethnic cleansing of over a million made the restoration of Serbian dominion in Kosovo unthinkable. As the European Council agreed in December, the status quo in Kosovo was inherently unstable. More than 90% of the population wants independence, and this is supported by our major partners in the EU and beyond, many of whom have already recognised Kosovo.

Taking account of all of the circumstances, I will shortly recommend to the Cabinet that Ireland should recognise Kosovo's independence. I know that the independence of Kosovo is painful for Serbia, and difficult to accept. But I hope that in time Serbia and Kosovo can begin to put their tragic shared past behind them and move toward a brighter future together in Europe.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

90 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the decentralisation of Enterprise Ireland staff to Shannon; the number of staff already decentralised; the numbers to be decentralised and the timetable for this; the status of property acquisition and the cost involved; when the property will be ready for occupation; the numbers which it will cater for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7290/08]

Enterprise Ireland (EI) is to move 300 posts to Shannon under the decentralisation programme. Progress on the full transfer of EI's HQ to Shannon, within the Government decentralisation programme, will be influenced by factors (many exogenous to EI) such as; the level of interest in the Shannon location expressed by CAF applicants and by progress made discussions at a central level on various issues central to Agency decentralization. EI's latest understanding is that there are 7 internal applicants interested in moving to Shannon. None of these has yet re-located.

In parallel with the decentralisation programme, EI has been strengthening its regional focus in recent years. EI now has a major new presence in the Shannon region in addition to its nine other regional offices. In July 2007 EI officially opened its new National Regional Development Headquarters in Shannon and has based the new County Enterprise Support Unit there. Currently there are 40 staff working in the new Shannon office and it is expected that approximately 65 EI staff will be in place there over the coming months. EI has leased high-spec office space in Westpark, Shannon, to accommodate this new Regional HQ.

In terms of acquiring a building, Enterprise Ireland, working closely with the Office of Public Works (OPW) has identified, but not yet acquired, a preferred site for the construction of a suitably sized new HQ building in Shannon. The preferred site is a 13-acre site owned by Shannon Development. In co-operation with Shannon Development and the OPW, the site was valued and a feasibility study carried out. The site occupies a prime position in Shannon and is considered suitable for a major landmark building or civic structure.

Ministerial Appointments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

91 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the 35 City and County Enterprise Boards, he appoints all members of the boards of these bodies; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7298/08]

I do not appoint members to the Board of the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs).

The 35 CEBs are individual companies limited by guarantee and appointment to their Board is effected by ordinary Resolution of the Board of Directors, as set out in the Articles of Association of each Board. The Articles also set out the relevant categories of persons, bodies and organisations from which Board membership is drawn. The Board composition of the CEBs brings together representatives of a wide range of stakeholders from the local community including local business leaders, State Agencies with an economic development mandate, and the Social Partners, as appropriate to their remit. One of the key features of this structure is that the Boards operate in an independent and objective manner.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

92 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the Competition Law Review Group, he appoints all members of this group; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7299/08]

I assume the question refers to the Company Law Review Group (CLRG).

The Company Law Review Group was established under part 7 of the Company Law Enforcement Act 2001. Section 69(1) of the Act states "The Review Group shall consist of such and so many persons as the Minister from time to time appoints to be members of the Review Group".

In making appointments to the CLRG nominations are sought from a number of bodies that would be in a position to contribute to the work of the Review Group.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

93 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the Employment Appeals Tribunal, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7300/08]

I have delegated authority under the Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Delegation of Ministerial Functions)(No. 3) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 561 of 2007) to appoint the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and Ordinary Members to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in accordance with section 39 of the Redundancy Payments Act, 1967 (No. 21 of 1967), as amended. The Ordinary Members are appointed on the nomination of organisations which are representative of employee's unions of workers and bodies representative of employers.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

94 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to Enterprise Ireland, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7301/08]

Under the Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Act, 1998 the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment appoints, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, eleven of the twelve members of the board of Enterprise Ireland.

The CEO of Enterprise Ireland is an ex officio member of the Board as set out under the Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Act, 1998.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

95 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to IAASA, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7302/08]

Under Section 11 (1) of the Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003, the board of directors of IAASA consists of not more than 14 directors appointed by the Minister under Section 11 (2) and the chief executive officer who, by virtue of that office, is a director. The board currently comprises 15 persons, including the chief executive officer.

Section 11 (2) of the Act requires that the directors appointed by the Minister shall include 3 persons nominated by prescribed accountancy bodies and persons nominated by bodies designated under Section 6 (2) of the Act. 12 of the 14 directors currently appointed by the Minister are persons who were nominated in accordance with Section 11 (2).

Under Section 12 of the Act, the chief executive officer is appointed by the directors under Section 11 (2) of the Act.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

96 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to Inter-Trade Ireland, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7303/08]

In accordance with the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999, the North/South Ministerial Council appoints the members of the Board of InterTradeIreland. The North/South Ministerial Council meeting in Institutional Format on the 17th December 2007 appointed the current twelve members of the Board of InterTradeIreland for a four-year term.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

97 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the Labour Court, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7304/08]

Under the Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) (No.3) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 561 of 2007), the Minister for Labour Affairs has delegated authority to appoint all members of the Labour Court, including the Chairman and Deputy Chairmen, under the terms of the Industrial Relations Act, 1946 and the Industrial Relations Act, 1969.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

98 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7305/08]

Under the Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) (No.3) Order 2007 (S.I. No. 561 of 2007), the Minister for Labour Affairs has delegated authority to appoint the Board of the Health and Safety Authority (formerly known as the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health).

The Board consists of 12 persons — a Chairperson and 11 Ordinary Members — appointed by the Minister under Section 37 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005). Of the 11 Ordinary Members, 3 are appointed following nomination by organisations representative of employees and 3 following nomination by organisations representative of employers.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

99 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the National Consumer Agency, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7306/08]

Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 provides that the Agency shall consist of a chairperson and 12 ordinary members including the Chief Executive. Section 14 of the Act provides that, following the holding of a competition, the Chief Executive shall be appointed by the Agency with the approval of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. All appointments to the Agency other than the Chief Executive are made by me as Minister.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

100 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the Patent Agents Board and the Trade Mark Agents Board, he appoints all members of these bodies; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7307/08]

The Patent Agents Board and the Trade Mark Agents Board are set up under statute and comprise the person who, at the relevant time, occupies the position of Controller of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks and, other persons appointed solely by the Minister. In normal course there are five members, including the Controller, on the Board. Representation is normally drawn from the professional association representative of patent and trade mark agents in Ireland, a member of the legal profession, my Department and the Patents Office. The board does not have a budget and hence, there is no remuneration for membership of either of these Boards.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

101 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, he appoints all members of these body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7308/08]

Section 56 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 provides for eleven Board members and these appointments are made by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

The membership comprises the Chairperson and the Chief Executive of the Board, the Chief Executive of the National Consumer Agency and the Consumer Director of the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority as ex officio members; two nominees of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, one nominee of the Irish Business and Employers Confederation, one nominee the Irish Insurance Federation, and three others with expertise in a field relevant to the Board's functions.

Members of the Board are generally appointed for a 5 year term and any vacancies which have arisen since its establishment in April 2004 have been filled in accordance with Section 56 of the Act. Membership of the Board is due for review in 2009.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

102 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to Science Foundation Ireland, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7309/08]

In accordance with Section 8(4) of the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003, all appointments to the board of Science Foundation Ireland are made by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, following consultation with the Minister for Education & Science. The section also provides that the Minister for Education & Science may nominate a person for appointment to the board.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

103 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, with regard to the Competition Authority, he appoints all members of this body; if not, the number he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7310/08]

Section 35 of the Competition Act 2002 provides that the Competition Authority shall consist of a chairperson and such number of other whole-time members, not being less than 2 nor more than 4, as the Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment determines and appoints. I may also appoint part-time members. Appointments to the Authority are made by me following a competition and selection process held by the Public Appointments Service under the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. Membership of the Authority currently consists of the chairperson and 4 other whole-time members.

Grocery Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

104 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which food prices at retail outlets have increased or decreased since the abolition of the Minimum Prices Order; the extent to which prices have fluctuated in the two years previous to the abolition of the order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7352/08]

Since the Groceries Order was abolished, the Consumer Price Index shows that the prices of products previously covered by the Groceries Order rose by 5.3% and prices of products not covered by the Groceries Order rose by 4.5% in the period from March 2006 to January 2008. During the same period, prices of products covered by the Groceries Order and products not previously covered by the Groceries Order rose by 4.9%.

Since December 2006, CSO prices statistics use that month as a base. The previous base was December 2001. Available CPI figures, using December 2006 as a base, indicate that items covered by the Groceries Order increased between January 2005 and the abolition of the Order in March 2006 by 0.3%, while non-Groceries Order items decreased by 0.1% during the same period. Combined, prices of both Groceries Order products and products not covered by the Order increased by 0.2% during the period January 2005 to March 2006.

Rising food prices are being experienced across the world due mainly to a number of factors including climatic, economic and demand reasons. A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation has identified that the rapid expansion of the global bio fuel industry is causing fundamental changes to agricultural markets and is likely to keep the prices of agricultural commodities high over the next decade. A rise in input and transportation costs consequent on increased fuel and energy prices has also contributed to the increase in biofuel production. Adverse weather conditions which have seen a two-year drought over large parts of Australia and an unusually wet summer over much of Western Europe in 2007 together with a drought in South-Eastern Europe has had consequent effects on food yields. This has coincided with an increased demand for meat and dairy products in significant developing markets such as China and India.

Notwithstanding the global rise in food prices, national policy in so far as the price of food to Irish consumers is concerned, is focussed on promoting a competitive grocery market and raising consumer awareness in relation to the need to get the best value for money when doing their grocery shopping.

Whilst clearly the recent increases in the price of a variety of staple foods is a matter of some concern, I am confident that the current policy of promoting vigorous competition and raising consumer awareness together with the work of bodies such as the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency will help to ensure that consumers do not suffer from unwarranted price increases when doing their grocery shopping.

Ministerial Appointments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

105 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to Fáilte Ireland he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7247/08]

In accordance with Section 14 of the National Tourism Development Authority Act, 2003 the Minister for Arts Sport and Tourism appoints all members of the Authority.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

106 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to Horse Racing Ireland he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7248/08]

The appointment of members of the Board of Horse Racing Ireland is provided for in Section (1) of the Horse Racing Ireland (Membership) Act, 2001.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

107 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to Irish Manuscripts Commission he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7249/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

109 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to the Irish Museum of Modern Art he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7251/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

110 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to the National Gallery of Ireland he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7252/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

111 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to the National Library of Ireland he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7253/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

112 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to the National Museum of Ireland he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7254/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 109 to 112, inclusive, together.

I appoint all members of the Boards of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Ireland, the National Library of Ireland, and the Irish Manuscripts Commission.

The Board of Governors and Guardians of the National Gallery of Ireland consists of 17 members, of whom I appoint ten members, two are appointed by the Royal Hibernian Academy, and the remaining five are ex-officio members made up of the President of the Royal Hibernian Academy, the President and Vice-President of the Royal Dublin Society, the President of the Royal Irish Academy and the Chairman of the Office of Public Works.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

108 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to Tourism Ireland he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7250/08]

The Board of Tourism Ireland is appointed by the North South Ministerial Council. There are twelve board members in total. Six members are each nominated by the respective northern and southern Ministers with responsibility for tourism.

Questions Nos. 109 to 112, inclusive , answered with Question No. 107.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

113 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, with regard to the National Sports Campus Development Authority he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7255/08]

Under the terms of the National Sports Campus Development Authority Act, 2006, I have the statutory function to appoint all the members of the National Sports Campus Development Authority.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

114 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will reopen the swimming pool programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7277/08]

My Department has completed a Value for Money and Policy Review Report of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme. The Report examined, among other things, how the programme has worked to date and what changes, if any, are required to ensure its effective and efficient delivery. Following consideration of the recommendations in the Report, it is my intention to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme.

Natural History Museum.

Mary Upton

Question:

115 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will lend every available assistance to the Natural History Museum to ensure its exhibits are catalogued and conserved before the Seanad moves into this building in June 2008; if he will ensure that as many of the exhibits are relocated to other National Museum locations as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7330/08]

Since the National Museum of Ireland became an autonomous statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 on 3rd May 2005, the Board of the National Museum is statutorily responsible for operational matters concerning its collection and I, as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, do not have a statutory function in respect of operational matters.

My Department provides resources to the National Museum in respect of its statutory functions. Funding of €19,058,000 has been allocated to the National Museum in 2008 consisting of €14,428,000 current funding and €4,630,000 capital funding. This is in addition to the funding in the Vote of the Office of Public Works for major capital projects for the National Museum.

My Department, the Office of Public Works and the National Museum of Ireland are engaged in discussions to facilitate the orderly cataloguing, conservation, and any necessary removal and storage of the exhibits in the Natural History Museum and, also, the exhibition of some of these artefacts at alternative locations during the period of the closure and refurbishment.

The proposal to temporarily locate the Seanad in the museum building is one of a number of proposals currently being discussed between the OPW and the Seanad Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Richard Bruton

Question:

116 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will review the condition that a person who is signing for credits but receiving no social welfare payments, is excluded from receiving respite care grant even if they are providing full-time care and need to keep their insurance record intact as in a case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [7196/08]

Credited contributions, or credits as they are termed, are social insurance contributions which are awarded to an insured person without a Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) payment being received from that person. Credits are awarded in circumstances such as unemployment or illness, and their purpose is to help protect the social insurance entitlement of insured persons during periods when they may not be in a position to pay contributions.

The respite care grant is an annual payment for carers who look after certain people in need of full-time care and attention. Since 2005 the payment is made to carers regardless of means or social insurance contributions but it is subject to certain conditions.

The grant is automatically paid to people in receipt of carer's allowance or carer's benefit in June each year. In addition, the grant may be paid to people in receipt of other social welfare payments such as state pension (contributory). The grant is not payable to people in receipt of jobseeker's allowance or benefit or to people who are signing for jobseeker's credits. Persons in receipt of these payments or signing for such credits must be available for full time employment, capable of work and must also be genuinely seeking work and therefore cannot satisfy the full time care and attention requirement of the respite care grant.

The person to whom the Deputy refers was in receipt of jobseeker's credits at the time of making her application for the respite care grant in respect of 2007 and that is why her application was refused. I understand that the person concerned is still signing for jobseeker's credits but that she has recently applied for carer's allowance and a decision on that claim is pending.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

117 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if, in the case of where swipe cards are being issued to recipients of social welfare payments they have the option of appointing an agent and reverting to the book system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7319/08]

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.

Arrangements will be made within the Department to enable these customers already using a Social Services Card to have a nominated person collect the payment on their behalf.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

118 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent support or child benefit has been refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7353/08]

The Health Service Executive has advised that no application for rent supplement has been received from the person concerned. If the person wishes to make an application, she should contact her local community welfare officer.

A Child Benefit application from the person concerned was received in March 2006. The habitual residency condition was not met as the applicant was in the asylum process. As a result her application for Child Benefit was refused. The applicant was informed of this decision and given the right of appeal in April 2006. If the person concerned wishes to re-apply for Child Benefit, the application will be determined in light of her current circumstances.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

119 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent support is being refused in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7370/08]

The Health Service Executive has advised that it contacted the person concerned requesting clarification of his financial circumstances. The person concerned should contact his local community welfare office with the financial details requested. Any ongoing entitlement he may have to rent supplement can then be determined.

Irish Language.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

120 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if adequate staffing numbers are being provided in regard to the official working language status of the Irish language in the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7240/08]

The issue of recruiting Irish language staff to meet demands arising from the status accorded to the Irish language in the EU is the responsibility of the EU Institutions themselves and I do not have a role there. That said, I can assure the Deputy that the Government is working on an ongoing basis with the EU Institutions to help ensure that sufficient personnel with the required Irish language expertise are available to meet ongoing requirements. In that regard, the Deputy will be aware that in 2006 I established a dedicated fund to provide funding for advanced Irish language third-level courses. This initiative was put in place in order to increase the number of professionals with particular skills in the context of the requirements arising not only from the status accorded to Irish as an official and working language of the EU, but also from the Official Languages Act 2003, under which the range and quality of services from the public sector is being enhanced and developed on an ongoing basis.

A number of these courses have already commenced and it is anticipated that further courses will be rolled out during 2008. These courses will increase the number of professionals such as translators, interpreters and lawyer linguists with particular Irish language skills.

I understand that the EU Institutions are meeting the demands placed upon them to date with respect to the Irish language. I am satisfied that any challenges in the future will continue to be met and that we will continue to increase the supply of Irish candidates with the calibre required to fill the employment opportunities that arise.

Drugs Awareness.

John O'Mahony

Question:

121 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has plans to allocate funding to secondary schools to provide drugs awareness programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7202/08]

As the Deputy will appreciate, the funding of secondary schools is a matter in the first instance for my colleague, Mary Hanafin T.D., Minister for Education & Science. The Department of Education & Science currently provides funding in respect of the Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme at second level, thus ensuring that all school children now receive substance misuse prevention education as an integral part of their curricula up to Junior Certificate level. I have raised the issue of extending SPHE to the senior cycle with that Department on a number of occasions, most notably through the Inter-departmental Group on Drugs which I chair. Officials are looking at these issues and it is hoped that some progress can be made for the next school year.

While I envisage that funding will be provided through my Department for drugs awareness initiatives at local and regional level to dovetail with the current national campaign, funding of secondary school programmes will continue to be a matter for the Department of Education & Science.

Iarratais Deontais.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

122 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil iarratas ina Roinn le haghaidh deontais do Halla Pobail (sonraí tugtha), cén uair a fuarthas an t-iarratas, cén staid ag a bhfuil an t-iarratas faoi láthair, cad é costas measta na forbartha, an gceadófar deontas go luath; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [7235/08]

Tá iarratas ag mo Roinnse ar chúnamh chun obair athchóirithe a dhéanamh ar Ionad Pobail Naomh Fhionáin ó mí Márta 2006. Rinne Innealtóir na Roinne scrúdú ar an suíomh ar 4 Aibrean 2006 agus de thoradh an scrúdaithe sin iarradh ar an gCoiste tuilleadh eolais a chur ar fáil ar a n-áirítear Cead Pleanála do na hoibreacha atá i gceist. Tuigim go bhfuil an t-eolas sin curtha ar fáil do mo Roinnse le tamall anois agus tá súil agam go mbeidh moladh ina leith faoi mo bhráid go luath.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

123 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na sonraí faoi bhóithre áise i nGaeltacht Dhún na nGall a bhfuil iarratas ar dheontas ina Roinn ina leith agus cén uair a bheidh deontais á gceadú i mbliana. [7236/08]

Ón bhliain 2002 go data, tá suas le 667 iarratas faighte ag mo Roinn faoi Scéim na mBóithre Áise i gContae Dhún na nGall agus ceadaíodh deontais i leith 238 acu sin. Chomh maith leis sin, faoi Chlár Mhionoibreacha na nOileán, ceadaítear deontais do Chomhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall chun bóithre ar Árainn Mhór agus Thoraigh a fheabhsú. Tá na hiarratais atá ar láimh á meas faoi láthair agus tá sé i gceist agam go gceadófar cuid dóibh go luath, ag tógáil san áireamh an soláthar airgid atá ar fáil d'oibreacha den chineál seo i mbliana agus na héilimh éagsúla ar an soláthar sin.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

124 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na tionscnaimh forbartha pobail (hallaí, ionaid pobail agus áiseanna mar pháirceanna imeartha) ó Ghaeltacht Dhún na nGall a bhfuil iarratas ina Roinn le haghaidh deontais ina leith. [7237/08]

Tá iarratais ar chúnamh le haghaidh na tionscnaimh seo a leanas ó Ghaeltacht Dhún na nGall idir lámha ag mo Roinnse faoi lathair:

Páirc peile an Chlocháin Liath

Páirc Peile Ghleann Cholm Cille

Páirc Peile Leitir Mhic a'Bháird

Páirc Peile Mhin an Aoire

Páirc Peile An Charraig

Club Sacair Ghaoth Dobhair

Ionad Cois Locha — Cultúrlann

Naomh Fionáin — Ionad Pobail

Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall — 4 ionad sugartha

Halla Paróiste Chill Chártha — Ionad Pobail

Coláiste Bhríde Rann na Feirste — Coláiste Gaeilge

Ionad Pobail Ghaoth Dobhair

Comharchumann Thoraí — Ionad Turasóireachta

Ionad Oidhreachta agus Cultúrtha Rann na Feirste

Ionad Pobail Naomh Cholumba

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael na Rossa — Páirc Peile

Ionad Spóirt Tír na nÓg — Ionad Pobail

Club Sacair an Chlocháin Liath — Páirc Peile

Club Stoc Charanna Ghaoth Dobhair

Coláiste an Phiarsaigh

Coiste Forbartha na Carraige

Aonad Ownie Ghaoth Dobhair

Coiste Forbartha an Choimín

Coiste Forbartha Charraig Airt

Coiste Cultúr agus Teanga Chill Chártha

Seanteach Pobail Doirí Beaga

Ministerial Appointments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

125 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, with regard to Pobal he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7261/08]

The Government appoints all the members of the board of Pobal. In making appointments to the Board the Government has regard to a consultation process undertaken with a range of stakeholders, which is provided for under article 3 of the company's Articles of Association. Stakeholders include social partners (business, farming, trades union and community and voluntary sector), area and community partnership companies, county child care committees and the County and City Managers Association.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

126 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, with regard to Foras na Gaeilge he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7262/08]

There are sixteen members of the Agency's Board, eight of whom are nominated by the Irish Government and eight by the Northern Ireland Executive. Appointments are made formally by the North/South Ministerial Council.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

127 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, with regard to the Dormant Accounts Board he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7263/08]

All appointments to the Dormant Accounts Board are made by myself, in my capacity as Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in accordance with Section 32 of the Dormant Accounts Acts 2001 to 2005. The Board was established on 4 January 2006 and attached, for the Deputy's information, is a list of the current Board membership.

Dormant Accounts Board Membership

Name

Background

Michael Morley (Chairperson)

Retired Businessman

Pat Farrell

Chief Executive, Irish Banking Federation

Kate Feely

Principal Social Worker (Mental Health Services)

Rosaleen Glackin

Retired Trade Union Official

Des Gunning

Board Member — Incorporated Orthopaedic Hospital of Ireland

Marian Hackett

School Principal

Áine Hyland

Retired Vice President (University College Cork)

Noel McPartland

Company Director

Mary Maguire

Community Employment Administrator

David Martin

Company Director

Colin Wilson

Tax Consultant

Leo Varadkar

Question:

128 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, with regard to Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7264/08]

Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge was dissolved and its functions transferred to Foras na Gaeilge with effect from 1 January this year. Prior to that, all members of the board were appointed by the Minister of the day.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if, with regard to board of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland he appoints all members of the board of this body; if not, the number of board members he appoints; the person who appoints the remaining members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7265/08]

Pursuant to Section 8 of the Charities Act 1961, the members of the board of the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland are appointed by the Government, as occasion requires. The board has a full complement of eleven members at present.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

130 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way, in view of the fact that 17 of the board members of Údarás na Gaeltachta are directly elected, the remaining three members are chosen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7266/08]

The statutory provisions for the appointment by the Minister of a chairperson and two other members to Údarás na Gaeltachta are set out in section 6(2) of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979, as amended by section 3 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) (No 2) Act 1999.

Community Development.

Michael Ring

Question:

131 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the meetings and discussions that have taken place between him and other Ministers in his Department in relation to rural issues over the past twelve months. [7326/08]

The position is as stated in my reply to Question number 45 on Thursday 4 February 2008.

Flood Relief.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

132 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number, as part of the flood hazard mapping by the Office of Public Works, of sites or the acreage at risk from either tidal or combined tidal and fluvial flooding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7395/08]

Whilst my Department currently holds responsibility for Coastal Flooding matters, it does not however, have the primary responsibility for flood hazard mapping generally, which comes within the ambit of the Office of Public Works (OPW). I am therefore not in a position to provide the information requested by the Deputy. It should be noted that in line with a recent Government decision, responsibility for Coastal Flooding will become the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government. Arrangements are currently in train to effect the transfer.

Ministerial Appointments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

133 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number, with regard to An Bord Bia, 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. [7256/08]

The An Bord Bia Acts, 1994 to 2004 provide for the appointment by me, as Minister, of a chairman and 14 ordinary members of the Board. The Acts further provide that one ordinary member be appointed on the nomination of organisations representative of consumers; one ordinary member be appointed on the nomination of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and that not fewer than two of the ordinary members have knowledge or experience of horticulture.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

134 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number, with regard to COFORD, the purpose and role 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. [7257/08]

COFORD is a non-statutory agency under the aegis of my Department. COFORD's remit is to fund and co-ordinate research and development projects with the aim of developing the forestry industry through technical innovation and good silvicultural practice. The term of office of the previous COFORD Council recently concluded. A new Chairman has since been appointed to the Council and a new Council will be appointed shortly. I will make the appointments, in consultation with my colleague, Ms. Mary Wallace, TD, the Minister of State at my Department with special responsibility for forestry.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

135 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number, with regard to the Irish National Stud Co. Ltd, 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. [7258/08]

The Board of the Irish National Stud is comprised of seven Directors, including the Chairman. All appointments to the Board are made by me, in my capacity as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

136 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number, with regard to the Veterinary Council of Ireland, 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. [7259/08]

The Veterinary Council of Ireland was established on 1 January 2006 under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005. The Council has 19 members, all of which are appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. However, fifteen of these appointments are made, as prescribed by Section 16 of the Act, on the basis of nominations as follows:

2 persons nominated by the National University of Ireland

1 person nominated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland

*1 person nominated by the Director of Consumer Affairs

1 person nominated by the Minister for Education and Science

9 persons elected following Council elections among registered veterinary practitioners

#1 person elected following Council elections among registered veterinary nurses.

*As the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs chose not to exercise its nominating rights, the Minister made the appointment on this occasion as provided under Section 17(2) of the Act.

#Pending the holding of elections by the Veterinary Council of Ireland, this position is currently filled by a veterinary nurse appointed by the Minister as provided under Section 17(3)(b) of the Act.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

137 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number, with regard to National Milk Agency, 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. [7260/08]

The Board of the National Milk Agency comprises thirteen members, consisting of five producer, four processor, two consumer, one distributor and one retailer representatives, all nominated by their respective industry organizations. My role is to approve formally these nominees. In addition, the legislation provides that the Minister nominates the Chairman of the Agency. The current Chairman was appointed in 1995.

Grant Payments.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

138 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan will be granted their sheep premium; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7312/08]

An application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 25 April 2007. The application was fully processed and payment in full issued in respect of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme on 19 September 2007. In relation of the Single Payment Scheme, the advance payment issued on 16 October 2007 and the balancing payment issued on 3 December 2007. In addition, following the recent positive decision in relation to the application of the person named for additional Single Payment from the National Reserve under Category C, a further payment will shortly issue to the person named.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will put in place the necessary procedures to facilitate early payments under the REP scheme or other schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7334/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels on Monday last 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 payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to issue.

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 arrangement to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which genetically modified food or food products are imported here and to other EU countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7335/08]

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland is responsible for the implementation of EU Regulations concerning the marketing and labelling of GM foods in Ireland. The FSAI routinely surveys the food in Ireland to ensure that only EU authorised and appropriately labelled GM foods are placed on the market. The report of the latest survey by the FSAI is on their web-site.

Lamb Imports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries from which lamb has been imported into this country in the past five years; the extent to which this is increased or otherwise over this period on a yearly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7336/08]

The Central Statistics Office is responsible for the collection of statistics in relation to imports of meat and meat products. The table below is compiled from data supplied by that Office and the following should be noted. Information on imports for 2007 is available for the period up to September 2007. In certain cases the record of import may include the re-import of Irish products that were originally the subject of an export from this country. The information available for imports from EU Member States does not differentiate between products originating in the EU country and those originating in third countries that may already be in free circulation within the Community.

Imports of Lamb meat (tonnes) (% change from previous year)

2003

2004

2005

2006

20071

A

B

C

D

E

Belgium

33

Germany

125

1

France

3

UK

191

565

546

407

389

Northern Ireland

8

1

Ireland

30

Italy

12

Netherlands

17

1

94

227

Spain

11

New Zealand

6

2

2

1

1

Total Imports

322

617 (+92%)

560 (-9%)

543 (-3%)

631

1 to end September 2007.

Source CSO.

Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that Member States must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal origin as well as to imports of these products from third countries. It is a requirement that animal products imported from third countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, Member States. All imports must come from third countries or areas of third countries approved for export to the EU.

The EU's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) carries out assessment of third countries wishing to export animal products to EU and submits for Commission approval those where the responsible authorities can provide appropriate guarantees as regards compliance or equivalence with Community feed and food law and animal health rules. Third countries and their establishments that are approved to export are audited and inspected by the FVO with regard to these guarantees and reports of the findings of inspections are published on its website. If an outbreak of an animal diseases occurs in a third country or there are matters that indicate a risk to animal or human health, approval to export to the EU is suspended for the country or the effected region, as appropriate, until this risk has been eliminated. Where the FVO considers that public health requirements are not being met, an establishment may be removed from the EU approved list.

The level of imports has to be considered in the context of the national output of some 70,000 tonnes of sheep meat annually, of which 70% is exported. I am committed to supporting the sheep industry here in particular by following up on the recommendations of the Sheep Strategy Report, to provide assistance wherever I can. The Group's report set out a series of recommendations covering areas such as production, research, advice, processing and marketing. The objective is to facilitate the development of a more profitable sheep sector in Ireland covering production, processing and marketing.

My Department is providing assistance for breeding, processing facilities, mechanical grading and quality assurance. Other aspects of the Group's report are also being pursued especially in REPS where sheep farmers are major beneficiaries. They will also shortly benefit from a payment from the National Reserve of the Single Farm Payment scheme. My Department is assisting Bord Bia in providing valuable support on promotion and finding new outlets for sheep meat and Teagasc has augmented its sheep advisory services and has drawn up a specific programme to aid farmers in terms of management and welfare of sheep.

Food Labelling.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the success or otherwise of her efforts to discourage misleading relabelling of meat or meat products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7337/08]

The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency. Breaches of food labelling legislation should be reported to the FSAI.

As regards meat and meat products, EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade I collaborated with the Minister for Health & Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is also enforced by the FSAI. In relation to poultry meat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat, at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat, to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.

Draft regulations requiring the country of origin to be shown on poultry meat, pig meat and sheep meat sold in the retail and catering sectors were prepared by my Department and are currently being finalized by the Department of Health & Children. A public consultation process was conducted by the FSAI and the draft regulations have been submitted to the European Commission for approval.

There is also the issue where a primary product can enter Ireland and processed in some way thereby allowing it to be branded as an Irish product is known as "substantial transformation". This terminology originates in WTO, Codex and EU legislation governing the EU Customs Code and therefore can only be amended at EU level. I have been concerned that this arrangement could, in certain circumstances, be used to mislead the consumers as to the origin of the raw materials used in certain products. I am not satisfied with the current legal position and have raised my concerns at EU Council level. The EU Commission is currently reviewing the whole area of food labelling and recently presented proposed legislation on the provision of food information to consumers.

Agricultural Statistics.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

143 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total acreage of potatoes grown in this country in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; if the trend is on the increase or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7338/08]

According to official CSO figures, the total area of potatoes grown in the country in the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 was:

2005 — 11, 800 hectares

2006 — 12,100 hectares

2007 — 12,300 hectares

While the estimate for the 2007 potato acreage is provisional, it appears the potato area has increased by 500 hectares between 2005 and 2007.

Grant Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

144 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of applications received for assistance under the force majeure heading; the number that have been granted, refused or pending in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7339/08]

The concept of Force Majeure / exceptional circumstances is a long established principle and is defined in EU regulations as including, for example: the death of the farmer; long-term incapacity of the farmer; a severe natural disaster gravely affecting the holding’s agricultural land; the accidental destruction of livestock buildings on the holding; an epizootic affecting part or all of the farmer’s livestock.

It is open to individuals to seek relief on the grounds of Force Majeure / exceptional circumstances in respect of each of the schemes operated by my Department. In practical terms, however, it is under the Single Payment Scheme that the largest numbers of such cases have arisen. The Regulations governing the introduction and management of the SPS specifically provided for such cases, particularly where farmers’ production had been adversely affected during one or more of the three years of the Reference Period. Mindful of this provision, in 2004 my Department invited farmers, who considered that they qualified under this provision, to submit details for consideration. While these submissions largely concerned general SPS, submissions specific to both the Dairy Premium and Sugar sub-sectors of the SPS were also received and considered. While 13,735 of the total of 18,767 applications were submitted under the Force Majeure / exceptional circumstances measure of the Single Payment Scheme were refused, 5,032 were deemed successful and the farmers concerned received increased single payment entitlements as a result.

In 2007, my Department received eight applications under the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming from farmers who were unable to meet all eligibility criteria, of which five were allowed. In the case of aquaculture licensing, under the relevant legislation, a licence ceases to have effect or is revoked if it is not used for a period of two years. However, a licence holder may make an application not to have the licence revoked, outlining exceptional circumstances. Five such applications have been made; 3 are pending and 2 were refused in 2007.

Horticulture Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

145 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans for the development and expansion of the fruit and vegetable industry here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7340/08]

Under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, substantial funding of circa €50 million has been earmarked to assist producers of fruit and vegetables to upgrade or develop new production facilities. The scheme of investment aid for the commercial horticulture sector will assist capital investment on farms to promote the specialisation and diversification of on-farm activities, improve the quality of products and facilitate environmentally friendly practices and improved working conditions on farms. Commercial enterprises will also be assisted to improve marketing and processing facilities.

In addition, fruit and vegetable producers can benefit from EU aid under the Producer Organisation (PO) scheme. POs provide their members the opportunity to concentrate marketing, reduce production costs, improve quality and stabilise prices. The strengthening of the role for POs is a core part of the EU strategy for improving the competitiveness of the fruit and vegetable sector in the future. With the more flexible rules adopted by the EU last year governing the formation and operation of POs, I hope to see them playing a much greater role in the future in supporting Irish producers of fruit and vegetables.

Departmental Strategy Statements.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

146 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her short, medium and long term plans for the development of the agriculture and fishing sectors with particular reference to the need to develop and expand the industries and with the ability to compete on international markets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7341/08]

I would regard short term plans as those to be completed by year end and medium term strategies as those encompassed by the Department's three year Statement of Strategy. Longer term plans which impact on the development of the agri-food and fishing sectors are contained in departmental policy documents such as the AgriVision 2015 Action Plan, ‘Steering a New Course'- the Seafood Strategy, ‘Sea Change' the Marine Research Strategy; as well as in a range of cross-departmental Government policies including the Programme for Government, the National Development Plan, The Rural Development Programme, National Climate Change Strategy, etc.

I have approved a new Statement of Strategy for the Department of Agriculture and Food for 2008 to 2010. This will be published next month and sets out 49 key strategic actions which will be taken over the next three years to maintain and improve competitiveness and encourage the export orientated agri-food and fishing sectors. This Strategy Statement is underpinned by the detailed annual business plans produced for each division with the outcomes from these plans being presented in the Annual Report of the Department.

The new Strategy Statement is the mechanism used to implement the wider series of measures in the AV2105 Action Plan, NDP, RDP, ‘Sea Change', Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation, Towards 2016 and other key sectoral development documents. The end result is an integrated package, with substantial public funding, designed to ensure optimal levels of efficiency, competitiveness, and market responsiveness of the agri-food and fishing sectors while also promoting food security and respecting the physical environment. Detailed implementation plans have been developed for the main elements of this package and regular reports on progress achieved are produced.

Cereal Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

147 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which grain production has increased or deceased in each of the past six years; her plans for the future of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7342/08]

Production of cereals in Ireland has averaged about 2 million tonnes in recent years, with fluctuations in production being mainly attributable to weather conditions. The following are production figures over the past six years:

2002 — 1.964 million tonnes

2003 — 2.147 million tonnes

2004 — 2.501 million tonnes

2005 — 1.938 million tonnes

2006 — 2.083 million tonnes

2007 — 1.977 million tonnes (estimate)

Increased cereals prices, together with the warm dry weather last autumn, have encouraged a major increase in the sowing of winter cereals for the 2008 harvest in Ireland. Initial estimates suggest the total area sown to winter cereals is expected to increase by around 20% overall. Estimates of spring sowings will not be available until later in the year.

I consider the maintenance of an efficient and viable cereals sector in Ireland to be of the utmost importance. In addition to providing an income for growers, it provides the livestock sector with an important source of feedingstuffs. It is desirable to maintain the current level of production in order to avoid over-dependence on imported grain and I am satisfied that, subject to weather conditions, production in Ireland will continue at around the 2 million tonne average.

EU policy regarding the cereals market is determined within the framework of the CAP. Irish cereal farmers, following the decoupling of the direct payments from production, are now in a position to respond to market signals. With the cushion of the single payment, they can now focus on supplying markets, minimising production costs and maximising their incomes.

My Department continues to operate a range of services aimed at improving the efficiency, quality and viability of cereal production. These services include seed certification, seed testing, recommended lists of varieties etc. In addition, Teagasc provides comprehensive research, training and advisory services for cereal producers. The value of all these support services is reflected in the fact that Irish cereal producers have consistently achieved some of the highest yields in the world.

Biofuel Crops.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

148 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total acreage currently devoted to biofuel crop production in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7343/08]

There were 2,500 hectares used for the production of bio-energy crops in 2005, 4,289 hectares in 2006 and 7,749 hectares in 2007. In 2007, I introduced a new National Energy Premium of €80 per hectare and a new Bio-Energy Scheme to assist the development of the production of energy crops in Ireland. The €80 National payment supplements the EU Premium of €45 per hectare. The buoyant market for bio-fuels and the introduction of the €80 incentive contributed to an increase in the area devoted to oilseed rape, which is used to produce bio-fuels.

The Bio-Energy Scheme aims to encourage farmers to grow willow and miscanthus as a renewable source of energy. These crops have considerable potential for heat and electricity generation and my Department is aiding establishment with grants of up to €1,450 per hectare. The introduction of this Scheme has been well received by farmers with some 800 hectares planted so far. I have provided sufficient funding in 2008 to support the planting of a further 1,600 hectares. As a further support measure, land planted with energy crops can also benefit under the Single Payment Scheme.

Beef Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

149 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her plans to ensure the future development of the agricultural industry with particular reference to meat and dairy sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7344/08]

Plans for the development of the agri-food sector are set out in the AgriVision 2015 Action Plan and in the Programme for Government, the National Development Plan and The Rural Development Programme, The Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan sets out a comprehensive range of actions with the objective of developing an agri-food industry that attains optimal levels of efficiency, competitiveness and responsiveness to the demands of the market while respecting and enhancing the physical environment.

In relation to meat, the Action Plan points out that the short-to-medium term goal of the meat sector, especially beef, is to ensure that high market penetration in the EU is consolidated and developed, while also recognising the importance of access to commercially attractive third country markets. The challenges facing the sector are varied and it is essential that it continue to adapt positively and efficiently to evolving market trends and consumer demands. Consequently, and in line with the Agri Vision 2015 Action Plan, I have put in place a number of measures and supports, which, I believe, will support the industry in positioning itself to face the challenges posed by ever evolving markets. These initiatives cover every aspect of the "meat chain", from producer to the consumer.

Amongst the specific measures introduced to support the beef industry are a €100 million Capital Investment Aid Scheme aimed at increasing value added and increased efficiencies for the beef and sheep meat industries at processing level; a nationally funded Suckler Welfare Scheme aimed at improving animal welfare and contributing to the improved quality and viability of suckler herds; a Beef Forum to examine the various issues arising in the sector and to consider appropriate responses. In addition, Bord Bia is intensifying its promotional measures to publicise the positive response of the beef industry to an ever-evolving market. These initiatives complement and underpin the existing quality assurance schemes and the advances in breed improvement being developed by ICBF.

The Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group set out a series of recommendations covering areas such as production, research, advice, processing and marketing. The objective is to facilitate the development of a more profitable sheep sector in Ireland covering production, processing and marketing. Most of the recommendations in the Report fall to be implemented by the industry itself and of their nature will take time for their effects to be seen. My Department is playing its part by providing assistance for breeding, processing facilities, mechanical grading and quality assurance. Other aspects of the Group's report are also being pursued and sheep farmers are major beneficiaries of various schemes being operated by my Department. Under REPS 4, a new mixed grazing measure is specifically targeted at them.

Payment from the National Reserve of the Single Payment Scheme will be made to certain sheep farmers. I am pleased that individual allocations of the €6m available commenced last week and payments should begin to issue shortly. This will result in payments of some €42m up to 2013 in the areas concerned. The downward trend in lamb consumption in certain markets presents a real challenge. To address this, Bord Bia is collaborating with its French and British counterparts on a 3 year generic lamb promotion on the French market to promote lamb to younger consumers.

Currently, the very high cost of animal feed is creating serious difficulties for pig producers. There are some positive signs on the horizon regarding increased availability of cereals arising from the relaxation of set-aside rules, increased cereal production and temporary suspension of certain import duties. Teagasc estimate a 20% increase in cereal production in Ireland this year. I have worked with my colleagues in Brussels and the European Commission to bring in schemes of assistance for the pig sector. An aids-to-private- storage scheme last November took almost 100,000 tonnes temporarily off the market. The export refund scheme introduced last December, which is still in place, has greatly helped to stabilise the market at what is normally a difficult time of the year. At the EU Council of Ministers last Monday, I and a number of colleagues pressed the Commission on supports for the Pig meat sector and the Commission undertook to come forward with a relevant proposal related to private storage at today's management committee. Bord Bia has conducted an intensified pork and bacon promotion programme in recent months. The Bord is expanding the pig quality assurance scheme, which is an important tool in promoting consumer confidence.

It is my policy that the poultry industry should develop to its full potential and be in a position to meet the demands of today's consumers and withstand the very strong competition from abroad. The Poultry Expert Group was set up to review the main factors impacting on the poultry and eggs industry and draw up relevant action points. The group was comprised of various industry players including producers, processors, packers, feed suppliers, relevant State bodies etc. The final report of the Group contains recommendations concerning such matters as poultry meat, labelling, animal welfare, environment protection and feedingstuffs. My Department will be implementing the recommendations relevant to it.

Bord Bia, working in conjunction with the poultry industry and my Department, has in operation the very successful poultry and egg Quality Assurance Schemes which are viewed by consumers as a guarantee of quality and I am confident that the market position of our poultry will be enhanced as a result.

Last year through funding provided by my Department, I launched a Dairy Investment Fund. A total of 19 capital investment projects were approved and awarded Government grant assistance of €114 million, which will generate an estimated capital spend of €286 million at full production. The Fund will support capital investment related to the processing of dairy products, to underpin competitiveness and viability of the dairy industry in Ireland. One of the key aims of this package is to generate greater efficiencies for Irish dairy processors, which will support better prices paid to producers. These projects are now proceeding to the implementation phase.

When I introduced the Milk Quota Trading Scheme for the 2007/2008 quota year, I recognised the need for improved efficiency and long-term competitiveness at producer level. Reducing costs and increasing scale means getting more milk quota into the hands of active and committed producers at the lowest possible cost. The new scheme is a more open market system of transferring milk quotas, and included a market exchange for the first time, with buyers and sellers offering and bidding for quota. A total of 300 million litres, or 6 per cent of the national pool, was offered for sale on the first two exchanges, with 200 million litres successfully traded and made available to milk producers for the current milk quota year.

After a comprehensive review, the Trading Scheme has been further improved, with a particular focus on Co-op areas where little or no quota was traded because of local supply/demand factors. A third exchange took place in December and a total of 80 million litres of milk quota was offered for sale, with 66 million litres successfully traded. Of this total, 49 million litres was sold on the exchange at prices ranging from 12 to 45 cent per litre, and 17 million litres was sold through the priority pool at the maximum price of 12 cent per litre. A fourth exchange is scheduled for the spring of 2008, and quota traded on these exchanges will be available to milk producers from April 2008.

At EU level I have pressed for an increase in Milk Quotas for the 2008/09 milk quota year. I expect that this matter will be finalised in March giving further opportunities to the Irish Dairy Sector to respond to improved international dairy markets.

Food Labelling.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

150 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that the labelling of all meat and meat products sold in this country accurately reflect the country of origin; her plans to improve same in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7345/08]

The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Responsibility for enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) through its service contracts with my Department, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, the Health Services Executive, the Local Authorities and the National Consumer Agency.

As regards meat and meat products, EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade I collaborated with the Minister for Health & Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is also enforced by the FSAI. In relation to poultry meat, there are EU Regulations which provide for the labelling of unprocessed poultry meat, at retail level. The Regulations require such poultry meat, to be labelled with the information regarding class, price, condition, registered number of slaughterhouse or cutting plant and, where imported from a Third Country, an indication of country of origin.

Draft regulations requiring the country of origin to be shown on poultry meat, pig meat and sheep meat sold in the retail and catering sectors were prepared by my Department and are currently being finalized by the Department of Health & Children. A public consultation process was conducted by the FSAI and the draft regulations have been submitted to the European Commission for approval. The EU Commission is currently reviewing the whole area of food labelling and recently presented proposed legislation on the provision of food information to consumers. As part of the review Ireland submitted, among other things, that origin labelling should be compulsory for all meat. As well as direct contact with the Commission on this I have also raised this matter in the Agriculture Council and I will continue to press for progress as I believe consumers are entitled to full information on the origin of food products.

Meat Imports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

151 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that all fowl, beef, lamb or pig meat imported into this country is compliant with the standards of hygiene, husbandry and traceability applicable here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7346/08]

Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that Member States must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal origin as well as to imports of these products from third countries. It is a requirement that animal products imported from third countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between, Member States. All imports must come from third countries or areas of third countries approved for export to the EU.

The EU's Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) carries out assessment of third countries wishing to export animal products to EU and submits for Commission approval those where the responsible authorities can provide appropriate guarantees as regards compliance or equivalence with Community feed and food law and animal health rules. Third countries and their establishments that are approved to export are audited and inspected by the FVO with regard to these guarantees and reports of the findings of inspections are published on its website. If an outbreak of an animal diseases occurs in a third country or there are matters that indicate a risk to animal or human health, approval to export to the EU is suspended for the country or the effected region, as appropriate, until this risk has been eliminated. Where the FVO considers that public health requirements are not being met, an establishment may be removed from the EU approved list.

My Department has responsibility for operation of public and animal health control in the area of third country import of food of animal origin, including meat. These are carried out at EU approved Border Inspection Posts in co-operation with Customs Service. Import control forms a part of the EU's integrated policy of guaranteeing that the food produced and placed on to the market is safe and that animal and public health is not put at risk. They form a part of the EU's hygiene package the implementation and monitoring of which is carried out by the relevant competent agencies under Service Contracts by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland since 1999.

I have consistently pointed out at EU level that produce imported from third countries must meet standards equivalent to those required of Community producers. In this context I have been in regular contact EU Commissioner for Health Mr. Markos Kyprianou. The Commissioner has assured me that the Commission will not hesitate to take the appropriate protection measures if a product, imported from a third country or produced in the domestic market represents a risk for the health of EC consumers, livestock or plants. I should add that in WTO discussions in the Council, I have always emphasized the need to take account of the non-trade aspect of market access, which I regard as a crucial element in the overall negotiations.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

152 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which food prices have increased or reduced in the past five years at retail outlets; the degree to which prices have fluctuated to the producer in the same period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7347/08]

According to the Central Statistics Office, in the 5-year period covering the years 2003 to 2007 inclusive, the food price index has recorded a consistently lower level of increase than the overall Consumer Price Index (CPI). Food prices increased by 3.3% over that period while overall prices as measured by CPI increased by 14.1%. The most recent annual data available from the Central Statistics Office relates to 2007 when food and non-alcoholic beverages prices, as measured by the food price index, increased by 2.8% on average during that year. This is a lower level of increase than the overall annual rate of inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, which averaged 4.9% during the same year.

Prices paid to the producer are measured through agricultural output price indices (API). In the five-year period between November 2002 and November 2007, (the most recent month for which data is available) the total index for agricultural output prices increased by almost26%, with significant variations between commodities over the period. For example, these indices increased by 20% for cattle, 34% for milk and over 100% for cereals during the period.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

153 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is intended that CAP reform is expected to become the basis for WTO discussions; if this is expected to result in a reduction in food production within the EU and greater dependency on imports; if this a wise decision at the present time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7348/08]

The 2003 Reforms of the CAP were introduced in preparation for the current Round of WTO negotiations. The EU's move to decoupled payment supports, which are non-trade distorting, has allowed the EU to make very significant reduction commitments to its levels of trade distorting supports. These proposed reductions commitments are a very substantial contribution to this round of WTO negotiations that must be matched by other WTO negotiating partners.

I do not believe that these reforms will lead to negative impacts such as reductions in production. On the contrary I believe that there are and will be major benefits for producers and consumers arising out of the on-going implementation of the reformed CAP. The introduction of the full decoupling of direct payments under the Single Payment Scheme ensures that farmers now have the ‘freedom to farm' and that the CAP will be geared towards the demands of the market and consumers. The Single Payment Scheme is linked to food safety, animal welfare and environmental standards. Irish farmers will receive single farm payments of about €1.3 billion in 2008 while consumers will be guaranteed a supply of safe food, produced to high animal welfare and environmental standards, at reasonable cost.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

154 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she is satisfied that food imports into Ireland and the EU are compliant with carbon reduction targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7349/08]

I am not aware of any requirement for food imported into Ireland and the EU to meet carbon reduction targets. Under the Kyoto Protocol a majority of developed countries are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the period 2008 and 2012 by a least 5% on 1990 levels. Countries that signed up to the Protocol are responsible for meeting their own individual emissions limitation/reduction target. In the case of the EU15 an overall target applies, which has been allocated internally on an individual Member State level. The EU is committed to securing, after 2012, an international agreement which would require all countries to work towards limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Biofuel Crops.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

155 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which she has had discussions with her EU colleagues in the matter of bio-energy crops; the extent to which such discussions are expected to impact positively on climate change issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7350/08]

Support to farmers for growing energy crops is available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme, which provides an EU premium of up to €45 per hectare provided the energy crops are intended for use in the production of biofuels and electric and thermal energy produced from biomass. At the February 2006 Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting, I called for a review of the energy crop premium as it was not proving effective in Ireland and I subsequently raised the matter with the Agriculture Commissioner. The EU Commission subsequently published a Report on implementation of the scheme and made a proposal to allow member states pay national aid of up to 50% of the costs associated with establishing miscanthus and willow. I strongly supported this Proposal and successfully negotiated an amendment to the relevant EU regulation in line with the Commission proposal. I also received confirmation from the European Commission that land used for growing willow and miscanthus is eligible to benefit from the Single Farm Payment.

During negotiations, I emphasised the important role that energy crops play in the biofuel supply chain and their potential contribution to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In accordance with the National Bioenergy Action Plan, I launched a number of measures in 2007 to stimulate the production of energy crops. The measures include a new National Energy Premium of €80 per hectare and a Bioenergy Scheme offering establishment grants of up to €1,450 per hectare to plant willow and miscanthus. The buoyant market for biofuels and the new incentives contributed to increased energy crop production in 2007 with some 8,000 hectares planted. My Department is also implementing a number of other measures, as set out in the National Climate Change Strategy, to reduce emissions from the Agriculture sector.

At the recent January Council of Agriculture Ministers meeting on the future of the Common Agriculture Policy, I reiterated again the important contribution that agriculture can make to renewable energy and to protecting the environment.

Food Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she has had discussions with her EU colleagues in the matter of food security within the European Union with particular reference to the implications of sourcing such food outside the Union and achieving climate change targets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7351/08]

As I pointed out to my EU colleagues as recently as January, at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting, and in bilateral discussions that I and my officials have had with other Member States, there is increasing awareness that food security cannot be taken for granted in a world where demand is rising rapidly and expected to double by 2050. In recent years there have been increased demands on the agricultural sector to examine the growing pressure between food, feed and fuel in terms of production. As energy production uses crops once destined for human consumption, and with the requirements for biomass and oilseed crops, the economics of agriculture enterprises are constantly changing. Ireland has an important role in meeting the EUs needs for food produced in a sustainable manner.

In global terms the objective must be that all production from agricultural sources be sustainable, be it food or fuel production, and in this regard the EU is committed to working towards an international agreement which would require all countries to limit greenhouse gas emissions in order to address the challenge of climate change.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

157 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when her and her Department’s attention was drawn to the problems in regard to the payments of REP schemes 2 and 3; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7375/08]

In early January, in the course of discussions about the payment arrangements for REPS 4, the European Commission unexpectedly raised questions about the long-established practice of paying farmers in REPS 2 and REPS 3 in full at the start of each contract year. I met Commissioner Fischer Boel in Dublin to discuss this matter when she attended the Annual General Meeting of the IFA in January, and I had further discussions with her in Brussels on Monday. I am very glad to say that I obtained the Commissioner's agreement that Ireland can continue with the established practice until the expiry of REPS 2 and REPS 3 contracts. I am very grateful to Commissioner Fischer Boel for her personal intervention to resolve an extremely difficult situation.

I immediately directed my officials to take steps to release some €37 million in REPS 2 and REPS 3 payments which had been on hold since early January, and payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to issue.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

158 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps she is taking to address the problem in relation to the payment of REP scheme two, three and four; when she anticipates farmers will be paid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7377/08]

I had further discussions with Commissioner Fischer Boel in Brussels on Monday last 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 payments for valid outstanding claims are now beginning to issue.

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 arrangement to apply to REPS 4 contracts commencing in 2008 and I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

Milk Quota.

Phil Hogan

Question:

159 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision to allocate additional milk quota from the national reserve will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow. [7381/08]

Allocations of milk quota from the National Reserve are granted on the basis of recommendations from the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal examines and makes recommendations on applications for additional quota from individual producers.

The person named has applied to the Tribunal in the current, i.e. 2007/2008, milk quota year. The Tribunal will examine this and other applications between now and the end of the quota year on 31st March 2008 and all applicants will be notified of the outcome in their case.

School Curriculum.

John O'Mahony

Question:

160 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans her Department has for the introduction of driver education and training at second level education; if she has requested the Road Safety Authority to progress this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7204/08]

Schools have an important role to play both in teaching students about road safety issues and in helping them to develop the attitudes necessary to promote safe behaviour on the roads. As such, Road Safety is addressed at several levels throughout a child's school-going years. The Social Personal and Health Education programme, which is mandatory in primary schools and at junior cycle level, provides a framework under which the generic values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making, and respect for the rights and safety of others can be developed and promoted among students. SPHE has a specific personal safety strand within the programme, and this provides a mechanism through which road safety issues for all can be best dealt with in an age appropriate way. In addition, the Civic Social and Political Education programme, also mandatory at junior cycle, deals with important themes such as Law, Rights and Responsibilities, Democracy and Inter-dependence, which are also important in a road safety context.

The Streetwise programme for junior cycle pupils was launched in UN Road Safety Week on 24 April 2007. It covers road safety across 9 topics — walking, cycling, seatbelts, airbags, speed, driver fatigue, motor cycle safety, hazard recognition and the engineering aspects of road safety, to be delivered over nine class periods.

A follow on programme has also been developed by the RSA in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Second Level Support Service for use in Transition Year, and is currently being piloted in schools. Covering areas such as seatbelt use, hazard perception and driver attitudes towards alcohol and drug use the Transition Year Road Safety Programme will also prepare students for the Driver Theory Test. The Road Safety Authority has also obtained input from the Gardaí, NCT centres and Bus Éireann in the delivery of this programme.

I have no plans to introduce practical driver education, in the form of driving lessons in schools, and this is not the norm within the EU. Research available internationally is inconclusive on the benefits of teaching young people to drive at school. Particular issues highlighted include the gap arising between the time practical skills are learned initially and put into regular practice, and the risks arising from more young people taking up driving at an earlier age.

Irish Language.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

161 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if further to Parliamentary Question No. 245 of 8 February 2008 the position on a person (details supplied) in County Wexford and their request for exemption from Irish; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7208/08]

The general position in relation to exemptions is that as part of the primary school curriculum Irish is a compulsory subject. Exemption from the study of Irish may, however, be granted to primary pupils under certain circumstances as outlined in Department Circular 12/96. Under the terms of the Circular delegated authority to grant exemptions from Irish, within the conditions laid down, has been vested in the individual school authority.

The individual concerned should be advised to raise this matter with the school authorities directly or alternatively they may wish to contact officials in the Primary Administration Section of my Department for advice on the matter.

Schools Building Projects.

Phil Hogan

Question:

162 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when finance will be sanctioned for an extension to a national school at Paulstown County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7213/08]

All applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a band rating. Progress on individual projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

163 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will sanction a new building for a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo to allow it to proceed to public tender and construction phase, particularly as the school is designated as disadvantaged under DEIS. [7217/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

164 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a new building was first sanctioned for a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo; the dates it has progressed through the different stages such as architectural, planning and so on; and the amounts spent to date on the proposed new building. [7218/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.

Delivery of all building projects, including the school in question will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. I will arrange to have the detailed information sought by the Deputy forwarded directly to him.

Teacher Exchange Programmes.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

165 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science the organisation and facilitation of exchanges of teachers and students between Ireland and France, in view of the cultural agreement signed in Paris on 4 November 1967, by J. Lynch on behalf of the Irish Government and M. Couve De Murville on behalf of the French Government which is included in Article 4; if she will describe the current programmes available and the success or otherwise of programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7221/08]

The Ireland-France Cultural Agreement, which was signed in 1967, provides a framework for the exchange of teachers, students, research workers, lecturers, assistants, scholars and cultural experts as well as representatives of university or extra-university cultural groups.

My Department administers a number of schemes under this Agreement including the Foreign Language Assistant Scheme, the Teacher Exchange Programme to France and the Professor/Expert Exchange Programme. A further programme, the Summer School Scholarships, is part-funded by my Department and administered by the Cultural Service of the Embassy of France in Ireland.

Under the Foreign Language Assistant Scheme, up to sixty French third Level students are assigned to Irish post primary schools for a period of 8 months annually. This scheme is very successful, with many Irish schools making applications to host a Language Assistant.

The Teacher Exchange Programme to France offers experienced Irish teachers of French the opportunity to work and gain experience of teaching in France for periods of either one term or for a full school year. A total of twelve exchanges with teachers in France are available in any school year.

The Professor/Expert Exchange Programme provides for exchanges of academics and is promoted in Higher Education Institutions by the Higher Education Authority. In 2007, two academics from Ireland participated in a visit to France under this Programme. In recent years, Ireland has not received applications from French academics to visit Ireland.

Thirty Summer School Scholarships are funded by my Department and the Cultural Service of the Embassy of France in Ireland. This programme allows experienced teachers of French in second-level schools to attend a two-week summer course for teachers of French as a Foreign Language in institutes such as the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée in Besancon or Cavilam in Vichy, France. This scheme is heavily over-subscribed each year.

Road Safety.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

166 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are grants or funding available for the cost of erecting flashing amber safety signs outside a primary school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7224/08]

In general, individual school authorities are responsible, in the first instance, for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and others in their care, including traffic management measures.

The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority.

Schools Building Projects.

Dan Neville

Question:

167 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science when the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Limerick will be completed. [7230/08]

The building project in relation to the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning. All applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a band rating. Further progress on individual projects will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

168 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress regarding the application by school authorities for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick for capital funding towards an extension to promote ancillary accommodation. [7231/08]

An application has been received from the school authority for capital funding towards the provision of an extension to provide ancillary accommodation at the school referred to by the Deputy.

All applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a band rating. Progress on individual projects, including this project, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Enrolments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

169 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the way a parent may enrol their child in the promised VEC national schools that are to be built at Phibblestown, Dublin 15 and also at the former Phoenix Park Racecourse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7267/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

170 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if the new VEC national schools on the former Phoenix Park Racecourse in Dublin 15 will accept students for September 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7268/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

173 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science when she reversed her decision to establish only one pilot VEC national school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7271/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

174 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on catchment areas for the two new VEC national schools that are to be built in Phibblestown, Dublin 15 and the former Phoenix Park Racecourse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7272/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169, 170, 173 and 174, together.

In February 2007 I announced my intention to introduce a new model of primary school patronage on a pilot basis. I indicated that this new model would not replace existing patron models but would provide an additional patronage option, particularly in growing areas.

Following further consideration in my Department and consultations with the main patron bodies, management bodies and education partners I announced, last December, that the new model would be piloted in two locations from September 2008. It is intended that the new schools will be opened in the Phoenix Park and in Phibblestown, Dublin 15, under the patronage of County Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC). It was also intended that Scoil Choilm, Diswellstown, Dublin 15, which opened in September 2007 under the temporary patronage of the Catholic Church, will become part of the pilot model following a two-year transition period. Following further recent consultations with the Catholic Church, the school community and County Dublin VEC, it has now been agreed that Scoil Choilm should come under the new pilot patronage model arrangements from September 2008.

There is a strong argument for proceeding with more than one school as this will enhance the potential for identifying possible practical issues and piloting solutions.

Work is ongoing in relation to the practical arrangements for the establishment of the pilot schools.

The new school in Phibblestown will open in September 2008 and will share a site with Phibblestown Community College which will also open in September 2008.

Registration for the 2008/2009 school year will begin on Monday next 25 February 2008. To assist parents with their applications and to provide information on the new patronage model school, an enrolment evening will be held in the hall of Mary Mother of Hope, Junior National School, on Tuesday 26 February. The catchment area of the Phibblestown school for enrolment purposes, consists of estates within Phibblestown, Castaheany, Ongar and Littlepace.

I am pleased to report this progress which I understand has been greatly facilitated by the excellent coooperation of the existing primary schools in the area.

Similar arrangements are being made in respect of the new patronage model primary school in the Phoenix Park and these will be announced shortly.

In the meantime, my Department's consultations with the main patron bodies, management bodies and education partners will continue in relation to the implementation of the pilot patronage model.

School Accommodation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

171 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that planning applications have been lodged to build new primary schools on the former Phoenix Park Racecourse and Porterstown Road in Dublin 15, sites have been, or are to be, acquired under the agreement between her Department and Fingal County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7269/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

172 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact that planning applications have been lodged to build new primary schools on the former Phoenix Park Racecourse and at Porterstown Road in Dublin 15, she has purchased the sites for these schools or if they are still in private ownership. [7270/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, a Developing Areas Unit has been established in the Department of Education and Science to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas including those specifically referred to.

The particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also ensuring the Government's commitment to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.

The Department is currently pursuing the acquisition of sites under the Fingal School Model Agreement. It is intended to deliver, as Phase I in September 2008, an 8 classroom unit for Phoenix Park and a 16 classroom unit for Porterstown Road, with appropriate ancillary accommodation, subject to conclusion of the legalities surrounding site acquisition and subject to planning permission.

The Deputy will appreciate that due to commercial sensitivities, I cannot comment on specific sites at this time, however, I can assure the Deputy that the Department will continue to work very closely with Fingal County Council to meet the needs of the Fingal area, including those to which he refers, for next year and beyond.

Questions Nos. 173 and 174 answered with Question No. 169.

Schools Building Projects.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

175 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if a design team has been appointed to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when she expects this school to move to construction phase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7278/08]

The appointment of a Design Team for the project referred to by the Deputy has not yet been completed. The commencement and 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.

Special Educational Needs.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

176 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Education and Science if a primary school (details supplied) in County Clare is to be allocated an autism unit. [7279/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for the establishment of special classes for autism and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs.

I have arranged for the details requested by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Legal Proceedings.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

177 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department has discontinued payment of salary for a teacher (details supplied) in Dublin 7; the status her Department is attributing to the permanent teaching post which the teacher holds in a school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7283/08]

Matters relating to the person in question's employment as a teacher are the subject of ongoing legal proceedings, now before the Supreme Court. In the circumstances, it would be inappropriate for me to comment in any way on these matters.

Child Care Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

178 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed changes in the community childcare funding will have serious adverse effect on some childcare facilities as a result of the introduction of the childcare subvention scheme in July 2008; and the steps she will take to grant aid childcare facilities that will now be seriously disadvantaged by the new regulations. [7317/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the National Childcare Investment Programme which is managed by the Childcare Directorate of the Department of Health and Children as part of the Office of the Minister for Children. Accordingly the Deputy should direct his question to the Minister for Health and Children.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

179 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 422 of 16 October 2007, the status of the application; when she will make an announcement on projects to be moved to the next stage of planning under the multi-annual school building and modernisation programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7321/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a band rating. Progress on individual projects, including the project in question, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme consistent with that band rating.

Jack Wall

Question:

180 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of the provision of a new college to replace the existing college for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7331/08]

Jack Wall

Question:

182 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is any difficulty with the tendering process, drawings, proposed site or any other aspect of a college building project (details supplied) in County Kildare that is preventing it being included on the capital building list for funding in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7333/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

185 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the redevelopment of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare was sanctioned in November 1999; if the acquisition, planning, tendering and selection has completed process since November 2007, and is still awaiting formal approval from her Department regarding the project in question; when a decision will be taken in connection with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7380/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 182 and 185 together.

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.

The particular emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also showing the Government's commitment to delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country.

On 1 February, I announced a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. It is also my intention to make a further announcement after Easter to allow a further batch of schools to commence construction and to update progress on the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery in developing areas.

Jack Wall

Question:

181 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school project is not funded or commenced before the tender date expires, the procedure that must occur or if there is extra costs involved the person who has to fund such costs and if the total project has to be re-advertised in such instances for new tenders; the period of time such a tendering process would take in normal circumstances if all of the criteria was addressed in the first instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7332/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that in those instances to-date in 2008 where arrangements are in place to finalise contracts following the expiry of the 90 day acceptance period no extra costs have been incurred. No projects have been re-advertised so far in 2008.

Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 180.

Outdoor Education Centres.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

183 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money allocated to the outdoor education centres in the country each year for the past three years; the commitments made by her Department for allocation for 2008; the allocation that will be made in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7374/08]

Outdoor Education Centres (OECs) have been developed by Vocational Education Committees in order to enhance the quality of the educational experience for young people through outdoor education programmes. They cater mainly for primary and post-primary students, including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and also for third-level students, youth groups, special needs groups and adults. During periods such as school holidays, when the centres are not fully utilised for educational purposes, additional income is generated from courses provided on a commercial basis for the leisure and tourism market.

There are currently 9 recognised centres and 3 unrecognised centres. Funding was originally approved on the basis that the centres would be self-financing. Accordingly, my Department's annual grants are contributory in nature and go mainly towards the core staffing costs involved in running the centres.

The funding provided by my Department to the OECs in the past three years is as follows:

2005 — €1.886m

2006 — €1.990m

2007 — €2.116m.

The allocation to the OECs for 2008 is currently being finalised, and my Department will notify the relevant Vocational Education Committees in due course.

Site Acquisitions.

Tony Gregory

Question:

184 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science the provision of primary and secondary schools in Dublin 15; the provision she has made in recent years to meet the need for school places; the management structures she has put in place for various schools; her immediate plans in terms of acquiring sites for schools and constructing schools to meet immediate demand; and the management structures she will put in place for planned schools. [7379/08]

At the outset, I want to assure you that the Department of Education and Science is fully aware of the rapidly developing nature of the Dublin 15 area. As you may be aware, the recent Census preliminary figures confirm the Fingal area of Dublin as the fastest growing area in the country. Significant further investment will be required there over the coming years. The challenge is to provide schools in line with or ahead of demand for pupil places.

To date, considerable interventions have already been made by the Department to increase pupil places in Dublin 15 and these interventions are being backed up by a significant construction programme including in this regard, phase two of the building project at Mary Mother of Hope N.S., Littlepace was delivered ahead of schedule for September 2007. This has provided a new 16 classroom facility for the area. I would like to point out that this school will also have the benefit of enhanced shared community facilities under an arrangement with Fingal County Council.

In addition, plans are being advanced to provide a new school for Castaheany Educate Together and St. Benedict's National School on a site in Ongar. The development of this site will provide a total of 40 classrooms to cater for up to 1,000 primary pupils and also benefit from enhanced shared community facilities.

Other developments in the Dublin 15 area at primary level include the planned expansion of St. Brigid's National School in Castleknock, and extensions to St. Brigid's Boys and Girls National Schools, in Blanchardstown. Design teams have been appointed for both of these projects.

The Board of Management of St. Mochta's National School, agreed to expand its school to enable a four-stream intake from September 2006. The extension project for this school as well as one for St Patrick's Junior and Senior Schools, Corduff were also included on the 2007 list of schools for the appointment of design teams. In addition, a new school, Scoil Choilm was established for September 2007 under the patronage of the Archbishop of Dublin to cater for the increasing demand for school places.

The Department is acquiring a site in Tyrrelstown to provide permanent accommodation for Tyrrelstown Educate Together NS and Mulhuddart National school which expanded provision to take account of the expanding parish boundaries on foot of housing development in Tyrrelstown. In the Hollywoodsrath area, the Department has requested a site reservation under the local authority's area development planning process.

There are six post primary schools currently serving the Dublin 15 area and in September 2008 a new Community College under the patronage of Co. Dublin VEC will open in Phibblestown. These schools will, between them, have capacity for first year enrolment in the region of 1,050.

The Deputy will be aware that the Department is advancing plans to make considerable extra post primary provision available in the Dublin 15 area. This includes three 1,000 pupils post primary schools to be developed in Phibblestown, Tyrrelstown and Hansfield. In addition, the Department is examining site possibilities for a further new post primary school in Dublin 15 with the local authority.

Furthermore, the Department is working closely with Fingal County Council in relation to a number of sites to be acquired under the Fingal School Model Agreement for educational provision in the Dublin 15 area for 2008 and onwards.

In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that site acquisitions, can be commercially sensitive and for this reason, my Department does not as a general rule provide specific details in advance of contracts being signed. Of course, once the contracts have been signed, this information can be released in the normal way.

The Deputy will also be aware that, in December 2007, I announced that a new State model of community national school, under the patronage of County Dublin Vocational Education Committee (VEC) is to be piloted from September 2008 in three locations including the Phoenix Park and Phibblestown, Dublin 15.

In relation to the third school referred to in my announcement of December 2007, Scoil Choilm in Diswellstown it was envisaged that this would transition to the new model after a two-year period. This school had been opened in September 2007 under the temporary patronage of the Catholic Archbishop in response to an emerging need that had presented at that time. Following further recent consultations with the school community, the temporary patron and County Dublin VEC, it has now been agreed that the school in question should come under the new pilot patronage model arrangements from this coming September 2008. The position in relation to the possible inclusion of any further schools under the new model in September 2008 is currently being examined in the context of the identified need for new schools in particular areas and a review of expressions of interest received from established patron bodies to open schools in these locations.

The new model has been developed following a period of consultation with all of the main education partners and church groups. As in the primary school system generally, the schools will operate under the management of an independent Board of Management. The VEC will be represented on the Board of Management, as patron, and will provide relevant practical management supports to the school. Arrangements will also be in place to enable the VEC to meet its general financial accountability responsibilities. I also indicated that I would be bringing proposals to Government to provide necessary amending legislation to underpin the VEC role in the primary sector. Pending the enactment of the legislation, I, as Minister for Education and Science, will act as interim patron for the new schools.

Question No. 185 answered with Question No. 180.

Schools Refurbishment.

Phil Hogan

Question:

186 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be sanctioned for an extension to a national school at Paulstown, County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7382/08]

All applications for large scale capital funding are assessed against published prioritisation criteria and assigned a band rating. Progress on individual projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Schools Building Projects.

David Stanton

Question:

187 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 2619 of 30 January 2008, the person who is carrying out the assessment of demographic trends and housing developments; when her Department expects to receive this information; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7388/08]

I can confirm that the Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band rating.

Assessment of demographic trends and housing developments are part of normal internal procedures carried out by the Department in processing an application. Progress on individual projects is considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme commensurate with the band rating assigned to it and the available financial resources.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

188 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science when the new community school in Glenamaddy, County Galway will commence construction; if her attention has been drawn to the inordinate delays that have happened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7399/08]

I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008. My Department will be in contact with the school authorities over the next number of days to advise on the most appropriate preparation schedule applicable on each project.

The school to which the Deputy refers is not included in that announcement. However, 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.

Citizenship Applications.

Jack Wall

Question:

189 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if an application for a stamp four permanency can be determined for a person (details supplied) from the date that they sought and were granted their work permit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7200/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person concerned sought to renew his permission to remain with his local Immigration office on the 13 July 2007. Permission to remain can only be granted from the date that the non-EEA national presents for renewal.

The Immigration Division of my Department has no record of receiving an application from the person referred to by the Deputy seeking an exemption from work permit requirements.

Departmental Correspondence.

Joe Costello

Question:

190 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7209/08]

The issues giving rise to the concerns of the person to whom the Deputy refers are of long standing and are currently the subject of two separate sets of civil proceedings which are before the courts. In the circumstances, I am unable to comment further on them.

Departmental Contracts.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

191 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the petrol companies the Garda Síochána have an account with; if the Garda Síochána receive a discount under this contract; the terms of this contract, that is, duration, value and so on; the top ten stations by volume used by gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7228/08]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the Government Supplies Agency, in consultation with the Garda Authorities are currently finalising a Request for Tender for the Supply of Automotive Fuels, Engine Lubricating Oils and Car Wash for Government Departments and agencies including the Garda Síochána. The resulting contract is expected to operate for a three-year period and to operate through a charge card mechanism. It is expected that this request for tender will issue to the market in the coming weeks.

The Garda Síochána currently have an administrative arrangement with Topaz, Esso, Texaco and Maxol for the supply of fuel. The arrangement includes a discount mechanism related to the standard price determined by each supplier. Over the past three years the Garda Síochána has spent on average €8.5m per annum on their fuel requirements. Accounts from providers are furnished on a Garda District basis and accordingly, the information requested in relation to the top ten filling stations is not readily available and can only be obtained by the disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.

Joint Policing Committees.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

192 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to the joint policing body for County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7234/08]

The Joint Policing Committees currently established in a pilot phase operate under revised guidelines issued by my predecessor as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in May 2007, following consultations with the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. The purpose of the pilot phase is to gain experience from the operation of a number of Committees in a variety of local authority areas before rolling them out to all local authority areas in the State.

As part of an evaluation of the operation of the pilot Committees, my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I held a consultation seminar on 29 November, 2007 with participants in the pilot Committees to consider the lessons from their operation to date. The seminar was a very useful exercise, and following on from it work is now underway on revising the guidelines to enable roll out of the Committees to all local authority areas in the State, including County Leitrim, to take place.

Asylum Applications.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

193 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of 9 May 2006, if the file of the person involved has been passed on to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7241/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 326 of Tuesday 9 May 2006 and the written Reply to that Question. As stated in the earlier Reply, the person concerned, accompanied by his two children, arrived in the State on 3 September 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The person concerned was advised of his entitlement to appeal this recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal but did not do so.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 6 December 2005, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of him and his children. 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 submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he and his children should be allowed to remain in the State. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned.

On 10 October 2006, regulations known as the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006), came into force. The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the Prohibition of Refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned will be passed to me for decision.

The Deputy might also wish to note that the person concerned wrote to my Department on 10 October 2007 indicating that he wished to apply to return voluntarily to his country of origin. In a reply to that request, dated 16 October 2007, my Department advised the person concerned of the voluntary return options open to him. Specifically, he was advised to contact the Dublin Office of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) or the Voluntary Returns Unit of my Department with a view to the necessary arrangements being made. The person concerned does not appear to have concluded any voluntary return arrangement to date, however, that option remains open to him. In the event that the voluntary return option is availed of, the applications for Subsidiary Protection and for permission to remain in the State will no longer be relevant.

Travel Documents.

Denis Naughten

Question:

194 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the way a person from outside the common travel area can be present in the country without a passport; the steps which he is taking to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7286/08]

I understand the Deputy's question to relate to the circumstances in which a foreign national may enter and be lawfully present in the State without possession of a passport. I can inform the Deputy that there are many circumstances in which a foreign national may enter or be present in the State without being the holder of a passport. While a passport is the most common type of travel document for the purposes of international travel, it is not the only travel document that can be used for the purpose of entry and residence in the State.

As the Deputy highlighted, the operation of the Common Travel Area allows nationals of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Irish nationals to move freely within the Common Travel Area. Persons exercising this right are not obliged to produce a passport when doing so. In addition, the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No.2) Regulations 2006 allow a Union citizen to gain entry to the State in circumstances where he or she is in possession of a valid national identity card as evidence of his or her nationality and identity. Also, the 1951 United Nations Convention on the Status of Refugees, to which Ireland is a party, provides for certain rights of travel on foot of a travel document issued by the government of the state in which a person has been granted refuge.

Of course, persons who arrive in the State for the purpose of seeking asylum may not be in possession of any appropriate travel documentation and may remain so for a period of time while their asylum application is being processed. Such persons will be in receipt of a temporary residence certificate as evidence of a claim for asylum.

A number of measures are in place which allow for checks to be carried out to ensure that persons who are subject to immigration controls in the State are in possession of appropriate documentation. For example, section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004 places a requirement on all foreign nationals to be in possession of certain documentation upon arrival in the State. In addition, section 12 of the 2004 Act places a requirement on a foreign national to produce on demand, unless he or she can give a satisfactory explanation as to why he or she is prevented from doing so, a valid passport or equivalent document establishing his or her identity and, also, his or her registration certificate where he or she is required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Citizenship Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

195 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be processed; the plans he has to speed up the process in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7287/08]

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.

The Deputy will appreciate that the granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is an honour and applications must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that it is not undervalued and is given only to persons who satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. The procedures involved in the naturalisation process have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process. Consequently, having regard to the resources available, which are kept under constant review, there is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved. I have, however, recently allocated additional resources to the Citizenship section of my Department and also instructed my officials to undertake a review of the various processes in order that these might be streamlined further where possible.

Frank Feighan

Question:

196 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation on humanitarian grounds for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [7315/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 23 December 2002 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her 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 30 April 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She 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 she 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.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

197 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the application for naturalisation for persons (details supplied) in County Wexford was not accepted; if a new application can be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7316/08]

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

Applications for a certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship section of my Department in May 2006. On examination of the applications it was determined that the applicants did not meet the above mentioned residency requirements. Letters informing them of this were issued on 31 August 2006. It is open to the persons concerned to lodge new applications if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

Visa Applications.

Michael Ring

Question:

198 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if permission will be given to a person (details supplied) to allow them to join their family in County Mayo. [7327/08]

The person in question is the subject of an application for Family Reunification which was made by his wife in December 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite the family reunification process in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7354/08]

The refugee in question made an application for Family Reunification on behalf of her husband in November 2007. This application has been forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. When this investigation has been completed, the Commissioner will prepare and forward a report to my Department. Upon receipt of this report the application will be considered and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time family reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended position in the matter of family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7355/08]

The refugee in question made an application for Family Reunification on behalf of his wife in January 2007. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation has been 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.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7356/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 February 2003 and applied for asylum. 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 5 November 2004, 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

202 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or proposed position in the matter of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7357/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 1 January 2003 and applied for asylum. 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 5 April 2005, 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.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7358/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

While it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications, I would point out to the Deputy that delays in finalising cases can occur for a variety of reasons, including giving applicants and appellants the fullest opportunity possible to present their cases and the determination of Judicial Review proceedings, where appellants pursue such a course of action.

Where the latter is relevant, the time taken to discharge any proceedings is a matter for the Courts and is not something that I, as Minister, can comment on. It is, of course, open to the applicant or the appellant to withdraw any Judicial Review proceedings which they may have instigated and this would allow for their appeal to be processed in the normal manner. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or proposed residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7359/08]

The person in question has no legal status to reside in the State since the 1 November 2000 and the Immigration Division of my Department has no pending application for permission to reside in the State. The person in question arrived in the State in 1997 and claimed asylum. This application was refused and the decision was subsequently upheld by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person in question was notified on 1 November 2000. In the interim, the person in question applied for residence in the State on the basis of parentage of an Irish Born Child. The Immigration Division of my Department wrote to the person concerned on two occasions seeking supporting documentation to his claim. As the registered post was ‘returned to sender' and there was no record on file at that time of a notification of a change of address from the person in question, the application was deemed abandoned.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

205 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has taken place in the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7360/08]

I refer the Deputy to my previous answer to Questions Nos 945 and 990 put down for answer on Wednesday 26th September 2007. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in November 2005. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation has been 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.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

206 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected status in respect of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7361/08]

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 May 2005. The file was forwarded to my predecessor in May 2007 and he decided to refuse the application. The reason for refusal was disclosed to the applicant in a letter dated 18 June 2007. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application should she be in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time. In doing so, however, she should give due regard to the reasons for refusing the previous application. In relation to the children of the person concerned, as they were born on the Island of Ireland prior to 1 January 2005, they are automatically entitled to hold an Irish passport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

207 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the matter of an application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7362/08]

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 2006. Officials in that section have written to the applicant requesting further documentation. Processing of the application will be finalised once the documentation requested has been received.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

208 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress in the matter of an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7363/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question made a Family Reunification application in January 2006. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation has been 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

209 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will resolve an appeal for family reunification or residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7364/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification application which was refused in July 2006. I refer the Deputy to my previous answers to Question No. 1044 put down for answer on 26th September 2007 and Question No. 1203 put down for answer on 30th January 2008. I understand that the representatives of the person in question contacted the Immigration Division regarding this matter and a response was issued to them.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

210 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 31 January 2008 and previous replies, if a person (details supplied) in County Galway has had their case dealt with by a person who had previously never awarded residency status to any applicant; if so the reason it is intended to proceed with deportation in the face of strong evidence of a serious danger in the event of return to their homeland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7365/08]

I would refer the Deputy to the reply given by my predecessor to his Dáil Question Number 363 of Wednesday 27 September 2006 and the Reply given by me to his Dáil Question Number 200 of Thursday 8 November 2007. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in those Replies.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason naturalisation was previously refused in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; if it is expected that the current application will be successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7366/08]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in April 2003. On examination of the applications it was determined that the persons concerned did not meet the residency requirements as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. The individuals concerned were advised of this by letters dated 15 March 2005. The first and second named individuals lodged fresh applications for certificates of naturalisation in April 2006 and July 2006 respectively. Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department are currently processing applications received in July 2005 and have approximately 5,900 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the individuals concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.

However, I understand both applicants are refugees and in accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees of 28 July 1951, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible, having regard to the general volume of applications on hand. To that end, I have recently allocated additional resources to the Citizenship Section of my Department so that several categories of applicant can be dealt with more expeditiously than at present. These include refugees, spouses of Irish citizens and applications made on behalf of minors. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the applications will commence in the middle of 2008. I will inform the Deputy and the persons in question when I have reached a decision on each case.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or indicated residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7367/08]

The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 24 February, 2004 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 29 August, 2004, 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 submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain 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.

The first named person was informed by letter dated 29 July, 2005 that his application for permission to remain in the state under the IBC '05 Scheme had been refused. The second named person concerned arrived in the State on 3 November, 2003 and applied for asylum as an unaccompanied minor. Inquiries revealed that the person concerned had previously applied for asylum in the United Kingdom. Her application for asylum in Ireland was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. An application for permission to remain in the State under the IBC '05 Scheme on behalf of the second named person concerned was also refused and she was informed accordingly by letter dated 29 July, 2005.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), she was informed, by letter dated 15 August, 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She 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 submitting written representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain 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.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or intended residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7368/08]

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

214 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when residency status is expected to be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7369/08]

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications. As the Deputy will be aware, applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Environmental Policy.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

215 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on putting in place guidelines for the use of mosquito sirens, which emit a high-pitched sound only audible to younger people with the aim of deterring groups of young people from gathering in the vicinity of shops, and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7220/08]

Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, any person may seek an order in the District Court to have any noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. Issues arising in relation to mosquito sirens seem to relate primarily to their use for addressing anti-social behaviour and to the possible human health implications of exposure to the effects of these devices. I have no function in these matters.

Local Authority Housing.

Dan Neville

Question:

216 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding for the refurbishment of an estate (details supplied) in County Limerick including the re-roofing of houses which were constructed by the National Housing Agency in 1974 under the guaranteed order programme in view of the fact that they are sub standard, that home insurance is not available and that schemes were introduced elsewhere to improve the standard of similarly built houses. [7232/08]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 534 of 18 December 2007. The position is unchanged.

Motor Taxation.

Áine Brady

Question:

217 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that certain imported used cars will be paying a lower car tax rate from 1 July 2008, as compared to the same cars that were purchased within the State (details supplied); if his Department has proposals to deal with the anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7275/08]

I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 1307, 1308, 1319, 1326, 1342, 1343, 1351 and 1371 of 30 January 2008. The position is unchanged.

Local Authority Housing.

Timmy Dooley

Question:

218 Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to restrict local authorities in purchasing houses outside of their jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7280/08]

From time to time housing authorities need to acquire properties outside of their areas to meet housing need. Typically this can arise where there is a shortage of suitable land for the construction of social housing and/or second hand properties available in their areas. In other circumstances, housing authorities may also need to acquire properties to satisfy a housing need that exists on the boundaries of two authorities. In the circumstances, therefore, I have no plans to restrict local authorities in this matter, but would emphasise the importance of communication between the relevant local authorities in individual instances.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

219 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has or will issue guidelines to local authorities on the procedures to be employed and the matters to be inspected under the Nitrates Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7288/08]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 685 of 19 February 2008 which addressed the functions of local authorities under the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2006, and the powers of the EPA in relation to the performance by local authorities of their environmental protection functions. The position is unchanged.

Planning Issues.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

220 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason with regard to the designation of NHA’s and SAC’s under the National ASI Survey, a person (details supplied) was penalised for having all their lands designated of over 1,000 acres of land and mountain while all the surrounding lands were not designated; the reason their quarry operation on the land was not removed from designation when all other quarry sites in Connemara, County Galway had the designation taken off them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7318/08]

I refer to the reply given in the Dáil adjournment debate on 13 December 2007 which set out the background to the case, and noted that the European Commission is pressing for the completion of Ireland's designation process in order to complete its list of SACs and provide finalised boundaries for all SAC sites. As Ireland is at risk of heavy EU fines should we be unable to finalise designations in a timely manner, my Department must strictly adhere to the normal procedures and time limits for dealing with objections and appeals. In the case of persons who are unwilling to co-operate with the appeals process, their appeals are deemed to be closed after a number of warnings have been issued. This is what happened in this case.

Decentralisation Programme.

Frank Feighan

Question:

221 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the proposed move of the Cental Fisheries Board to Carrick-on-Shannon, County Leitrim will take place under the decentralisation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7314/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 719 on the 5th February 2008.

Departmental Expenditure.

Simon Coveney

Question:

222 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost to the Exchequer of the International Advisory Forum on broadband to be held in Dublin later this month. [7197/08]

The estimate of the cost of the International Advisory Forum on broadband is €50,000.

Telecommunications Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

223 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to broadband for the Killerig Cross, Ballyhackett area, Tullow, County Carlow; if this can be rolled out as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7216/08]

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. There are a number of platforms for delivery of broadband, and the service providers are now offering broadband by wireless, satellite, fibre or standard telephone cable and more recently, by mobile in all areas of the country. My Department operates a dedicated website, www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can ascertain the availability of services in their area.

Those parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services will be addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). I hope to be in a position to appoint a service provider to implement the scheme by the middle of this year.

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