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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Apr 2008

Vol. 652 No. 2

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 7, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 8 to 71, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 72 to 79, inclusive, answered orally.

Departmental Advertising.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

80 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of the current climate change media campaign to date; the expected expenditure in the future; the number of website hits he expects per year; if there is monitoring of results of such an investment; the way this campaign differs from previous public information campaigns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14321/08]

The over-riding goal of the Government communications and public awareness campaign on climate change, the Change Campaign, is to engage the nation in such a way as to drive significant behavioural change to reduce and avoid greenhouse gas emissions. The strategic starting point is to create a shared understanding of the challenge. This is being done through working with stakeholder groups, through TV, radio and outdoor advertising, the use of web-based tools, public events and intensive media engagement.

The Change Campaign differs from most other public information campaigns in that the approach includes a significant stakeholder engagement element. Much of the resources of this campaign will be used to work in partnership with stakeholders from various sectors to develop appropriate, relevant and useful tools and techniques to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The approach was previously used by my Department in the very successful Race Against Waste Campaign. The cost of the Change Campaign for its first two years will be €12.5m exclusive of VAT, to be paid for from the Environment Fund. To date, over €1 million (€1,009,980.43) has been paid. Comprehensive evaluation and monitoring systems have been put in place to track the effectiveness of the campaign in delivering on its objectives. A quantitative benchmarking barometer, which covers a nationally representative sample of adults, will be used to track the effectiveness of the advertising element. In addition, qualitative research will be conducted periodically to steer the strategic thrust of campaign messaging.

The campaign website, www.change.ie, will be an important vehicle for providing information to the public. Its effectiveness in fulfilling this task will be measured through monitoring the number of unique visitors to the site, the amount of time people remain on the site and the areas of the site that they visit. The number of people who register with the site, use the carbon calculator and subscribe to the electronic newsletter will also be monitored. Given that a campaign of this scale, on an issue as complex as climate change, has not been undertaken previously in Ireland, it is difficult to make any meaningful prediction about the number of website hits. For the Stakeholder Engagement aspect, an initial benchmarking exercise will be undertaken to establish the current knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of those with whom we hope to engage. This measurement will be repeated at intervals throughout the campaign to assess progress. We will also monitor the number of organisations engaging with the campaign through their attendance at events and their use of the Carbon Management Tool, which will be developed as part of the campaign.

The campaign also seeks to engage print and broadcast media to help communicate its messages to the public. All media coverage generated will be tracked and evaluated on a daily basis to measure effectiveness. At the end of each year, a comprehensive and independent analysis of all media coverage will be commissioned to evaluate the effectiveness of this aspect of the campaign. The Change Campaign will serve a vital purpose in helping individuals and organisations from all sectors of our economy and society to address the challenges that climate change presents. It will do this in a positive way that encourages people to play their full part in contributing towards Ireland's response to this global challenge.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

81 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the €50 collected as part of the €70 Private Residential Tenancies Board registration fee is ring fenced for allocation to the local authority in whose area it is collected to enable it to perform its functions under the Housing Acts; and the monitoring that is undertaken by his Department to ensure that the money allocated is used for the purpose intended. [14448/08]

The Residential Tenancies Act 2004 provides for a registration fee of €70 per tenancy where it is registered with the Private Residential Tenancies Board within one month of the tenancy's commencement. €50 of each €70 fee is used to create a pool of funding from which allocations are made to local authorities to assist them in carrying out their functions in relation to private rented accommodation standards and rent books. Monies from this fund are allocated to local authorities on the basis of a formula which takes into account:

(a) the number of registered tenancies within each local authority area,

(b) each authority's inspections targets for the particular year, and

(c) the actual number of inspections carried out, as reported by local authorities.

Funding is increasingly being related to inspection performance. Half of the allocation for 2007 is based on actual inspections carried out and it is proposed to make allocations increasingly related to performance in the future. Accordingly, while allocations will continue to take account of the number of tenancies registered in a local authority's area, the increasing linkage to inspection performance means that where a particular authority's inspection activity is low relative to others, this will be reflected in a reduced allocation. In overall terms, significantly increased funding is being made available to local authorities in respect of their enforcement activities in relation to private rented accommodation. Over €2m was provided in 2006, an increase of 33% over the corresponding funding in 2005. A further €3m was allocated in respect of 2007, bringing total funding for this purpose since 2004 to approximately €7m. It is hoped to increase further the level of funding in 2008 in the light of returns on local authority performance.

Planning Issues.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

82 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to review planning Part V legislation to stop the practice of some local authorities taking mostly cash payments instead of finished housing units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14340/08]

A review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, undertaken by my Department in 2002 in consultation with a wide range of interested bodies including local authorities and representatives of the house building industry, professional institutes and voluntary housing providers, concluded that greater flexibility in the operation of the Part V mechanism was required. The review was based on maintaining the principle of community gain while allowing greater flexibility in meeting it. Measures to achieve this were contained in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002 which introduced a range of options for compliance with Part V.

The default option for satisfying Part V remains the transfer of a proportion of the land which is the subject of the planning application. Where the Part V agreement is to be satisfied by means other than the provision of land on-site, the planning authority must consider a range of factors, including whether it will contribute effectively and efficiently to the achievement of the objectives of the housing strategy, and whether it constitutes the best use of the resources available to the authority to ensure an adequate supply of housing. It must be emphasised, therefore, that the legal obligation under Part V can be satisfied by way of a financial contribution only if the local authority considers it appropriate.

While the Government's clearly stated preference is for Part V to be satisfied through the delivery of completed homes, circumstances can arise in which a financial contribution may be appropriate. For example, in cases where Part V would yield only a small number of very expensive social and affordable homes, a financial contribution may provide an opportunity to support the delivery of a greater number of homes elsewhere. All monies received by local authorities under Part V must be ringfenced for reinvestment in the provision of social and affordable housing. Given that the vast bulk of the significantly increased delivery under Part V is in the form of completed homes or land, I am satisfied that the process is operating effectively.

Election Management System.

Liz McManus

Question:

83 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs to date of the development, roll out and promotion of the electronic voting and counting system; the costs to date of storage and maintenance of the system; the action that is required, by which agency and the timescale to facilitate the re-introduction of the stored machines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14454/08]

The total cost incurred to date in the development and roll-out of the electronic voting and counting system is €51.3 million (including some €2.6 million in respect of awareness and education initiatives). In addition, information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage costs incurred by them in respect of the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment in 2007 is some €489,000, with figures for 2004, 2005 and 2006 amounting to some €658,000; €696,000; and €706,000 respectively. The electronic voting machines do not require maintenance on an ongoing basis. Costs incurred to date in respect of the movement of the electronic voting equipment to centralised storage arrangements are some €328,000. Further costs will be incurred in relation to the completion of these arrangements, including buy-out costs.

The Commission on Electronic Voting concluded in its Second Report on the Secrecy, Accuracy and Testing of the Chosen Electronic Voting System, which was published in July 2006, that the voting equipment chosen for use in Ireland could be used, subject to further work which it also recommended. This included the replacement of the election management software, as well as adaptations to the equipment and further end to end testing. I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to this project. In this, I am taking into account the work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, relevant experiences and developments internationally, and the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as well as the provisions in the Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Joe Costello

Question:

84 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that in 2006 Cork County Council inspected 0.02% of registered dwellings and Donegal County Council inspected 88% of registered dwellings. [14446/08]

Joe Costello

Question:

103 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the number of houses registered in the Cork City Council local authority area in the years 2004, 2005 and 2006 was 987, 5014, and 8543; the number of houses inspected in those years was 730, 794, and 780; the quantum of funding allocated to Cork City Council in regard to accommodation standards was €93,957 in 2005, €136,019 in 2006 and €91,319 in the first tranche of funding in 2007; and if in view of the significant increase in the number of registrations he is satisfied with the level of inspection and that the funding allocated was being applied appropriately. [14447/08]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

111 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is his expectation that local authorities should inspect registered dwellings annually, once in four years, or on change of tenancy. [14445/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 84, 103 and 111 together.

Standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Failure to do so is an offence, subject, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €3,000, or a term of six months in prison or both and €250 for each day of a continuing offence. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department. Details of the inspections of private rented accommodation carried out, the dwellings inspected which did not meet the statutory standards and prosecutions initiated up to 2006 are included in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Similar information in respect of 2007 is not yet available.

The system of funding local authority inspection activity is currently in a stage of transition, from one based solely on numbers of tenancy registrations to one based more on inspection performance. Consequently, where a particular authority's inspection activity is low relative to others, this is reflected in reduced allocations. For 2007, a first tranche (€1.5m) of funding issued to local authorities in October 2007, based on the number of registered tenancies and inspection targets for 2007, as reported by local authorities. The second tranche (€1.5m) of this funding will issue shortly to local authorities, based on their inspection outturns for 2007.

It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide on the specific details of its inspection arrangements. However, in discharging their responsibilities in relation to the private rented sector, authorities should have regard to the report — Good Practice Guidelines for Local Authorities on Standards in the Private Rented Sector: Strategic Planning, Effective Enforcement — published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007, which makes a range of recommendations on matters relevant to inspection procedures such as identifying and targeting inspection requirements. I am confident that the move towards more performance-related funding has already led to more active inspections regimes and will continue to do so in the period ahead. I am also encouraged by the preliminary inspections figures for 2007 which I am confident will, once finalised, show a continuing and substantial increase in inspections by local authorities.

Strategy on Homelessness.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

85 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans in place to develop services and implement the Government strategy to end homelessness by 2010; if these plans have been put on hold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12120/08]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

95 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his updated plans, in conjunction with other Departments, to meet the Government’s commitment outlined in the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to eliminate homelessness by 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12460/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 95 together.

Reflecting the Government's commitment to tackling homelessness, a revised strategy on adult homelessness is currently being finalised. The new strategy will amalgamate and update the Integrated Strategy on Homelessness (2000) and the Homeless Preventative Strategy (2002), and will build on the recommendations of the independent "Review of the Implementation of Homeless Strategies" commissioned by my Department. Reflecting commitments in Towards 2016 and the Programme for Government, the core objective of the new strategy will be the elimination, by 2010, of long-term occupation of emergency homeless accommodation (i.e. longer than 6 months) and the need to sleep rough.

The revised Government strategy has been developed under the aegis of the Cross-Department Team on Homelessness, which is chaired by my Department. It has received input from the National Homeless Consultative Committee, which includes representatives of both voluntary and statutory bodies dealing with homelessness. It has also been subject to Health and Poverty Impact Assessments, both of which included a robust consultation process with relevant parties. I expect to publish the strategy next month.

Water Quality.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

86 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking in relation to the 28 city and county councils that have in their administrative areas sites that were identified amongst the 339 sites listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as requiring remedial action, to ensure that those councils have the necessary resources and qualified staff to carry out necessary and timely remedial works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14470/08]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

93 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that local authorities have the necessary resources and qualified staff to implement the recommendations in relation to public water supplies and group water schemes contained in the Environmental Protection Agency report, The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland, A Report for the Years 2006-2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14440/08]

Liz McManus

Question:

398 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take, in view of the problems of water quality in County Wicklow, as highlighted in the recent Environmental Protection Agency report, to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15065/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 93 and 398 together.

The Government's commitment to ensuring that water supplies achieve full compliance with drinking water standards is reflected in the €4.7 billion in capital funding for water services infrastructure in the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013, an increase of 27% on the previous NDP. In addition, new drinking water regulations, made in June 2007, gave the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local authorities significantly enhanced supervisory and enforcement powers in respect of quality standards in public and group water supplies, respectively.

The EPA publication "The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water in Ireland: A Report of the Years 2006-2007" has identified 339 public water supply schemes where detailed profiling is required from source to tap to ensure consumers have a reliable supply that is consistently of a satisfactory standard. My Department and the EPA are working in conjunction with local authorities urgently to identify, agree and implement appropriate solutions in these cases. Solutions may range from upgrading treatment facilities to abandoning unsuitable sources or improving operation and maintenance arrangements. Where significant infrastructural works are required they will be funded by my Department and I have put in place contingency funding arrangements for that purpose. The EPA will oversee implementation of all remedial actions as part of its enhanced supervisory function.

My Department has, in recent years, also provided special Local Government Fund assistance to local authorities and group water schemes towards water services operation and maintenance expenses. In 2008, some €23.4 million is available to local authorities and €16m to group water schemes from this special provision. Proposals from local authorities for additional staffing resources are considered on their merits, subject to the overall constraint on public sector employment.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

87 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if additional funds other than those collected by the Private Residential Tenancies Board are allocated by his Department to support local authorities in performing their functions in relation to inspections under the Housing Acts. [14449/08]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

96 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the basis for the first tranche of funding allocated to local authorities in 2007; if the funding is based on the number of dwellings inspected in 2006 or on the number of dwellings registered or some other basis. [14444/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 96 together.

My Department provides significant resources from the proceeds of tenancy registrations collected by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, to assist local authorities in discharging their functions under the Housing Acts in relation to private rented accommodation. The provision of additional funding towards the costs involved is a matter for individual local authorities. A sum of €3m has been earmarked for this purpose in respect of 2007, representing a 50% increase on the 2006 funding. The first tranche (€1.5m) of this allocation, which was paid to local authorities in October 2007, was based on the number of registered tenancies in each local authority area at 31 August 2007 and inspection targets for 2007, as reported by local authorities. The second tranche (€1.5m) of this funding will issue shortly to local authorities based on their inspection outturns for 2007.

National Biodiversity Plan.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

88 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the relevant Government Departments and State agencies that are required to prepare their own biodiversity plans and the creation of a biodiversity unit or post under the national biodiversity plan; the steps his Department has taken to give support to the relevant Departments and agencies in the development of the sectoral biodiversity plans in accordance with its responsibility under the national biodiversity plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14466/08]

When the National Biodiversity Plan was published in April 2002, the Departments and state agencies that were required to produce sectoral action plans were not specified. The responsibilities of various Departments have evolved and changed in the intervening time, and it is a matter for each Department or agency to identify the need for the creation of biodiversity posts or the development of action plans. My Department chairs an Inter-Departmental Steering Group, which oversees the implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan. The following Departments are currently represented on this Group: Finance; Arts, Sport and Tourism; Social and Family Affairs; Foreign Affairs; Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; Defence; Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs; Health and Children; Transport; Education and Science; as well as the Revenue Commissioners; and the Office of Public Works. In April 2005, my Department issued guidelines to all Government Departments to assist the preparation of sectoral biodiversity action plans.

Election Management System.

Michael Noonan

Question:

89 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he supports the view to create an all-party committee to examine constituency boundary changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14381/08]

On 30 January 2008, the Government approved the drafting of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008 which will provide for the revision of Dáil and European Parliament constituencies in accordance with the recommendations of the report of the Constituency Commission which was presented to the Ceann Comhairle last October. The Bill will also provide for the establishment of future Constituency Commissions on publication by CSO of the preliminary results in respect of a census of population and for the work of a Commission to be completed following publication of final population data relating to the relevant census.

As well as dealing with constituency revision matters, the Bill will introduce alternative procedures for nomination of non-party candidates at European Parliament and local elections. These new procedures will be consistent with those provided for in the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2007 regarding the nomination of such candidates at Dáil elections and must, in light of a Supreme Court judgment in the matter, be in place for the elections to be held in 2009. The Bill is included in the Government's Legislative Programme for publication in the current session. When published, the Bill will be considered by the Oireachtas in the normal way, including by the relevant Oireachtas Committee.

Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

90 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to meet the housing requirements of persons currently on local authority housing lists throughout the country; the number of people housed off such lists in each of the past five years directly by the local authorities or by voluntary housing agencies; when, at this rate of progress, the needs of those coming on to the housing lists are expected to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14428/08]

Record levels of funding for social and affordable housing are being provided in 2008 with over €2.5 billion available for housing programmes generally. The total Exchequer provision for social housing in 2008 is some €1.57 billion — an increase of approximately 13% on the 2007 outturn. This funding will allow for the commencement of a significant number of new social housing units, further progress under regeneration programmes, and the completion of a large number of units under both the local authority and voluntary housing programmes. Good progress is being made on the delivery of social housing programmes with some 9,000 new social housing starts achieved in 2007. This is in line with the commitment in Towards 2016 to achieve 27,000 starts in the period 2007 to 2009. The resources being made available for social housing under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 will allow for the needs of some 60,000 households to be met over the full period of the Plan.

Information on the number of first time lettings by local authorities is published in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins. Details of accommodation provided under my Department's Capital Funding Schemes by approved voluntary and co-operative housing bodies for the years 2000 to 2006 and for the first 9 months of 2007, are also published in my Department's Annual and Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins. All of these publications are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie, and in the Oireachtas Library. Information is also available on the website on the number of houses provided by local authorities, the voluntary and co-operative sector, and through the Rental Accommodation Scheme. In the 2003-2007 period (figures for 2007 are provisional), some 35,114 households were assisted through these social housing measures. Local authorities are currently carrying out the 2008 statutory housing needs assessment the results of which will be published in due course.

Local Government Reform.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

91 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to publish the Green Paper on local government reform; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14402/08]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

113 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the Green Paper on local government has not been published, having regard to the commitment given in the programme for the Government that it would be published within six months of the Government coming into office; when it is expected that the Green Paper will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14441/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91 and 113 together.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to publish a Green Paper on Local Government Reform, to examine a number of issues with the objective of making local government more transparent and responsive. I have published the Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, today. I established a Consultative Committee, which met for the first time in September 2007, to advise me on the production of the Green Paper. The Committee's members included local government interests, Government Departments and others with an interest in local government. The Committee had initially intended to conclude its work by early December 2007. However, given the breadth of the issues involved, the Committee decided to have a further meeting on 20 December to consider its work. Since then I have been engaged with my Department in reviewing the public submissions and the work of the Consultative Committee, and in preparation of the text of the Paper for today's launch.

Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change represents the initial phase of a transparent, inclusive policy formulation process. Its purpose is not to arrive at a single solution, but to present options for further consideration. It is my objective that it should initiate a broad and lively debate on the future of local government, which will inform the preparation of a White Paper later this year.

Planning Issues.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

92 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date on which he will introduce legislation to amend practices regarding developer contributions to ensure that facilities such as schools and transport infrastructure that the public are entitled to are provided for. [14500/08]

Under Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of the local authority that benefit development in the area, based on a scheme of contributions adopted by the elected members of the authority. Subject to this, the types of public infrastructure that can be funded by a development contribution scheme are further specified as:

the acquisition of land,

the provision of open spaces, recreational and community facilities and amenities and landscaping works,

the provision of roads, car parks, car parking places, sewers, waste water and water treatment facilities, drains and water mains,

the provision of bus corridors and lanes, bus interchange facilities, infrastructure to facilitate public transport, cycle and pedestrian facilities, and traffic calming measures,

the refurbishment, upgrading, enlargement or replacement of roads, car parks, car parking places, sewers, waste water and water facilities, drains or water mains, and ancillary matters.

Section 49 of the Act provides for the drawing up of a supplementary development contribution scheme in order to facilitate a particular public infrastructure service or project which is provided by a local authority or a private developer and which will directly benefit the development on which the levy is imposed. The types of infrastructure which may be funded by this means include the provision of rail, light rail or other public transport infrastructure, particular new roads or particular water or waste water infrastructure. The assignment of responsibility for developing areas to Minister of State Batt O'Keeffe is aimed at better positioning Government at both central and local level to co-ordinate infrastructure development in fast-growing strategic locations throughout the country. My Department is currently undertaking an analysis of the infrastructure requirements in these locations. It is my intention following this analysis to consider the need for any necessary legislative and policy changes to underpin this work, including in the area of development contributions.

Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 86.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

94 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures his Department has put in place to ensure that local authorities conform to best practice in disability access rather than meeting just the minimal legal requirements; and if he will ensure that best practice applies not just to buildings but to websites, customer service counters, leaflets, public meetings, procurement policies and so on. [14451/08]

My Department's Sectoral Plan, as provided for in section 31 of the Disability Act 2005, was developed in consultation with people with disabilities to assist the Department and local authorities in supporting an inclusive society with accessible buildings, facilities, services and information. The Plan provides for monitoring, review and reporting arrangements. There are statutory provisions, codes of practice and guidelines available to assist local authorities in providing the measures required in the Sectoral Plan. One such document is the "Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies", published by the National Disability Authority under section 30 of the Disability Act. It covers access to services provided by a public body and the provision of information to the public. This Code will assist local authorities to develop best practice in meeting their obligations under the Act.

My Department is represented on the Local Government Disability Act Steering Committee, established by the Local Government Management Services Board, to address common issues across local authorities, update best practice guidance where required, organise staff seminars as appropriate and promote consistent implementation of the obligations under the Act across authorities. One of the initiatives taken by the committee was the establishment of the Good Practice in Accessibility website to support local authority personnel implementing the National Disability Strategy. The site showcases good practice, provides practical answers to common queries, hosts a discussion forum and provides links to relevant published material. My Department has also established a Disability Act Sectoral Plan Advisory Committee, representative of the Department, people with disabilities, the National Disability Authority, bodies under the aegis of the Department and local authorities to provide a forum to assist in the review of progress in implementation of the plan.

Question No. 95 answered with Question No. 85.
Question No. 96 answered with Question No. 87.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Denis Naughten

Question:

97 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to ensure that affordable sites are made available to local authority housing applicants. [14215/08]

Local authorities may provide sites at low cost to assist persons in need of housing to provide for their own housing. Such housing may be provided either individually, with the help, if necessary, of the other social housing measures including shared ownership, local authority house purchase loans, mortgage allowance, etc. or collectively, through the voluntary housing schemes, special group shared ownership housing projects or housing co-operatives. It is a matter for individual authorities to make available sites in accordance with the above arrangements having regard to housing need and available land. In the context of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently being drafted, I am considering the need for any supporting legislative changes, having regard to the experience of operating the scheme.

Water Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

98 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has put in place or will introduce to ensure an adequate domestic drinking water supply throughout the country; the extent to which it is intended to provide additional storage capacity; the date by which it is intended to meet such targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14427/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

413 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has received correspondence or submissions from the various local authorities in connection with the short, medium and long-term provision of adequate supplies of domestic drinking water; if he has received any consultancy report with a view to prioritisation of schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14698/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

415 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the current daily usage of domestic drinking water; the available storage capacity; the extent to which he and his Department have evaluated requirements in this regard in the future; his plans to address these issues in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14700/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

421 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he expects to meet in full the capital costs associated with the upgrading of the various water treatment plants throughout the country in respect of which he has received submissions or correspondence from the various local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14703/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

422 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his Department has received submissions from Kildare County Council or the other local authorities within the country in regard to the current and future domestic water supply; the extent to which he has to date met or plans to meet such requirements; the time-scale for the provision of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14711/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98, 413, 415, 421 and 422 together.

The management of public drinking water supplies, including the assessment of requirements and monitoring of demand and storage capacity, is the responsibility of the local water services authorities, which have a range of instruments and measures available to deal with water supply needs. In addition, my Department finances and manages the Water Services Investment Programme through which schemes for improving water supply infrastructure, active leakage control, telemetry and rehabilitation of water mains are undertaken. Copies of the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 are available in the Oireachtas Library.

The schemes included in the Investment Programme are derived mainly from regular assessments of needs undertaken, at my Department's request, by local authorities, including Kildare County Council, as an input to the overall strategy for meeting water supply requirements. My Department does not engage consultants to determine the priority of schemes in the Programme. The Water Services Act, 2007, provides for preparation of a strategic water services plan by each water services authority for its area at least every 6 years. Such plans will set out current and projected water services needs and identify the required responses. This process will ensure that water services planning is appropriately integrated with planning for investment in social and economic development. The relevant provisions will be brought into force as soon as related guidelines and training are available. I am satisfied that the policies and resources that are in place will ensure that our water supply infrastructure will be able to meet current and anticipated demands.

While centralised data on drinking water storage capacity are not available to my Department, details of drinking water treatment plant output are contained in the Environmental Protection Agency's publication "The Provision and Quality of Drinking Water — A Report for the Years 2007-2007" which is also in the Oireachtas Library.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Joan Burton

Question:

99 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make dwellings which are the subject of a lease between landlord and tenant liable for registration with the Private Residential Tenancies Board and subject to inspection by local authorities. [14443/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

100 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that accommodation provided to a tenant by way of lease agreement is not subject to inspection by the local authority; and if he will legislate to correct this anomaly. [14442/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 100 together.

A lease is defined in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 as an instrument in writing, whether or not under seal, containing a contract of tenancy in respect of a dwelling and, therefore, comes within the jurisdiction of the Act. Tenancy registration is a matter for the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), which is an independent statutory body established under the Act. Section 134 of the Act requires the landlord of a dwelling to apply to the PRTB to register each tenancy. Section 144 of the Act also provides powers of direction in respect of a tenancy that in the opinion of the Board ought to be registered. In addition a person found guilty of an offence under the Act, such as the provision of false and misleading information is, on summary conviction, liable to a fine of up to €3,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. All private rental dwellings are subject to inspection under the Housing (Standards for Rented Housing) Regulations 1993.

Water Services.

Frank Feighan

Question:

101 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason Roscommon County Council’s water waiver system has not remained in place for elderly or hardship cases in County Roscommon since a company (details supplied) has taken over collecting water rates. [11219/08]

Local authorities are required to recover from non-domestic users the cost of providing water services to them. Under the legislation governing water charges a waiver is available on grounds of personal hardship only. With the abolition of domestic water charges after 1996, this provision has become largely irrelevant, regardless of a local authority's billing arrangements.

National Biodiversity Plan.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

102 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to find out the local authorities that have a biodiversity plan and a biodiversity officer and otherwise complied with the requirements of the national biodiversity plan; the steps he has taken to find out the relevant Government Departments and State agencies that have complied with their requirements under the national biodiversity plan; and the steps he has taken to ensure that all relevant local authorities, Government Departments and State agencies have implemented their actions under the national biodiversity plan. [14468/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

104 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps his Department has taken to develop guides to best practice with local authorities and other relevant bodies to safeguard biodiversity in accordance with its requirement under the national biodiversity plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14467/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 104 together.

While the production of a local biodiversity action plan is a matter for each local authority, my Department has initiated a number of actions to support this process. These have included circulation of guidelines on the production of local biodiversity action plans to all local authorities in March 2006, and organisation of a seminar in July 2006, at which some 31 local authorities were represented. My Department has also been working in cooperation with the Heritage Council to promote the development of local biodiversity action plans, and in 2007 allocated €300,000 for support in this regard. This funding has facilitated the development of action plans by 20 local authorities. I have also allocated €300,000 in 2008 as additional funding to support the implementation of these plans. Similarly, my Department circulated guidelines on the preparation of biodiversity action plans to all Government Departments in April 2005.

A comprehensive review of the status of implementation of all of the 91 actions contained in the National Biodiversity Plan was published in November 2005. All 91 actions are being reviewed and will be included, and continued, as appropriate in the new Biodiversity Plan now in preparation.

Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 84.
Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 102.

Local Authority Housing.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

105 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures his Department has put in place to ensure that local authorities conform to ensuring that standards in local authority rented dwellings are in place; and the level of inspection activity that is carried out by local authorities in relation to their rental properties. [14453/08]

The minimum standards for rented accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 1993. These regulations apply to local authority and voluntary housing units as well as private rented accommodation and local authorities have responsibility for the enforcement of the regulations in relation to all properties — local authority, voluntary and private. The key element in ensuring good standards of local authority housing is the performance of local authorities in relation to the maintenance and, where necessary, improvement of their housing stock. These are matters in respect of which local authorities have a significant degree of devolved responsibility and which are subject to oversight by the elected members of each individual authority.

Environmental Policy.

Martin Ferris

Question:

106 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the Stein gasification process; and his views on whether it might be a viable means of creating energy from waste. [14019/08]

My Department is aware of many different technologies or processes for the management of waste including gasification, of which I understand the ‘Stein' method is one of many variations. The Government's policy in regard to waste management is clearly set out in the Programme for Government. It is firmly grounded in a continuing commitment to the waste hierarchy with a renewed drive towards the achievement of international best practice in the reduction, re-use and recycling of waste. To assist in ensuring that our waste management system can act in support of these objectives my Department has initiated the major review of waste management policy provided for in the Government programme and which will in part focus on how best to advance the use of the full range of technologies available for waste management, including gasification technologies.

Litter Pollution.

David Stanton

Question:

107 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the schemes in other countries for removing litter from roads such as adopt-a-road and adopt-a-highway schemes in which large businesses and members of the community work together to maintain roadsides litter free; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14501/08]

I am aware of the operation of such schemes abroad; similar schemes are in place in certain local authority areas in this country. Under statute, the primary response to litter is a matter for local authorities. My Department's role is to provide the legislative framework for combating litter pollution, and to motivate and energise anti-litter responses as necessary. It is the responsibility of each local authority to enforce the litter laws and to determine the most appropriate course of action to tackle litter pollution within the relevant legislation.

Planning Issues.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

108 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policy directives that are given to local authority planners as regards density levels in high rise apartment developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14452/08]

As indicated in the reply to Question No. 35 of 27 February 2008, I have powers as Minister under section 29 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to issue policy directives to planning authorities regarding any of their functions under the Act, and planning authorities are required to comply with any such directives in the performance of their functions. No such policy directives have been issued to planning authorities in relation to density levels in high-rise apartment developments.

On 18 September 2007, I published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments, under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. In accordance with section 28, planning authorities and an Bord Pleanála must have regard to the guidelines in the performance of their functions. The aim of these guidelines is to promote successful apartment living by setting minimum standards for well-designed apartments, particularly in terms of internal space standards, including storage space. While the guidelines set a range of minimum standards for the design and layout of new apartments, there is no reference in them to density levels within apartment developments or to building heights.

I also published for public consultation, on 10 February 2008, Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas, together with an accompanying best practice Urban Design Manual which illustrates how these guidelines can be implemented. These new draft guidelines, which were also issued under section 28 of the Act, are intended to replace the 1999 Residential Density Guidelines, and are focused on creating sustainable communities by incorporating the highest design standards and providing a co-ordinated approach to the delivery of essential infrastructure and services. The objectives of the new guidelines are to:

set out stronger planning requirements to facilitate the development of sustainable communities through strengthening planning and the provision of necessary supporting services and amenities;

help achieve the most efficient use of urban land through housing densities that are appropriate to the location involved and availability of supporting services and infrastructure, particularly transport; and

set high standards in terms of space and facilities to meet the needs of the Irish context.

The 12-week public consultation period for the receipt of submissions ends on 6 May 2008. Copies of the guidelines are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Town Boundaries.

David Stanton

Question:

109 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received representations from Midleton Town Council asking him to extend the town boundary; the action he has taken as a result of such representations with details of progress in the extension of the town boundary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Midleton Town Council applied for a boundary alteration in 2006. The extent of the change to the boundary sought by the Town Council was opposed by Cork County Council. I wrote to Midleton Town Council in December 2007 stating that I considered it inappropriate to proceed with the application for a number of reasons, including the lack of agreement between town and county, the passage of time since the initiation of the proposal, and the ongoing process of local government reform. I published the Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, today (22 April). This will, inter alia, address town boundaries and the wider issue of town and county institutional relationships. The Paper presents options for further consideration; I look forward to receiving the views of all concerned, which will inform the subsequent drafting of a White Paper on local government reform.

Local Authority Funding.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

110 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of the sustainable communities fund that has been allocated to social inclusion units and equality, diversity and special needs initiatives since its inception; and the amount of the fund that will be allocated to same in the future. [14499/08]

Identified as a key action in the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, the Sustainable Communities Fund provides revenue funding to local authorities for a range of practical pilot initiatives, including community regeneration initiatives and actions to address anti-social behaviour, which have potential for wider replication among housing authorities generally. 49 projects, which promote and support the development of sustainable communities, have been approved for funding. Over a three year period, €7.6 million is to be provided towards these projects, which will be co-funded by the relevant housing authorities themselves. While the vast majority of the projects would include elements of social inclusion, 13 projects, for which over €3.6m of the allocated funding has been earmarked, have been identified as being predominantly focused on addressing the needs of socially excluded groups and of promoting awareness of equality, diversity, and special needs issues.

Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 84.

Strategy on Homelessness.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

112 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the lack of adequate funding available to the voluntary homeless network of homeless services in Dublin is adversely impacting on the provision of day services and accommodation for people who are homeless in Dublin and that without adequate funding the Government will not reach its target of ending homelessness by 2010. [14497/08]

My Department recoups 90% of expenditure by local authorities for the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons under section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Funding to local authorities for homeless persons under section 10 has increased significantly in recent years and will exceed €53 million in 2008. My Department is not aware of any issues relating to the adequacy of section 10 funding. The funding of care-related costs for homeless services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.

Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 91.

Litter Pollution.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

114 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has proposals to deal with the spread of litter here which in many areas is a blot on the landscape. [14004/08]

Under the Litter Acts, the primary management and enforcement response to littering is a matter for local authorities. The role of my Department is to provide the legislative framework to combat litter pollution, and to motivate and energise anti-litter responses as necessary. It is the responsibility of each local authority to undertake the most appropriate enforcement and clean-up actions in relation to litter, taking account of local circumstances and priorities. My Department oversees the National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS), which measures the extent, composition and causes of litter pollution at the local and national level. The most recent results published in July 2007 show that cigarette, chewing gum and packaging related litter were among the main components of litter in Ireland in 2006. It also shows that, while litter is still a serious problem here, the situation is improving gradually each year.

I am convinced that tackling the problem of litter requires a multi-faceted approach incorporating enforcement, public awareness and education. To that end, my Department is involved in several anti-litter initiatives including:

National Spring Clean

Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) Litter League

Green Schools Programme

Tidy Towns

Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments (PURE)

Local Authority Anti-Litter Awareness Grants

Negotiated Agreements with the Chewing Gum and Banking industries.

In addition, I increased the on-the-spot litter fine from €125 to €150 on 30 September 2007 to send out a clear message that litter pollution will not be tolerated. The behaviour of the few who do not dispose of their litter in a responsible way needs to be changed and I hope that the increase in the litter fine will have the appropriate impact in that regard.

National Biodiversity Plan.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

115 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the preparation of the review of the national biodiversity plan that is being carried out; if it is intended to implement all outstanding actions in the current plan before the new plan is adopted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14469/08]

Liz McManus

Question:

121 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the 91 actions listed in the national biodiversity plan; the actions and the number of these that are the responsibility of his Department that have been implemented; the actions and the number that are the responsibility of the other Government Departments and agencies that have, according to any oversight carried out by his Department, been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14429/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 121 together.

In November 2005, my Department published a review, setting out the implementation status of the 91 actions in the National Biodiversity Plan, and copies of the review are available in the Oireachtas Library. This indicated that 83 of the actions had either been fully implemented or that implementation was ongoing. Out of the 91 actions in the Plan my Department has lead or partial responsibility for the implementation of 58 actions. Of these, 55 have either been fully implemented or implementation is ongoing. My Department is currently coordinating the preparation of a new National Biodiversity Plan, which will cover the five-year period 2008 — 2012. A public consultation process has taken place and the content of the Plan is being developed in association with other Government Departments. My Department is also working with the Biodiversity Stakeholders Forum, which operates as a Standing Committee of Comhar (the National Sustainable Development Council), who are providing independent input into the development of the Plan. As part of the process for developing the new Plan, a further review of the status of implementation of each of the 91 actions in the current plan is underway and my Department is consulting other relevant Government Departments in this regard. These actions will be included and continued, as appropriate, in the new Plan.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 79.

EU Directives.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

117 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his position on proposals to include biofuel sustainability standards in a revised version of the EU’s fuel quality directive 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9625/08]

I fully support the case for introducing sustainability criteria into the proposal to amend the Fuel Quality Directive 98/70/EC. The cultivation of biofuels can have wide ranging environmental, economic and social impacts, including on biodiversity, on the price of food crops and on communities competing for land with commercial biofuel interests, while actual net emission reductions from the use of biofuels will depend on a range of factors including type of cultivation, conservation process and fuels used. An EU Ad hoc Working Party on Sustainability Criteria for biofuels has been established with the aim of agreeing suitable text, for purposes of both the proposed Directive on promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, and the proposed Directive amending the 1998 Fuel Quality Directive. Development of the text is ongoing and Ireland is represented on this Working Party by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Local Authority Housing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

118 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the practice of Dublin City Council of postponing applications to the rental accommodation scheme with the effect that in some cases applicants cannot avail of rent supplement while in full-time work as provided for under section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007. [12212/08]

I am aware of the importance of the arrangements provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 whereby eligible persons due to transfer to the Rental Accommodation Scheme [RAS] can return to full-time employment or take up a training position and continue to remain eligible for rent supplement. It is a matter for individual housing authorities, in this case Dublin City Council, to consider how best to implement the arrangements. The Council has advised my Department that it continues to accept new applicants and where this involves rent supplement recipients returning to work special measures are in place between the City Council and the Health Service Executive's Community Welfare Division to fast-track applications for RAS. The Council has undertaken to assess a person's eligibility for RAS within seven working days and inform the Community Welfare Division. These arrangements ensure that applicants can avail fully of the provisions of Section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

119 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to reform the practices of housing authorities in allocating housing units; the work that has been ongoing in this reform to date; if he has considered a specific amendment to section 11 of the Housing Act 1988; and when he will authorise the revised scheme of lettings which Dublin City Council submitted to him for approval recently. [14496/08]

Under the social housing reform agenda, as set out in the Government's Housing Policy Statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, there is a commitment to the reform of housing allocation policy. Proposals for a new allocation policy have been developed by my Department in consultation with the County and City Managers' Association, and have been discussed and endorsed by the Housing Forum. The aims of the policy reforms are to improve consistency and transparency in decision making, to provide a better fit between needs and resources and to respond, as far as possible, to the expressed preferences of individual households. Legislative provision to underpin the reforms, which it is envisaged will involve the replacement of section 11 of the Housing Act 1988, will be included in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently being drafted and is expected to be published during the present Dáil session.

A revised scheme of letting priorities for Dublin City Council was submitted to my Department in February 2008. The terms of the revised scheme are currently under consideration. I expect to make a decision on the scheme shortly.

Election Management System.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

120 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the establishment of an independent electoral commission to take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14003/08]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish an independent Electoral Commission which will take responsibility for electoral administration and oversight, implement modern and efficient electoral practices, revise constituency boundaries, take charge of compiling a new national rolling electoral register, take over the functions of the Standards in Public Office Commission relating to election spending, and examine the issue of financing the political system. A procurement process is in progress for the carrying out of preliminary research on issues arising in relation to the establishment of the Electoral Commission.

Question No. 121 answered with Question No. 115.

Local Authority Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

122 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures his Department has put in place to ensure that local authorities conform to quality customer service standards. [14450/08]

Quality customer service has been a key pillar of the local government modernisation programme over the past decade. Significant progress has been made by local authorities in service delivery under the programme and this has been confirmed by the Performance Verification Group for the local government sector under the National Partnership arrangements. Substantial support and resources have been provided by my Department to local authorities on specific initiatives in this regard. These include €31 million to support a one-stop-shop programme, making access to services and information easier and more efficient for customers. In addition, a further €9.8 million has been provided to improve efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery through the use of information technology. Many local authority services are now more accessible on-line, including planning and motor tax.

As part of the modernisation programme, a Local Government Customer Service Group, representative of my Department, the local government sector at both elected member and official level, and the Institute of Public Administration, was put in place to develop and promote specific customer service initiatives. A number of initiatives have been brought forward by this group, including the introduction of local authority service indicators, under which authorities report annually to me as Minister on their performance across 42 indicators. The indicators, which were a first for the public service, are quality-assured by an Independent Assessment Panel. The Local Government Customer Service Group has recently completed a review of the indicators, resulting in a number of additions and amendments, to apply from 2008. The group has also issued separate guidelines to local authorities on best practice in handling customer complaints and engaging in customer consultation.

Looking further ahead, a high-level Task Force on Customer Service, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and on which my Department and the local government sector are represented, was established in September 2007. This Task Force is charged with promoting quality customer service across the entire public service, including local government. Quality customer service will also be a cornerstone of the forthcoming Green Paper on Local Government reform and in this context I am looking forward to constructive comments and suggestions on how quality customer service in local authorities can be further improved. In the meantime, I want to acknowledge the progress made by local authorities and to assure the House that I am committed to ensuring that local authorities continue to intensify their efforts in this most important area.

Cabinet Committees.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

123 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the members of the Cabinet sub-committee on climate change [15282/08]

The membership of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security is listed below:

Taoiseach — Chair;

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance;

Minister for Health and Children;

Minister for Transport;

Minister for Foreign Affairs;

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment;

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food;

Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government;

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources;

Minister of State for Environment and Energy; Attorney General.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

124 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15046/08]

There was no expenditure specifically on leadership training by my Department in 1997. However, following a tendering process in mid-1996, a contract was agreed with Open Management Training Ltd to provide:

(i) Staff Appraisal/Performance Management training to junior and mid-management Civil Servants; and

(ii) Management Development training to be delivered to Civil Servants serving at senior management grades.

The training was held in 1997 and the total cost was £11,050. Participants in both training programmes received five days training. The third day of the Management Development training programme focused on leadership and delegation. The other training days focused on business planning, objective setting, negotiation skills, management and planning. The money paid to OMT reflects the cost of both training programmes, and as such, it is not possible to give an exact price for the ‘leadership' element of the programmes.

National Statistics.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

125 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Taoiseach the number of people from the international community living in Gorey town, County Wexford. [13948/08]

The most up to date information on the population of Gorey town, classified by nationality, is taken from the 2006 Census and is set out in the following table.

Persons usually resident in Gorey classified by Nationality

Number

Total Irish

6,541

Total Non-Irish

973

of which

EU

770

Estonia

30

Poland

201

Portugal

39

Slovakia

26

Latvia

87

Lithuania

63

France

12

UK

262

Rest of EU*

50

Rest of Europe

60

Romania

18

Ukraine

11

Other incl. Russia

31

Africa

8

Asia

79

Pakistan

25

Malaysia

18

Other

36

America’s

30

Other nationalities

26

Not Stated

261

Total

7,775

*Rest of EU comprises of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands and Slovenia.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

126 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the 2006 Census data for the number of people aged 55 years and who are living alone or with one other adult by number of rooms and the number of bedrooms in their accommodation by each electoral division in Dublin City Council. [13847/08]

The most up to date information sought by the Deputy is in the following table drawn from the Census 2006 dataset. Please note that the Census of Population does not capture any information on the number of bedrooms in households.

By Electoral Divisions Persons in Dublin City aged 55 years and over, either living alone or with another adult, who are usual residents, classified by number of rooms.*

Electoral Division

Total

1 room

2 rooms

3 rooms

4 rooms

5 rooms

6 rooms

7 rooms

8 rooms

9 rooms

10 or more rooms

Not stated

Dublin North City

001 Arran Quay A

178

20

24

20

44

20

30

7

5

8

002 Arran Quay B

208

25

27

32

50

21

19

13

5

16

003 Arran Quay C

124

6

24

34

33

20

3

1

1

2

004 Arran Quay D

367

84

20

52

105

69

21

6

3

7

005 Arran Quay E

476

22

60

75

158

92

39

5

2

23

006 Ashtown A

809

32

8

23

25

168

379

86

40

9

2

37

007 Ashtown B

558

2

6

29

42

118

214

79

25

4

3

36

008 Ayrfield

483

2

9

21

24

141

199

55

11

5

16

009 Ballybough A

426

42

58

86

99

64

45

13

2

17

010 Ballybough B

304

62

33

24

60

58

38

7

5

1

16

011 Ballygall A

284

3

14

60

144

37

6

5

1

14

012 Ballygall B

415

26

21

20

42

108

147

19

9

2

21

013 Ballygall C

799

43

6

13

30

189

299

116

45

10

6

42

014 Ballygall D

465

5

38

14

60

110

131

54

18

5

30

015 Ballymun A

115

17

13

62

8

1

14

016 Ballymun B

350

9

34

53

25

182

35

2

10

017 Ballymun C

516

13

27

63

34

168

165

26

2

18

018 Ballymun D

259

24

39

36

27

66

37

4

26

019 Ballymun E

401

2

1

9

51

190

73

43

5

27

020 Ballymun F

512

1

1

3

19

115

273

51

24

4

21

021 Beaumont A

698

1

3

6

16

92

397

114

39

7

2

21

022 Beaumont B

542

5

36

15

16

126

226

73

10

6

29

023 Beaumont C

841

34

13

22

22

128

411

123

44

2

2

40

024 Beaumont D

197

2

3

44

77

49

11

6

5

025 Beaumont E

454

1

8

12

95

240

50

28

5

15

026 Beaumont F

544

44

7

10

16

95

250

71

20

12

3

16

027 Botanic A

473

7

25

52

44

66

149

64

26

16

2

22

028 Botanic B

524

42

19

19

45

84

129

77

73

8

12

16

029 Botanic C

232

8

14

3

22

35

43

63

26

4

2

12

030 Cabra East A

699

95

74

44

58

105

151

90

34

1

47

031 Cabra East B

734

4

14

63

242

256

102

13

7

33

032 Cabra East C

422

38

20

34

97

50

64

64

35

3

1

16

033 Cabra West A

225

8

9

21

77

75

18

3

2

12

034 Cabra West B

517

20

109

75

139

127

22

2

23

035 Cabra West C

476

9

10

45

211

114

44

11

10

2

1

19

036 Cabra West D

371

31

28

23

32

102

91

41

11

2

10

037 Clontarf East A

750

84

21

33

21

110

286

101

57

14

23

038 Clontarf East B

1,108

18

49

55

127

161

294

223

101

35

16

29

039 Clontarf East C

480

8

16

17

53

40

97

134

74

14

16

11

040 Clontarf East D

494

17

12

25

27

15

83

131

123

23

12

26

041 Clontarf East E

280

16

22

14

34

99

64

21

3

1

6

042 Clontarf West A

613

31

22

19

62

127

227

76

29

4

1

15

043 Clontarf West B

450

18

37

36

180

117

32

10

2

1

17

044 Clontarf West C

470

17

26

46

43

61

86

80

64

23

8

16

045 Clontarf West D

339

14

21

17

19

122

106

20

13

1

6

046 Clontarf West E

482

1

4

15

13

160

229

28

7

25

047 Drumcondra South A

476

11

7

18

35

71

168

83

32

7

2

42

048 Drumcondra South B

211

20

31

33

46

26

32

10

3

10

049 Drumcondra South C

580

4

10

38

98

143

156

65

37

5

24

050 Edenmore

503

3

26

60

198

131

45

28

2

10

051 Finglas North A

387

3

26

68

202

66

7

15

052 Finglas North B

475

26

36

38

99

138

79

16

7

36

053 Finglas North C

661

2

6

20

78

207

271

46

7

24

054 Finglas South A

440

1

6

31

110

207

49

2

2

32

055 Finglas South B

321

17

19

31

26

165

47

5

1

10

056 Finglas South C

362

2

4

23

42

241

28

6

16

057 Finglas South D

244

16

18

34

143

23

4

6

058 Grace Park

804

7

26

35

53

161

322

118

51

8

4

19

059 Grange A

358

4

28

21

142

113

33

5

1

2

9

060 Grange B

127

1

4

10

7

59

26

9

11

061 Grange C

546

1

14

24

221

192

45

6

2

41

062 Grange D

524

3

16

30

149

186

100

18

8

2

12

063 Grange E

505

24

11

28

24

151

215

38

5

5

4

064 Harmonstown A

600

30

2

20

59

147

211

88

32

5

2

4

065 Harmonstown B

497

1

19

62

129

186

66

16

2

16

066 Inns Quay A

258

15

28

45

69

46

39

7

3

6

067 Inns Quay B

361

36

57

64

82

62

22

9

9

20

068 Inns Quay C

285

11

36

96

89

18

13

2

20

069 Kilmore A

218

1

16

24

108

42

4

3

20

070 Kilmore B

463

19

26

22

50

170

86

15

2

1

72

071 Kilmore C

215

6

7

16

28

97

44

5

6

6

072 Kilmore D

457

14

4

10

34

122

187

39

13

5

1

28

073 Mountjoy A

270

25

84

68

31

21

7

2

32

074 Mountjoy B

181

37

31

31

31

15

12

2

2

20

075 North City

107

4

22

34

24

11

5

7

076 North Dock A

174

3

7

20

55

52

24

10

3

077 North Dock B

516

4

39

49

227

103

52

9

5

28

078 North Dock C

204

13

46

33

37

38

7

4

2

24

079 Phoenix Park

92

15

8

21

19

13

6

4

1

5

080 Priorswood A

82

2

3

7

34

24

3

2

7

081 Priorswood B

111

1

10

6

79

13

2

082 Priorswood C

159

1

1

16

21

90

18

12

083 Priorswood D

339

21

15

29

47

144

53

10

3

17

084 Priorswood E

275

2

3

12

25

90

93

27

2

2

19

085 Raheny-Foxfield

387

4

15

18

80

115

54

60

11

19

11

086 Raheny-Greendale

429

32

4

21

24

115

128

57

16

6

4

22

087 Raheny-St. Assam

798

27

18

28

34

85

253

202

87

30

11

23

088 Rotunda A

231

49

46

61

28

12

3

2

30

089 Rotunda B

90

20

17

20

13

7

13

090 Whitehall A

612

36

37

13

8

56

175

161

72

19

5

30

091 Whitehall B

815

3

25

127

213

319

83

17

2

26

092 Whitehall C

378

9

22

17

97

151

41

20

3

2

16

093 Whitehall D

432

2

11

18

105

89

103

44

23

5

8

24

Dublin South City

094 Chapelizod

372

25

73

30

52

37

75

42

11

6

2

19

095 Cherry Orchard A

26

2

6

2

2

10

3

1

096 Carna

385

2

7

28

121

174

31

3

2

17

097 Cherry Orchard C

124

6

10

16

59

26

7

098 Crumlin A

625

14

20

40

247

214

67

9

8

6

099 Crumlin B

557

21

23

36

219

158

75

5

2

18

100 Crumlin C

363

10

22

164

86

45

18

3

2

13

101 Crumlin D

654

3

46

80

226

143

119

19

2

2

14

102 Crumlin E

488

3

13

45

234

141

34

11

7

103 Crumlin F

480

2

12

34

185

214

18

5

10

104 Decies

397

2

15

49

219

83

11

4

1

1

12

105 Drumfinn

613

24

46

51

192

229

44

11

1

15

106 Inchicore A

439

33

28

66

132

85

55

11

5

24

107 Inchicore B

308

23

20

28

62

86

65

13

5

6

108 Kilmainham A

387

22

32

48

169

83

16

2

1

14

109 Kilmainham B

168

6

11

14

45

28

46

13

2

3

110 Kilmainham C

501

10

59

43

71

185

93

10

3

27

111 Kimmage A

313

1

5

34

144

86

24

7

1

11

112 Kimmage B

667

17

16

92

389

104

19

5

25

113 Kimmage C

278

7

20

42

49

68

49

25

7

2

9

114 Kimmage D

396

3

16

57

150

72

64

16

8

2

8

115 Kimmage E

514

54

55

27

112

139

86

18

10

5

2

6

116 Kylemore

418

16

38

217

129

15

3

117 Mansion House A

360

20

87

95

91

32

11

1

23

118 Mansion House B

30

1

4

4

4

5

2

2

8

119 Merchants Quay A

161

17

31

50

47

6

1

9

120 Merchants Quay B

263

10

53

81

78

24

5

1

11

121 Merchants Quay C

310

10

70

94

51

50

20

1

4

10

122 Merchants Quay D

391

9

33

86

147

88

16

2

10

123 Merchants Quay E

158

5

14

11

34

35

29

9

12

2

7

124 Merchants Quay F

214

9

27

51

45

33

17

11

14

1

6

125 Pembroke East A

541

25

70

95

154

105

58

5

6

23

126 Pembroke East B

528

10

31

29

63

62

129

85

81

15

4

19

127 Pembroke East C

589

24

18

42

105

64

101

98

69

28

23

17

128 Pembroke East D

631

20

48

46

102

97

39

67

85

48

59

20

129 Pembroke East E

479

4

16

50

104

51

48

46

62

35

37

26

130 Pembroke West A

566

9

75

62

159

124

85

25

6

1

20

131 Pembroke West B

303

13

11

36

75

52

24

24

30

14

11

13

132 Pembroke West C

467

35

70

79

59

50

58

28

66

7

2

13

133 Rathfarnham

551

11

31

52

94

71

39

63

74

49

53

14

134 Rathmines East A

427

41

81

47

44

48

59

31

46

2

7

21

135 Rathmines East B

586

9

43

49

91

74

98

71

77

25

29

20

136 Rathmines East C

435

20

12

29

39

20

52

85

88

47

31

12

137 Rathmines East D

257

11

16

11

25

49

44

41

38

8

4

10

138 Rathmines West A

478

69

83

91

130

37

19

17

12

1

2

17

139 Rathmines West B

248

26

34

32

54

43

34

10

6

1

8

140 Rathmines West C

234

10

31

30

22

26

16

20

37

13

14

15

141 Rathmines West D

310

31

60

27

23

23

39

40

32

5

3

27

142 Rathmines West E

391

34

46

38

42

32

66

47

39

21

9

17

143 Rathmines West F

213

32

25

13

18

9

23

33

36

13

6

5

144 Royal Exchange A

216

12

60

55

54

8

6

4

17

145 Royal Exchange B

124

7

31

51

26

6

3

146 St Kevin’s

277

42

47

51

66

34

12

11

6

2

6

147 South Dock

351

88

56

63

53

30

32

4

5

20

148 Terenure A

514

8

14

37

41

175

135

55

31

2

16

149 Terenure B

524

19

25

24

108

153

84

52

39

4

1

15

150 Terenure C

304

4

14

9

9

59

93

64

30

14

8

151 Terenure D

161

3

3

9

12

23

32

22

37

18

2

152 Ushers A

132

15

36

25

26

6

8

3

1

1

11

153 Ushers B

69

4

25

21

15

1

3

154 Ushers C

331

14

50

74

99

69

11

2

1

11

155 Ushers D

184

5

30

31

65

21

16

5

2

1

8

156 Ushers E

277

28

23

42

27

45

90

13

3

6

157 Ushers F

235

5

12

24

70

65

29

13

4

3

10

158 Walkinstown A

368

2

11

25

71

117

109

14

6

1

2

10

159 Walkinstown B

417

1

1

7

16

118

209

42

5

2

16

160 Walkinstown C

572

1

51

18

15

157

264

43

11

12

161 Wood Quay A

416

26

136

116

75

42

6

2

1

12

162 Wood Quay B

400

38

35

60

50

87

77

25

11

2

15

Total Dublin City Council

64,490

2,605

4,094

5,559

10,826

14,582

14,406

5,527

2,921

800

499

2,671

Consultancy Contracts.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

127 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Taoiseach the consultants who carried out work for his Department or for any body under the auspices of his Department during 2007; if each consultant was an individual or a firm; the amount earned by each consultant in 2007; the basis of the calculation of same; the rate per hour, day, week, month or other period payable in each case; if in each case the consultant was engaged to prepare a report or to carry out work; if in the case of a report being prepared the report has been published; if not, when the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14111/08]

My Department and Agencies under my Department have engaged consultancy services from a total of 29 individuals and private firms. The table below lists Consultants hired by my Department and it includes the following details:

the names of the Consultants;

the type of firm (individual or private firm);

the amount paid to each Consultant in 2007 (does not include fees not yet paid);

the basis for the calculation of the fee (e.g. if the Consultant charged by hour, day, week etc. or if paid a fixed amount)

if the Consultant was engaged to prepare a report; and

if the report has been published or when it is expected.

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

Indecon

Firm

€133,100

Contract fixed at €133,100

Y

October 2007

Grant Thornton

Firm

€23,958

€356.95 per hour

N

N/A

RA Consulting

Firm

€9,051.00

Contract fixed at €18,100

Y

N/A

PA Consulting

Firm

€86,335.74

€1,800

N

N/A

Isolde Goggin and Gillian Lauder

Individuals

€0

€1,500 per day

Y

April-May 2007

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Firm

€8,349

€1,452 per day

N

N/A

Fitzpatrick Associates

Firm

€13,552

Contract fixed at €57,838

Y

July 2007

QTS Limited

Firm

€2,541

Contract fixed at €2,541

Y

N/A

Maire Halpin and Associates

Firm

€1,936

Contract fixed at €1,936

Y

N/A

In addition, a number of bodies under the aegis of my Department hired Consultants as outlined below.

The National Economic and Social Development Office engaged:

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

Xperidox Futures Consulting

Firm

€104,520

Contract fixed at €209,040 payable at 4 milestones

No

N/A

Learning Networks

Firm

€52,635

Contract fixed at €90,000 payable at 5 milestones

No

N/A

PA Consulting

Firm

€42,220

Contract fixed at €42,220 payable at 3 milestones

No

N/A

William Roe

Individual

€13,401

€1,500 per day

No

N/A

The National Centre for Partnership and Performance engaged:

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

IPC Consulting

Firm

€21,901

€1,100 per day

Y

N/A

Wilson Hartnell PR

Firm

47,339

€3,945 per month

N

N/A

Achilles

Firm

€263

€50 per hour

N

N/A

Redacteurs

Firm

€24,700

€950 per day

Y

May-June 2008

ASA Consulting

Firm

€4,256

€435 per day

Y

N/A

The All Party Committee on the Constitution engaged:

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

Gail Nohilly

Individual

€11,238.48

€75 per hour

N

N/A

Jim O’Donnell

Individual

€21,792.34

€6,556.05 per month plus annual moiety of €15,734.50

N

N/A

The National Forum on Europe engaged:

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

Caroline Erskine

Individual

€144,474

€600 per day

N

N/A

Fitzpatrick Associates

Firm

€21,962

Contract fixed at €21,962

Y

To be Announced

The Ireland Newfoundland Project engaged

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

Agnes Aylward

Individual

€93,195.41

€417.78 per day

N

N/A

The Commission of Investigation engaged:

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

Eanna Hickey

Individual

€31,812.13

€431 per day

N

N/A

The Taskforce on Active Citizenship engaged:

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

Economic and Social Research Institute

Firm

€ 0

Contract fixed at €22,242

Y

March 2007

Caroline Erskine

Individual

€6,050

€500 per day

N

N/A

The Central Statistics Office engaged:

Consultant

Type of Firm

Amount received in 2007

Rate of pay

Preparation of Report (Y/N)

Publication Date

Chicani Technologies

Firm

€106,994.25

€450 per day

N

N/A

CTI Ltd.

Firm

€11,687.18

€800 per day

N

N/A

ESMI Ltd.

Firm

€2,904

€800 per day

N

N/A

Gartner Ireland Ltd.

Firm

€52,272

Annual Contract of €52,272

N

N/A

Lightbox Multimedia Ltd.

Firm

€8,966.10

Contract fixed at €14,000

N

N/A

Pendata Ltd.

Firm

€3,630

€800 per day

N

N/A

Departmental Agencies.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

128 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Taoiseach the areas and functions where responsibility has been devolved from him to a State or statutory agency; the agencies involved; the arrangements in each agency to respond on a priority basis to inquiries from Members of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/08]

I wish to inform the Deputy that no areas or functions have been devolved from me to a State or statutory agency. The Central Statistics Office (CSO), which operates under the aegis of my Department, is a statutorily independent body and performs its functions in accordance with the Statistics Act, 1993. Section 13 of the Act provides that the Director General of the CSO shall have the sole responsibility for, and be independent in the exercise of, the functions of deciding (a) the statistical methodology and professional statistical standards used by the Office; (b) the content of statistical releases and publications issued by the office; and (c) the timing and methods of dissemination of statistics compiled by the Office. However, Parliamentary Questions on matters of public interest relating to the work of the CSO are answered on my behalf by Tom Kitt T.D., Minister of State at my Department. Under the Statistics (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order, 2007, the powers and duties conferred on me by or under the Statistics Act, 1993, the Civil Service Regulation Acts, 1956 to 2005 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004, in so far as those Acts relate to the CSO, are delegated to Minister of State Kitt.

National Statistics.

Brian Hayes

Question:

129 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Taoiseach the current rate of unemployment in Tallaght, Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14558/08]

The exact information requested by the Deputy is not available. Statistics on employment and unemployment are measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey. The survey provides estimates for eight NUTS-3 level regions. The latest results are for the period September to November 2007 and showed an unemployment figure of 30,100 persons in the Dublin region. This equates to an unemployment rate in the Dublin region of 4.6%.

The Live Register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseekers Benefit, Jobseekers Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each Local Social Welfare Office. The most recent information is for March 2008. The Live Register figure for the Tallaght Local Office in Dublin in March 2008 was 4,456 persons. It should be noted that the Live Register is not a definitive measure of unemployment as it includes part-time workers, seasonal and casual workers entitled to Jobseekers Benefit or Allowance. The exact area covered by each Local Office is not limited to the immediate locality, or county, of the particular office. For instance, in the Tallaght Local Office there may be registered persons from the Blessington area.

Question No. 130 withdrawn.

Computerisation Programme.

Simon Coveney

Question:

131 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Taoiseach the position regarding the new strategy for e-Government services being developed by his Department; the targets and deadlines this strategy will include; if there will be reporting obligations in respect of these deadlines and targets; the funding that will be devoted to implementing the strategy; the detailed breakdown of that funding under headings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15277/08]

Significant progress has been made on a number of fronts, including eGovernment, since the publication of "New Connections", the last action plan for the Information Society. Work is ongoing on the development of the new Plan which will

take account of considerable developments since the last plan

provide for a new approach to technology in government

contain a number of targeted initiatives, with specific deadlines, to promote access to, create awareness of, and

encourage application and use of new technologies in society, government and business

detail the arrangements to monitor progress on the Plan.

As with previous such plans, the work is being coordinated by the Information Society Policy Unit, in the Department of the Taoiseach, who are taking inputs from other Government Departments and Offices and who will be working with the eStrategy Group of Secretaries General on the detailed provisions of the plan, prior to its presentation to Government for approval.

In relation to technology in government, the new plan will take account of the very positive impacts on public service delivery that have already been made in the many very successful projects. It will also have regard to the recommendations of the C&AG's Special Report on e-Government along with the forthcoming OECD Review of the Public Service in Ireland. The plan will also reflect the changing focus on the use of technology in government towards a more demand-led approach, based on the requirements to improve performance across all areas of the public service in service delivery and internal administration.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

132 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15297/08]

My Department has engaged in the following advertising campaigns for each of the past five years.

(1) The Taskforce on Active Citizenship

The Taskforce on Active Citizenship was established in April 2006 under the Department of the Taoiseach. The Taskforce conducted a public consultation process during 2006 and presented a set of recommendations to Government in March 2007, which included proposals to improve policies that promote a continued sense of community and greater engagement with civic and democratic processes. The overall cost to the Exchequer was €275,000 in 2006 and €112,000 in 2007. Expenditure relating to the advertising campaign undertaken to promote the consultations, including PR consultancy, is broken down as follows:

2006

2007

Consultation/Seminars/Conferences

70,000

2,000

Advertising/Publicity

57,000

2,000

Photography

2,000

1,000

Publications & Design

42,000

52,000

Consultancy (PR)

67,000

6,000

Total

238,000

63,000

(2) Protocol Division

The Protocol Division has not carried out any advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by the Department of the Taoiseach. The Division, however, has taken advertisements in the National Newspapers in relation to commemorative events such as the National Day of Commemoration and the 90th Anniversary of the 1916 Rising in 2006. There is also an obligation on the Division to insert notices in the Iris Oifigiúil in respect of Statutory Instruments. The details are outlined in the table below.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Brindley Advertising

4,767.64

4,923.37

4,896.14

58,143.50

10,429.57

Iris Oifigiúil

42.00

42.00

Total

4,767.64

4,923.37

4,896.14

58,185.50

10,471.57

(3) Public Service Modernisation Division

Advertising costs have been incurred in the Public Service Modernisation and the Better Regulation Divisions of my Department as follows:

Public Service Modernisation Division — totals

Year

Amount

2004

7,048.00

2005

3,536.00

2006

35,313.00

2007

171,220.45

Public Service Modernisation Division — breakdown

Year

Purpose of Advertising

Amount

2004

Advertising (Public Sector Times) for Public Service Excellence Awards process 2004

1,331

2004

Irish Times Newspaper supplement commissioned to publicise the Public Service Excellence Award winners 2004

5,717

2005

Advertising (Public Sector Times) for Public Service Excellence Awards process 2006

3,536

2006

Irish Times Newspaper supplement commissioned to publicise the Public Service Excellence Award winners 2006

35,313

2007

Advertising in Public Service magazines in respect of Taoiseach’s Public Service Excellence Awards 2008

9,250.45

2007

Advertising in newspapers/magazines/journals and the cost of radio advertisements in respect of public consultation process for the OECD review of the Irish Public Service

161,970

Better Regulation Unit — totals

Year

Amount

2003

7,015.88

2004

13,490.83

2006

41,328.85

2007

26,546.19

Better Regulation Unit — All advertising in Publications — breakdown

Year

Purpose of Advertising

Amount

2002

Public Consultations on “Towards Better Regulation”

27,934.95

2003

Public Consultation on Better Regulation

7,015.88

2004

Announcement of Publication of White Paper ‘Regulating Better’

7,683.02

2004

Public Consultation on repeal of Pre-1922 legislation — Statute Law Revision Programme

5,807.81

2006

Public Consultation on repeal of Pre-1801 legislation — Statute Law Revision Programme

11,679.02

2006

Public Consultation on Restatement Programme

9,256.14

2006

Public Consultation on Repeal of Certain pre-1922 legislation

11,199.63

2006

Public Consultation on Appeals

9,194.06

2007

Public Consultation on repeal of Private and Local and Personal pre-1922 Acts

26,546.19

Note: The above amounts were recouped from the Change Management Fund.

(4) The National Centre for Partnership and Performance (NCPP)

The only advertising campaign the NCPP has carried out in the past five years to promote policies or programmes was the one that formed part of last year's ‘OPEN' public awareness campaign in support of the National Workplace Strategy. The National Workplace Strategy is designed to transform Ireland's workplaces by promoting greater levels of workplace change through partnership and innovation. The public awareness campaign is a key component in communicating and promoting the Strategy. The contract for the campaign was awarded following an open public procurement process in accordance with EU tendering regulations.

The details are outlined in the table below.

2007

Advertising Spend

694,106

Production Costs

268,659

Consultancy Costs

Nil

(5) The Central Statistics Office

Total Expenditure on advertising by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in the years from 2003 to 2007 amounted to just under €1.9m. The annual distribution of this expenditure and the advertising medium used is set out in the tables beneath. The vast bulk of this expenditure — over 94% — relates to two statistical activities, the 2006 Census of Population and the Household Surveys i.e. cyclical Household Budget Survey and the Quarterly National Household Survey. The 2006 Census of Population public awareness and staff recruitment campaigns cost €1.55m. The Census involved the recruitment of approximately 5,000 field and temporary HQ staff, and a public awareness campaign designed to promote the active participation of all people resident in the State on Census night.

The Quarterly National Household Survey, introduced in 1997, provides estimates of employment and unemployment within three months of the end of each quarter. It has also become a key source of statistics on social topics, with the incorporation of different modular topics. It is an on-going survey with respondents being added and removed on a rolling cyclical basis. Respondents participate in the survey for 5 quarters. Each quarter, a percentage of the respondents are replaced by new participants. The survey is conducted by the CSO's permanent field staff and focused local advertising is used to ensure that respondents, in particular new respondents, are aware that an official survey is taking place in their area and the statistical benefits of participation. The remaining expenditure on advertising relates to a variety of items, the main one being the annual cost of the State Directory — "the green pages" — section in telephone directories.

Table 1: Expenditure by Programme and Purchase: CSO

Programme

Purpose

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Grand Total

1. Census of Population

Census Awareness campaign

32,821

1,303,383

1,336,204

Recruitment campaign

16,958

197,310

214,268

Total for Census

49,779

1,500,693

1,550,472

2. Household Surveys

Public Awareness Campaigns

15,683

67,006

57,566

40,066

41,691

222,011

Total for Household Surveys

15,683

67,006

57,566

40,066

41,691

222,011

3. General Advertising of CSO publications and services

Advertising of CSO publications and services

13,042

19,628

15,119

24,218

19,691

91,698

Recruitment

10,783

10,783

Miscellaneous

5,708

3,113

1,498

10,318

Total for General Advertising of CSO publications and services

18,750

19,628

18,231

25,716

30,474

112,799

Grand Total

34,433

86,634

125,576

1,566,475

72,164

1,885,282

Table 2: Expenditure by Media Type

Advertising Medium

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Grand Total

Publications

34,433

86,634

75,797

180,517

30,474

407,854

Broadcast

858,182

41,691

899,873

Outdoor

25,603

25,603

Consultancy/Production Costs

49,779

502,173

551,952

Total

34,433

86,634

125,576

1,566,475

72,164

1,885,282

(6) The National Forum on Europe

National Forum On Europe was established by the Government and the political parties in 2001 to facilitate discussion on Ireland's membership of the European Union and to debate the future of Europe. Its members are the political parties and groupings represented in the Oireachtas as well as a Special Observer Pillar of civil society organisations. The Forum does not advocate or promote any particular course of action but provides a neutral space in which all views and analyses can be heard. The Forum has engaged in advertising, primarily to support its programme of meetings, particularly its Plenary meetings in Dublin. This year, the Forum is playing a leading role in facilitating debate in the run-up to the referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon (EU Reform Treaty) to be held in June. It is carrying out an advertising campaign in support of its plenary meetings and a series of public information meetings which it is organising around the country.

National Forum on Europe

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 to date

Broadcasting & Advertising

47,653.07

153,371.35

165,337.00

75,919.31

325,891.77

122,444.39

Consultancy, Design & Print

7,832.66

17,754.58

10,755.64

14,552.87

17,416.30

6,229.55

Total:

55,485.73

171,125.93

176,092.64

90,472.18

343,308.07

128,673.94

(7) Information Society Policy Unit (ISPU)

The ASC (Access, Skills & Content) Initiative was established in 2005 to assist voluntary, community and not-for-profit organisations and service providers to support the participation of late adopters of technology in an inclusive Information Society. The ISPU in my Department advertised ‘Calls for Proposals' to be funded through the ASC Initiative each year. This was advertised in the national newspapers and our records indicate that the cost of advertising was as follows:

Company

2005

2007

Brindley Advertising

€3,075.60

€9,862.40*

*Includes advertisement in English and Gaeilge.

(8) Government Information Services (GIS)

All costs relate to 2004 and the Irish Presidency of the EU.

2004

Red Dog Design EU Presidency Awareness Campaign

65,740

Red Dog Design EU Presidency Posters

21,103

David Donaghy Day of Welcomes Ceremony (May 1)

28,900

RTE EU Presidency Consultancy Services

32,256

Grayling Gilmore EU Presidency logo launch and Public Relations Campaign

60,000

(9) Government Secretariat

The Government Secretariat place notifications in Iris Oifigiúil to publicise the making of Government appointments, Government orders and related matters. In many instances, there is a statutory requirement that such notifications be made. The expenditure incurred from 2003-2007 is set out in the table below.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Iris Oifigiúil

2,905

4,437

4,556

4,479

6,169

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

133 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15378/08]

My Department has given no funding or financial support to any agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States during the period 2000 to date in 2008.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

134 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15041/08]

My Department was responsible for managing the M.Sc (Management) Public Sector Programme for senior managers in the civil service delivered by the University of Dublin, Trinity College, in association with the Irish Management Institute. The programme, launched in 1993, was run over two years and modular in content. It was specifically designed to enhance the capacity and capability of senior managers to meet the management and policy challenges confronting the civil and public service emerging under the Strategic Management Initiative, including the promotion of strategic leadership thinking. In 1997 there were 9 participants from the civil service on the programme, including one senior official from my Department. The overall cost of the programme for the period in question was €67,709 (£53,325).

Auctioneers’ Licences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

135 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of auctioneers or house agents that have been awarded licences by the Revenue Commissioners for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15091/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of auctioneers and house agents awarded licences by them for each of the past five years is as follows:

Type

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Auctioneer

1,776

1,928

2,183

2,517

2,711

House Agent

6

9

18

11

13

Pub Licences.

Joan Burton

Question:

136 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of pub licences issued nationally and in the Dublin 15 area in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007; and the number of pub licences held by premises nationally and in the Dublin 15 area as at end 2007. [15101/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that details of the number of pub licences issued nationally in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 and the number of pub licences in Dublin 15 for the same years are set out in the following Table:

Table: Pub licences issued 2004-2007

2004

2005

2006

2007

No. issued nationally

9,964

9,237

9,555

9,418

No. issued in Dublin 15

17

19

20

20

I should add that the above figures are inclusive of Hotels Licences, and that the licensing year ends on 30th September in each year.

Joan Burton

Question:

137 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of off-licences issued nationally and in the Dublin 15 area in each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 for beer, wine and spirits; the number of premises issued with off-licences nationally and in the Dublin 15 area in each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the number of off-licences nationally and in the Dublin 15 area for beer, wine and spirits as at end 2007; the number of premises with off-licences nationally and in the Dublin 15 area at end 2007; and the excise duty received by the Exchequer for off-licences nationally and in the Dublin 15 area for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008. [15102/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that (i) the number of off licences issued nationally for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007 for spirits, beer and wine (and the duty received) is:

2004

2005

2006

2007

Spirit off licence

983(€247,000)

1,070(€271,250)

1,170 (€295,750)

1,342 (€339,750)

Beer off licence

990(€248,500)

1,073 (€272,000)

1,170 (€295,750)

1,431 (€360,750)

Wine off Licence

2,790 (€710,265)

3,026 (€774,000)

3,485 (€891,250)

3,691 (€935,250)

(ii) the number of off licence premises nationally for each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 is:

2004

2005

2006

2007

Off licence premises

Centralised data system not operational

3,609

3,801

4,261

The above includes premises holding all 3 Off Licences (i.e. Spirit, Beer and Wine licences) and those holding Wine Off Licences only.

(iii) the number of off licences issued for Dublin 15 for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 is:

2004

2005

2006

2007

Spirits Off

7

14

17

19

Beer Off

7

14

17

19

Wine Off

17

24

27

33

(iv) the number of off licence premises in Dublin 15 in the years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 is:

2004

2005

2006

2007

Wine Off Only

10

10

10

14

Spirit Beer Wine

7

14

17

19

Total Off Licences Premises

17

24

27

33

The duty received figure for licences issued to Dublin 15 area is not maintained separately. The rate of duty on licences was €250. This was increased in the Finance Act 2008 to:

Beer Retail Off

300

Spirits Retail Off

300

Wine Retail Off

300

In the time available it has not been possible to collate the data in relation to licences issued to date in the current licensing year (i.e. 1 Oct 2007 to 30 Sept 2008.). The data will be collected and communicated to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Tax Code.

Michael Ring

Question:

138 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if it is possible for a person on maternity benefit to also receive the home carer’s tax credit for the period they were off work after giving birth. [15176/08]

Qualification for the home carer tax credit, which was increased from €770 to €900 in Budget 2008, does not depend on an individual's situation over a specific short-term period but instead depends on whether specific conditions apply in the tax year in which the credit is claimed. The home carer tax credit can be claimed by a married couple who are jointly assessed to income tax and where one spouse is a "home carer" for the relevant tax year. A "home carer" is an individual who is engaged during the tax year in caring for one or more dependent persons. The definition of "dependent person" includes a child for whom social welfare child benefit is payable.

However, a married couple cannot claim both the home carer tax credit and the increased standard rate band for married couples with two incomes in the same tax year. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in practice they will grant the couple whichever tax treatment is more beneficial to them. The home carer can have total income in her or his own right of up to €5,080 without this affecting the married couple's entitlement to claim the home carer tax credit. If the home carer's income is between €5,080 and €6,880, the credit is reduced by one half of the excess over €5,080. If the home carer's income exceeds €6,880, the credit cannot be claimed. For the purpose of this income limit, carer's allowance and maternity benefit paid by the Department of Social and Family Affairs are ignored.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

139 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of days, in relation to every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15187/08]

The material the Deputy seeks is available on the Oireachtas website. The website provides chronological information on the presentation, and consideration by the Dáil and Seanad, of all Bills and Acts, including those introduced by my Department from 1997 to date. The link to the information is www.oireachtas.ie and then continue to the legislation link. The names of the Ministers for Finance who have served during the stated period are given at: www.finance.ie/about the department/history/list of Finance ministers.

Tax Collection.

Jack Wall

Question:

140 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to tax rebates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15275/08]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that they have issued a request to the taxpayer for the necessary information to enable a review of liability to be carried out. Any tax overpaid will be refunded to the taxpayer when the review is completed.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

141 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15292/08]

In the period to which the Deputy refers, the amounts set out in the table below were expended to promote programmes being implemented by, inter alia, my Department.

Year

Campaign/Purpose

Cost of Advertising in Publications

Cost of Outdoor Advertising

Cost of Advertising in Broadcast Media

Cost of any associated Consultancy/ Production

2004

National Development Plan (NDP)/Community Support Framework (CSF) Public Information & Awareness

230,589.22

18,402.53

2005

NDP/CSF Public Information & Awareness

125,487.00

2006

NDP/CSF Public Information & Awareness

195,502.75

2007

NDP 2007-2013 Public Information & Awareness

7,439.08

453.75

2008 YTD

The NDP/CSF Information Office is responsible for co-ordinating implementation of the NDP Communications Strategy and that for the previous NDP/CSF 2000-2006. All the above listed projects related to public information and awareness of the NDP and EU Structural Funds.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

142 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost incurred by the Office of Public Works for the rental of car park spaces in Cork, particularly but not exclusive to the five spaces rented for the Department of Transport where five spaces cost €43,940 annually; the location of these spaces; the length of any agreed lease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15304/08]

The following document details the cost incurred by the Office of Public Works for the rental of car park spaces in Cork and the duration of each lease. As regards the €43,940 referred to by the Deputy it should be noted that this is in fact the annual cost of the office space which includes the cost of the five car spaces. The Revenue Commissioners currently occupy this space but the Department of Transport will be taking it over in the near future.

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

No. of Spaces

Annual Rent

Cost of Space P.A.

Dept

Term (Years)

Cork

Bantry

LSE0068

P351

Bantry Customs And Excise

Old Convent House, Townlots, Bantry, Co Cork

B351

18

28,000.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

14

Cork

Carrigtwohill

LSE0118

P642

Carrigtwohill Gs + Mq

Cork Road, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork

B642

2

10,400.04

Included In Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

11

Cork

Clonakilty

LSE0164

P794

Clonakilty SWO

9 Wolfe Tone Way, Clonakilty, Co Cork

B794

2

8,375.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

11

Cork

Cork

LSE0194

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

B883

4

56,884.27

Included In Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

23

Cork

Cork

LSE0201

P8045

Cork Marine Office

Parliament House, 10 Georges Quay, Cork

B8045

3

33,013.19

Included In Total Annual Rent

Comm Marine & Natural Res

6

Cork

Cork

LSE0212

P905

Cork SWO — ESB Premises

ESB Premises, Marina, Cork

B905

30

102,850.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

9

Cork

Cork

LSE1446

P9151

Cork International Freight Ctr

Unit 2400b Cork Airport Bus Park, Kinsale Road, Cork, Cork

B8402

7

10,200.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

1

Cork

Cork

LSE1137

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

B883

5

43,940.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

9

Cork

Cork

LSE1421

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

B883

3

48,000.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

N.E.R.A

9

Cork

Cork

LSE0981

P8181

Cork Education Office

Block C Heritage Business Park, Mahon, Cork

B8153

42

234,536.25

Included In Total Annual Rent

Education & Science, N.E.W.B., National Council For Special Education

20

Cork

Cork

LSE1037

P8224

Cork Environment Office

Unit 7, Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork

B8193

20

68,906.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

10

Cork

Cork

LSE1062

P8147

Cork Marine Office

Riverview Business Park, Mahon Industrial Estate, Blackrock, Cork

B8135

20

58,500.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

Comm Marine & Natural Res

9

Cork

Cork

LSE0982

P884

Cork C&E Centrepoint

Unit 4 Centrepoint, Centre Park Road, Cork

6

3,500.00

3,500.00

Revenue Commissioners

5

Cork

Cork

LSE0988

P8192

Cork Dunbar Street Car Park

Dunbar Street, Cork

2

5,000.00

5,000.00

Comm Marine & Natural Res

0

Cork

Cork

LSE1434

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

13

11,700.00

11,700.00

N.E.R.A

9

Cork

Cork

LSE1077

P8250

Cork Prob & Wel Serv Cove St

St Nicholas Church, Cove Street, Cork

B8219

18

300,368.00

18,288.00

The Probation Service

20

Cork

Cork

LSE0222

P6213

Cork Watercourse Road Gs Cpk

Bleasby Street, Watercourse Road, Cork

30

25,000.00

25,000.00

Garda Siochana

8

Cork

Cork

LSE1149

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

46

38,180.00

38,180.00

Revenue Commissioners

9

Cork

Cork

LSE1179

P8289

Cork Daf Cityhall Carpark

Eglington Street, Cork

22

40,000.00

40,000.00

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

3

Cork

Cork

LSE0956

P8146

Cork Crawford Hall Car Park

Crawford Hall, Cork

30

57,000.00

57,000.00

Social & Family Affairs

6

Cork

Cork

LSE0193

P8118

Cork Carrolls Quay Car Park

Carrolls Quay, Cork

60

65537.19

65537.19

Revenue Commissioners

7

Cork

Macroom

LSE1265

P9089

Macroom SWO (New)

Bowl Road, Macroom, Cork

B8327

2

11,400.00

Included In Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

9

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

143 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the cost of car park rental incurred by the Office of Public Works on a national basis, including a breakdown of the number of spaces per location and the length of any lease in existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15322/08]

The attached document schedules the information currently available through the Office of Public Works in respect of the cost of car park rental incurred by the Office of Public Works on a national basis, including a breakdown of the number of spaces per location and the length of any lease in existence.

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Carlow

Carlow

LSE0109

P590

Carlow Gov Off Church St

Church Street, Graiguecullen, Carlow, Co Carlow

B590

7

37500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev,Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

18

Carlow

Carlow

LSE1209

P8301

Carlow Education Office

4 Court Place, Dublin Road, Carlow, Carlow

B8279

6

27500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Cavan

Cavan

LSE1301

P8258

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

Elm House, Kinnypottle, Cavan

B8233

8

29920

Included in Total Annual Rent

Comm Marine & Natural Resources,Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Cavan

Cavan

LSE1242

P8258

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

Elm House, Kinnypottle, Cavan

B8233

8

46970

Included in Total Annual Rent

Commission Marine & Natural Resources

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Cavan

Cavan

LSE1251

P8258

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

Elm House, Kinnypottle, Cavan

B8233

6

25928

Included in Total Annual Rent

Comm Marine & Natural Res

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Cavan

Cavan

LSE1256

P8342

Cavan Rear 65 Main St

Bullock Lane, Rear Main Street, Cavan

B8315

1

21000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

3

Cavan

Cavan

LSE0145

P719

Cavan Gov Off Newcourt Shop Ct

Newcourt Shopping Centre, Church Street, Cavan, Co Cavan

B719

4

122200

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners,Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Cavan

Cavan

LSE1139

P8258

Cavan Gov Off Elm Hse

Elm House, Kinnypottle, Cavan

B8233

8

34188

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Clare

Ennis

LSE0996

P8199

Ennis Education Office

First Floor, Francis Street, Ennis, Clare

B8170

18

47615

Included in Total Annual Rent

Transport,Office of Public Works,Environment Heritage & Local Government,Education & Science,Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Clare

Ennis

LSE0995

P8199

Ennis Education Office

First Floor, Francis Street, Ennis, Clare

B8170

18

47615

Included in Total Annual Rent

Transport,Office of Public Works,Environment Heritage & Local Government,Education & Science,Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Cork

Bantry

LSE0068

P351

Bantry Customs and Excise

Old Convent House, Townlots, Bantry, Co Cork

B351

18

28000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

14

Cork

Carrigtwohill

LSE0118

P642

Carrigtwohill GS + MQ

Cork Road, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork

B642

2

10400.04

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

11

Cork

Clonakilty

LSE0164

P794

Clonakilty SWO

9 Wolfe Tone Way, Clonakilty, Co Cork

B794

2

8375

Included in Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

11

Cork

Cork

LSE0194

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

B883

4

56884.27

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

23

Cork

Cork

LSE0201

P8045

Cork Marine Office

Parliament House, 10 Georges Quay, Cork

B8045

3

33013.19

Included in Total Annual Rent

Comm Marine & Natural Res

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

6

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Cork

Cork

LSE0212

P905

Cork SWO - ESB Premises

ESB Premises, Marina, Cork

B905

30

102850

Included in Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Cork

Cork

LSE1446

P9151

Cork International Freight Ctr

Unit 2400B Cork Airport Bus Park, Kinsale Road, Cork, Cork

B8402

7

10200

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

1

Cork

Cork

LSE1137

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

B883

5

43940

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Cork

Cork

LSE1421

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

B883

3

48000

Included in Total Annual Rent

N.E.R.A

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Cork

Cork

LSE0981

P8181

Cork Education Office

Block C Heritage Business Park, Mahon, Cork

B8153

42

234536.25

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science,N.E.W.B.,National Council for Special Education

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Cork

Cork

LSE1037

P8224

Cork Environment Office

Unit 7, Eastgate Avenue, Little Island, Cork, Cork

B8193

20

68906

Included in Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

10

Cork

Cork

LSE1062

P8147

Cork Marine Office

Riverview Business Park, Mahon Industrial Estate, Blackrock, Cork

B8135

20

58500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Comm Marine & Natural Res

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Cork

Macroom

LSE1265

P9089

Macroom SWO (New)

Bowl Road, Macroom, Cork

B8327

2

11400

Included in Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Donegal

Buncrana

LSE1271

P9097

Buncrana GS Temporary

Lisfannon Industrial Estate, Buncrana, Donegal

B8335

44

115000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Donegal

Letterkenny

LSE0453

P2360

Letterkenny Driving Test Centr

Unit 5 Pearse Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

B2360

6

15000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

21

Donegal

Letterkenny

LSE0452

P6259

Letterkenny Revenue Office

Kilmacrennan Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

B6259

6

58000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Balbriggan

LSE1035

P8220

Balbriggan Passport Office

Unit 1,Fingal Bay Business Park, Balbriggan, Co Dublin

B8191

76

553669.5

Included in Total Annual Rent

Passport Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

19

Dublin

Cabinteely

LSE0104

P543

Cabinteely GS

Bray Road, Cabinteely, Co Dublin

B543

20

34000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE1291

P4013

Irish Life Centre

Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, Food Safety Auth Pay the Rent

B4163

13

Included in Total Annual Rent

Food Safety Authority Responsible for the Rent

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE1290

P4013

Irish Life Centre

Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1, Food Safety Auth Pay the Rent

B4163

2

Included in Total Annual Rent

Food Safety Authority Responsible for the Rent

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0969

P8171

Earlsfort Terrace Earl Ctr Blk

Earlsfort Centre Block J, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

B8144

4

195000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Ombudsman

Lease from Landlord

Active

12

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0242

P1088

East Essex Street Dolphin Hous

East Essex Street, Dublin 2

B1088

11

583500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners,Courts Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0681

P3705

Molesworth St Gov Publications

Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

B3705

2

241000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Office of Public Works

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0679

P3939

Earlsfort Tce St Steph Gr Hse

Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

B3939

10

198840

Included in Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Government,Office of Public Works,Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

13

Dublin

Dublin 04

LSE1227

P216

Shelbourne Road UCD Vet Colleg

Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

B8283

17

756000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Surren-dered

1

Dublin

Dublin 06

LSE0107

P572

Canal Road (Canal House)

Canal Road, Dublin 6

B572

22

370000

Included in Total Annual Rent

The Medical Council,Health Insurance Authority,Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE0589

P6276

Ormond Quay Upper 19

Upper Ormond Quay, Dublin 7

B6276

4

99000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 11

LSE0984

P8167

Finglas Finance Storage

Unit 9 Jamestown Business Park, Finglas, Dublin 11

B8157

21

61677

Included in Total Annual Rent

Finance

Lease from Landlord

Active

21

Dublin

Dublin 11

LSE0052

P303

Ballymun GS + RAX

Ballymun Shopping Centre, Dublin 11

B303

12

3175

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

146

Dublin

Dublin 22

LSE0170

P6206

Clondalkin SWO Ninth Lock Rd

Block B, Ninth Lock Road, Dublin 22

B6206

46

215000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 24

LSE0688

P7719

Tallaght Gov Off Plaza Complex

Plaza Complex Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

B7719

36

469161.87

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 24

LSE0687

P7719

Tallaght Gov Off Plaza Complex

Plaza Complex Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

B7719

25

357073.2

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 24

LSE1058

P8238

Tallaght Education Office

County Hall, Belgard Sq North, Town Centre, Tallaght, Dublin

B8205

20

113658

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science,N.E.W.B.,National Council for Special Education

Lease from Landlord

Active

18

Galway

Galway

LSE0951

P8143

Galway Environment Office

Office No 3 The Plaza, Headford Road, Galway, Co Galway

B8132

4

47087

Included in Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Galway

Loughrea

LSE1243

P8326

Galway Millenium House

Westbridge, Loughrea, Co.Galway

B8301

4

19407.5

Included in Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Galway

Miltown

LSE0528

P2587

Milltown GS + MQ

Miltown, Co Galway

B2587

2

7872.38

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

23

Galway

Oughterard

LSE1443

P9148

Oughterard Environ Office

Unit 3 Carbury Court, Camp St, Oughterard, Galway

B8396

2

6500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Galway

Tuam

LSE0734

P3829

Tuam Ordnance Survey Office

Airglooney House, Ballygaddy Road, Tuam, Co Galway

B3829

12

28500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Ordnance Survey Ireland

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Galway

Tuam

LSE0735

P6302

Tuam DTC

Balgaddy Road, Tuam, Co Galway

B6302

3

12697.38

Included in Total Annual Rent

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

10

Kerry

Castleisland

LSE0132

P691

Castleisland Marine Forestry O

The Island Centre, 49 - 51 Main Street, Castleisland, Co Kerry

B691

1

2244.9

Included in Total Annual Rent

Comm Marine & Natural Res

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

11

Kildare

Athy

LSE0030

P122

Athy SWO

Hibernian House, Leinster Street, Athy, Co Kildare

B122

2

12500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

21

Kildare

Athy

LSE1308

P9132

Athy Revenue Temp Decent Off

Unit 4 & 5, Athy Business Campus, Athy, Kildare

B8374

55

223672

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

7

Kildare

Kildare

LSE1428

P8004

Kildare Heritage Office

Station Road, Kildare, Co Kildare

B8004

4

20761

Included in Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Kildare

Leixlip

LSE0450

P2350

Leixlip GS

Riverview, Leixlip, Co Kildare

B2350

1

20000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

10

Kildare

NAAS

LSE0552

P2679

Naas SWO - Rathasker Square

Unit 2 Rathasker Square, Kilcullen Road, Naas, Co Kildare

B2679

3

19500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

11

Laois

Portlaoise

LSE1230

P8316

Portlaoise Environment Office

Breffni, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Laois

B8293

6

9945

Included in Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Laois

Portlaoise

LSE1429

P8325

Portlaoise Gov Office 1

Grattan House, Grattan Business Centre,, Dublin Road, Co.Laois

B8300

35

75000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

5

Laois

Portlaoise

LSE1237

P8325

Portlaoise Gov Office 1

Grattan House, Grattan Business Centre,, Dublin Road, Co.Laois

B8300

10

46860

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science,N.E.W.B.,National Council for Special Education

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Limerick

Limerick

LSE1150

P8265

Limerick Gov Off Houston Hall

Houston Hall, Raheen Business Park, Limerick

B8239

86

373568

Included in Total Annual Rent

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev,Central Statistics Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Limerick

Limerick

LSE0978

P8176

Limerick Education Office

Rosbrien Road, Punches Cross, Limerick, Limerick

B8150

38

255000

Included in Total Annual Rent

N.E.W.B.,Education & Science,National Council for Special Education

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Limerick

Newcastle West

LSE0979

P8177

Newcastle West Prob/Wel Office

Churchtown Road, Newcastlewest, Limerick

B8151

6

39613.16

Included in Total Annual Rent

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

19

Longford

Longford

LSE0488

P2473

Longford Vehicle Reg Off

Richmond Street, Longford, Co Longford

B2473

8

12825

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

15

Longford

Moyne

LSE0021

P8034

Moyne Wildlife Office

Longford Road, Moyne, Co Longford

B8034

20

13205.28

Included in Total Annual Rent

Arts Sport & Tourism,Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

10

Louth

Dundalk

LSE1244

P8333

Dundalk Revenue Warehouse

Coes Road, Dundalk, Co.Louth

B8309

20

130000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Louth

Dundalk

LSE0270

P1166

Dundalk Gov Off Brook St

Brook Street, Ardee Road, Dundalk, Co Louth

B1166

12

35000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Office of Public Works,Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

12

Mayo

Castlebar

LSE0123

P7703

Castlebar DTC

Mitchells GAA Club McHale Park, Castlebar, Co Mayo

B7703

8

11500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

10

Mayo

Claremorris

LSE1241

P8330

Claremorris Temp GS

Convent Road, Claremorris, Co.Mayo

B8307

19

60000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

2

Meath

Navan

LSE1435

P9135

Navan Revenue Abbey Mall

Abbey Road, Navan, Co.Meath

B8380

33

575360

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners,The Property Regulator

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Meath

Navan

LSE1427

P9138

Navan Athlumney House

Atulumney House, Johnstown, Navan

B8385

125

439921

Included in Total Annual Rent

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Offaly

Tullamore

LSE1236

P8324

Tullamore Decentralised Office

Block 2 Central Business Park, Clonminch, Tullamore, Co.Offaly

B8299

150

10

Included in Total Annual Rent

Finance

Lease from Landlord

Active

900

Offaly

Tullamore

LSE1280

P9108

Tullamore SWO Castle Buildings

Office Suite 1 & 2 Castle Builds, Tara Street, Tullamore, Co. Offally

B8352

34

204044.8

Included in Total Annual Rent

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Offaly

Tullamore

LSE1154

P8270

Tullamore Prob/Welfare Serv

Kilruttin Business Park, Cormac Street, Tullamore, Offaly

B8244

3

8862.5

Included in Total Annual Rent

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Roscommon

Roscommon

LSE0629

P3257

Roscommon Vehicle Reg Office

Castle Street, Roscommon, Co Roscommon

B3257

2

13713.17

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

15

Sligo

Sligo

LSE1224

P8313

Sligo Gov Office Marino House

Finisklin Business Park, Sligo

B8290

11

57642

Included in Total Annual Rent

Office of Public Works

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Sligo

Sligo

LSE0665

P3391

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cn

Westward Town Centre, Bridge Street, Sligo, Co Sligo

B3391

2

28125

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science,Ordnance Survey Ireland

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Sligo

Sligo

LSE0668

P3391

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cn

Westward Town Centre, Bridge Street, Sligo, Co Sligo

B3391

10

33750

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Sligo

Sligo

LSE0667

P3391

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cn

Westward Town Centre, Bridge Street, Sligo, Co Sligo

B3391

2

45525

Included in Total Annual Rent

Ordnance Survey Ireland

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Sligo

Sligo

LSE1297

P9121

Sligo Gov Office Beulah Bldg

Finisklin Road, Finisklin Road, Finisklin

B8366

27

124448

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Sligo

Sligo

LSE0666

P3391

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cn

Westward Town Centre, Bridge Street, Sligo, Co Sligo

B3391

5

34752.73

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

11

Sligo

Sligo

LSE1444

P8313

Sligo Gov Office Marino House

Finisklin Business Park, Sligo

B8290

11

57640.15

Included in Total Annual Rent

N.E.R.A

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Sligo

Sligo

LSE1442

P9121

Sligo Gov Office Beulah Bldg

Finisklin Road, Finisklin Road, Finisklin

B8366

19

92848

Included in Total Annual Rent

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Tipperary

Ballyporeen

LSE0055

P312

Ballyporeen GS + MQ

Main Street, Ballyporeen, Co Tipperary

B312

2

6603

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

43

Tipperary

Borrisokane

LSE0086

P421

Borrisokane GS

Main Street, Borrisokane, Co Tipperary

B421

6

14000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Tipperary

Roscrea

LSE1061

P8240

Roscrea Civil Defence Office

Enterprise Hse, Benamore Bus Pk, Dublin Road, Roscrea, Tipperary

B8207

100

178825

Included in Total Annual Rent

Defence

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Tipperary

Tipperary

LSE1178

P8288

Tipperary Justice Office

Tipperary Technology Park, Rosanna Road, Tipperary, Tipperary

B8264

15

108200

Included in Total Annual Rent

Private Security Authority

Lease from Landlord

Active

3

Tipperary

Toomevara

LSE0711

P3791

Toomevara GS + MQ

Toomevara, Co Tipperary

B3791

1

2539.48

Included in Total Annual Rent

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

28

Waterford

Waterford

LSE1028

P8066

Waterford Gov Off-Johnstown

Johnstown Industrial Estate, Johnstown, Waterford, Co Waterford

B8066

29

117968

Included in Total Annual Rent

Education & Science,N.E.W.B.,Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Waterford

Waterford

LSE0757

P8011

Waterford DTC

Unit 23, Tramore Business Park, Waterford, Co Waterford

B8011

3

13967.12

Included in Total Annual Rent

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

7

Waterford

Waterford

LSE0759

P3883

Waterford Customs Store

Unit 2, Tramore Road Industrial Park, Waterford, Co Waterford

B3883

2

14760.71

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

19

Waterford

Waterford

LSE1440

P9147

Waterford RSA Test Centre

Six Cross Roads Bus Park, Waterford, Waterford

B8395

9

40000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

8

Westmeath

Mullingar

LSE0546

P2661

Mullingar Vehicle Reg Office

Spout Well Lane, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

B2661

2

14500

Included in Total Annual Rent

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

15

Westmeath

Mullingar

LSE0545

P2660

Mullingar Central Stats Office

Park Court, Austin Friar Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

B2660

2

3580.66

Included in Total Annual Rent

Central Statistics Office

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

11

Westmeath

Mullingar

LSE0994

P8198

Mullingar Gov Offices

Friars Mill Road, Mullingar, Westmeath

B8169

21

186309

Included in Total Annual Rent

National Education Psychology Service,National Council for Special Education,Garda Welfare,Education & Science,Environment Heritage & Local Government

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Wexford

Wexford

LSE1288

P9110

Wexford Temp Decent Off DEHLG

Unit 1A, Ardcavan Business Park, Wexford, Wexford

B8354

32

75000

Included in Total Annual Rent

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

3

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Wiclow

Wiclow

LSE0768

P8044

Wicklow Gov Off Murrough

The Murrough, Wicklow, Co Wicklow

B8044

17

123926.44

Included in Total Annual Rent

Transport,Agriculture Food & Rural Dev,Revenue Commissioners,Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Wexford

New Ross

LSE0571

P8125

New Ross Port Car Park

Harbour Office, The Quay, New Ross, Co Wexford

1

514.25

514.25

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Car Parking

Temporary Date

7

Cavan

Cavan

LSE1261

P6201

Cavan DTC

Esker Place, Cathedral Road, Cavan, Co Cavan

B6201

12

20500

650

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Limerick

Limerick

LSE1070

P8245

Limerick Prob/Welfare Service

Theatre Court 1st & 2nd Floors,, Lower Mallow St, Limerick, Limerick

B8211

1

45262

750

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Galway

Galway

LSE0349

P1799

Galway Gov Off Ross House

Ross House, Merchants Road, Galway, Co Galway

1

1200

1200

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Temporary Date

9

Galway

Galway

LSE0350

P1799

Galway Gov Off Ross House

Ross House, Merchants Road, Galway, Co Galway

1

1200

1200

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Active

8

Galway

Tuam

LSE1143

P8261

Tuam SWO Cathedral Car Park

C/O Presbytery, Dublin Road, Tuam, Galway

3

1487.61

1487.61

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Temporary Date

4

Galway

Galway

LSE0333

P1783

Galway Eyre Sq Centre Car Park

Merchants Road, Eyre Square, Galway, Co Galway

1

1528.93

1528.93

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Car Parking

Temporary Date

10

Sligo

Tubbercurry

LSE1225

P8314

Tubbercurry Temp CRGA Office

Main Street, Tubbercurry, Sligo

B8291

32

86755

1600

Community Rural Gaeltacht Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

2

Donegal

Letterkenny

LSE0451

P2354

Letterkenny Customs&Excise

Fortwell House, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

B2354

10

24000

1858.8

Central Statistics Office,Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Westmeath

Athlone

LSE0026

P4057

Athlone DTC

Unit 8 McCormack Centre, Athlone, Co Westmeath

B4057

7

17370.04

2133.18

Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

12

Sligo

Sligo

LSE1033

P3391

Sligo Gov Off-Westward Town Cn

Westward Town Centre, Bridge Street, Sligo, Co Sligo

2

2538

2538

Education & Science

Car Parking

Active

5

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0970

P8089

Abbey Street Upper 26 - 30

Chapter House, 26 - 30 Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B8092

4

211542

2539.48

Civil Service & Local Appoint Commmission

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0108

P8093

Capel Street 89 -94

89 -94 Capel Street, Dublin 1

B8098

1

689321.76

2539.48

Crisis Pregnancy Agency,H.I.Q.A.,Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Kildare

NAAS

LSE0553

P2684

Naas Agric Off Spring Garden H

Spring Garden House, Sallins Road, Naas, Co Kildare

B2684

8

41000

2800

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

19

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE1436

P9136

Smithfield Probation Services

Blocks B1, Smithfield Market, Dublin 7, Dublin

B8381

48

1188070

3000

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0596

P8009

Parnell St Parnell BusinesCntr

125 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

B8009

4

45801.99

3047.36

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

10

Dublin

Dun Laoghaire

LSE1274

P9100

Dun Laoghaire Bloomfield C.P.

Dun Laoghaire, Dublin

6

3060

3060

The Probation Service

Car Parking

Temporary Date

1

Carlow

Carlow

LSE0112

P594

Carlow Vehicle Reg Off

6 - 8 Lower Staplestown Road, Carlow, Co Carlow

B594

4

60967.5

3200

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

14

Kildare

NAAS

LSE0554

P2685

Naas Vehicle Registration Offi

St David’s House, North Main Street, Naas, Co Kildare

B2685

5

38000

3250

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

19

Cork

Cork

LSE0982

P884

Cork C&E Centrepoint

Unit 4 Centrepoint, Centre Park Road, Cork

6

3500

3500

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Temporary Date

5

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0359

P4009

Amiens Street (Gandon House)

Amiens Street, Dublin 1

B4009

8

500000

3500

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dun Laoghaire

LSE0235

P998

Dun Laoghaire Prob&Welfare Ser

Foundation House, 12 Northumberland Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

B998

4

85999.36

3748.29

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0535

P6272

Mount St Upr 36

36 Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2

B6272

10

200000

3750

Public Enterprise, Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

17

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE0506

P8035

Manor St Nursing Council

Units 6 & 7, Manor St Business Park, Manor Street, Dublin 7

B8035

4

73175.01

3809.2

Nat Council for Nursing/Midwifery

Lease from Landlord

Active

24

Kildare

Naas

LSE0551

P2677

Naas Agric Off - Poplar House

Poplar House, Poplar Square, Naas, Co Kildare

6

4050

4050

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Car Parking

Active

16

Cork

Cork

LSE0988

P8192

Cork Dunbar Street Car Park

Dunbar Street, Cork

2

5000

5000

Comm Marine & Natural Res

Car Parking

Active

0

Meath

Navan

LSE1279

P9107

Navan Car Park(Pairc Tailtean)

Brews Hill, Navan, Meath

5

5000

5000

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Active

1

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE0592

P4025

North Circular Road Park House

North Circular Road, Dublin 7

B4025

6

90000

5712

Defence

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 12

LSE0594

P8096

Park West Business Park

Block 43, Park West Business Park, Dublin 12

B8101

14

212585.9

6221.72

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Galway

Galway

LSE0992

P8196

Galway Hynes Yard Car Park

Merchants Road, Galway

6

6300

6300

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Temporary Date

5

Laois

Portlaoise

LSE1013

P8210

Portlaoise DAF Appeals Office

Kilminchy Court, Portlaoise, Laois

B8181

22

83259

6600

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Meath

Navan

LSE1017

P2705

Navan Education Office

7 Trimgate Street, Navan, Co Meath

6

6600

6600

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Temporary Date

3

Limerick

Limerick

LSE1069

P8245

Limerick Prob/Welfare Service

Theatre Court 1st & 2nd Floors,, Lower Mallow St, Limerick, Limerick

B8211

15

45262

7000

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Meath

Navan

LSE1250

P8244

Navan VEC Abbey Road Carpark

County Meath VEC, Abbey Road, Navan, Meath

7

7000

7000

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Active

2

Dublin

Dublin 12

LSE0593

P8096

Park West Business Park

Block 43, Park West Business Park, Dublin 12

16

7110.53

7110.53

Transport

Car Parking

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE1008

P8209

Jervis Shopping Centre Car Pk

125 Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1

5

8000

8000

Director Public Prosecutions

Car Parking

Temporary Date

5

Kildare

Naas

LSE1211

P8279

Naas Millennium Park

Block 6, Willow House, Millennium Park, Naas, Kildare

B8253

20

119163

8000

Enterprise Trade & Employment

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Laois

Portlaoise

LSE1136

P8256

Portlaoise Agric Office Eircom

Knockmay, Portlaoise, Laois

B8231

80

191000

8000

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Louth

Dundalk

LSE0273

P1171

Dundalk Gov Off Earl Hse

Earl House, 13-14 Earl Street, Dundalk, Co Louth

B1171

26

177763.33

8253.3

Social & Family Affairs,Revenue Commissioners,Prisons Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0264

P6312

Drury Street Car Park

Drury Street, Dublin 2

6

8685

8685

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Temporary Date

10

Louth

Drogheda

LSE1042

P8229

Drogheda SWO Car Pk Haymarket

Haymarket Multi-Storey Car Pk, Dyer Street, Drogheda, Louth

8

8800

8800

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Temporary Date

5

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0646

P4024

Setanta Place 1

1 Setanta Place, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

3

9523

9523

Oireachtas

Car Parking

Active

13

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE1228

P8315

Great Ship St Le Pole Hse PSBB

Le Pole House, Great Ship Street, Dublin 8

B8292

3

306759

9525

Finance

Lease from Landlord

Active

2

Laois

Portlaoise

LSE1214

P8304

Portlaoise Agric Off Dublin Rd

Grattan Business Centre, Dublin Road, Portlaoise

B8281

100

264640

10000

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

5

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0529

P4022

Molesworth Bldg Setanta Cntre

Molesworth Street/South Frederic, Dublin 2

B4022

4

114388

10160

Foreign Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

21

Dublin

Dublin 15

LSE1282

P9111

Blanchardstown Gov Office

Block 3 Grove Court, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Dublin

B8355

15

157907

10500

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 15

LSE1283

P9111

Blanchardstown Gov Office

Block 3 Grove Court, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Dublin

B8355

15

157907

10500

Oireachtas

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Louth

Drogheda

LSE1229

P8098

Drogheda Prob & Wel Serv

23 Laurence Street, Drogheda, Co Louth

7

10588

10588

The Probation Service

Car Parking

Active

1

Dublin

Dublin 06

LSE0620

P3200

Rathgar Driving Test Centre

95 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6

B3200

17

36822.4

10792.79

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

13

Limerick

Limerick

LSE0460

P2378

Limerick Revenue Office

River House, Charlotte Quay, Limerick, Co Limerick

B2378

16

569360

11200

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0613

P7715

Leinster St Sth 6-9 Phoenix Hs

6 - 9 South Leinster Street, Dublin 2

B7715

6

218000

11427.64

Taoiseach,Arts Sport & Tourism,Office of Public Works

Lease from Landlord

Active

42

Dublin

Dublin 24

LSE1053

P6294

Tallaght DTC

Unit 1, Belgard Industrial Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24

B6294

18

48250.05

11427.66

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

3

Cork

Cork

LSE1434

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

13

11700

11700

N.E.R.A

Car Parking

Active

9

Dublin

Dublin 22

LSE0167

P800

Clondalkin Education Office

Convent Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

B800

15

43000

11750

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 22

LSE0168

P800

Clondalkin Education Office

Convent Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

B800

15

43000

11750

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0559

P4023

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

Nassau Street, Dublin 2

B4023

7

240000

11999.02

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE1073

P8247

Garden Lane Prob/Welfare Off

Carmans Hall, Garden Lane, Dublin 8

B8216

5

55980

12500

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0154

P756

Clare Street 12

12 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Dublin

B756

4

112500

12696

Community Rural Gaeltacht Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0516

P6270

Merrion Square 24

24 Merrion Square, Dublin 2

B8095

5

68210.33

12697.38

NCCA

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE1024

P8217

Dublin Port Garda Car Park

Terminal Building, Alexandra Road, Dublin 1

7

12740

12740

Garda Siochana

Car Parking

Active

10

Westmeath

Mullingar

LSE1306

P9131

Mullingar Cathedral Hse C/P

Cathedral House, Mullingar, Westmeath

15

12750

12750

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

2

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE1169

P8281

Harcourt St Pinebrook House

Pinebrook House, 71 - 74 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

B8255

4

200000

12800

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0020

P73

Arran Quay (Arran Court)

Arran Quay, Dublin 1

B73

7

165337.23

13332.27

Health & Children

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

13

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Galway

Loughrea

LSE1303

P8338

Loughrea Trans & RSA Temp Off

Clonfert House, Bride St, Loughrea, Galway

30

13500

13500

Transport

Car Parking

Active

5

Galway

Galway

LSE1043

P8196

Galway Hynes Yard Car Park

Merchants Road, Galway

15

13650

13650

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Active

4

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0314

P1332

Wilton Place Fitzwilton House

Wilton Place, Dublin 2

B1332

4

205500

15000

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 24

LSE1054

P8232

Tallaght PIAB

The Grain Hse,Blk 1,The Exchange, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Durlin 24

20

15200

15200

P.I.A.B.

Car Parking

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE1266

P9090

Navan Road Ashtowngate Block B

Navan Road, Dublin 7, Dublin

B8329

22

254401

15400

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE0744

P3860

Ushers Quay Car Park

Ushers Quay, Dublin 8

42

62480

15620

The Probation Service

Car Parking

Temporary Date

11

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0963

P8168

Merrion Row 2- 4

2/4 Merrion Row, Dublin 2

B8142

5

422292

15875

Taoiseach,Finance

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Swords

LSE1144

P8002

Swords Gov Office

Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co Dublin

B8258

27

181490.55

17145

Central Statistics Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0387

P1965

Harcourt St Harcourt Cntre Blk

Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

B1965

5

228500

17500

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 12

LSE0226

P966

Crumlin Prob&Wel Service

390 - 6 Clonard Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12

B966

32

139000

17600

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0001

P8089

Abbey Street Upper 26 - 30

Chapter House, 26 - 30 Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B8092

7

667133.08

17776.36

Civil Service & Local Appointment Commmission,Director Public Prosecutions

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Swords

LSE1175

P8002

Swords Gov Office

Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co Dublin

B8260

28

173226.5

17780

Central Fisheries Board

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Louth

Drogheda

LSE1183

P8293

Drogheda Agriculture Car Pk

Fitzwilliam Court Carpark, Dyer Street, Drogheda, Louth

12

18150

18150

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Car Parking

Temporary Date

2

Dublin

Dublin 24

LSE0692

P3720

Tallaght Prob and Welf Service

Westpark House, Westpark Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

B3720

26

92057

18200

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Cork

Cork

LSE1077

P8250

Cork Prob & Wel Serv Cove St

St Nicholas Church, Cove Street, Cork

B8219

18

300368

18288

The Probation Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0318

P6246

Frederick St South Frederick H

Frederick House, South Frederick Street, Dublin 2

B6246

6

188050

19050

Res Inst Redress Unit

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0496

P2502

Luke Street Car Park

21-21C Luke Street, Dublin 2

17

19426.99

19426.99

Enterprise Trade & Employment

Car Parking

Active

29

Tipperary

Clonmel

LSE0175

P6207

Clonmel Gov Off Harbour Hse

Harbour House, Nelson Street/New Quay, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

B6207

26

235000

19500

Social & Family Affairs,Revenue Commissioners,Prisons Service,Education & Science,Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

10

Dublin

Dun Laoghaire

LSE0234

P7704

Dun Laoghaire Garda Car Park

33 Corrig Avenue, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

16

20000

20000

Garda Siochana

Car Parking

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0608

P6312

Drury Street Car Park

Drury Street, Dublin 2

10

20247.93

20247.93

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Temporary Date

5

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0294

P1227

Adelaide Rd Earl Court Car Par

Adelaide Road, Dublin 2

8

20315.84

20315.84

Enterprise Trade & Employment

Car Parking

Active

12

Dublin

Swords

LSE1174

P8002

Swords Gov Office

Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co Dublin

B8259

33

231443.68

20955

Central Fisheries Board

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0082

P8090

Bishops Square

Redmonds Hill, Dublin 2

B8093

10

871700.58

22220

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE1140

P8259

Great Strand St Millennium Hse

52-56 Great Strand Street, Dublin1

B8234

7

265675

22225

Ombudsman for Children

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Wexford

Wexford

LSE0763

P8033

Wexford Paul Quay Car Park

Paul Quay, Oyster Lane, Wexford, Co Wexford

18

22500

22500

Prisons Service,Revenue Commissioners,Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Temporary Date

7

Dublin

Dublin 11

LSE0741

P3852

Finglas Driv Test Ctr+Rev Stor

Unidare Industrial Estate, Jamestown Road, Finglas, Dublin 11

85

40597.5

23533.33

Transport

Car Parking

Active

35

Cork

Cork

LSE0222

P6213

Cork Watercourse Road GS CPK

Bleasby Street, Watercourse Road, Cork

30

25000

25000

Garda Siochana

Car Parking

Active

8

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE0987

P8189

Bow Street 12-13

Fitzgerald Building, 12-13 Bow Street, Dublin 7

B8164

10

300000

25000

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0405

P4013

Irish Life Centre

Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B4161

8

273000

25393

Unallocated Space

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

11

Dublin

Dublin 04

LSE0156

P759

Claremont Road Revenue Office

Claremont Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4

B759

20

655000

25394.76

Revenue Commissioners,Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0515

P6270

Merrion Square 24

24 Merrion Square, Dublin 2

B6270

8

235300

25461

NCCA

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Kildare

Naas

LSE1022

P8216

Naas Gov Office

Maudlins Hall, Dublin Road, Naas, Kildare

B8186

52

254034

26000

Social & Family Affairs,Education & Science,N.E.W.B.,National Education Psychology Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE0614

P6285

Conyngham Road Phoenix House

Phoenix House, Conyngham Road, Dublin 8

B6285

28

330000

26600

Health Service National Partnership Forum,Special Residential Services Board

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE0591

P4025

North Circular Road Park House

North Circular Road, Dublin 7

B4025

30

340000

28560

Defence,Justice Equality & Law Reform,Special Olympics of Ireland Ltd

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0556

P4023

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

Nassau Street, Dublin 2

B4023

15

643500

28569.11

Registry of Deeds,Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0560

P4023

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

Nassau Street, Dublin 2

B4023

15

639000

28569.15

Registry of Deeds

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0010

P3994

Tara Street Apollo House

Tara Street, Dublin 2

B3994

10

185600

28570

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

15

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE1431

P9140

Kings Inn House SWO

Parnell St, Dublin 1, Dublin

B8389

9

558200

28800

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0080

P8090

Bishops Square

Redmonds Hill, Dublin 2

B8093

13

1187319.3

28886

Foreign Affairs,Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0078

P8090

Bishops Square

Redmonds Hill, Dublin 2

B8093

13

1164168.8

28886

Foreign Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 24

LSE0690

P6295

Tallaght Gov Off St Johns Hse

St John’s House, Tallaght Retail Centre, Dublin 24

B6295

47

722501

29838.89

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev,Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0004

P8089

Abbey Street Upper 26 - 30

Chapter House, 26 - 30 Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B8092

12

994923.93

30473.76

Director Public Prosecutions

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0376

P4010

Mount St Lr 67-72 Grattan House

67-72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2

B4010

10

184900

31728.8

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0378

P4010

Mount St Lr 67-72 Grattan House

67-72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2

B4010

10

190000

31743.5

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

36

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0377

P4010

Mount St Lr 67-72 Grattan House

67-72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2

B4010

10

190000

31743.5

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

36

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0379

P4010

Mount St Lr 67-72 Grattan House

67-72 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2

B4010

10

145800

31751

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 06

LSE0621

P3203

Rathmines CSO Car Park

Leinster Cricket Club, Observatory Lane, Rathmines, Dublin 6

20

32000

32000

Central Statistics Office

Car Parking

Active

6

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE1226

P739

Christchurch Car Park

Christchurch, Dublin 8

10

32240

32240

Finance

Car Parking

Temporary Date

3

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0517

P8139

Fenian Street Car Park

Cumberland House, Fenian Street, Dublin 2

10

32750

32750

Foras na Gaeilge

Car Parking

Active

35

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0415

P4014

Lombard St East 8 - 11 Joyce H

8 - 11 Lombard Street, Dublin 2

B4014

9

560000

33750

East Regional Health Authority,Health & Children

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Galway

Galway

LSE1245

P8334

Galway Fairgreen Rail Car Park

Fairgreen Road, Galway, Co.Galway

36

34200

34200

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Active

19

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE1258

P8345

The Chancery Building

3-10 Chancery Lane, Dublin 8, Dublin

B8318

12

547056

34926

Chief State Solicitor’s Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Blackrock

LSE0730

P6301

Blackrock Trident House

Trident House, Blackrock, Co Dublin

B6301

20

678500

35000

Revenue Commissioners,Railway Safety Authority,Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0399

P7709

Holles Street Holbrook House

Holbrook House, Holles Street, Dublin 2

B7709

10

174000

35000

Comm Marine & Natural Res,Community Rural Gaeltacht Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

24

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0645

P4024

Setanta Place 1

1 Setanta Place, Kildare Street, Dublin 2

B4024

10

373500

35000

Oireachtas

Lease from Landlord

Active

13

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0002

P8089

Abbey Street Upper 26 - 30

Chapter House, 26 - 30 Upper Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B8092

14

1206162.28

35552.72

Civil Service & Local Appoint Commmission

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0155

P757

Clare Street 22-25

22-25 Clare Street, Dublin 2

B757

11

670375

35570

Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0396

P1983

Hatch Street 13-15

13-15 Hatch Street, Dublin 2

B1983

12

397000

36000

Finance,Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0386

P1963

St Stephens Gr 67-71Hainault H

67-71 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

B1963

19

600000

36187.54

Dublin Transportation Office,Foreign Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

18

Wexford

Wexford

LSE0764

P8033

Wexford Paul Quay Car Park

Paul Quay, Oyster Lane, Wexford, Co Wexford

30

37500

37500

Prisons Service,Revenue Commissioners,Social & Family Affairs,

Car Parking

Temporary Date

5

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0408

P4013

Irish Life Centre

Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B4159

12

206000

38088

Justice Equality & Law Reform,Office of Public Works

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0388

P1966

Harcourt Road 4-5

4-5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2

B1966

30

1260000

38092.14

Office of Public Works,National Drug Strategy Team/Unit,National Crime Council,National Consumer Agency,Environment Heritage & Local Government,Comptroller & Auditor General

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Cork

Cork

LSE1149

P883

Cork C&E Centre Park House

Centre Park House, Centre Park Road, Cork

46

38180

38180

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Active

9

Cork

Cork

LSE1179

P8289

Cork DAF Cityhall Carpark

Eglington Street, Cork

22

40000

40000

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Car Parking

Temporary Date

3

Kildare

Maynooth

LSE0960

P8150

Maynooth Agriculture Office

Block B, Maynooth Business Campus, Maynooth, Co Kildare

B8137

211

940625.68

42866.76

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Dublin

Dublin Airport

LSE0265

P8095

Dublin Airport Transaer House

Transaer House, Dublin Airport, Dublin

B8100

14

565235

44440

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

7

Kerry

Listowel

LSE1298

P9114

Listowel Revenue Office

Old Mill Road, Listowel, Kerry

B8359

50

244923.7

44800

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE1180

P8290

Blackhall Plce Smithwick Tribu

Block C, 9-13 Blackhall Place, Dublin 7

B8266

15

375000

45000

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE1004

P3939

Earlsfort Tce St Steph Gr Hse

Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

B3939

15

365000

47610

Education & Science,Family Support Agency

Lease from Landlord

Active

11

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0558

P4023

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

Nassau Street, Dublin 2

B4023

15

656454

47615.18

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE1014

P6293

St Stephens Gr 94

94 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2

B6293

19

711724

48625

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

4

Sligo

Sligo

LSE1187

P3382

Sligo Pensions & SWO

College Road, Summerhill, Sligo, Co Sligo

65

48750

48750

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Active

19

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0411

P8015

Harcourt Road Dun Sceine

Iveagh Court Block A, Dublin 2

B8015

14

850000

49000

Office of Public Works,Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0555

P4023

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

Nassau Street, Dublin 2

B4023

16

406316

50789.52

Oireachtas

Lease from Landlord

Active

16

Dublin

Swords

LSE0684

P8002

Swords Gov Office

Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co Dublin

B8002

80

634852.53

50789.52

Central Statistics Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Galway

Galway

LSE1021

P8215

Galway DAF Dockgate

Dockgate, Dock Road, Galway

B8185

65

744825.84

53646.45

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0971

P848

Townsend St College Hse Car Pk

Townsend Street, Dublin 2

17

53963.95

53963.95

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Car Parking

Temporary Date

6

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0557

P4023

Nassau Building Setanta Centre

Nassau Street, Dublin 2

B4023

17

688600

53964

Finance,Registry of Deeds

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0358

P4009

Amiens Street (Gandon House)

Amiens Street, Dublin 1

B4009

19

655000

54283

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0406

P4013

Irish Life Centre

Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B4163

17

900000

54400

Telecom Regulator

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

23

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0008

P3994

Tara Street Apollo House

Tara Street, Dublin 2

B3994

33

560750

54471.76

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

42

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0393

P4011

Harcourt Sq Garda

Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

B4106

15

417250

56250

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE1065

P739

Christchurch Car Park

Christchurch, Dublin 8

19

56392

56392

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Temporary Date

4

Cork

Cork

LSE0956

P8146

Cork Crawford Hall Car Park

Crawford Hall, Cork

30

57000

57000

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Temporary Date

6

Dublin

Dublin 22

LSE0169

P8083

Clondalkin Prison Services

SIAC Building Monastery Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

B8085

88

570000

57200

Prisons Service,Disability Appeals Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE0588

P2795

Ormond Quay Ormond House

Ormond Quay, Dublin 7

B2795

17

282750

59500

Finance,Justice Equality & Law Reform,Office of Public Works

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0526

P2580

Mespil Road 43-49

43 - 49 Mespil Road, Dublin 2

B2580

19

1450302

60312.65

Community Rural Gaeltacht Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

15

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0974

P8173

Talbot Street 37 Car Pk

Ripley Court Hotel, 37 Talbot Street, Dublin 1, Dublin 1

20

60500

60500

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Car Parking

Temporary Date

6

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE0766

P6307

Whitefriar Street Car Park

Whitefriar Street, Dublin 8

20

60750

60750

Enterprise Trade & Employment

Car Parking

Temporary Date

9

Galway

Galway

LSE1246

P8334

Galway Fairgreen Rail Car Park

Fairgreen Road, Galway, Co.Galway

64

60800

60800

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Active

2

Dublin

Dublin 04

LSE0997

P8200

Waterloo Road St Martins House

Dublin 4

B8171

24

507005

60936

National Childrens Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 08

LSE1145

P739

Christchurch Car Park

Christchurch, Dublin 8

21

62328

62328

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Active

4

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0153

P754

Clanwilliam Court Block 1

Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2

B754

25

480000

63487

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0954

P8145

St Stephens Gr Ardilaun House

St Stephens Green, Dublin 2

B8133

20

1098323.04

63487

Justice Equality & Law Reform,Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

5

Cork

Cork

LSE0193

P8118

Cork Carrolls Quay Car Park

Carrolls Quay, Cork

60

65537.19

65537.19

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Active

7

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0676

P3939

Earlsfort Tce St Steph Gr Hse

Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

B3939

23

1009440

65688

Civil Service Credit Union,Justice Equality & Law Reform,Social & Family Affairs,Education & Science,Comm Marine & Natural Res,Arts Sport & Tourism,Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

12

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0597

P2812

Parnell St Parnell Cntr Car Pk

Parnell Street, Dublin 1

24

66144

66144

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Temporary Date

12

Dublin

Dublin 24

LSE0689

P7719

Tallaght Gov Off Plaza Complex

Plaza Complex Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

60

66371.76

66371.76

Office of Public Works, Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Temporary Date

7

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE1216

P4022

Molesworth Bldg Setanta Cntre

Molesworth Street/South Frederic, Dublin 2

18

66600

66600

Attorney General,National Museum of Ireland

Car Parking

Temporary Date

2

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0295

P6241

Earlsfort Terrace Earl Ctr Blk

Earlsfort Centre Block C, Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2

B6241

18

1210000

67500

Enterprise Trade & Employment

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0497

P4021

O’Connell St 29-32

Lyon/Findlater House, 29-32 O’Connell Street, Dublin 1

B4021

30

533290

68565.85

Comm Marine & Natural Resources,Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

37

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0949

P8142

St Stephens Gr Car Park

College of Surgeons Car Park, St Stephens Green, Dublin 2

31

68882

68882

Foreign Affairs,Justice Equality & Law Reform,Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Active

5

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0404

P4013

Irish Life Centre

Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B4160

60

1310000

72000

Valuation Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

15

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0590

P2797

Leeson Street Lower Ossory Hou

Earlsfort Centre, Lower Leeson Street, Dublin 2

B2797

21

900000

73500

Ombudsman

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE0090

P8046

Bow Street 31-35

31-35 Bow Street, Dublin 7

B8046

27

450000

74346.12

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev,Health & Children,Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 04

LSE0401

P4012

Ballsbridge (Hume House)

Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

B4012

28

500000

78232

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev

Lease from Landlord

Active

30

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0533

P2612

Mount Street Lower 85 - 93

85-93 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2

B2612

25

1743000

79358.63

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0317

P6245

Frederick St NorthFrederick Cr

Frederick Court, North Frederick Street, Dublin 1

B6245

25

702000

80000

Education & Science

Lease from Landlord

Active

16

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0292

P1226

Adelaide Rd 65A (Davitt House)

65A Adelaide Road, Dublin 2

B1226

25

1680000

87500

Enterprise Trade & Employment

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0300

P1240

Ely Place 7-8 Ely Court

7-8 Ely Place, Dublin 2

B1240

28

711322.5

88881.8

Office of Public Works,Environment Heritage & Local Gov

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0707

P3775

Mount St Lr 79-83 Timberlay Hs

79-83 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2

B3775

28

1149615.7

88900

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

17

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0395

P1972

Harcourt Street 75-78

76-78 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

B1972

24

1010000

91200

Foreign Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0407

P4013

Irish Life Centre

Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B4159

30

918000

95220

Education & Science,Land Registry

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0176

P6208

Clonmel Street [Clonmel Place]

Clonmel Place, Clonmel Street, Dublin 2

B6208

30

804500

95220

Equality Authority,Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 04

LSE0652

P3342

Shelbourne Rd 21Shelbourne Hse

21 Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

B3342

30

1018000

95250

Taoiseach,Social & Family Affairs,Adoption Board,Arts Sport & Tourism

Lease from Landlord

Active

43

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0182

P848

Townsend St College Hse Car Pk

Townsend Street, Dublin 2

26

97500

97500

Health & Children

Car Parking

Active

250

Sligo

Sligo

LSE1188

P3382

Sligo Pensions & SWO

College Road, Summerhill, Sligo, Co Sligo

140

105000

105000

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Active

18

Dublin

Dublin 07

LSE0980

P8180

Navan Road Ashtowngate

Block D, Navan Road, Dublin 7

B8152

170

1387160.05

107950

Customs & Excise, Tax Office

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0409

P4013

Irish Life Centre

Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1

B4162

35

1110000

111090

Revenue Commissioners,Office of Public Works,Enterprise Trade & Employment,Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0184

P859

Kildare Street 43-44

Confederation House, 43-44 Kildare Street, Dublin 2

B859

35

1174500

111102.25

Transport,Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0607

P6312

Drury Street Car Park

Drury Street, Dublin 2

57

115413.22

115413.22

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Temporary Date

6

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE1263

P9070

Revenue Castleview Georges st

Block C, Georges St South Development, Dublin 2, Dublin

B8324

35

1827522

122500

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Sligo

Sligo

LSE1074

P3382

Sligo Pensions & SWO

College Road, Summerhill, Sligo, Co Sligo

165

123750

123750

Social & Family Affairs

Car Parking

Active

19

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0389

P4011

Harcourt Sq Garda

Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

B4103

39

1300000

124800

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Meath

Navan

LSE1162

P8277

Navan Gov Off Athlumney

Athlumney, Kilcairn, Navan, Meath

B8251

136

575000

136000

Agriculture Food & Rural Dev,Transport,The Probation Service,National Education Psychology Service,National Council for Special Education,Education & Science,Environment Heritage & Local Gov,N.E.W.B.

Lease from Landlord

Active

21

County

Location

Lease Code

Property Code

Property Name

Address

Building Code

Car Parking Spaces

Annual Rent

Car Space Rent P.A.

Occupant

Lease Type

lmstatus description

Term (years)

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0961

P8153

Parnell Sq 16

16 Parnell Square, Dublin 1

B8140

55

1493644.72

139671.89

Social & Family Affairs,Director of Corporate Enforcement,Office for National Economic&Social Development

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 14

LSE0071

P8019

Clonskeagh Belfield Offic Park

Block 5 Belfield Office Park, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14

B8019

118

1160000

141600

Education & Science,Justice Equality & Law Reform,Prisons Service

Lease from Landlord

Active

25

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0532

P2611

Mount St Lr 73-79 Ballaugh Hou

73-79 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2

B2611

45

933500

142875

Finance

Lease from Landlord

Active

18

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0121

P654

Great Georges St Sth 73/83

73-83 South Great Georges Street, Dublin 2

B654

82

1000000

149305.96

Revenue Commissioners

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

32

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE1159

P6312

Drury Street Car Park

Drury Street, Dublin 2

60

156000

156000

Revenue Commissioners

Car Parking

Active

2

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE1170

P8282

Harcourt St 72-74

Pinebrook House, 72-74 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

B8256

54

1419143

172800

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Active

9

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0391

P4011

Harcourt Sq Garda

Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

B4104

50

1832500

187500

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0598

P2814

Parnell Sq 13-15 Parnell House

13 - 15 Parnell Square, Dublin 1

B2814

66

1830000

204240.3

Enterprise Trade & Employment

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0392

P4011

Harcourt Sq Garda

Harcourt Street, Dublin 2

B4105

54

1278800

207900

Garda Siochana

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0374

P1913

Grand Canal Street

1 Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2

B1913

86

1625264.7

240234

Justice Equality & Law Reform

Lease from Landlord

Temporary Date

35

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE1044

P8204

Adelaide Road 29-31

29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2

B8177

87

2524569.5

252800

Comm Marine & Natural Res

Lease from Landlord

Active

20

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0530

P4022

Molesworth Bldg Setanta Cntre

Molesworth Street/South Frederic, Dublin 2

B4022

80

1985000

253948

Finance, Arts Sport & Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Transport

Lease from Landlord

Active

35

Dublin

Dublin 01

LSE0509

P6268

Marlborough St Car Park Educat

Marlborough St - Sean McDermott, Dublin 1

148

264197.76

264197.76

Garda Siochana,Social & Family Affairs,Revenue Commissioners,Civil Service & Local Appointment Commission,Director Public Prosecutions,Education & Science

Car Parking

Temporary Date

9

Dublin

Dublin 02

LSE0585

P2786

Pearse St 212-213 Oisín House

212-213 Pearse Street, Dublin 2

B2786

87

1493000

271875

Social & Family Affairs

Lease from Landlord

Active

36

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

144 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15373/08]

My Department provided financial support to the organisations set out in the following table. It should be noted that while those organisations are based in the United States of America, they are cooperative international organisations, owned by their member shareholders, including Ireland.

Year

Organisation

Amount

Purpose of payment

2000

World Bank

£8,209,000

International Development Association (IDA)

2001

World Bank

£7,851,323

International Development Association (IDA)

2002

World Bank

€11,323,288

International Development Association (IDA)

2003

World Bank

€8,765,811

International Development Association (IDA)

2004

World Bank

€40,173,458

International Development Association (IDA)

2005

World Bank

€18,680,125

International Development Association (IDA)

2006

World Bank

€97,583,458

International Development Association (IDA) & Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative

2007

World Bank

€28,843,458

International Development Association (IDA)

2008 YTD

World Bank

€24,634,459

International Development Association (IDA)

Year

Organisation

Amount

Purpose of payment

2000

International Monetary Fund

£1,000,000

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

2001

International Monetary Fund

£500,000

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

2002

International Monetary Fund

€634,869

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

2003

International Monetary Fund

€634,869

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

2004

International Monetary Fund

€634,869

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

2005

International Monetary Fund

€634,869

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

2006

International Monetary Fund

€734,869

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

2007

International Monetary Fund

€734,869

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

2008 YTD

International Monetary Fund

€634,869

Poverty Reduction Growth Facility

Tax Code.

Áine Brady

Question:

145 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he will expedite the processing of documentation relating to the estate of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15481/08]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the matter is under review and that they will be in contact with the individual concerned in the near future.

Election Management System.

Sean Fleming

Question:

146 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the reason expenses totalling €780,000 were incurred by the returning officer for County Wicklow in the 2007 general election, whereas expenses totalling €428,797 were incurred by the returning officer in County Wexford which is a roughly similar sized five seat Dáil Éireann constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15482/08]

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is responsible for the policy and the legislative framework governing elections. Returning Officers are statutorily responsible for conducting the polls. I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, have no direct role in the running of elections. However, I sanctioned a Schedule of Charges (Charges Order) which set out the scale of maximum charges for Returning Officers for the purpose of the General Election which was held on 24 May 2007. Section 32 of the Electoral Act 1992, as amended by Section 14 of the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2001, sets out the statutory basis for the payment of expenses to Returning Officers in respect of Dáil elections. The Act allows for payments to Returning Officers in advance of the Election.

A sum of €780,000 was advanced to the Wicklow Returning Officer at her request to assist her in making the necessary arrangements for the holding of the 2007 Dáil Election. The account is now being finalised with a total claim of €434,235.88 which means a repayment of €345,764.12 to the Exchequer is being requested. A sum of €428,797.21 was advanced to the Wexford Returning Officer. This account is now being finalised with a total claim of €386,526.06. The Returning Officer has already repaid €36,306.79 to the Exchequer and is being requested to repay the balance of €5,964.36.

Child Care Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

147 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children when the proposed child care subvention scheme will come into effect; and when the creches concerned will be notified of the changes. [15383/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) under which the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is being implemented. 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.

The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme was introduced on 1st January 2008 with an allocation of €154.2 million over 3 years. The Scheme will continue to support community-based childcare services to provide reduced childcare fees for disadvantaged parents, complementing the universal supports in place for all parents. Community childcare services will qualify for grant aid on the basis of the level of service they provide and the profile of the parents benefiting from their service. The parent profile of each service, and the amount of subvention it will receive, are determined on the basis of completed parent declaration forms which they return as part of the application process. The subvention received by services is, in turn, reflected in reduced fees for parents who qualify as disadvantaged under the scheme.

The new scheme provides 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 subvention to services is 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 has been removed. Account is also being 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, in some cases, were previously inaccessibly priced for disadvantaged parents, will be available to them at more appropriate rates under the new scheme. In addition, transitional arrangements have been put in place to facilitate community services which were funded under the previous scheme to adjust to the new arrangements, including making any adjustments necessary to their fee structures. This will mean that community services which were funded under the previous scheme and which continue to operate, are guaranteed at least 95% of their 2007 grant aid in 2008.

When I announced the framework for 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 was to be forwarded to my Office in October 2007 as part of the application process of the new scheme. I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the review was completed and the following adjustments were made to the scheme in December:

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 has been 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.

The changes which have been introduced will ensure that the most affordable childcare is available to families according to their means. Put simply, the tiered fee structure is the most effective way of ensuring that the considerable and ongoing Government support for the community childcare sector, will be targeted at those who need it most. I am sure that the Deputy will agree that, with an allocation of €154.2 million over a 3 year period for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme, the Government is continuing to offer very generous support to this important sector of Ireland's childcare infrastructure.

I am also pleased to advise the Deputy that the Childcare Directorate of my Office is in the course of notifying services of their individual grant levels for July-December 2008 and that it is anticipated that this process will be completed early next month. 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.

Pharmacists’ Contract.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

148 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children the provisions she has made to ensure continuity of supply of drugs and other essential medical necessities to medical card holders after 1 May 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15000/08]

John Perry

Question:

163 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures she is taking to ensure that the Health Service Executive negotiates with the pharmacists’ unions to avert withdrawal of medical card services by pharmacists from 1 May 2008 onwards; if her attention has been drawn to the level of stress and anxiety that this is causing to persons who are on long-term medication; if she will provide a commitment that she will intervene in this dispute to ensure that the lives, health and well-being of patients of limited means are not placed under threat; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15108/08]

Catherine Byrne

Question:

172 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the dispute between the Health Service Executive and pharmacists here; if she will intervene to bring about a resolution to the crisis situation wherein a significant number of pharmacists have indicated that they will resign from their contracts with the HSE as and from May 2008; her views on the effect this will have on patient services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15172/08]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

178 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the large number of pharmacists here who have written to the Health Service Executive indicating that they may have to withdraw from the medical card and other State schemes; if she will intervene to ensure that this does not happen; if she will instruct the HSE to await the report of the independent body which is due to report on this issue by the end of June 2008 before changing pharmacists’ contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15252/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 163, 172 and 178 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) have been reviewing the pharmaceutical supply chain, with a view to seeking value for money in the State's drugs bill, in order to better fund existing and innovative therapies without compromising patient safety or continuity of supply. The Government supports the HSE's decision to pay an 8% mark-up from 1 March, and 7% from 1 January 2009 which will be applied by reducing the reimbursement price paid to community pharmacy contractors from those dates. I would point out that the new reimbursement arrangements for wholesale supply, announced by the HSE on 17th September 2007, followed the completion of a consultation process, and were informed by the independent economic analysis carried out by Indecon Economic Consultants. The report by Indecon was published by the HSE on 13 November 2007. All aspects of the Indecon report were considered by the HSE in making its determination.

In response to demands from community pharmacists to address the alleged impact of the new wholesale pricing arrangements, the HSE has offered a voluntary interim contract with a flat rate dispensing fee of not less than €5 for all dispensing under the GMS and community drugs schemes. I have also established an Independent Body to assess an interim, fair community pharmacy dispensing fee to be paid for the medical card scheme, the DPS and other community drug schemes. This Body is being chaired by Mr Sean Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It has been asked to make its recommendations by the end of 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.

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. If approved by Government, it will be backdated to the date from which any individual community pharmacist may choose to avail of the HSE's offer. I have been informed by the HSE that it has, to date, received notification from 400 community pharmacy contractors indicating their intention to either cease providing services from 1st May 2008, or otherwise reserving their right to do so.

Community pharmacy contractors are required under the terms of their contract to give three months notice of their intention to withdraw. The HSE has written to each of the 400 contractors, seeking formal confirmation of their intentions and pointing out that 3 months notice of cessation of service is required. At this point in time, only two contractors have actually given formal notification of termination in accordance with the requirements in the contract. The HSE has developed a national contingency planning framework which will inform and provide direction to local operational management for the development of local area-specific contingency plans. As service provision, geographical and demographic circumstances will vary from area to area, each local health area is developing its own area-specific contingency plan within the context of the overall national framework. Threats of withdrawal from the community pharmacy contract are unjustified and are not in anyone's interest. I do not wish to see any patient inconvenienced in any way and expect community pharmacists to fulfil their professional obligations under the terms of their contracts.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

149 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in respect of payment under the health repayment scheme. [15002/08]

The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office has advised my Department that they received notification from the Scheme Administrator of the claimant's intention to appeal on 5 February 2008 and an appeal form was sent to the claimant. A completed appeal form was lodged on 21 February 2008 and the appeal is being processed. When the Appeals Officer has made a determination on the appeal he will write to the claimant and will provide the claimant with the reasons for his decision.

Health Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

150 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the maternity services provided at a health centre (details supplied) in County Wicklow, she will ensure provision of ultrasound equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15004/08]

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

151 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is equitable that the medical card income limit in respect of a single person living either alone or with a family is considerably less than the lowest rate of social welfare payment; if she will take steps to remedy this anomaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15007/08]

In recent years there have been significant improvements to the way in which people's eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is assessed. Assessment is based on a person's and, where relevant, his/her spouse's income after tax and PRSI, and takes account of reasonable expenses incurred in respect of rent or mortgage payments, childcare and travel to work. In June 2006, I increased the qualification threshold for the GP visit card to 50% above that for a medical card. Furthermore, under the assessment guidelines, persons whose weekly incomes are derived solely from Department of Social and Family Affairs payments or HSE payments, even if these exceed the stated threshold, qualify for a medical card. The Programme for Government commits to the following:

Indexing the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage;

Doubling of the income limit eligibility of parents of children under 6 years of age, and trebling them for parents of children under 18 years of age with an intellectual disability.

My Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this exercise, a review of the assessment criteria for medical cards in the context of financial, medical and social need is being undertaken and is expected to be completed by autumn 2008. When that review is completed, it is my intention to consider how best to progress the commitments in the Programme for Government in relation to medical card eligibility.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

152 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has had their home care package grant reduced by two thirds in view of the fact that their personal circumstances have not changed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15008/08]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

153 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount that was spent by her Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15043/08]

In 1997, one officer from my Department at Assistant Secretary level attended an M.Sc (Management) Programme for senior managers in the Public Service. This programme was organised and paid for by the Centre for Management and Organisational Development (CMOD) in the Department of Finance, which ran the programme in association with Trinity College Dublin and the Irish Management Institute.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

154 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting time for assessment for hip replacement operations within the Health Service Executive south area is 18 months; and the action she proposes to take to reduce this waiting time. [15055/08]

The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) in accordance with its operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services. Therefore, the HSE is the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to arrange to have a reply issued direct to the Deputy.

Medicinal Products.

James Reilly

Question:

155 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the recent tender for supply of unlicensed medicine to the Health Service Executive; the criteria used for the selection of the successful tender; the reason the HSE terminated the tender process; if complaints were made to the Competition Authority regarding the tender process; the nature of the complaints; the Competition Authority’s views on the complaints; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15059/08]

James Reilly

Question:

160 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the stocks and plans for continued supply of necessary unlicensed medicines here (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15088/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 160 together.

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 is also responsible for the supply of drugs and medicines for the GMS and community drugs schemes. Therefore the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

James Reilly

Question:

156 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm a recent report (details supplied) that a €500,000 medical CT scanner is in storage behind a filling station in Monaghan while a leaded room for the CT scanner in Monaghan Hospital remains empty and radiographers and trained nurses are available in Monaghan to use the scanner but the Health Service Executive, despite promises since 2004, has not made a decision on what to do with the scanner, even though it is costing €600 a week to store the scanner; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the average cost of hiring a private ambulance and nurse for a patient from Monaghan to go to Cavan Hospital for a scan is €748 per patient; her views on whether this is a sensible use of scarce resources in the current climate of cutbacks and cost savings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15063/08]

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

Health Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

157 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the alternative arrangements she has made to replace the provision of the roll-over facility to patients who are receiving Alzheimer’s care in Cherry Orchard Hospital and particularly for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15068/08]

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

158 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has been in contact with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or intends to contact that Department to make representations to regularise the ability for non-consultant hospital doctors from non-EU countries to have their families join them and to make provision for them to visit family members at home in cases of force majeure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15075/08]

I have not contacted the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in relation to the issue raised by the Deputy. My colleague Mr Brian Lenihan T.D., Minister for Justice Equality and Law Reform has responsibility for administering Government policy in relation to immigration and visa issues and any concerns in that regard should be referred to that Department.

Smoking Ban.

James Reilly

Question:

159 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the recent call from an organisation (details supplied) for smoking to be banned in cars which carry children under 16 years of age, in view of the fact that pollution from such smoking is 11 times greater than the pollution and level of intoxicants from cigarettes in pubs which initiated the original smoking ban; if she will further report on the recent call for the legislation to apply to psychiatric institutions which are also places of work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15079/08]

The harmful effects of exposure to cigarette smoke are well known as is the fact that such exposure is particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces (including motor cars). Parents and others with responsibility for the welfare of children have a particular responsibility to ensure that such exposure does not take place. While I have no proposals to introduce a ban on smoking in cars in which children under 16 years of age are being transported I will keep the matter under review. Although exemptions apply in psychiatric institutions which are also places of work, it should be noted that an exemption does not constitute a right to smoke, and employers are still bound by a duty of care under Health & Safety legislation to protect their employees. Employers and managers with responsibility for exempted premises are advised to review their policies with a view to eliminating exposure where possible and, at the very least, to minimise exposure to environmental health smoke.

Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 155.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

161 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will advise on a case (details supplied). [15096/08]

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

Health Service Allowances.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

162 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider back-dating the domiciliary care allowance granted to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [15104/08]

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

Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 148.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

164 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called to Galway for an MRI scan. [15111/08]

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.

Jack Wall

Question:

165 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an appointment for an early consultation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15142/08]

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.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

166 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages in each health area drawn down in each year since the inception of the scheme; the number of applications made in each year since the scheme’s inception; if there is a waiting list for the scheme; the number of applicants awaiting sanction for the scheme in each of the relevant health areas where the scheme is in place; the cost of the scheme in each year to date; the number of agencies that are employed to administer the system; the number of applicants that each agency deals with; the mechanism that the HSE applies in relation to assessing contracts offered to such agencies to ensure confidentiality, safety, Garda clearance and so on of patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15143/08]

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

Alcohol Promotion.

Mary Upton

Question:

167 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are renewed plans to implement a ban on alcohol related sponsorship of sports or activities involving participants under 18 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15154/08]

On the basis of an existing code of practice, the Irish alcohol industry may not sponsor any sporting competitions, leagues, events or competitors where such events are designated specifically for participants under 18 years of age. My Department had discussions recently with representatives of the Irish alcohol industry and representatives of the Irish advertising industry with a view to strengthening and expanding the codes on alcohol marketing and communications in order to provide significantly greater protection for children and young people. These discussions have resulted in revised draft Codes on advertising and sponsorship which I am currently considering, in consultation with my colleagues in Government. I am also examining other measures that might be taken to tackle the problems caused by alcohol misuse in Ireland.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

168 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15157/08]

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.

James Reilly

Question:

169 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the availability of occupational therapy and speech and language therapy assessment and services for a person (details supplied) in County Laois; when such services will be made available to the person as early intervention is critical to their future. [15162/08]

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.

The Deputy's specific 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.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

170 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide an explanation for the circumstances of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [15165/08]

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 is also responsible for the supply of drugs and medicines for the GMS and community drugs schemes. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the 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 Waiting Lists.

Pat Breen

Question:

171 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 6 March 2008, if an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be brought forward; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15171/08]

My Department has been informed by the Health Service Executive that a reply to the Deputy's question of the 6 March 2008 issued directly to him dated 3 April 2008. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated further and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 172 answered with Question No. 148.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

173 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of days, in relation to every Bill and Act produced by her Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15189/08]

Information in this regard is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

174 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding for the promised sexual assault treatment unit in Tralee, County Kerry will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15203/08]

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

Hospital Procedures.

Jack Wall

Question:

175 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the meetings she has had or is proposing to have with the Health Service Executive in relation to the protection of cystic fibrosis sufferers from cross infection and specifically from pseudomonas aeruginosa particularly when they visit hospitals for treatment; if the HSE has or is proposing to have individual cubicles or isolation units to prevent such cross infection; the number of cases reported to the HSE for each of the past three years; the hospitals that such cases were reported in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15208/08]

I have had a number of meetings with cystic fibrosis patients attended by the Health Service Executive where the issue of infection control for patients was discussed. I also meet regularly with the CEO and the Chairman of the HSE where various matters of importance are discussed, including the issue of infection control. I identified the need to improve services for persons with cystic fibrosis as a priority in the Estimates process over recent years. Since 2006, additional revenue funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the HSE to develop services for patients with cystic fibrosis. I also asked the HSE to place a particular focus on the development of services at the National Adult Tertiary Referral Centre at St. Vincent's Hospital, where concerns had been raised regarding the need to improve facilities. A number of capital projects have been completed at the hospital and further developments are in progress.

In the longer term, a new ward block is to be built at St. Vincent's which will include 120 replacement beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will accommodate cystic fibrosis patients and will include appropriate isolation facilities. The HSE advises that planning permission has been obtained, financial provision has been included in the HSE Capital Plan and the contract is to be awarded in 2008. It will be a condition of the contract that the design build period be no more than 24 months from the date of contract award. In the interim, work is underway on the refurbishment of accommodation to provide eight single en-suite rooms for patients with cystic fibrosis. The project is due to be completed over the coming months. On completion of this first phase work will commence to further increase the number of single rooms for patients with cystic fibrosis.

The HSE advises that patients with cystic fibrosis will also benefit from additional single room capacity in the new medical admissions unit at Beaumont Hospital which is due to open in December. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the operational issues raised in the question.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

John O'Mahony

Question:

176 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason people who are called to an oral hearing in respect of the health repayment scheme are not informed that the appeals officer is a solicitor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15215/08]

The Scheme Administrator issues each claimant with a copy of Section 16 of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. Section 16 informs the claimant that the person appointed to consider appeals shall be a barrister or solicitor of not less than 5 years standing. Claimants who appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator have the option of requesting an oral hearing with the Appeals Officer and they indicate this option on the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office's Appeal Form. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office does not arrange oral hearings for claimants who have not requested oral hearings.

Adoption Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

177 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make arrangements for a new assessment to be carried out in relation to an adoption by persons (details supplied) in County Cork as soon as possible. [15248/08]

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 (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Question No. 178 answered with Question No. 148.

Clinical Trials.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

179 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in relation to the urgent need for funding for clinical trials for children with duchenne muscular dystrophy; her plans to progress this matter in the short, medium and long term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15260/08]

I understand that my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, has received correspondence from and on behalf of the person concerned, seeking funding for clinical trials for children with duchenne muscular dystrophy. I wish to assure the Deputy that I am very aware of the situation for the families with children suffering from this condition. I am also aware of their hopes regarding a proposed trial of IV Exon skipping therapy by the MDEX consortium in the United Kingdom. I believe that this trial is one of a number of related trials on different Exon skipping therapies being planned in different centres.

It is very positive that Muscular Dystrophy Ireland has secured access for Irish children to the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy registry in the United Kingdom so that they can be considered for inclusion in the first systematic trial of this treatment. With regard to the request for direct Irish Government funding for the trial, there is no mechanism or budget for Government funding to the U.K. health research.

Mental Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

180 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the need for child psychiatric services at St. Raphael’s, Celbridge, County Kildare; when the necessary funding will be made available in order that a suitable appointment can be made; if she will have the issue addressed as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15261/08]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

181 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 85 of 3 April 2008, the extent to which she has had further discussions with the Health Service Executive or issued instructions with a view to identifying a funding and support framework for the suicide and counselling service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15262/08]

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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

182 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the provision which has been made for County Roscommon clients in a project (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15267/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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.

Denis Naughten

Question:

183 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the provision which has been made for County Roscommon clients in a project (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the status of the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15268/08]

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

Denis Naughten

Question:

184 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the provision which has been made for County Roscommon clients in a centre (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the status of the project; the implications for service provision on the site due to the non-participation of general practitioners in the centre; if the project will have to be redesigned; the cost implications for the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15270/08]

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters raised by the Deputy investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

185 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children when respite care will re-commence at a unit (details supplied) in County Louth; the reason for this closure; if resources will be made available for this crucial service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15272/08]

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

Michael McGrath

Question:

186 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an appointment at Mercy University Hospital, Cork for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [15273/08]

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.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

187 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by her Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15294/08]

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

Care of the Elderly.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

188 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the number of continuing care beds will be increased to meet the demands of an aging population; the policy interventions taking place in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15300/08]

The Deputy may wish to know that while the main emphasis will continue to be on providing supports that help older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, additional long-stay residential places will be required in the coming years to meet the needs of an ageing population. In 2006, the HSE, in conjunction with Prospectus, undertook a Needs Assessment of bed capacity requirements in the areas of long-stay, dementia specific and respite care beds. This report was submitted to the Department of Health and Children in September 2006. While the report indicates a small national surplus of long-stay beds, it also notes that this surplus masks the uneven distribution of beds between and within regions. In particular, HSE Dublin North East and HSE South have an immediate requirement for additional beds. This shortage is being addressed by the Executive.

I would like to advise the Deputy that the public fast-track initiative provides for 860 new public beds. This process commenced in 2007 and will continue throughout 2008 and 2009. In addition to the capacity building on the public side, the Deputy may wish to be aware that during the period from 2005 to 2007 the Health Service Executive secured 1,995 private contract beds. A further 200 private contract beds have been made available in the early part of 2008.

Hospital Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

189 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons who presented to Mallow General Hospital accident and emergency for the years 2004 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15313/08]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

190 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Comptroller and Auditor General has examined accounts for Mallow General Hospital within the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15315/08]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

191 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children when the last set of annual financial accounts for Mallow General Hospital were published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15316/08]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

196 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the appointment of a locum on a temporary basis to fill a third surgical consultant post at Mallow General Hospital, when the temporary contract post will be terminated; if the post will be filled on a temporary or full-time basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15327/08]

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

Health Service Staff.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

192 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the community dietician, initially based exclusively in Mitchelstown, County Cork has been withdrawn; if it is intended to appoint a full-time dietician based in Fermoy and Mitchelstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15317/08]

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

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

Hospital Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

193 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the appointment of an executive management board at Mallow General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15318/08]

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

Health Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

194 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Health Service Executive to intervene to ensure that early medical attention is provided for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [15319/08]

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

Billy Timmins

Question:

195 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow as they are still waiting for treatment; if they will be treated as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15325/08]

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.

Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 189.

Child Abuse.

Alan Shatter

Question:

197 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if the delay in producing the McCoy report into allegations of physical and sexual abuse in residential homes managed by an order (details supplied) has been investigated as was promised; if the outcome of the investigation has been furnished to her; and when it will be published. [15333/08]

I have appointed Mr John Hynes, former Secretary General, Department of Social and Family Affairs, to carry out the review requested by Government arising from the preparation of the McCoy report into services at the Brothers of Charity, Galway Services. I have asked Mr Hynes to review the circumstances surrounding the elapse of time in bringing to completion the Western Health Board Inquiry into allegations of Abuse in the Brothers of Charity Services, Galway and to report to me on or before 8 July 2008.

Alan Shatter

Question:

198 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has completed its work on developing protocols for the management of all future inquiries such as the inquiry which resulted in the McCoy report. [15334/08]

On the 4th March 2008, I asked the Board of the Health Service Executive to immediately adopt an interim serious incident management protocol which would incorporate key commitments to patients. I also asked the Board to engage closely with this issue through its Risk Management Committee until it is satisfied that serious incidents of this nature are being managed to the required standard and to designate one person at national level to ensure that any future reviews are conducted in accordance with the protocol. At its meeting of the 13th March the Board adopted an interim Policy and Procedures for Serious Incident Management which had been developed by their management in conjunction with their Risk Committee. The Chief Executive Officer of the HSE has appointed a senior official to take responsibility at national level for the immediate implementation of this Policy and Procedures for Serious Incident Management. He will be reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer in relation to this matter and in respect of all existing reviews/investigations into serious incidents.

The HSE recently published a formal guidance document on residential facilities for children with an intellectual disability, and will do so in respect of adults during 2008. The HSE will be making it a condition of funding under its Service Level Agreements that the contractual arrangements between the HSE and agencies that provide disability service will include, for the first time, quality and safety measures to ensure that the users of a service can enjoy a rewarding and safe experience to which they are entitled.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Alan Shatter

Question:

199 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Information and Quality Authority has completed its work on standards for designated residential centres for people with a disability; and if it has not done so, when this work will be completed and published. [15335/08]

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established on 15 May 2007 as provided for in the Health Act 2007. HIQA is the statutory agency with responsibility for developing standards for health and social care services and then ensuring that the standards are being met. A Standards Advisory Group has been established comprising key stakeholders and service users to develop standards for residential care settings for people with disabilities. It is expected that draft standards will be published shortly. It is understood that HIQA will engage in a public consultation process with the intention of publishing finalised standards following the consultation process.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

John Deasy

Question:

200 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children the person who determines the level of specialised treatment received by patients who have transferred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, having been previously treated for the same condition in the public health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15343/08]

Services delivered under the auspices of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are provided by hospital consultants who are required by the NTPF to be registered with the Fund and who are also approved by the NTPF's Chief Medical Advisor as being eligible for certification on the Medical Council's Specialist Register.

Patients are referred to consultants in the specialty which they require and to hospitals approved by the NTPF to undertake the necessary procedure. As is the case in the public hospital system, not all procedures can be carried out in all hospitals and, in the interests of optimal patient safety, patients are only referred to hospitals appropriate to their needs. I am satisfied that patients who benefit from treatment sourced through NTPF are not at any disadvantage compared to those who receive similar treatment through the public health system.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

201 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is grant aid available for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15345/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

202 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding or financial support given by her Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15375/08]

Officials within my Department have checked and have established that no funding was provided to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States in the years mentioned.

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

203 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of intervention services to a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [15386/08]

The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal 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.

Michael McGrath

Question:

204 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of special aid for a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [15388/08]

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

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

205 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made in relation to the provision of a centre of excellence in County Sligo; the number of meetings she has had with the Health Service Executive in relation to the matter; the number of deputations she or her Ministers of State has met in relation to the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15391/08]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has designated University College Hospital Galway and Limerick Regional Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Western Region, which includes Sligo. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. Where diagnosis and treatment planning is directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, then much of the treatment (other than surgery) can be delivered in local hospitals, such as Sligo General Hospital. In this context, chemotherapy and support services will continue to be delivered locally. Cancer day care units, including at Sligo General Hospital, will continue to have an important role in delivering services to patients as close to home as possible.

The decisions of the HSE in relation to four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres will be implemented on a managed and phased basis. Professor Tom Keane, Director of the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme, is currently engaging in detailed planning to facilitate the orderly phased transfer of services between locations. The key objective of the National Cancer Control Programme is to ensure equity of access to services and equality of patient mortality and survival irrespective of geography. This will involve significant re-alignment of cancer services to move from the present fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control.

I have not had a specific meeting with the HSE in relation to cancer services in Sligo General Hospital. However, I have had meetings with Professor Keane in relation to the overall implementation of the National Cancer Control Programme. I understand that Minister of State Brendan Smith has had one meeting in relation to cancer services in Sligo. Minister of State Pat the Cope Gallagher has had three meetings regarding services in the North West, including Sligo. Minister of State Jimmy Devins, in his capacity as TD for Sligo-North Leitrim has met numerous delegations both formally and informally in relation to cancer services in Sligo. Minister of State Máire Hoctor has not had any meetings in relation to cancer services in Sligo.

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

206 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the facilities available both in County Mayo and nationally for people suffering from a condition (details supplied). [15393/08]

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

Medical Cards.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

207 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to an application for a medical card for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15394/08]

Persons and their dependants who would otherwise experience undue hardship in meeting the cost of General Practitioner (GP) services qualify for a medical card, which entitles them to a range of health services free of charge. In 2005, the GP visit card was introduced as a graduated benefit so that people on moderate and lower incomes, particularly parents of young children, who did not qualify for a medical card, would not be deterred on cost grounds from visiting their GP. The assessment of eligibility for medical cards and GP visit cards is statutorily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE) and, with the exception of persons aged 70 and over, who have an automatic statutory entitlement to a medical card, is determined following an examination of the means of the applicant and his/her dependants (income and relevant outgoings). The GP visit card assessment threshold is 50% higher than the medical card threshold.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for these benefits, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has therefore requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

208 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will formulate a new public policy on childhood orthodontics in view of the unacceptable waiting times for children with serious dental problems in the greater Dublin and mid-east regions; and if she will make a statement on her policy on the matter following a report from the Health Service Executive on performance indicators in this area. [15395/08]

My Department is currently developing a new National Oral Health Policy. This new oral health policy, the first such policy in thirteen years, is being undertaken in conjunction with the Health Service Executive. The development of this new national policy will allow a critical examination of the many challenges and issues currently facing the dental sector, including the delivery of orthodontic services to children. It is expected that the new National Oral Health Policy report will be available later this year.

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

209 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will have the assessment they need in order that they can begin school; when they will receive the appointment with an occupational therapist for which they have waited two years; and if they can obtain a sensory blanket and stress ball in the meantime. [15464/08]

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.

The Deputy's specific 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Pat Breen

Question:

210 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason persons (details supplied) in County Clare are not being facilitated with appointments at a hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15466/08]

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 issues 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.

Pension Provisions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

211 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when pension pay and lump sum or calculation of same will be finalised in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15475/08]

The Health Service Executive administers the pension scheme in question and therefore is the appropriate organisation to address the Deputy's query. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

212 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when home help will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15476/08]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

213 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to funding for the provision of seven day accommodation needs, as opposed to the current five day arrangement in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15477/08]

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75m in both 2006 and 2007. This funding included monies to provide new and enhanced services for people with disabilities, to implement Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005, which came into effect on June 1st 2007 for the under 5's and also for the continuation of the implementation of the transfer of persons with intellectual disability from psychiatric hospitals and other inappropriate placements. The Government is also honouring its promise in relation to the Multi-Annual Investment Programme for people with disabilities, with a further €50m investment which was announced in the 2008 Budget.

The Deputy's specific 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.

Child Care Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

214 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding provided for out of school services and after school services in the context of disadvantage and generally across Government bodies such as the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Health Service Executive. [15930/08]

Under the National Childcare Investment Programme, €5.8 million has been allocated to dedicated out of schools services to date, of which €1.35 million is designated for RAPID and CLÁR areas. An additional €157 million has been allocated for larger integrated childcare services many of which also provide out of school places. Of these, €52 million is for services within RAPID and CLÁR areas. To end December 2007, approx. €415 million has been approved for Community Based Groups in capital and staffing funding under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006 (EOCP). Of this approx. €158 million has been allocated to RAPID and CLÁR areas. As the majority of projects offer an integrated service it is not possible to break down the amount of funding spent on each element of the service. However it is estimated that 40% of Community Groups funded under the EOCP provide out of school services.

Public Transport.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

215 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 485 of 2 April 2008, if a licence has been issued; if so, the date on which it issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15009/08]

I can confirm that no licence has issued to the company as referred to in the Deputy's previous Parliamentary Question on the 2nd April, 2008. I refer the Deputy to my reply to that question in which I advised that the consideration of the said application had to be held in abeyance until such time as a prior application from another private operator for services on a similar route had been determined. The prior application has been finalised and the licence has issued. My Department understands from the licence holder that some services have already been introduced.

In the reply to Question No. 485 of 2nd April 2008 I indicated that the applicant referred to in that question had been advised to cease the operation of a road passenger service in respect of which a licence had not been issued under the Road Transport Act 1932, which is an offence under section 7 of that Act. That matter is now the subject of an investigation by the Garda Síochána.

Road Safety.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

216 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the person who will sit on the Road Safety Authority’s appeal board with respect to assessing the qualifications of driving instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15031/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

217 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the legislative provisions that would allow him or the Road Safety Authority to make it an offence to work as a driving instructor without being registered as an approved driving instructor with the RSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15032/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.

Section 18 of the Road Traffic Act 1968 (as amended by section 19 of the Road Traffic Act 2002) provides for the making of regulations in relation to the control of driving instruction, with subsection (2)(g) of section 18 enabling regulations to be made to prohibit the giving of instruction for reward unless the person concerned is licensed to do so. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has given me comprehensive proposals for the registration and regulation of driving instructors, including the establishment and composition of an Appeals Advisory Panel, and with the target operational date of 1 January 2009. The proposals are under consideration, with a view to making the necessary Regulations, and it would not be appropriate to comment on them at this stage.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

218 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15047/08]

The Department of Transport was only established in 2002.

International Shipping.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

219 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the precedent created by an EU decision (details supplied), his Department will give similar consideration to the application of this precedent with the intention of providing financial assistance to enable the re-instatement of the Cork-Swansea ferry service which is vital to the development of employment, commerce and tourism in the southern region and in particular with regard to the designation of Cork city as a gateway city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15052/08]

The EU Commission decision referred to by the Deputy related to restructuring aid for firms in difficulty granted by the French Government. The EU Commission, inter alia, decided that the notified restructuring aid constituted aid incompatible with the Treaty and that the aid must be recovered with interest. It is not the practice in Ireland to subsidise international shipping routes. I am informed that a commercial examination of the Cork Swansea route has been carried out for the Port of Cork Company. This indicated that, subject to procuring a suitable vessel, the service could be feasible on a year round basis. As Minister for Transport, I feel it is important that the market offers a diverse range of maritime links into and out of the State. This is necessary to facilitate trade and tourism. I hope that a commercially viable service can be resumed as soon as possible.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

220 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of days, in relation to every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15192/08]

The material the Deputy seeks is available on the Oireachtas website. The website provides information on the presentation, and consideration by the Dáil and Seanad, of all Bills and Acts, including those introduced by my Department from 2002, which is when my Department was established, to date. The link to the information is www.oireachtas.ie and then continue to the legislation link. The Ministers for Transport during the period 2002 to present are as follows: Seamus Brennan, TD June 2002 — September 2004; Martin Cullen, TD September 2004 — June 2007; Noel Dempsey, TD June 2007 to present.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

221 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15298/08]

This Department has over-arching responsibility as "Managing Authority" under EU rules for the effective management of the EU-assisted infrastructure elements (national roads, public transport, waste water, sustainable energy) of the Economic and Social Infrastructure Operational Programme (ESIOP) 2000-2006. The end date for incurring expenditure on the EU-assisted elements is 31st December, 2008. The management of this Programme includes responsibility for ensuring compliance with EU regulations on publicity requirements in relation to projects in receipt of EU Structural Fund assistance under the Programme. The implementation and funding of the EU publicity requirements is a matter for the agencies and bodies which have responsibility for delivery of the infrastructure projects concerned. No such advertising or publicity costs are borne by or attributable to the Department of Transport.

The Irish Coast Guard carry out advertising each year under the Safety On The Water campaign in order to promote safety on the waters, rivers and lakes of Ireland. The cost of this advertising for the years 2003 to 2007 is as follows:

Year

€’000

2003

90

2004

111

2005

138

2006

192

2007

102

The Minister launched The Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft on 24 May 2006. The Code sets out current legislative requirements governing recreational craft as well as providing detailed guidance and information on best practice for the safe operation of such craft. It is aimed at all recreational craft operating in coastal and inland waters whether used for competitive or non-competitive purposes. It covers sailing craft, including windsurfers, motorboats, ski boats, craft propelled using outboard engines, personal watercraft (jet skis), canoes, kayaks and non-powered craft.

Costs associated with the publication, including costs for the translation into Irish amounted to €49,450.20. This sum included €12,534.85 consultancy costs in respect of design and layout, and €1,996.50 for advertising in publications. My Department is currently undertaking a media advertising campaign which aims to raise public awareness of the Transport 21 investment programme. The costs for 2007 and 2008 are set out below. No such costs were incurred in previous years.

2008 to date

2007

€597,071 (ex VAT)

€2,500 (ex VAT)

Following the introduction of an EU Regulation laying down new rules for the carriage of liquids and gels on board aircraft, which came into force on 6 November 2006, my Department placed newspaper advertisements to bring the new requirements to the attention of the travelling public. The advertisements were placed in a number of publications on 31 October 2006 at a total cost of €15,955.42 (inc VAT).

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

222 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will expand on his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 474 of 2 April 2008, particularly regarding car parking costs of the Department of Transport in Cork where five spaces cost €43,940 annually; the location of these spaces; the length of any agreed lease; the justification for the particularly high cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15303/08]

The figure of €43,490, previously provided in response to Question No. 474 of 2 April 2008 included both the cost of office rental and car parking spaces. Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide a breakdown. The building in question is Centre Park House in Cork city. This 10 year lease relates to a property on Centre Park Road in Cork city and was negotiated by the OPW in line with the best commercial practice.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

223 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15379/08]

No funding or financial support has been given by my Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States in any year from 2000 to date in 2008.

Departmental Records.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

224 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he will forward the details promised in Parliamentary Question No. 44 of 6 December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15380/08]

I have recently forwarded the details concerned to the Deputy.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

225 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if his Department provided briefings to date in relation to the recently published Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15381/08]

As I agreed on my appointment with Opposition spokespersons, briefings are available on request for Opposition spokespersons on any and all of Transport policy and legislation. My officials are available to provide briefings to interested parties in respect of the Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008. A number of such briefings have taken place and more are planned. I understand that arrangements are being made for officials to brief the Deputy on the Bill.

Public Transport.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

226 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the reason a service (details supplied) failed to obtain a bus operating licence under the Road Transport Act 1932; if he is aware of other operators competing on that route; the criteria by which licences are awarded for such routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15389/08]

The Road Transport Act, 1932, as amended, provides the statutory basis for regulating the provision of public bus services by private bus operators. In accordance with the legislation, private bus operators apply to my Department for licences to operate scheduled bus passenger services within the State. Section 11 of the Act establishes specific criteria for the determination of applications, which provide that

The service is required in the public interest having regard to the passenger road services and other forms of passenger transport available to the public on or in the neighbourhood of the route of the proposed service

Whether the service is sufficient in terms of frequency and duration to meet the requirements of the public

Whether the applicant has the organisation and equipment necessary to carry out the service

Failure to meet the test established by reference to those criteria will result in the refusal of an application.

Applications for annual licences are generally dealt with on a first come, first served basis. The presence of a prior application for a licence from another private operator, or a notification from Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann for services on a similar route, necessitates that the consideration of any subsequent application must be held in abeyance until the prior application/notification has been determined. In the case of the application referred to by the Deputy, on the 20 February 2007, my Department received an application from the operator concerned, for a licence to operate bus passenger services between Dalkey and Dublin Airport. At that time, my Department advised the applicant that the application was being held until such time as a decision on a prior application for services on a similar route from another private operator had been determined. This prior application has been finalised and the licence has issued. My Department understands from the licence holder that some services have now been introduced.

In the case of the service referred to by the Deputy, on the 16 July 2007 my Department was made aware that the operator concerned had commenced the operation of an unlicensed bus passenger service between Dalkey and Dublin Airport. My Department immediately contacted that Company and advised that failure to cease the operation of the service in respect of which a licence had not been issued under the Road Transport Act 1932, is an offence under section 7 of that Act. As the unauthorised service continued to operate my Department advised the Company that the matter was being passed to An Garda Síochána for its investigation. This matter is currently the subject of an ongoing Garda investigation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

227 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of discretionary funds to non-Irish emigrant groups, allocated to each of the four Irish consulates in the United States of America, as well as the Irish Embassy in Washington; the matters on which these funds were expended; the persons, organisations or bodies who were recipients in each case of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15498/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

243 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15374/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 227 and 243 together.

Apart from the funding provided to U.S. based international organisations, such as the United Nations, and emergency aid granted, for example, to the American Red Cross to support displaced communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the Department has provided ongoing financial support to organisations engaged in the delivery of services to Irish emigrants in the United States since 1989 (see Table 1). Until recently this funding has been concentrated solely on the support of Immigration Centres that provide advice and assistance to Irish citizens. The centres and immigration lobby groups are located in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Maryland, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle and Washington DC. We have also provided funding for the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres, a coordination and umbrella body for the centres' activities.

Following the publication of the Task Force on Policy regarding Emigrants, my Ministerial predecessor, Brian Cowen T.D., announced the establishment of a dedicated Unit within the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Irish Abroad Unit. This Unit now administers the Government's Emigrant Support Programme, which provides financial support to organisations in the voluntary sector engaged in the delivery of services to Irish emigrants, particularly to the more vulnerable and marginalised members of our community abroad. Since the establishment of the Irish Abroad Unit, the Government has considerably increased the funding available to support emigrant services worldwide, with Government funding to organisations in the United States increasing from $356,000 in 2003 to $2,149,815 in 2007. While the emphasis of this funding continues to be on supporting the welfare, information and immigration advisory services provided by the Immigration Centres, the progressive increases have allowed the Programme to expand and include a number of capital projects, as well as projects which foster a greater sense of identity and belonging within the Irish community, including culture, heritage and sports projects.

The Government has also provided substantial financial support to the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, which augments the Government's sustained contact with the US Administration and both Houses of Congress and contributes to our broad based efforts to promote US immigration reform and thereby resolve the status of the undocumented Irish. Following the dissolution of the Cultural Relations Committee in February 2005, the Consulates and the Embassy have received annual allocations for the promotion and advancement of Irish arts and culture. This programme is administered by the Department's Cultural Division. Details of the amounts allocated to each of the Missions are provided in Table 2. No discretionary funds have been allocated either to the Consulates or the Embassy for the support of non Irish emigrant groups.

Table 1 — Emigrant Support Funding provided to Irish Groups in the US

Organisation

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

Aisling Irish Centre, New York

46,500

14,000

30,000

60,000

85,000

107,000

120,000

Chicago Irish Immigration Support

9,000

12,000

12,000

16,000

43,000

63,000

85,000

100,000

Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres

40,000

50,000

100,000

Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres conference

35,000

Commodore Barry Club, Philadelphia

25,000

Emerald Isle Immigration Centre, New York

65,000

174,500

55,000

65,000

95,000

130,000

162,500

187,000

GAA Youth Development Programme

99,000

Fáilte Centre, New York

30,499

Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform

85,391

100,000

Irish American Heritage Centre, Chicago

Capital Grant 516,635

Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk and Queens

Capital Grant 90,000

Fáilte Irish immigration centre, Washington DC

8,500

10,000

10,000

12,000

15,000

Irish Apostolate USA

4,000

45,000

7,500

10,000

12,000

15,000

20,000

Irish connect Initiative, San Francisco

1,000

Irish Cultural Centre, Canton

25,000

Irish Korean war memorial Committee

10,000

Irish Immigration & Pastoral Centre, Philadelphia

10,000

20,000

30,000

60,000

85,000

107,000

124,500

Irish Immigration Centre, Boston

46,500

48,000

48,000

56,000

117,243

130,000

162,500

187,000

Irish Immigration & Pastoral Centre, San Francisco

17,500

18,500

23,500

28,000

50,000

73,000

107,000

123,000

Irish Outreach, San Diego

2,000

4,000

18,000

20,000

22,500

Irish Pastoral Centre, Boston

50,500

48,000

48,000

56,000

86,000

117,000

146,250

164,000

Irish project outreach, New York

65,000

174,500

55,000

47,000

75,000

92,000

110,400

106,680

New York Irish centre

85,000

107,000

123,000

Ocean City Student Outreach

1,500

1,000

1,000

Philadelphia Immigration Resource centre

24,000

4,000

3,000

Seattle Irish immigration support

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,400

2,500

US Ireland Forum, New York

Conference 37,000

Irish Cultural Centre, Boston

11,769

Table 1 — Emigrant Support Funding provided to Irish Groups in the US —continued

Organisation

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

US$

Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigration

2,942

Irish arts centre, New York

20,000

Savannah Irish festival

15,000

Sinead Smith Counselling Services, San Francisco

8,000

9,000

Catholic charities immigration counselling services, Dallas

2,000

South California Irish Network, Los Angeles

500

Total

300,000

600,000

300,000

356,000

653,242

929,711

1,437,441

2,149,815

35,000

*2001 figures include a $300,000 grant awarded to New York based groups to assist in aftermath of 9/11.

*The 2008 US grant application round is currently underway.

Table 2 — Local Missions' Cultural Initiatives Allocations

Mission

2005

2006

2007

2008

Boston

6,000

6,000

7,000

3,500

Chicago

6,000

6,000

6,000

3,500

New York

6,000

6,000

20,000

12,000

San Francisco

6,000

6,000

6,000

3,500

Washington

8,000

8,000

8,000

Total

32,000

32,000

47,000

22,500

*2008 allocations to date.

Foreign Conflicts.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

228 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will endorse the criticism of the Chinese Government’s policy towards Tibet and his call for the Chinese Government to enter into talks with the Dalai Lama by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15020/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

229 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he was given advance warning of the speech made at a national conference regarding the Chinese Government’s policy towards Tibet and the call for the Chinese Government to enter into talks with the Dalai Lama; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15021/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

230 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will join the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government’s call to enter into talks with the Dalai Lama; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15023/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 to 230, inclusive, together.

I am deeply concerned by the situation in Tibet, and deplore the loss of life there. In addressing events in Tibet, I have sought, both through my own statements as well as through my Department's ongoing contacts with the Chinese authorities, both in Dublin and Beijing, to:

urge all sides to exercise the maximum restraint, and to underline the importance Ireland attaches to the right of freedom of expression and peaceful protest;

urge the Chinese authorities to allow greater access by the media and independent observers to Tibet in order to facilitate an assessment of what has been happening there;

establish from the Chinese authorities what has happened to the protesters, including those who had surrendered to the authorities, as well as seeking assurances of their well-being and the release of imprisoned peaceful protesters;

encourage dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama, which I believe remains the only sustainable way of ensuring the preservation of Tibetan religious and cultural identity, as well as addressing Chinese concerns regarding its territorial integrity.

My meeting with the Chinese Ambassador on 16 April provided the most recent opportunity to address these issues. In so far as my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government expressed his serious concern about the situation in Tibet and appealed for dialogue between the Chinese authorities and representatives of the Dalai Lama, he was reflecting the stance that has also been taken by the Government. We discussed these points briefly when he raised with me on 11 April the fact that he would include a reference to Tibet in his address to the Green Party Conference the following day. Finally, I would note that the Government's concerns regarding human rights in China are raised on a regular basis in bilateral contacts with the Government of China. In these discussions, we continue to raise issues regarding the practice of religion, freedom of expression and the preservation of cultural identity in Tibet.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

231 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15042/08]

In 1997, one officer from my Department at Assistant Secretary level attended an MSc (Management) Programme for senior managers in the public service. This Programme was organised and paid for by the Centre for Management and Organisation Development (CMOD) in the Department of Finance, which ran the Programme in association with Trinity College Dublin and the Irish Management Institute.

Human Rights Issues.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

232 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to an article (details supplied); if he will ensure that his Department gives every assistance possible to this particular village and to similar situations in Rwanda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15163/08]

I am aware of the plight of child headed households in Rwanda and find the courage and resilience of the children and young people described in The Irish Times article "Orphans of genocide rear themselves in village of children" deeply moving. The challenges of access to education, health and employment are heavy burdens for all such young people. Fourteen years after the genocide in Rwanda, when more than 800,000 innocent people lost their lives, the country is still coming to terms with the aftermath of that horror.

Ireland continues to provide significant support to the people of Rwanda as they work to rebuild their country. Since 2006 Ireland has provided humanitarian and development assistance of over €7 million to the people of Rwanda. This funding is channelled through non-governmental organisations such as Irish NGOs Trócaire and Concern who are doing such good work on the ground. We have also funded the work of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) as it seeks to provide emergency food to those most in need. Our assistance to such work will continue.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

233 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of days, in the case of every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15188/08]

All Bills brought forward by my Department since 1997, together with the dates they were presented to either the Dáil or Seanad Éireann, are listed in tabular form as follows. In all instances the sponsoring Minister was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. For ease of reference, the names of the corresponding Acts are also listed.

I understand that all Bills are published on the Oireachtas website upon presentation, in addition to their distribution to all Oireachtas Members. As the Deputy will be aware, more detailed information on the progress of all pieces of legislation since 1997 is available on the Oireachtas website. This website www.oireachtas.ie provides chronological information on the presentation and consideration by the Dáil and Seanad of all Bills, including those introduced by my Department from 1997 to date.

Title of Bill

Presentation to either the Dáil or Seanad

Title of Act (if applicable)

Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2008

06/03/2008

n/a

Passports Bill 2007

05/04/2007

Passports Act 2008

European Communities Bill 2006

01/12/2006

European Communities Act 2007

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment) Bill 2005

29/06/2005

Diplomatic Relations and Immunities (Amendment)Act 2006

European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2006

20/04/2006

European Communities(Amendment) Act 2006

British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Bill 2006*

23/11/2006

British–Irish Agreement (Amendment) Act 2006

Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2005

26/05/2005

n/a (lapsed)

European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2003

30/10/2003

European Communities (Amendment) Act 2003

European Communities (Amendment) Bill 2002

13/11/2002

European Communities (Amendment) Act 2002

British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Bill 2002*

19/11/2002

British–Irish Agreement (Amendment) Act 2002

Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 2002

26/06/2002

Twenty-sixth Amendment of the Constitution Act, 2002

European Communities and Swiss Confederation Bill, 2001

13/11/2001

European Communities and Swiss Confederation Act 2001

Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, 1998

22/01/1998

Eighteenth Amendment of the Constitution Act 1998

European Communities (Amendment) Bill 1998

03/06/1998

European Communities (Amendment) Act 1998

Geneva Conventions (Amendment) Bill, 1997

7/4/1997

Geneva Conventions (Amendment) Act 1998

*The British-Irish Agreement Bill 1999 (British-Irish Agreement Act 1999) was presented by the Taoiseach. British-Irish (Amendment) Agreement Bill 1999 (British-Irish (Amendment) Agreement Act 1999) was presented by the Minister for Finance.

Overseas Development Aid.

John Deasy

Question:

234 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the three non-governmental organisations that had their funding by Irish Aid suspended in 2007; the countries in which each of these NGOs operate; the amount of Irish Aid funding each of these NGOs received in 2005 and 2006; if it is planned that funding will be restored to each of them; when that funding will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15217/08]

Non governmental organisations (NGOs) are important partners for Irish Aid in the delivery of the aid programme. NGOs in receipt of funding are closely monitored with a view to ensuring full accountability for all monies disbursed. Where issues of concern arise they are reported to senior management and appropriate action is taken. The immediate action is normally the suspension of further funding until the issue of concern has been investigated. As suspension of funding is a precautionary procedure, and does not of itself imply wrongdoing by the organisation concerned, it would not be appropriate to divulge detailed information in specific cases, especially as the organisations in question could be unfairly damaged by such information being made public.

Departmental Staff.

John Deasy

Question:

235 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of audit and accounting staff currently employed by Irish Aid; the planned increase in the number of such staff that will be employed each year up to 2012 as the Irish Aid budget increases to meet Ireland’s committed targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15218/08]

Irish Aid has in place rigorous accounting and audit controls which are essential to ensuring a transparent, effective and high quality programme. Irish Aid programmes are regularly and intensively audited and evaluated by independent audit firms, by Irish Aid's Evaluation and Audit Unit and by the independent Audit Committee of the Department. Programmes are evaluated to ensure that funds are used for the purposes intended and in respect of outcomes and value for money.

My Department currently employs 18 staff in headquarters for the purpose of audit and accounting of Irish Aid. An additional accountant has been recruited and will join the Division on 7 May 2008. A further 30 staff are employed locally by our missions to manage finance, audit and accounting practices in programme countries. The Irish Aid Programme currently has the capacity to absorb the current level of funding. However, clearly, the question of effective spending and accountability will be key issues as we implement the significant growth in funding projected to 2012. With this in mind my department is carrying out a major review of the management of the Irish Aid Programme in conjunction with the Department of Finance.

Overseas Development Aid.

John Deasy

Question:

236 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of projects of €300,000, or greater, that were funded by Irish Aid in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; the number of those projects that were audited; when Irish Aid will have all projects of over €300,000 audited, as recommended by the INTRAC report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15219/08]

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the INTRAC Value for Money Report on Irish Aid support provided from the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Fund to Tsunami Affected Countries. The conclusion of that report was that "Irish Aid made a prompt and appropriate response, and, overall, managed its programme of support in an efficient and effective way. The programme of response has been competently monitored and no cases were found of any funds being wasted." The Report made a series of 12 recommendations, one of which was "Irish Aid should request external evaluations of all programmes to which it is contributing and make all grants of €300,000 and above conditional on such an overall and external programme evaluation being undertaken and submitted." In its management response, Irish Aid "concurred with the principle of this recommendation" which it described as "consistent with the commitments of Irish Aid to evaluation and financial accountability".

In practice, the vast majority of Irish Aid funding from the Emergency Fund is provided through UN Agencies like the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF and the Red Cross. In 2007 such funding accounted for 92% of the Emergency Fund. All of these agencies conform with the principle of the recommendation in the INTRAC Report in that they have their own robust auditing and evaluation procedures in place for all their donors, including Irish Aid. It is therefore unnecessary, and indeed would involve wasteful duplication, and would be in breach of the principles of Good Humanitarian Donorship (GHD), for a single donor like Irish Aid to commission separate additional audits in respect of each of its funding grants made to these agencies.

The balance of Irish Aid funding from Emergency Fund is provided through our NGO partners. All emergency related funding proposals submitted by our NGO partners are comprehensively appraised. Under the terms of the contracts agreed with the NGO partners, each NGO is obliged to provide externally audited accounts in addition to regular financial statements on spending. Furthermore, regular progress reports are provided by the organisation. In accordance with the audit requirements for the funding of these projects and programmes, Irish Aid receives audited accounts from the NGOs concerned thus providing the necessary audit assurance that feeds into Irish Aid's overall accountability framework.

In response to that specific recommendation to which the Deputy refers, all contracts governing Irish Aid's humanitarian funding to its NGO partners will include, regardless of value, clauses defining evaluation requirements and stating the right of Irish Aid to commission an independent evaluation of the project or programme. Specific evaluations will take into account the value and nature of the activities that were funded. These evaluation clauses are in addition to the very specific audit requirements that have always been a standard component of Irish Aid's funding agreements. In addition, an evaluation officer has been deployed within its own Emergency and Recovery Section tasked with the responsibility of devising a rolling programme of evaluations designed to assess the impact and the outcome of programmes, to ensure value for money, and to draw upon lessons learnt which can improve our humanitarian response in the future.

Listed in an annex, are the number and value of programmes from the Emergency Fund in excess of €300,000 awarded to our NGO partners in the years 2005-2007. All Irish Aid funding, including projects, programmes, sectors and geographic location, is detailed comprehensively in the Irish Aid Annual Reports.

Annex

The number of grants in excess of €300,000 provided to them in each of the years is as follows:

2005

NGO

Number of Grants

Amount

Concern

6

4,414,697

Concern Universal

1

300,000

GOAL

4

1,765,000

Mercy Corps

1

350,000

MSF

2

700,000

Oxfam

2

650,000

Trócaire

4

1,750,000

VSO

1

305,000

Total

21

10,234,697

2006

NGO

Number of Grants

Amount

Concern

5

2,686,253

GOAL

5

2,787,885

MSF

5

1,650,000

Oxfam

1

310,000

Trócaire

3

1,362,378

Total

19

8,796,516

2007

NGO

Number of Grants

Amount

Concern

6

3,056,283

GOAL

4

1,600,000

Trócaire

2

978,000

Concern Universal

1

408,790

Valid Nutrition

1

425,000

Oxfam

1

360,000

MSF

2

700,000

Total

17

7,528,073

John Deasy

Question:

237 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to co-operate with other donor countries in order to avoid duplication when auditing Irish Aid spending; if it is planned that Ireland will join the Harmonisation in Overseas Audit Practices group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15220/08]

Ireland signed up to the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness of March 2005, which, inter alia, agreed to "eliminate duplication of efforts and rationalise donor activities to make them as cost effective as possible." In line with this commitment, Irish Aid's programme funding agreements now provide authorisation for the commissioning of joint audit work with other donors in areas of developmental activity which are jointly funded. Where joint arrangements do not exist, such as, for example, where Irish Aid is the only funder of a particular activity, work can be commissioned solely by Irish Aid. It should be noted that in most of Irish Aid's major bilateral programmes, a significant proportion of programme expenditure is the subject of joint audit work.

The issue of membership of the Harmonisation in Overseas Audit Practices group — a grouping of the external auditors (Supreme Audit Institutions) of the countries providing overseas aid — is a matter for the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office. Irish Aid, following communications with the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General, can confirm that Ireland has not yet become a member, but that the Office is in contact with the group and receives updates and communications on the group's work.

Consultancy Contracts.

John Deasy

Question:

238 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by Irish Aid on consultancies in each of the years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15221/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table in respect of Vote 29, International Cooperation.

Year

Total

€,000

2005

2,608

2006

3,242

2007

4,315

Overseas Development Aid.

John Deasy

Question:

239 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the countries, currently receiving funding from the Irish Aid budget, that are not approved for budgetary support from that funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15222/08]

Irish Aid delivers assistance to over 90 countries in the world but has a particularly deep relationship with nine countries termed Programme Countries, seven in Africa and two in Asia. These are Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Vietnam and East Timor. In two of these countries, Mozambique and Tanzania, Irish Aid provides direct budget support as part of a comprehensive programme of development assistance. Ireland's relationship with the developing world is based on partnership and equality. Budget support contributes to greater ownership of development planning by recipient countries, and helps to create the conditions in which they can lead their own development processes. It enables both Government and donors to support national development as a whole, rather than focusing on individual projects or specific sectors.

Irish Aid attaches the highest priority to ensuring that taxpayers' money is spent efficiently and effectively for the benefit of the poor. Decisions on the delivery of direct budget support take account of the performance of partner Governments in key areas such as good governance, respect for human rights, and commitment to addressing the needs of the poor. Where such support is provided, it is accompanied by stringent systems of oversight and accountability. The fruits of this programmatic approach by Ireland, other donors and recipient countries are beginning to emerge. Africa is experiencing its most rapid period of growth in decades. Poverty levels are falling, not fast enough, but falling nevertheless. Ireland's Programme Countries are among those making real progress. In Mozambique for example the number of primary schools has increased from 2,800 in 1992 to approximately 9,000. Tanzania is making significant progress on child health and education. In Uganda the number of children at school has increased from 2 million to 7 million.

Irish Aid continues to work in some of the poorest and most difficult operating environments in the world. Like other donors, including NGOs and development agencies, we must strike a balance between risk and making a real and lasting difference in people's lives. I believe that our approach, which combines a range of instruments and partners, including budget support, strikes the right balance and is bringing about positive results amongst the poor.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

240 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15293/08]

Advertising undertaken by my Department in Ireland typically includes advisory notices on public opening hours over holiday periods, changes in passport application procedures and fees, and public information notices relating to Ireland's official aid programme. Much of this material is now placed on the Department's website but the advertising continues to be necessary in order to reach all of our customers, particularly in relation to important passport and consular services. The following tables give the details of such advertising under Votes 28 (Foreign Affairs) and 29 (International Cooperation) for each year from 2003 to 2007.

Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs)

Year

Programme or Policy

Type of Advertising

Cost of Advertising

Consultancy Cost, if any

Total Cost

2003

Christmas and New Year Opening Arrangements

Publication

10,645.94

None

U.S. Entry Requirements (Passport Service related)

Publication

6,039.01

None

U.S. Entry Requirements (Passport service related)

Publication

6,578.07

None

23,263.02

2004

Public informationon E.U. Constitution

Publication

24,194.67

None

New Passport facilities for children

Publication

40,822.96

None

Postal Service Disruption (Passport service related)

Publication

26,317.62

None

Passport Collection Arrangements

Publication

15,373.38

None

Passport fees and Passport services information

Publication

40,411.16

None

Christmas and New Year Opening Arrangements

Publication

17,726.92

None

Passport Fees and Services Information

Publication

6,886.19

None

171,732.90

2005

Public informationon E.U. Constitution

Publication

5,660.62

None

Information on change of citizenship entitlement (Passport services related)

Publication

52,183.23

None

U.S. Visa Waiver Programme (Passport Services related)

Publication

10,337.57

None

New Services for citizens over 65 (Passport services related)

Publication

9,086.62

None

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

Publication

11,194.32

None

U.S. Visa Waiver Programme (Passport services related)

Publication

11,194.32

None

Passport Fees and Services Information

Publication

49,088.29

None

144,835.09

2006

Communicating Europe Initiative

Publication

3,225.18

None

Lost and Stolen Passports

Publication

10,674.69

None

Christmas and New Year Opening Hours

Publication

7,557.48

None

Passport Fees and services Information

Publication

79,971.88

None

Holiday World Show 2007 (Passport service related)

Outdoor Media

4,544.67

None

105,973.90

2007

Christmas and New Year Arrangements

Publication

13,507.77

None

Passport Services Information

Publication

53,671.57

None

Airport Digital Advertising information on Passports and Renewals

Broadcast Media

3,509.00

None

Holiday World Show 2008 (Passport services related)

Outdoor Media

4,600.50

None

75,288.84

Vote 29 (International Cooperation)

Total spending on advertising by Irish Aid in each of the years in question is set out in the following table.

These advertising costs include public information campaigns for World AIDS Day and Africa Day, recruitment to Irish Aid and volunteer positions, and the placement of tender notices and information relating to grant application procedures. Advertising costs increased in 2006 and 2007 as a result of significant campaigns around recruitment to the Rapid Response Corps, World AIDS Day and the opening of the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre.

Year

2007

417,130

2006

271,491

2005

123,530

2004

44,546

2003

104,416

It has not been possible in the time available to give the full breakdown of costs requested. With the exception of those advertisements relating to the opening of the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre and regional radio advertising for public consultations on the White Paper on Irish Aid, all Irish Aid advertisements have been carried in printed publications.

Passport Applications.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

241 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance that will be given by his Department to a person (details supplied) in County Cork whose birth was never registered and who requires their birth certificate to obtain a passport. [15308/08]

A birth certificate is essential to obtain a passport. The Office of the Registrar General has responsibility for records relating to Births, Marriages and Deaths in the State. The person in question should first contact the Registrar General's Office which will explain the procedure for the late registration of a birth. Once the birth has been registered, the Passport Office will assist in issuing a passport. The contact details for the Registrar General's Office are: General Register Office, Government Offices, Convent Road, Roscommon. Tel: 090 6632900, LoCall: 1890 252076. If the person encounters any difficulties with the registration process, he should contact Mrs. Joan Fitzpatrick in the Passport Office in Cork, at 021 4944722, who will be happy to try and be of assistance.

EU Treaties.

Billy Timmins

Question:

242 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the implications there are for the execution of powers of the European Court of Justice here if the Lisbon treaty is ratified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15357/08]

The Reform Treaty makes a number of minor changes to the Court of Justice of the European Union in relation to procedural aspects and its jurisdiction. Article 1.20 draws together the key elements of the existing texts on the Court of Justice. Changes in relation to the Court's procedures include:

establishment of a seven-person panel to offer opinions on the suitability of candidates for judgeships and advocates-generalships;

a shortening of the procedure for imposing fines on Member States;

greater provision for the use of QMV by the Council in amending less fundamental aspects of the Court's Statute; and

a requirement, based on respect for the right to liberty and for the right to a speedy trial, that the Court act with "minimum delay" in giving preliminary rulings at the request of Member States, where an individual is in custody.

The Court will have full jurisdiction in regard to the Treaty's provisions on freedom, security and justice, though it may not review the proportionality or legality of operations carried out by Member States' police or other law-enforcement services, or the exercise by the Member States of their responsibilities with regard to the maintenance of law and order and safeguarding internal security. For a transitional period of five years, however, this extended jurisdiction will not apply to existing measures taken in the field of judicial co-operation in criminal matters and police co-operation. It is made clear by the Reform Treaty that the Court continues as a general rule not to have jurisdiction as regards the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Nor will the Court have jurisdiction on issues which remain the responsibility of Member States.

Question No. 243 answered with Question No. 227.

Research and Development.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

244 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason Ireland decided against joining CERN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15012/08]

The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (2006-2013) recognises the importance for Ireland in building its international collaborative networks in science and highlights the importance of making investments in a way that produces the greatest benefit to Ireland. Ireland is currently involved in various international programmes and initiatives including the European Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7), the European Space Agency, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EUREKA, the network for market orientated research and development and COST, European co-operation in the field of scientific and technical research.

In 2001 a detailed assessment of Irish participation in intergovernmental research organisations, which included CERN, was conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology on my Department's behalf. While the resulting report to Forfás recommended that Ireland should not join CERN at that point, I am cognisant of the need to keep under review developments and opportunities at international and European level and to ensure that our investments assist us to build a strong national research capacity that will attract and retain researchers. At my request, the Advisory Science Council (ASC) is undertaking a study, on Ireland's International Engagement in Science, Technology and Innovation, which should be completed later this year. This study will help to guide decision making on the international research organisations in which Ireland should seek closer involvement. In this regard, it is important to appreciate that decisions about joining international research organisations must take into consideration the opportunity costs involved (membership fees may mean less funding available for research at home) and the capacity of the research community to derive and optimise benefits from such memberships.

Job Creation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

245 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of multinational companies that have located here for each year since 1998 to date in 2008; the names of these companies; the number of jobs these companies have created; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15014/08]

The total number of new jobs created in multinational client companies of IDA Ireland and Shannon Development in the period 1998 to 2007 is 137,864. The annual breakdown of these figures is set out in tabular statements 1 and 2. This information is taken from the Forfás Annual Employment Survey. Information on jobs numbers is gathered on a confidential basis for statistical purposes only. In the period 1998 to 2007 a total of 333 multinational companies set up operations in this country, with assistance from IDA and Shannon Development. The names of those companies are set out on the tabular statement 3.

Since the beginning of 2008 there have been 5 announcements relating to new multinational, greenfield start-ups with a potential to create 595 new jobs with IDA support, while in the same period, 9 companies have announced expansions with a potential to create an additional 1,016 jobs. The names of these companies, together with the location and estimated job numbers that have been announced, are set out in the tabular statements 4 and 5. It should be noted, however, that jobs announced may take three to five years to come on stream.

Table 1: Number of Full-Time Jobs Created In Each Year 1998- 2007.

IDA Ireland Foreign Owned Firms

Shannon Development Foreign owned firms

1998

15,913

864

1999

17,337

768

2000

22,343

835

2001

12,742

633

2002

10,475

387

2003

9,361

383

2004

10,997

420

2005

12,095

344

2006

12,033

483

2007

9,190

261

Table 2: Total Number of Permanent Jobs In Each Year 1998- 2007.

IDA Ireland Foreign Owned Firms

Shannon Development Foreign owned firms

1998

117,358

6,062

1999

125,625

6,452

2000

139,939

6,949

2001

135,354

6,875

2002

130,813

6,412

2003

127,644

6,385

2004

128,520

6,438

2005

131,635

6,241

2006

135,634

6,267

2007

135,471

6,178

Source: Forfás Business Information System (BIS) database.

Table 3: List of Start-Up Companies for Each Year 1998-2007.

Start Up Year

Company

County

1998

Trek Corporation

Carlow

1998

Orcon Incline Repair

Clare

1998

GE GFC

Clare

1998

Orcon

Clare

1998

Nevada Tel

Clare

1998

Kanemore

Clare

1998

Air excel (now Triumph)

Clare

1998

Delta Dental Plan

Cork

1998

I & E Systems Pty Ltd.

Cork

1998

Merchants Group Ltd.

Cork

1998

RCI Call Centre (HFS)

Cork

1998

Sea-Land Service Inc.

Cork

1998

Boston Scientific Ltd.

Cork

1998

Cascade Biochem Ltd.

Cork

1998

Cypress Semiconductor

Cork

1998

Elisa Partnership

Cork

1998

Matrox Graphics Inc.

Cork

1998

Minelab Electronics

Cork

1998

Motorola Semiconductor

Cork

1998

Option International

Cork

1998

Stryker — Osteonics

Cork

1998

Stryker Corporation

Cork

1998

Barclaycard

Dublin

1998

Colgate Palmolive

Dublin

1998

Conference Plus Inc.

Dublin

1998

Global Investment Systems

Dublin

1998

JetForm Corporation

Dublin

1998

Lotus Group (Ireland)

Dublin

1998

MBNA

Dublin

1998

Natwest Group

Dublin

1998

Persys Ireland Ltd.

Dublin

1998

SimulTrans LLC

Dublin

1998

TEK Translation International

Dublin

1998

Trados GmbH

Dublin

1998

VS Data Media

Dublin

1998

Xerox Corporation — Group Project

Dublin

1998

20th Century Plastics

Dublin

1998

Benchmark Electronics

Dublin

1998

IKON Office Solutions

Dublin

1998

Kingston Technology

Dublin

1998

NeXstar Pharmaceuticals

Dublin

1998

Rood Technology

Dublin

1998

Rottapharm Limited

Dublin

1998

AND Data Ireland Ltd.

Galway

1998

Baurer Unternehmensberatung

Galway

1998

PH Brink Int’l

Galway

1998

Amann & Sohne GmbH & Co.

Kerry North

1998

RKT GmbH

Kerry North

1998

Rosenbluth International

Kerry South

1998

Martin Dawes Systems

Limerick

1998

QAD Inc

Limerick

1998

Fullarton Computer Industries

Limerick

1998

Fortress Europe

Louth

1998

Lionbridge Technologies

Mayo

1998

Case Corporation

Meath

1998

Europ Assistance Holdings

Meath

1998

Generali International

Meath

1998

Sanirish

Offaly

1998

Harmac Medical Products

Roscommon

1998

2R Kunststofftechnik

Sligo

1998

Prominent Dosiertechnik

Sligo

1998

Guidant Corporation

Tipperary South

1998

Agora

Waterford

1998

AOL Bertelsmann Services

Waterford

1998

Sun Life Assurance Co.

Waterford

1998

Arkopharma Laboratories

Waterford

1998

Oxford Health Plans

Westmeath

1998

Patterson Pump Company

Westmeath

1998

Asystem Services Int’l

Wicklow

1998

Rupp & Hubrach Optik

Wicklow

1998

Total Companies: 70

1999

Sigma Softlabs Limited

Clare

1999

Mentor Graphics

Clare

1999

Conor Winfield

Clare

1999

Basis/Intel

Clare

1999

Ages (Now Magellan Aviation)

Clare

1999

Nelvana

Clare

1999

Veritas (Now Symantec)

Clare

1999

American Bankers Insurance Group, Inc

Cork

1999

CMG Ireland

Cork

1999

Datastream Systems Inc

Cork

1999

IMTF — Software Limited

Cork

1999

INFOR Business Solutions Ireland Ltd

Cork

1999

Pilz Ireland Industrial Automation

Cork

1999

Rand Technologies Limited

Cork

1999

Siemens Sg Ireland Ltd

Cork

1999

Stalcop

Cork

1999

Pacificare International Limited

Donegal

1999

Octopus Sportswear Ltd

Donegal

1999

Amdocs Software Systems Ltd

Dublin

1999

NorCom Financial Solutions

Dublin

1999

BID.COM

Dublin

1999

Citrix Systems International Gmbh

Dublin

1999

Doubleclick Inc

Dublin

1999

Global Crossing Ireland Ltd

Dublin

1999

Software AG

Dublin

1999

Synopsys Inc

Dublin

1999

Ionics Inc

Galway

1999

Start Amadeus Limited

Galway

1999

B&B Electronics Manufacturing Company

Galway

1999

Fleet Street Travel Ltd

Kerry

1999

International Computers Ltd (Icl)

Louth

1999

Xerox Corporation

Louth

1999

Cedar Group

Mayo

1999

Delta Dental Plan

Mayo

1999

Foxteq Engineering (Ireland) Limited

Westmeath

1999

Total Companies: 35

2000

Verecomm

Clare

2000

Tecnium

Clare

2000

Npr Soft

Clare

2000

Zi Imaging

Clare

2000

Avery Dennison Corporation

Cork

2000

Citco Group Ltd (The)

Cork

2000

Com21 Ireland Limited

Cork

2000

Comdisco Software Develoment Co Ltd

Cork

2000

Global Telesystems Group Inc (Gts)

Cork

2000

Network Resources

Donegal

2000

Prumerica Systems Ireland Limited

Donegal

2000

Biovail

Dublin

2000

Wyeth Medica Ireland

Dublin

2000

Abovenet Communications Inc.

Dublin

2000

Breakaway Solutions Inc

Dublin

2000

Engitech Limited

Dublin

2000

Goto.Com Inc

Dublin

2000

Hummingbird Communications Ltd

Dublin

2000

Msas Global Logistics (Services) Limited

Dublin

2000

Peoplesupport

Dublin

2000

Peregrine Systems, Inc

Dublin

2000

Philips Electronics Ireland Ltd

Dublin

2000

Proscom

Dublin

2000

Qpass Inc

Dublin

2000

Sophis International Ireland Limited

Dublin

2000

Reckitt & Colman Plc

Dublin

2000

Tdk Electronics Ireland Limited

Dublin

2000

Tyco Healthcare Services Europe

Dublin

2000

Heinz Packaging Company Limited

Dublin

2000

Rogers Foam Ireland Limited

Dublin

2000

Siebel Systems Inc.

Galway

2000

Aerogen Inc

Galway

2000

Manufacturers’ Services Ltd

Galway

2000

Fotonation (Ireland) Ltd

Galway

2000

Silicon & Software Systems Ltd

Galway

2000

Hewlett Packard International Bank Ltd

Kildare

2000

Fileflow

Kilkenny

2000

Infoscore Group

Kilkenny

2000

Porter & Haylett

Leitrim

2000

Donnelly Electronics

Longford

2000

Tessys Plastics Corp

Louth

2000

Atlantic Industries

Mayo

2000

Cedar Group

Mayo

2000

Data Dimensions Ireland Ltd

Mayo

2000

Dekko Heating Technologies Ltd

Mayo

2000

Schutz

Mayo

2000

Pemstar Inc

Meath

2000

Litec Moulding Ltd

Sligo

2000

Guidant (Iv)

Tipp South

2000

Chia Cherne International Limited

Tipp South

2000

Gmac Commercial Mortgage Of Ireland Ltd

Westmeath

2000

ICT Group Inc

Westmeath

2000

Total Companies: 52

2001

Teradyne

Cavan

2001

Rsa Security

Clare

2001

Pacnet

Clare

2001

Mckesson Hboc

Cork

2001

Silicon Software Systems Ltd.

Cork

2001

Ericsson System Enterprises Ltd.

Cork

2001

Kostal Ireland Gmbh

Cork

2001

Virco Central Virological Laboratory

Dublin

2001

Adobe Systems Inc

Dublin

2001

Alta Vista Europe

Dublin

2001

Euroconex Technologies Ltd

Dublin

2001

Hush Communications

Dublin

2001

Inflow

Dublin

2001

Interxion

Dublin

2001

JD Edwards World Solutions Company

Dublin

2001

Jinny Software Limited

Dublin

2001

Juniper Networks Ireland Limited

Dublin

2001

Lam Research (Ire) Ltd

Dublin

2001

Parametric Technology Corporation

Dublin

2001

Sage Software Ltd

Dublin

2001

Palm

Dublin

2001

Star Guide — Europe

Galway

2001

Valois Ireland Ltd

Galway

2001

Ebm Ireland Limited

Laois

2001

MBNA

Leitrim

2001

Cardinal Health Inc.

Longford

2001

Kum Ireland Ltd

Meath

2001

Genemedix

Offaly

2001

Zannini Ireland Ltd

Offaly

2001

Alza Corporation

Tipp South

2001

Genzyme Ireland

Waterford

2001

Euroconex Technologies Ltd

Wicklow

2001

Total Companies: 32

2002

Travelsavers

Clare

2002

Fournier

Cork

2002

Dpa Deutsche Presse-Agentur Gmbh

Cork

2002

Moldflow Ireland Limited

Cork

2002

Premiere Conferencing Ire.Ltd

Cork

2002

Schlumberger Ltd.

Cork

2002

Dow Corning Plasma

Cork

2002

Limo

Cork

2002

Rf Integration Inc.

Cork

2002

Seatem Group Limited

Donegal

2002

Cc Markets

Dublin

2002

Murex Advanced Technologies

Dublin

2002

Pfizer

Dublin

2002

Ingersoll-Rand Corporation

Dublin

2002

Micros Systems Inc

Galway

2002

Net Iq Corporation

Galway

2002

Medtronic Inc.

Galway

2002

George Schmitt & Co

Kildare

2002

Artwork Systems Group

Limerick

2002

Daim

Louth

2002

Fort Wayne Metals Research Products Corp

Mayo

2002

Associated Packaging

Monaghan

2002

Abbott Ireland (Pharma)

Sligo

2002

Lemoine International Inc

Sligo

2002

G-Elit Prazisionserkzeug

Waterford

2002

Adam Gmbh

Waterford

2002

Gmaccm Technology Europe

Westmeath

2002

Total Companies: 27

2003

Air Atlanta

Clare

2003

Recordati Ireland Ltd

Cork

2003

Acs

Cork

2003

Mvci Services Limited

Cork

2003

Transas

Cork

2003

Trend Micro

Cork

2003

Tr Sensors Ireland Ltd.

Cork

2003

Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd

Dublin

2003

Google, Inc.

Dublin

2003

Leaseplan Infrastructure Services Limited

Dublin

2003

Ebay

Dublin

2003

Storagetek Ireland Ltd

Dublin

2003

Websense International

Dublin

2003

Infineon Ireland Technologies Limited

Dublin

2003

Specialty Coating Systems

Dublin

2003

Sap Ssc (Ireland) Ltd

Galway

2003

Fluortek Medical Ltd

Galway

2003

Labcoat Ltd

Galway

2003

Jet Environmental

Kerry South

2003

Riso Ireland Laboratory Limited

Kildare

2003

Abbott Laboratories — Diagnostics

Longford

2003

Finmatica Spa

Louth

2003

Radisys Ireland Limited

Louth

2003

Alienware Limited

Roscommon

2003

Taro Pharmaceutical

Tipperary North

2003

Oakley Ireland Optical Limited

Westmeath

2003

Betterhealth Global

Wicklow

2003

Total Companies: 27

2004

Monster Cable Products, Inc

Clare

2004

Agilsys

Clare

2004

Altana Pharma Ltd.

Cork

2004

Centocor Inc (J&J)

Cork

2004

Ak Pharmaceuticals

Cork

2004

Ecora Corporation

Cork

2004

Mcafee Inc

Cork

2004

Advanced Technology Forwarding Co. Ltd.

Cork

2004

Sanofi

Dublin

2004

Swords Laboratories (Cruisrath)

Dublin

2004

Business Objects Software Ltd

Dublin

2004

Ecc Research Centre

Dublin

2004

Merck, Sharp & Dohme Ireland (Human Health) Ltd.

Dublin

2004

Tko Software

Dublin

2004

Western Union International

Dublin

2004

Bayer Shared Services Ltd

Dublin

2004

Bell Labs (Lucent)

Dublin

2004

Russell Athletic Holdings (Ireland) Ltd

Dublin

2004

Covers Media Group

Galway

2004

Altera Corporation

Galway

2004

Ulbrich

Galway

2004

Contact Partners Communications Ltd.

Mayo

2004

Innocoll Technologies Ltd

Roscommon

2004

Ubiqus Sa

Waterford

2004

Conor Medsystems Inc.

Westmeath

2004

Total Companies: 25

2005

Digital River

Clare

2005

Ellison

Cork

2005

Vmware International Ltd

Cork

2005

Engenio Information Technologies Inc

Cork

2005

Cambridge Laboratories Ltd

Dublin

2005

Shire Pharmaceutical Group Plc.

Dublin

2005

Kellogg Europe Trading Ltd.

Dublin

2005

Amazon.Com, Inc.

Dublin

2005

Auto Europe

Dublin

2005

Inex

Dublin

2005

Landesk

Dublin

2005

Market Boomer

Dublin

2005

Qlogic Corporation

Dublin

2005

Intel Performance Learning Solutions Ltd

Kildare

2005

Nt-Mdt Service And Logistics Ltd.

Limerick

2005

Idt Direct Ireland Limited (Toucan)

Sligo

2005

Aps Materials Inc

Waterford

2005

Axa Assistance

Westmeath

2005

Innocoll Pharmaceuticals

Westmeath

2005

Total Companies: 19

2006

Amgen Technology (Ireland) Limited

Cork

2006

Cognex Ireland

Cork

2006

Netgear International Ltd.

Cork

2006

Abbott Diabetes Care

Donegal

2006

Zeus Industrial Products (Ireland) Ltd

Donegal

2006

Arvato Services Ireland Ltd

Dublin

2006

Covx Technologies Ireland Limited

Dublin

2006

Ovation Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Dublin

2006

Servicesource International

Dublin

2006

Gala Network

Dublin

2006

Rackable Systems

Dublin

2006

Usci Ireland Limited

Galway

2006

Pillar Data Systems Emea Ltd.

Louth

2006

Vesta Payments Solutions Limited

Louth

2006

Total Companies: 14

2007

White Horse Insurance

Clare

2007

Genesis Lease

Clare

2007

Pc Tools

Clare

2007

Tranzeo Wireless

Clare

2007

Amazon Cs Ireland Ltd.

Cork

2007

Solarwinds Software Europe Limited

Cork

2007

Healex Systems Ireland Limited

Donegal

2007

Cph Chemie And Paper Holding

Dublin

2007

Babel Networks Srl

Dublin

2007

Wachovia Bank International

Dublin

2007

Mysql Ab

Dublin

2007

Goa Games / France Telecom

Dublin

2007

Activision Europe Publishing

Dublin

2007

Wyeth Research Ireland Ltd

Dublin

2007

Fincad

Dublin

2007

B&N Software Limited

Dublin

2007

Blue Nile Jewellery Limited

Dublin

2007

International School Of Dublin Limited

Dublin

2007

Cisco Systems

Galway

2007

Sgs — Societe Generale De Surveillance Holding Sa

Galway

2007

Transaction Systems Architects, Inc. (Tsa)

Limerick

2007

Dts Licensing Limited (Dll)

Limerick

2007

Rovsing Ireland Ltd.

Limerick

2007

Ar-Europe

Limerick

2007

B Braun Longford

Longford

2007

Seachange (S.E.A.C.) Ireland Ltd.

Louth

2007

Quantum Research Group Ltd.

Louth

2007

Integra Lifesciences Ireland Ltd

Offaly

2007

Cordis Corporation

Tipp South

2007

Teleflex Medical Ssc

Westmeath

2007

Georgia Tech Ireland

Westmeath

2007

Kci Inc.

Westmeath

Total Companies: 32

Table 4: Announcements To Date in 2008 In Relation to New Multinational, Greenfield Start Ups

Month of Announcement

Company Name

Location

Jobs

February 2008

Zimmer

Shannon

250

February 2008

Channel Advisor,

Limerick

15

February 2008

Unum

Carlow

200

March 2008

EyeWonder

Dublin

30

April 2008

Lancasater Labs

Waterford

100

Table 5: Job Expansion Announcements To Date in 2008

Company Name

Location

Potential Jobs

Citeo

Co. Cork

150

Service Source

Co. Dublin

100

Teva

Co. Waterford

165

De Puy

Co. Cork

20

IBM

Co. Dublin

21

Genzyme

Co. Waterford

170

Eli Lily

Co. Cork

200

Cameron

Co. Longford

140

GlaxoSmithKline

Co. Waterford

50

Consumer Protection.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

246 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when was the deadline for submissions with regard to the commencement of a ban on credit card surcharges; when he will make a decision on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15015/08]

The issue raised by the Deputy relates to Sections 48 and 49 of the Consumer Protection Act 2007. My Department launched a public consultation process in relation to the commencement of these provisions of the Act in the summer of 2007. Although the deadline for receipt of submissions was the 7th September 2007, my Department continued to receive submissions until November, 2007. A total of almost 50 submissions were received in response to the consultation process. The submissions gave rise to a number of complex matters, requiring careful consideration. I intend to bring my consideration of these issues to the attention of my Government colleagues shortly.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

247 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15039/08]

The expenditure by the Department on dedicated management training courses in 1997 was £43,942 (€55,806). This amount provided for a variety of courses designed to improve the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the Department and covered training provided for all grades. While the range of courses included training in many specialist technical skills and competencies, the overall spend on specific leadership training courses in 1997 was £29,975 (€38,068). See the table for details of beneficiaries and contractors.

1997 Expenditure on Leadership Training

Amount

Beneficiaries

Contractors

€29,975 (€38,068)

All Grades

IMI IPA HRA ManagementKavanagh Associates Peter Handcock & Co.

National Minimum Wage.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

248 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the recent ruling with regard to a case in Lower Saxony, Germany, by the European Court of Justice, outlawing minimum wage conditions in public tender contracts. [15128/08]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

249 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on whether the EU directive on the posting of workers, as referenced in the recent European Court of Justice ruling on a case in Lower Saxony, Germany, could have a negative impact on the protection of the minimum wage here. [15129/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 249 together.

On 3 April 2008, the European Court of Justice issued a judgement in a case between Mr Dirk Rüffert, a company liquidator, and Land Niedersachsen, a public authority in Germany. The background to this case is that a public construction contract was awarded to a German company called Objekt und Bauregie, of which Mr Dirk Rüffert is the liquidator, by the public authority. The German company undertook to abide by relevant collective agreements and to ensure that sub-contractors did likewise. The company engaged a Polish sub-contractor called ‘PKZ Pracownie Konserwacji Zabytów sp. zoo' that was subsequently found to be in breach of a collective agreement relating to public sector construction contracts. The works contract was terminated following a criminal investigation and legal proceedings commenced between the public authority and Mr Rüffert to determine whether the German company was required to pay a contractual penalty amounting to €849,343 for breach of its undertaking concerning rates of pay.

The Regional Court held that a contractual penalty of €84,934 applied, but this was appealed to the Higher Regional Court, which referred certain issues to the European Court of Justice. The European Court of Justice found that the rate of pay provided for in the collective agreement relating to public sector construction contracts was not fixed in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Posted Workers Directive. The Posted Workers Directive requires a Member State to ensure that a worker posted to its territory from an undertaking in another Member State is guaranteed the terms and conditions of employment, in respect of certain matters, that employees are guaranteed under the law of that Member State.

The judgement, which issued on 3 April last, is currently being considered by Member States. It appears that the judgement is quite case-specific and hinged on the failure of the German authorities to give universal application status to the collective agreement, even though procedures for doing so existed. I am satisfied that the transposition of the Posted Workers Directive in Ireland — through the Protection of Employees (Part-time Work) Act 2001 — is robust in its protection of the employment rights, including minimum wage requirements, of posted workers in Ireland.

Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Question:

250 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on introducing changes to the Registered Employment Agreement (Construction Industry Pensions Assurance and Sick Pay) 1946 in order to make contributions voluntary or to replace fixed rate contributions with pro rata contributions on the basis of a percentage of wage earned; if he proposes an alternative mechanism for dealing with these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15133/08]

An Employment Agreement is an agreement made either between a trade union and an employer or employers organisation or at a meeting of a registered Joint Industrial Council, which relates to the pay or conditions of employment of any class, type or group of workers. Employment Agreements may be presented to the Labour Court for registration. Where the Labour Court is satisfied that the agreement presented satisfies the statutory requirements, it registers the agreement.

The Construction Industry (Pension Assurance and Sick Pay) Registered Employment Agreement (REA) requires employers in the construction sector to become and remain a party to a contributory pension scheme approved by the Revenue Commissioners and sets out the conditions upon which pension and mortality payments are payable and the associated minimum amounts and benefits. The Construction Industry (Pension Assurance and Sick Pay) REA is an agreement reached between employers and trade unions representative of workers in the sector and I have no function in relation to the negotiation of, or changes to, this agreement or any other Registered Employment Agreement.

Unfair Dismissals.

Finian McGrath

Question:

251 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will advise in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [14689/08]

If the named person believes that he has been unfairly dismissed he may present a claim of unfair dismissal to either a Rights Commissioner or to the Employment Appeals Tribunal. The Unfair Dismissals Acts apply, with certain exceptions, to employees over age 16 with at least 12 months' continuous service. A claim for unfair dismissal must be submitted within six months of the dismissal.

The person concerned may also wish to consider whether the termination of his employment is covered by the Redundancy Payments Scheme under which all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. In general a redundancy situation arises where an employee's job no longer exists and he/she is not replaced. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, which administers the Scheme, will then pay the employer a 60% rebate. Where the employer is unable or unwilling to pay the lump sum, the Department may be in a position to pay directly from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF).

The Employment Appeals Tribunal may be contacted at Davitt House, 65A Adelaide Road, Dublin 2, telephone: (01) 631 2121 or 1890 220 222 Lo-Call service from outside (01) area. Any person requiring the assistance of a Rights Commissioner may contact The Secretariat, Rights Commissioners Service, The Labour Relations Commission, Tom Johnson House, Haddington Road, Dublin 4, telephone (01) 613 6700 or 1890 220 227 (callers outside 01 area). Should the person require further information on employment rights generally he can contact the National Employment Rights Authority Lo-call information line at 1890 80 80 90.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

252 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of days, in the case of every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15185/08]

Details of every bill and Act produced by my Department since 1997 to date in 2008, together with the dates of publication and dates of introduction into either the Seanad or Dáil, are set out in the following tabular statement. The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Bill 1998 came under the remit of the Minister for Public Enterprise (Mary O'Rourke T.D.) but is now the responsibility of my Department so the relevant dates relating to this legislation are also outlined in this statement.

Year

Title of Bill or Act

Name of Minister

Date of First Stage

Date of Second Stage

1997

Chemical Weapons Bill 1997

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Richard Bruton T.D.)

11 March 1997

23 April 1997

1997

Prompt Payment of Accounts Bill, 1997

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Richard Bruton T.D.)

8 April 1997

8 May 1997

1998

Intellectual Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1998*

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

29 April 1998

28 May 1998

1998

Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Bill 1998**

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mary O’Rourke T.D.)

23 July 1998

7 October 1998

1998

Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Bill 1998

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

4 June 1998

10 June 1998

1999

Patents (Amendment) Act 2006

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

29 November 1999

16 November 2000

1999

Companies (Amendment) Act 1999

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

28 April 1999 (Seanad)

5 May 1999

1999

Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 1999

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

18 March 1999

27 May 1999

2000

National Training Fund Bill, 2000

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

15 November 2000

5 December 2000

2000

Copyright and Related Rights Act 2000 (No. 28 of 2000)

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

1 April 1999

6 May 1999

2000

Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

17 May 2000

30 May 2000

2000

Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work)

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

13 December 2000

14 February 2001

2000

National Minimum Wage Bill

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

24 January 2000

1 March 2000

2001

Industrial Designs Act, 2001

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

5 July 2000

3 May 2001

2001

Carers Leave Act

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

13 December 2000

7 February 2001

2001

Company Law Enforcement Act 2001

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.).

28 June 2000

5 October 2000

2002

Competition Act 2002

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

19 December 2001

6 February 2002

Year

Title of Bill or Act

Name of Minister

Date of First Stage

Date of Second Stage

2003

Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

17 December 2002 (Seanad)

5 February 2003

2003

Companies (Auditing and Accounting) Act 2003

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

12 February 2003 (Seanad)

16 April 2003

2003

Redundancy Payments Act

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

2 May 2003

15 May 2003

2003

Employment Permits Bill 2003

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

20 March 2003

27 March 2003

2003

Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

14 November 2003

20 November 2003

2003

Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work)

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

21 May 2003

29 May 2003

2003

Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney T.D.)

1 July 2003

12 November 2003

2004

Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Act 2004 (No 18 of 2004)

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment(Mary Harney T.D.)

25 May 2004

27 May 2004

2004

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill 2004

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mary Harney TD

21 June 2004

14 October 2004

2005

Employment Permits Bill 2005

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

18 June 2005

12 October 2005

2005

Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Bill 2005

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

17 May 2005

19 May 2005

2005

Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

14 March 2005

14 April 2005 (Seanad)

2006

Employees (Provision of Information & Consultation) Act 2006

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin TD)

19 July 2005

29 September 2005

2006

Industrial Development Bill 2006

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin TD)

2 November 2006

16 November 2006

2006

Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

22 June 2006

5 July 2006 (Seanad)

2006

Competition (Amendment) Act 2006

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

13 December 2005

13 December 2005

Year

Title of Bill or Act

Name of Minister

Date of First Stage

Date of Second Stage

2007

Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Act 2007

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

26 April 2007

3 July 2007

2007

Copyright and Related Rights (Amendment) Act 2007

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment(Micheál Martin T.D.)

12 April 2007

26 September 2007

2007

Consumer Protection Act 2007

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment(Micheál Martin T.D.)

1 February 2007

6 February 2007

2007

Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies & Related Matters) Act 2007

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment(Micheál Martin T.D.)

12 March 2007

29 March 2007

2008

Control of Exports Act, 2008 (No. 1 of 2008)

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

6 February 2007

4 October 2007

2008

Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

13 March 2008

Date to be set

2008

Chemicals Bill 2008

Minister Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Micheál Martin T.D.)

18 April 2008

Date to be set

*This Act was originally called the Copyright (Amendment) Bill, 1998
**This Act was produced by the Minister for Public Enterprise but is now the responsibility for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Pension Provisions.

Sean Fleming

Question:

253 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding requirements that are in place for people employed in the construction industry to be part of an industry wide pension scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15212/08]

The Construction Industry (Pension Assurance and Sick Pay) Registered Employment Agreement (REA) requires employers in the construction sector to become and remain a party to a contributory pension scheme approved by the Revenue Commissioners and sets out the conditions upon which pension and mortality payments are payable and the associated minimum amounts and benefits. The REA does not specify any particular pension scheme to apply but rather sets out the general criteria within which any such scheme should operate.

The Construction Workers Pension Scheme (generally referred to as CWPS) has been established on foot of the Registered Employment Agreement. While it is not a legal requirement for employers and employees in the construction industry to pay into this particular scheme, it is, as already mentioned, a legal requirement that employers provide for pension, mortality and sick benefits for those workers to whom the REA applies. The conditions upon which such pension, mortality and sick pay benefits are payable and the amounts thereof must not be less favourable than those which are set out in the REA. Enforcement of the provisions of a Registered Employment Agreement may be effected by direct complaint to the Labour Court. A trade union or an employer may complain to the Labour Court that a particular employer is not complying with a Registered Employment Agreement. If, after investigating a complaint, the Court is satisfied that an employer is in breach of a Registered Employment Agreement the Court may by order direct compliance with the agreement. Failure to comply with such an order is an offence punishable by a fine.

I understand that under the Pensions Act 1990, the Pensions Board has power to investigate the state and conduct of Irish Pension schemes so as to ensure that all involved comply with their obligations. This provides an additional layer of enforcement and protection.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

254 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15290/08]

My Department or the Offices that come under the aegis of my Department carried out the following advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by my Department in the past five years:

National Minimum Wage campaign

Work Life Balance campaign

NERA Employment Rights campaign.

The cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years is as follows:

Year

National Minimum Wage Campaign

Work Life Balance campaign

NERA Employment Rights campaign

2007

182,694

172,397

935,068

2006

124,972

223,824

Nil

2005

132,481

605*

Nil

2004

122,796

106,418*

Nil

2003

Nil

104,518*

Nil

*Best available figures in the time available.

However, in the time available it has not been possible to obtain information about advertising campaigns undertaken by the Companies Registration Office and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs/National Consumer Agency in the past five years. However, the relevant information is being compiled at present and will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

255 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15371/08]

According to my Department's records there was no funding or financial support given by it to any agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

256 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his plans to reform the system whereby apprentices are trained and in which they need to find employment with sponsoring firms; and if in view of the current downturn and the need to prioritise skills education, he will launch an apprenticeship training programme where his Department or the Department of Education and Science will act as sponsors of last resort. [15398/08]

I currently have no plans to reform the apprenticeship system or to alter the present situation where apprentices are employed by sponsoring firms. The key strength of the system is that it is a demand-driven educational and training programme. It is designed to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies of apprentices and to meet the needs of industry and the labour market. FÁS has the statutory responsibility for the organisation and control of designated apprenticeship. It operates the Statutory Apprenticeship system in co-operation with the Department of Education and Science, employers and trade unions. The National Apprenticeship Advisory Committee oversees the development of the standards based process and advises the Board of FÁS on all matters pertaining to apprenticeship. This committee is made up of representatives of the social partners, the educational sector and FÁS and has responsibility for ensuring that apprenticeship curricula are up-to-date and meet the needs of industry.

The present structure of the apprenticeship system ensures that individuals, who compete the seven standard based modules, are qualified to meet the needs of industry and have operational experience, as a result of their employment by sponsoring companies. In general I see the present structure of the apprenticeship system being central to the maintenance of its high quality and relevance to industry. There are no plans at present for either my Department or the Department of Education and Science to provide parallel apprenticeship training programmes or to take on the functions of sponsoring apprentices in the different designated categories.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

257 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15034/08]

As my Department was established in June 2002 the information relevant to the period referred to by the Deputy is not available.

Sports Capital Programme.

Jack Wall

Question:

258 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position of an application for capital sports lottery funding by a club (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15146/08]

Jack Wall

Question:

259 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the next tranche of capital sports lottery grants will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15147/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 and 259 together.

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The 2008 programme was advertised on 13th and 14th of January and the deadline for receipt of applications was 29th February for paper-based applications and 7th March for on-line applications. All applications received before the deadline, including the one in question, will be evaluated against the programme's assessment criteria, which are outlined in the guidelines, terms and conditions of the programme. I intend to announce the grant allocations for the programme as soon as possible after the assessment process has been completed.

Sports Facilities.

Mary Upton

Question:

260 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if a target completion date has been set for the publication of the national audit of sports facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15153/08]

The nationwide audit of sports facilities has commenced and is being carried out in stages to help speed up the availability of information. Phase One, which focuses on national and regional sports facilities, has now been completed within my Department. Phase Two of the audit, which is a more complex undertaking to establish a record of existing sports facilities at local level and identifying the need for future provision, will be undertaken during 2008 with the assistance of Local Authorities. Guidelines have now been issued to Local Authorities to assist them in carrying out the audit.

The audit is part of a wider exercise to put in place a more strategic approach to the provision of sports facilities in Ireland. Work on the National Sports Facility Strategy is currently underway with the assistance of a firm of consultants involving both national and international experts in the area of sports facilities. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment/grant assistance at national, regional and local level. It is intended to identify the facilities requirement for sport so that participation at reasonable cost is feasible for those who wish to engage in sport at either amateur or elite level.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

261 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of days, in relation to every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann, with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15180/08]

The material the Deputy seeks is available on the Oireachtas website. The website provides chronological information on the presentation, and consideration by the Dáil and Seanad, of all Bills and Acts, including those introduced by my Department since its establishment in June 2002. The link to the information is www.oireachtas.ie and then continue to the legislation link.

National Museum.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

262 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if, in view of the findings of the examination to evaluate how well the National Museum of Ireland manages the national collections, he will direct the director of the NMI to allow artefacts to be placed on display in local county museums, such as Kerry County Museum, that are not and may never be displayed in the National Museum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15201/08]

Since the National Museum of Ireland became an autonomous statutory body under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997 on 3rd May 2005, the Board of the National Museum is statutorily responsible for operational matters concerning its collection and I, as Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, do not have a statutory function in respect of those operational matters. The National Museum is responsible for the care and protection of Ireland's portable heritage, which comprises a vast number and variety of artefacts. As a collecting institution with responsibility for their preservation and conservation as well as their display, it would not be possible for the Museum to place all of the National Collection on display at any given time. However, the Museum has a continuing policy of exhibition development at each of its sites to facilitate greater access to and interpretation of the National Collection.

The National Museum of Ireland has an on-going practice of facilitating loans to county museums and other such bodies that meet the necessarily stringent requirements of security, safety and public access. This practice has resulted in a number of substantial loans being made to designated county and other museums, including the Kerry County Museum.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

263 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15285/08]

Since its establishment in June 2002 my Department has not carried out any advertising campaigns to promote policies and programmes as such. The bulk of the expenditure on advertising incurred by my Department is in respect of newspaper advertisements and advertisements in other publications such as the Phone Book and Iris Oifigiúil.

In the period in question advertisements comprised notices regarding, for example, changes in Departmental opening hours and office locations, applications for the Sports Capital programme and for the Arts and Culture Enhancement Support Scheme (ACCESS), requests for submissions to the Tourism Policy Review group and in relation to the Department's Irish Language Scheme. Details of the Department's expenditure on advertising and publicity can be found in the Book of Estimates which is published each year and in my Department's Annual Report, copies of which are available in the Dáil Library.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

264 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding or financial support given by his Department to agencies, bodies, community, religious or other groups or organisations in the United States for each year from 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15366/08]

In 2007, I allocated €150,000 to the Irish Repertory Theatre, at 132 West 22nd Street, New York. The theatre is an invaluable asset providing a unique context for understanding the Irish American experience. Culture Ireland, the agency for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide which operates as part of my Department and is independent in its funding decisions, has supported the presentation of Irish arts at a number of events in the United States since its establishment in 2005. I understand in this regard that as a significant number of organisations, groups and artists have received funding during that period it would not be possible, in the time available, to provide information in relation to all of them. If the Deputy is interested in any particular case or in any particular State I can arrange to have the details supplied to him directly.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

265 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the early child care supplement payment to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was stopped. [15352/08]

The Early Child care Supplement (ECS) scheme is under the remit of the office of the Minister for Children (OMC); the administration of the scheme is undertaken by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on an agency basis for the OMC. Under the relevant legislation the ECS payment is automatically made to the person who receives Child Benefit for the child. Child Benefit section routinely contacts customers to ensure that they continue to meet the conditions for receipt of the benefit and are receiving their full entitlement. Since late 2007, an automated process has been introduced that issues a residency certification letter to selected groups of customers on a regular periodic basis.

The person referred to was randomly selected for inclusion in the February issue of the Residency certification letter. This letter was issued to some 5000 customers and required them to confirm their residency and their children's continued residency in Ireland. The completed form was required to be returned with 21 days. As no reply was received from the person concerned, Child Benefit and Early Child care Supplement payments were suspended. A copy of the letter has been re-issued to the person concerned, and on its return payment, including any arrears due, will be re-instated assuming the conditions for Child Benefit/ECS continue to be met.

Social Welfare Code.

Michael McGrath

Question:

266 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures in place to ensure that his Department only pays rent supplement in respect of private rented properties and landlords which meet the requirements of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 1993 and the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. [15384/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on my behalf by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The purpose of rent supplement is to provide short-term income support to eligible tenants living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are currently over 61,000 tenants benefiting from assistance under the rental supplement scheme.

Responsibility for setting and enforcing housing standards rests with the local authorities. The Community Welfare Service of the HSE is not qualified to undertake this work. However, accommodation occupied by rent supplement tenants should at least meet minimum housing standards. Under legislative provisions introduced by my Department in 2006 and 2007, the HSE can decide that a rent supplement may not be payable where it has been notified by a housing authority regarding non-compliance with housing standards. These provisions support the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government Action Programme which aims to promote further improvement in private rented accommodation standards, including a review of the regulations and more effective enforcement.

Where a notification of non-compliance with standards is received from a housing authority in respect of an existing tenant, the HSE normally discuss the situation with the tenant and take whatever action it decides is necessary in the best interests of the tenant. The objective is to ensure that substandard accommodation does not come within rent supplementation. The most recent information available from the HSE is that any notifications of substandard accommodation received from local authorities have resulted in rent supplement being terminated or the refusal of rent supplement where it was not already in payment. The HSE has also provided data to local authorities in relation to all long-term recipients of rent supplement. Over 30,000 cases have been notified to date. The HSE must be satisfied that accommodation funded under the rent supplement scheme is reasonably suited to the residential and other needs of the claimant. Where the HSE becomes aware of accommodation or blocks of accommodation which appear to it to be sub-standard, it notifies the local authority and it may advise prospective tenants at that premises that rent supplement will not be paid in respect of those tenancies.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, landlords are legally obliged to register tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB). My Department supports the requirement that all tenancies, including those facilitated by rent supplement, should be registered with the PRTB and is committed to working closely with the PRTB in ensuring that all rent supplemented tenancies comply with the statutory system of tenancy regulation and safeguards. To that end, my Department provides details of rent supplement payments to the PRTB to enable them identify tenancies that are not registered and to take any follow-up action necessary. My Department is committed to supporting the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Private Residential Tenancies Board in meeting their responsibilities in relation to housing standards and registration of tenancies respectively.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

267 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8 is entitled to rent supplement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15005/08]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the position remains unchanged from that advised in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 126 on 27th February 2008. The HSE advised at that time that no formal decision has been made on entitlement. The person concerned had been informed that she was unlikely to qualify for rent supplement as her rent was substantially in excess of the rent limits prescribed for a person in her circumstances. The person was advised that the community welfare officer would consider payment of rent supplement for a short period of time, subject to her sourcing alternative accommodation within the prescribed rent limits. The Executive has now advised that according to its records, the person concerned has not made contact with the community welfare service to discuss this proposal.

Social Welfare Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

268 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on extending the free schemes to persons who are long-term unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15013/08]

The household benefits package, which comprises the electricity/gas allowance, telephone allowance and television licence schemes, is generally available to people living permanently in the State, aged 66 years or over, who are in receipt of a social welfare type payment or who satisfy a means test. The package is also available to carers in receipt of a carer's allowance and to people with disabilities under the age of 66 who are in receipt of certain welfare type payments. The proposal to extend the household benefit package to people who are long term unemployed is one of a number of proposals that have been made in relation to the scheme. Further extensions to the household benefits package could only be considered in a budgetary context and taking account of the financial and other needs of those not covered by the existing arrangements.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

269 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer’s allowance appeal will be finalised for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15049/08]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

270 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if pensioners will be forced to operate an exclusively card based-system for collecting payments of social welfare from the post office; and if he will ensure that persons who wish to retain the traditional book based system, where a physical record of payments due and received is maintained, can be allowed to do so. [15067/08]

It is government policy to facilitate the greater use of electronic payment systems in the economy in the interest of developing a world class payment environment in Ireland. In this context, the National Payments Implementation Program Advisory Group, under the aegis of the Department of An Taoiseach, monitors the growth in electronic payments, the reduction in cash transactions and any new payment mechanisms which come on the market. My Department is represented on this group.

The current range of payment options offered by my Department to customers' includes payment via local post office, or certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators; bank or building society account, including post bank. Customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own personal circumstances. Currently some 54% of customers receive their payment electronically direct to their bank or financial institution, or by using a Social Services Card at their post office. The remaining customers are paid by paper-based payment instruments — cheques, post drafts or personal payment order books.

The Department is implementing a three-year strategy to move from paper-based payment instruments to electronic payments at financial institutions and to using a Social Services Card at post offices. The programme is being implemented on a phased basis to coincide with book renewal and as personalised payable order books expire. The objective of the Department's payment strategy is to ensure that cost effective arrangements are in place for making payments to social welfare customers using a range of payment options and that new payment facilities are made available to customers as they become available. A range of measures are underway to inform customers of the change in payment methods. Each customer is being informed by letter of the change in their payment arrangement. A Social Services Card, along with a covering letter explaining how to use the card, is being issued to them. An Post and the Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) are committed to assisting customers in the use of cards for collecting their payment.

Groups representing a broad range of customers, including the elderly and the disabled, have already been consulted and have indicated that they will support the move to using cards at post offices. Posters are being displayed in all post offices, citizens information centres and throughout my Departments local office network. When a pensioner receives their payment at a post office using a social services card they are given a receipt. The receipt shows the amount paid and the make-up of the payment.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

271 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when he will publish proposals for a second tier one-parent family payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15086/08]

The principal child-centred income support is child benefit (CB). Others include the increase for a qualified child (IQC), paid in addition to social welfare payments and family income supplement, paid to low-income employees with children. In addition, the early child care supplement also makes a significant contribution to recipient families.

For a number of years, government policy has been to invest additional resources in child benefit. This policy focus was driven, in part, by the recognition that the loss of IQC's by social welfare recipients on taking up employment could act as a disincentive to availing of work opportunities. In terms of tackling work disincentives, the shift towards child benefit has been significant. For example, in 1994 child benefit represented 29% of the total child income support payment for a four child family and is now 64%. In other words, a family will now only lose 36% of their child income support when a welfare recipient loses entitlement to a primary social welfare payment.

Under the terms of an earlier Social Partnership agreement the National Economic and Social Council was asked to examine the feasibility of merging the family income supplement with IQC with a view to creating a single second tier child income support. The commitment to examining such a change was subsequently embodied in the current social partnership agreement, Towards 2016. Dr John Sweeney was commissioned by NESC to examine the issues and develop proposals for a second tier child income support scheme. His research paper on this issue was received towards the end of 2007.

The broad objectives of the provision of child income supports are to bring about an improvement in the relative overall position of families with children compared with single persons or childless couples and to alleviate child poverty. In considering the future direction of child income support policy, it is important to keep in mind these multiple aims and to maintain the correct balance between child benefit and more selective measures. Dr Sweeney's research paper, which is an important contribution to the debate, is being examined at present. The Government discussion paper, Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents, put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of child care; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

Under the proposals, the contingency of lone parenthood would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner), with young children, on low income. This new payment is currently being developed in my Department, taking into account the various issues raised in the consultation process. As I have stated before, any proposed new payment scheme can only be introduced when the necessary co-ordinated supports and services are put in place on the ground by other Departments and Agencies. This is why the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion has been tasked with bringing forward a plan on the key issues of child care, education, training and activation measures. The testing phase of the non-income measures contained in the discussion paper has ended and the outcome of the process is currently being considered in my Department. This will inform the further development of the proposals. I have asked that a number of issues be examined and I hope to bring the matter to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion in the coming months.

Jack Wall

Question:

272 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of times per year that the rent subsidy payment is assessed as to its value in meeting the overall cost to the recipient of their rent payments; if this assessment varies from area to area; the way it is determined in the Kildare west and Wicklow areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15166/08]

Rent supplement, which is administered on my behalf by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels per county that enable different eligible household types to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective of rent limits is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household. Rent limits have been reviewed on four occasions since 2002.

Setting maximum rent limits higher than are justified by the open market would have a distorting effect on the rental market, leading to a more general rise in rent levels. This in turn would worsen the affordability of rental accommodation unnecessarily, with particular negative impact for those tenants on lower incomes, including people in low wage employment.

In January 2007 a review was completed of the maximum levels of rent which a person may incur and still be eligible to receive rent supplement. The purpose of the review was to inform the process of setting new limits, applicable from January 2007 until 30 June 2008. The review included consultation with the HSE, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Central Statistics Office, the Private Residential Tenancies Board and voluntary agencies working in this area. This process ensures that the new rent limits reflect realistic market conditions throughout the country. Arising from the review, rent limits were adjusted upwards, from January 2007, for a number of household types in 14 counties, including Kildare and Wicklow.

Notwithstanding existing limits, the HSE may exceed these rent limits in certain circumstances e.g. where there is special housing need related to exceptional circumstances. The discretionary power ensures that individuals with particular needs can be accommodated within the scheme and specifically protects against homelessness. I have arranged to have the current rent limits reviewed this year for all counties with a view to implementing any revision found to be necessary, from 1 July 2008. As in 2007, a consultative approach is being used to conduct this review.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

273 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of days, in relation to every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann, with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15191/08]

The material the Deputy seeks is available on the Oireachtas website. The website provides chronological information on the presentation and consideration by the Dáil and Seanad of all Bills and Acts, including those introduced by the Department from 1997 to date. The link to the information is www.oireachtas.ie and then continue to the legislation link. The names of the Ministers who have served during the period 1997 to date are:

Proinsias De Rossa T.D. — 15 December 1994 to 26 June 1997

Dermot Ahern T.D. — 26 June 1997 to 17 June 2002

Mary Coughlan T.D. — 17 June 2002 to 29 September 2004

Seamus Brennan T.D. — 29 September 2004 to 15 June 2007

Martin Cullen T.D. — 15 June 2007 to date.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

274 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15196/08]

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), provides for the payment of a rent supplement to assist eligible people who are unable to provide for their immediate accommodation needs from their own resources and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Under the legislative provisions governing the scheme, any person seeking a rent supplement must first satisfy the HSE that are in need of accommodation and unable to provide for it from his or her own resources. The HSE has advised that rent supplement was refused in this case as person concerned failed to demonstrate a genuine housing need. The person concerned was advised of the decision in writing and informed of her right of appeal. No appeal has been received to date.

Michael Ring

Question:

275 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the social welfare inspector has called to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; the position in relation to this person’s non-contributory pension; and the moneys due to his Department from this person. [15253/08]

The Department received notification from the surviving pensioner on 2nd April 2008, via her Solicitor, stating that there had been a change in her circumstances and notifying the Department that she no longer wished to claim or receive State Pension (Non Contributory). Following receipt of this notification her entitlement to Pension has been revoked and in the circumstances it has not been necessary for a Social Welfare Inspector to visit her in relation to this matter. The Department has also received payment on 2nd April 2008 in respect of the overpayment owed by the estate of the pensioner's deceased spouse. A letter has now issued to the Solicitor acting for the estate acknowledging this payment and confirming that the estate has discharged its liability in this matter.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

276 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15296/08]

My Department uses a mix of advertising media including national and provincial newspapers, radio and television, information leaflets, fact sheets, posters and direct mailshots to ensure that people are aware of their social welfare entitlements and are notified about improvements and changes affecting their payments and services. The amount spent on advertising in any one year is determined by the number of specific advertising campaigns which are undertaken. The total amount spent by my Department on advertising in 2003 was €287,000. Most of the advertising expenditure in 2003 arose in connection with general advertising regarding holiday arrangements, staff vacancies and so on at local or branch offices, and the Budget information campaign.

Advertising expenditure in 2004 was €475,000. Two information campaigns were undertaken. The first campaign promoted the Carer's Benefit scheme and the second campaign alerted people coming up to pension age that they should apply for their pension at least three months before they reach pension age. The total amount spent on advertising in 2005 was over €300,000. In this year a major information campaign was undertaken on the Respite Care Grant scheme. In 2006 a total of €997,000 was spent on advertising. The principle element of the expenditure incurred related to the Family Income Supplement and Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit and Respite Care Grant entitlements awareness campaigns.

In 2007 the total cost of advertising was €1,413,000. The main advertising campaigns related to the introduction of the All Ireland Free Travel scheme, the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance scheme and the new Half-Rate Carer's Allowance. In 2008 the cost of advertising to date has been €330,000. Advertisements have been placed in relation to staff vacancies and inviting submissions and input from the public in relation to the Green Paper on Pensions, on the development of a National Carers' Strategy and on the development of my Department's Customer Action Plan and Customer Charter.

The costs associated with each year are outlined in the table. There is a Government contract for all newspaper advertising and any production costs are included in the figures given. Broadcast media is tendered for separately and any production costs in relation to TV and radio are also included in the figures given. Advertising is a key part of my Department's information strategy to ensure that people are aware of and claim their social welfare entitlements.

Appendix: Advertising APPENDIX: ADVERTISING EXPENDITURE 2003 — 2008

Advertising Expenditure

Total

Print

Television

Radio

Other Design, Video Production, Electronic Display etc.;

2003

287,000

259,000

Nil

6,000

22,000

2004

475,000

191,000

57,000

196,000

31,000

2005

300,000

240,000

Nil

Nil

60,000

2006

997,000

460,000

195,000

128,000

214,000

2007

1,413,000

860,000

190,000

250,000

113,000

2008 to date

330,000

260,000

Nil

Nil

70,000

Departmental Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

277 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in responding to Parliamentary Question No. 568 of 2 April 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15336/08]

The information requested by the Deputy in the earlier Parliamentary Question referred to the number of car park spaces available nationally to those working in my Department and in the bodies and agencies under the aegis of my Department; the annual cost of car park spaces rented by the Department and the bodies and agencies in question and for a statement on the matter. Staff of my Department are engaged in providing social welfare services from 135 locations throughout the country. These include 14 Headquarter buildings and 121 offices nationally.

Following receipt of information from the Office of Public Works, it has been confirmed that there are currently 1,870 car parking spaces available to staff of my Department, of which roughly 50% are located in decentralised offices such as Sligo, Letterkenny, Longford, Carrick on Shannon, Dundalk and Waterford. The balance are located in 69 local and regional offices throughout the country. In most cases, the cost of the facility is included in the annual rent of the premises as paid by the Office of Public Works. However, the specific cost of 432 car parking spaces can be established in the case of 14 Departmental offices, at an annual cost of €451,817 per annum.

The following table includes the relevant information in respect of 5 statutory bodies/ agencies operating under the aegis of my Department.

Name of Statutory Body/ Agency

No. of Car Park Spaces Available Nationally to those working in that Body/Agency

Annual cost of Car Park Spaces Rented Nationally by that Body/Agency

Family Support Agency

33

Included in annual rent except for 7 spaces costing a total of €7,920 p.a.

Social Welfare Tribunal

Nil

Nil

The Pensions Board

10

€32,212

Combat Poverty Agency

8

Included in annual rent.

Citizens Information Board

67

€64,410

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

278 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the checks his Department carries out to verify the State pension claims of the 37,000 non-resident pensioners; the mechanism to periodically check to ensure that such pensions are not continuing to be paid where a non-resident pensioner may be deceased; and if he will make a statement on the adequacy of such controls. [15351/08]

There are currently 246,000 customers in receipt of a State Pension (Contributory). Of these, some 37, 000 (15%) reside outside the State in some 63 countries. It is my Department's experience that the death of a State Pension (Contributory) recipient residing abroad is generally notified to the pension section, without delay, either by a spouse, a surviving relative or by a financial institution. Notifications of customer deaths are received on a daily basis through the customer contact centre, in writing and via e-mail. Pension payments are stopped on receipt of these notifications and appropriate action initiated.

My Department has put arrangements in place with a number of foreign institutions to ensure that we are notified when a recipient of state pension (contributory) resident outside the state dies. In this regard, the Department works in close co-operation with the Department of Social Development in Northern Ireland and the Department of Work and Pensions in the United Kingdom and arrangements are underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding between these organisations. Under this agreement, the Ireland and UK authorities explore ways in which data can be exchanged between administrations for control purposes, subject to the provisions of domestic and data protection legislation. In addition, at the start of each year a mailshot issues to all state pension (contributory) customers resident abroad notifying them of their new pension rate and reminding them to let the Department know of any changes to their circumstances that would affect their entitlements. Any letters retuned undelivered receive urgent attention. This process acts as an additional control measure.

As part of the Department's ongoing control strategy, periodic reviews are undertaken in order to determine customers' continuing eligibility for pension. In this regard the Department has initiated a customer certification process for state pension (contributory) customers resident in Ireland and abroad. Letters issue to customers for completion and return of a certificate within a specified time. Follow-up action is taken where no reply is received from the customer or where the letter is returned undelivered. To this end, some 1,000 letters have issued to State Pension (Contributory) customers. Of these, 300 were issued to pension recipients resident outside of the State. It is planned to issue a further 7,000 letters to State Pension (Contributory) customers resident abroad by the end of 2008. Follow-up action will be taken where no reply is received from the customer or where the letter is returned undelivered.

A further part of my Department's ongoing control strategy is in the form of a control arrangement which has been established with the Australian Centrelink authorities whereby my Department receives a monthly electronic file of deaths where an Irish State pension is in payment. My Department is represented at a Working Group set up by the European Commission, which is examining EU-wide controls and data-sharing arrangements with the aim of tackling fraud and error across EU states. My Department is also a member of the Six Nations Group involving Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom and the United States of America, which addresses and agrees common approaches on control issues and the sharing of information.

I am committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. I am satisfied that measures are in place to ensure that payments to customers resident outside the State are stopped when they are deceased. The Department's control programme is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

279 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation in the United States for each year from 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15377/08]

The Department of Social and Family Affairs administers a scheme of grants under the general title of "Grants for the Development and Promotion of Information and Welfare Rights". The purpose of the scheme is to enable the Department to contribute towards the funding of a number of nationally-based information organisations, including those involved with advice to emigrants, and also to provide once-off funding to non-statutory information providers towards the cost of specific projects. The table in appendix 1 details the funding provided by the Department to groups in the USA in the period since 2000 to date in 2008.

Grants to groups based in the USA

Organisation Name

Organisation Address

Purpose of Grant

Grant Amount

Year provided

Irish Immigration Pastoral Centre, San Francisco.

5340 Geary Blvd., Suite 206, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA

Funding towards the cost of a conference of the Coalition of Irish Immigrant Centres held in San Francisco, November 2004.

20,000

2004

Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres, USA.

7 South Cedar Lane, Upr Darby, Philadelphia, PA 19082-2816, USA.

Funding towards the cost of an annual conference of the Coalition of Irish Immigrant Centres held in New York, January 2005.

25,000

2005

Aisling Irish Community Centre, New York.

990 McLean Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704, USA.

Funding towards the cost of producing an information guide regarding social services available to the Irish immigrant community in New York.

18,000

2005

Irish Immigration & Pastoral Centre, Philadelphia.

7 South Cedar Lane, Upper Darby, Philadelphia, PA 19082, USA.

Funding for the publication of an information guide for Irish immigrants in the Philadelphia area.

21,160

2006

Irish Pastoral Centre, Quincy, Massachusetts.

953 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA 02170, USA.

Funding towards the cost of developing and implementing an information campaign focused on older Irish immigrants.

15,022

2006

Departmental Funding.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

280 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason funding to an agency (details supplied) will be discontinued after the 31 May 2008; his views on whether such agencies are providing vital support for community projects in their catchment areas; the evaluation that has been carried out of the work of the support agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15001/08]

I refer the Deputy to my previous response to Questions Nos. 20, 27 and 41 of 3rd April 2008.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

281 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15036/08]

Since my Department was established in June 2002, it is not possible to provide relevant information relating to expenditure in 1997 of the nature being sought by the Deputy.

National Drugs Strategy.

Mary Upton

Question:

282 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he expects to launch the next national drugs strategy, when his Department will be accepting submissions on the future strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15151/08]

I expect to launch the next National Drugs Strategy — to cover the period 2009-2016 — by the end of the year. In this context, I have established a Steering Group to develop proposals and to make recommendations to me on the new Strategy. The Steering Group, which is chaired by my Department and which held its first meeting in early January, is undertaking a comprehensive consultation process, starting tonight with a public meeting in Dún Laoghaire. This is one of a series of 15 public meetings that will be held throughout the country over the coming weeks. Other elements of the extensive consultation process, in which I intend to be directly involved, include:- meetings with the relevant Government Department and Agencies — it is expected that these meetings will be completed by mid to late June;- meetings with key sectoral representatives and organisations, including the community & voluntary sectors; and — a series of meetings with appropriate focus groups, including, for example, problem drug users, young people at risk and immigrant groups.In addition, my Department is continuing to accept written submissions on the new Strategy, in response to a call for submissions, which was advertised in the newspapers on 26th February last. I am confident that the consultation process will significantly inform the work of the Steering Group as it develops proposals for the new Strategy in the second half of the year.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

283 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of days, in relation to every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann, with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15182/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the publication of a Bill is primarily a matter for the Bills Office. Outlined in the table below is the date that each Bill was presented to the Dáil or the Seanad by my Department since it was established in 2002. Also outlined are details in respect of the date each Bill was moved at second stage in either the Dáil or the Seanad.

Name of Act / Bill

No. of Days between Bill being presented and its introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Eireann

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Powers and Functions) Act 2003

Presented to Dáil Éireann on 2/07/2003 Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 21/10/2003 No. of days between: 110

Official Languages Act 2003

Presented to the Seanad on 11/04/2002 Second Stage in the Seanad on 24/04/2002 No. of days between: 12

Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005

Presented to the Seanad on 22/06/04 Second Stage in the Seanad on 29/06/2004 No. of days between: 6

British-Irish Agreement (Amendment) Act 2005

Presented to Dáil Éireann on 5/05/2005 Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 5/05/2005 No. of days between: 0

Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2007

Presented to the Seanad on 19/04/2007 Second Stage in the Seanad on 1/05/2007 No. of days between: 11

Charities Bill 2007

Presented to the Dáil on12/04/2007 Second Stage in the Dáil on10/10/2007 No. of days between: 180

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

284 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15287/08]

Since its establishment in June 2002, my Department has carried out one advertising campaign aimed at raising awareness among Irish speaking communities of the importance of the Irish language and of ensuring its transmission to future generations. The campaign was conducted by consultants, who were appointed following a procurement process. Phase I of the campaign, entitled "Ár dTeanga Nádúrtha Féin", took place in 2004/2005 at a total cost of €238,367, while Phase II, entitled "An Ghlúin Dheireanach", took place in 2006/2007 at a cost of €421,279. The main focus of the campaign was conveyed by way of advertisements carried in various broadcast media. A more detailed breakdown of the costs is not immediately to hand but if the Deputy requires further information in relation to the matter, I will be glad to have additional enquiries made. For the sake of completeness, I should add that my Department has paid a total contribution of €126,655 since 2006 towards an international tourism marketing campaign promoting the offshore islands of Ireland that was carried out by Fáilte Ireland.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

285 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15368/08]

In 2006 my Department established a dedicated fund under Ciste na Gaeilge for 3rd level institutions overseas involved in the provision of Irish language courses as part of their academic programme. Details are attached, in tabular form, of the funding provided to such universities and organisations in the USA from 2006 to date under this fund. I should also say that prior to the establishment of this dedicated fund, my Department had provided funding to 2 universities in the USA for the purpose of developing Irish language courses as part of their academic programme — Ducis-Dalarna University, which received €2,500 in 2005, and U.W.M. Foundation, which received €19,986 in 2004 and €25,000 in 2005.

Details of funding provided under Ciste na Gaeilge to universities and organisations in the USA involved in the provision of Irish language courses from 2006 to date

Organisation

2006

2007

2008

U.W.M. Foundation

25,000

Fulbright Commission

25,514

109,082

Lehman College NY

10,000

10,000

Institiúd na hÉireann, Pittsburgh

25,000

University St. Thomas, Texas

8,925

46,676

50,564

University St Thomas, Minnesota

11,859

7,421

University of Notre Dame, Indiana

11,000

11,000

Glucksman Ireland House, NY

17,000

17,000

University of Montana

30,000

30,000

Fealsún-Teagasc Gaeilge do Thosaitheoirí

24,400

Daltaí na Gaeilge

25,766

Fordham University NY

30,000

Child Care Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

286 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided for out of school services and after school services in the context of disadvantage and generally across Government bodies such as the Departments of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Arts, Sport and Tourism and Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Health Service Executive. [15932/08]

As the Deputy may be aware, my Department does not operate a scheme or programme that specifically provides support for out-of-school services and/or after-school services in the context of disadvantage. However, under the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF), some funding may be made available by local groups to support an element of the services that the Deputy refers to. Details in relation to the LDSIP and the YPFSF and all the programmes and schemes operated by my Department can be accessed on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

Coastal Erosion.

James Reilly

Question:

287 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are funds provided to combat coastal erosion particularly in the north County Dublin-Fingal area; if there is a plan in place to address coastal erosion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15121/08]

Funding for coastal protection projects is available under my Department's Coastal Protection Programme. The budget for the programme for 2008 is €3.037 million. In February 2008, my Department invited proposals from Local Authorities for inclusion in the 2008 Coastal Protection Programme. A single application was received from Fingal County Council in respect of the North County Dublin area. This application represented a request for funding at the dunes at Burrow Road, Sutton, Co. Dublin. The 2008 Coast Protection Programme is currently being finalised and the above application will be given due consideration based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward. A review of coastal protection requirements with a view to adopting a more long-term strategic and structured approach is currently in progress.

Legislative Programme.

Simon Coveney

Question:

288 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she plans to introduce a new Foreshore Bill to replace the Foreshore Act 1933 and provide modern legislation to govern coastal protection in the context of offshore wind development. [15164/08]

My Department is currently responsible for the administration of the Foreshore Act 1933, including the issue of leases and licences for Offshore Windfarms. The Government decided on 2 October 2007 that responsibility for foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933 in respect all energy developments (including oil, gas, wave, wind and tidal energy) on the foreshore would transfer to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My Department is currently putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure the efficient and effective transfer of the appropriate legislation and associated functions. In the interim, all foreshore functions under the Foreshore Acts 1933 to 2005 rest with my Department.

My Department will carry forward responsibility for all other foreshore licensing functions under the Foreshore Act 1933, including in respect of all aquaculture developments and piers and harbours, other than in respect of port companies and harbour authorities governed by the Harbours Acts 1946, 1996 and 2000 and any other harbour or harbour related developments intended for commercial trade. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government will clearly assume a critical role in relation to the future foreshore management of offshore wind development. My Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in that respect.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

289 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount that was spent by her Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15033/08]

In 1997, my Department paid a total of £104,838 (€133,166.80) to the Irish Management Institute, the Institute of Public Administration, OMT and H-Training for the training of middle and senior managers. In addition, the Centre for Management and Organisational Development delivered Management training at no cost to the Department.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

290 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme payment. [15051/08]

The person named completed his REPS 2 contract on 31/12/2007 and has received all payments due under that contract. If he wishes to join REPS 4 and receive payment in 2008 he should consult with his planner and ensure that his REPS application form, full REPS 4 plan and Single Payment Scheme application form are submitted before 15 May, 2008.

Farm Improvement Scheme.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

291 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the level of funding available under the farm improvement scheme has been reached; and when applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications. [15054/08]

The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79 million as agreed under the Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. I announced the suspension of the Scheme on 31 October 2007 as applications received had reached this level of funding. I indicated, at the time of its launch, that the Scheme would be terminated when this financial ceiling had been reached and this was also specifically provided for in the terms and conditions of the Scheme. A total of approximately 6,000 applications have been approved to date. In excess of twelve thousand applications were lodged.

Joe Carey

Question:

292 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will provide a detailed report on the expenditure under the farm improvement scheme; the plans she has in place to continue with this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15082/08]

The Farm Improvement Scheme was launched by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79m as agreed under the Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. An allocation of €15m has been made available under the 2008 Estimates for the Scheme. To date this year, €0.598m has been paid out in grant payments under the Scheme. €0.014m was paid out under the Scheme in 2007. I have no plans at present to reopen the Scheme to further applications.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

293 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be allocated entitlements from the national reserve, particularly in view of the conflicting information given to them by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15175/08]

The entitlements in question (9.14 standard entitlements) were activated in 2005 by the person named but not used in either 2005 or 2006. In February 2007 my Department wrote to the person named informing him of the need to use these entitlements in 2007 otherwise they would be lost to the National Reserve. In 2007 the person named applied to transfer the 9.14 entitlements by way of lease with land for a period of one year. However the farmer to whom they were transferred by lease only used 1.36 of these entitlements under the 2007 Scheme year giving a 14.22 percent usage for 2007. As the remaining 7.78 entitlements were unused for the three years 2005, 2006 and 2007, they will revert to the National Reserve.

The person named will retain 1.36 standard entitlements. As he does not have 80% usage in any one previous Scheme year, he is not permitted to transfer these entitlements without land. He may however sell or gift the 1.36 entitlements with land or continue to lease the 1.36 entitlements with land. There is no provision to allocate entitlements from the National Reserve in these circumstances.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

294 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of days, in relation to every Bill and Act produced by her Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15179/08]

The position in relation to my Department is as follows: The material the Deputy seeks is available on the Oireachtas website. The website provides chronological information on the presentation, and consideration by the Dáil and Seanad, of all Bills and Acts, including those introduced by my Department from 1997 to date. The link to the information is www.oireachtas.ie and then continue to the legislation link. As regards sponsoring Ministers, Mr. Joe Walsh served as Minister in this Department between 1997 and 29th September 2004, at which point I succeeded him.

World Trade Negotiations.

Sean Fleming

Question:

295 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposals currently being proposed by the EU as part of the World Trade Organisation talks in respect of agriculture; and the concessions being considered by the EU negotiating team in relation to milk, beef, cereals and other sectors affecting agriculture here. [15213/08]

In relation to the agriculture negotiations, the proposals currently under discussion are those tabled by the Chairperson of the WTO Agriculture Committee in his latest draft modalities paper in February 2008. This 59 page paper identifies the outstanding issues in the agriculture negotiations and sets out all of the current proposals under discussion in the three Agriculture negotiating pillars of Domestic Supports, Export Competition and Market Access. It includes a significant amount of text in square brackets to indicate where agreement is still outstanding. The main elements of the proposals of direct relevance to Ireland are as follows:

On domestic support, the proposal is to establish three bands for categorising overall trade-distorting domestic support levels and to reduce support levels in the top band by 75 to 85%, in the second band by 66 to 73% and in the third band by 50 to 60%. An implementation period of five years is envisaged with a first instalment reduction of one-third on day one. Additional commitments are sought in respect of product specific domestic support and payments categorised as "blue box". In addition, it is proposed to amend the definition of the Green Box in relation to decoupled and investment subsidies.

The EU undertook major reform of the CAP in 2003, moving away from trade distorting domestic support towards decoupled payments. In these circumstances, the range of reductions under discussion is unlikely to have any serious implications for EU domestic support programmes, although, if agreed, could reduce the margin for manoeuvre in the event of a crisis in the market. The changes mooted to the definition of the Green Box are more serious and I would be concerned that they could have implications for the Single Farm Payment, particularly in respect of changes in payment models and new entrants.

On market access, the proposal is to establish four bands for categorising import tariffs and to reduce tariff levels in the top band by 66 to 73%, in the second band by 62 to 65%, in the third band by 55 to 60% and in the fourth band by 48 to 52%. An additional commitment is envisaged whereby a minimum average cut in tariffs is proposed. The paper moots the possibility of the application of smaller tariff reductions to between 4 to 8% products that may be declared as sensitive by Members and contains a series of proposals for the treatment of such products. It proposes that the deviations that may be made to the tariff cuts for such products may range from one-third, to one-half to two-thirds of the full tariff cut. In such cases, to compensate for claiming sensitive product status, is suggested that an additional import quota must be established. The paper also contains a series of options for addressing tariff simplification, tariff escalation, tariff quota administration and other related issues.

The market access area is one where I have deep concerns. Beef and most milk products are categorised in the top band and would therefore be subject to the deepest tariff cuts. In this regard the proposals on sensitive products are critical. It is essential that such status would deliver meaningful protection for the key Irish and EU production sectors. As regards export competition, the paper proposes that direct export subsidies be eliminated by 2013 and contains a series of texts to introduce disciplines into other forms of export subsidies such as export credits, food aid and the monopoly powers of State Trading Enterprises. My view is that there must be parallelism in the dismantling of all forms of export competition and that the phasing out process must provide all flexibilities required.

This paper is the subject of intensive negotiations in Geneva at present. The EU Commission represents the twenty-seven EU Member States in these negotiations. Discussions are continuing with a view to the Chair being in a position to produce a revised paper by the end of April. This revised paper could form the basis for an agriculture modalities paper which would be considered by WTO Ministers at a Ministerial meeting at some time in May 2008. As I have stated and indeed informed the House on many occasions recently, I am very concerned about some of the proposals circulating in Geneva. I am particularly concerned about the methodology for applying reduction commitments for export subsidies, the criteria for defining non-trade distorting domestic supports, the so called WTO Green Box payments and the market access proposals in relation to tariff reductions and the treatment of sensitive products.

I have concerns also about non-trade issues insofar as they affect trade in agriculture products and the need to ensure that there is equivalence in standards of production within the EU and on product being imported. On a general level, I am concerned that the issue of food security — which is high on the world agenda — is taken into account. I have and will continue to raise these concerns with the Commission to ensure that they secure an outcome that will not place a disproportionate burden on EU or Irish agriculture. I will also continue to pursue an outcome which does not undermine the 2003 reforms of the CAP and ensures that Irish and EU agriculture can compete on world markets.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

296 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if her Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by her Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15284/08]

The details sought by the Deputy are as follows.

Year

Promotion of Departments On-Line Services

TB and Brucellosis Eradication Information Campaign

Promotion of Forestry

Press

Radio

Production

Press

Farm TV

Press

Farm TV/ Radio

2003

Nil

Nil

Nil

150,024

22,803

Nil

2004

Nil

Nil

Nil

9,970

110,621

14,780

Nil

2005

Nil

Nil

Nil

77,434

17,230

35,207

2006

Nil

Nil

Nil

13,568

16,938

7,620

2007

58,387

75,894

30,336

Nil

21,859

Nil

2008 to-date

18,049

Nil

18,150

Nil

Nil

Nil

My Department has also provided funding to the Irish Forest Industry Chain (IFIC) to carry out a campaign to promote forestry. The campaign was branded as Forests for a Bright Future. The Department agreed to provide funding of €300,000 (75% of the total cost). The first instalment of €150,000 was paid in December 2005. The second instalment of €90,000 was paid in 2007 and the final instalment of up to €60,000 will fall due to be paid in 2008.

Milk Quota.

Dan Neville

Question:

297 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [15326/08]

I would refer the Deputy to the provisions of Regulations 4 to 7 of the European Communities (Milk Quota) Regulations, 2000 (S.I. No 94 of 2000). In general, the person in question can assign to the purchaser of his lands so much of his or her milk quota as attaches to those lands by reference to the provisions of Regulation 4. If the lands are being sold other than to a family member as defined in Regulation 6, an application will have to be made under Regulation 7 to my Department for a certificate of entitlement to transfer the milk quota; and where the volume of milk quota in question exceeds, on average, 5,000 litres per acre, the applicant must provide a statutory declaration concerning his or her dairying enterprise. Other than that, there is no maximum or minimum amount laid down.

Departmental Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

298 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress in responding to Parliamentary Question No. 642 of 2 April 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15337/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated and will be sent directly to him as soon as possible.

Grant Payments.

Martin Ferris

Question:

299 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry can expect to receive their payment under the farm waste management scheme. [15342/08]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. His application for payment is currently being examined and a decision will be made in regard to the application as soon as possible.

Crop Management.

Sean Fleming

Question:

300 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food her proposals at European level to eliminate the use of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides on crops in the EU; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15361/08]

The EU Commission has proposed a Thematic Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides which is currently under negotiation in the EU. The Strategy includes a number of initiatives to reduce the impact of pesticides including a revised and extended Regulatory system for plant protection products. A proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council is also being discussed which concerns the placing of plant protection products on the market. This proposal currently includes a provision for ‘hazard-based cut-off criteria' as a mechanism for making decisions relating to the approval of fungicides, herbicides and insecticides. If unchanged, this provision could result in a significant reduction in the number of substances available for plant protection use in Europe. My Department is continuing to press for a risk-based approach for the authorisation of these products which is the current system followed in the EU.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

301 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding or financial support given by her Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15365/08]

My Department has provided no funding or financial support of the type mentioned by the Deputy.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael McGrath

Question:

302 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a place at a special needs school for a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [15387/08]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the matter of the enrolment of a pupil in a school is a matter for the Board of Management of the school. The National Council for Special Education has allocated a Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) to each school. I have requested that this child's details be forwarded to the school's SENO. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

303 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount that was spent by her Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15038/08]

The details sought by the Deputy are not readily available. However, I have requested my officials to retrieve the 1997 training files from storage and a response will issue to the Deputy in due course. In relation to the Deputy's request for details of the persons that availed of such courses, I would like to point out that it will not be possible to provide this information as it would amount to a breach of the Data Protection Act. In the event that the Deputy has a concern about a particular Leadership course concerning my Department in 1997 he should forward me more specific details in order that my Department can address the matter.

Schools Refurbishment.

John Curran

Question:

304 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science when funding will be provided under the emergency works programme to replace windows in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [15053/08]

My Department has received an application for the replacement of windows at the school referred to by the Deputy. This application is currently being assessed and a decision on the matter will be made shortly. The school authorities will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.

Schools Funding.

Brian Hayes

Question:

305 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools in the Dublin area that have been highlighted to her Department on behalf of the Archdiocese of Dublin, in connection with substantial debt problems arising in such schools; her response to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15061/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

306 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department’s debt relief scheme is in existence in 2008; the sum of money available for schools who experience severe debt related problems; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15062/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.

My Department does not operate a debt relief scheme for schools and has no plans to introduce one in 2008. However a small number of schools have sought assistance as an exceptional matter to deal with serious financial difficulties. Between 2002 and 2006, additional financial assistance for this purpose was provided to a total of 97 schools including schools in the Archdiocese of Dublin, mainly serving disadvantaged areas. It should be noted that the responsibility for sound financial management of schools' affairs rests with school authorities and these were exceptional payments.

Funding to schools to cover their day-to-day running costs has increased substantially in recent years. With increases in capitation and ancillary services funding, primary schools are now getting €105 more per pupil per year than they were in 2002. The capitation grant has been increased to €178.58 per child, and the ancillary services grant has risen to €151.50 per child, bringing the total value of both grants to €330 per pupil. This amounts to almost €100,000 a year for a 300-pupil school. There have also been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. With effect from January 2008, the standard per capita grant was increased by €15 per pupil and now amounts to €331 per pupil. In addition, voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €15 per pupil in 2008 in the support services grant bringing that grant to €204 per pupil.

The cumulative increase of €30 per pupil in a voluntary secondary school brings the aggregate grant to €535 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €300,000. Budget allocations for schools in the Community and Comprehensive school sector along with those in the VEC sector are increased on a pro rata basis with increases in the per capita grant. All schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants. Schools have, therefore, benefited from major increases in funding in recent years. The Deputy will be aware that as well as general increases in capitation funding, extra financial supports are being provided to schools under the DEIS action plan for educational inclusion. In the current school year, DEIS related grants totalling almost €19 million were paid to schools to meet the needs of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. The comparable amount paid for 2006/2007 was almost 17 million.

The Government will continue to prioritise the needs of schools serving disadvantaged communities going forward. The emphasis on tackling educational disadvantage in recent years is absolutely unprecedented. In 2008, we are investing over €800 million in measures aimed at tackling disadvantage at all levels. This represents an increase of nearly €70 million on the 2007 figure and an almost 74% increase on the €460 million provided in 2003. As well as continuing to prioritise disadvantaged schools, we are also determined to ensure that both primary and post-primary schools benefit from increased funding over the next five years. The Programme for Government contains a specific commitment to double the standard capitation grant for primary schools. Grants to schools for the employment of secretaries and caretakers will also be increased significantly. In summary, therefore, we have substantially increased funding for schools and will prioritise further improvements in the years ahead.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

307 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 62 of 9 April 2008, when she will supply this Deputy with the list of the 50 schools in question; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15064/08]

I am arranging for the information referred to by the Deputy to be forwarded to him in the coming days.

School Completion Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

308 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount being spent in each year since the establishment of the stay in school retention initiative by her Department; the amount of same in each year spent on salaries and expenses for co-ordinators both local and national; the amount being spent for the use of pupils within the scheme; the improvements that have been secured in the figures over this period of time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15066/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

310 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in view of the fact the objective of the stay in school retention initiative is to increase the number going on to study for the leaving certificate, she will state the number of pupils, in each year since the establishment of the initiative, who have gone on to study for the leaving certificate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15078/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

339 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the budgetary allocation to the school completion programme in each year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15280/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 308, 310 and 339 together.

The School Completion Programme, implemented in 2002, incorporates the learning, experience and best practice derived from previous early school leaving initiatives and assimilates the 8 to 15 Early School Leaver Initiative (ESLI) and Stay-in School Retention Initiative at Second Level (SSRI). Evidence generated from the pilot phases of the School Completion Programme showed that the most effective way of addressing educational disadvantage is through an integrated services approach based on the development of local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process. This prompted my Department to significantly expand the programme based on the project model in 2002 and again in 2006 under DEIS, the Action Plan for education inclusion.

Details of funding allocated to the School Completion Programme over the past 5 years is as follows:

2004 — €23.473m

2005 — €24.060m

2006 — €24.662m

2007 — €28.888m

2008 — €31.160m

The objective of the School Completion Programme is to provide a range of interventions in areas of disadvantage that support the retention of young people in education and aims to develop local strategies to ensure maximum participation levels in the education process, entails targeting individual young people of school-going age, both in and out of school, and arranging supports to address inequalities in education access, participation and outcomes. It is based on the project model with an integrated approach involving primary and post primary schools, parents and relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies. The programme is funded on a multi-annual basis under the National Development Plan (NDP) and up to 2007 with assistance from the European Social Fund (ESF)

82 projects were selected to participate in the School Completion Programme in 2002. This number has increased, under DEIS, to 124 projects spanning 26 counties, comprising 224 post-primary schools and 468 primary schools and targeting approx. 36,000 young people. A local management committee, comprising of representatives of schools and other relevant agencies, manage each project. Projects are required to engage in a consultative and planning process with the school staff, with parents and with local representatives of relevant statutory, voluntary and community agencies in the development of annual retention plans. What makes the School Completion Programme unique is its ‘bottom up' approach, which allows the local management committees to put together plans and supports that target the needs of local young people at risk of early school leaving. Each project employs a local Co-ordinator to run the project at local level.

The level of funding allocated to projects is dependant on the submission of their annual Retention plan and taking into account the level of disadvantage in the schools involved in each project, the target group selected for intensive supports, the salaries of personnel employed and the overall level of funding available to the programme. Current annual funding to projects range from approx. €80,000 to over €400,000 in respect of a full year's involvement in the Programme. A National Co-ordination Team that comprises a National Co-ordinator and four Regional Co-ordinators support the School Completion Programme. It is the task of the National Co-ordination Team to advise on and monitor the integrated area-based Retention Plans that support the young person at-risk at local level. A Programme Research and Development Officer provides research and administrative support for the development, delivery and evaluation of the School Completion Programme.

While data in relation to SCP target group is not readily available, the latest data published by my Department on retention rates in second-level schools relate to the cohort of entrants to the first year of junior cycle in 1997, 1998 and 1999. The published data for the 1999 cohort indicates that the national adjusted retention rate to completion of the Junior Certificate examination is 94.6% and the national adjusted retention rate to completion of the Leaving Certificate examination is 83.7%, an increase of 2.6% over 1996 cohort.

This Government has pursued a dual strategy of both encouraging more young people to finish school and ensuring much greater second chance and further education opportunities for those who left school early. This kind of strategy ensures that young people are empowered to achieve their full potential, be that by sitting the Leaving Cert or by pursuing qualifications through other pathways such as Youthreach or FAS apprenticeships which may be more appropriate to their individual interests. CSO data show that the educational profile of 20-24 year olds in Ireland has improved steadily over the last five years, as increasing opportunities have been made available in the further education and training sector. By 2006, 85.7% of 20-24 year olds had attained upper second-level education or equivalent, up from 84% in 2002 and putting Ireland ahead of the EU average of 77.8%.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe Carey

Question:

309 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15069/08]

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. My officials have been in contact with the NCSE regarding special needs assistant support for the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The NCSE has confirmed that the SENO has received an application for such support from the school. The SENO has requested additional information from the school in support of the application. Following receipt and consideration of this information, the SENO will be in a position to convey a decision on the application directly to the school authorities.

Question No. 310 answered with Question No. 308.

Asbestos Remediation Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

311 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6 has been unable to avail of the asbestos management programme organised by the Office of Public Works as the funding for 2008 has not been sanctioned; if, in the circumstances of this school and having regard to the health and safety aspects, she will make arrangements in order to enable the asbestos management programme to be implemented in the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15080/08]

I have asked the School Building and Modernisation Unit of my Department carry out an examination of the case referred to by the Deputy as a matter of urgency. As soon as this is completed the College will be informed of the position without delay.

Schools Refurbishment.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

312 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm that she has received an application for a comprehensive upgrading and improvement of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this post-primary school is continuing to attract a wide number of students, that its enrolment figures are increasing and the necessity for the physical upgrade and improvement; her response to the application for financial funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15081/08]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has made an application for major capital funding to my Department. Progress on all major projects, including the project in question, will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Schools Building Projects.

Liz McManus

Question:

313 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow and following a visit from an architect from her Department on 28 February 2008, there are changes proposed to the existing plans for the school; when the findings of this visit will be made available; the progress for the development of this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15087/08]

A site visit was carried out recently at the school referred to by the Deputy. A technical report on this visit is currently being compiled. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Martin Ferris

Question:

314 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science if and when construction of a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will begin; if her announcement in May 2007 on a visit to the school will be delivered on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15093/08]

The development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, is considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Special Educational Needs.

John Curran

Question:

315 Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant and resource teaching hours will be reallocated to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22. [15098/08]

The National Council for Special Education is responsible (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. My officials have been in contact with the NCSE and I can confirm that an application for special educational needs supports, in respect of the pupil referred to by the Deputy, was received by the SENO on 17 April 2007. The SENO will consider the application and convey a decision directly to the school as soon as this process has been completed.

David Stanton

Question:

316 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will give approval for home tuition to be granted in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15107/08]

My officials have no record of receiving an application for home tuition for the child in question. I have arranged for a home tuition application form to issue to the family concerned.

Educational Disadvantage.

Finian McGrath

Question:

317 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding provided for out of school services and after school services in the context of disadvantage and generally across Government bodies such as the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Health Service Executive. [15120/08]

In the region of €730 million will be spent by my Department this year on tackling educational disadvantage at all levels — from pre-school to further and higher education. This represents an increase of over 60% and is testament to the Government's determination to prioritise social inclusion and ensure that all our children and young people get the supports they need to do well at school. Social inclusion measures across all Government departments have also been prioritised under the Towards 2016 agreement, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-16 and the National Development Plan.

In the current school year, grants totalling almost €19 million were paid to schools to meet the needs of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds under DEIS (the Action plan for Educational Inclusion). These financial supports allocated to each of the schools selected under DEIS provides for the inclusion of after school and holiday time support — for literacy and numeracy development as well as homework support, social and personal development and arts activities. Preventative measures are also in place such as the School Completion Programme and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL), with €31.160m allocated to the School Completion Programme for 2008. Under the School Completion Programme children at risk of early school leaving are targeted for a variety of extra supports, educational and non-educational, during and outside of school time — all aimed at encouraging them to stay in school. The Home School Community Liaison Scheme helps to get parents involved in their children's education, which as we all know is a crucial component of convincing young people of the value of education.

After-school activities are delivered as part of the School Completion Programme and homework clubs in particular are a widely implemented support to provide students with a structured environment to complete homework. After-School Supports provided under the School Completion Programme focus on the personal and social development of young people, aiming to enrich their overall educational experience by providing fun activities that tap into the many talents of young people. Programmes that focus on activities like Drama, Music, Art, Craftwork and Sport enable children to develop a range of creative and sporting skills. These activities help to boost self-esteem, have positive consequences for the classroom and are particularly important for academically weaker students. The provision of Out-of-School supports is also one of the four central supports of the School Completion Programme.

In addition €1.7m has been allocated under Dormant Accounts for a new scheme to enable DEIS Band 1 Schools in Limerick City to open after school hours (2008 Programme). This scheme has been developed as part of the Department's response to the education related recommendations contained in John Fitzgerald report, ‘Addressing issues of Social Exclusion in Moyross and other disadvantaged areas of Limerick City: Report to the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion. The recommendations of the Fitzgerald report were accepted in full by Cabinet.

The scheme aims to support up to 22 DEIS Band 1 schools in Limerick City to enable them to make the school premises and its facilities available to children and the wider community after school hours at the weekend and during school holidays. The school premises would be available for a wide range of activities, including homework clubs, drama, art & craft, adult literacy, and sports etc. The Government is conscious that tackling social exclusion requires a whole of Government response and that many Departments have roles to play in addressing disadvantage. The Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion, supported by the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion and the Office for Social Inclusion provides the necessary coordination to ensure the development, coordination and drive for Social Inclusion Policy developments and Ireland's commitments under Towards 2016 and the National Action Plan on Social Inclusion 2007 -2016.

Clár Tógála Scoileanna.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

318 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad é an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le feabhsú agus deisiú ar scoil (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [15132/08]

Machnófar ar bhonn leanúnach cur chun cinn gach uile tionscadal tógala ar scála mór ó chéim an chéad dearaidh go dtí staid an tógála, i gcomhthéacs an Chlár Ilbhlianach Tógála agus Nuachóirithe Scoileanna atá ar siúl ag mo Roinn.

Site Acquisitions.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

319 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has purchased a site for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15135/08]

I wish to advise the Deputy that a suitable site has been identified for the school in question. The site comprises of three plots of land with three separate vendors. My Department is continuing to progress any outstanding issues in consultation with the CSSO. When the site acquisition is complete, a building project for the school will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

320 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will confirm her Department’s intention to purchase a site for a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15136/08]

The Deputy will be aware that a suitable site has been identified for the school in question. My Department have confirmed acceptance of the Trustees offer for the sale of a portion of the site with the remainder of the site being gifted by the Trustees. When the site acquisitions issues have been completed, the proposed building project for the school will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Staffing.

Phil Hogan

Question:

321 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will ensure the continuation of existing staffing levels at a school (details supplied) in County Carlow for the school year 2008 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15138/08]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year. Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school indicate that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 49 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year is a Principal and 2 mainstream class teachers.

According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2007 was 47 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0010/2008), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy of which will issue to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2008/09 school year will be a Principal and 1 mainstream class teacher. Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website. The first meeting of the Appeal Board is scheduled to take place on the 20 May, 2008. Further meetings will be held in June and October, 2008. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 9 May, 20 June and 10 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.

Schools Building Projects.

Richard Bruton

Question:

322 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science when she will publish the list of schools which are being allowed to proceed to construction; and if she will insure that all Deputies are circulated with the list in a timely matter. [15144/08]

The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in rapidly developing areas as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. On the 1st February last I announced the first phase of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. My announcement included details of the 18 large scale building projects approved for construction and a further 30 primary school projects in rapidly developing areas. Details of the projects approved can be viewed under the Press Release section of my Department's website at www.education.ie. This is the first phase of projects that will commence construction during 2008 and 2009. It is my intention to make a further announcement shortly to allow a further batch of schools to progress and to update progress on the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery in developing areas.

School Curriculum.

Mary Upton

Question:

323 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of music and arts teaching in smaller post-primary education facilities; if a system of peripatetic speciality teachers in these areas has been employed to service a number of schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15150/08]

Teacher allocations to post-primary schools are approved by my Department on an annual basis in accordance with generally applied rules relating to recognised pupil enrolment. Each school management authority is required to organise its curriculum, teaching time-table and subject options having regard to pupils' needs within the limits of its approved teacher allocation.

I believe that the arts have an important role to play in the education of the individual. Music, the visual arts and drama provide for sensory, emotional, intellectual and creative enrichment and contribute to the young person's holistic development and self esteem. Arts education (visual arts, music and drama) is one of the seven curriculum areas that comprise the primary curriculum, which was revised in 1999. At second level there are approved syllabuses for Junior Certificate in Music and Art, Craft and Design. In the senior cycle there are syllabuses in Music and Art. Modules in the Arts are also available as part of the Leaving Certificate Applied and in the Transition Year programme. In the delivery of these programmes, schools are encouraged to interact with practising artists in their own classrooms and in out of school settings.

In addition to supporting Music in the curriculum, an additional allocation of the equivalent of 93 whole time teaching posts are allocated to a range of VECs to support Music education. This takes the form of individual tuition in instrumental and vocal music education, and provision of supports for choirs, orchestras and ensembles. Through this some 68,000 hours of music tuition are provided annually.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Mary Upton

Question:

324 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made towards removing the obstacles with regard to insurance which currently prevents the majority of school halls being utilised for sports and community uses when not required by the school; her views on whether this could bring much needed revenues to schools in addition to providing community facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15152/08]

The primary responsibility of my Department in this area is the provision of school facilities for the effective delivery of the curriculum. In addition, school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level. However, I do recognise that there is a lack of recreational facilities for community use in certain areas which could be met if school premises were made available to the wider community. To encourage schools in this respect, my Department issued a circular to all school authorities in late 2005 urging trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available where possible for community education and recreation purposes. Decisions in relation to the use of school facilities remain entirely at the discretion of the school authorities, subject to the condition that the needs of the students attending the school are prioritised in the first instance.

My Department has also progressed a number of school building projects within the Fingal and Adamstown areas of Dublin with local Authority/Developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing. I believe this model can be used to advantage across the country in future particularly in the area of shared community facilities. My Department's position generally is that the availability of such facilities should be self-funding i.e. adequate to cover the heat/light/caretaking arrangements as well as making some contribution to the repair of wear and tear on premises caused by increased use. Of utmost importance, schools should ensure that insurance and security are covered as it is unlikely that a school's insurance policy would cover non-school activities or that a caretaker would be routinely available to open/lock up premises.

Schools Building Projects.

David Stanton

Question:

325 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress in the provision of a new building for a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15156/08]

The development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage. The project is awaiting the appointment of a Design Team. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Irish Language.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

326 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the lack of textbooks in Irish for students attending all-Irish secondary schools; if she has plans to address the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15160/08]

Substantial progress has been made in the provision of textbooks and resources specifically for use in Gaeltacht and other all-Irish schools, particularly since Scéim na nDearthóirí was established in 2001, and An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta was set up in 2002. An Chomhairle was established to co-ordinate the provision of textbooks and aids to support Irish, to advise on policies relating to Irish in schools generally and in all-Irish and Gaeltacht schools, to provide support services through the medium of Irish and to undertake research in this area.

An Chomhairle works closely with An Gúm, Scéim na nDearthóirí and other agencies to address the deficit in Irish medium resources and materials. It has published an extensive resource directory on its website (www.cogg.ie) on materials and resources now available to support the teaching of Irish in the curriculum, and the teaching of other subjects through Irish, across primary and post primary schools. A complete list of Teaching Aids and Resources has also been sent to Gaeltacht schools and Gaelscoileanna. A full range of teaching resources (1 per subject) is now available for primary Gaeltacht and all-Irish schools. Some €1m per annum is being invested under the Scéim in a new set of materials for primary schools, known as Séideán Sí. The packs include a teacher's handbook, books, posters, picture cards, compact discs, puppets and card games and are currently available for all classes up to third class. This investment will continue until a complete set of resources for the 8 year cycle is available.

At post primary level there are resources available for Maths, History, Geography, Science, CSPE, Technical Graphics and French at junior cycle. At senior cycle textbooks are available for Maths, History and Home Economics. In 2007, my Department allocated an additional €300,000 to An Chomhairle for materials and resources development to support teaching and learning through the medium of Irish, bringing their budget in 2007 to €1.245 million. This level of funding has been maintained in 2008.

Schools Building Projects.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

327 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to the proposed building project at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 20; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15173/08]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at a very advanced stage of architectural planning process. The progression of all large-scale building projects, including this project, 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.

Site Acquisitions.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

328 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the need to acquire a site for a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15174/08]

Enda Kenny

Question:

330 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if progress has been made in securing a site for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15206/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 328 and 330 together.

The Property Management Section of the Office of Public Works (OPW) was asked to source a site for the school referred to. The acquisition of a site for the school will be considered in the context of the Department's school building and modernisation programme.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

329 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of days between the publication of every Bill and Act produced by her Department since 1997 to date in 2008 and their introduction into either the Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15184/08]

The information on the number of days between the publication of a Bill and its introduction or presentation to either Seanad or Dáil Éireann is not immediately available, however it is generally only a number of days between the publication of a Bill and its presentation to either House. I refer the Deputy to the attached table which lists the Bills sponsored by the Minister for Education and Science in the years 1997 to 2008 and details of the time between presentation and the taking of the order for the Second Stage reading of the Bill.

Bill

Year

Bill No.

House

Presented

Order for 2nd Stage

Status

Education Bill

1997

No. 01/1997

27th Dáil

03/01/1997

04/03/1997

Lapsed

Youth Work Bill

1997

No. 16/1997

27th Dáil

03/03/1997

10/04/1997

Enacted 20/05/1997 (No. 30/1997)

Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Bill

1997

No. 55/1997

21st Seanad

21/11/1997

03/12/1997

Enacted 24/12/1997 (No. 46/1997)

Education (No.2) Bill

1997

No. 67/1997

28th Dáil

10/12/1997

05/02/1998

Enacted 23/12/1998 (No. 51/1998)

George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Bill

1998

No. 60/1998

28th Dáil

02/12/1998

02/12/1998

Enacted 23/12/1998 (No. 50/1998)

Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund (Amendment) Bill

1998

No. 68/1998

28th Dáil

07/12/1998

15/12/1998

Enacted 23/12/1998 (No. 53/1998)

Qualifications (Education & Training) Bill

1999

No. 09/1999

21st Seanad

09/03/1999

09/03/1999

Enacted 13/07/1999 (No. 26/1999)

Education (Welfare) Bill

1999

No. 21/1999

21st Seanad

23/04/1999

19/05/1999

Enacted 05/07/2000 (No. 22/2000)

Regional Technical Colleges (Amendment) Bill

1999

No. 30/1999

28th Dáil

02/06/1999

15/06/1999

Enacted 06/07/1999 (No. 20/1999)

Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Bill

2000

No. 04/2000

28th Dáil

02/02/2000

09/03/2000

Enacted 26/04/2000 (No. 07/2000)

Teaching Council Bill

2000

No. 16/2000

28th Dáil

14/04/2000

24/10/2000

Enacted 17/04/2001 (No. 08/2001)

Youth Work Bill

2000

No. 21/2000

28th Dáil

26/04/2000

23/11/2000

Enacted 01/12/2004 (No. 42/2001)

Vocational Education (Amendment) Bill

2000

No. 70/2000

28th Dáil

13/12/2000

22/03/2001

Enacted 05/07/2001 (No. 23/2001)

Residential Institutions Redress Bill

2001

No. 35/2001

28th Dáil

12/06/2001

07/11/2001

Enacted 10/04/2002 (No. 13/2002)

Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill

2002

No. 17/2002

21st Seanad

22/03/2002

26/03/2002

Lapsed

Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Bill 2003 (changed from Education for Persons with Disabilities Bill 2003)

2003

No. 34/2003

29th Dáil

14/07/2003

23/10/2003

Enacted 19/07/2004 (No. 30/2004)

Grangegorman Development Agency Bill

2004

No. 25/2004

29th Dáil

14/06/2004

03/11/2004

Enacted 01/07/2005 (No. 21/2005)

Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (Amendment) Bill

2005

No. 07/2005

29th Dáil

March 2005

21/04/2005

Enacted 09/07/2005 (No. 17/2005)

University College Galway (Amendment) Bill

2005

No. 38/2005

22nd Seanad

December 2005

14/12/2005

Enacted 22/02/2006 (No. 01/2006)

Teaching Council (Amendment) Bill

2006

No. 04/2006

29th Dáil

16/02/2006

16/02/2006

Enacted 04/03/2006 (No. 02/2006)

Institutes of Technology Bill

2006

No. 21/2006

29th Dáil

26/04/2006

16/05/2006

Enacted 16/07/2006 (No. 25/2006)

Education (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

2007

No. 03/2007

29th Dáil

23/01/2007

15/02/2007

Enacted 31/03/2007 (No. 09/2007)

Student Support Bill

2008

No. 06/2008

30th Dáil

01/02/2008

26/02/2008

Question No. 330 answered with Question No. 328.

Special Educational Needs.

Simon Coveney

Question:

331 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science her policy on July provision of special needs education for children in their homes, in the context of the fact that in 2007 there was some difficulty in confirming that special needs assistants could provide this role and there is concern that a problem may arise again in 2008; and if she will conform that SNAs will be sanctioned to provide July provision of special needs education in 2008 (details supplied). [15214/08]

The July Education Programme is available to all special schools and mainstream primary schools with special classes catering for children with autism who choose to extend their education services through the month of July. My Department also provides for a July Programme for pupils with a severe/profound general learning disability. Where school based provision is not feasible, home based provision may be grant aided. The Deputy will appreciate, that as the July home based provision takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. My Department's qualification preference is for a fully qualified teacher. Where parents cannot recruit a fully qualified teacher, then some alternative qualifications are acceptable including certain Montessori qualifications. Details in this regard are published on my Department's web site.

Schools Building Projects.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

332 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Galway for a new school; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the current school is 109 years old, there is no central heating, only one hot water source heating one tap, the roof is rotten and the walls are cracking; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15223/08]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. The long term projected staffing assessment and the further progression of the proposed building project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi annual School Building and Modernisation programme. In the interim, officials in my Department are in contact with the school management regarding the provision of temporary accommodation and additional information is expected from the management shortly. When this documentation is received the school authority will be notified of the position without delay.

School Staffing.

Mary White

Question:

333 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will provide a school (details supplied) in County Carlow with a third teacher for the coming school year. [15250/08]

The mainstream staffing of a primary school is determined by reference to the enrolment of the school on 30th September of the previous school year. The actual number of mainstream posts sanctioned is determined by reference to a staffing schedule which is issued to all primary schools each year. Data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school indicates that the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2006 was 49 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0020/2007), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2007/08 school year is a Principal and 2 mainstream class teachers.

According to data submitted to my Department by the Board of Management of the school, the enrolment in the school on 30th September 2007 was 47 pupils. In accordance with the staffing schedule (Circular 0010/2008), which is available on my Department's website at www.education.ie and a hard copy of which will issue to all primary schools, the mainstream staffing in the school for the 2008/09 school year will be a Principal and 1 mainstream class teacher. Within the terms of the staffing arrangements for primary schools there is provision for additional posts, referred to as developing school posts, to be assigned to schools on the basis of projected enrolments for the next school year. Under these arrangements, a developing school post may be sanctioned provisionally where the projected enrolment at 30th September of the school year in question equals or exceeds a specified figure. If the specified figure is not achieved on 30th September, sanction for the post is withdrawn.

It is open to the Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule. The criteria are also available in Circular 0024/2007 (Appeal Board for Mainstream Staffing in Primary Schools) which is available on my Department's website. The first meeting of the Appeal Board is scheduled to take place on 20 May 2008. Further meetings will be held in June and October 2008. The closing dates for receipt of appeals are 9 May, 20 June and 10 October respectively. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Payments Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from Primary Payments Section or on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Minister and the Department and its decision is final.

Grant Payments.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

334 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when her Department will pay home tuition grants that are outstanding to persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15251/08]

The Deputy will be aware that as home tuition takes place outside of the normal school framework, there is need to ensure that tuition providers are appropriately qualified to give education to the children concerned. My Department's qualification preference is for a fully qualified teacher. Where parents cannot recruit a fully qualified teacher, then some alternative qualifications are acceptable including certain Montessori qualifications. Details in this regard are published on my Department's web site. Payments have been made in respect of claims received for 2 of the 4 children in question. The remaining 2 children are the subject of communication between officials in my Department and parents in relation to securing appropriately qualified tutors.

Schools Building Projects.

Billy Timmins

Question:

335 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if, in view of the circumstances, final sanction will be given; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15257/08]

The commencement and progression of all large-scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

336 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason an institution (details supplied) in Dublin 6 was not included in the schedule of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 despite the institution being subject to a regulatory or inspection function, a fact recognised by the Department of Health and Children; and if she will include the institution in a revised Schedule. [15271/08]

The Residential Institutions Redress Board was established under Statute in 2002 and is governed by the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002. The Board was established to make fair and reasonable payments to persons who, as children, were abused while residents in Industrial Schools, Reformatories and other institutions subject to State regulation or inspection and who were placed in such institutions by the State. The Board is independent in the performance of its functions. When the Act was initially established, the Schedule to the Act contained a total of 128 institutions. In compiling the list, the Department of Education & Science had cause to make enquiries from the Department of Health & Children, under whose jurisdiction some of the institutions operated, as to whether certain institutions could be considered for inclusion having regard to the criteria for eligibility.

Since the enactment of the legislation, my Department received correspondence from both individuals and survivor groups identifying a number of other institutions which may warrant consideration for inclusion. Following consideration of the matter, I signed an Order on 9th November 2004 which provided for the inclusion of 13 additional institutions in the Schedule. A further Order was made on 1st July 2005 adding 3 institutions to the Schedule. The question of including additional institutions has now been fully considered by my Department and it is not proposed to add any further institutions to the Schedule. The intention was that all institutions which were brought to the attention of my Department would be considered and a decision made as to their eligibility for inclusion prior to the closing date for receipt of applications to the Board which was the 15th December 2005.

In making its initial enquiries in relation to the institution in question, my Department consulted with the Department of Health & Children to establish if it could be considered for inclusion on the Schedule to the Act. The response to my Department was that, following a review of papers available in the Department of Health & Children, they were unable to locate any documentation which would indicate that a public body had an inspection or regulatory function in relation to the institution. At that time, the Department of Health & Children was not in a position to recommend its inclusion in the Schedule. Given that we were not in a position to confirm whether there was a state inspection or regulatory role, the institution could not be considered to be eligible for inclusion. No further enquiries were made at that time as to whether this institution would have been eligible under any other criteria.

The Department of Health advised this Department in May 2007 that certain papers had come to light which indicated a state regulatory and inspection role and that this Department may now wish to consider its inclusion on the Schedule to the Redress Act. However, further enquiries made by this Department with the Department of Health & Children, revealed that one of the papers in relation to the institution which prompted them to recognise a regulatory or inspection function was the report of an inspection conducted under the Registration of Maternity Homes Act, 1934. The expression "maternity home" means any premises which are, either wholly or partly, used or intended to be used for the reception of pregnant women or women immediately after childbirth". There are several references on the papers held by the Department of Health & Children describing this institution as a Mother and Baby Home. It would seem that persons in this facility attended on a voluntary basis as opposed to having been placed there by the State.

Section 4 (1) of the Act states that the Minister for Education & Science, may, by Order, provide for the insertion of any industrial school, reformatory, orphanage, children's home, special school which was established for the purpose of providing education services to children with a physical or intellectual disability or a hospital providing medical or psychiatric services to people with a physical or mental disability or illness. It is clear from the information available to this Department that the institution to which the Deputy refers operated as a Mother and Baby Home and is therefore not eligible to be considered for inclusion on the Schedule to the Redress Act on the basis that it does not satisfy the criteria as set out in the aforementioned Section. I should of course point out that ineligibility to be considered for redress under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002, does not affect a person's statutory right to pursue other legal avenues which may be open to them.

School Accommodation.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

337 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of the amount spent per school in the provision and maintenance of prefabs in Cork city and county including a breakdown of the amount spent in the north and east Cork areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15274/08]

While comprehensive information is held on individual school files, my Department does not yet have these details available in a format that provides readily accessible cumulative information on the overall position regarding temporary accommodation. However, this issue is being addressed as a matter of urgency and work on compiling a comprehensive database of such information is well advanced. This work is part of a general review of rental policy being undertaken. Information is being collated on approximately 900 schools which have received approval from the Department for temporary accommodation, including but not limited to prefabs. This will be used to produce a database of information which will be maintained on an ongoing basis and will inform my Department's future decision-making in this area. I anticipate this work will be completed shortly.

The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, the Government could have decided to make children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided. However, we prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible. Against this background, my Department has nonetheless managed to keep expenditure on temporary accommodation low. When the rental and purchase of temporary accommodation is taken together, it still only comes to 6.2% of overall investment in school buildings last year.

Family Support Services.

Brian Hayes

Question:

338 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn the number of students within second level education who are young parents; the supports available for these students; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15279/08]

While figures on the number of teen parents in second level are not readily available, the most recent CSO figures indicate 2362 teen births in 2006. Of these, 1254 were to mothers aged 18 years or younger. For young parents of school-going age, the most pressing issues are considered to be a sensitive response to their needs, appropriate counselling/mentoring and medical assistance, minimal disruption of tuition, and appropriate access to childcare. Individual circumstances will differ and accordingly, school management practice will vary from case to case. Generally, when it comes to the attention of the school that a pupil is pregnant, the school authorities check to ensure that the girl is receiving appropriate medical assistance and counselling advice. Schools endeavour to be sensitive and understanding to the girl's needs while trying to ensure that her education is not neglected.

Home tuition is provided to pregnant schoolgirls who are absent from school during the later stages of pregnancy or immediately following the birth of a baby when attendance may be impractical. In 2006/07, home tuition was approved for 69 pregnant girls attending post primary schools, while in 2007/08 school year to date, home tuition has been approved for 59 pregnant girls attending post primary schools.

Funding has been committed in 2008 for the education element of 8 Teenage Parenting Support projects as a specific gender element of the School Completion Programme under DEIS in preventing early school leaving among teenage mothers. Approximately, 1000 young parents are targeted by the Teen Parenting Support Programme (TPSP). In 2006, there were 412 new referrals to TPSP, of which 23% (95) were in second level at the time of referral. The programme also supported 13 young fathers in 2006. Links have been established between local School Completion projects in these areas, assisted by the SCP National Coordination Team and the Teenage Parenting Support Initiative Coordinators. The aim of these projects is to enable young women who are pregnant and young mothers to stay in second level education and to progress on to third level education or training. The Project does this by providing individual support, information and grinds where necessary. Young people participating in Teen Parenting Support Programmes are targeted in-school, out-of-school and in higher/further education, giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential through continued participation in education and training. This will improve their life opportunities and reduce the likelihood of the young family experiencing poverty and social exclusion and being long-term dependants on state support.

Greater affordability of childcare, linked to the creation of additional childcare places, has been a key principle in both the previous and current National Development Plans. This Government has provided unprecedented levels of funding for childcare in recent years. €499.3 million was allocated to the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) 2000-2006 and some 41,000 places will have been created by the time the programme finishes. Going forward, childcare provision will continue to attract substantial investment under the new National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010. €575m has been allocated to the new programme, which will be administered by the Office of the Minister for Children and aims to provide a proactive response to the development of quality childcare services by supporting the creation of an additional 50,000 places. This Government also introduced the Early Childhood Supplement of €1000 per child under six to help parents with childcare costs.

The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals for the expanded availability and range of education and training opportunities for lone parents; the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents; focused provision of childcare; improved information services for lone parents and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

A working group, comprised of officials from across a range of Government Departments, on which my Department is represented, is currently working on an implementation plan to progress the non-income recommendations. Work on the development of this implementation plan is progressing. Issues including access to childcare support, education, training and activation measures continue to be discussed with the relevant Departments and Agencies. In this regard, my Department is at present co-operating with the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Office of the Minister for Children and FÁS in testing the non-income activation proposals in Coolock in Dublin and in Kilkenny.

Question No. 339 answered with Question No. 308.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

340 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if her Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by her Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15289/08]

The cumulative value of advertising placed by my Department in each of the five years to date was as follows:

2008 — €157,000 (to end March)

2007 — €816,000

2006 — €800,000

2005 — €504,000

2004 — €790,000

My Department advertises for a wide range of educational related schemes and programmes. The advertising encompasses, for example, expenditure on the following significant categories: Invitations to tender for school building projects, staff appointments in the education sector, invitations to attend local hearings, invitations to forward submissions on education related schemes/projects. A detailed breakdown of the type of advertising placed is not readily available. If the Deputy has a particular advertising campaign in mind I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to the Deputy.

The States advertising is subject to a tender process through the Government's Supplies Agency. My Department understands that the current State advertising contract stipulates that the costs of the advertisements are inclusive of all production costs associated with the insertion of the advertisements into the print media.

School Accommodation.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

341 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the action a school (details supplied) in County Cork needs to take to apply for a devolved grant toward the development of two new classrooms, a general purpose hall and the conversion of the original school building into ancillary rooms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15301/08]

The level of works required by the school referred to by the Deputy would be classified as a major rather than a devolved project. The school may apply for major funding to the Modernisation and Policy Unit of my Department by completing and returning an application form (Form FLE) which is available on the Department's website at www.education.ie.

Schools Building Projects.

Christy O'Sullivan

Question:

342 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will appoint a design team without delay in order to ensure work can begin as soon as possible on a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [15312/08]

The development of a building project for the school in question is at an early stage. The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Accommodation.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

343 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to her Department of the rental of temporary school accommodation in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15339/08]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

344 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to her Department of the purchase of temporary school accommodation in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15340/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 343 and 344 together.

My Department spent €4.3m on the purchase and €35.5m on the rental of temporary accommodation in 2007. The Deputy will be aware that demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, the Government could have decided to make children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided. However, we prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible. Against this background, my Department has nonetheless managed to keep expenditure on temporary accommodation low.

It should be noted that the amount spent on rental and purchased accommodation in 2007 was only 6.2% of the total investment in school buildings in 2007. This compares with 10.8% in 2003. It should also be noted that temporary accommodation is not limited to prefabs and can also involve the rental of high quality buildings.

Scrúduithe Stáit.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

345 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta cad é líon na macléinn a thóg an Teastas Sóisearach agus an Ard-Teistiméireacht i 2007 agus a bhí ag freastal ar mheánscoil Ghaeltachta, an méid díobh a thóg ábhair trí Bhéarla; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [15363/08]

Tá cúram reachtúil ar Choimisiún na Scrúduithe Stáit maidir le ceisteanna oibríocha a bhaineann le scrúduithe teastais, ina measc tionól scrúduithe a eagrú, nósanna imeachta a shocrú in áiteanna ina stiúrtar scrúduithe agus socruithe a dhéanamh do mharcáil oibre a chuirtear i láthair le scrúdú. Tá curtha in iúl dom ag an gCoimisiún gur sheas 483 iarrthóirí as scoileanna Gaeltachta an Ardteistiméireacht i 2007, sheas naonúr an Ardteistiméireacht Fheidhmitheach agus sheas 624 an Teastas Sóisearach.

Ní féidir a rá cén líon iarrthóirí astu siúd a sheas na scrúduithe teastais in sna scoileanna sin a fhreagair trí Bhéarla nó trí Ghaeilge. Iarrthóirí a chuireann iarratas isteach ag an gCoimisiún ag rá gur mian leo an scrúdú a sheasamh trí Ghaeilge, tá sé de cheart acu an leagan Gaeilge agus an leagan Béarla araon a fháil ag an ionad scrúdaithe agus dá thoradh sin tá sé de rogha acu freagairt trí cheachtar den dá theanga. I scrúdú an Teastais Shóisearaigh i 2007, chuir 531 iarrthóirí iarratas isteach ar ábhar amháin ar a laghad a sheasamh trí Ghaeilge agus i scrúdú na hArdteistiméireachta chuir 401 iarrthóirí iarratas isteach ar ábhar amháin ar a laghad a sheasamh trí Ghaeilge. Níor chuir duine ar bith de na hiarrthóirí don Ardteistiméireacht Fheidhmitheach iarratas isteach ar ábhar a sheasamh trí Ghaeilge.

Agus an próiseas marcála ar siúl, cuireann Scrúdaitheoirí marcanna bónais do fhreagairt trí Ghaeilge le scripteanna na n-iarrthóirí cuí agus ansin comhlánaíonn siad bileoga marcála a léiríonn iomlán na marcanna a bronnadh, ag cur na marcanna bónais san áireamh áit is cuí. Próiseálann an Coimisiún ansin na marcanna iomlána seo chun gráid na n-iarrthóirí a chinneadh.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

346 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will sanction the preferred tender for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare, to enable construction to commence in 2008. [15364/08]

A tender report for the school building project referred to by the Deputy has been received in my Department. As part of the Programme for Government, a Developing Areas Unit was set up recently in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas, including Naas. The main emphasis in 2008 is on providing sufficient school places in these developing areas, as well as delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country. In this context, the status of all schools in Naas is being assessed as part of an overall delivery plan, which is currently being formulated within the Developing Areas Unit. As is the case with all large capital projects currently on hand within the Unit, their progression will be considered in the context of the multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

347 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding or financial support given by her Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15370/08]

The funding provided by my Department, as requested by the Deputy, is as follows:

Year

Amount

Organisation

2000

82,533

Washington Ireland Programme

2001

82,533

Washington Ireland Programme

2002

82,536

Washington Ireland Programme

2003

81,023

Washington Ireland Programme

2004

83,820

Washington Ireland Programme

2005

84,409

Washington Ireland Programme

2006

83,916

Washington Ireland Programme

2006

76,613

Boston Higashi School

2007

112,822

Washington Ireland Programme

2007

157,746

Boston Higashi School

2008

Nil to date.

Schools Building Projects.

Liz McManus

Question:

348 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for completion of an extension sanctioned in December 2006 for a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; the reason for the delay on this project; the position regarding the planning process; her views on whether the delay in this process is of serious concern to staff, students and families involved in this school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15392/08]

The commencement and progression of all large scale building projects from initial design stage through to construction phase, including this project, will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Discipline.

James Reilly

Question:

349 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures in place to deal with allegations of verbal or physical abuse of students by teachers; if, in particular, there are guidelines to deal with such allegations which are fair to all parties and cause the minimum disruption to both the student concerned, other students and the teacher; if there is a policy of temporarily relocating such students pending the outcome of any investigation; if the student has the right to be heard and represented in such an investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15382/08]

In dealing with allegations of verbal and physical abuse of students by teachers the most important consideration to be taken into account is the protection of children. Their safety and well-being must be the priority. Allegations of abuse may raise child protection issues or if they are of a less serious nature may fall to be dealt with at a local level by the school authorities. Any allegation which raises child protection concerns must be dealt with in accordance with the national child protection guideline "Children First". My Department has produced guidelines for both Primary and Post-Primary schools for dealing with allegations or suspicions of child abuse by school employees and other persons. The guidelines provide detailed information for schools in relation to the handling of allegations, both from the perspective of the student and the employee.

Where an allegation, of a less serious nature, is dealt with at local level by the school authorities and a parent is dissatisfied with the way it has been dealt with, they may make a written complaint to my Department which will review the procedures and practices adopted by the school when dealing with the allegation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

350 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15037/08]

There was no expenditure in 1997 on leadership training for the civil service staff of my Department.

Reserve Defence Force.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

351 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if members of the Reserve Defence Force will be covered under the workers’ rights legislation as serving members of the RDF since 1 January 2008; if they are being taxed at source and paying the Army’s rate of PRSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15072/08]

There are no plans to alter the legal status of members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF). There is a very comprehensive range of national and EU legislation dealing with employment rights and protection of employees. However, members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) are not ‘employees' or ‘workers' in the generally accepted meaning of those terms. The Defence Acts, 1954 to 2006 prescribe that the Defence Forces shall consist of a Permanent Defence Force and a Reserve Defence Force. Members of the Permanent Defence Force (PDF) are engaged in the service of the State on a full-time basis and are in receipt of pay and allowances accordingly. The RDF is a part-time, volunteer organisation. Members are free to determine their own level of participation in Reserve activities and may resign from the Reserve at any time. Their service is provided entirely on a voluntary basis with no compulsion to attend.

Members of the Reserve undergo both paid and unpaid training. In addition there is provision for a gratuity to be paid to those members who meet certain attendance criteria. Prior to 1 January 2008 members of the Reserve were themselves responsible for dealing with any tax issues. Since that date they have been taxed at source (under PAYE) following an approach from the Office of the Revenue Commissioners. Payments to members for periods of full-time training, etc. not exceeding 21 consecutive days are not liable to Social Insurance Contributions as such. However, where weekly payments exceed a specified threshold (currently €500 a week), the Health Contribution of 2% is payable and is deducted as PRSI Class K. Where weekly payment does not exceed the threshold, there is no Health Contribution liability and this is recorded as PRSI Class M. PRSI Class H (the rate applicable to NCOs and enlisted personnel of the Permanent Defence Force) is applied to members who attend for periods of full-time training, etc. in excess of 21 consecutive days.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

352 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the number of days for every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15183/08]

The material the Deputy seeks is available on the Oireachtas website. The website provides chronological information on the presentation and consideration by the Dáil and Seanad, of all Bills and Acts, including those introduced by my Department from 1997 to date. The link to the information is www.oireachtas.ie and then continue to the legislation link. The names of the Ministers for Defence who have served during the stated period are as follows:

Mr. David Andrews T.D. — 26 June 1997 to 8 October 1997;

Mr. Michael Smith T.D. — 8 October 1997 to 29 September 2004;

Mr. Willie O'Dea T.D. — 29 September 2004 to date.

Overseas Missions.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

353 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of integrated Reserve Defence Force members that will deploy to Chad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15202/08]

There are no plans to deploy members of the Reserve Defence Force (RDF) to Chad or to any other current overseas mission. However, policies to support the preparation and selection of suitably qualified personnel for overseas duties are being developed. It is hoped that a small number of Reservists may be available to serve overseas by the end of next year (2009). This is likely to be in specialised areas such as medical, transport, engineering and communications and information services. This will also be subject to personnel having suitable qualifications, their personal availability and appropriate training.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

354 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15288/08]

The only advertising campaign of the kind referred to in the Deputy's Question carried out by my Department during the past five years is the public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning which was launched by the Taoiseach on Monday, 14 April last. The campaign involves the distribution of an information handbook to every household in the country, together with an advertising campaign to let people know that the handbook is on the way and to encourage everyone to read it. Advertisements were placed in the print media, on radio and on outdoor billboards. While the full costs associated with the preparation and implementation of the campaign are not yet available, they are estimated to be approximately €2m. This figure includes the cost of design, printing and distribution of 1.8 million handbooks and the associated media advertising costs and other support costs. It also includes the cost of designing the website www.emergencyplanning.ie.

Departmental Transport.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

355 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the progress in responding to Parliamentary Question No. 820 of 2 April 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15338/08]

The position regarding the number of car park spaces available staff in my Department is as follows: Department Headquarters, Infirmary Road, Dublin 7 — 110 car park spaces available; Coláiste Caoimhín, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 — 92 car park spaces available; Finance Branch, Renmore, Galway — 105 car park spaces available; Civil Defence Board, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary — 55 marked spaces and 7 additional spaces within the vehicle compound. These car park spaces are used by serving staff and by visitors attending the various courses and activities conducted by the Civil Defence Board; Park House, North Circular Road, Dublin 7 -12 car parking spaces available to members of the Defence Forces.

No car parking spaces are rented by my Department other than those included in the lease of premises for the Civil Defence Board, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and accommodation in Park House, North Circular Road, Dublin 7 (as detailed above) and for which separate costs are not available from the Office of Public Works. A survey will be carried out to quantify the number of car parking spaces available to the members of the Defence Forces in barracks around the country and this information will be supplied as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

356 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15369/08]

My Department did not provide funding or financial support to any agency, etc. in the United States during the period in question. Only payments in respect of goods and services provided to the Department or the Defence Forces were made to firms in the USA.

Visa Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

357 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will assist in the case of a person (details supplied). [15097/08]

The application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 3 April 2008. It was refused by the Visa Officer on 9 April 2008 for the following reasons:

1. The financial evidence provided was deemed insufficient;

2. The Visa Officer was not satisfied that the conditions of the visa would be observed and considered that the applicant may overstay following the proposed visit.

The decision of the Visa Officer may be appealed within two months of the date of decision, in this case before 9 June 2008. Guidelines on making an appeal can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at www.inis.gov.ie

Tribunals of Inquiry.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

358 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status and mode of operation of the special inquiry into the findings of the Stardust tribunal of 1982; and if a report on all aspects of the operations of the inquiry will be made to the Stardust victims and relatives committee. [15396/08]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

389 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status and mode of operations of the special inquiry established to re-examine the findings of the Stardust tribunal of 1982; and if a report on same will be made available to the Stardust relatives and victims committee. [15397/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 358 and 389 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, Mr. John Gallagher, SC, was appointed last year to carry out an independent examination of the issues raised in the submission ‘Nothing But the Truth', made by the Stardust Victims Committee. Terms of reference were agreed with the Committee and these were placed in the public domain by Mr. Gallagher. The Committee has been provided with funding to assist their participation in this examination. I understand that the Committee has expressed concerns regarding Mr. Gallagher's involvement in this exercise. These concerns are under active consideration.

Residency Permits.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

359 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the processing time for an application for long-term residency; the action he has taken to reduce the waiting time since his answer of 5 February 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15024/08]

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service receives a considerable and diverse range of applications for permission to remain in the State including applications for long term residency. As the Deputy will appreciate, the processing time for dealing with such applications can vary depending on the type of application involved and the particular circumstances of the individual concerned. In all instances, processing arrangements are kept under ongoing review and steps are taken to ensure that applications are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to overall resources across the full range of services provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

I understand that applications received in August 2006 are currently being dealt with. The procedures for processing long term residency applications have been developed and refined over a number of years and I am satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the long term residency process. I have recently deployed additional staff to the Immigration Division of my Department for the purpose of processing long term residency applications and I am satisfied that these additional resources will make an impact in processing the backlog on hand and dealing with the ongoing increase in the number of applications being received.

Citizenship Applications.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

360 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the processing time for an application for naturalisation; the action he has taken to reduce the waiting time since his answer of 5 February 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15025/08]

The position in relation to processing times for applications for long-term residency and for naturalisation remains as outlined in my response to Parliamentary Questions Numbers 616 and 617 of 5 February, 2008.

Residency Permits.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

361 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of decisions taken to grant or refuse long-term residency for each month for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15026/08]

The statistics requested by the Deputy are as follows:

Year

Granted

Refused

2005

January

26

16

February

42

23

March

50

23

April

50

36

May

54

31

June

11

60

July

37

41

August

50

103

September

21

42

October

28

70

November

38

113

December

56

80

2006

January

68

155

February

77

86

March

150

142

April

132

100

May

162

103

June

107

83

July

93

55

August

93

48

September

94

18

October

96

71

November

141

43

December

26

13

2007

January

48

19

February

98

26

March

33

8

April

30

17

May

126

17

June

95

11

July

119

29

August

11

7

September

1

5

October

8

2

November

21

33

December

5

15

Citizenship Applications.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

362 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of decisions taken to grant or refuse an application for naturalisation for each month for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15027/08]

The compilation of statistics relating to the number of decisions taken to grant or refuse an application for naturalisation for each month for each of the past three years would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort to prepare and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

363 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15044/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has taken a strong lead in the provision of education and training programmes to our staff and I am satisfied that officials at all levels are being provided with the opportunity to develop as individuals, and to contribute to the advancement of the goals of my Department in the areas of Justice and Equality. A total of €828,000 was spent on staff training for the Department in 2007 and hundreds of individuals benefited from this activity. Leadership training is a component in virtually all courses delivered for my officials so it is not practicable to isolate the data sought by the Deputy in terms of individual beneficiaries.

Visa Applications.

Beverley Flynn

Question:

364 Deputy Beverley Flynn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason persons (details supplied) were not informed of the outcome of a review of their application; and the reason the original decision was upheld despite the fact that new evidence had been submitted. [15058/08]

The applications referred to by the Deputy were refused originally by the Visa Officer on 6 November, 2007 and the subsequent appeals were refused by the Appeals Officer on 4 February, 2008. Letters were posted to both applicants on that date informing them of the decisions. The appeals were refused because the Appeals Officer was not satisfied with the quality of the documentation supplied and, further, because it was not possible to verify the references submitted in support of the applications.

Residency Permits.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

365 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for residency under the family reunification scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15106/08]

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

Citizenship Applications.

Jack Wall

Question:

366 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for naturalisation for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15109/08]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in January 2008. The application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency will take place in the near future. The applicant will be informed at that time when the application will be further examined or of any shortfall in her residency.

Garda Remuneration.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

367 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 922 of 2 April 2008, the reason it is not possible to transfer annual increments which happens elsewhere for transfers in the public service. [15122/08]

Any comparison with transfers generally in the Public Service must take into account the fact that the duties of An Garda Síochána are unique and wide ranging. This is evident in the requirement for Garda recruits to undergo a two year intensive training programme. These unique duties and training requirements militate against the introduction of a similar incremental credit scheme as is in place for other areas of the Public Service.

Asylum Applications.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

368 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for residency of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [15134/08]

The person concerned, accompanied by his two children, arrived in the State on 4 April 2006 and applied for asylum. His asylum application was refused following the 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 31 March 2008, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect him and his two children. He was 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 he and his two children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). While no response has been received to date, the Deputy might note that the 15 working day period has not yet elapsed. The case file of the person concerned will be further considered upon receipt of a response to my Department's letter of 31 March 2008.

Garda Youth Diversion Project.

Niall Collins

Question:

369 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15137/08]

I can confirm that this Garda Youth Diversion Project (details supplied) was established in October of 2007. A project coordinator was recruited in February of this year and premises have been acquired for this project in the Gortboy area. Referrals to the project are currently being sought and assessed.

Data Protection.

Mary Upton

Question:

370 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the law regarding the retention of personal data by Internet service providers and mobile telephone operators; if the law as it currently stands allows for these providers to sell or share this data with private or business organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15149/08]

The position is that statutory standards for the protection of personal data are set out in the Data Protection Acts 1998 and 2003. These Acts contain safeguards against unauthorised processing of such data, including disclosure by transmitting, disseminating or otherwise making it available. Moreover, stringent conditions apply where personal data are retained or used for the purpose of direct marketing. Data protection standards are implemented and enforced by the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

371 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of days, in respect of every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15190/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is available on the Oireachtas website, which provides chronological and other relevant information for the years in question in respect of each stage of the passage of all Bills through the Dáil and Seanad.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

372 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15194/08]

The Immigration Division of my Department has informed me that no application for residency or permission to remain in the State has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

373 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 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15195/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 128 of Thursday, 8 February 2007 and No. 213 of Thursday, 29 June 2006 and the written Replies to those Questions. The person concerned arrived in the State on 28 November 2001 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 23 April 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 were submitted on behalf of the person concerned.

Subsequently, by letter dated 17 May 2007, the person concerned, through his legal representative, submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). However, this application was not accepted as it was not signed by the person concerned. As a result, the application was returned to the legal representative of the person concerned, by letter dated 30 May 2007. This communication informed the legal representative that, before this application could be considered, it must be returned, fully completed, within a period of ten working days from the date of that letter. The completed application for Subsidiary Protection in the State was not returned to my Department by the due date and, as such, no further consideration has been, or will be, given to that application.

The case file of the person concerned now falls to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended). The Deputy can be assured that all representations submitted by or on behalf of the person concerned will be fully 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, before the file is passed to me for decision.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

374 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15198/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question is the subject of an application for Family Reunification made in January 2007. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation has been completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

375 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a Garda National Immigration Bureau card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15199/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the GNIB registration card of the person in question is not due to expire until 15th September 2008.

Garda Deployment.

Jack Wall

Question:

376 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the proposed changes in the separation of the Kildare-Carlow division of the Garda will see an increase in the number of personnel in a station (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the predicted increase of population of the town in recent town development plans; the number of all ranks of gardaí serving in the station; if any are seconded to other duties or stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15209/08]

Jack Wall

Question:

377 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of the division of the Carlow-Kildare division of the Garda into two separate divisions; if the separation will see a greater number of gardaí deployed to the stations in the new Kildare division in view of the increase in the population of the county over the past number of years; the number of gardaí of all ranks deployed in all of the stations in the Kildare section of the present division; if recent census figures will be used to determine the number of gardaí per head of population that is acceptable to such a population; the present ratio of gardaí to population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15210/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 376 and 377 together.

As the Deputy is aware, I recently approved the 2008 Garda Annual Policing Plan and laid it before the Houses of the Oireachtas. It sets out the Commissioner's proposals to realign the boundaries of Garda Divisions around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. Included in this is a plan to establish a new Garda Division in Kildare. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. A detailed programme of work is currently being developed by An Garda Síochána to implement these planned changes for various Garda Divisions. This programme of work will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations arising from the regional and divisional boundary realignments set out in the plan and will set out a timetable for the establishment of the new divisions.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that resource allocation is currently under review and no final decision has been made on the matter. I am further informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 31 March 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of the Carlow/Kildare Garda Division was 408. The personnel strength of Athy Garda Station on the same date was 19. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The allocation of Garda personnel is determined by a number of factors including population, crime trends and the policing needs of each individual Division. It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of Garda Stations throughout County Kildare will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations and Divisions throughout the country.

Garda Reserve.

John Deasy

Question:

378 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda reserves that have passed out to date and are on duty; the allocation to each county of the on-duty Garda reserves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15236/08]

As at 31st March 2008, there were 264 attested Reserve Gardaí who were operational. They are assigned by county as follows:

County

No.

Dublin

123

Cork

30

Galway

16

Limerick

10

Waterford

10

Louth

8

Mayo

8

Tipperary

7

Clare

6

Sligo

6

Kilkenny

5

Westmeath

5

Carlow

4

Donegal

4

Wexford

4

Kildare

3

Wicklow

3

Cavan

2

Kerry

2

Meath

2

Offaly

2

Laois

1

Longford

1

Monaghan

1

Roscommon

1

Total

264

Up to 31st March 2008, 281 people had graduated as Garda Reserve members. 13 Reserve members have moved on to become trainee full-time members. 4 Reserve members resigned for personal reasons or because they took up occupations which would conflict with their status as Reserve Gardaí.

Citizenship Applications.

Joe Carey

Question:

379 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to an application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15259/08]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's question was received in the Citizenship section of my Department in January 2007. Officials in that section are currently processing applications received in August 2005 and have approximately 9,300 applications on hand to be dealt with before that of the person concerned. These are generally dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. It is likely, therefore, that further processing of the application will commence in the second half of 2009. I will inform the Deputy and the person in question when I have reached a decision on the matter.

Proposed Legislation.

Michael Creed

Question:

380 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has proposals to change the law whereby persons with a criminal record who have not offended for a long number of years will have their criminal record set aside; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15276/08]

I am pleased to let the Deputy know that earlier this year the Government accepted my proposal that it should take over the Spent Convictions Bill 2007, introduced into the Dáil in October 2007 as a Private Members' Bill by Deputy Barry Andrews, and adopt it as a Government Bill. It is my intention to bring the necessary motion to the House at the appropriate time to give effect to the Government's decision.

The Bill reflects the recommendations contained in the Law Reform Commission's report on spent convictions which was published in July 2007. The report recognises that securing employment can be a very effective way of achieving the rehabilitation of convicted persons and it seeks to facilitate that objective by the introduction of a procedure whereby certain convictions may be regarded as ‘spent'. As a result, the report recommends the establishment of a procedure that will allow for the non-disclosure of certain convictions where certain conditions are met, i.e. the convictions may, in those circumstances, be regarded as ‘spent'. The procedure proposed by the Commission and reflected in the Bill does not, however, entail a deletion of the conviction from the Garda records.

The report recommends that:

The following categories of offences should be excluded completely from any proposed legislation on spent convictions: (i) any offence triable by the Central Criminal Court; (ii) any offence under the Sexual Offenders Act 2001; (iii) any offence where a sentence of at least 6 months (including suspended sentences) has been imposed by a court.

A conviction may be regard as ‘spent' 7 years from the date of conviction where a custodial sentence of less than 6 months was imposed and where the person has not re-offended in the meantime, or after 5 years in the case of a non-custodial sentence.

All convictions, including spent convictions, must be disclosed at a sentencing hearing for any subsequent offence and in some non-criminal procedures (e.g. adoption proceedings, vetting procedures involving access to children).

The procedure should operate on an automatic basis. This means that convictions become ‘spent' automatically after the requirements of the scheme have been met, i.e. a person will not have to make an application to qualify for ‘conviction free status'.

The report also makes specific recommendations regarding the issue of vetting and disclosure of criminal history for certain purposes. The Commission recommends that the current Garda vetting system be put on a statutory footing. The report also recommends that certain sensitive posts would require full disclosure of all convictions, including spent convictions. It lists the following posts:

Any post involving care of children or vulnerable adults,

Any health care post,

Judges, barristers, solicitors, court clerks, court registrars and employees of the Courts Service,

Members of the Defence Forces, Prison Officers, members of the Probation Service and An Garda Síochána,

Accountants,

Director, controller or manager of a financial institution or of any financial service provider which is regulated by the Financial Regulator.

Pending the enactment of the Bill, there is no general provision in Irish law allowing for the deletion or otherwise of criminal convictions from the Garda criminal records. However, section 258 of the Children Act 2001 (which came into effect on 1 May 2002) provides a limited but significant procedure in respect of most offences committed by persons under 18, once certain conditions have been met. As a result, the effects of a conviction are limited where the relevant conditions have been met. The person in question is regarded for all purposes in law as a person who has not committed, been charged with, prosecuted for, found guilty or dealt with for an offence. Any individual who comes within the terms of section 258 is not required to disclose the criminal conviction under any circumstances even if asked to do so. The section is fully retrospective so that it applies whether the offence occurred before or after the coming into force of the section. It is envisaged that the Spent Convictions Bill would operate in broadly similar terms to section 258 in the case of adult offenders.

Crime Levels.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

381 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on statistics made available in April 2008 by the chief superintendent in the Dublin metropolitan region west division which demonstrate a marked increase in the number of public order incidents, which are up 22% overall, up 50% in Lucan, 20% in Clondalkin, 22% in Ballyfermot and 23% in Ronanstown; and the new initiatives he will undertake in order to reverse this trend. [15278/08]

It is the nature of public order offences that in the majority of cases they are recorded and detected only because of the vigilance of Gardaí. The increase in the number of public disorder and anti-social behaviour type offences recorded is predominantly due to more pro-active policing and the Commissioner's enforcement policy in respect of such offences. In the DMR West Division it is also due to interaction with local community groups which have requested additional public order policing.

In particular, it is due to pro-active policing of public parks and specifically targeting designated public disorder ‘hot-spots' in a concerted effort to tackle the concerns expressed by residents. Extra foot, bicycle and mobile patrols have been directed by local Garda management in these areas, and additional ‘hot-spots' have been identified. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 it is open to me to set policing priorities for An Garda Síochána. One of the priorities I have set for 2008 is to combat, particularly in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder. I specified that there should be particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour (including under age drinking) and socially disadvantaged communities.

I also set up an Advisory Group which has reported to me on this issue and made recommendations. I am bringing forward legislation with the aim of controlling access to alcohol and consumption of alcohol, particularly from the off licence trade, by young people and others, as well as other measures to deal with disorderly behaviour due to drinking. Details will be announced in the very near future. With the help of all parties in the House, we should have this legislation enacted before the summer.

Strong provisions are already in place to combat anti-social behaviour. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 contains provisions to deal with alcohol abuse and its effect on public order. In addition, the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003 provides the Garda with powers to deal with late night street violence and anti-social conduct attributable to excessive drinking. Operation Encounter was commenced by the Garda Commissioner in February 2002 to target public order and anti-social behaviour against the community and local businesses. The Operation specifically targets offences contrary to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1996 and the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, which include the sale and consumption of alcohol by underage persons. Almost 465,000 offences have been detected since the commencement of Operation Encounter.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young people from becoming involved, or further involved, in anti-social or criminal behaviour. Under the agreed Programme for Government 2007-2013, I have pledged to increase the number of projects in operation nationwide from the current total of 100 to 168. There are currently five Garda Youth Diversion Projects in operation in the areas referred to by the Deputy, one in Clondalkin, two in Ballyfermot and two in Ronanstown. An application to establish a Garda Youth Diversion Project in other areas would be considered in the context of the proposed expansion of the scheme.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total personnel strength of Lucan, Clondalkin, Ballyfermot and Ronanstown Garda stations at 31 March, 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is 362. This represents an increase of 4% since 31 March, 2007. An unprecedented increase in the strength of the Garda Síochána is continuing in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, with an intake of approximately 1,100 recruits per annum. In addition, there is a significant expansion under way in the number of civilian staff being made available to the Commissioner.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area. The purpose of these committees is to provide a forum where members of a local authority and senior Garda officers, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area. There are currently 29 committees in operation in a pilot phase, the purpose of which is to gain experience before rolling the committees out to all local authority areas in the State. As part of the pilot phase, a committees has been established in the local authority area of South Dublin. In general the outcome to date has been positive, and the committees are meeting definite local needs. Following consultation with my colleagues, the Ministers for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, I intend to issue revised guidelines to enable the roll out of the committees to take place shortly. The statistics quoted by the Deputy were provided to the South Dublin County Council Joint Policing Committee by the Garda representative at a recent meeting.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

382 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15295/08]

Expenditure by my Department on the dissemination of information on the provision of public services and awareness raising in such areas as anti-racism, victim support, domestic violence and public safety in 2007 was €1.281m. The equivalent figures for similar campaigns in 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 were €1.747m, €0.327m, €0.114m and €0.524m respectively. These figures do not include more routine public notices such as procurement/recruitment notices or notifications about the coming into effect of new legislative or other regulatory measures under the aegis of my Department.

Prisoner Releases.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

383 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of non-EU national sentenced prisoners who were released from prison between 1 January 2001 and to date in 2008 with a breakdown by nationality. [15306/08]

I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that due to technical difficulties, the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available at this time. I will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

384 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of EU national sentenced prisoners from other member states who were released from prison between 1 January 2001 and to date in 2008 with a breakdown by nationality. [15307/08]

I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that due to technical difficulties, the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available at this time. I will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Citizenship Applications.

Michael McGrath

Question:

385 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [15309/08]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship section of my Department in September 2006. Officials in that section inform me that processing of the applications has commenced and the files will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months. I will inform the Deputy and the persons in question when I have reached a decision on the applications.

Registration of Title.

Finian McGrath

Question:

386 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) will be assisted. [15323/08]

I have no statutory function in relation to the assignment of staff within the Property Registration Authority (formerly Land Registry). I understand that the matter concerned is under consideration by management in the Authority, and I have asked that they contact the Deputy directly in the matter.

Departmental Staff.

Frank Feighan

Question:

387 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason there is inequality of employment practice in Templemore Garda training college where Garda civilian instructors have to work a two year probationary period as opposed to the Civil Service norm of one year before being appointed permanent; and the action being taken to rectify this position. [15344/08]

I have asked the Garda Commissioner for his views on the issue raised by the Deputy and I will be in contact with the Deputy when these are to hand.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

388 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15376/08]

I wish to inform the Deputy that there has been no funding or financial support given by my Department to any agency, body, community, religion or other group or organisation in the United States in the years 2000 to date in 2008.

Question No. 389 answered with Question No. 358.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

390 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15478/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of Thursday, 3 April 2008 and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned arrived in the State on 14 May 2003 and applied for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 7 July 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and will be fully considered, 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, before the file is passed to me for decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15479/08]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of Thursday 3 April 2008 and the written Reply to that Question. The first named person concerned arrived in the State on 15 December 2002, accompanied by two of her children, and made an application for asylum. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the first named person was informed, by letter dated 28 April 2004, that the Minister proposed to make deportation orders in respect of her and her children. She was 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 she and her children should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted on behalf of the first named person concerned and her two children.

Additionally, the first named person concerned has recently submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the provisions of the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). When consideration of this application has been completed, the first named 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 first named person, 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 first named person will be passed to me for decision. Insofar as the second named person is concerned, I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 220 of 3 April 2008. This position remains unchanged.

Child Care Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

392 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding provided for out of school services and after school services in the context of disadvantage and generally across Government bodies such as the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Office of the Minister for Children and the Health Service Executive. [15931/08]

I understand that the Deputy's question has also been submitted to my colleague the Minister for Education and Science, whose Department does of course have lead responsibility for these matters. Nevertheless, and arising from my Department's specific involvement in the field of Youth Diversion and Young Person's Probation Services, there are a number of projects funded by us which come within the scope of the Deputy's query as follows.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects

Garda Youth Diversion Projects are multi-agency, community based, crime prevention initiatives which seek to divert young offenders and those at risk of offending from criminal and/or anti-social behaviour by providing suitable activities to facilitate personal development, promote civic responsibility and improve long term employability prospects. Garda Youth Diversion Projects are funded by the Irish Youth Justice Service (IYJS) and operated in conjunction with the Garda Community Relations Section of An Garda Síochána. Projects are established after a positive assessment of an application by the Garda Commissioner. An application is assessed in terms of local demographics, crime statistics, and other socioeconomic factors and will also take into account the level of services already provided for young people in the area. The projects are managed locally by independent management companies.

Garda Youth Diversion Projects offer opportunities for education, employment training, sport, art, music and other activities. Many operate outside of school hours. In areas with a high proportion of early school-leavers, activities may also be planned during the daytime. There are currently 100 projects operating throughout the country. The Government has pledged to ensure there are a total of 168 projects in operation by the end of the current Programme for Government. Overall funding for the Projects is set at €11.909 million for 2008.

Young Person's Probation (YPP) — out of School

The Irish Youth Justice Service, through the Young Person's Probation Division of the Probation Service, funds four projects that provide either ‘out of school' services to young people in need, ‘after school' services or both services. The funding to these projects is for general programme provision. The projects do not accept children who should be in the school system unless they are referred by the National Educational Welfare Board.

Cox's Demesne, Dundalk, provide support to children on a sessional basis who are released from school for specific periods during the day. The project also provides an after school service for a younger cohort of children.

Candle Community Trust provide after school services.

The Adventure Sports Project provide after school services.

Céim ar Céim provide after school services and educational services to out of school children referred by the Educational Welfare Board.

It is not possible to separately identify the funding for out of schools services provided by these projects but total funding to these projects in 2008 amounts to €838,200. In addition, Waterford Youth Training Education Centre (W.Y.T.E.C.) provides out of school service to a small number of students (2 out of 70). Total funding from my Department through the Probation Service to the W.Y.T.E.C. for the range of programmes it delivers to clients of the Probation Service in the current year is €150,000.

Public Works Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

393 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works when a facility (details supplied) in County Mayo will be opened; and the time frame for this centre. [15112/08]

The facility referred to in the question is under construction and building work is expected to be completed by mid-year. This will be followed by the installation of an exhibition, the design for which is currently underway, which is scheduled for completion later this year. The centre will be open for the full 2009 season commencing in Spring 2009.

Planning Issues.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

394 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether bad planning has become a thing of the past since he took up office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15016/08]

As Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, my role in relation to the planning system is mainly to provide, and keep up to date, the legislative and policy guidance framework. The day-to-day operation of the planning system is a matter for the planning authorities. The legislative framework comprises the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 which represents a comprehensive consolidation and updating of the planning code. As regards policy guidance, my Department has issued a large number of planning guidelines under section 28 of the Planning Act which planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála are obliged to have regard to in the exercise of their planning functions. These include:

Development Plan Guidelines (June 2007);

Development Management Guidelines (June 2007);

Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments (September 2007).

Draft Guidelines for planning authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas issued in February 2008. I also issued updated guidance in February on Taking in Charge of Residential Developments/Management Arrangements (Circular Letter PD 1/08). My Department is currently drafting planning guidelines relating to flood risk management in planning in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, and on planning, land use and national roads with the Department of Transport and the National Roads Authority. I expect to publish these draft guidelines for public consultation later this summer.

In addition to the above, work is underway in my Department with the aim of:

securing better integration between housing development and the provision of infrastructure and services such as schools, public transport, open spaces, play areas and other community facilities under the Developing Areas Initiative;

reviewing the decision-making process by local authorities in the zoning of land to ensure maximum transparency in this process; and

ensuring greater integration between the National Spatial Strategy, Regional Planning Guidelines, development plans and local area planning.

My Department has expressed views to local authorities on elements of their Development Plans and I have intervened in the Development Plan process where necessary in the interests of ensuring good planning and sustainable development and compliance with the National Spatial Strategy. The performance of the planning system is kept under ongoing review by way of statistics collected by my Department and a range of performance indicators which form part of the annual report on Service Indicators in Local Authorities. Copies of these are available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

395 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the planning enforcement powers afforded to local authorities and the manner in which they are being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

396 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will reform the provision for retention planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15018/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 395 and 396 together.

The enforcement of planning control is a matter for individual planning authorities, who have substantial enforcement powers under the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006. Under planning legislation, the planning authority can take action if a development does not have the required permission, or where the terms of permission have not been met. The Planning and Development Act 2000 gave substantial additional powers to planning authorities in the area of enforcement. For example, the Act provided for the first time that the making of an application for retention permission could no longer be used as a defence against a prosecution for unauthorised development. Under the Act a planning authority may issue an enforcement notice in respect of an unauthorised development, requiring such steps as the authority considers necessary to be taken within a specified period. In the event of non-compliance, the planning authority may itself take the specified steps and recover the expense incurred in doing so. A planning authority may also seek a court order requiring any particular action to be done or not to be done.

These enforcement powers were further strengthened in the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, which allowed planning authorities to refuse to grant planning permission, without recourse to the High Court, to any developer who has substantially failed to comply with a previous planning permission; if the applicant wishes to have this decision overturned, he/she will have to apply to the High Court. An application for retention planning permission is decided on the same criteria as a normal application for planning permission, that is, a planning authority must consider the application in the context of the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the development plan, any submissions or observations received and relevant Ministerial or Government policies/guidelines. Like other decisions on planning applications by planning authorities, decisions on applications for retention permission may be appealed to an Bord Pleanála.

While I am satisfied that planning authorities have substantial powers of enforcement, I am aware of concerns about the effectiveness of enforcement and I will continue to keep the operation of Part VIII under scrutiny to ensure its effective implementation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

397 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15040/08]

There is a strong commitment to the principles of staff development and training in my Department. A wide range of staff training courses were supported in 1997 but no specific leadership training programmes were funded in that year.

Question No. 398 answered with Question No. 86.

Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Question:

399 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will set out an analysis of local authority pension liabilities for each local authority here at end 2006 and at end 2007 in accordance with IAS 19/FRS 17 including the mortality assumptions used in the preparation of the estimates and the discount rate used in the calculations. [15099/08]

The information requested is not available in my Department.

Joan Burton

Question:

400 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to create a fund similar to the National Pensions Reserve Fund to fund existing local authority pension liabilities and the expected further increases in liabilities arising from improvements in life expectancy. [15100/08]

I have no such plans. The objective of the National Pension Reserve Fund is to meet as much as possible of the costs of social welfare and public service pensions from 2025 onwards.

Planning Issues.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

401 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which members of An Bord Pleanála are subject to ethics legislation, annual declarations of interest and restrictions in remunerated activities other than their employment with the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15113/08]

Section 106 the Planning and Development Act, 2000 provides that members of the Board are appointed in a whole-time capacity and may not hold any other office or employment during their term of office. In addition, section 147 of the Act provides that Board members are required to make disclosures and declarations of certain interests at least once a year, and section 148 debars a member from taking any part in discussions or voting on any matters in which they have a pecuniary or other beneficial interest.

Section 150 of the Act requires that An Bord Pleanála adopt a code of conduct for members and employees. This statutory code requires that members of the Board carry out their work in an independent manner that embodies the public service ethos of integrity, impartiality and a desire to serve the public interest while giving due consideration to all legitimate viewpoints and interests. The Code also provides that no member shall accept emolument for any outside employment, consultancy or advisory service other than with the written consent of the Chairperson.

Board members are also subject to the requirements of the Ethics in Public Office Acts, 1995 and 2001, and, as holders of designated directorships, are subject to an annual disclosure of registrable interests to the Standards Commission.

The Department of Finance Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies requires Board members to make annual statements concerning their interests.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

402 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which senior planning officials in local authorities are subject to ethics legislation, annual declarations of interest, and restrictions in remunerated activities other than their employment with the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15114/08]

Under Part 15 of the Local Government Act 2001, local authority employees are—

(a) required to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest;

(b) required to submit an annual declaration of interests and to disclose a beneficial interest in any matter arising in the course of their duties; and

(c) prohibited from seeking to influence any matter in which they have a beneficial interest or from seeking or accepting a reward or other favour in respect of anything done or not done in the course of their employment.

Regulations made under Part 15 of the 2001 Act apply the above provisions to every employee who is assigned duties that relate to the performance of any function under the Planning and Development Acts and who is the holder of employment –

(a) at senior staff officer level or over; or

(b) the qualifications for which are wholly or in part professional or technical.

A County/City Manager can also by order apply the above provisions to other local authority employees.

A Code of Conduct in respect of local authority employees has been issued under Part 15 of the 2001 Act. The purpose of the Code is to set out standards and principles of conduct for employees, to inform the public of the conduct it is entitled to expect, and to uphold public confidence in local government. The Code contains specific provisions in relation to the planning system as well as the issue of the involvement of staff in outside employment.

Section 159 of the 2001 Act provides that a local authority employee shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of the local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties, or in any occupation that might (a) conflict with the interests of the local authority, or (b) be inconsistent with the discharge of his or her duties as a local authority employee. The section also contains specific restrictions on professional staff from engaging in private practice in the profession in which they are employed by the local authority.

Nuclear Safety.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

403 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to a shipment of plutonium dioxide currently being transported from the Sellafield nuclear complex to Cherbourg in France; if he will confirm that such a shipment will pass down the Irish Sea on route to France; if so, if his further attention has been drawn to the dangers posed by this transport; if he will further confirm that the Coast Guard has been asked to take special precautions regarding the shipments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15116/08]

The Mixed Oxide (MOX) Plant at Sellafield utilises plutonium, separated during reprocessing of spent fuel for foreign customers at Sellafield, and returns it, predominantly by sea, to those customers in the form of MOX fuel for use in their nuclear reactors.

Such shipments of radioactive material are subject to international maritime regulations, including the right of innocent passage, and to strict international safety standards applicable to the marine transport of such material. These shipments travel through the Irish Sea in UK territorial waters and do not enter Irish territorial waters.

The continuing concerns of the Irish Government regarding safety, security and environmental risk from a potential accident in relation to all transports of radioactive material through the Irish Sea are regularly and repeatedly conveyed to the UK Government at Ministerial and official level. Ireland also co-operates on this issue with like minded coastal States at international fora such as the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Irish Government has consistently made clear that such shipments are unwelcome, and seeks and obtains assurances from shipping States that such shipments will not enter Irish territorial waters and that they comply with the stringent system of regulation established in line with internationally agreed standards and practices. It is a matter for the Coast Guard Service to determine and carry out any monitoring or other requirements in respect of these shipments. The Coast Guard has access to Naval resources (and other resources of the State) as and when required to address operational requirements on a case by case basis.

Asbestos Remediation Programme.

James Reilly

Question:

404 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, taking account of the expensive process of removing and disposing of asbestos safely according to regulations, there are grants available to assist in the removal and disposal of asbestos roofs from domestic dwellings; if not, his views on introducing such grants, particularly in the case of hardship and where health issues and risks may arise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15117/08]

There are no specific grants available from my Department or local authorities for the removal of asbestos in housing. However, my Department operates a number of targeted options to assist especially vulnerable groups such as lower income households and elderly persons to secure necessary improvement works to their houses. These include the local authority house improvement loan scheme, a Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability and a Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People.

An information leaflet, Asbestos in Your Home, is available free of charge from ENFO, my Department's environmental information service. This includes advice on the maintenance of asbestos materials, and their removal and disposal. The leaflet advises the public to contact the Health and Safety Authority to obtain information in relation to the handling and use of asbestos. I have arranged for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy.

National Parks.

Sean Fleming

Question:

405 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the woods and walkways of Granstown lake in south Laois will be opened again to the local community and the wider public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15118/08]

Grantstown Lake and Wood is designated as a Nature Reserve under the Wildlife Act 1976 and is owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department.

Access to the site is by means of a right-of-way over privately-owned lands but a dispute has arisen concerning the use of this right-of-way by members of the public. My Department is examining ways of resolving this dispute in conjunction with the Chief State Solicitor's Office.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Finian McGrath

Question:

406 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [15119/08]

While insulation works are generally eligible for support under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, administration of the scheme including the processing and approval of individual applications, is a matter for the relevant local authority and is one in which my Department has no direct function. I have been advised by Dublin City Council that an application has not been received from the person concerned for grant aid for insulation works. If the person concerned wishes to make an application under the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, he should contact Dublin City Council directly.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Ulick Burke

Question:

407 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will designate Moyode Wood and Turlough at Craughwell, County Galway as a SACRSPA in order to protect the wood and wildlife habitat from proposed development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15127/08]

Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) are areas designated for protection under the EU Habitats and Birds Directive on the basis of scientific evidence which shows their importance in protecting specific habitats, birds and species. Ireland is required to designate an appropriate number of these habitats and has now transmitted its finalised list of SAC sites to the European Commission, with the list of SPAs to be finalised next year. Any changes to that list will be subject to rigorous scrutiny for their scientific merits by the Commission. I have no current proposals to designate the areas mentioned in the question.

Designation of land for natural heritage reasons does not preclude development taking place, as long as the ecological impacts of proposed development are assessed as not significant or, if they would be significant, certain procedures set out under Article 6 of the Habitats Directive are followed.

National Biodiversity Plan.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

408 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy; if an audit has been carried out in relation to the plan; the number of its recommendations that have been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15139/08]

In November 2005, my Department published a review of the implementation of the National Biodiversity Plan. This indicated that 83 of the 91 actions in the plan were either fully implemented or that implementation was ongoing. Copies of this interim review are available in the Oireachtas Library.

My Department is currently coordinating the development of a new National Biodiversity Plan, which will cover the five-year period 2008-2012. As part of this process, a further review of the status of implementation of the 91 actions in the current plan is underway and my Department is consulting with other Government Departments in this regard.

Energy Efficiency.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

409 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the majority of CFL lightbulbs on sale in the EU and in Ireland are imported from China and, this being the case, if he still plans to ban all traditional lightbulbs from sale here from January 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15140/08]

In response to the commitment in the Programme for Government to phase out incandescent light bulbs, I propose to introduce an energy efficiency standard from 1 January 2009. My Department is currently developing the proposed standard and I will announce details as soon as they are finalised. It will then be a matter for manufacturers and importers to respond with products that meet the new requirements from the beginning of next year. From discussions with the lighting sector, I do not expect their response to be limited to compact fluorescent lamps and I do not intend to seek such a response.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

410 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Dublin City Council had contact with his Department regarding the suspension of applications to their affordable housing scheme for eight months; if he has assessed whether Dublin City Council is acting ultra vires in relation to the provisions in the Planning and Development Act 2000; his views on whether this action by Dublin City Council is in line with best practice for the proper development of the affordable housing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15155/08]

It is a function of each local authority to manage the administration of its affordable housing schemes, including consideration of any issues that may arise in relation to legal powers. My Department was aware of the approach being considered by the City Council which has, I understand, been discussed by the elected members on a number of occasions.

I further understand that, following a meeting of the Council last night, while a temporary suspension of the application process has been put in place, applications for affordable housing will continue to be accepted and will be included on their list with effect from 1 October 2008. This will facilitate a more reliable and efficient system, which will be of greater benefit to affordable housing applicants in the longer term.

Local Authority Housing.

Jack Wall

Question:

411 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the plans he has to issue a directive to local authorities indicating that such authorities should not assess the fuel allowance and the living alone allowance, given that such payments are issued to recipients for personal specific uses, when they are calculating rent payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15167/08]

The making and amending of rent schemes is the responsibility of local authorities as an integral part of their housing management functions, subject to broad principles laid down by my Department in Circular letter HRT 3/2002 of 6 March 2002. Decisions on whether or not to disregard either a proportion of income or particular sources of income, including the living alone allowance and the fuel allowance, for the purposes of calculating rents are matters for each individual local authority. I have no plans at this time to issue a directive to local authorities in the matter. However, in the context of the Government's statement on housing policy — Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, I will continue to keep existing rent determination systems under review to ensure that they remain equitable.

Jack Wall

Question:

412 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Kildare County Council and Athy Town Council have been notified of their housing capital fund allocation for 2008; the allocation to each council for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15169/08]

The allocation in each of the past five years is as follows:

Kildare County Council

Athy Town Council

€ million

€ million

2007

45.0

3.0

2006

36.0

2.5

2005

26.0

2.0

2004

19.0

1.0

2003

19.0

0.3

I will shortly announce the housing allocations for 2008.

Question No. 413 answered with Question No. 98.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

414 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the system of loans available through the local authorities for first time home buyers with a view to ensuring that such applicants’ loan requirements are adequately met with particular reference to the needs of individuals or couples forced to live in private rented accommodation, costing more than monthly mortgage repayments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14699/08]

The Government's long-established policy on housing is to enable every household to have available an affordable dwelling of good quality, suited to its needs, in a good environment and, as far as possible, at the tenure of its choice. Our approach to achieving this policy objective is that those who can afford to do so should provide for their own housing, with the aid of certain fiscal incentives or subsidies and that those unable to access housing in this way should have access to social housing or income support to rent private housing.

The housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities, the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2013 and Towards 2016 support this strategy and have been effective in delivering increased outputs. The NDP provides the resources — some €18 billion in total — which will support increased social and affordable housing output including the provision of 60,000 new social homes and 40,000 affordable units. While many of the 40,000 households benefiting from affordable measures may avail of mortgages from private financial institutions, substantial resources are being made available through the Housing Finance Agency to fund local authority loan finance for low income households to ensure that access to finance is not an obstacle to home ownership for this group. Income limits apply to these loans to ensure effective targeting of resources and the maximum loan available is €185,000. These income and loan limits are currently under review.

Question No. 415 answered with Question No. 98.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

416 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he last received a request from the various local authorities in County Kildare for approval or capital funding to replace or upgrade waste water treatment systems within the county in line with the expanding population; his plans to meet in full such requirements within the shortest possible time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14707/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

419 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number and location of the local authorities throughout the country from which he or his Department have received submissions in regard to funding for the provision or upgrading of sewerage treatment or improvement systems; if it is intended to meet in full such requirements in 2008 or within reasonable timescale; if he has evaluated the risk of water pollution arising from obsolete, deficient or non-existent systems; his intentions to address this issue as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14702/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

420 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has received submissions or correspondence from the various local authorities in County Kildare seeking the provision, upgrading, extension or replacement of sewage treatment facilities serving any or all parts to the county; the extent to which he intends or expects to meet in full or in part such requirements in the short, medium or long term; the specific time-scale in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14710/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

423 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the deficiencies in the waste water treatment systems serving the various towns and villages throughout County Kildare; his plans to address these issues in the short, medium or long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14712/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

424 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of reports he has received in his Department regarding possible pollution of domestic drinking water supplies arising from overflows, malfunction or overloaded with municipal waste water treatment systems; his plans to address such issues in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14704/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 416, 419, 420, 423 and 424 together.

As an input to the overall strategy for meeting water services infrastructural requirements, local authorities, including Kildare County Council, are required by my Department to undertake regular assessments of needs for new or upgraded infrastructure in their areas and to determine their priorities in accordance with the assessments. In carrying out the most recent such assessments in 2006, authorities were required to take a range of factors into account, including:

Relevant national and EU environmental and public health water quality statutory requirements and standards, including the requirements of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Regulations, 2001,

Relevant reports and studies such as the National Urban Waste Water Study and County Sludge Management Plans and any similar studies/reports commissioned locally;

Relevant reports produced by the Environmental Protection Agency on water quality and urban wastewater discharges;

The adequacy of existing collection networks and, in the case of anticipated development, the adequacy of the capacity of existing treatment plants;

Continued support for economic activity in in-fill and green field sites through the Serviced Land Initiative and the need to address infrastructural deficits in small rural towns.

All of these needs assessments undertaken by the local authorities were taken into account in the selection and scheduling of the schemes approved for funding under my Departments Water Services Investment Programme 2007 -2009 which is available in the Oireachtas Library.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

417 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received correspondence from Kildare County Council seeking approval or capital allocation for the implementation of the Balyna/Broadford group water scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the urgent necessity to meet such requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14701/08]

The Ballyna Regional Water Supply Scheme, which replaces a previous proposal to serve the area through a group water scheme, is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009 as a scheme to advance through planning at an estimated cost of €11.5 million. My Department is awaiting submission of Kildare County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme.

Planning Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

418 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has had discussions with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with a view to achieving consensus in respect of once off rural housing to meet the needs of the indigenous population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14708/08]

The aim of the Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for Planning Authorities, which were published in April 2005, is to achieve a balance between the accommodation of rural housing needs and the need for development to be sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms. The guidelines provide that reasonable proposals on suitable sites for persons who are part of and contribute to the rural community should be accommodated. This, of course, is subject to the need for proper consideration of matters such as adequate wastewater disposal, road safety and design standards. I have had no specific discussions with the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs on the matter.

Questions Nos. 419 and 420 answered with Question No. 416.
Questions Nos. 421 and 422 answered with Question No. 98.
Questions Nos. 423 and 424 answered with Question No. 416.

Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

425 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses directly built and tenanted by each local authority throughout the country in each of the past five years excluding those provided by voluntary organisations; the number of persons still on waiting lists in such local authorities at present; when it is expected such applicants’ housing requirements are to be met in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14705/08]

Detailed information on the number of houses built by housing authorities is available in my Department's Annual and Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available on my Department's website www.environ.ie and in the Oireachtas Library. The 2005 assessment of need for social housing indicated that there were 43,684 households on local authority housing waiting lists. More comprehensive data in relation to the 2005 assessment is also available on my Department's website.

Record levels of funding for social and affordable housing are being provided in 2008 with over €2.5 billion available for housing programmes generally. The total Exchequer provision for social housing in 2008 is some €1.57 billion — an increase of approximately 13% on the 2007 outturn. This funding will allow for the commencement of a significant number of new social housing units, further progress under regeneration programmes, and the completion of a large number of units under both the local authority and voluntary housing programmes.

Good progress is being made on the delivery of social housing programmes with some 9,000 new social housing starts achieved in 2007. This is in line with the commitment in Towards 2016 to achieve 27,000 starts in the period 2007 to 2009. The resources being made available for social housing under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 will allow for the needs of some 60,000 households to be met over the full period of the Plan. Local authorities are currently carrying out the 2008 needs assessment, the results of which will be published in due course.

Planning Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

426 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which he has examined the planning, development and housing needs of smaller towns and villages throughout the country in view of his indications to limit developments at such locations to ten or 15 houses per annum; if it is his intention to provide sewage and water treatment facilities through the public exchequer to meet such scale developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14706/08]

Chapter 6 of my Department's Draft Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas deals specifically with small towns and villages with a population of between 400 and 5,000 people. The guidelines state that there should be no significant development in small towns and villages in the absence of an adopted local area plan. The guidelines also state that local authorities should facilitate individual residential development proposals which would increase the housing stock of the town or village by a maximum of 10% to 15% over the period of a development plan or local area plan: they do not propose to limit development in small towns and villages to 10 to 15 houses per annum. For example, in the case of a town of 5,000 people with an approximate housing stock of 2,000 housing units, the guidelines recommend that the maximum size of any individual new housing scheme proposal should not exceed 300 dwellings over the plan period.

The draft guidelines also state that the provision of infrastructure, such as water and waste water services, should be a key consideration for local authorities when considering proposals for new residential developments. The draft guidelines issued for public consultation on 10 February 2008 and the consultation period closes on 6 May 2008. Copies of the guidelines are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Insofar as the provision of water and waste water infrastructure is concerned, local authorities are required by my Department to undertake regular assessments of needs for new or upgraded infrastructure in their areas and to determine their priorities in accordance with these assessments. In carrying out the most recent such assessment in 2006, authorities were required to take a range of factors into account, including the adequacy of the capacity of existing treatment plants, the need for continued support for economic activity and the need to address infrastructural deficits in small rural towns. The assessments undertaken by the local authorities were taken into account in the selection and scheduling of the schemes approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 -2009 a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

427 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of days, in respect of every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15186/08]

The information sought in the question is available on the Oireachtas website, www.oireachtas.ie, which gives a comprehensive list of all legislation, including that prepared by my Department, in the period from 1997 to date. The following list details the holders of office of Minister for the Environment and Local Government or Environment, Heritage and Local Government in that time:

From January 1997 to June 1997: Mr. Brendan Howlin, T.D.,

From June 1997 to June 2002: Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D.,

From June 2002 to September 2004: Mr. Martin Cullen, T.D.,

From September 2004 to June 2007: Mr. Dick Roche, T.D.,

From June 2007 to date: Mr. John Gormley, T.D.

The name of the Department was formally changed in June 2003 to reflect new responsibilities in the areas of built and natural heritage, nuclear safety and Met Éireann.

Local Authority Housing.

Jack Wall

Question:

428 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of units rented through each local authority using the rental accommodation scheme system of leasing; if this has seen a decrease in the overall rental costs to his Department since the inception of the scheme; the cost of renting such properties to his Department under the rent subsidy scheme and the rental accommodation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15216/08]

All housing authorities have transferred cases from Rent Supplement to the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) since the commencement of transfers in September 2005. To date, over 11,400 households with long-term housing need have been accommodated in either voluntary, or other social housing options or in private rented accommodation, with the latter meeting the needs of some 3,246 of these households, details of which are set out in the table.

RAS is at the mid-point in its initial implementation period and the experience to-date is that the level of rents payable under RAS is determined by negotiations between the landlord and the local authority, taking account of rent supplement levels and local market conditions. In negotiating with landlords to bring properties into RAS, local authorities obtain reductions on existing rents where possible. Since the commencement of transfers in September 2005 the pace of delivery has steadily increased and the level of expenditure increased accordingly from €0.723m in 2005, to €6.2m in 2006 and €27.384 m in 2007. €51m is being provided to local authorities for the current year for the scheme. Expenditure on the Rent Supplement scheme is a matter for the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

My Department is currently carrying out a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Rental Accommodation Scheme which is due for completion in May 2008. A specific aim of the review is to evaluate the operation of RAS in the light of the objectives set for it, including the financial arrangements under which the scheme operates, and set these against alternative social housing options and the rent for properties compared with the Department of Social and Family Affairs rent caps.

Table 1: Number of cases in private rental accommodation under Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) by Local Authority at end February 2008.

County Councils including Borough and Town Councils

Number of Cases in Private rented sector

Carlow County Council

20

Cavan County Council

19

Clare County Council

110

Cork North County Council

24

Cork South County Council

43

Cork West County Council

0

Donegal County Council

43

Dun Laoire-Rathdown Co.Cl

119

Fingal County Council

119

South Dublin Co. Cl.

323

Galway County Council

34

Kerry County Council

182

Kildare County Council

82

Kilkenny County Council

61

Laois County Council

29

Leitrim County Council

1

Limerick County Council

42

Longford County Council

100

Louth County Council

82

Mayo County Council

74

Meath County Council

19

Monaghan County Council

1

North Tipperary Co. Cl.

100

South Tipperary Co. Cl.

72

Offaly County Council

68

Roscommon Co. Cl.

57

Sligo Borough Corporation

26

Waterford County Council

13

Westmeath Co. Cl.

93

Wexford County Council

38

Wicklow County Council

64

City Councils

Cork City Council

122

Dublin City Council

569

Galway City Council

274

Limerick City Council

144

Waterford City Council

79

TOTAL

3,246

Radon Gas Levels.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

429 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the assistance that will be given to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who wishes to check the radon gas levels in their home. [15249/08]

The Government's approach in relation to radon measurement and remediation is similar to that of the majority of EU Member States. Our efforts, together with those of the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland are concentrated on increasing public awareness of the health risks posed by radon exposure in the home and workplace, and on advising householders and others to address the risk by having measurements taken and most importantly, by remediating their premises where necessary.

Accordingly, there is no financial assistance provided for radon testing. A householder can have a radon measurement carried out by a radon measurement service provider. The RPII is among the providers. A radon measurement kit may cost as little as €40. Information on radon, including a map of high risk radon areas, is available from the RPII website at www.rpii.ie. Householders, especially those in high radon areas, are encouraged to take radon measurements and to remediate where advised.

Water Quality.

Finian McGrath

Question:

430 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has allocated resources for the necessary protection of groundwater or groundwater bodies used for the abstraction of drinking water in zones capable of being affected by discharge of arsenic, lead and other heavy metals arising from the site of the former Tynagh mines; if so, the protection measures for which resources have been allocated through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15255/08]

Statutory responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of water quality, including groundwater, is assigned to local authorities, acting under the general supervision of the EPA, and to the EPA in the context of its licensing functions. Pollution at former mining sites is addressed in the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006, which provides, inter alia, that a local authority may be appointed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources as agent of the Minister to prepare a mine rehabilitation plan, revise a mine rehabilitation plan, and/or carry out a mine rehabilitation plan.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

431 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a scheme (details supplied) in County Mayo; if this scheme has gone for tender; if all the necessary way leaves have been secured; if funding is in place for the scheme to commence; when the funding was put in place; and the estimated completion date for this scheme. [15264/08]

The scheme to extend the Lough Mask Regional Water Supply from Shrah to Westport and to upgrade the water treatment plant in Tourmakeady is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 to start construction in 2008 at an estimated cost of €21.35m. My Department is awaiting Mayo County Council's tender recommendation for the scheme. Invitation of tenders and the securing of way leaves are matters for the local authority.

Climate Change Strategy.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

432 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, with regard to his call for an all-party consensus on climate change, he will invite the Opposition parties to become involved in policy making on climate change issues; if he will share his Department’s research findings related to climate change strategy; if he will consult with the Opposition prior to the announcement of new policies or initiatives designed to combat climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15283/08]

In my recent contribution to the Environmental Protection Agency's lecture series on climate change, I said — in a reference to the new Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security — that the "Committee will be extremely important in forging the vital cross-party consensus, not just on targets but also on measures required to tackle climate change.".

In my own presentation to the Committee on 27 February, I referred specifically to the Technical Advisory Steering Group which has been established to provide analysis to the Government on implications for Ireland of the European Commission's proposed greenhouse gas targets for 2020. I indicated that, once this group had completed its work, I would bring proposals to the Committee. I explained that I wished to make progress on this particular aspect of work, and I expressed the hope that we could discuss the matter in more detail as soon as the Committee's agenda permitted. I concluded by expressing the belief that "all Parties are genuine in their stated commitment to tackling climate change. If that is indeed the case, we should rise above adversarial politics and show united leadership to the Irish people. We can focus on working out our long-term targets and objectives and this committee has a vital role to play in that regard.".

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

433 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15291/08]

The information requested in relation to advertising campaigns carried out by my Department in each of the past five years is set out in the table.

Advertising Campaign

Year

Cost of Advertising

Consultancy/ Other Awareness/ Production Costs

Total Costs

Anti-Litter Initiative

2003

7,343

0

7,343

Register of Electors Awareness Campaign

2003

133,217

26,390

159,607

Awareness and Education Campaign for Electronic Voting

2003

1,307,992

2,007,710

3,315,702

Race Against Waste

2003

*

*

1,584,233

National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Awareness campaign

2003-2005

301,895

0

301,895

Race Against Waste

2004

*

*

2,087,761

Anti-Litter Initiative

2004

13,136

0

13,136

Register of Electors Awareness Campaign

2004

144,233

14,526

158,758

Race against Waste

2005

*

*

3,210,669

Anti-Litter Initiative

2005

12,501

0

12,501

Register of Electors Awareness Campaign

2005

109,466

46,230

155,696

2006 Car Free Day

2006

59,775

3,963

63,738

Biodiversity Awareness

2006

10,000

0

10,000

Race Against Waste

2006

*

*

3,147,558

Anti-Litter Initiative

2006

16,927

0

16,927

Fire Safety Awareness

2006

296,449

0

296,449

Register of Electors Awareness Campaign

2006

926,686

162,013

1,088,699

Species Protection Advertisements

2006

3,630

0

3,630

National Tidy Towns Competition

2006

9,680

0

9,680

Biodiversity Awareness

2007

286,788

0

286,788

Race Against Waste

2007

178,175

0

178,175

Anti-Litter Initiative

2007

33,875

2,932

36,807

Fire Safety Awareness

2007

491,191

1,815

493,006

Register of Electors Awareness Campaign

2007

147,333

20,570

167,903

Information on Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability

2007

4,967

0

4,967

Species Protection Advertisements

2007

6,655

0

6,655

National Tidy Towns Competition

2007

35,560

0

35,560

Climate Change Campaign

2008

0

1,009,980

1,009,980

*The figures quoted for the Race Against Waste Campaign are the total costs for each year. They include advertising, consultancy fees, stakeholder engagement costs, PR, media, website development etc.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pat Breen

Question:

434 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of Doolin, Ballyvaughan and Corofin sewerage schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15314/08]

The Ballyvaughan, Corofin and Doolin Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008. I approved funding of up to €6.025m for the scheme in August 2007 following my Department's examination of Clare County Council's Water Services Pricing Policy and Economic Review Reports. I understand that the Council is currently reviewing its proposals for Doolin and is awaiting a Foreshore Licence for Ballyvaughan. In the meantime, the Council is advancing the Corofin element of the scheme independently and has submitted Contract Documents for the treatment plant to my Department. These are being examined as quickly as possible. I understand that the Council itself is considering tenders for the collection system.

Voluntary Sector Funding.

Michael Noonan

Question:

435 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application for funding from a housing organisation (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he will look favourably on their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15321/08]

Following the provision of grant assistance of €70,000 in 2007, my Department has received an application from the organisation concerned for further funding in 2008 under the grant-in-aid scheme which provides funding towards the administrative and general expenses of certain non-profit, voluntary housing bodies which conduct research or provide information, advice or training in relation to housing. The application will be considered in the context of the available funding for 2008 and the associated overall level of demand.

Housing Inspections.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

436 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the accuracy of the information given by him in response to Parliamentary Question No. 16 of 27 February 2008 in relation to inspections carried out regarding standards in the private rental housing sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14488/08]

In the course of the discussion on Question No. 16 of 27 February 2008, reference was made to levels of inspections and the percentage increases in inspections year on year. As some confusion arose, particularly in ascribing data to specific years, I would like to take the opportunity to set out the position clearly. Some 9,835 inspections of private rented accommodation were reported by local authorities in 2006, representing an increase of 44% on the corresponding figure for 2005. While complete data for 2007 are not yet available, I indicated previously that I expected the final position to show an increase of at least 33%. I now expect that the finalised data for 2007 will show an even bigger increase, possibly of the order of 40%.

Fuller details of the number of inspections carried out in each year up to 2006 are published in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins. Similar information will be provided in the 2007 Bulletin, once finalised. I have no doubt that the significantly increased funding being made available to local authorities for inspection activity, and the manner in which I am increasingly linking funding allocations to actual inspections carried out, are contributing significantly to the improved performance. I hope to be in a position to further increase the level of funding for activity in this area when making 2008 allocations later this year.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

437 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a landlord who enters into a lease agreement directly with the tenant is not required to register with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will legislate to correct this anomaly. [14489/08]

A lease is defined in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 as an instrument in writing, whether or not under seal, containing a contract of tenancy in respect of a dwelling and, therefore, comes within the jurisdiction of the Act. Tenancy registration is a matter for the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB), which is an independent statutory body established under the Act. Section 134 of the 2004 Act requires the landlord of a dwelling to apply to the PRTB to register each tenancy. Section 144 of the Act also provides powers of direction in respect of a tenancy that in the opinion of the Board ought to be registered. In addition a person found guilty of an offence under the Act, such as the provision of false and misleading information, is, on summary conviction, liable to a fine of up to €3,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment.

Planning Issues.

Alan Shatter

Question:

438 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the chairman of An Bord Pleanála has expressed concerns regarding the inadequacy of guidelines on the necessity for adequate spacing of septic tanks in particular conditions; if he will ensure that adequate guidelines are prescribed to include limitations on proprietary systems in the new Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on waste water treatment systems referred to by him in his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 638 of 27 November 2007 or in some other format; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15348/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

439 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 638 of 27 November 2007, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a concern raised by the chairman of An Bord Pleanála in relation to effluent disposal results from the failure of some planning authorities to comply with the guidelines referred to in his reply and that their existence for many years renders it unlikely that revised guidelines will be properly implemented by all planning authorities; if he will have research undertaken to identify and monitor compliance in this area by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15349/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 439 together.

As mentioned in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 638 of 27 November 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering submissions received during the public consultation phase of the preparation of a comprehensive Code of Practice on Waste Water Treatment Systems. The EPA intends to publish the document as a Code of Practice under section 76 of the EPA Act, and this code will then be cited in the Annex to Technical Guidance Document H of the Building Regulations when it is revised later this year. The Code of Practice sets out requirements for site suitability assessment including the density and performance of existing systems in the area and the potential impacts from adjacent single house waste water treatment systems. This Code of Practice will update and build on the guidance already provided by my Department through Part H of the Building Regulations, circular SP5-03 regarding ground-water protection and the planning system, and the relevant provisions contained in the Water Services Act 2007.

It is the responsibility of planning authorities to monitor the degree to which those carrying out approved developments meet their obligations to comply with the terms of planning permissions granted, and to enforce such terms where necessary. Local authorities may also make and adopt bye-laws to require periodic inspections of septic tanks and other on-site proprietary treatment systems under the general powers available to them under the Local Government Act 2001.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

440 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15372/08]

No such funding was provided by my Department in the period.

Waste Management.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

441 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his success to date in the extension of eco-friendly waste management systems in both urban and rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15471/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

442 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is expected to extend and expand recycling services, making such facilities available equally throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15472/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 441 and 442 together.

Ireland has made significant progress over the past decade in recovering and recycling waste. Overall recovery rates have increased from 9% in 1998 to 36% in 2006. These increases in the proportion of waste diverted from landfill have been driven by a combination of factors, including increased awareness through the Race Against Waste campaign, the implementation of pay by use policies which incentivise householders to avail of recycling facilities, the widespread provision of segregated collections for dry recyclable materials and the provision of an expanded network of bring facilities and civic amenity sites. The latest data available indicate that at the end of 2006 local authorities operated 1,919 bring banks and 86 civic amenity sites.

An objective of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 is to continue support towards the provision of infrastructure that will maximise the value recovered in waste recycling. Since 2002, my Department has allocated some €120 million in capital grants to assist local authorities in the provision of recycling and recovery services. The projects assisted include bring bank networks, civic amenity sites, materials recovery, composting and biological treatment facilities. This funding is provided primarily from the Environment Fund, and is normally based on my Department meeting 75% of the cost and the relevant local authority funding the balance. I am committed to continuing to provide further funding to local authorities to assist them in the continued expansion of the recycling network.

I am also conscious of the escalating costs to local authorities of operating the substantially increased network of recycling facilities. Since 2003 my Department has allocated some €37 million to the authorities concerned towards covering these costs. Successful implementation of the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste will also require increased availability of source separated collections of organic waste — (brown bin' collections) and my Department will shortly be issuing a circular to local authorities on intensifying the roll out of segregated collections for organic waste.

Election Management System.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

443 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in view of the malfunction of some of the electronic voting technology in the US in the course of the recent primaries, he has made overtures to the US authorities with a view to the disposal of the e-voting technology which is currently a burden on the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15473/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

444 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to date of electronic voting technology including storage, promotion, ongoing contracts and other costs; if he has received expressions of interest for the disposal of the equipment from other jurisdictions; if an alternative use has to date been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15474/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 444 together.

The total cost incurred to date in the development and roll-out of the electronic voting and counting system is €51.3 million (including some €2.6 million in respect of awareness and education initiatives). In addition, information provided by returning officers to my Department indicates that the total annual storage costs incurred by them in respect of the electronic voting machines and ancillary equipment in 2007 is some €489,000, with figures for 2004, 2005 and 2006 amounting to some €658,000; €696,000; and €706,000 respectively. Costs incurred to date in respect of the movement of the electronic voting equipment to centralised storage arrangements are some €328,000. Further costs will be incurred in relation to the completion of these arrangements, including buy-out costs.

I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to this project. In this, I am taking into account the work of the Commission on Electronic Voting which has examined the system, relevant experiences and developments internationally, and the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as well as the provisions in the Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally. My Department has not made or received enquiries or approaches, relating to other jurisdictions, along the lines referred to in the Questions.

Electricity Generation.

John Perry

Question:

445 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has honoured his pre-general election 2007 manifesto by instructing the ESB to provide its customers with reversible meters if they wish to install wind energy generators at their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15110/08]

I have recently announced an electricity microgeneration programme whereby grant support to meet 50% of the initial start up costs will be made available for the installation of microgeneration systems in approximately 50 trials to be conducted nationwide. This programme is being administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and will focus on commercial/organisational on-site generation in its initial phases. It will subsequently concentrate on generation by individual householders. The micro generation programme is set in the overall context of the national smart meter programme. The roll out of smart meters, as committed to in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government, is a central component of our strategy to improve management of demand for electricity and to achieve greater energy efficiency through use of the latest technology.

The delivery of smart metering requires a collective response. That is why I have made it a priority for my Department to participate fully in the Steering Group overseeing the roll out. The group is chaired by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and consists of SEI, ESB Networks, ESB Customer Supply and independent suppliers. There are also four working groups examining the complex technical aspects of smart metering including, Tariffs, Billing/Data Services, Networks and Customer Behaviour. It remains the position that the smart meter programme will be financed under the ESB Networks Investment Programme. With installation of meters set to begin this summer, the ultimate objective is to complete the national roll out in five years. The recognised potential of smart metering in terms of increased energy efficiency, reduced costs, reduced harmful emissions, facilitation of micro and distributed generation and improved customer service, will deliver tangible benefits to all consumers of electricity.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

446 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount that was spent by his Department on leadership training in 1997; the persons who were the beneficiaries of the training; the contractors who provided this training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15035/08]

This Department did not exist in its current form in 1997. The Department's energy and communications divisions were attached to the Department of Public Enterprise. The Department's natural resources divisions were attached to the Department of the Marine. The records available indicate that the total spent on training in the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources in 1997 was IR£41,623.53. It is not possible, based on the records available, to determine what amount of this expenditure related to leadership training.

Legislative Programme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

447 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of days, in relation to every Bill and Act produced by his Department since 1997 to date in 2008, between their publication and their introduction into either Seanad or Dáil Éireann with the name of the sponsoring Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15181/08]

Each Bill and Act produced by my Department from 1997 to date in 2008, can be viewed on the Oireachtas website, www.oireachtas.ie, where their progression through the Houses of the Oireachtas is shown in chronological order, together with the name of the sponsoring Minister.

Water Pollution.

Finian McGrath

Question:

448 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the measures he or his officials are taking, including in co-operation with other authorities, in order to limit indirect discharge to ground water of arsenic or other heavy metals in the Tynagh area in accordance with directive 80/68 on the protection of groundwater against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15254/08]

Responsibility for ensuring compliance with Directive 80/68 on the protection of groundwater against pollution caused by certain dangerous substances rests with the relevant local authority and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Geological Survey, a Division of this Department, assists Local Authorities in drawing up groundwater protection schemes. It is also involved in the preparation of a national inventory of inactive and abandoned mine sites, including Tynagh, by the Environmental Protection Agency. This inventory will ensure that Ireland complies with Article 20 of Directive 2006/21/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15th March 2006 on the Management of Waste from Extractive Industries. The study is scheduled for completion this year.

Departmental Advertising.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

449 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department has carried out an advertising campaign to promote policies or programmes being implemented by his Department; the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and any consultancy or production costs for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15286/08]

In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. My Department is compiling the relevant data sought by the Deputy in this regard, and I shall forward it to him as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

450 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the funding or financial support given by his Department to an agency, body, community, religious or other group or organisation, in the United States for each year since 2000 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15367/08]

My Department has not provided funding to any agency, body, community, religious or other group, or organisation, in the United States from 2000 to date.

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