Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2008

Vol. 648 No. 4

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.

Employee Facilities.

Noel Coonan

Question:

10 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to encourage employers to set up or to increase employee facilities, such as crèches and gymnasiums; if he has consulted with local authorities over this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8438/08]

Primary responsibility for policy in relation to Childcare is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children, at the Department of Health and Children. The Childcare Directorate of that Office has responsibility for implementing the National Childcare Strategy 2006-2010. The strategy aims to further develop the childcare infrastructure to meet the needs of children and their parents for quality early childhood care.

The National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 is a major programme of investment in childcare infrastructure. €575 million has been allocated to the 5-year programme, including €358 million for capital investment. It is anticipated that the programme will create up to 50,000 new childcare places, with the objective of assisting parents to access affordable, quality childcare.

The programme will develop quality childcare supports and services, delivered at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees under the coordination of Pobal. Capital grants to develop childcare facilities are available to childcare providers in both the private and community sector.

My Department is responsible for chairing and providing the secretariat for the National Framework Committee on Work Life Balance Policies. This Committee, which was established under the social partnership process, comprises representatives from IBEC, ICTU, the Equality Authority and a number of Government Departments. The Committee has undertaken and continues to undertake a range of activities to raise awareness and encourage the provision of work-life balance at the level of the enterprise, including the provision of financial assistance to organisations, the provision of expert assistance to individual organisations via a Panel of Consultants which was established in November 2007; information dissemination activities, seminars, research etc. 29th February is Work Life Balance Day 2008, an initiative conceived by the Framework Committee in 2001 and has become an annual event ever since. The establishment of facilities such as gymnasia in the workplace is a matter for individual employers themselves.

Skills Shortages.

John Deasy

Question:

11 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is an analysis on the amount of emigrants leaving Ireland and of the skills possessed by such workers emigrating abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8451/08]

I am not aware of any analysis being conducted on the skill levels of emigrants be they Irish or other nationalities.

According to recent information contained in the Population and Migration Estimates of the Central Statistics Office, published in December last, an estimated 42,200 people emigrated from the State in the twelve months to April 2007.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform have informed me that their agencies do not operate border exit controls. Accordingly, data on the skill levels or other characteristics of emigrants are not available.

Free labour movement provisions are central to the mission of the European Union. These, along with complementary free movement provisions governing other factors of production, are key to the development and functioning of a strong internal market.

I should also mention the existence of a Community-wide employment service that is at the disposal of those relocating within the European Union. The EURES system provides information, advice and a recruitment/placement services to such people. The national authority for this system is FAS and it has electronically linked counterparts in every other EU member State. Those seeking to relocate abroad for work or training, for shorter or longer periods, could usefully explore the supports available through EURES.

Companies Registration.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

12 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will provide estimates on the percentage of companies that are up to date in filing their returns to the Companies Registration Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8470/08]

The Companies Registration Office monitors compliance with statutory filing requirements by measuring the number of companies up to date with their filing on a particular date. This measure is showing a continuous improvement in the numbers of companies complying with their statutory obligations.

At 31 December 2007 over 89% of companies due to file an annual return were up to date. The comparable figure at 31 December 2003 was 79%.

The Companies Registration Office's strategy to increase the number of compliant companies includes continuous communication with their customers, active promotion of electronic filing and the use of enforcement measures when necessary.

National Skills Strategy.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

13 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to encourage and facilitate the retraining of persons employed by companies that have a definite end life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8434/08]

The Government is fully committed to developing and training the national workforce. We will invest €7.7 billion in that endeavour over the lifetime of the National Development Plan to the year 2013.

The National Skills Strategy details a broad vision of what our skills profile should be by 2020. It maps necessary upskilling of those in jobs to underpin a knowledge-based economy. It involves an additional half a million people progressing by at least one level on the National Framework of Qualifications over that time period.

It therefore follows that all workers, including those currently employed in companies facing a precarious future, will have to commit to continuing training and learning. There is an important public role to be delivered in encouraging and facilitating those workers to enhance their skill levels and qualifications, acquire new skills in new areas and renew and update existing capabilities.

To facilitate this transition the key training providers under the auspices of my Department have responsibility for delivering necessary training to those in employment.

FÁS through their One Step Up programme is encouraging employees to increase their competency levels and promoting an ethos of lifelong learning in the workplace. Its key intervention in this regard is the Competency Development Programme. It offers workers different types of training programmes directed at various skill levels across major economic sectors.

Skillnets Limited, an enterprise-led support body, also seeks through their Training Networks Programme to enhance the skills of workers and improve employability and competitiveness.

This year alone my Department will invest €77 million in training those in employment. The objective is to reach about 86,000 people.

The implementation plan for the National Skills Strategy will address ways of encouraging employees to increase their commitment to, and participation in, workers education and training. It will be elaborated by an Inter Departmental Committee to be chaired by the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Sean Haughey, and comprising officials from both our Departments.

FÁS, working in tandem with other State organisations, have an impressive track record in assisting in pre-redundancy and post-redundancy situations.

Such intervention will typically include interviewing, assessing and advising those who wish to explore alternative employment and/or retraining options. Training interventions and other supports would then be provided. The core objective is to get workers transferred to equivalent employment, or equipped to take up alternative job options as quickly as possible. Early intervention is key. Accordingly, FÁS — with its network of offices around the country — is constantly monitoring employment developments at local level and engaging with employers to be in a position to have forward knowledge of any negative developments in prospects. This is an important task and the way it is delivered will be periodically monitored and necessary adaptations made.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

14 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has undertaken any assessment of the implications for industry, in regard to competitiveness and employment levels, of recent EU proposals that would require Ireland to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8327/08]

The Climate and Energy proposals published by the Commission on 23rd January are a complex package which raise economic and social issues for Ireland and thus require careful consideration on an all-Government basis.

The Commission package includes the following elements:

The separation of the EU Emissions Trading Sector (ETS) from the rest of the economy through the creation of a single EU-wide Emissions Trading Sector which will be administered by the Commission and has an EU-wide target of reducing emissions to 21% below 2005 levels by 2020.

For the non-ETS sectors of the European economy (essentially transport, agriculture, residential and non-ETS enterprises), the Commission has proposed national targets, with a very challenging target of reducing emissions to 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 being proposed for Ireland.

National renewable energy targets, with a target of 16% of all energy usage to be derived from renewable sources by 2020 being proposed for Ireland.

In addition to the foregoing, the package also includes a proposal for a legal framework on Carbon Capture and Storage technology, and new guidelines for environmental state aid.

In view of the complex, interlinking nature of the Commission package, any work to assess the competitiveness and employment implications for industry of the proposed national target for the non-Emissions Trading Sector of reducing emissions by 20% below 2005 levels by 2020 has to encompass the other elements of the package. It is for this reason that the analysis of the socio-economic implications of the Commission package for all sectors of the Irish economy is being undertaken under the auspices of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. The Cabinet Committee, of which I am a member, is chaired by the Taoiseach. To ensure that the analysis is as robust as possible, relevant stakeholders, including the Social Partners, are being consulted on the proposals, and a Technical Advisory Steering Group has been established to oversee the analysis.

Negotiations on the Commission package, which commenced this month, will be a comprehensive and complex process which is not expected to be completed until next year. The Government has written to the Commission signalling that it expects detailed engagement on the package of proposals as a necessary prerequisite to any political agreement on the package. The detailed analysis which is being overseen by the Technical Advisory Steering Group under the auspices of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security will form the basis of Ireland's negotiating position.

Trade Missions.

Alan Shatter

Question:

15 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of foreign trade missions in the past five years; the follow up that takes place post trade mission; the number planned for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8503/08]

The number of trade missions undertaken in the past five years is listed below.

Enterprise Ireland surveys participating companies within a few weeks of each Trade Mission to evaluate the effectiveness of the event and to gather comments and suggestions from their clients. This information is then used to improve and modify future events.

Ministerial-led Trade Missions are an integral part of this Department's work to develop and expand Ireland's exports to existing and new markets abroad. It has been the experience of my Department, and of the companies participating in such missions, that the presence of a Minister enhances the opportunities for the companies involved and achieves a higher level of recognition and access for companies to the various target markets. During my term as Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment since 2004, missions led either by myself or by one of my Ministers of State have proven very successful and significant opportunities have resulted for the companies involved, with consequent benefits for Irish trade.

I have been closely involved in several Taoiseach-led Trade Missions each January. As just two examples of the success of such Trade Missions for the expansion of our exports, I would like to point out that in the year following the Trade Mission to India in January 2006, total exports increased by 38% on the previous year. In the case of the Trade Mission to the United Arab Emirates in 2007, while data for the full year 2007 are not yet available, it seems likely that merchandise exports to that country will have increased by about 36% compared to 2006 and, in the case of Saudi Arabia, which was also part of that 2007 Mission, the likely increase in such exports for last year will be about 11%.

For the first half of 2008 we envisage a total of 11 such Trade Missions. Exact details for the rest of this year have not yet been finalised but it is likely that the total for the full year will be in the region of twenty missions.

Details of the number of Ministerial-led Trade Missions undertaken in the last 5 years are as follows:

Year

Number

2003

12

2004

14

2005

18

2006

23

2007

14

EU Treaties.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

16 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he will take to educate businesses on the Lisbon treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8506/08]

The Minister for European Affairs, Mr. Dick Roche T.D., is spearheading a comprehensive national information and publicity campaign on the various facets of the Lisbon Treaty. All Ministers will be working at every opportunity over the coming weeks and months to explain the Treaty to all sections of society. My contribution to this debate will include a particular focus on the business sector and on workers. The Government has recently published an explanatory pamphlet and a 22-page guide on the Treaty and it has set up a dedicated website, www.reformtreaty.ie, with a wide range of information on the Treaty. This document describes the Treaty's main provisions and explains their significance. It is written in straightforward, accessible language and anyone who reads this Guide should become well acquainted with this Treaty.

On 14th February last, a Consolidated Text of the EU Treaties was published, a copy of which has been put in every library in the country. A White Paper is also being prepared for publication next month. It will contain a thorough analysis of the Treaty's provisions and their importance for Ireland.

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Affairs has already had discussions with both IBEC and ICTU representatives in order to generate debate on the Lisbon treaty and to ensure that the public may glean useful information in advance of the Referendum. It is worth recording that IBEC is positively disposed to the Treaty and consider that it is worthy of support. I would exhort the business sector, in general, to make its important voice heard on the positive aspects of this Treaty. Information on the Treaty is being disseminated through IBEC's own networking structures and in its publicity material. I am pleased to note that in recent weeks, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland have also called for a yes vote.

The National Forum on Europe is also playing a leading role in facilitating public debate on the Treaty. The Forum began an intensive information programme on the Treaty on 31st January 2008 when the Taoiseach took part in a debate on the Treaty with Forum Members in Dublin Castle. A series of public regional meetings are also being held. The Forum has also produced a summary guide to the Treaty.

The next phase of European consolidation and restructuring which the Treaty provides for will help the EU to prepare for the increasing rigours of globalisation and competition. The Lisbon Treaty will provide us with a new basis on which to operate institutionally so that we can tackle efficiently and effectively these great challenges that lie ahead. The Treaty is a further stage of development, an incremental and rational step to update and modernise the Union's rules and focus which is essential for the effective operation and functioning of the enlarged Union and the single market. Indeed, the Forfás review of the single market, which I recently launched, found that the single market has been important both for the growth and diversification of Irish trade and for enhancing the attractiveness of Ireland for foreign direct investment.

The Treaty will allow Ireland to continue to create a business-friendly environment, one which has seen the level of employment here more than double the level when we joined the then EEC, in 1973. The Treaty will allow Ireland to continue to be an attractive location for foreign direct investors.

Employment Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

17 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when cross-departmental joint labour investigation teams will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8023/08]

The Social Partnership Agreement ‘Towards 2016' provides for greater co-ordination between organisations concerned with employment rights compliance, with a view to realising the considerable potential for synergy that exists in this area.

In particular, the agreement provides that authorised officers of the new National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) will join with officers of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units. The role of these Joint Investigation Units is to address areas where evidence suggests that non-compliance with employment rights legislation exists.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2007, which came into operation on 30th March, 2007, provides for the disclosure of relevant employment data between the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment/NERA. This legislation effectively enables NERA to join with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units.

Since the enactment of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2007, exchange of information activity has already taken place between the bodies in a number of specific cases. In addition Joint Investigation Unit activity, involving the three bodies, has also taken place, particularly in the context of the NERA Construction Industry Campaign in May-July 2007.

A Working Group has been established comprising the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and NERA to further enhance procedures for improved cross-Departmental co-operation and the sharing of information by the respective Departments/Offices and to plan future Joint Investigation activities and strategies.

Economic Competitiveness.

Richard Bruton

Question:

18 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to introduce a national strategy to address competitiveness as recommended by the National Competitiveness Council. [7778/08]

The Government is fully committed towards strengthening the competitiveness and productive capacity of the economy. Within the shared economic principles of T2016, Government has shaped its strategic policy, as set out in the Programme for Government and more recently in the December Budget statement, towards securing those objectives.

The National Competitiveness Council's Annual Competitiveness Report 2007 has identified three areas essential to improving our competitiveness position: costs, productivity growth and promoting an innovation intensive economy.

I agree with the NCC that, as part of our economic policy, seeking to maintain low inflation, promoting competition, the pursuit of sensible incomes policy, and keeping public spending growth at sustainable levels in the medium term are important. Doing this will allow us to keep the burden of taxation low, thus helping to maintain competitiveness and to maximise our economic potential. These are all part of our strategy to improve the cost environment and to enhance competitiveness. The Anti-Inflation Group which was reconstituted under Towards 2016 has actively engaged with the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the Competition Authority, the National Consumer Agency and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) with a view to co-ordinating and driving the fight against inflation on an informed basis.

There are several ways in which my Department is actively trying to improve productivity growth. I announced the establishment of the Management Development Council in May 2007. The Council brings together the key providers and users of SME management development training in Ireland. The Council has been charged with examining existing management development provision, while profiling gaps and proposing solutions to address them.

The enterprise Agencies are actively promoting more effective use of ICT among their client companies, also in an effort to improve productivity. Productivity improvements at firm level are vital to export competitiveness but the onus is on firms to work with our agencies to access the expertise available to improve their export capabilities. Enterprise Ireland's Productivity Improvement Fund provides support for capital equipment and automation as well as technology acquisition and the essential training and skills to optimise the use of new technology.

The Government has set a goal to become a leader in Research & Development and Innovation and has committed a budget of €8.2 billion under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013 towards achieving this goal. The objective of the Strategy is to build stronger relationships between the science and enterprise systems, particularly in application and commercialisation of R&D. It also aims to ensure the sustained development of human resources in science and technology. Our goal is to translate the NDP commitment in this area into a tangible return in terms of quality jobs, knowledge output and Irish competitiveness.

Employment Rights.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

19 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress to date on the work of the National Employment Rights Authority; when the authority will be placed on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8332/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

46 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made in establishing the National Employment Rights Authority and the five new regional offices of the inspectorate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8475/08]

Jack Wall

Question:

47 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the National Employment Rights Authority will be established on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8324/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 46 and 47 together.

The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) has been established on an interim basis since February 2007. The Authority will be established on a statutory basis on the enactment of new Employment Law Compliance legislation which I propose to publish shortly.

A budget allocation of €8.553 million was provided for NERA for 2007 and this has increased to some €10.8 million for 2008.

The three units which were formally part of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have been subsumed into NERA — the Employment Rights Information Unit, the Labour Inspectorate and the Prosecution / Enforcement Unit.

Department of Finance sanction was secured for a total staff complement for NERA of 141, including an increased complement of 90 Labour Inspectors. The Director of NERA was appointed and took up duty on 12 February 2007. The Director is supported in his role by a management team including legal and accounting expertise and an administrative staff which are now fully in place.

Considerable progress has been made in the recruitment and deployment of Labour Inspectors over the past year with 50 of the additional 59 inspector positions now filled. A further 5 inspectors are due to commence on the 3rd of March 2008 and the appointment of inspectors to fill the 4 remaining posts is progressing. Due to success in recent internal Departmental competitions and internal Departmental transfers, 5 of the original 31 inspector posts are now vacant and therefore, currently, there are 76 inspectors in the National Employment Rights Authority.

As part of the Government's decentralisation programme, NERA established its headquarters in Carlow at the end of July 2007. The Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016" also provided that Inspection Services would be established on a regional basis. In this regard, regional Inspection Services offices are now operating in Carlow, Shannon, Sligo, Cork and Dublin. Staff attached to the Shannon and Sligo offices are in temporary accommodation pending the completion of a new build and the fitting out of offices respectively.

In line with the commitment under "Towards 2016", joint investigation activity and exchange of information has commenced with Inspectors from NERA, the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The necessary legislative provisions to enable the exchange of information between the three bodies came into effect on 30th March, 2007 with the enactment of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007.

NERA launched a major public awareness campaign on the 14th of January 2008 to introduce it to the general public. The style of the campaign is open, accessible and approachable, focusing in the first instance on NERA's role in providing information on employment rights related to questions that arise in the modern Irish workplace whether from employers or employees. The integrated campaign will be ongoing throughout 2008 across the full range of media including TV, radio, national and regional press, specialised publications, outdoor and web based advertising. The key message of the campaign is "Employment Rights, it's the law, you need to know".

The launch of NERA's website, www.employmentrights.ie, is also an important resource for employers and employees alike.

NERA continues to consult with its range of stakeholders and has initiated a structured dialogue with the parties to the Social Partnership Agreement, ICTU, IBEC and the Construction Industry Federation on the development of a comprehensive and responsive system of employment rights compliance and enforcement. NERA invited its key stakeholders to a briefing on the 10th of January in respect of its activity and National Awareness Campaign. NERA also engaged constructively during 2007 with other stakeholder organisations such as the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland and the Citizen Information Centres.

I am delighted with the excellent progress made to date in the establishment of the new Authority. In its first year of operation in 2007, NERA carried out some 14,400 inspections and recovered some €2.5m in arrears for workers. Specific inspections campaigns were targeted at enforcing the minimum wage, protecting young workers and at the construction sector. Over 93,000 calls seeking information on employment rights were received by NERA in 2007. NERA also continued with its prosecution remit with 98 cases being referred to the Chief State Solicitors Office in 2007.

Economic Competitiveness.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

20 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action he will take to close the 23% price gap between the cost of consumer goods and services here and the rest of the EU, as identified in a recent Forfás report on the single market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8491/08]

The Forfás report on its "Review of the European Single Market", which was undertaken at the request of my Department and which was published earlier this month, found that although Irish consumers were enjoying real benefits from the single market in terms of the range of available goods and services, the price of some goods and services were higher in Ireland than in many other member states.

The January 2008 Consumer Price Index published by the Central Statistics Office shows that inflation in Ireland continues to fall and that consumer prices decreased by 0.5% in January with a consequent fall in the annual rate of inflation to 4.3% down from 4.7% in December 2007. In terms of comparisons with other member states, the EU Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, as recorded in the CSO's bulletin, shows that the annual rate of inflation decreased from 3.2% in December to 3.1% in January which is 0.1% less than the annual rate for December 2007 for the harmonised index for the EU as a whole.

Notwithstanding these welcome reductions in the rate of inflation, it is a matter of concern that the price of certain goods and services in Ireland remains high. Government action in terms of tackling price inflation is focussed on promoting competition, choice and raising consumer awareness in relation to price and value for money.

In relation to the price of services, the Forfás report, in quoting the findings of previous surveys of Eurostat found that the cost of some services to Irish consumers was considerably higher than the cost of such services to consumers in many other member states of the EU. The Deputy will be aware of the recent adoption of the Directive on Services in the Internal Market (2006/123/EEC) and the fact that member states are obliged to transpose this Directive by December 2009. The free movement of people, goods and services across EU borders, providing greater choice and price competition, is one of the main benefits the EU has to offer its citizens and businesses. In this regard, the Directive is intended to create a genuine single market for commercial services and is a key provision of the Lisbon agenda. It creates a framework to enable service providers, who are mostly SMEs, to become established in another Member State or to provide services to another Member State without being established there, thereby providing consumers throughout the Union, including Irish consumers, with much greater choice in terms of the provision of services.

The transposition of the Directive will facilitate cross-border provision of commercial services. The Directive contains important provisions on administrative co-operation between Member States, provisions which are intended to generate trust and confidence between them as well as giving consumers and service providers the confidence to engage in cross-border transactions. Forfás has estimated that the Directive will benefit the Irish economy to the tune of approximately €300 million per annum, mostly through access to services by Irish consumers at more competitive prices.

I am confident that the initiatives being undertaken by bodies such as the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency, the impact of specific legislation such as the Services Directive in terms of greater choice and availability of services together with the vigilance of consumers themselves will have the effect of ensuring that Irish consumers do not pay unnecessarily high prices when purchasing goods and services.

County Enterprise Boards.

John Perry

Question:

21 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the future of county enterprise boards; if he is satisfied with the investment return in previous years; the investment levels he will allow for the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8499/08]

The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) were set up in 1993 to provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level.

A fundamental review of the role of the CEBs in the development of the micro-enterprise sector in Ireland was conducted during 2004. This comprehensive review largely endorsed the activities and operations of the CEBs and concluded that there is justification for continued state support to micro-enterprises and that the CEB network can continue to play a key role in the overall delivery of a national enterprise policy. The role of the CEBs in embedding an entrepreneurial culture in Ireland was further endorsed in both the Enterprise Strategy Group Report and the Report of the Small Business Forum.

The CEBs provide both financial and non-financial assistance and through the provision of such support they have been central in assisting many micro-enterprises to develop their growth and export potential and, over time, to develop sufficient mass to access the services of Enterprise Ireland.

In 2007 alone over 900 projects received grant aid and over 2,200 net jobs were created in CEB assisted enterprises. In addition over 20,000 people participated on various CEB sponsored training courses.

In 2008 the total budget allocation for the 35 CEBs stands at over €33m of which over €20m is available for Capital expenditure alone. I believe that this level of funding is adequate in order to enable the CEBs to fulfill their remit in maximizing entrepreneurial development in the micro-enterprise sector throughout the country. It is my intention that an appropriate level of financial support for the CEB network will continue to be made available.

I am satisfied that the CEBs have made a significant contribution to the economic progress in Ireland over the last decade and I envisage that they will continue to play a central role in the ongoing development of indigenous enterprise particularly in the micro-enterprise sector. The recent establishment of the Central Coordination Unit within Enterprise Ireland will enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the CEBs.

National Minimum Wage.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

22 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the fact that, of 296 breaches of the minimum pay legislation, detected during 2006 and 2007, prosecutions were initiated in just a single case; if he is satisfied that the legislation is being properly enforced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8341/08]

I am satisfied that sufficient priority is being given to the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage Act, 2000 insofar as the inspection activities of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) are concerned. This is demonstrated by the number of National Minimum Wage Act inspections undertaken by NERA, amounting to 2,002 and 1,942 in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and by the breach detection rate which averaged almost 8% over the period 2006 and 2007.

NERA reserves the right to initiate prosecutions in all cases where breaches of employment legislation within its remit are detected. However, NERA's primary focus in such cases is to seek compliance and rectification of any breaches identified, including redress for the employees concerned and payment of any arrears due to those employees. In this regard, NERA recovered, in 2007, almost €125,000 in arrears due to employees arising from breaches of the National Minimum Wage Act. The Deputy will be aware that NERA recovered almost €2.5 million in arrears in total in 2007 arising from breaches of this and other employment rights legislation.

Decisions in relation to the initiation of proceedings must have regard, among other matters, to the nature and circumstances of the breach, the employer's engagement insofar as rectifying the breaches and paying any arrears due are concerned, legal advice and the value from a public interest and value for money perspective, in such circumstances, of pursuing the matter through the judicial system. It should be noted that in the majority of cases employers are extremely cooperative in relation to rectifying breaches of employment law brought to their attention by NERA inspectors and paying any associated arrears. NERA will pursue breaches through the Courts in circumstances where such cooperation and full restitution are not forthcoming within a reasonable period.

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

Martin Ferris

Question:

23 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has made an assessment of the outcome for workers in the hotel sector and in the 16 other sectors covered by the joint labour committees of the High Court case taken by the Irish Hotels Federation challenging the fixing by the Labour Court of minimum wage levels for certain industries. [8254/08]

Jack Wall

Question:

31 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications for the operation of the joint labour committees, of the decision of the High Court to quashing the order made by the joint committee for the hotel industry fixing minimum wage levels for workers in that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8323/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 31 together.

I have noted the decision reached in the High Court on 7 February to quash the Employment Regulation Order, relating to minimum remuneration of workers, made by the Labour Court on foot of proposals from the Hotel Joint Labour Committee on 5 November 2007, and to remit the matter back to the Joint Labour Committee.

The implications of the issues raised during the course of the action will require consideration by the Hotels Joint Labour Committee, the Labour Court and by my Department. In this regard, I understand that a meeting of the Committee has been sought by the workers' representative side. Consideration of the issue, including legislative changes that may be necessary to protect the integrity of the JLC system, is also underway in my Department.

I would like to assure Deputies of the government's ongoing commitment to ensuring that there are adequate systems and processes in place to underpin employment standards.

Consumer Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

24 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action being taken to implement the commitment in the programme for Government that steps would be taken to ensure that prices of goods are labelled and transparent in order that the consumer is well informed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8344/08]

Price display law is covered by Orders made under Section 19 of the Prices Acts 1958 to 1972 and under the European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002, Statutory Instrument No. 639 of 2002. The various Price Display Orders made under the Prices Acts 1958 to 1972 cover Drinks Display in Licensed Premises, Hairdressing Services, Petrol and Diesel and Restaurants. The European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002 require retailers to display the selling and, where appropriate, the unit price (the price per litre or kilo) for all products covered by the scope of the Regulations. The Commission will be reviewing the Directive upon which these Regulations are based and I will support measures to enhance the information to be made available to consumers. This review is part of the general review of the Consumer Acquis.

The National Consumer Agency whose function it is to enforce price display law, regularly undertakes surveillance with a view to securing voluntary compliance on the part of traders.

Work Permits.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

25 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made in reducing the time to process employment permit applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8461/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that significant progress has been achieved in reducing the processing time for employment permits. At present, fully completed applications for all employment permit types are processed within our customer service target of 15 working days.

Live Register.

Simon Coveney

Question:

26 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department have analysed the increased number of people on the live register to determine the industries and categories of worker which are being affected the most; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8441/08]

The Department of Social and Family Affairs maintains the Live Register. The total number of people recorded on the Live Register for January 2008 is 181,449. The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment. It includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment benefit.

Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey, collated and published by the Central Statistics Office. The most recent Quarterly National Household Survey, Quarter 3, 2007 indicates that employment has increased by 67,600 in the year. Employment growth has occurred in practically all sectors over the past year with a drop showing in two sectors in the most recent quarter — (i) agriculture, forestry and fishing and (ii) transport, storage and communication. The unemployment rate is currently at 4.7%, down from 4.8% in the same period last year.

The predictions for the medium term are for continued employment growth, albeit at a slower pace than that experienced to date.

Data available for 2007 and January 2008 on redundancy claims, by sector, are set out in the following table:

Sectors

2007

January 2008

Agriculture/Forestry and Fisheries

456

86

Energy and Water

120

14

Extraction Industry (Chemical Products)

308

19

Metal Manufacturing and Engineering

1,103

163

Other Manufacturing

6,172

709

Building and Civil Engineering

3,921

737

Distributive Trades

1,868

134

Transport and Communications

1,368

116

Other Services

9,276

742

Banking, Finance & Insurance

867

69

Total

25,459

2,789

For those who become unemployed, in any sector, the range of services provided by FÁS will be available. This will include active engagement with persons on the live register with the objective of helping them to obtain jobs either directly or through further training, education or work experience.

FÁS is also placing particular emphasis on the training of low skilled workers in vulnerable industries. This is to ensure that in the event of becoming unemployed, they will have the skills necessary to make the transition to other employment.

The development agencies, including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards will continue to promote job creation through the delivery of programmes to assist the enterprise sector to develop.

Industrial Development.

Joe McHugh

Question:

27 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on allowing local Irish businesses, small and medium enterprises included, to access lands at Industrial Development Authority parks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8480/08]

Under the Industrial Development Act of 1986, as amended by the Acts of 1993 and 1995, IDA Ireland has the power to acquire, hold and dispose of land and any other property or any interest therein for the purpose of facilitating an industrial undertaking. Accordingly, the management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas and it is not a matter in which I have a function.

The Agency is actively involved in the sale of leasehold title to developed land and the sale/leasing of buildings to IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and County Enterprise Board clients. The majority of property transactions, conducted each year by the Agency are with Enterprise Ireland or County Enterprise Board clients.

The activities that may be conducted on IDA industrial parks are specified under the terms of each lease. I have been assured by the Agency that it will consider granting access to any potential client who can satisfy the eligibility criteria and whose activities are compatible with those on the parks.

Decentralisation Programme.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

28 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date on the implementation of the programme of decentralisation in respect of his Department and State bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/08]

Department Decentralisation

My Department has been making good progress in the relocation of the required 250 posts to Carlow under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. The following business units/Offices of my Department are earmarked for decentralisation:

Companies Registration Office/Registry of Friendly Societies

National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)

Work Permits

Redundancy Payments Section

Insolvency Payments Section

Officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and Business Units opened an advance office in Carlow on July 30th 2007. The number of posts in this decentralised advance office is 100.

As well as staff already decentralised, there are 44 staff within my Department due to decentralise in the substantive move scheduled for 2009, with a further 32 Carlow-bound applicants yet to be assigned from other Departments.

With regard to the property side of the Department's move, the OPW completed the purchase of a site in Carlow town centre for the construction of my Department's permanent office in Carlow. My colleague Minister of State Noel Ahern TD, announced on 13th December 2007 that the OPW has invited The Macquarie Partnership as the consortium to become the ‘Successful Tenderer' in respect of this decentralisation project. This forms part of a major PPP project, which also involves the provision of office accommodation for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Portlaoise and the Department of Education and Science in Mullingar. I am hopeful, subject to no planning issues arising, that the completion of construction of the permanent office will be in late 2009.

Agency Decentralisation

Under the Government Decentralisation Programme, announced in December 2003, six of the Agencies under the aegis of my Department are due to decentralise or have already been decentralised, as follows:

FÁS

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, FÁS is due to transfer its head office including some 383 posts to Birr, County Offaly.

FÁS has completed the purchase of 5.59 acres (approximately) in Birr, Co Offaly. A Planning Application for the FÁS portion of the site access road and site entrance is currently being progressed on behalf of FÁS by the vendor's Consultant Engineers and Architects, in discussion with the Consulting Engineers and Architects representing FÁS.

In the meantime, since 6 May 2007 FÁS has leased a floor of a building within the Birr Technology Centre to accommodate staff in the decentralised location pending the construction and fitting out of a permanent Headquarters.

Enterprise Ireland

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 decentralisation. 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.

Health and Safety Authority

The Health and Safety Authority is to move 110 posts to Thomastown, Co Kilkenny as part of the decentralisation programme. To date a total of 65 civil and public servants, including 12 Authority staff, have expressed an interest through the Central Application Facility (CAF) process in transferring to Thomastown.

In advance of decentralising to Thomastown, the Authority established an interim office in Kilkenny city. Currently, 27 staff, including 3 of the 12 internal HSA Thomastown applicants, are based in Kilkenny, and including also new staff recruited for the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) strategy. All staff currently accommodated in the interim office will move to Thomastown once the new premises are ready for occupation.

The Commissioners of Public Works have signed a contract for sale in respect of the site in Thomastown. A condition of the contract is that the vendor obtains the appropriate zoning for the site so that the Commissioners' planned development can take place. The required change of zoning has now been granted and the sale should close shortly.

When the purchase is completed, expressions of interest for the design and build phase, will be invited from interested parties. It will be a matter for the successful tenderer to apply for planning permission at that stage. The current estimated timeline for availability for occupancy is 2009/2010.

NSAI

Under the Government's decentralisation programme the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is due to relocate to Arklow, Co. Wicklow. The number required to decentralise from the NSAI is 132. A total of 10 Dublin based staff of the NSAI have applied to decentralise to Arklow. In addition a further 86 Dublin based civil and public servants have applied for decentralisation to Arklow. No staff from the NSAI have transferred to Arklow to date.

The accommodation requirements for the NSAI in Arklow are being addressed by the OPW. To date no progress has been made by the OPW in identifying or securing suitable office accommodation in the Arklow area. The current NSAI implementation plan anticipates a target date of April 2009 as the completion date.

National Consumer Agency (NCA)

The National Consumer Agency (NCA) was formally established on 1st May 2007 and inherited the functions of the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs (ODCA). The Agency will have a headquarters in Cork City. The Department of Finance has granted sanction for an overall complement of 80 members of staff. It is expected that there will be a high percentage of staff turnover as many of the existing staff, who formerly worked in ODCA and are on secondment from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, return to the Department. Decentralisation plans will be progressed in the coming months with a view to the Agency relocating to Cork in the course of 2009.

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)

In the case of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), a decision was made prior to its establishment that it would be located in Naas, Co Kildare. Having been established in December, 2005 it moved to new offices at Naas, in January 2006. All IAASA staff have been based in its offices in Naas since its establishment, and as such the Authority is fully decentralised.

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)

In the case of the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA), a decision was made prior to its establishment that it would be located in Naas, Co Kildare. Having been established in December, 2005 it moved to new offices at Naas, in January 2006. All IAASA staff have been based in its offices in Naas since its establishment, and as such the Authority is fully decentralised.

Consumer Protection.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

29 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of proceedings initiated to date under section 83 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007; if he is satisfied that this section has been validly drafted; if amendments are planned to section 83; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8348/08]

I am advised by the National Consumer Agency that it has taken no prosecutions to date under Section 83 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. Section 83 of the Act was drafted in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General and in that regard I am satisfied that the drafting of this Section conforms to the accepted practice and has been validly drafted. I have no plans to amend Section 83 of the Act. If the Deputy has any particular concerns on this matter she can contact me directly.

Industrial Development.

Shane McEntee

Question:

30 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of visits to the Industrial Development Authority business locations in counties Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan by interested parties in the past 12 months; the number of commitments by these companies at each site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8477/08]

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

The arrangement of visits by potential investors to various locations through out the country is an operational matter for the Agency and not one in which I have a function. Accordingly, I have forwarded your query to the Secretary of IDA Ireland for his attention.

Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 23.

Work Permits.

Denis Naughten

Question:

32 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps which he is taking to streamline the issue of work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8024/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that following the introduction of new administrative arrangements in 2007 under the Employment Permits Act, 2006, employment permits are now issued on the basis of different permit types with dedicated staff working in each group. This system has streamlined the work of the section allowing faster times for issuing. Currently, fully completed applications for all employment permit types are processed within our business target of 15 working days.

Job Losses.

Michael Creed

Question:

33 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the continuing loss of jobs in small construction firms; the analysis his Department has conducted on this employment sector; the action he is taking to seek alternative employment opportunities for those affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8445/08]

The increase in unemployment in the construction sector, while unwelcome, must be seen in the context of the major increase in employment over the last number of years, an increase which was particularly strong in the construction sector. The anticipated period of adjustment is now being experienced in new house building. However, overall employment is forecast to continue to grow, albeit at a reduced rate than heretofore, thereby providing new job opportunities.

The Government is giving priority to fully implementing the National Development Plan in order to boost the productive capacity of the economy. Infrastructural spending under the Plan will help to absorb some of the excess capacity which is emerging from the new house building sector.

The most recent FÁS/ESRI Employment and Vacancies Survey for December 2007 shows that the percentage of firms reporting vacancies across all sectors is 14%, which is in line with the average for the year. The current rate for firms reporting vacancies in the construction sector is 8%, which is slightly below the 9% for the same period last year. While it is true to say that construction employment is decreasing employment in the sector has not collapsed.

FÁS provides an integrated support service for anyone made redundant including those who might lose their jobs in the construction sector. This involves information sessions, skills analysis, training/retraining courses and job placement. In the delivery of these services, FÁS liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the City/County Enterprise Boards and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. FÁS also works closely with the agencies to identify and support individuals who wish to start their own business.

Employment Support Services.

David Stanton

Question:

34 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 240 of 19 December 2007, if the Goodbody review of the FÁS wage subsidy scheme has been completed; if he has received the report of same; if he is considering making changes to the scheme criteria and conditions, in particular in relation to retention of secondary and other benefits by participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8401/08]

David Stanton

Question:

67 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 1142 of 31 January 2007, the funding that is being provided to employers for employer grants and schemes which support the employment of people with disabilities in 2007 and 2008 respectively, in particular the FÁS wage subsidy scheme and the workplace equipment adaptation grant scheme; if he is satisfied at the progress and take-up rates of these schemes; if he will provide details of same for these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8400/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 67 together.

The FÁS budget that has been assigned specifically to programmes for people with a disability was € 73.7 million in 2007. The budget for 2008 is € 77.0 million.

The main employer grants and schemes in place are the Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant, the Disability Awareness Training Grant and the Employee Retention Grant.

The budgets and outcomes of these programmes in 2007 were as follows:

Budget

Actual

€ Million

€ Million

Wage Subsidy Scheme

10.50

7.61

Workplace Equip. Adaptation

234,000

142,000

Disability Awareness

368,000

133,000

Employee Retention

122,000

10,000

The total budgets for the Wage Subsidy Scheme and Disability Support/Awareness programmes will remain constant this year.

In addition, the FÁS Supported Employment Programme is available to assist people with disabilities who have difficulties in accessing employment on the open labour market. The budget for this programme for 2007 was €8.5 million, of which €8.3 million was spent. The budget for this year is €8.8 million.

The total number of participants on the Wage Subsidy Scheme at the end-January last was 1150. That figure comprised 501 new entrants as well as participants from the now defunct Employment Support Scheme and the Pilot Employment Programme. The latter schemes were incorporated into the Wage Subsidy Scheme at the outset.

Consultants commissioned by my Department are currently reviewing the operation and impact of the Wage Subsidy Scheme. That review will shortly be finalised.

Consultants commissioned by FÁS are also currently reviewing the Supported Employment Programme. That also is now nearing completion.

I have been closely following the work of the consultants in both cases and my Department has made a significant input into their endeavours. While I do not want to anticipate their outcome, I anticipate that they will come as a prelude to a refocusing of relevant policy and operational supports that seek to materially assist in improving the working life chances of those with disabilities. My objective and that of the Government is to ensure that those citizens who want to train for work or get a job are given every support and facility with their efforts to do so.

Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

35 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken to reduce waiting times for hearings at the Employment Appeals Tribunal ; if he has had any request for additional personnel or resources from the Tribunal; if these requests have been met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8331/08]

The Employment Appeals Tribunal is an independent body under the aegis of the Department. As an independent body, I have no role in relation to the day-to-day operation of the Tribunal.

I understand that the Tribunal has been taking steps to reduce waiting times, including targeting areas of the country where the waiting time is longest. For example, as the longest waiting period with the highest numbers of cases on hand were in County Cork, the Tribunal increased its sittings from one to two divisions in November and December last year. As a result the number of cases awaiting hearing was reduced from 177 to 94 and consequently the waiting period was reduced from 61 weeks to 30 weeks. I understand the Tribunal will continue to target other areas of the country with particular regard to the volume of cases on hand.

The Government undertook in the Social Partnership Agreement, "Towards 2016" to increase the staffing resources of the Tribunal. The commitment is for an increase of 8 staff. To date 5 extra staff have been deployed. I expect that these extra staff will enable the Tribunal to substantially reduce the waiting time for a hearing.

The Tribunal Chairperson has drawn attention at meetings with the Department to the need for full staff resources. I am pleased to say that the Department will be in a position to assign the remaining 3 staff to the Tribunal in the near future, which will address the resources issue.

Employment Action Plan.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

36 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the negotiations he has had with the Department for Social and Family Affairs on new initiatives to encourage people off the live register, particularly the medium and long term unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8494/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the main policy instrument to encourage people off the Live Register is the National Employment Action Plan Preventive Strategy. The Preventive Strategy, which was first introduced in 1998 and rolled out nationwide in subsequent years involves a more systematic engagement with the unemployed. On reaching a three month threshold on the Live Register, each individual aged between 18 and 64 years is referred by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to FÁS where they are called in for interview and assessment.

Specifically, in regard to the Deputy's question, it is not clear what new initiatives he is referring to. I am assuming that it is the proposed Social and Economic Participation Programme which is being developed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. This programme, for which there is provision in the National Development Plan, is aimed at all people of working age regardless of the circumstances that led them to require income maintenance and not just those on the Live Register. I understand that this programme will build on the existing experience in the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the relationship they have with the people concerned and will include co-operation with other relevant service providers such as FÁS, VECs, HSE and other local agencies. I also understand that the vision of the new programme is of a single transparent system with a primary focus on the customer and a route map starting at the first point of engagement by all clients of the Department of Social & Family Affairs.

I fully support this initiative insofar as it should assist progression towards gainful employment for many who might not otherwise come within the parameters of existing supports. In particular I welcome the possibility of an initial intervention of this kind which should help in directing clients to the most appropriate support for their needs at an early stage. My focus is to continue to attempt to get as many people as possible of working age involved in a process of education, training or whatever is required to progress towards employment.

I can assure the Deputy that a high degree of co-operation already exists at both policy and operational level between my Department, FÁS and the Department of Social & Family Affairs. Senior officials from my Department hold regular joint meetings with officials from the Department of Social & Family Affairs, with officials from FÁS also present as appropriate. Our Departments and FÁS work closely together to ensure that those on the live register receive help and guidance in accessing the range of training and employment supports provided by FÁS and this co-operation will continue in the context of the introduction of the Social and Economic Participation Programme.

Job Creation.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

37 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if additional effort has been made by his Department for services since the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to provide inward investment into the six border counties of Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth; if discussion towards that end has taken place with his counterparts in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8278/08]

Seymour Crawford

Question:

43 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a study has been carried out on the reason so little or no inward investment has taken place to counties such as Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan which have been most affected by the 30 years of troubles in Norther Ireland; his views on whether there is a need for urgent investment in these areas; if young graduates born and reared in these counties are to be given an opportunity to come back and live in their own area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8277/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 43 together.

The implementation of the Good Friday Agreement has resulted in the creation of opportunities for the attraction and development of foreign direct investment to the Border region. I accept that there is a need for Government investment in areas such as Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan if we are to succeed in attracting inward investment and jobs and this is being delivered under the National Development Plan and National Spatial Strategy.

The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for IDA Ireland. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others. However, the Border and North West regions are a priority location for IDA and the Agency has been able to attract new investments in emerging sectors such as life sciences, ICT and high-value services activities.

A ‘Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy', which was commissioned by the British-Irish InterGovernmental Conference and prepared by senior officials from both Governments and InterTradeIreland, was completed in 2006. This study identified a number of areas where co-ordinated North/South policy intervention would prove beneficial to both jurisdictions on this island. The areas identified included co-operation on trade and investment promotion, research and development and the development of the knowledge economy, education and training systems to enhance human capital, and co-ordinated provision of key transport, energy and telecommunications infrastructure. The National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out a detailed and specific agenda for progressing such co-operation. Work is underway to progress these initiatives, which will also enhance economic development in the border counties.

Development agencies, both North and South, are in agreement that the development of the All Island Business Ecosystem Environment Framework presented a real and tangible structure upon which to build a common working agenda for the greater benefit in attracting Foreign Direct Investment to the Island. This framework is focused on developing key areas of infrastructure and skill which will advance the promotion of Ireland as a location for enterprise development. One example of existing cross border co-operation between IDA and Invest Northern Ireland is the development of the Virtual Cross border Technology Park between Derry and Donegal .

I am confident that as the ongoing co-operation between Governments on both sides of the border, together with the work of the agencies on the ground, will continue to bring improved economic development and investment to areas in the Border region.

Industrial Relations.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

38 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether it is acceptable for a company (details supplied) operating all over this island and with multiple bases, to engage with union representatives for its workers in the North of Ireland but to refuse to do so for its workers in the South. [8250/08]

Under Article 40.6.1 of the Constitution, the State guarantees liberty for the exercise, subject to public order and morality, of, inter alia, "the right of citizens to form associations and unions". It has been established in a number of legal cases that the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of association does not guarantee workers the right to have their union recognised for the purpose of collective bargaining.

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

These recommendations were implemented through the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice on Voluntary Dispute Resolution) (Declaration) Order 2000 (Statutory Instrument No. 145 of 2000) and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001. These measures were improved by the introduction of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Enhanced Code of Practice on Voluntary Dispute Resolution) (Declaration) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 76 of 2004), the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice on Victimisation) (Declaration) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 139 of 2004) and the Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

39 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the 34% increase in the number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents during 2007; the proposals he has to ensure a reduction in the number of workplace accidents and deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8328/08]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

58 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the significant increase in the number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents in the construction sector during 2007; the proposals he has to ensure a reduction in the number of construction accidents and deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8329/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 58 together.

The number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents during 2007 was 67 compared to 51 fatalities in 2006. Of these 18 were in construction in 2007, an increase of 5 on 2006.

In terms of injuries, there were over 7,000 non-fatal work injuries overall reported to the Authority in 2007. The most common non-fatal accident triggers for all sectors were handling, lifting and carrying (34%), and slips, trips and falls (18%). These triggers have been repeatedly the two most common every year since 2000.

Construction is one of the sectors which is repeatedly in the top three sectors which have the most accidents. I have stated on a number of occasions that I am concerned at the increase in fatalities in the construction sector. The Health and Safety Authority shares this concern and continues to focus its inspection and awareness campaigns in this and other high-risk sectors as it has been doing. Also it will continue to work with employer and employee organisations to make workplace safety, health and welfare an integral part of doing business in every workplace.

The Authority's programme of work for 2008 sets out its key priorities and activities and targets a 10% increase in the number of workplace inspections this year to 17,500. In relation to the construction sector the Authority will carry out 7,000 construction site inspections in 2008. Also, the Authority will continue to implement the 2006 Construction Regulations and the Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP).

The Safe System of Work Plan is a system that was designed in Ireland and was first introduced in 2005 by the Health and Safety Authority, which is aimed at reducing injuries and deaths on construction sites. The initiative relies heavily on pictograms to explain and clarify hazards and controls, thereby creating a wordless document where safety can be communicated to all workers regardless of literacy or language skills. The Safe System of Work Plan aims to focus on those in the construction industry who are most at risk, allowing them to ensure that all necessary safety controls are in place prior to the commencement of planned work.

Together with the above, the Authority, in consultation with its stakeholders, is finalising a comprehensive Code of Practice for small employers in the construction sector, which is a further tool in advocating safe practice in the workplace.

In addition to this in 2008 the Authority will also develop, consult on and publish codes of practice on construction anchors, precast concrete and roofwork.

Employment Rights.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

40 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the growing number of construction companies refusing to employ direct workers and the increased use of agency workers in this sector. [8255/08]

My Department does not have specific data relating to the changing work status of persons in the construction sector to which the Deputy refers. Accordingly, I am not in a position to comment on claims to the effect that there is an increase in agency working in construction at the expense of full-time employment.

However, my Department is always interested in monitoring changing work practices and patterns together with any problems or imbalances to which these might give rise. With this in mind my Department has recently participated, in developing a set of questions with the Central Statistics Office, for use in their Quarterly National Household Survey from which we can construct a fuller profile of the agency sector and this may provide a better basis for assessing work patterns and changing work status. I understand that data from the survey may be available before mid-year.

Job Creation.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

41 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new jobs he expects to be created during 2008 in regard to manufacturing and other sectors; the way these compare to figures for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8326/08]

Employment growth, i.e. the excess of jobs created over jobs lost, is expected to continue to be positive in 2008, though growing at a slower pace than in previous years. In the Budget Outlook employment is forecast to grow by over 1% (24,000) in 2008 for all sectors. Employment increased by 67,600 year on year in 2007 (CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey, Quarter 3) and the number of people in employment is now 2,140,900. It is generally accepted that the rate of growth experienced over the past few years could not continue and the economy is now entering a period of adjustment.

Employment has increased in most sectors when comparing data year on year (Q3, 2006 to Q3, 2007) and quarter on quarter (Q2 to Q3, 2007), as per the following table.

Sector

Q2 2007

Q3, 2007

Qtr on qtr changes

Q3 2006

Year on year changes

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

114,700

117,900

+3,200

121,700

-3,800

Other production industries

291,500

298,000

+6,500

296,600

+1,400

Construction

280,300

282,600

+2,300

277,800

+4,800

Wholesale and retail trade

293,500

309,600

+16,100

297,800

+11,800

Hotels and restaurants

124,800

130,000

+5,200

120,600

+9,400

Transport, storage and communication

122,400

122,200

-200

128,300

-6,100

Financial and other business services

287,600

296,400

+8,800

267,700

+28,700

Public administration and defence

104,600

112,200

+7,600

105,800

+6,400

Education

141,500

131,400

-10,100

123,700

+7,700

Health

213,000

218,600

+5,600

210,900

+7,700

Other services

121,600

122,100

+500

122,400

-300

Total

2,095,400

2,140,900

+45,500

2,073,300

+67,600

Source: CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey, Q3, 2007.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

42 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average industrial wage earned by a male worker and female worker respectively; the average male earnings and average female earnings generally; if he plans additional measures to help bridge the male female earnings gap; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8342/08]

Data from the CSO quarterly industrial survey shows that average industrial earnings per hour for male industrial workers on adult rates in June 2007 was €16.62. For female industrial workers the average rate was €12.73.

From the CSO National Employment Survey for March 2006, average hourly earnings were €20.59 for males and €18.22 for females. These latter figures cover the entire economy in March 2006 (excluding employees in agriculture, forestry and fishing).

The gender pay gap has fallen consistently and is now below the EU average of 15%. The most recent official figures from EUROSTAT (2005) put the Irish gender pay gap at 9%, placing us fourth lowest among the EU27. This compares with a rate of 14% in 2003, showing a drop of 5% in two years.

Primary responsibility for policy in relation to the gender pay gap is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Addressing the factors behind the gender pay gap is, however, a multi faceted task involving a number of Government Departments and agencies as outlined in the National Women's Strategy, 2007-2016. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and is responsible for a number of actions.

As Minister for Labour Affairs, I am responsible for the National Minimum Wage legislation. The national minimum wage was introduced in Ireland in April 2000. Since its introduction there have been six increases to the minimum rate. The most recent increase saw the minimum wage increase to €8.65 per hour, which is the second highest in the EU. The introduction of the national minimum wage in 2000 has had a positive impact on women who previously were more likely to have received very low wages in sectors which were predominantly female. Prior to the introduction of the minimum wage, the gender pay gap was at 22%.

My Department is responsible for chairing and providing the secretariat for the National Framework Committee on Work/life Balance Policies. This Committee, which was established under the social partnership process, comprises representatives from IBEC, ICTU, the Equality Authority and a number of Government Departments. The Committee has undertaken and continues to undertake a range of activities to raise awareness and encourage the provision of work/life balance at the level of the enterprise and these can help to encourage greater female participation in the workforce, including at senior levels which in turn can help narrow the earnings gap.

Similarly, "Expanding the Workforce", which is run by FÁS, is aimed at proactively encouraging women to return to work. The initiative facilitates women returnees by ensuring that training is provided in a flexible manner and is tailored to meet business requirements and skills needs of employers.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 37.

Work Permits.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

44 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons granted green cards under the scheme for recruiting highly skilled workers from outside the EU; the reasons for the relatively low take of the green card system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8330/08]

In its first 11 months of operation (February 2007 to end December 2007), a total of 2,974 permits issued under the Green Card Scheme. This figure represents close to one third of total new employment permits issued by the Department in 2007 and represents an increase over the 2,713 permits issued in 2006 under the Work Visa/Work Authorisation Scheme, which the Green Card Scheme replaced.

The Green Card Scheme was established to fill skills shortages, identified in consultation with the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, in strategically important areas of the economy. A Green Card, as distinct from a Work Permit, therefore, is only available for highly qualified applicants in certain skilled occupations. The majority of such posts must offer an annual salary of at least €60,000. For a small number of occupations, posts with salaries between €30,000 and €60,000 qualify.

Consumer Protection.

Liz McManus

Question:

45 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken to implement the commitment in the Programme for Government that steps would be taken to ensure that consumer codes of conduct are published by businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8346/08]

The National Consumer Agency, which was established on a statutory basis on the commencement of the Consumer Protection Act in May 2007, is empowered as part of its mandate to prepare and publish guidelines to traders in relation to matters of consumer welfare and protection and matters related to commercial practices. The Act also entitles the Agency to review or approve Codes of Practice submitted to it by traders or their trade associations where the Agency is satisfied that the Code of Practice protects consumer interests and is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act or any other enactment.

In addition to publicly stating its desire to establish a strong relationship with business to develop a high standard of consumer protection and to promote voluntary compliance by business with consumer legislation, the Agency has held discussions with a number of business and representative bodies in relation to possible Codes of Practice. Furthermore, the Agency is preparing Guidelines to business in two specific areas namely the Retail Sector and the Health and Fitness Sector. Following initial consultations with both sectors, the Agency is in the process of preparing detailed documents which reflect the views provided by businesses in those sectors and their representative bodies. The Agency intends to further consult with the sectors concerned with a view to finalizing matters as soon as possible.

I welcome the Agency's positive approach in working with traders and their representative associations to develop a strong consumer culture amongst Irish business. There can be little doubt that the development and promotion of such a culture through initiatives such as Agency Guidelines and Consumer Codes of Practice will be to the benefit of not only consumers but also the businesses themselves and the economy as a whole.

Questions Nos. 46 and 47 answered with Question No. 19.

EU Directives.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

48 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number, in respect of EU Directives for which his Department has responsibility, remaining to be implemented; the directives that are overdue; the number of reasoned opinions received from the EU Commission since 2002 regarding delays or non-implementation of such directives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8336/08]

There are currently a total of thirteen Directives due to be transposed by my Department up to 2012. One of these Directives, Directive 2005/56/EC on cross-border mergers of limited liability companies, is currently overdue. It is intended to transpose this Directive by 31 March 2008.

Twelve Directives are scheduled to be transposed in 2008 and subsequent years.

My Department has received 24 Reasoned Opinions from the European Commission related to Directives since 2002. The outstanding issues concerning all but one of these Directives have been resolved satisfactorily.

On 23 October 2007, twelve Member States, including Ireland, received a Reasoned Opinion concerning the implementation of Council Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances as amended by Directive 2003/105/EC (known as the Seveso Directive). Since then considerable progress has been achieved and reported to the EU Commission. Measures are being taken to ensure full compliance as soon as possible.

Employment Rights.

Mary Upton

Question:

49 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the practical measures his Department has taken to prevent or discourage the emerging trend whereby a number of well known hotels in Dublin have closed only to reopen at a later date employing the new staff on substantially reduced wage packets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4756/08]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

55 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the closure of a number of major hotels with the redundancy of significant number of workers and their reopening with the employment of workers at lower rates of pay and poorer conditions; his views on this pattern in view of the need to preserve adequate wages and decent working conditions; if he will take action on this development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8333/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 55 together.

The pay and conditions of employment of workers in the hotel industry are governed by the full range of employment rights legislation, including the National Minimum Wage and Employment Regulation Orders in respect of hotels outside of Dublin, Cork and Dun Laoghaire. Labour Inspectors in the National Employment Regulation Authority (NERA) have powers to enter premises, inspect wage sheets and other records, interview the employees and workers concerned, recover arrears and, if necessary, take legal proceedings against an employer who is in breach of the National Minimum Wage or the Employment Regulation Order. If either of the Deputies has any information to the effect that workers in a particular hotel are not in receipt of their legal entitlements he/she should make this information available to NERA. Hotels are commercial entities, and like all such entities are in business to make a profit.

Job Losses.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

50 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies notified to his Department during 2007; the way this compares with the same period in each year from 2002 to 2006; the numbers notified to date in 2008; his views on the reported increase in the number of redundancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8335/08]

The numbers of actual redundancies notified to my Department for the years 2002-2008 are as follows:

Actual Redundancies 2002-2008

Year

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Actual

24,432

25,769

25,041

23,156

23,684

25,495

2,789

% Increase/Decrease on previous year

51.9%

5.5%

-2.8%

-7.5%

2.3%

7.5%

These figures show the number of employees on whose behalf claims were submitted for statutory redundancy lump sum payments. They do not reflect those who lost their jobs with less than two years service in an employment. I have no control over the number of redundancies that occur at any given time.

Employment Rights.

Mary Upton

Question:

51 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his priorities for the meeting of the Employment Council of 29 February 2008; if he will raise the issue of the draft EU Directive on Temporary Agency Workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8322/08]

The progression of the discussions on the proposed EU Directive on Temporary Agency Work is a matter, in the first instance, for the European Union Presidency in consultation with the European Commission. I understand that the Slovene Presidency is willing to take the work forward and, in the light of the 5th December Council, is at present reflecting on how this might be achieved. While the proposed EU Directive on Temporary Agency Work is not, at present, on the formal Agenda of the Council on 29th February, it may be raised informally by EU Ministers on the margins of the Council. Ireland will continue to pursue its approach to the consideration and discussion of this dossier in a consistent and constructive fashion to find a solution to outstanding problems. A key issue will be to ensure that any approach that may be agreed would not adversely impact on Ireland by putting us at a disadvantage to our continental counterparts in this area given different legal and industrial relations frameworks and traditions.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

52 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to recent comments by the European institutions drawing attention to a lack of competitiveness in the economy here; if he has identified the means whereby it is intended to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8391/08]

In the Commission's December 2007 Report on Ireland's implementation of its National Reform Programme under the Lisbon strategy, the Commission said, and I quote, that: "Ireland has been making very good progress in implementing its National Reform Programme over the 2005-2007 period". Once again, Ireland was amongst a small group of Member States which did not receive any specific recommendations. It was also reported that progress was good over the full 2005-2007 period with regard to the implementation of particular policies to address micro-economic challenges, notably improving competitiveness, infrastructure, regulation and social inclusion, increasing R&D investment and efficiency, encouraging greater innovation and entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

On 19th February, 2008, as part of the Stability and Growth Pact, the European Commission delivered an annual assessment of the Irish economy. In its Report, the Commission recommended that Ireland should maintain firm control over public expenditures in order to keep the public finances in broad balance and implement further pension reforms to improve the long-term sustainability of the public finances in view of the significant projected increase in age-related expenditure.

Our overall growth performance is still impressive by international standards and growth is expected to pick up in 2009 and 2010. This is very much in keeping with the Commission's assessment that our growth prospects remain good and well above the euro area and EU averages. It is important to bear in mind, in relation to the Commission assessment, that the fundamentals of the Irish economy remain sound. The Irish workforce is dynamic, well educated and responsive to changing circumstances. Our markets for goods, services and labour are very flexible by international standards. We have an effectively regulated, pro-enterprise society where hard work and entrepreneurship are rewarded. The burden of taxation is low and is conducive to productivity growth and to attracting inward investment.

Community Employment Schemes.

Willie Penrose

Question:

53 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on removing the cap of six years on participants over 55 years of age in community employment schemes, in order to allow them to remain on the schemes to full retirement age in order to continue their invaluable work in local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8325/08]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The programme helps unemployed people to progress to the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and assists them in enhancing/developing both their technical and personal skills.

To cater for older workers in particular, in November 2004 I revised the 3 year CE capping to allow those of 55 years of age and over to avail of a 6-year period on CE (based on participation since 3rd April, 2000). Subsequently, the participation limit for persons eligible for CE based on a Social Welfare disability linked payment was increased by 1 year. These measures were introduced in recognition of the fact that older participants and people with disabilities may find it more difficult to progress into the open labour market.

The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. However, it should be remembered that, in so far as participants remain on CE, they are precluding someone else from benefiting from the programme. FÁS makes every effort to ensure that differing levels of demand between neighbouring schemes are equalised. FÁS also operates the programme flexibly as far as possible to ensure the continuation of community projects.

In conclusion then, I would say that this Government will continue to support the positive role of CE in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. In this regard, we are keeping the operation of the Scheme under constant review.

Labour Inspectorate.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

54 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the decline from 2002 in 2006, to 1750 in 2007 in the number of inspections to check that the minimum wage was being paid; if there are plans to increase the number of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8340/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

65 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the 9% decline in the number of workplace inspections carried out by labour inspectors in 2007, compared to 2006; the plans to increase the number of such inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8339/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 65 together.

The number of inspections undertaken by NERA inspectors to check compliance in 2007 amounted to 14,425. Of these inspections no breaches were detected in 8,556 cases while breaches were detected in 2,353 cases. The number of inspections in 2006 amounted to 15,855. Of these inspections, no breaches were detected in 10,113 cases while breaches were detected in 2,108 cases.

The number of inspections undertaken by NERA inspectors to check compliance with National Minimum Wage legislation in 2007 amounted to 1,942. Of these inspections no breaches were detected in 1,750 cases while breaches were detected in 192 cases. The number of inspections in 2006 amounted to 2,002. Of these inspections, no breaches were detected in 1,898 cases while breaches were detected in 104 cases.

Insofar as comparisons with 2006 and previous years are concerned, I am advised by the National Employment Rights Authority that there are three main reasons for the reduction in the number of inspections generally carried out in 2007: Firstly, NERA Inspection Services undertook a comprehensive and extensive employment rights compliance campaign in the construction sector during June and July of 2007. The nature of the Construction Sector in terms of mobility, places of employment (headquarters and sites) and numbers of employees dictated a specific approach from NERA Inspection Services in order to optimise effectiveness. This approach was resource intensive in terms of inspector numbers, planning, intelligence gathering and liaison with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in relation to joint investigations and the exchange of data. This campaign necessarily resulted in the diversion of resources for a considerable period from inspection activity in sectors that would be less demanding in terms of inspection planning, liaison and duration. However, the approach adopted for the Construction Campaign was extremely successful. Some €1.3 million was secured by NERA Inspection Services for employees arising from breaches detected.

Secondly, recruitment processes and training plans had to be put in place for the recruitment of 59 new inspectors in line with the commitment given under Towards 2016, the Social Partnership Agreement. Successful candidates were identified for the 59 additional posts and twenty new inspectors were assigned during 2007. Again, this recruitment and training was resource intensive and the influx of the 20 new inspectors within such a short timeframe required a strong commitment from existing inspectors in terms of training, mentoring and other supports and diverted resources from inspection activity during that period. Thirdly, there has been a substantial training investment in existing inspectors. This investment will continue in 2008.

Notwithstanding the reduction in the number of employment rights inspections/visits compared to the same period in 2006, it should be noted that the outcomes in a number of respects are extremely positive. Firstly, over €2.5 million in arrears due to employees was recovered by NERA Inspection Services in 2007 compared to €1.4 million for 2006. Secondly, 2,353 breaches were detected by Inspection Services in 2007 compared to 2,108 for 2006. Thirdly, 28 prosecutions were initiated by Inspection Services in 2007 compared to 8 for 2006. These outcomes point to the value of the more focussed and targeted activities being undertaken by NERA in relation to employment rights promotion and compliance.

Question No. 55 answered with Question No. 49.

Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

56 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he proposes to take measures to encourage job creation in view of a downturn in this area in the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8390/08]

Since 1997, over 500,000 new jobs were created in Ireland and the number in employment now exceeds 2 million. There was a net gain of 1,115 jobs in agency assisted full time jobs in 2007, including Udaras Na Gaeltachta, with a further 2,200 net jobs created by the CEBs. Looking to the future, two of the Government's main tasks are to ensure that Ireland remains an attractive place to do business and to support the development of economic competencies higher up the value chain. Therefore we continue to enhance our framework competitive conditions, promote new areas of competitive advantage by developing our R&D base, invest in critical physical and communications infrastructures and promote tertiary education and lifelong learning, in line with the NDP and the Programme for Government. Over the period of the new National Development Plan the Government will provide €3.3bn investment specifically to support the development of the enterprise base in addition to NDP investment in infrastructure and skills. Critical to the delivery of that investment are the activities of the enterprise development agencies of my Department, namely Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Shannon Development and the County Enterprise Boards.

Enterprise Ireland (EI) recently launched their new strategy, ‘Transforming Irish Industry 2008-2010'. This builds on the strong progress made in the past three years and focuses on driving growth and internationalisation, increasing Irish innovation, growing companies of scale, gaining growth and competitiveness in existing and emerging sectors and driving growth in services.

EI works with approximately 3500 Irish-owned companies who employ over 150,000 people and spent approximately €17bn in the domestic economy in 2006. Success in their new strategy will ensure that EI continues to stimulate growth in Irish enterprise.

Shannon Development works with 110 companies, employing over 7,000, at the Shannon Free Zone. The company has continuous engagement with this client base, encouraging expansion activity and the creation of new opportunities for economic growth.

In 2007 a total of 945 projects were approved for direct financial assistance from the County Enterprise Boards while a total of 927 projects received grant aid. In 2008 the Capital allocation for the 35 CEBs stands at over €20m. This investment is augmented by the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice all of which help to stimulate indigenous enterprise creation.

Based on a healthy pipeline of prospective new projects, IDA is confident that Ireland is well placed to secure significant investment going forward from key target sectors such as Pharmaceuticals, Biopharmaceuticals, Medical Technologies, International Services, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Financial Services and Digital Media.

Proof of our national evolution as a significant 21st century knowledge economy is evidenced in the sophistication and complexity of the investments secured from leading corporations into Ireland. Investments such as Microsoft's €360m EMEA Data Centre in Dublin and the new pharmaceutical development centre by Wyeth Medica in Newbridge bear testament to this fact. I am confident that the strategies and policies being pursued by the development agencies under the remit of my department will continue to bear fruit throughout the country.

Regulatory Reform.

Richard Bruton

Question:

57 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has decided on a benchmark against which the Government’s promise to cut business compliance costs by 25% can be judged. [7838/08]

I am assuming that the Deputy's question refers to the reduction in ‘administrative burdens' — or so-called ‘red tape' — on business. In March 2007, the European Council agreed that "administrative burdens arising from EU legislation should be reduced by 25% by 2012. Taking into account the different starting points and traditions, the European Council invites Member States to set their own national targets of comparable ambition within their spheres of competence by 2008."

Prior to that Spring European Council, the Government agreed that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment should lead the cross-Departmental and agency drive, and put in place a mechanism under the Secretary General of his Department, to drive this agenda at national level.

As part of this effort, I established the High-level Group on Business Regulation, under the chairmanship of the Secretary General of my Department. The High-level Group comprises representatives of Government Departments and Agencies, the business sector and a representative of ICTU. In its work to date, the Group has been examining concrete measures to reduce the administrative burdens in five policy areas — Taxation, Statistics, Environment, Health and Safety and Employment & Company Law — which are considered to impose the highest burdens on business. I expect the High Level Group to submit its initial report to me by July, 2008.

Before setting a definitive national target in response to the European Council invitation, I am at present consulting with my Government colleagues on what processes might be needed to assess the extent of administrative burdens on Irish business and on the measures that have been undertaken or are planned to reduce that burden.

Question No. 58 answered with Question No. 39.

Price Inflation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

59 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on reports of recent substantial increases in the price of a range of food prices and forecasts that food prices will rise further by the end of 2008; if he is satisfied that sufficient protection is available to protect consumers against unwarranted price increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8337/08]

The January 2007 Consumer Price Index as published by the Central Statistics Office shows that although the annual rate of inflation fell to 4.3% in January down from 4.7% in December, the price of food and non alcoholic beverages increased 6.7% in the past 12 months.

It is an undisputed fact that rising food prices are being experienced right across the world. These increases have been precipitated by a number of different factors including climatic, economic and demand reasons. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development and the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation have 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.

The loss of significant tracts of potential food-producing land has pushed up the cost of the animal feed used by dairy farmers. This has also coincided with surging demand for meat and dairy produce in India and China, as their economies and diets become more westernised. Nearer to home, persistent rain in Ireland last Summer had a significant effect on crops such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli with up to 50% of some growers' yields being severely affected. Grain prices in Ireland continue to rise with the realisation that wheat harvests in most regions did not deliver as expected which in turn has increased the price of barley.

In terms of food prices into the future, it is likely that the demand, economic and climatic reasons which underlie the recent price increases may continue to be experienced for some time. Notwithstanding the pressure that these factors will continue to bear on food prices, a number of commentators have suggested that in the short-term at least, higher prices are likely, other things being equal, to lead to some increase in food production and a consequent moderation in prices. Maize prices, for example, have fallen since the spring of 2007 in response to increased plantings, though they remain well above 2006 levels. The EU has removed the mandatory set-aside quota for cereal sowings in autumn 2007 and spring 2008 and this is expected to boost production by around 10 million tonnes. Teagasc have forecast that cereal prices will fall by around 20 per cent in 2008, though they will still be 40-50 per cent higher than in 2006. They have also forecast that wholesale milk prices may decline by around 7 per cent in 2008, though again remaining significantly in excess of those in 2006.

Notwithstanding the global rise in food prices, national policy in so far as the price of food to Irish consumers is concerned, is focused 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 concern, I am confident that the measures in place to allow consumers to make informed choices about the grocery items that they buy 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.

Proposed Legislation.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

60 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason the Employment Agency Regulation Bill, which had been on the list on legislation due to be published prior to 30 January 2008, has not been produced; the reason it has dropped to the list of legislation for which heads have not been approved by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8334/08]

Following a period of extensive consultation, proposals for an Employment Agency Regulation Bill which will modernise the regulation of the employment agency sector and which will repeal and replace the Employment Agency Act 1971, have now been finalised. In accordance with standard practice and procedure a Memorandum will now be submitted to Government seeking approval for the drafting of the Bill by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. I intend to submit this Memorandum to Government shortly. Publication of the proposed Employment Agency Regulation Bill continues to be a priority for Government.

Consumer Protection.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

61 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will take measures to prevent English retail stores marking up the euro price of their products here. [8252/08]

There is no provision in Irish consumer law which prevents retailers from recording the price of goods in different currencies. The European Communities (Requirement to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002, do, however, oblige retailers to indicate the price in euro on all goods offered for sale. Additionally the Consumer Protection Act 2007 makes it illegal to mislead consumers in relation to the price of a product. The Regulations and the Act are enforced by the National Consumer Agency and any infringements of these provisions should be reported to the Agency.

The European Commission is currently conducting a review of the Consumer Acquis which will involve a comprehensive examination of a total of eight specific consumer protection Directives, including the Directive which gave rise to the Requirement to Indicate Product Price Regulations. Whilst it is not possible at this stage to state precisely when the Commission's examination of this Directive will be completed, I am anxious that the discussions at European level should continue to focus on the need for clear indication of price information to consumers.

I fully accept the importance of consumers being given the necessary price information in order to be able to make informed decisions in relation to the goods that they buy. I support the Commission's stated intention to review the existing legislation on product price indication and my Department will play an active part in the discussions on this review.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

62 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his proposals for a consultation process regarding the prohibition of credit card and other relevant methods of payment surcharges to consumers; when he expects the process to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8343/08]

As I advised the House in a previous reply to a question on this matter on 7th February, the public consultation process in relation to issues raised by the Deputy which relate to Sections 48 and 49 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007, resulted in a significant number of submissions to my Department. Those submissions gave rise to a number of complex matters, requiring careful consideration. I hope to conclude consideration of these issues in the near future.

Trade Union Recognition.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

63 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will introduce measures that will oblige employers to recognise trade unions. [8249/08]

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

These recommendations were implemented through the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice on Voluntary Dispute Resolution) (Declaration) Order 2000 (Statutory Instrument No. 145 of 2000) and the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001. These measures were improved by the introduction of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Enhanced Code of Practice on Voluntary Dispute Resolution) (Declaration) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 76 of 2004), the Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice on Victimisation) (Declaration) Order 2004 (S.I. No. 139 of 2004) and the Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

The Constitution explicitly protects the rights of an individual to join or not to join a trade union. While it is, in fact, unclear as to whether the Oireachtas is prevented from requiring employers to recognise trade unions, I have no plans to introduce measures that would seek to oblige employers to do so.

At the social partnership plenary session of Friday 15 February, the Taoiseach invited the social partners to participate in a formal review of "Towards 2016", to prepare their assessments of the progress made to date and the issues that arise from that assessment. Some social partners have already indicated that the adequacy of the measures I have referred to is an issue that may be raised in the partnership discussions.

Labour Inspectorate.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

64 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of labour inspectors employed by the National Employment Rights Authority; the number of labour inspectors available for assignment on normal duties; the number of labour inspectors in training following recruitment; the status of the recruitment campaign to increase the labour inspectorate to 90 inspectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8338/08]

The Government is committed to delivering the key package of measures agreed under the chapter dealing with Employment Rights and Compliance in the National Social Partnership Agreement, ‘Towards 2016'.

In accordance with the ‘Towards 2016' commitment, NERA is progressively increasing the number of labour inspectors from 31 to 90. Recruitment processes to select an additional 59 inspectors have been completed and to date 50 of these posts have been filled. A further 5 inspectors are due to commence on the 3rd of March 2008 and appointment of inspectors to fill the 4 remaining posts is progressing. Due to success in recent internal Departmental competitions and internal Departmental transfers, 5 of the original 31 inspectors posts are now vacant and therefore, currently, there are 76 inspectors employed in the National Employment Rights Authority.

Of the 76 inspectors currently employed, 48 have completed the core modules of the NERA Inspector training course and are involved in carrying out inspections and other associated enquiries at places of work with a view to determining compliance with certain employment rights legislation. The remaining 28 are currently undergoing training. In relation to the inspectors yet to join NERA, it is intended to incorporate these inspectors in the scheduled training immediately upon assignment.

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 54.

Consumer Protection.

Liz McManus

Question:

66 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of on-the-spot fines for breaches of consumer law imposed to date under the terms of the Consumer Protection (Fixed Payment Notice) Regulations 2007; the type of breaches in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8345/08]

The Consumer Protection (Fixed Payment Notice) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 689 of 2007) came into effect on 13 October 2007.

Responsibility for the enforcement of these Regulations is a matter for the National Consumer Agency and I have no direct function in this matter. I am informed that to date authorised officers of the National Consumer Agency have served eight fixed payment notices all of which were in respect of alleged offences under the European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002 (S.I. No. 639 of 2002).

Payment was made in accordance with the terms of the fixed payment notice in five of the cases in which notices were served. In the remaining three cases, the National Consumer Agency is making arrangements to institute legal proceedings in respect of the alleged offences.

Question No. 67 answered with Question No. 34.

Employment Rights.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

68 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to any situations in the past where companies based in the North and South of Ireland discriminate against their southern work force. [8251/08]

I am not aware of any such situations as outlined in the Deputy's question. However, more generally, matters relating to discrimination come within the remit of my colleague Mr. Brian Lenihan, TD, Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Consumer Protection.

Martin Ferris

Question:

69 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there have been complaints made to consumer associations regarding the differential between the euro and sterling prices on goods sold here by British retail outlets; and if so, the number of same. [8253/08]

I have been advised by the National Consumer Agency that since its establishment on a statutory basis in May 2007, it received 25 sterling price related complaints/queries on goods sold in the State and 12 of these involved currency differential issues in 2007. For the year to date, the Agency has received 8 sterling price related complaints/queries on goods sold in the State and 3 of these involved currency differential issues.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Richard Bruton

Question:

70 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the requirements on a retail outlet that seeks to sell alcoholic drink in terms of the licence fee to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8585/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that that there are three separate licences covering the retail sale off the premises of (i) Wine, (ii) Spirits and (iii) Beer. Depending on the range of alcoholic product sold in the premises one, two or three licences would be required. The retail sale of Cider off the premises is covered by a Beer Off Licence.

At present each licence costs €250 per year. On the enactment of the Finance Bill, the cost of each licence will increase to €300 per year from October 2008. A premises selling all three main alcoholic products would therefore require three licences costing at present an annual total of €750, or €900 from October 2008.

Airport Development Projects.

Pat Breen

Question:

71 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if consultants have been retained by his Department to stress test the robustness of the business plans submitted by Dublin Airport Authority for Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports; if not, if he has plans to have these business plans independently assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8541/08]

The State Airports Act, 2004 which provides for the establishment of three independent State airports at Dublin, Cork and Shannon requires the Ministers for Transport and Finance to satisfy themselves of the operational and financial readiness of the three companies, including business planning.

I understand that the Minister for Transport has his Department examining the business plans for the three Airports that have now been submitted to him and that he will be consulting me in due course when he has this assessment progressed. I have no consultants retained in this regard at present. External advice to assist us in our consideration of these business plans will be engaged if we consider that would be useful and appropriate.

Tax Code.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

72 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will reconsider his decision as regard introducing a VRT refund scheme for people who registered cars prior to 1 July 2008 as vehicles purchased after Budget 2008 and pre July 2008 will be taxed unfairly at the CC rate and not the CO2 rate which results in a substantial difference for most families and causes unjust financial hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8548/08]

As I stated in reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question No. 177 [6226/08] on 19 February 2008, I have no plans to introduce a VRT refund scheme for people who register cars prior to 1 July 2008.

Departmental Schemes.

Richard Bruton

Question:

73 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of people who have taken up the scheme of tax relief for season tickets on public transport; the way this has grown over the years since it was first introduced; and the extent to which this relief is claimed by employers based in Dublin compared to the rest of the country. [8584/08]

The most recent figures available, supplied by the main public transport providers, show that the number of Travel Passes provided by the scheme have increased from 894 in 1999 to some 41,388 in 2007. These figures include both monthly and annual passes.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, as the employer's tax return of income does not contain an entry in respect of Travel Passes, and the employer's profit and loss account does not normally distinguish between this particular expense and other employment-related expenses, it is not possible to compare the extent to which this relief is claimed by employers based in Dublin to the rest of the country.

Departmental Correspondence.

James Reilly

Question:

74 Deputy James Reilly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will provide in tabular format and in chronological order, from 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2007, the names of organisations or companies that have made oral submissions to himself or his officials regarding the price of tobacco products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8627/08]

In the time available it has not been possible to retrieve the information requested by the Deputy. As soon as the relevant information for the period in question has been extracted I will forward it directly to the Deputy.

Tax Code.

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

75 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will qualify for a tax refund. [8639/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that on 21 January 2008 the Taxpayer submitted a claim for repayment of income tax in respect of a redundancy payment he received in 2007. This relief is known as Top Slicing Relief. The relief relates to the tax payable and ensures that the redundancy payment is not taxed at a rate higher than the taxpayer's average rate of tax for the three years prior to redundancy.

The documentation supplied indicates that no tax was deducted from the redundancy payment. Therefore the question of a refund in respect of Top Slicing Relief does not arise.

During 2007 the person in question held two other employments and was in receipt of jobseekers benefit from the Department of Social and Family Affairs. His liability for 2007 has now been reviewed, the result of which shows a small underpayment of tax. Collection of this underpayment has been deferred indefinitely.

A letter will issue from the Revenue Offices in Tralee to the taxpayer in due course.

Health Promotion.

Enda Kenny

Question:

76 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if the health and immunisation programme in national schools is to be used as an opportunity to work in partnership with parents and children in developing life skills which support healthy eating and active living and as an opportunity to detect, by measurement, children who are at risk of overweight and underweight; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8615/08]

The National Taskforce on Obesity saw the school as a key setting in tackling overweight and obesity in children and recommended that schools be encouraged to develop consistent policies to promote healthy eating and active living.

My Department has published "Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Preschools" and "Food and Nutrition guidelines for Primary Schools". Guidelines for post-primary schools are currently being finalised. These guidelines are designed to assist schools to develop a healthy eating policy and promote the concept of healthy eating through a supportive school community. The guidelines will be available as part of a training resource for teachers, trained jointly by Community Dietitians and SPHE Co-ordinators.

A key recommendation of the Taskforce was the development of a National Nutrition Policy. My Department is currently finalising this policy, which will provide strategic direction on nutrition for the next ten years. The target group is young people, 0-18 years, and the priority actions are intended to reduce obesity and food poverty.

The HSE has established a Working Group to implement the health sector recommendations of the Taskforce on Obesity for which the HSE has the lead responsibility and for which €3 million has been allocated. Funding has been provided by the HSE to University College Dublin to record height and weight in children at school entry point as part of an EU initiative to counteract obesity. The development of a national database to monitor prevalence trends of growth, overweight and obesity was also funded. The HSE is working with the Irish Universities Nutritional Alliance to research food and nutrition in children. Funding has also been allocated to the Irish Heart Foundation to undertake a project on marketing of foods to children.

Pharmacy Regulations.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

77 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if Section 4(3) of the competition Act 2002 could be utilised to allow negotiations on contracts and fees between the Health Service Executive and pharmacists and general practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8634/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

97 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason she will not use Section 4(3) of the Competition Act 2002 to enable the Health Service Executive to negotiate an agreement on fees and services with self-employed undertakings such as pharmacists and general practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8631/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 97 together.

Competition law policy is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in the first instance. However it is clear that the section of the Act cited by the Deputy confers a power on the Competition Authority, not on a Minister of the Government, to make a declaration in the terms described. I understand that the Competition Authority has not made a declaration under the Act such that the negotiation of contracts for service and associated fees with bodies representing self-employed health professionals would be exempted from the provisions of the Competition Act 2002.

As I announced on 18 February 2008, 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 is being chaired by Seán Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It will take submissions from all sides and will carry out its own analysis. Its recommended fee level, subject to Government approval, will be backdated to 1 March 2008. The development of the substantive new contract will get under way immediately and will be completed as soon as possible; this will be done under the auspices of an agreed facilitator and it too will be priced by the Independent Body.

The Independent Body held its first meeting on 25th February 2008 and the requested date for submission of the Body's 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 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.

In addition to the foregoing my Department is at present working, in consultation with relevant Government Departments and with the HSE, to devise appropriate new arrangements for the development and the pricing of contracts for the provision of health services generally, including the GMS general practitioner contract. It is my wish that, once these arrangements have been finalised, the development of a new GMS GP contract should be progressed as a matter of urgency by the HSE with a view to putting in place contractual arrangements which will facilitate the delivery of general practitioner services as a key and integral component of a modern primary care service.

Care of the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

78 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Clare is not facilitated with nursing home care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8540/08]

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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

79 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8544/08]

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 case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Child Care Services.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

80 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed changes in the community childcare funding will have a 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 be seriously disadvantaged by the new regulations. [8547/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) which, together with the earlier Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), are implemented by the Office of the Minister for Children.

The main supports the Government makes available to parents to assist them with their childcare costs are Child Benefit and the Early Childcare Supplement. The latter payment is the responsibility of my Office, and it alone is expected to amount to expenditure of over €500m in 2008. These payments are universal and benefit all parents, regardless of their income, labour market status or the type of childcare they choose. In addition to these universal supports, Government childcare policy has also recognised the need to target additional supports towards disadvantaged families.

Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP), which is co-funded under the EU Social Fund (ESF), targeted support was provided through the staffing support grant scheme whereby community based not-for-profit childcare providers with a strong focus on disadvantage were awarded grant aid towards their staffing costs to allow them to operate reduced fees to disadvantaged parents. Funding under this scheme was originally awarded for a limited period during which services were expected to move towards sustainability. This funding was subsequently continued to the end of 2007, where it was considered necessary to enable services to continue to make their services accessible to disadvantaged parents. This continuation funding was subject to the condition that tiered fee structures were implemented by the services in question.

With the closure of the EOCP in December 2007, to continue to support community childcare services to provide affordable childcare to disadvantaged parents, the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) was introduced from 1st January 2008 under the Exchequer funded National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), the successor programme to the EOCP. The CCSS has been allocated €154.2 million over the next 3 years, representing a substantial increase in funding over the EOCP staffing scheme (which cost €37 million in 2007), and will continue to support community childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Under the new scheme, it will be possible to ensure that the level of grant aid which individual services qualify for will reflect the actual level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. As part of their application for funding under the new scheme, services are required to ask parents using their services to complete a simple declaration form which is to be included in a return to my Office and on which basis the level of subvention for each service will be determined. The subvention received by services will, in turn, be reflected in the reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

It is considered that the new scheme will provide an effective framework for the continued targeting of additional resources towards disadvantaged parents and their children while continuing to support community childcare services generally. The scheme has been informed by and takes account of a number of enhancements recommended by the report of the Value for Money Review of the EOCP. These include the fact that the subvention to services will be more responsive to the level of service provided as well as the degree of parental disadvantage, and the ceiling for funding, which existed under the previous scheme, is being removed. Account will also be taken of all of the operational costs of the service rather than staffing costs alone. Services, including full-time, part-time and sessional ones, which at present are, in some cases, inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme. In addition, transitional arrangements have been made under which existing grant recipients will continue to be funded at their current levels until 1st July 2008. This is to ensure that existing childcare services are facilitated to adjust to the new scheme, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures.

When I announced the new scheme in July of last year, I signalled my intention to undertake a review of the Scheme on the basis of the more detailed and comprehensive data which were to be forwarded to my Office in November and December 2007 as part of the application process of the new scheme. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the review was completed last December and the following adjustments to the scheme have been approved by the Government:

the childcare subvention rates, which form the basis for assessing the level of grant funding payable to community childcare services, have been increased from €80 to €100 per week in the case of Band A parents and from €30 to €70 per week in the case of Band B parents;

services will also be grant aided to enable them to provide reduced childcare fees for parents in Band C who are marginally above the Family Income Supplement (FIS) threshold and low income parents who qualify under this measure will benefit by €45 per week per full-time place;

where a parent moves to a lower Band (e.g. from social welfare into employment), the subvention paid in respect of them will be withdrawn on a tapered basis with the effect that where a parent would no longer qualify for a Band A payment, he or she will be treated as a Band B parent in the following year;

special provisions will be provided for in the case of childcare services where, for valid reasons, it is not possible to assess grant funding on the basis of annual parental declarations alone (e.g. women's refuges, special services for children of drug misusers) and, in exceptional cases, where special levels of funding provision may be required;

in recognition of the on-going input of the community and voluntary sector, and to provide stability for services which would otherwise receive very low levels of grant subvention (e.g. small rural services) a minimum annual grant level of €20,000 is being introduced;

as a transitional measure during 2008-2010, services which could otherwise face a significant decrease in their existing level of grant support from July 2008, will continue to receive grant aid equal to not less than 90% of their previous grant level during July-December 2008, equal to not less than 85% of that amount in 2009, and equal to not less than 75% of that amount in 2010. The transitional grant funding is conditional on all requirements of the Scheme being complied with, including the return of annual applications together with completed parent declaration forms and the implementation of tiered fees based on the subvention levels for Band A, B and C parents.

Indeed, many applicants will receive higher levels of grant assistance under the new Scheme than was previously the case under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme staffing scheme.

I am confident that the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme is a fair and equitable way of supporting community childcare operators in the provision of an affordable and high quality service to parents, based on their means.

Hospital Services.

Michael Creed

Question:

81 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the widespread discontent at the level of gynaecology services in the Cork University Maternity Hospital; and the steps she proposes to take to address this matter. [8549/08]

The Government is committed to the provision of high quality gynaecological services throughout the country, including the Cork region.

The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that the gynaecology service in Cork University Hospital currently includes five gynaecology theatre sessions.

There were approximately 1,152 elective gynaecology procedures carried out in 2007. In addition, there are approximately 17 emergency procedures carried out each month.

There are 3 operating theatres in Cork University Maternity Hospital — one obstetric and two gynaecological theatres. The obstetric theatre is fully staffed and the hospital is currently recruiting senior nursing staff to open and lead the gynaecology theatre service. In the interim, the gynaecology procedures continue to be carried out in the main theatres in Cork University Hospital.

The HSE advises that preparations are under way for the phased opening of the gynaecology theatres in the Maternity Hospital. It is planned that some minor surgical procedures will be carried out there on a trial basis on 27th March with the aim of expanding the gynaecology service from the first week in April. The ultimate aim is to have the gynaecology theatre open on a five days per week basis.

Pharmacy Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

82 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will present a further report on the developing situation between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmacist Union; if special arrangements are being put in place in respect of the 1 March 2008 deadline to ensure that patients are not disadvantaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8572/08]

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 recently and heard their point that there should be an independent assessment of the fees offered. I have now established 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 is being chaired by Seán Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It will take submissions from all sides and will carry out its own analysis. It has been 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 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: the overall public interest including the issues of patient safety and continuity of supply; the fee of €5 per item which has already been offered; the reasonable costs incurred by pharmacists in providing services under the schemes and the value of the professional service of dispensing; 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 Body's report is 31 May 2008. The Independent Body held its first meeting on 25 February 2008 and is about to invite submissions. 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 that would, in its view, represent a fair and reasonable price to be paid for the pharmaceutical service currently being provided by community pharmacists to the HSE under the GMS and community drug schemes.

Each pharmacist will have three options: to avail of the interim contract as outlined by the HSE letter of 2 January 2008 immediately; to accept the interim contract upon the report of the Independent Body; or to stay with the existing retail fee structure until the agreement of a substantive new contract.

I believe this provides all concerned with a reasonable way to make the transition to a fair and transparent method of payment for present services and, I hope, greatly developed pharmacy services in the near future. The HSE has contingency plans in place in the event of the withdrawal of service by community pharmacists including information notices in the newspapers and an information helpline, open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday. In response to a request to all 1600 community pharmacy contractors from the HSE, two community pharmacists have confirmed their intention to withdraw services under the present pharmacy contract. There are no changes planned to the GMS and community drugs schemes and all patients continue to receive their entitlements in the usual way.

Suicide Incidence.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

83 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the meeting between her Department and Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly in respect of suicide; if new initiatives are being planned following this meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8573/08]

The Northern Ireland Health Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into the prevention of suicide and self harm in Northern Ireland. As part of that inquiry I met with the Committee on 21 February. The purpose of the meeting was to look at the scope and level of cross border cooperation and learn of progress in implementing ‘Reach Out' the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005 — 2014.

During the meeting it was acknowledged that significant cooperation exists on suicide prevention. Implementation of the All Island Action Plan for Suicide Prevention is on-going and substantial progress has been made on a number of action areas including; joint launch of an awareness campaign in October 2007 (North and South), launch of the Deliberate Self Harm Registry on an all island basis and joint sponsorship of the successful International Association of Suicide Prevention Conference in Killarney in August 2007; training in Safe Talk, an intervention programme (a shortened version of ASIST Training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) has taken place North and South and the development of media guidelines.

In addition, there is reciprocal north-south membership on the respective implementation groups for the strategies in Northern Ireland Protect Life-A Shared Vision (2006) and in the Republic of Ireland Reach Out (2005).

It was agreed that there is scope for development of the existing plan and that reducing suicide requires a collective effort. I look forward to seeing the findings of the Committee's Inquiry.

Care of the Elderly.

Finian McGrath

Question:

84 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the recommendations in a report (details supplied). [8577/08]

The report referred to by the Deputy, which relates to care services for older people in a locality of north Dublin, will be officially launched by me early next week. The report makes various recommendations in relation to providing an enhanced range of services for the area in the future. As the Deputy is aware, overall Government policy is to support older people in their homes and in their communities; to promote high standards for residential care; and to ensure that the cost of quality care for this sector is affordable to older persons and their families.

I would obviously have no objection in principle to supporting improved services for this particular catchment area, or indeed elsewhere around the country, provided that this is achieved in line with overall service priorities and resources generally. As the Deputy is aware, operational responsibility for the development of health and personal social services, including those relating to services for older people in this specific area of Dublin, is in the first instance a matter for the Health Service Executive. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider in detail the particular report 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.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

85 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Offaly is on a waiting list to see an occupational therapist; when this person will be given an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8593/08]

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.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

86 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the occupational therapy services available to children over the age of seven years in south Offaly; if there are plans to expand these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8594/08]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

87 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children over the age of seven waiting to have an appointment with an occupational therapist based at a location (details supplied) in County Offaly; the length of time they are waiting for appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8595/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.

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.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pat Breen

Question:

88 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8605/08]

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

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

89 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 684 of 31 January 2007, when the CT scanner will be operational at Ennis General Hospital in County Clare; if all staff have been recruited to operate the scanner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8606/08]

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

Hospital Staff.

Pat Breen

Question:

90 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a locum dermatologist will be appointed to a hospital (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8607/08]

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

Pat Breen

Question:

91 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to employ an extra consultant rheumatologist at a hospital (details supplied). [8608/08]

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

David Stanton

Question:

92 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of permanent psychiatric nursing posts that are unfilled in Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8617/08]

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

Hospital Services.

Niall Collins

Question:

93 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans of the Health Service Executive to provide a CT scanner in Mallow General Hospital. [8620/08]

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

Health Promotion.

James Reilly

Question:

94 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made as to whether Ireland will follow the lead of other EU countries and introduce legislation to ensure that pictorial warnings appear on cigarette packets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8628/08]

While I am committed to the introduction of graphic colour warnings on tobacco products, no decision has been taken on a date for their introduction. However, as a first step, the Office for Tobacco Control has arranged for pre-testing of images to select the preferred image for each of the 14 warnings and the results of this research will shortly be presented to my Department.

James Reilly

Question:

95 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide in tabular format and in chronological order, from 1 February 2007 to 31 January 2008, the dates and venues of meetings between the tobacco industry or their representatives with herself or her officials; the tobacco companies represented at those meetings; the items under discussion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8629/08]

Two such meetings took place: officials of my Department met representatives of the companies that comprise the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee ( P.J. Carroll & Company Limited, John Player & Sons Limited and Gallagher (Dublin) Limited) on 25 October last — and Philip Morris Limited on 2 November last. Both meetings took place in the main office of my Department (Hawkins House) and were for the purpose of discussing the commencement of further provisions of the Public Health Tobacco Acts 2002 and 2004. I attended neither meeting.

James Reilly

Question:

96 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the further steps that have been taken to put in place a board for the Office of Tobacco Control since her previous comment on this matter on 4 October 2007; when a new board will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8630/08]

A new Board will be appointed shortly.

Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 77.

Suicide Prevention.

Denis Naughten

Question:

98 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional funding that will be provided for suicide prevention in 2008; the funding available in counties Roscommon and Leitrim in 2008; the money allocated to each in 2007 and the actual expenditure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8635/08]

"Reach Out", a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. The strategy calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies. The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of the strategy.

Additional funding of €1.85 million was provided in 2007 for the implementation of the Strategy bringing the overall funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives in 2007 to €8 million and this level of funding continues into 2008.

A wide range of other expenditure on mental health services generally is of importance in measures to help prevent suicide. A total of some €1 billion is now spent on mental health services, including consultant psychiatry and psychiatric nursing. These services and other services such as Primary Care play a vital role in the drive to reduce the incidence of suicide, and should be taken into account when examining the level of total public expenditure devoted to suicide prevention.

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, including suicide prevention, has been provided as part of its overall vote. The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

99 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times and the number of children awaiting urgent and non-urgent child and adolescent psychiatric services respectively in County Roscommon; the number of posts provided for this service; the number which are presently vacant and the duration of same; the steps being taken to fill such posts; the corresponding statistics for counties Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Westmeath and Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8636/08]

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

Health Services.

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

100 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8641/08]

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 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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

101 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to her Department’s Disability Act 2005 sectoral plan, if the review of the plan due to take place in mid 2007 has been completed; if it has been published; if not, when she will publish same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8661/08]

The Disability Act 2005 provides that reports on progress in implementing the Sectoral Plans should be completed at intervals of not more than three years from the date of publication. As the Health Sectoral Plan is the first step in a complex and constantly evolving process which will establish a baseline for access to health services and for service delivery and standards, the Department and the Health Service Executive committed to undertaking an annual review of progress in each of the first three years. The first review which was published in December 2007, is available on the Department's website.

This first review is an important step in moving forward the targets set in the Sectoral Plan. It represents an important opportunity to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are considered in all health policy planning and service delivery. The philosophy of inclusion outlined in the Sectoral Plan underpins the planning and delivery of services for people with disabilities and will drive measures to ensure that all general health services are accessible by people with disabilities.

This review summarises the achievements to date but most importantly it also includes new targets to be achieved over the next year, 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. I have asked my Department to send the Deputy a copy of the Review for his information.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

102 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason applications by a person (details supplied) in County Louth to the health repayment scheme were rejected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8662/08]

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.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Question:

103 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport when a contract (details supplied) is expected to be finished; the amount the contract was originally for; if the project is within budget or over-budget; and the position in relation to this bridge. [8535/08]

The provision and improvement of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a matter for Mayo County Council to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State grants.

In May 2007, approval was conveyed to Mayo County Council to award a contract for the construction of a new bridge at Achill Sound at a tender price of €4,392,846.14 inclusive of VAT@ 13.5%. State road grants are being provided to Mayo County Council by my Department towards the cost of the project, subject to maximum grant aid of €2,046,423. The total 2008 regional and local road grant allocated to Mayo County Council of €30.092 million included a grant of €1.1 million for the bridge. Progress with the work, including management of the budget for the project, is a matter for Mayo County Council.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

104 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the marine, coastal and fisheries responsibilities currently held by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8531/08]

The Minister for Transport's maritime functions are outlined in detail in the schedule to S.I. No. 842 of 2005 — Maritime Transport, Safety and Security (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2005.

Foreign Registered Drivers.

Richard Bruton

Question:

105 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the requirements on drivers and vehicles from other EU states to comply with Irish rules regarding the testing of vehicles, the recording of penalty points, the registration for motor tax and so on; the obstacles that are preventing the equal application under these rules to all drivers on roads here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8586/08]

In accordance with EU Directive 96/96/EC, each Member State of the European Union is required to have arrangements in place for the compulsory periodic roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles registered by it. Accordingly, in line with the Directive's requirements, the testing of motor vehicles in this country is confined to Irish-registered vehicles.

All drivers are subject to road traffic law and enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána. While foreign licence holders do not have an Irish driving licence record, a separate record of any penalty points incurred by them in this State is kept in the National Driver File.

The enforcement on foreign registered drivers of penalties for road traffic offences is a complex legal and administrative matter for many States, and my Department is pursuing this question at European, British/Irish and North/South levels.

We are working with the United Kingdom with the objective of having a bilateral agreement on mutual recognition of driving disqualifications in place later this year, under the framework of the relevant EU Convention.

The mutual recognition of penalty points is however a much more difficult matter which is not covered by the EU Convention. In particular it involves complex legal questions, which have yet to be determined and which will require the passage of primary legislation both here and in the United Kingdom in due course. While both jurisdictions are working on this, it will be a number of years before a bilateral agreement can be put in place.

Issues related to motor taxation are a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Rail Network.

Brian Hayes

Question:

106 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport if he has made a decision on the Iarnród Eireann proposed use of the Broadstone rail line; when he will make this decision public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8596/08]

I refer the Deputy to my earlier reply of 26th February to Deputy Joe Costello (reference 7568/08).

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

107 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he will use Section 41 of the Harbours Act, 2006, to instruct the Dublin Port Company to amend the Dublin Port superannuation scheme in order that it complies with previous agreements made, that it complies with sections 40 and 41 of the Act and that it awards a rise in pensions to a group of pensioners (detail supplied) matching the award made to existing personnel recommended under the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector in June 2005; the contact that has been made to date between his Department and the Dublin Port Company on this issue; if he is satisfied that Dublin Port Company is complying with previous agreements and that the decision to withhold payment is in compliance with Section 40 and Section 41 of the Act; and his reply to this group of pensioners arising from their letter of 3 May 2007. [8659/08]

As outlined in my reply to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question [6537/08] of 19 February last, Dublin Port Company is the responsible authority for the administration of pension schemes within the company. Accordingly, payments under such pension schemes are an operational matter for the company.

The legislative provisions relating to superannuation schemes in the State owned port companies are contained in Sections 40 and 41 of the Harbours Act, 1996, which include a provision for dispute resolution.

The letter of 3 May 2007 referred to in the question was sent to my predecessor on behalf of a number of pensioners of Dublin Port Company. I have also received more correspondence relating to this matter in September 2007.I have asked my officials to process this matter expeditiously.

Rail Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

108 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the progress to date in the provision of a new railway station at Drogheda north; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8719/08]

Decisions in relation to the location and development of new stations and the reopening of closed stations are operational matters for Iarnród Eireann.

Foreign Conflicts.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

109 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he envisages a role for Ireland in assisting in conflict resolution in Sri Lanka in relation to the civil rights and identity of the Tamil population in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8625/08]

I refer the Deputy to the answer given to PQ 29768/07 on 27th November 2007, in which I outlined my views on the potential for Irish engagement in conflict resolution activities in Sri Lanka. The Government would of course be willing to offer advice if sought by relevant parties but there remains little scope to do so in the prevailing situation there.

I remain deeply concerned about the developing situation in Sri Lanka and again unreservedly condemn the recent terrorist bombings and attacks in that country. I very much regret that the ceasefire agreement concluded between the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam) in February 2002 has been terminated. This can have only negative repercussions for Sri Lanka and its people, including for the already serious humanitarian and human rights situation in that country. Both the LTTE and the Government of Sri Lanka must recognise that a sustainable solution to the problems Sri Lanka faces cannot be achieved by military means and that they need to immediately resume meaningful negotiations for a peaceful future for the people of Sri Lanka.

Any final political solution can only be achieved in an inclusive manner, with the involvement of parties to the conflict, including the LTTE.

The EU, and Ireland nationally, remain ready to support a meaningful peace process in Sri Lanka, and to provide assistance in any manner acceptable to both sides of the conflict, and in support of the Norwegian facilitator.

Passport Applications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

110 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the passport issued to a person (details supplied) was the subject of representations from, transmitted or routed through, or in any way facilitated by, a Member of the Houses of the Oireachtas; if so, the name of that member; the date the applications were received in the Passport Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8653/08]

The Passport Office has no record of such a passport having been issued.

Official Engagements.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

111 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has information with regard to a visit by a member of the royal family of Saudi Arabia to a health facility here recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8626/08]

The visit of His Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz to Ireland, between 18th–21st February 2008, resulted from the Taoiseach-led Trade Mission to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in January 2007, in which I participated. Present on the mission were a number of Irish companies operating in the electronics, software and medical sectors.

During the visit I met with a representative of the Saudi Red Crescent Society. The Society is upgrading its fleet of approximately 700 ambulances and is looking at a range of specialised equipment and software systems to enhance the level of modern pre-hospital emergency care delivered by ambulance services, through the electronic transmission of patient data from an ambulance to a designated hospital. Consequently I invited Prince Faisal, who is President of the Saudi Red Crescent Society, to Ireland, to provide him with an opportunity to explore what Irish industry has to offer the Society in this highly specialised area.

A number of ambulances in the HSE's North Eastern Region operate the particular specialised equipment and software system that allows for the electronic transfer of patient data from those ambulances to Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Drogheda. The Prince viewed the operation of this system at the hospital on 20th February. I am hopeful that this visit will lead to increased trade opportunities for Irish companies operating in this particular sector.

Work Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if and when a work permit will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8688/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that they have no record of a valid application in this case.

Denis Naughten

Question:

113 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps he is taking to streamline the issuing of work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8566/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that significant progress has been achieved in reducing the processing time for employment permits. At present, fully completed applications for all employment permit types are processed within our customer service target of 15 working days.

Audiology Sector.

Denis Naughten

Question:

114 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans the National Standards Authority has to regulate the audiology sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8543/08]

The National Standards Authority of Ireland has no function in relation to the regulation of the audiology sector. I understand, however, from the NSAI that a proposal for a voluntary European Standard for Hearing Services is being drafted by CEN, the European Committee for Standardisation.

Work Permits.

Michael Creed

Question:

115 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how a person (details supplied) in County Cork can re-apply for a work permit that has expired since January 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8552/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that a renewal application in respect of the above named was received in the Employment Permits Section on the 14th January 2008. However, this application was subsequently withdrawn by the employee by letter received on the 30/1/2008. If the above named wishes to submit another application it will be considered on its merits.

Job Losses.

Joe Costello

Question:

116 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has had talks with the principals in a retailers (details supplied) either before or after their announcement of the loss of 580 jobs; if so, the outcome of the talks; the steps he proposes to provide employment opportunities for the redundant workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8555/08]

Neither my colleague nor I have had discussions with the companies in question either before or after their announcement of the loss of 580 jobs.

The company did, however, on 15 February 2008, notify the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment of its intention to seek redundancies in the order of 586 people, in accordance with the requirements of the Protection of Employment Act 1977 regarding collective redundancies. I am satisfied that the company will discharge their legislative obligations under this act.

My Department, on receipt of a Collective Redundancy Notification, immediately notifies the local FAS office of the impending redundancies. FAS then makes arrangements with the company to contact the affected workers with a view to assisting them in finding alternative employment. FAS also brings the full range of the services it offers to the attention of the workers in order that they may avail of re-training, enhancing of existing skills etc to better fit them for a return to the workplace.

Job Creation.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

117 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions he has had with the Industrial Development Authority regarding job creation in Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8589/08]

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency. While I may give general policy directives to the Agency, I am precluded under the Industrial Development Acts from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one area over others.

I have had a number of opportunities to discuss issues around enterprise development and job creation in the Dungarvan area in the presence of IDA officials and public representatives. My consistent message to all the stakeholders in Dungarvan and its hinterland has been that the challenge now is to build on our success in attracting foreign direct investment by finding new and innovative ways of working, marketing and delivering goods to world markets. The strategic location of Dungarvan presents opportunities to potential investors in this regard.

IDA Ireland is actively engaged with its existing client base in Co. Waterford to encourage their transition to higher value activities and to promote further investment in Ireland. The Agency is concentrating its efforts on the gateway city of Waterford and the hub town of Dungarvan and is involved in the development of world class property solutions in both locations to meet the needs of new and existing clients.

In parallel with developments on the property solutions side, IDA Ireland works closely with third level educational institutes in the region so that the skill sets necessary to attract high-value employment to the County are being developed. The Agency maintains a close relationship with FÁS so that the requirements of industry, particularly in the area of training and up-skilling, are being met.

I am satisfied that the strategies in place by the Agency, together with the roll out of the National Development Plan, will continue to bring investment and job creation for the people of the region as a whole.

Importation of Fuel.

Jack Wall

Question:

118 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the guidelines set out by his Department in relation to the importation of coal to Ireland; the procedure an applicant should follow to obtain the necessary permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8598/08]

My Department has no function in relation to the import of coal to Ireland.

Work Permits.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

119 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in granting a work permit to a company (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if the matter will be expedited. [8603/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has indicated that they received an application in respect of the above named on the 26/03/2007.

This application cannot be considered until the applicant's immigration status has been resolved with the immigration authorities. However, in the event that his immigration status is resolved, the Employment Permits Section would consider the work permit application.

Competition Authority.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

120 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will request the Competition Authority to make a declaration under section 4(3) of the Competition Act 2002 in order to allow for negotiations between the Health Service Executive and undertakings such as pharmacists and general practitioners for whom the HSE is a monopoly customer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8632/08]

While any decision to issue a declaration is entirely a matter for the Competition Authority, it is open to any party to make a case to the Competition Authority why a particular category of agreements, decisions or concerted practices meets the various conditions specified in Section 4(5) of the Competition Act and to request the Authority to make a Declaration under Section 4(3) of the Act.

It is up to the party making such a case to provide the Authority with the necessary evidence that four conditions are satisfied.

It must improve the production or distribution of goods or promote technical or economic progress;

Consumers must receive a fair share of the resulting benefit

It must only contain restrictions which are indispensable to the attainment of the agreement's objectives; and,

It cannot lead to the elimination of competition in respect of a substantial part of the products in question.

In my opinion the negotiating parties, if they consider it appropriate, are best placed to make the case.

Job Losses.

Batt O'Keeffe

Question:

121 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will examine the case of a redundancy payment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [8644/08]

On 15 April 2004, the person to whom the Deputy has referred received his statutory redundancy entitlement payment of €26,918.70. The ceiling on weekly wages used in calculating statutory redundancy lump sums at that time was €507.90. Payment was then calculated on two weeks pay per year of service plus one extra week's pay.

It is the responsibility of my Department to ensure that every employee made redundant in the state who satisfies existing social welfare legislation as operated by the Department of Social and Family Affairs is paid his statutory entitlements in full. I am satisfied from the investigation carried out in my Department that the person in question received his statutory entitlements in full. Ex gratia payments are, however, a matter for the employer and employee and my Department has no involvement in any such arrangements.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

122 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action taken by his Department in each of the past five years to correct or adjust the competitive element of the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8668/08]

There are several mechanisms that my Department has established to ensure that emerging competitiveness issues are addressed expeditiously and responded to promptly.

In July 2005, I asked the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs to identify the skills required for Ireland to become a competitive, innovative, knowledge based, inclusive economy by 2020. In response the Expert Group undertook a detailed programme of research and a wide consultation process, the results of which led to the National Skills Strategy. The publication of the National Skills Strategy in 2007 has set an ambitious vision for the skills profile in Ireland in 2020. This Strategy sets out clear long-term objectives in developing our human capital through upskilling, training and education for the period to 2020. The Strategy was prepared on the basis of a cross-Departmental and whole of Government approach to the issues.

Science and Technology is a key driver in this Department's policy agenda for competitiveness and growth. The Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation 2006 — 2013 was launched in June 2006. Over the lifetime of the NDP, the State will invest €6.1 billion in Science & Technology.

Enterprise support policies have consistently evolved over the years to meet the needs of both foreign direct investment and growth orientated indigenous firms. Enterprise Ireland recently published its Strategy for 2008-2010 following on from its 2005-2007 Strategy which was directed at transforming Irish industry. IDA has for many years followed a strategy of active engagement with our companies to move more of their strategic and higher value activities to Ireland, thus capitalising on the key advantages which Ireland has to offer today. We continue to be very successful with this strategy as is evidenced by the on going flow of high quality projects won for Ireland. With regard to labour force development, FÁS liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the City/County Enterprise Boards to assist people in progressing towards employment, training or active labour market programmes. FÁS also works closely with the agencies to identify and support individuals who wish to start their own business.

One of the strengths of the Irish business environment over the last decade has been the light administrative and regulatory requirements faced by firms, particularly compared with other EU countries. One of the commitments in the Government's White Paper "Regulating Better" in January 2004 was to keep the State's regulatory institutions and framework under review. The subsequent report on the Introduction of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) outlines the steps necessary for developing full regulatory impact assessments while the Business Forum on Regulation which is chaired by my Department is working to identify disproportionate administrative burdens that may impede competitiveness This Forum provides a mechanism for increased dialogue on regulation between policy makers and business.

The role of the Department's regulatory agencies such as the Competition Authority, National Consumer Agency, ODCE and NERA all play an important role in enhancing the regulatory environment for business and consumers thereby contributing to competitiveness. Furthermore, the Department is actively implementing the measures recommended in the report of the Small Business Forum 2006.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

123 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of Irish jobs relocated to low cost economies in the past seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8669/08]

There are a variety of differing and complex factors and not just cost, which might influence a decision to relocate all or part of a firm's functions. Therefore, it is not possible to determine the number of jobs which have relocated to low cost economies. In addition to relative wage rates and other cost factors, these may include business takeovers, consolidations and changes in product or market focus. The offshoring of lower value-added functions is, however, part of the reality of modern global manufacturing for a highly developed economy such as Ireland.

While off-shoring can contribute to job losses for firms in some sectors, productivity gains achieved through off-shoring some activities also represents an opportunity to develop higher-end manufacturing and related activities domestically. Where job losses have occurred, these have for the most part been in low cost manufacturing. Other sectors, especially the services sector, are providing significant new employment opportunities. Since 1997, over half a million new jobs were created in Ireland and the numbers in employment now exceeds 2 million.

Ireland is no longer a low cost economy and manufacturers in particular are facing increased competition from producers in lower cost economies. The model of manufacturing in developed countries is changing and Irish enterprises are adapting to those changes and engaging in higher value added activities in order to compete in the global marketplace. This has been achieved as a result of increased productivity, technology levels and sophisticated skills of Irish employees.

One of the Government's main tasks is to ensure that Ireland remains an attractive place to do business, and to support the development of economic competencies higher up the value chain. In that regard, we continue to work to maintain and enhance our framework competitive conditions, and promote new areas of competitive advantage by developing our R&D base, investing in critical physical and communications infrastructures, and promoting tertiary education and lifelong learning and up-skilling to improve labour market flexibility, in line with the NDP and the Programme for Government.

Our priority remains the creation of high quality, sustainable employment, driven by companies with higher profitability, that are more technologically advanced and prove a better fit with the competitive characteristics of our economy, and are consequently less likely to move on the basis of simple cost influences.

Work Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

124 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications for work permits received in each of the past twelve months; the number approved, rejected or pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8670/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department has informed me that it is not possible to determine the number of Work Permit applications received as some applications are rejected in a pre screening process if they are evidently outside the criteria for granting a Work Permit and are not captured in the statistics.

The number of Work Permits issued from end January 2007 to end January 2008 was 23,539, of which 13,330 were renewals, the number rejected was 2,272 and the number of applications pending at 31st January 2008 was 1,439.

Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

125 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs he expects will be created in the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8671/08]

Forecasting employment figures is a perilous business and subject to a variety of unforseen extraneous variables influencing estimates of that nature. However, employment growth — being the excess of jobs created over jobs lost — is expected to continue to be positive in 2008, though growing at a slower pace than in previous years. In the Budget Outlook employment is forecast to grow by over 1% in 2008.

The Irish economy is undergoing a certain amount of adjustment and while the rate of employment growth is expected to slow it must be viewed in the context of historically unprecedented numbers of people in work. Since 1997, over half a million new jobs were created in Ireland and the number in employment now exceeds two million. Ireland is no longer a low cost economy however, and manufacturers in particular are facing increased competition from producers in lower cost economies. The model of manufacturing in developed countries is changing and Irish enterprises are adapting to those changes and engaging in higher value added activities in order to compete in the global marketplace. The services sector continues to provide significant new employment opportunities.

Competition for foreign direct investment (FDI) continues to be relentless but Ireland continues to punch above its weight when it comes to attracting overseas investment. While costs are higher, we have responded by positioning ourselves as a location for more advanced activities, with more qualified and better paying jobs.

Looking to the future, neither the Government nor my Department are complacent regarding the varied challenges facing the country's economy. One of our main tasks is to ensure that Ireland remains an attractive place to do business, and to support the development of economic competencies higher up the value chain. In that regard, we continue to work to maintain and enhance our framework competitive conditions, and promote new areas of competitive advantage by developing our R&D base, investing in critical physical and communications infrastructures, and promoting tertiary education and lifelong learning, in line with the NDP and the Programme for Government. Over the period of the new National Development Plan the Government will provide €3.3bn investment specifically to support the development of the indigenous and FDI enterprise base, in addition to NDP investment in infrastructure and skills.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

126 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the factors that are most obviously undermining the competitiveness of the economy; the action proposed to address the issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8672/08]

The National Competitiveness Council's Annual Competitiveness Report 2007 has identified three areas essential to improving our competitiveness position: costs, productivity growth and promoting an innovation intensive economy.

I agree with the NCC that, as part of our economic policy, seeking to maintain low inflation, promoting competition, the pursuit of sensible incomes policy, and keeping public spending growth at sustainable levels in the medium term are important. Doing this will allow us to keep the burden of taxation low, thus helping to maintain competitiveness and to maximise our economic potential. These are all part of our strategy to improve the cost environment and to enhance competitiveness. The Anti-Inflation Group which was reconstituted under Towards 2016 has actively engaged with the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the Competition Authority, the National Consumer Agency and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) with a view to co-ordinating and driving the fight against inflation on an informed basis.

There are several ways in which my Department is actively trying to improve productivity growth. I announced the establishment of the Management Development Council in May 2007. The Council brings together the key providers and users of SME management development training in Ireland. The Council has been charged with examining existing management development provision, while profiling gaps and proposing solutions to address them.

The enterprise Agencies are actively promoting more effective use of ICT among their client companies, also in an effort to improve productivity. Productivity improvements at firm level are vital to export competitiveness but the onus is on firms to work with our agencies to access the expertise available to improve their export capabilities. Enterprise Ireland's Productivity Improvement Fund provides support for capital equipment and automation as well as technology acquisition and the essential training and skills to optimise the use of new technology.

The Government has set a goal to become a leader in Research & Development and Innovation and has committed a budget of €8.2 billion under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013 towards achieving this goal. The objective of the Strategy is to build stronger relationships between the science and enterprise systems, particularly in application and commercialisation of R&D. It also aims to ensure the sustained development of human resources in science and technology. Our goal is to translate the NDP commitment in this area into a tangible return in terms of quality jobs, knowledge output and Irish competitiveness.

Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

127 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs lost and gained in County Kildare in the past seven years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8673/08]

Ireland is no longer a low cost economy and manufacturers in particular are facing increased competition from producers in lower cost economies. The model of manufacturing in developed countries is changing and Irish enterprises are adapting to those changes and engaging in higher value added activities in order to compete in the global marketplace. This has been achieved as a result of increased productivity, technology levels and the sophisticated skills of Irish employees. Competition for foreign direct investment (FDI) is also relentless but Ireland continues to punch above its weight when it comes to attracting overseas investment. While costs are higher, we have responded by positioning ourselves as a location for more advanced activities, with more qualified and better paying jobs.

The following tables set out the number of full time job gains and losses in enterprise agency assisted firms in Co. Kildare for each of the years between 2001 and 2007. Overall in the period in question 6433 new full-time jobs were created while job losses amounted to 6313. Additionally, in 2007 Kildare County Enterprise Board assisted in the creation of 147 net jobs in the county. From 2001 to 2007 the Board has assisted in the creation of 386 jobs throughout the County.

The enterprise development agencies are committed to promoting Kildare as a location for investment as part of an integrated East Region, with access to a population base of 1.5 million people, as well as supporting and developing businesses already present in the county.

Kildare has in recent years attracted some world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Braun Oral-B and Hewlett Packard. These companies continue to invest in the area, as evidenced by Hewlett-Packard Financial Services proposed expansion of their EMEA headquarters in Leixlip and Intel's plans to establish the Technology Research for Independent Living (TRIL) Centre in Ireland. Approximately $30 million will be invested in the TRIL Centre over a period of three years and Intel will collaborate with several leading Irish universities, including UCD, TCD and NUI Galway to create one of the largest research efforts of this type in the world. IDA Ireland is also working to attract the International Services, Software, Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors.

Enterprise Ireland activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies who are setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies. Since the beginning of 2003, EI has approved over €12m in support to companies in Kildare to help them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation and new product development in order that they can compete on world markets. The consumer foods sector in particular, has shown rapid growth in recent years. Over the last two years we have seen significant investment by Green Isle Foods and Dawn Farm Foods Ltd, both supported by Enterprise Ireland, leading to significant employment increases in both of these state of the art facilities.

Permanent Full-Time Job Gains and Losses in Enterprise Agency — assisted firms

Enterprise Ireland & IDA Ireland

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

01-07 total

Job Gains (Full Time)

691

1,027

971

1,135

1,020

910

679

6,433

Job Loss (Full Time)

-1,172

-884

-879

-800

-486

-844

-1,248

-6,313

Skill Shortages.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the skills of the labour force are adequate to meet future requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8674/08]

The Government is fully aware of the need to ensure that the skills of the labour force are adequate to meet the future requirements of the economy. That is why we established the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs in 1997 to provide advice to the Government on Ireland's future skills requirements and make recommendations as to how those needs could be met.

The work of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs has been central to forecasting Ireland's future skills requirements and identifying the appropriate strategies to meet them. The subsequent implementation of positive recommendations made by the Expert Group has significantly contributed to economic growth and job creation.

Last year, the National Skills Strategy report was launched. This report is based on comprehensive research undertaken at my request by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. It depicts an ambitious vision for the skills profile of Ireland in 2020 and sets out the advances necessary to realise it. The achievement of that vision should enable Ireland to develop a competitive advantage in the area of skills and ensure that we meet the evolving skills needs across the range of economic sectors.

The principle recommendation is on the need to upskill by 2020 an additional 500,000 people by at least one level on the National Framework of Qualifications. We will shortly establish an Inter-Departmental Committee that will be chaired by the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Minister Sean Haughey, T.D. This Committee will approve an implementation plan for the National Skills Strategy and oversee its activation.

In the interim we have continued with our investment in the continued development of Ireland's human capital. This year alone my Department will invest €77 million in training those in employment. The objective is to reach about 86,000 people. In total and in accordance with commitments contained in Towards 2016 and in the National Development Plan, we will invest approximately €7.7 billion in this vital area over the period 2007-2013.

The Government remains fully committed to providing enhanced education and training opportunities to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, all citizens have the necessary qualifications and skills to allow them both to lead successful and productive personal and vocational lives, on the one hand, and find enriching work in a national labour market that is characterised by quality jobs, high levels of productivity and competitive advantage vis-à-vis our trading partners.

Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created in the past 12 months; the number lost in the same period in both the manufacturing and service sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8675/08]

Over the last number of years there has been a significant churn in employment as is typical of a developed, open, and dynamic economy such as Ireland's. Ireland is no longer a low cost economy and manufacturers in particular are facing increased competition from producers in lower cost economies. Other sectors, especially the services sector, are providing significant new employment opportunities. Since 1997, over half a million new jobs were created in Ireland and the number in employment now exceeds 2.1 million.

Despite the manufacturing sector in Ireland experiencing a decline in employment in line with most developed OECD economies, it has achieved very significant increases in output, reflecting growing productivity in the sector. Nonetheless the Government is aware of the importance of the manufacturing sector to the Irish economy and the need to address the challenges it faces, if it is to continue to play a major role in the economy.

The following Table lists the number of Enterprise Agency assisted (Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Shannon Development and Údarás na Gaeltachta) full-time jobs lost and gained per sector in 2007. 13,925 full-time manufacturing jobs were created in enterprise agency-assisted firms, however these gains were offset by losses of 16,855. In the services sector 11,430 jobs were created, while 7,385 jobs were lost; giving a net gain in service sector jobs of 4,045. Overall there was a net gain of 1,115 in enterprise agency-assisted jobs. In addition the County Education Boards created 2,200 net new jobs.

As part of the commitments included under the partnership agreement ‘Towards 2016', I established a high-level group in manufacturing, to review the challenges facing the manufacturing sector and to identify further measures to meet those challenges. This Group, comprised of Industry, Employee, Government and Enterprise Agency representatives, is currently in the process of finalising a report outlining their views and recommendations to ensure that manufacturing continues to play a major role in our economy and will report back to Partnership shortly.

To compliment the work ongoing in the High Level Group on Manufacturing, Forfás have established a group to look at the challenges and opportunities faced by the services sector. From this group we hope to prepare and position Irish enterprise to adapt to the globalisation of services with the aim of achieving sustainable and competitive services enterprise in Ireland based on three strategic imperatives:

Increasing Ireland's services export base;

Growing a cadre of Irish services companies that can expand into international markets (Overseas Direct Investment); and

Developing productive and competitive locally traded services including their globalisation potential.

A report outlining how to maximise the future returns to Ireland from services activities in all enterprises, both current and potential, is due to be completed in the near future.

Enterprise Agency — assisted Full-time Jobs

(EI, IDA Ireland, Shannon Development, Udarás na Gaeltachta)

Full-time Job Gains

2007

All Sectors

25,355

Manufacturing

13,925

Services

11,430

Full-time Job Losses

2007

All Sectors

-24,240

Manufacturing

-16,855

Services

-7,385

Net Gains/Losses

2007

All Sectors

1,115

Manufacturing

-2,930

Services

4,045

Source: Forfas Business Information System (BIS) database.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which he or his Department continuously monitored the competitiveness of the economy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8676/08]

Competitiveness is a remarkably broad policy area covering many policies and is constantly under review and consideration both in my Department and across Government.

While there are a number of national and international organisations that monitor competitiveness, primary responsibility for considering competitiveness issues in the context of the work of my department lies with the National Competitiveness Council (NCC). Each year the NCC publishes two reports, the Annual Competitiveness Report that benchmarks Ireland's competitiveness position against international comparator economies, and the Annual Competitiveness Challenge. This report includes policy advice based on the findings of the benchmarking report.

Insurance Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is satisfied regarding the competitiveness of the insurance industry here in comparison with other European or Eurozone countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8677/08]

Motor insurance is provided in an open and competitive market where consumers can exert their influence. The cost of Motor Insurance, generally, has declined by 11% in the twelve months to December 2007. Motor insurance prices have dropped by 40% since April 2003 and at the end of Q3 2007 were at levels last seen in November 1997. This is due to various reasons such as increased competitiveness in the Irish market, the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and increased Garda enforcement including alcohol testing.

There are no comparative figures to assess motor insurance competitiveness across the EU. The nature of such insurance varies from State to State. In most of Europe, with the exception of Ireland and the UK, motor insurance is based on the vehicle rather than on the driver. Other factors which influence costs include size of market, medical costs and social supports which are available to injured persons together with repair of vehicle costs. Under the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016" the Government gave a commitment to review the cost of motor insurance for young drivers. The Department of Transport appointed external consultants in September 2007 to examine this matter. The report is expected shortly.

Supervision of insurance undertakings is the responsibility of the Financial Regulator (formerly known as the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority). The Financial Regulator has a wide regulatory remit covering consumer protection and prudential supervision of practically all of the financial services industry, including insurance, and the services provided by it. The Financial Regulator comes under the aegis of my colleague the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance.

Community Employment Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has provided sufficient funding to ensure the continuation and expansion if necessary of various community employment schemes throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8678/08]

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. CE aims to facilitate unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills. To achieve these objectives, FÁS works in partnership with community and voluntary organisations to provide much needed social services within a community based environment.

The aim of CE still remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed in a flexible way within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community. The Community Employment budget of €377m for 2008 has been provided.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Creed

Question:

133 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will ensure that persons who are not able to present themselves for collection of their social welfare entitlements due to physical disability or other acceptable circumstances are not caused undue hardship by the introduction of the new social welfare swipe card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8551/08]

The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers' includes payment at a local post office or to a bank or building society account; or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own personal circumstances.

The Department is implementing a three year strategy to change paper based payment instruments to electronic payments at post offices and financial institutions. The programme is being implemented on a phased basis to coincide with book renewal production schedules and as personalised payable order books expire.

The replacement of books with swipe cards will have no impact on customers paid at post offices. Customers will simply present their Social Services Card and sign for their payment in the normal way. An Post and the Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) are committed to assisting customers in the use of cards for collecting their payment.

For those customers who cannot collect their payment in person, the Department is putting arrangements in place to allow a nominated person collect their payment using a Social Services card.

John McGuinness

Question:

134 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be approved in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow, in view of their urgent need and the medical circumstances in the case. [8650/08]

The Health Service Executive has advised that the persons concerned are currently in receipt of a rent supplement of €160.07 per week. The community welfare officer advised that if they wish to source accommodation, in excess of prescribed rent limits, they should contact the community welfare service in the area in which they intend to reside. The community welfare officer will make a decision on their entitlement to increased rent supplement, in light of their particular circumstances.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

135 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on a carers allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that their oral hearing was held on 13 December 2007. [8658/08]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, at the oral hearing which took place on 13 December 2007, the appellant was afforded an opportunity to submit more up to date medical evidence in support of her case. On receipt of this evidence the Appeal Officer will further consider the appeal as a matter of urgency. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Leader Programmes.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

136 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the rural development programme 2006, that he announced at the ploughing match in 2005, will be put into operation; the reason for the delay; if there will be a loss to community or development groups or others; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8646/08]

I hope to shortly be in a position to commence the process of selecting the Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013. The funding available for the delivery of LEADER-type activities under the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007–13 will amount to €425.4 million — almost treble the €150 million available for the 2000–06 period.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department has over the past number of years been pursuing a process of cohesion of local delivery structures in order to simplify and enhance the effectiveness of the delivery of a range of local development programmes. Following extensive consultations with and between the local agencies to develop the most suitable configurations of groups, in the course of 2007, the Government decided on revised areas of coverage for local development groups and clarified the arrangements in relation to the membership of the boards of these bodies. LEADER and Partnership groups have been asked to give effect to these decisions and my Department has provided detailed guidelines to secure this outcome.

The realignment of local delivery structures will reduce the overall number of local development bodies from 94 to 55, comprising of 17 Partnerships in urban areas and 38 integrated LEADER/Partnership bodies in rural areas.

My intention is to have the cohesion process completed in advance of the roll out of the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme. The €425.4 million funding referred to above is available over the 2007–13 lifetime of the Programme and, accordingly, I am satisfied that there will be no loss to community or development groups.

At this stage, local development bodies are in place in some 50 of the 55 operational areas agreed by Government. The representative networks of LEADER and Partnership groups, whom I met on 31st January, have assured me that they are fully behind the Government's policy on cohesion and will endeavour to ensure that local delivery structures are in place across the full 55 areas in the coming weeks.

In one case, a LEADER group has made a complaint to the European Commission regarding the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and, in particular, the Cohesion Process. I am satisfied that our approach in this area is fully consistent with the European Regulations. My Department is closely monitoring the position.

School Milk Scheme.

Michael McGrath

Question:

137 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost basis of the school milk scheme, including details of the subsidy from the EU; and if the same amount is charged to children in schools across the country. [8665/08]

The School Milk Scheme provides for the payment of aid on milk products to school pupils and is co-financed by the EU and national governments. Commission Regulation (EC) No 816/2004 sets out the specific Community aid rates applying for whole milk under the Scheme. The aid rates were reduced by approximately 7% per annum from 2004 to 2007 in line with the general reductions in support prices brought about by the 2003 Mid Term Review of the CAP. However, the Exchequer has made up for this reduction in the EU contribution, and the overall aid rates have been maintained at €27.89/100kg. From 1 July 2007 the EU contribution is €18.15/100kg, with the balance of €9.74/100kg made up by the Exchequer.

The maximum price for milk payable by pupils under this scheme is set by my Department and is currently 20 cent per 250 ml. This applies to all participating schools.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

138 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding plans to transfer the responsibilities of coastal protection, coastal flooding and coastal zone management to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government; if there are plans to transfer any other coastal or marine responsibilities from her Department; if so, the Department to which they will transferred; and when it is expected the transfer will take place. [8528/08]

The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for:

(a) coastal protection, coastal flooding and all other aspects of coastal zone management and;

(b) foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade, and for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

139 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the marine, coastal and fisheries responsibilities currently held by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8529/08]

In accordance with the Government decision taken on the 9 October and on foot of the Sea Fisheries, Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2007, responsibility for the following legislation and associated functions has been transferred to my Department:

Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 (No. 8 of 2006);

Part 2 of the Maritime Safety Act 2005 (No. 11 of 2005) so far as that Part relates to a fishery harbour centre to which the Fishery Harbour Centres Act 1968 (No. 18 of 1968) applies;

Fishery Harbour Centres Acts 1968 to 2006;Sea Fisheries Acts 1952 to 1982;

Marine Institute Act 1991 (No. 2 of 1991) other than section 4A (inserted by section 30 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1999 (No. 35 of 1999));

Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2003 (No. 21 of 2003) except Part 5;

Aquaculture Acts 1997 to 2006;

Agricultural and Fishery Products (Regulation of Exports) Act 1947 (No. 18 of 1947) so far as that Act relates to sea fish and aquaculture products;

Agricultural Products (Regulation of Import) Act 1938 (No. 14 of 1938) so far as that Act relates to sea fish and aquaculture products;

Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005;

Dumping at Sea Acts 1996 to 2006;

European Communities (Quality of Shellfish Waters) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 268 of 2006) other than in respect of any function exercisable by virtue of being a prescribed public authority as referred to in Schedule 1;

European Communities (Sea Fisheries) (Conservation and Rational Exploitation of Scallops) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 297 of 2005);

European Communities (Sea Fisheries) Irish Sea Herring Fishing (Licensing) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 547 of 2005);

European Communities (Sea Fisheries) (Conservation and Rational Exploitation of Scallop) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 464 2005);

European Communities (Common Organisation of Markets in Fishery and Aquaculture Products) (Financial Compensation for Withdrawal and Carry-over Aid) Regulations 2004 (S.I. No. 398 of 2004);

European Communities (Veterinary Checks on Fish and Fishery Products Imported from Third Countries) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 548 of 2003);

European Communities (Financing of Veterinary Inspections and Controls on Fresh Fish landed by Third Country Vessels) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 547 of 2003);

European Communities (Labelling of Fishery and Aquaculture Products) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 320 of 2003);

European Communities (Minimum measures for the control of certain diseases affecting bivalve molluscs) Regulations 1999 (S.I. No. 26 of 1999);

European Communities (Trade in Fish) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 191 of 1997);

Regulations 7, 15 and 24 of the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997);

European Communities (Aquaculture Animals and Fish) (Placing on the Market and Control of Certain Diseases) Regulations 1996 (S.I. No. 253 of 1996) as amended by—

(a) European Communities (Aquaculture Animals and Fish) (Placing on the Market and Control of Certain Diseases) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (S.I. No. 377 of 2000);

b) European Communities (Aquaculture Animals and Fish) (Placing on the Market and Control of Certain Diseases) (Amendment) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 34 of 2001),

(c) European Communities (Aquaculture Animals and Fish) (Placing on the Market and Control of Certain Diseases) (Amendment) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 500 of 2005), and

(d) European Communities (Aquaculture Animals and Fish) (Placing on the Market and Control of Certain Diseases) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No 614 of 2006).

The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for the following functions would further transfer to Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government:

(a) coastal protection, coastal flooding and all other aspects of coastal zone management and;

(b) foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade, and for all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) and aggregate and mineral extraction developments on the foreshore.

My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions.

Grant Payments.

Willie Penrose

Question:

140 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be awarded their REPS 4 payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8558/08]

The person named has a REPS 4 contract with a start date of 1 February, 2008. Payments to farmers in REPS 4 are governed by a new Commission Regulation which reflects the Commission's objective of integrating and harmonising the operation of the various farm payment schemes including the Single Payment Scheme, REPS and the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. Inevitably, for all farmers with contracts in REPS 4 starting on or after 1 January this year, the new rules will result in some changes from the previous payment pattern. My officials are in detailed technical discussions with the Commission services and both sides are committed to introducing any new arrangements in a way that will alleviate the impact of these changes on farmers. I expect the matter to be clarified shortly.

Willie Penrose

Question:

141 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will receive a sheep grant which they applied for in December 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8559/08]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the application by the person concerned for grant-aid under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Further information in relation to his application for payment has been requested from the person concerned, and the application cannot be further processed until this information is received.

Michael Creed

Question:

142 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be awarded their farm installation aid. [8591/08]

The person concerned is an applicant for grant-aid under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme. My Department has recently received further information in relation to this application which is currently being examined. The outcome will be notified to the person concerned as soon as possible.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

143 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a forestry grant; the amount due; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8604/08]

A grant aid application for a maximum of €51,295 in respect of a plantation of 20.19 hectares was refused for environmental reasons by the Forest Service of my Department last year. That decision is currently the subject of an appeal by the applicant. The appeals process will require a further site visit and is expected to be finalized within the next three to four weeks.

Michael Creed

Question:

144 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been awarded installation aid; when they can expect to receive the aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8610/08]

The person concerned applied for grant-aid under the Installation Aid Scheme but was deemed ineligible as, inter alia, his application had been received outside the time-limits laid down in the Scheme. The applicant was notified of this decision by Department letter of 26 May 2006.

Road Safety.

Shane McEntee

Question:

145 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science when guidelines for the preparation of a road safety plan outside schools will be available to enable schools to prepare their own plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8532/08]

I believe that schools have a 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.

The Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) 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 February of 2007, the Road Safety Authority launched the RSA MACE "Safe to School" campaign at primary level. Due for its second phase in February of this year, the programme is aimed at helping primary school children learn effective road safety lessons. The 2007 campaign covered walking to school safely, in 2008 the campaign is focused around the topic of Cycling to School Safely. A dedicated website, www.safetoschool.ie, has also been launched as part of the campaign.

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.

In addition, a Road Safety programme for Transition Year, developed by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Second level Support Service is being piloted in schools in the current school year for rollout in the 2008/09 school year.

My Department will continue to work with the Road Safety Authority to strengthen the role of schools in promoting road safety even further.

In line with the Road Safety Strategy, my Department is preparing a template on a road safety protocol for inclusion in school plans. The target is to have this ready by the end of September 2008.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Creed

Question:

146 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will clarify a situation whereby a directive from her Department prohibits staff in the building unit in Tullamore from responding to telephone enquiries by members of the Houses of the Oireachtas regarding the situation in relation to school building projects; the reason all enquiries by public representatives must be channelled through her Department’s Press Office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8553/08]

It has been the practice, and remains the practice, that when an elected representative makes an inquiry with the Department, they are directed to the Correspondence Unit attached to the Minister's office in the Department, which specifically deals with such queries. The Press Office deals with queries from members of the press only. There has been no change in this practice.

Recently, there has been a re-organisation of the Planning and Building Unit of the Department, with the newly established Developing Areas Unit set up to progress school building projects in rapidly developing areas. This is the only change that has taken place in recent times.

Special Educational Needs.

Billy Timmins

Question:

147 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow who have submitted an application to her Department for full State recognition and appropriate funding for a centre of education for children in County Wicklow with autistic spectrum disorders; if she will ensure that children with autism in County Wicklow are treated equally to others and are given the same opportunities as the hundreds of children with autism attending the 12 ABA schools around the country; if their application will be sanctioned as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8567/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Government considers that as each child with autism is unique, they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs. This view is informed by advice received from international experts on autism, the National Educational Psychological Service and the Inspectorate. An analysis of research — including the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism — supports this approach too, while Autism societies in other countries also caution against relying on just one intervention.

By enabling children in special classes to have access to a range of methods, including Applied Behavioural Analysis, the Government is doing what we are advised is in the best interests of such children.

The Department of Education and Science does support the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. However, the Department does not accept — based on research, advice and best practice — that it should be the only intervention used. It is important that children have access to a range of approaches so that their broader needs can be met.

Children in special classes have the benefit of fully-qualified teachers who are trained in educating and developing children generally and who have access to additional training in autism-specific approaches, including ABA. The level of such training available to teachers has improved dramatically in recent years and is a major priority for the Government.

Children in special classes also have the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration into mainstream classes and of interaction with other pupils.

There are now in excess of 275 autism-specific classes sanctioned around the country. A number of years ago, before this extensive network was in place, some centres were approved for funding under an ABA pilot programme. The Government is committed to long-term funding for these pilots subject to agreement on certain standards which will enable the Department support them as special schools for children with autism. Discussions have taken place with Irish Autism Action with a view to advancing this commitment as soon as possible.

Other centres, including the one referred to by the Deputy, sought to be funded under the pilot scheme. However, now that a national network of special classes is available, new centres will not be brought into the pilot programme. We are determined instead to ensure that each child has access to the autism-specific education that is now being made available to schools throughout the country.

Brian Hayes

Question:

148 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of eclectic units currently within mainstream primary schools that have been established by her Department; the average number of children in such units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8570/08]

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the network of special classes for children with autism which have been established to provide an autism-specific child-centred education for enrolled pupils. Two hundred and seventy seven such classes have been sanctioned and each class can cater for up to 6 children with one teacher and a minimum of two special needs assistants.

Brian Hayes

Question:

149 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if the National Council of Special Education have undertaken an audit of special classes within mainstream primary schools to determine that the spread of such classes around the country is appropriate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8571/08]

Special schools and classes have made a significant and key contribution to the education of children with special educational needs across the State. In line with the Programme for Government, I am committed to continuing to expand the number of special classes to meet need. The NSCE will continue to make available a range of appropriate provision including special classes in various geographical areas as required.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

150 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the appointment of design teams (details supplied). [8578/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available, however, I have arranged for the details to be forwarded to him at an early date.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

151 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a guarantee that a school (details supplied) will be built in an area in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8583/08]

The proposed project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. Under the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 €4.5 billion will be invested in school's infrastructure. This is an unprecedented level of capital investment which reflects the commitment of the Government to continue its programme of sustained investment in primary and post primary schools. This investment will facilitate the provision of new schools and extensions in developing areas and the improvement of existing schools through the provision of replacement schools, extensions or large scale refurbishments over the next number of years. The progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. The project referred to by the Deputy will likewise be considered in that context.

I announced recently a list of schools which are due to go to construction in 2008 and 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.

Departmental Correspondence.

Brian Hayes

Question:

152 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the correspondence her Department has had with a person (details supplied); the action she will take in relation to these matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8590/08]

The issues raised in the correspondence are being considered by my Department and my officials will be in contact with the individual referred to by the Deputy regarding this matter.

School Curriculum.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

153 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason her Department is considering having English taught to children at an early age in Gaelscoilleanna when surveys have shown that, where young students are immersed in all Irish for the first years of their education, this proves to be of better benefit to them, considering the access they have to English at home and in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8599/08]

I would like to make clear that my Department is not preventing the operation of immersion models of education. My Department provides a range of supports to encourage the establishment of all-Irish schools and to encourage instruction and communication through Irish. The right of parents and children to choose education through the medium of Irish is fully respected, but this does not obviate the need for schools to implement all aspects of the national curriculum. What is at issue in this case is the requirement that schools should implement the minimum instruction time specified in the curriculum for English, and do so no later than the start of the second term in junior infant classes.

The revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 and provides an integrated programme of learning in the spheres of Languages, Mathematics, Social Environmental and Scientific Education, Arts Education, Physical Education, Social Personal and Health Education and Religious Education. Page 27 in the Introduction to the Curriculum states "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages." The curriculum also specifies a set of learning objectives for each area of the curriculum for 4 groupings — infant classes, first and second class, third and fourth class, and fifth and sixth class. It also sets out a suggested minimum weekly time framework for tuition. This provides that where a first language is being taught, there should be four hours instruction per week, and 3 hours per week where there is a shorter day for the infant classes. Where a second language is being taught, the suggested minimum timeframe is 3.5 hours per week, and 2.5 hours per week for infant classes with a shorter day.

Furthermore the achievement of the curriculum objectives in every curriculum area at each of the four levels of primary schooling is an over-riding requirement in all schools. I have therefore determined as a public policy issue that the introduction of a minimum of 2.5 hours per week for English as Language 2 in Irish medium schools should not be delayed beyond the start of the second term in Junior Infants. I am convinced of the importance of ensuring that all children have access to the full primary curriculum from the earliest possible stage.

Educational Programmes.

Enda Kenny

Question:

154 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the evidence based intervention programmes that have been introduced to primary schools in line with exemplars of good practice such as NEAPS and the Food Dude programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8613/08]

My Department supports the view that good nutrition is central to a child's educational development. Evidence from existing studies shows that there is a significant positive relationship between improved dietary status and school performance. A knowledge of what constitutes a nutritionally balanced diet is acknowledged as being of importance for students. To support this, nutrition education is featured in the curriculum in both primary and post primary level.

I am pleased to report that many schools have developed healthy eating policies in cooperation with their parents' associations. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Children has published Food and Nutrition Guidelines for schools. Many of the Health Service Executive Areas have health promotion programmes in place to assist schools in this regard. The EU is currently at consultation phase in relation to a proposed EU School Fruit Scheme which would be aimed at improving healthy eating patterns in schools. The lead Department in relation to this proposed EU scheme is the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Third Level Courses.

Enda Kenny

Question:

155 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if curricula in catering training colleges have been altered to put greater emphasis on healthy food options; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8614/08]

The responsibility for curriculum development is a matter for the higher education institutions, having regard to internal and external quality assurance systems, and institutional strategy. I would fully expect that institutions in so developing such curricula would have regard to maintaining the highest possible standard in the science and practice of human nutrition and dietetics.

School Transport.

Frank Feighan

Question:

156 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason school transport charges have increased for students in junior cycle from €33 to €46 per term and for students in senior cycle from €51 to €71 per term in the middle of the school year; if her attention has been drawn to the financial strain this is putting on many families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8618/08]

The charges payable by pupils availing of school transport services have not been increased since 1998. In order to reflect increases in the cost of providing school transport and to alleviate pressure on these costs, revised charges will be introduced with effect from the final term of the current school year, which begins after Easter 2008. The revised charges at Junior and Senior Cycles equate to about 82 cent and €1.27 cent per day respectively. I should point out that a maximum family contribution of €150 per term will apply. The term charge may be waived in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Denis Naughten

Question:

157 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the developments which have taken place since the formation of the Government to achieve a reduction in the pupil-teacher ratio in the classroom; her plans for 2008 to specifically deal with this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8637/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, major improvements have been made in staffing at primary level in recent years. There are now in the region of 6,000 more primary teachers than there were in 2002. By the 2006/07 school year, we had reduced the average class size in our primary schools to 24, while the pupil teacher ratio was 16.4:1, including resource teachers etc. In that year, schools were staffed on the basis of a general rule of at least one classroom teacher for every 28 children. Given that the national average was 24, many schools benefited from much more favourable staffing ratios than this. Extra teachers were provided by the Government for the 2007/08 school year to improve primary school staffing so that schools would generally get at least one classroom teacher for every 27 children.

A further initiative in recent years that has been of direct benefit to primary schools has been the change in the criteria for developing schools. For the current school year the threshold for getting a developing school post was reduced specifically to help schools that are seeing large increases in enrolments each year. Over 330 such posts have been sanctioned in the 2007/08 school year compared to 280 in 2006/07. The improvements we have made in school staffing in recent years are absolutely unparalleled. The Government is committed to providing more teachers to our primary schools over the next five years in order to reduce class sizes. We will also continue our focus on measures to improve the quality of education in our primary schools to ensure that increased resources lead to better outcomes for our children.

Special Educational Needs.

Denis Naughten

Question:

158 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the developments which have taken place since the formation of the Government to improve accommodation and services for children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, for children with a learning disability and to improve speech and language therapy and psychological assessments; her plans for 2008 to deal with these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8638/08]

In relation to improved facilities for children with autism, Asperger's syndrome and children with similar needs, the Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all children, including those with autism receive an education appropriate to their needs, preferably through the primary and post primary school network. There are now in excess of 275 autism-specific classes sanctioned around the country, an increase of over 60 since the formation of the current Government. The National Council Special Education (NCSE) will continue to establish classes where the need is identified. As part of the continuing expansion of services nationwide I recently gave recognition to the Rehab Group to become the patron of a new special school for children with autism in Limerick. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that this is being actively progressed between officials from my Department and the IAA.

The Deputy may be aware that in order to support teachers my Department has put in place a training programme for teachers in specific interventions associated with autism including TEACCH, PECS and ABA through the Special Education Support Service (SESS). A recent initiative has been the expansion of the SESS to enable it to recruit a behavioural specialist support team, led by a person with a PhD in ABA. Since May 2007 the number of psychologists employed within the NEPS service has increased from 128 to 138 and it is my intention to further increase this complement to 169 within 2008. In this regard, following a national recruitment process put in place in late 2007 by the Public Appointments Service, interviews are currently being held to form regional panels from which appointments to priority regions.

In common with many other psychological services, NEPS encourages a staged assessment process, whereby each school takes responsibility for initial assessment, educational planning and remedial intervention, in consultation with their assigned NEPS psychologist. Only if there is a failure to make reasonable progress in spite of the school's best efforts, will a child be referred for individual psychological assessment. This system allows the psychologists to give early attention to urgent cases and also to help many more children indirectly than could be seen individually. It also ensures that children are not referred unnecessarily for psychological intervention. A measure of the effect of the above mentioned expansion of NEPS psychologist numbers, in terms of assessments conducted, will be taken at the end of the current academic year.

The Deputy will be aware that a cross-sectoral team has also been established, comprising senior officials from my Department, the NCSE, the Department of Health and Children and the HSE to co-ordinate the implementation of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the relevant sections of the EPSEN Act 2004. Since the formation of the Government, a Minister of State has been appointed to have responsibility for Disability and Mental Health. The newly established Office for Disability and Mental Health will, through formal interdepartmental links, facilitate the delivery of integrated health and education support services for all children with special needs, including those with autism. As the Deputy will be aware the Health Services Executive is responsible for the delivery of health supports including therapies to children.

In 2002 my Department approved the provision of an additional 75 places on new courses in Speech and Language Therapy in U.C.C., N.U.I.G. and U.L. in addition to 25 places on an existing course in T.C.D. As a result there has been a significant increase in the numbers of Speech and Language Therapists graduating from universities in recent years. Some 93 Therapists graduated 2007 compared to 21 in 2004. It is understood from the Higher Education Authority that 109 places are currently offered annually on Speech and Language Therapy courses compared to 25 places in 2002.

In relation to associated facilities the Deputy will be aware that during the period of the last National Development Plan 2000-2006 my Department accelerated the school building programme with record levels of investment and the streamlining of delivery systems. An aggregate total of well over €2.6 billion was invested in upgrading existing school infrastructure and providing new school accommodation at both first and second-level, including the provision of facilities for autism and other special needs pupils. This programme delivered over 7,800 building projects. The overall investment in school building infrastructure over the lifetime of the new NDP will be €4.5 billion, including almost €600 million for the school building programme in 2008. Generally projects required for special needs pupils receive a high degree of priority in my Department. Significant development and improvements have been and will continue to be made in the range of areas identified by the Deputy.

Higher Education Grants.

John Curran

Question:

159 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding or grants available for a person who intends taking a course (details supplied). [8654/08]

The Higher Education Grants Schemes operate under the Local Authorities (Higher Education Grants) Acts, 1968 to 1992. Under the Higher Education Grants Scheme an approved course is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of at least two years duration or a full-time postgraduate course of not less than one year duration pursued in an approved institution. An approved institution is defined to mean a university, college or other institution of higher education in so far as it provides a course or courses of not less than two years duration, being a course, or courses, which the Minister for Education and Science approves for the time being for the purposes of the Acts.

Each year, the Higher Education Grants Scheme specifies a list of approved institutions for the purposes of the Schemes. The approved institutions mainly comprise of public funded third level institutions. I understand the course referred to by the Deputy is provided by a private college. There are no plans at present to extend the scope of the student support schemes to private colleges. Tax relief, at the standard rate of tax, is available on tuition fees paid to certain private colleges in the State. Further details and conditions in relation to such tax relief are available from the candidate's local tax office.

School Transport.

Frank Feighan

Question:

160 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason transport is not provided for a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon despite the fact that assurances were given to parents in this region. [8657/08]

The pupil, referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, is eligible for transport to the school in question. However, Bus Eireann which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department, has advised that, at present, there is not a sufficient number of eligible pupils in the locality, to warrant the establishment of a service. The position may be re-examined at a later date should more eligible pupils offer for transport.

In the circumstances, the Department has sanctioned a remote area grant towards the cost of private transport arrangements.

Schools Building Projects.

David Stanton

Question:

161 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 21 February 2008, the band rating of the school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8660/08]

The application from the school to which the Deputy refers has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a Band 2 rating.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

162 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when urgent placement will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8666/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

163 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when one on one precision teaching will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8667/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the matter of the enrolment of a pupil in the centre in question is a matter for the Board of Management of the centre.

I understand from enquiries that I have made, that the child in question is currently attending the ASD unit attached to the school referred to by the Deputy. While my Department does support the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use, we do not accept — based on research, advice and best practice — that it should be the only intervention available. It is important that children have access to a range of approaches so that their broader needs can be met.

I understand from enquiries that the child in question is currently attending a special class. At primary level, in classes such as the one this child is attending, there is a maximum of six children in each special class with a teacher and at least two special needs assistants (SNAs). An individual child can have access to full-time support from an individual SNA if he or she needs one. In such situations, the school authorities should consult with their local Special Educational Needs Organiser.

Institutes of Technology.

John Deasy

Question:

164 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided by her Department to each institute of technology in each of the years 2003 to 2007; and the budgeted funding allocated to each in 2008. [8716/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will issue directly to the Deputy by my Department shortly.

John Deasy

Question:

165 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students, full-time and part-time, enrolled in each institute of technology in each of the years 2003 to 2007. [8717/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is included in the following data.

2002-2003

Full-time

Part-time

Dublin Institute of Technology

10,240

5,634

Athlone Institute of Technology

3,466

365

Institute of Technology, Carlow

2,476

534

Cork Institute of Technology

6,068

3,187

Dundalk Institute of Technology

2,624

395

Galway — Mayo Institute of Technology

4,563

1,090

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

1,927

274

Limerick Institute of Technology

3,602

904

Institute of Technology, Sligo

3,441

400

Institute of Technology, Tallaght

2,297

1,371

Institute of Technology, Tralee

2,422

197

Waterford Institute of Technology

5,711

2,430

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

1,255

53

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

856

297

2003-2004

Full-time

Part-time

Dublin Institute of Technology

10,307

5,793

Athlone Institute of Technology

3,517

388

Institute of Technology, Carlow

2,510

513

Cork Institute of Technology

6,108

3,509

Dundalk Institute of Technology

3,111

719

Galway — Mayo Institute of Technology

4,983

1,108

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

2,041

124

Limerick Institute of Technology

3,639

794

Institute of Technology, Sligo

3,340

454

Institute of Technology, Tallaght

2,507

738

Institute of Technology, Tralee

2,485

205

Waterford Institute of Technology

6,062

2,460

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

1,355

55

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

1,027

353

2004-2005

Full-time

Part-time

Dublin Institute of Technology

10,353

5,328

Athlone Institute of Technology

3,269

276

Institute of Technology, Carlow

2,474

601

Cork Institute of Technology

6,205

3,344

Dundalk Institute of Technology

3,072

735

Galway — Mayo Institute of Technology

4,338

1,136

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

1,891

119

Limerick Institute of Technology

3,627

152

Institute of Technology, Sligo

3,472

465

Institute of Technology, Tallaght

2,364

693

Institute of Technology, Tralee

2,477

321

Waterford Institute of Technology

5,598

1511

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

1,423

71

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

1,096

318

2005-2006

Full-time

Part-time

Dublin Institute of Technology

10,457

5,264

Athlone Institute of Technology

3,512

333

Institute of Technology, Carlow

2,702

653

Cork Institute of Technology

5,823

2,935

Dundalk Institute of Technology

3,214

615

Galway — Mayo Institute of Technology

4,672

907

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

2,069

264

Limerick Institute of Technology

3,855

370

Institute of Technology, Sligo

3,706

603

Institute of Technology, Tallaght

2,048

793

Institute of Technology, Tralee

2,318

231

Waterford Institute of Technology

5,931

1,145

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

1,471

72

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

1,064

359

2006-2007

Full-time

Part-time*

Dublin Institute of Technology

10,552

N/A

Athlone Institute of Technology

3,232

N/A

Institute of Technology, Carlow

2,949

N/A

Cork Institute of Technology

5,710

N/A

Dundalk Institute of Technology

3,287

N/A

Galway — Mayo Institute of Technology

4,794

N/A

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

2,120

N/A

Limerick Institute of Technology

3,581

N/A

Institute of Technology, Sligo

3,604

N/A

Institute of Technology, Tallaght

2,116

N/A

Institute of Technology, Tralee

2,337

N/A

Waterford Institute of Technology

6,007

N/A

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

1,528

N/A

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

1070

N/A

*Part-time data for 2006/2007 is not available.

2007-2008

Full-time

Part-time

Dublin Institute of Technology

9,399

2,536

Athlone Institute of Technology

2,830

1,329

Institute of Technology, Carlow

2,928

43

Cork Institute of Technology

6,280

2,205

Dundalk Institute of Technology

3,446

763

Galway — Mayo Institute of Technology

4,448

747

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

2,051

112

Limerick Institute of Technology

3,384

396

Institute of Technology, Sligo

3,379

1,137

Institute of Technology, Tallaght

1,912

1,373

Institute of Technology, Tralee

2,075

741

Waterford Institute of Technology

6,361

954

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology

1,590

81

Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown

977

625

Garda Equipment.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

166 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if each divisional public service vehicle inspector must share surveying and other essential equipment with other PSV inspectors on a regional basis: the number of divisional PSV inspectors who do not have their own surveying equipment such as theodolites: if he has plans to ensure that every PSV unit has the necessary equipment to carry out their work as quickly and efficiently as possible; the amount his Department has estimated as the costs of fully equipping each divisional PSV unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8612/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the surveying equipment referred to by the Deputy is not required to carry out the role of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Inspector. PSV Inspectors are issued with a range of protective clothing and safety equipment in addition to mechanical equipment such as hydraulic jacks and a complete set of mechanics tools. The Garda authorities advise that they are satisfied that the Inspectors have access to the equipment necessary to support all aspects of their operational activities. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that the specific cost of equipment issued to PSV Inspectors is unavailable as such costs form part of the overall costs associated with providing this type of equipment to the wider Organisation.

The Garda authorities advise that the surveying equipment referred to by the Deputy is used by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and there are currently six sets of such equipment in use, one in each Garda region. Each regional Assistant Commissioner has located this equipment in the most strategically placed Garda station in their region, for use by specifically trained personnel. The availability, type, quantity and use of such equipment is kept under constant review by the Garda authorities within the context of their operational requirements. The total cost of the Forensic Collision Investigation equipment was approximately €303,000 or €50,500 per set.

Road Traffic Offences.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

167 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of motorists issued with penalty points on the M1 at Santry in 2006 and who were subsequently refunded their fixed charge penalty notice and had applied penalty points removed from their licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8524/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

168 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of penalty points that could not be applied in 2006 and 2007 due to a local authority not having a statutory by-law in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8525/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 168 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that, as a result of an issue arising from the local authority by-laws in force at the location referred to, 1,793 motorists who paid on foot of fixed charge notices are due to have their money refunded.

The awarding and removal of penalty points from driver records is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard Allen

Question:

169 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on the application for residency by a person (details supplied). [8560/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 27 February 2003 and made an application for asylum. His asylum 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 19 January 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.

Garda Stations.

Billy Timmins

Question:

170 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime statistics for the Blessington area, County Wicklow for 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of Gardaí on duty on week days and on Saturdays and Sundays in the area; the area they cover; if he will establish a full time Garda station as a matter of urgency due to the rapidly increasing population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8568/08]

I am informed by the Commissioner that the personnel strength of Blessington Garda station, as at 31 January 2008, is 16. For security and operational reasons, it is not Garda policy to disclose the number or percentage of personnel on duty in any specific area during any specific period of time.

The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation on any given day, personnel strengths of individual stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that increasing the opening hours of a Garda station would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all relevant factors into account. In that regard, the needs of the Garda stations referred to will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Following the submission in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Garda Deployment.

Finian McGrath

Question:

171 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will resolve a matter (details supplied). [8576/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in the Santry Garda Sub-District and is patrolled by foot and mobile patrols from that Garda station.

I am further informed that local Garda management is aware of a number of incidents of public disorder and drug related activity in the area concerned.

Additional Garda patrols, including patrols by the District Detective and Drug Units, the Community Policing Unit and the Mountain Bike Units, supplemented as required by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel, have been directed to pay particular attention to this area, with a view to ensuring a visible Garda presence.

I am also informed that since the beginning of 2008 there have been six arrests in the area concerned for various public order offences. There were two arrests made for possession of drugs with intent to supply and one arrest for simple possession.

Current policing policy in the area is predicated on the prevention of crime, including crimes of violence against persons and property, the prevention of public order offences and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of the residents. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of the policing service in this area.

Citizenship Applications.

Pat Breen

Question:

172 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason an application for a certificate of naturalisation has been refused for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8581/08]

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

periods for which proof of permission to remain cannot be provided

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in August 2007. On examination of the application it was determined that the applicant did not meet the above mentioned residency requirements. A letter informing her of this was issued on 28 January 2008.

It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application if and when she is in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

Crime Prevention.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

173 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the use of mosquito sirens which emit a high-pitched sound only audible to younger people as a means of deterring groups of young people from gathering in the vicinity of shops, and so on in view of the indiscriminate nature of such devices in causing discomfort to many young people who are innocently in their vicinity, including babies and small children who can become very distressed and are unable to explain to their parents what is upsetting them as their parents are unable hear the noise themselves; his views on whether their impact on innocent children constitutes a form of assault; his further views on whether legislation or guidelines governing their use would be appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8582/08]

I understand that the device referred to by the Deputy is used to deter people from congregating or loitering.

Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 creates the offence of assault and refers to the application of force. The section specifies that "force" includes application of, inter alia, noise.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that an instruction has issued to all members of An Garda Síochána that any complaints received regarding the use of such devices are to be fully investigated. The legislative provisions dealing with any form of assault are kept under constant review by my Department.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Richard Bruton

Question:

174 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the requirements on a retail outlet who seek to sell alcoholic drink in terms of the restrictions on the hours of sale and the obligation to avoid sales to underage persons; when the obligation to have a separate part of the premises that could be sealed off at certain hours was lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8585/08]

I refer the Deputy to the details of my response to Question No. 22 of 13 December 2007 in relation to the sale and supply of alcohol to underage persons. Provisions in relation to the restrictions on the hours of sale of alcohol in retail premises are set out in sections 2 (as substituted by section 3 the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 and amended by section 10 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003) and 3 (as amended by section 4 of the 2000 Act) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927. The requirement in the law to make sales at a dedicated counter in retail premises was repealed in 2000.

Court Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

175 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of judges that have a tip staff; the cost to taxpayer of the hiring of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8611/08]

Tipstaffs — more usually referred to as Ushers and Criers — are available to judges of the High Court and Supreme Court (Ushers) and judges of the Circuit Court (Criers). At present, there are 46 Ushers and 38 Criers.

The expenditure in 2007 for Ushers and Criers was:

€ ’000

Salaries, Wages & Allowances

2,725

Overtime

5

Travel & Subsistence

498

Total

3,228

Citizenship Applications.

Jack Wall

Question:

176 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the time scale envisaged by him in relation to cases within his Department that are to be determined by him as a result of the Supreme Court decisions in relation to the IBC/05 scheme; the number of cases to be determined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8619/08]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the cases of some 1200 applicants whose IBC/05 applications were refused remain to be considered in the context of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999.

Following the decisions of the Supreme Court which upheld the IBC/05 Scheme, and the refusal of applications under the Scheme, Officials within my Department are currently examining these cases and the persons concerned will be written to in this regard shortly.

Asylum Applications.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

177 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be reached on the application to remain on humanitarian grounds by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8623/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 19 May 2004, accompanied by two of her children. The person concerned and her two children made an application for asylum the following day. Their asylum application was refused following consideration of their 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 and her children were informed, by letter dated 24 August 2005, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of them. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of deportation orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and her children and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.

Residency Permits.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

178 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 1178 of 30 January 2008, if he has received an application for family reunification in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he will expedite the application in view of the apparent failure of the original application to reach his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8624/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 1178 put down for answer on 30th January 2008.

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that there is no record of any application for Family Reunification for the person in question.

A Family Reunification information leaflet detailing the application process for Family Reunification was issued to the legal representative of the person in question in October 2006 and again in September 2007 and to date there is no record of the completed application form having been received in the Family Reunification section of my Department.

Denis Naughten

Question:

179 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a request by persons (details supplied) in Dublin 24; when a decision will be made on the request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8643/08]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that representations were received in January 2008 on behalf of the persons referred to in the Deputy's question requesting that they be given temporary permission to remain.

I am also informed that both of the individuals concerned had work permits with permission to remain which expired in mid to late 2004. Applications for renewal of their work permits were made to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment by their employer but were subsequently withdrawn. The records also show that neither individual currently have applications pending for new work permits.

The Immigration Division of my Department will shortly be in touch with the individuals concerned outlining the options open to them.

Asylum Applications.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

180 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if matters raised by a residents committee (details supplied) in County Waterford with the Reception and Integration Agency have been looked into; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8652/08]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers through the Government policy of direct provision. The accommodation centre in question currently has 142 residents.

The RIA's House Rules and Procedures, applicable to all centres, set out general obligations on both management and staff and provides for a complaints procedure to be used by both management and residents where it is believed that a breach of these obligations has occurred. RIA treats all complaints, whether from management, residents or third parties equally. A key element of these Procedures is that issues are best resolved locally and informally. (I might add that the ongoing review of these House Rules and Procedures involving, inter alia, several asylum seeker support groups is at an advanced stage.)

I am informed by RIA that a faxed version of the correspondence referred to in the question was first received on 25 February 2008 and this outlines a number of issues raised by the residents committee at the accommodation centre. These matters are currently being examined by RIA and a considered response will issue in due course.

Departmental Correspondence.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has received correspondence from the legal representatives of persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8680/08]

I can inform the Deputy that both of the persons referred to by him have, through their legal representatives, submitted applications for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, S.I. No. 518 of 2006. These applications are under consideration at present. When consideration of these applications has been completed, the persons concerned will be individually notified, in writing, of the outcome.

In the event that the Subsidiary Protection applications are refused, the individual case files of the persons concerned, including all representations submitted, will then 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 files of the persons concerned will be passed to me for decision.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

182 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 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8681/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State as an unaccompanied minor on 7 December 2004 and applied for asylum on 16 December 2004. 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 9 January 2006, 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:

183 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 Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8682/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State as an unaccompanied minor on 28 August 2006 and applied for asylum. The 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), he was informed, by letter dated 16 June 2007, 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. In addition, he was notified that he was eligible to apply for Subsidiary Protection in accordance with regulations known as the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, S.I. No. 518 of 2006, which came into force on 10 October 2006. 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 then 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.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

184 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for leave to remain in the State in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; his views on same in the context of recent documentation forwarded to his office in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8683/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 222 of Thursday 14 February 2008 and the written reply to that Question. The person concerned arrived in the State on 10 June 2003 and applied for asylum on 11 August 2003. 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 2 August 2005, that the Minister proposed to issue 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 were received on behalf of the person concerned.

Following the detailed consideration of his case, as an exceptional measure and subject to certain stated conditions, the person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State for an initial period of three years until 18 February 2011. The person concerned was made aware of this decision by letter dated 20 February 2008.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

185 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8684/08]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8685/08]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8686/08]

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.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the matter of family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8687/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 208 put down for answer on the 21st February 2008. 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. The Immigration Division will shortly contact the person in question to request documentation and on receipt of same the application will be processed further.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

189 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 Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8689/08]

I would refer the Deputy to the Reply I gave to his Dáil Question No. 253 of Thursday 5 July 2007 and to the Reply I gave to his Dáil Question No. 195 of Thursday 8 November 2007. The status of the person concerned is as set out in those Replies. The Deputy might wish to note that the person concerned is the subject of a Deportation Order, has been evading deportation since January 2005 and is therefore illegally present in the State since then.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8690/08]

The Deputy may wish to note that in the details supplied, the reference number does not correspond with the name provided. I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the person whose name he supplied. Notwithstanding this, 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8691/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of Thursday 19 October 2006 and the written Reply to that Question.

The person concerned arrived in the State on 5 June 2001, as an unaccompanied minor, and applied for asylum on 22 June 2001. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), he was informed, by letter dated 10 March 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of submitting written 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:

192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8692/08]

The reference number supplied by the Deputy refers to a male applicant with a similar name. This person arrived in the State on 30 January 2005 and made an application for asylum. His asylum 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 10 May 2006, 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:

193 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. [8693/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 23 May 2001 and made an application for asylum. His asylum 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 28 February 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress, since 24 April 2007, in the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8694/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 937 of Wednesday 26 September 2007 and No. 209 of Tuesday 24 April 2007 and the written Replies to those Questions.

The person concerned arrived in the State on 11 November 2002 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 26 February 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:

195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8695/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 244 of Thursday 6 December 2007 and No. 959 of Wednesday 26 September 2007 and the written replies to those Questions.

The person concerned arrived in the State on 30 April 2000 and applied for asylum. His asylum 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 30 July 2002, 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 were submitted on behalf of the person concerned.

Following consideration of his case, as an exceptional measure and subject to certain conditions, the person concerned was granted temporary permission to remain in the State until 20 December 2010. He was notified of this decision by letter dated 20 December 2007. This letter was re-issued on 10 January 2008.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

196 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the matter of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8696/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of Thursday 31 January 2008 and the written Reply to that Question.

The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 July 2003 and applied for asylum. The 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), he was informed, by letter dated 7 July 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 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 then 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

197 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the matter of residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8697/08]

The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 18 September 2001, as an unaccompanied minor, 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), he was informed, by letter dated 24 June 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 second named person concerned applied for asylum on 23 January 2003. Her claim was refused at first instance by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, a position that was set aside by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal who recommended that the person concerned should be recognised as a refugee. Based on this latter recommendation, the person concerned was issued with a formal declaration of refugee status by a representative of my Department, acting on behalf of the Minister, by letter dated 10 January 2005. This communication also advised the person concerned of the rights and entitlements accompanying refugee status in the State. The second named person concerned continues to hold the status of refugee in the State.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

198 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for leave to remain in the State by persons (details supplied) in County Meath; his views on same in the context of recent documentation forwarded to his office in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8698/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 254 of Thursday 31 January 2008 and No. 349 of Wednesday 27 September 2006 and the written Replies to those Questions.

The first named person was granted permission to remain in the State on 9 July 2002 on the basis of his parentage of an Irish born child. This position still obtains. The second named person arrived in the State on 12 November 2004 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), she was informed, by letter dated 25 April 2006, re-issued on 4 May 2006, 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 temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered before the file is passed to me for decision.

In relation to the Deputy's enquiry regarding recent documentation forwarded to my Department, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's records show that the most recent documentation submitted on behalf of the (second named) person concerned was received in my Department on 27 July 2006.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

199 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the intended or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8699/08]

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.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

200 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress that has taken place in the past six months in the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8700/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 971 of Wednesday 26 September 2007 and the written reply to that Question.

The person concerned arrived in the State on 26 June 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), he was informed, by letter dated 30 June 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 reasons as to why he should be allowed to remain temporarily 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 will be considered in due course. 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 then 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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

201 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8701/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 91 of Thursday 1 February 2007 and No. 89 of Thursday 12 October 2006 and the written replies to those Questions.

The person concerned arrived in the State on 25 July 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), he was informed by letter dated 3 February 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.

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 then 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.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

202 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 Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8702/08]

I would refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to his Dáil Question No. 218 of Thursday 14 February 2008. The status of the person concerned remains as set out in that reply.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for leave to remain in the State in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; his views on same in the context of recent documentation forwarded to his office in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8703/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 1032 of Wednesday, 26 September 2007 and the written reply to that Question.

The person concerned arrived in the State on 29 April 2003, as an unaccompanied minor, and applied for asylum on 12 June 2003. 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), he was informed, by letter dated 8 September 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 submitting written 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.

In relation to the Deputy's enquiry regarding recent documentation forwarded to my Department, I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's records show that the most recent documentation submitted on behalf of the person concerned was received in my Department on 26 May 2006.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8704/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 196 of Wednesday 21 February 2007 and No. 193 of Tuesday 14 November 2006 and the written replies to those Questions. The person concerned arrived in the State as an unaccompanied minor on 13 January 2004 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), he was informed, by letter dated 27 October 2005, re-issued on 17 November 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 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.

Recycling Policy.

Michael Ring

Question:

205 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to educate people in relation to recycling and the use of compost bins and any other such items that can be used to divert waste from landfill. [8536/08]

The Race Against Waste Campaign, which commenced in 2003, has been the most extensive waste information campaign ever run in Ireland. The campaign combined a multimedia national awareness campaign and a supporting communications strategy which aimed to stimulate the prevention, reduction, reuse and recycling of waste. It featured initiatives and practical measures that could be taken by individuals and businesses in helping to solve waste management problems, including extensive information on recycling and composting.

The campaign directly engaged specific audiences who are generating waste — communities, businesses, large organisations and homes — with the objective of improving environmental behaviour. It provided advice and information directly to the public through a lo-call telephone line and e-mail; ran a programme of action for businesses, including nationwide seminars; and informed the public through on-going public relations and advertising campaigns.

The main campaign concluded in October 2006 but certain elements have continued and a number of initiatives under the Race Against Waste campaign have been undertaken since then. Information on composting and recycling is also provided through the Department's Environmental Information Service, ENFO. In addition, my Department provides significant funding to the Green Schools Initiative, which is administered by An Taisce. The programme encourages environmentally sound waste management practices and includes specific actions on waste minimisation, recycling and composting. Over 2,800 schools are participating in the programme which represents 65% of all schools in the State.

Aspects of waste management will also be addressed as part of the Government's new major communications and public awareness campaign focusing on climate change. My Department constantly assesses the need for additional awareness and education initiatives in relation to waste issues.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

206 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the marine, coastal and fisheries responsibilities currently held by her Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8537/08]

My Department has the lead role in promoting the co-ordinated implementation of the Water Framework Directive, which relates to all land areas and to coastal waters, and deals with those aspects of the OSPAR Convention which relate to marine pollution from land-based sources, including discharges of radioactive substances and to biodiversity. I also have powers under the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 in respect of marine or coastal sites including proposing areas for designation as special areas of conservation for marine or coastal habitats or species, or as special protection areas for birds.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a Dublin Bay Area Task Force to maximise the potential of the Bay for the people of the capital city. I am currently finalising arrangements to facilitate the establishment of the Task Force and my Department will be closely involved in its work. My Department has no responsibility with regard to fisheries.

Waste Management.

Michael Ring

Question:

207 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn, in relation to businesses and competitiveness, to the effect the new landfill tax will have on the private sector and particularly for small businesses here; and his plans to alleviate the costs in relation to these small businesses. [8538/08]

I am not proposing to introduce a new tax or levy as the existing landfill levy has been in place since 2002. I have announced my intention to increase, by 31 March 2008, the levy from €15 per tonne to €20 per tonne for waste legally deposited, and €20 per tonne to €25 per tonne for waste illegally deposited. Landfill gate fees have fallen dramatically in recent years and this factor is impacting on the necessary diversion of biodegradable municipal waste from landfill. The practice of deploying economic instruments such as landfill taxes as economic drivers to promote recycling and diversion of waste from landfill is widespread in the EU. In the recently published National Waste Report for 2006, the EPA identified a number of policy instruments, including increased landfill levies, that could help increase the diversion rate of biodegradable waste from landfill and assist in the efforts to meet the very challenging diversion targets set for this waste stream in the EU Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC).

As the levy applies only to waste going to landfill, the proposed increase will encourage all sectors of society, including small businesses, to maximise their recycling and recovery of waste. An increase in recycling rates by small businesses may lead to an actual reduction in their overall waste costs. Therefore I do not consider it necessary to introduce any special measures to offset the potential additional costs of small businesses.

The landfill levy generates income for the Environment Fund that can be used for a range of environmentally beneficial purposes, including improved enforcement measures, grant aid of local authority recycling infrastructure and assistance towards the costs of remediation of closed or so called ‘legacy' landfills. This increase will allow further support for local authority recycling infrastructure to assist acceleration in recycling activity which will, in turn, contribute to meeting the landfill diversion targets.

Archaeological Sites.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

208 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken to ensure protection of archaeological heritage at both Lismullen and Rath Lugh; if he has ensured that in accordance with his powers under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004, that any necessary consents to work in the vicinity have been applied for; if, in this regard, there has been monitoring of Lismullen and Rath Lugh; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8542/08]

I placed a temporary Preservation Order on the national monument at Rath Lugh, on 28th September 2007, under Section 4 of the National Monuments Act 1954 (as amended).

To assess the stability of the esker on which the monument at Rath Lugh is located I commissioned a report from a firm of consultants with relevant expertise in this matter. The report I have received recommends that a number of precautionary measures be put in place to ensure that the esker is not undermined during the nearby road construction works or in the longer term. My Department is working with the NRA to ensure the ongoing protection of the national monument including the implementation of the measures outlined in the consultant's report.

My Department has also been in contact with Coillte, the registered owner of the lands on which the national monument at Rath Lugh is located, to agree on how the monument can best be protected both now and in the longer term. Coillte has assured us of its fullest co-operation to ensure protection is afforded to the national monument and of its continued engagement with the Department in this matter.

All archaeological works in relation to that part of the national monument at Lismullen within the landtake for the M3 motorway have been completed in line with the statutory directions issued in this matter in June 2007. Post excavation analysis of all of the archaeological evidence recovered from the site has commenced and will continue over the course of the next 12 months. In accordance with its terms of reference the Lismullen Advisory Committee has provided, and will continue to provide, advice to the NRA and its consultants in relation to the analysis and reporting on the archaeological finds at Lismullin.

In order to ensure the protection of that part of the national monument which lies outside the land-take for the M3 motorway, I have entered it on the Register of Historic Monuments.

In relation to ongoing archaeological monitoring, all topsoil stripping and ground reduction works necessitated by the construction of the M3 are monitored by the archaeological consultants employed by the construction company. Such archaeological monitoring was provided for in the Ministerial Directions for the M3 issued in 2005, and the method statement for the monitoring was approved by my Department in April 2007 prior to the commencement of the main construction contract.

Local Authority Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

209 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the increase in population and open spaces and roads in charge, he will lift the recruitment embargo on Fingal County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8633/08]

Consultations are ongoing with the Department of Finance in relation to the current ceiling on local authority staff numbers including impacts in relation to increased servicing requirements in areas which have experienced high population growth.

Noise Pollution.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

210 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the noise restrictions that apply to licensed premises located within apartment developments; the recourse available to residents disturbed by noise from such premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8663/08]

Section 107 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 provides local authorities with powers to require measures to be taken to prevent or limit noise from commercial premises. Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, a person may also seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated, including noise from discos, pubs and other social venues. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation.

In addition to the above, I understand that under Section 4 of the Courts (No.2) Act 1986, any person is entitled to object to the renewal of an intoxicating liquor licence at the annual Licensing Court. In accordance with the Programme for Government, I am currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

211 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if legislation exists or is planned to deal with situations where residents of apartment buildings are disturbed during normal sleeping hours by the noises created by their building’s ventilation system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8664/08]

This is a matter for the owners and residents of apartment buildings. I have no function in this matter.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

212 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the marine, coastal and fisheries responsibilities currently held by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8533/08]

Following the making of the Sea Fisheries, Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 2007 (SI No. 707 of 2007), my Department is responsible for the conservation, development, protection, management and improvement of all inland fisheries within the 12 mile limit, in accordance with the Fisheries Acts, 1959 to 2006.

Under the Continental Shelf Act 1968 my Department has responsibility for delineating Ireland's Continental Shelf and for regulating exploration for and exploitation of its natural resources. Related installations on Ireland's Continental Shelf require the approval of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The Department has responsibility for implementing the INFOMAR Programme (a successor to the Irish National Seabed Survey (1999-2005)). Undertaken through its Geological Survey of Ireland in a joint venture with the Marine Institute, its purpose is to map the physical, chemical and biological resources of the near shore environment.

My Department also has policy responsibility for encouraging offshore wind, wave and tidal energy generation, which is delivered through its renewable energy support programme. I have no other responsibilities in relation to marine or coastal matters.

Telecommunications Services.

Michael Creed

Question:

213 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if broadband will be rolled out in a village (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8609/08]

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. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services, by competing private sector service providers.

The widespread provision of broadband services continues to be a priority for the Government. In that regard my Department has undertaken initiatives to address the gaps in broadband coverage. These include providing grant-aid under the recently concluded Group Broadband Scheme and investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).

There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is underway. The NBS will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband in unserved areas, including any unserved areas in County Cork, are met.

The first phase of the procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. The four candidates were, in alphabetical order, BT Communications Ireland Ltd. Consortium, Eircom Ltd, Hutchinson 3G Ireland Ltd and IFA/Motorola Consortium.

Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate, the remaining three candidates have now commenced "Competitive Dialogue" with my Department and are developing their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of Kildare. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected and appointed in June 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter.

Top
Share