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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 May 2008

Vol. 653 No. 6

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 10, inclusive, answered orally.

Taxi Regulations.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

11 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Transport if he will change the composition of the advisory council to the Taxi Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17527/08]

Section 54 of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 provides for the establishment of an Advisory Council to the Commission for Taxi Regulation, consisting of an independent chairperson and 17 ordinary members. It provides for the appointment of at least four persons representing small public service vehicle and driver interests, one person each from local authorities and An Garda Síochana, at least two persons representing consumer interests, and at least one person each representing disability, business and tourism interests. The Minister also has power to appoint four persons who have a special interest or expertise in matters relating to the functions of the Commission or the Council. The role of the Council is to advise the Commission for Taxi Regulation and the Minister for Transport, as appropriate, in relation to issues relevant to small public service vehicles and their drivers.

The current Advisory Council was appointed in accordance with the membership structure set out in the 2003 Act. Nominations from a range of interests were considered when decisions on the Council's membership were being made. Six members of the Council have a background in the industry. The term of appointment of the current members of the Council will expire on 3 November 2009. There is currently a vacancy for one ordinary member on the Council.

I am satisfied that the current composition of the Advisory Council adequately reflects the representational structure envisaged under the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 and that there is an appropriate balance between the interests of small public service vehicle owners and drivers on the one hand and the consumer and public interests on the other.

Road Safety.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

12 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when he will bring forward legislation to Cabinet to lower the blood alcohol limit to 50 m/g; if he is considering plans to lower the blood alcohol level for drivers on a learner permit to 20 m/g; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17312/08]

Joe Carey

Question:

27 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to lower the legal blood alcohol level for drivers as has been recommended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17466/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 27 together.

The Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012, approved by the Government in October 2007, identifies the need to legislate for and introduce a reduction in the legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) for drivers, but does not specify what that level should be.

In determining what the BAC limit should be reduced to, the advice of the Road Safety Authority (RSA) was sought. The RSA's recommendations have been received and the Government, in noting the contents of the Authority's report at last week's Cabinet meeting, agreed that the RSA's report be published and taken into account in preparing new road traffic legislation this year.

The issue of lowering the BAC limits will now move into the work underway to prepare the Heads of a Road Traffic Bill, which also includes the issue of appropriate penalties for drink driving and other road traffic offences. I hope to bring the Heads of the Bill to Government this Summer.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

13 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce changes to the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17536/08]

The penalty points system provided for in the Road Traffic Act 2002 has been kept under review to identify changes that would enhance both road safety and the effective enforcement of road traffic legislation. To that end a range of changes to the system were provided for in the Road Traffic Acts of 2004 and of 2006.

The penalty point system applies in respect of 36 offences at present. The extension of the system to the remainder of the offences that are scheduled in the Road Traffic Acts as potential penalty point offences will proceed in due course. Those offences relate primarily to vehicles and their use, lighting of vehicles and the licensing of drivers.

The penalty points system will continue to be kept under review to respond, in particular, to any proposals for revision that may emerge in connection with the implementation of the various actions in the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012.

End-of-Life Vehicles.

Mary Upton

Question:

14 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the report into the presence of Irish and foreign registered car write-offs on roads here; the contacts his Department has had with the Revenue Commissioners as regards information on the number of car write-offs on roads here; if he will reform the National Vehicle Driver File to tackle the problem of car write-offs; his views on a compulsory reporting system for car write-offs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17331/08]

My primary focus at this stage is to obtain details from insurers of vehicles that have been written off in recent years for comparison against the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) and to determine the extent to which written off vehicles may still be in circulation. I can report that, with the assistance of the Irish Insurance Federation, the insurance industry has agreed to make the necessary data available voluntarily. I expect that the process of obtaining this information and validating it against the NVDF will be completed over the coming months.

As a first significant step, data relating to some 5,400 written off vehicles which has already been provided voluntarily to my Department by one major insurer has been analysed against the 2.4 million active vehicles on the NVDF. The analysis revealed activity on the NVDF file after the date of write off in respect of a relatively small number of vehicles and the Department has written in recent days to the registered owners of some 261 vehicles which the records indicate may still be in use on public roads.

I am also committed to establishing a framework going forward so that there is an effective system in place which ensures that all write off instances are notified to my Department and properly recorded. My Department has been informed of the deliberations of an informal review group established to examine this issue chaired by the RSA and representative of the Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Siochana, and the NVDF. Further consultation with relevant stakeholders is required. This element, which could involve introducing a voluntary code of practice for all concerned, will be progressed when the verification exercise for all insurance write off data against the NVDF is completed.

The alleged importation of write offs from abroad is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the registration of vehicles. Discussions are currently in progress between that Office and my Department in relation to possible arrangements for noting NVDF records of the write off status of imported vehicles where that information is available at the time of registration.

Cycle Facilities.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

15 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if, in the context of the development of proactive cycling policies, he has had consultations with the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government on facilitating the appointment of cycle lane engineers by local authorities; if he will be making a recommendation on the appointment of local authority cycle officials in the upcoming 2020 Vision — Sustainable Travel and Transport Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17342/08]

My Department is currently considering the outputs of research which will inform the development of a National Cycling Policy.

My Department's recent public consultation document on sustainable travel and transport acknowledged the existence of deficits in cycling infrastructure. The issue of ensuring that appropriate expertise in relation to such infrastructure will be available to local authorities will be considered by my Department in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the context of work on a National Cycling Policy and the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan.

Decentralisation Programme.

David Stanton

Question:

16 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 21 February 2007, the progress that has been made regarding the decentralisation of Bus Éireann staff to Mitchelstown, County Cork; if this relocation is still being pursued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17441/08]

Bus Eireann has continued to pursue decentralisation to Mitchelstown. However, to date no employee has indicated a wish to move.

My Department recently attended a meeting with the Decentralisation Implementation Group (DIG) on the 15th April, 2008 and representatives from each of the agencies under the Department's aegis, including Bus Eireann, were present. Discussions took place on how best to progress their decentralisation programmes. Options are currently being explored regarding the nature of the posts to decentralise.

Public Transport.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

17 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the upgrading of the Dublin Bus fleet. [17428/08]

The upgrading of the Dublin Bus fleet, which currently stands at 1182 buses, is a matter for Dublin Bus. I understand from Dublin Bus that it purchased, with Exchequer assistance including under Transport 21, 213 additional buses, and 617 replacement buses over the period 2000-2007 and is in the process of purchasing a further 100 replacement buses for delivery in 2008 and 2009. I am informed that the average age of the Dublin Bus fleet is now 5.6 years compared to 7.2 years in 1999.

Freight Transport.

Phil Hogan

Question:

18 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce incentives to encourage freight transport by increasing port capacity as recommended by the recently published Freight Transport Report for the Island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17504/08]

A port capacity study undertaken on the Department's behalf by Fisher Associates in 2006, contained detailed submissions from seven ports regarding increasing unitised capacity. The report concluded, inter alia, that:

There is currently significant available capacity for further growth in LoLo traffic at Irish ports;

Current available capacity for RoRo traffic also exists, although less so than in the case of LoLo.

The study demonstrated that the projects being progressed by the ports sector have the potential to deliver adequate capacity going forward, in line with the established policy.

As acknowledged in this latest report, the expansion proposals submitted by the port companies would be sufficient for a very large expansion in Ro-Ro and Lo-Lo capacity. My Department is continuing to actively monitor both the capacity situation at our ports and the continuing progress on the submitted expansion proposals. I am encouraged by the fact that the ports continue to make significant progress with their proposals.

Public Transport.

Joe Costello

Question:

19 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport if the funding for all of the major infrastructure projects outlined in Transport 21 has been ring-fenced until their full delivery in 2015 and beyond; the way his Department has prioritised the delivery of Transport 21 projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17319/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

59 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which proposals and objectives set out under Transport 21 are achievable within cost and time targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17451/08]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

70 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the economic climate, all aspects of Transport 21 will be delivered and within the timeframe set out in the plan. [17433/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 19, 59 and 70 together.

At the launch of Transport 21, the Government identified the projects in the national roads, public transport and regional airports sectors that it wished to see prioritised for development in the ten-year period from 2006 to 2015 with an overall investment of €34 billion. The prioritisation was influenced by a number of relevant studies carried out in the years leading up to the launch such as the National Road Needs Study, the Strategic Rail Review and the DTO Strategy document ‘A Platform for Change'.

The Government has committed to the overall funding for Transport 21 over its ten-year life to 2015. The Exchequer element of the funding is provided through the normal annual budget and estimates exercise. For the first three years of Transport 21, the capital funding provided is in line with the originally agreed profile of expenditure. I have no reason to believe that the funding requirement for the remaining years of Transport 21 will not be met.

Parking Facilities.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

20 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with the Office of Public Works or the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to discuss the provision of public service car park spaces in Dublin; if he has plans to promote a sustainable transport policy for Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17482/08]

My intention is to publish a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan before the end of the year and my Department is currently considering a wide range of policy options.

The development of the Action Plan is a cross-cutting initiative and there is already substantial engagement with other Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works, which is the key player in allocation of Government buildings, with their associated car spaces. My Department will engage in detailed bilateral discussions with the Office of Public Works on a range of issues in the next month and I expect that public service car park spaces will feature in those discussions.

I believe that the public service, in its widest sense, must strive to become an example of best practice in relation to sustainable travel and transport.

Question No. 21 answered with Question No. 9.

Ministerial Meetings.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

22 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport if he keeps minutes of meetings between himself and other Government Ministers; if not, the reason he does not; if so, the reason these minutes are not available through the Freedom of Information Act 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17488/08]

I meet other Government Ministers on a regular basis. The preparation of minutes would not arise from all such meetings. Where minutes are prepared and the subject matter relates to matters for consideration by the Government such minutes are exempt records under section 19 of the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 9.

Road Network.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

24 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the way his Department monitors and invigilates the policies and performance of the NRA; if he has received submissions from the National Toll Roads and the NRA on full road pricing along the M50 or other roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17335/08]

Under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended) the statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the National Roads Authority (NRA).

An M50 Demand Management Report was carried out last year for the NRA by independent consultants and conveyed to my Department. It was received in my Department in the last quarter of 2007. This was an initial exploratory study and I understand it will be updated in three years time when recommendations will be made to support any action that may or may not be taken in this area post 2010.

As the Deputy is aware, as Minister for Transport I am responsible for overall policy and funding issues relating to the National Roads Programme element of Transport 21. The detailed planning, design and implementation of individual national road improvement projects are a matter for the NRA under the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).

My Department oversees the effective implementation of the national roads element of the Transport 21 investment programme by providing policy guidance to the NRA and through ongoing monitoring of NRA expenditure.

The main focus of the current monitoring arrangements is on:

overall programme progress and alignment of programme with Government priorities;

expenditure drawdown;

arrangements in place for programme/project management and cost estimation and control.

Officials from my Department are in regular contact with the NRA liaising with them on various aspects of the national roads programme. The NRA is required to submit progress reports to my Department on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.

Public Transport.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

25 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to provide additional buses to the Cork area to improve public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17750/08]

My Department has approved total funding of €73m (in September 2006 and April 2007) towards the purchase of 235 new buses by Bus Éireann. I understand that Bus Éireann is in the process of taking delivery of the new buses on a phased basis. The deployment of buses, including the new buses, is a matter for Bus Éireann and I have no function in the matter.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

26 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has decided to order the creation of a new single brand for all public transport services in the Greater Dublin Area; the amount in total this new branding plan will cost; if the Dublin Transport Authority will be the lead agency in rolling out the new branding project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17315/08]

The Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 includes a provision requiring the Authority to promote the use of public transport in the Greater Dublin Area including the implementation of a single brand to be used by public transport operators providing services under contract to the Authority.

The aim is to establish a clear, shared brand across the various public transport modes — Luas, metro, bus, suburban rail — which will clearly establish that each mode is part of an integrated public transport network. In London, for example, the various public transport modes operate under the Transport for London brand.

It will be a matter for the Dublin Transport Authority to develop an appropriate brand for the Greater Dublin Area and decide on its detailed implementation. However, I do not consider that the proposed provision in the Bill will require the immediate repainting of the entire public transport fleet as has been suggested by some commentators.

Question No. 27 answered with Question No. 12.

Employment Rights.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

28 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the number of incidents of marine workers being left unpaid for work done that have occurred on ships docked in Irish ports in the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17346/08]

The primary responsibility for the compliance with the law on board ships rests with the flag state in each case. I am unaware of any case of workers being left unpaid on board Irish registered ships as a result of default by an employer in the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

The payment of wages on foreign flagged ships is a matter for the flag state where the ship is registered and is a matter for the internal domestic law of that country. However, Ireland does carry out inspections onboard foreign flagged ships in Irish ports under the auspices of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on port state control and EU directives. These inspections are carried out to check for compliance with international law. Surveyors from my Department inspect over 400 such foreign flagged ships per year and they detain any ship which poses a safety hazard or which does not comply with the international requirements on living and working arrangements. The number of ships detained in the years mentioned are 2005 twenty-one ships, in 2006 twenty-six ships, in 2007 twenty-four ships and so far in 2008 eight ships have been detained. However, non-payment of wages is not in itself a basis for detention by inspectors of my Department.

Taxi Regulations.

David Stanton

Question:

29 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 566 of 30 January 2008, the progress made in the discussions with the Taxi Regulator in relation to the provision of subsidies by his Department to taxi and hackney operators to purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles which comply with new standards; if such a subsidy is to be made available in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17440/08]

My Department has been in discussion with the Commission for Taxi Regulation in relation to a proposed subsidy arrangement to assist taxi and hackney operators with the purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles that will meet the new accessible vehicle specifications being developed by the Commission. The Commission submitted a revised subsidy proposal to my Department at the end of January 2008.

A final decision will be made on the subsidy scheme proposal as soon as possible having regard to the overall budgetary context.

Public Transport.

Seán Barrett

Question:

30 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport when he plans to reform the Transport Act 1932 to allow for greater bus competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17457/08]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

51 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his views on amending the 1932 bus licensing legislation; if the new Dublin Transport Authority will in effect be the new bus licensing authority for the Greater Dublin Area; the powers as regards bus licensing he will transfer from his Department to the new DTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17314/08]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

73 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport when the Public Transport Regulation Bill will be published; the purpose and proposed heads of this Bill; if the Bill will establish a national transport regulator for the part of Ireland outside the Dublin Transport Authority counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17316/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30, 51 and 73 together.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to expedite the establishment of a Dublin Transport Authority, which will have the necessary powers to ensure the delivery of the integrated public transport system envisioned under Transport 21. The Dublin Transport Authority Bill has been published and has passed Second Stage in the Seanad.

The DTA Bill sets out the mechanisms for the award of contracts for subvention in line with the new regime introduced under the new EU Regulation on Public Service Obligations in the transport sector, which will become mandatory from next year.

The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to improving bus services under Transport 21 by reforming the bus licensing provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, to facilitate the optimum provision of services by providing a level playing field for all market participants, both public and private.

It is my intention that proposals for a new bus licensing regime will follow in subsequent legislative proposals to be contained in a Public Transport Regulation Bill. At this stage it is too early to be precise on the detail of the proposals except to confirm that the new Bill will deal with the replacement of the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. The new bus licensing regime will be designed in a manner consistent with the new EU PSO Regulation. It is envisaged that the new licensing structure will apply in respect of all commercial bus services, including those provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann, and that the powers to grant licences in the Greater Dublin Area will be given to the Dublin Transport Authority. The new Bill will also encompass provisions relating to the subvented bus market outside the Greater Dublin Area that are consistent with the EU PSO Regulation.

While it is not possible at this time to indicate a precise time as to when the legislative proposals on regulatory reform of the bus market will be published, applications for new bus licences and notifications from State bus operators will continue to be processed under the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, and the notification system with reference to the Transport Act 1958, as appropriate.

The Government has also committed to examining the need for a National Transport Regulator in the context of the overall review of the economic regulatory environment. This review is being progressed on an inter-departmental basis under the chairmanship of the Department of the Taoiseach.

Question No. 31 answered with Question No. 9.

Dublin Transport Authority.

Richard Bruton

Question:

32 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the discussions he has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the role of a directly elected Dublin mayor in the proposed Dublin Transport Authority; the agreements made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17460/08]

My officials participated in a Consultative Committee representing local government interests, Government Departments and other experts which advised the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on the issues examined in the Green Paper on Local Government Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change published by the Minister on 22 April last.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and I also discussed the proposal that a directly elected Regional Mayor for Dublin act as Chair of the Dublin Transport Authority. I supported the inclusion of this proposal in the Green Paper.

I am committed to working closely with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, following the completion of the consultation process on the Green Paper, to ensure coherence between the Government approach to institutional changes in the governance of Dublin and in the management of the surface transport system and strategic land use in the Greater Dublin Area.

Road Safety.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

33 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he has had consultation with the RSA, the Gardaí and the HSA on the safety implications for newspaper workers, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians of the distribution of newspapers on the Irish road network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17349/08]

The promotion of public awareness of road safety is a matter for the Road Safety Authority, and enforcement of the Road Traffic Acts or the Roads Act is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

Safety in the context of a workplace or work environment comes under the remit of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and I have no role in this area. It was reported in the press media at the end of January that the HSA and the Garda Síochána had met with the employers of newspaper distribution personnel on the issue of complaints received in relation to the activity referred to by the Deputy.

State Airports.

Liz McManus

Question:

34 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport if all parties have fully accepted the recommendations of the Cassells’ report; if he has received the business plans from Cork and Shannon Airports; the timeframe for the final separation of Cork, Dublin and Shannon Airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17322/08]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

65 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Transport the steps he will take to facilitate the separation of Cork, Shannon and Dublin Airports in view of Cork Airport Authority’s decision to accept a level of debt; if this will require legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17749/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 65 together.

The State Airports Act, 2004 provides the framework for the establishment of Shannon and Cork as independent airports. As part of the airport restructuring process the boards of Cork and Shannon airport are required to prepare business plans for eventual separation.

Draft business plans for Cork and Shannon were submitted to the DAA at the end of last year and subsequently forwarded to me with DAA's commentary. Consideration of the draft Cork business plan led to the Cassells report which was the outcome of dialogue with the Dublin Airport Authority and the Cork Airport Authority.

Following on from acceptance of the Cassells report by the Board of CAA on 10th April last, a process of engagement will now commence with all the relevant parties on implementation and the technical and legal issues involved will be progressed by the Cork and Shannon airport authorities and the Department.

It is my intention to proceed without delay to effect the full separation of the three State airports, as set out in the State Airports Act 2004. This process will involve the preparation of revised business plans taking account of the Cassells' recommendations. In due course, the business plans will be submitted to the Minister for Transport and the Minister for Finance for approval as regards the state airports' financial and operational readiness.

I should add that the legal commitments enshrined in the State Airports Act concerning the protection of terms and conditions of employment of State Airport employees, as well as the requirements for consultation on future collective bargaining structures, will be honoured in full.

Rail Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

35 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport his views on the introduction of a rail freight subsidy on a per tonne basis for materials that are transferred from existing road freight onto rail freight; if not, the measures he is considering to increase rail freight within the transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17343/08]

There is substantial ongoing current and capital Exchequer investment in the development and operation of the railway network. Total Exchequer funding allocated to Iarnród Éireann for 2008 amounts to more than €720 million and is targeted at passenger services. The potential to expand rail freight is being considered as part of the development of the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan.

Marine Safety.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

36 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport her views on the views of the MCIB in relation to the need for the same colour coded buoyage system of navigation to be used in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17748/08]

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

38 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if the recommendations of the MCIB into the grounding and flooding of an Emerald Star cruiser on Lough Derg on 1 July 2006 have been acted on; if a marine notice has been issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17747/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 38 together.

My Department has recently received the report from the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) referred to by the Deputy. The Report relates to an incident on the Shannon system. Waterways Ireland has responsibility for navigable inland waterways North and South, including the Shannon.

The MCIB report makes a number of recommendations in relation to boat rental companies and inland waterways. These will be considered by my Department, in consultation as appropriate with Waterways Ireland, in the overall context of delivering maritime safety.

Light Rail Project.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

37 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the progress on the development of the LUAS line through the Tallaght west estates to Citywest and Saggart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11854/08]

Transport 21 provides for an extension of the Luas Red Line (Connolly — Tallaght) to Citywest and Saggart.

Significant progress has been made in advancing this project. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) has finalised arrangements with a consortium of local developers for the delivery of the project.

On 20th December 2007 the RPA submitted an application for a Railway Order (planning permission) for the project and an oral hearing into that application was held in March this year. The decision of An Bord Pleanála on this application is awaited.

Subject to the granting of the railway order by an Bord Pleanála, it is expected that construction will commence towards the end of 2008 and the extension is expected to be completed at the end of 2010 with services commencing in early 2011.

Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 36.

Ferry Services.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

39 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the continuing delay in the re-establishment of the Cork Swansea ferry route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16175/08]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

49 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on the re-establishment of the Cork Swansea ferry; the efforts being made in this regard; the supports available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16176/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 49 together.

The Cork Swansea Ferries Company suspended its service in 2007. I can appreciate the concerns that have been expressed in the region in response to this development. However , as Minister I have no direct role in the provision of such a service.

I understand that a number of interested parties and stakeholders have been in discussions with the Port of Cork Company about the possibility of commencing a new passenger and freight service out of the port.

I am informed that a commercial examination of the route has been carried out by the Port of Cork Company. This indicates that, subject to procuring a suitable vessel, the service could be feasible on a year round basis. The Port of Cork Company will certainly do what it can to facilitate the resumption of the service.

As Minister for Transport, I feel it is important that the market offers a diverse range of maritime links in and out of the State. This is vital to facilitate trade and tourism. I certainly hope that the current efforts show that the service is commercially viable and that it can be resumed as soon as possible.

Road Traffic Offences.

Joan Burton

Question:

40 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport if progress has been made in terms of finding an alternative method of collection of fines for motoring offences with Garda statistics indicating that as many as 50% of motorists are failing to pay fines accrued for motoring offences; if he has had contact with the Courts Service or the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17333/08]

The collection of court fines levied in respect of motoring offences and any reform of that collection system are matters for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Courts Service.

My Department has had discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, the Courts Service and An Garda Siochana in relation to the matter of fixed charges under the Road Traffic Act 2002, which can give rise to a summons where a fixed charge for a road traffic offence is unpaid after specified period.

Rail Network.

Martin Ferris

Question:

41 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the progress regarding the reopening of the western rail corridor. [17427/08]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 468 on 2nd April 2008. The position remains unchanged.

Ship Inspections.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

42 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will increase the number of inspectors carrying out inspections on ships docked in Irish ports, especially in view of the tragic death of a young mariner in August 2007; if he has reviewed the resources that are allocated to the inspections system in the context of the recent report by the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch into the 2007 fatal accident on the Dublin Viking in Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17345/08]

The primary responsibility for the safety of a ship rests with the operating company and with the state in which the ship is registered, the flag state. A second line of defence exists whereby the state in which the ship is located, the port state, has the entitlement to carry out inspections. This entitlement to carry out port state control inspections can only ever be on a sampling basis.

In Ireland port state control inspections on foreign flagged ships are carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control and EU Directives. The requirement is to inspect 25% of all foreign flagged ships visiting Irish ports each year. Surveyors from my Department inspect over 400 such ships each year, which is in excess of the 25% inspection commitment. Additionally, Ireland inspects all foreign flagged roll-on roll-off passenger ferries operating on international voyages to and from Ireland; these inspections include both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. Ireland fully meets its commitment in this regard as well.

The recent tragedy on board the ro-ro passenger ferry the "M/V Dublin Viking" yet again highlights the importance of safe mooring procedures and safety management systems on board ships. As this ship is registered in the United Kingdom, they as flag state have the primary role in ensuring that the ship is operated safely and they certify the management company as capable of doing so. Ireland as the port state is obliged under international treaties to accept such certification as prima facie evidence that the ship is compliant unless there are clear grounds for concluding otherwise. My Department is in the process of recruiting additional surveyors to assist in this work from 2009 onwards.

Road Safety.

Joan Burton

Question:

43 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish legislation to implement the graduated driver licence programme; the proposed measures that will be contained in this legislation; if he will update the Rules of the Road to include regulations for four lane motorways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17334/08]

The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 outlines a range of measures to be considered in relation to a Graduated Driver Licensing System. A progressive roll-out of appropriate measures is envisaged as the most practical approach.

The Deputy will recall the introduction of the first phase of the Scheme in October last year, when Regulations were introduced in relation to learner drivers. These Regulations replace provisional licences with learner permits, require learner drivers to be accompanied by a person with a full driving licence for at least 2 years, prescribe a period of 6 months before a learner driver can apply for a test, and require learner motorcyclists to wear an L-plate. Other measures will be considered by me on the basis of proposals from the Road Safety Authority (RSA).

In relation to the Deputy's question on four-lane carriageways, the motorway driving rules that are set out in the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations 1997 apply to all motorways irrespective of the number of traffic lanes on the carriageway. Further regulations are not required in respect of the use of four-lane carriageways.

The Rules of the Road booklet uses illustrations and gives advice in the context of 2 and 3 lane carriageways, as these are the most common situations that a driver will encounter. The same principles apply to any carriageway with more than three lanes.

Road Network.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

44 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Transport his views on the rising costs of road maintenance; his plans to achieve greater value for taxpayers money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17476/08]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

62 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he will instigate a nationwide audit of the surfaces of the regional, primary and local road network; the directions he has made to the National Roads Authority under Section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 in 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17337/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 62 together.

The provision, improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a matter for local authorities to be funded from their own resources supplemented by State grants provided by my Department. A national Pavement Condition Study of the regional and local road network was carried out in 1996 and a second Pavement Condition Study of the network was completed in 2005.

On foot of the findings of the second study, grants available to county councils under the pavement restoration programme for restoration improvement and restoration maintenance works have been significantly increased in recent years. In view of the fact that the last study of regional and local roads was carried out recently, I do not propose to have another study carried out in the near future.

My Department monitors the cost of works undertaken by local authorities under the pavement restoration programme. Increased cost of surface dressing maintenance works in recent years can be attributed to a range of factors including increased cost of oil and bitumen, greater use of higher grade bitumen to cater for higher traffic flows, increased cost of chippings and other materials, higher plant hire costs, wage increases and additional health and safety requirements.

I have not issued any directions to the NRA under Section 41 of the Roads Act 1993 since I became Minister for Transport in 2007. I understand that to date no ministerial directions have been made under this Act.

Public Transport.

Joe Costello

Question:

45 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the cost of the nationwide Transport 21 advertising campaign; the length of time this campaign will run for; the objectives that have been established for the campaign; if he will provide a full report to Dáil Éireann on the final delivery date and budget for each of the Transport 21 projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17318/08]

Transport 21 represents the largest capital investment commitment ever made by Government to the development of transport infrastructure in this country. The projects comprising Transport 21 will greatly improve our national roads and public transport system over the ten year period to 2015, involving a total investment of €34 billion.

Recent market research undertaken on behalf of my Department indicated that awareness levels of Transport 21 among the general public are low. Given the scale of Transport 21 I consider it essential that the general public and all interested parties are made aware of the programme and of the many transport improvements that are already being delivered. It is also important because of the disruption caused by many projects that the public are fully informed of the purpose of each project and the long term benefits which will accrue.

Therefore, as part of a wider information and communications strategy and following a public procurement process, my Department engaged the services of consultants to undertake a media advertising campaign to raise public awareness of Transport 21. The campaign involves television, radio, press and outdoor advertising and I envisage that it will be necessary to continue to provide information and awareness to the public and all interested parties for the duration of Transport 21. The budget allocated for the advertising campaign for 2008 is €2.9 million. The consultants have been engaged for a three-year period and further campaigns are planned for 2009 and 2010.

The overall objective of the campaign is to make the general public aware of the projects and programmes contained in Transport 21 and the benefits that will accrue from their implementation.

As I have stated previously, I believe that the projected completion dates and budgets for Transport 21 projects will be determined only when the projects have gone through (i) public consultation, (ii) the relevant statutory approvals processes and (iii) the procurement and contract award process. Full project costs will be made available when (i) all procurement processes related to the project have been completed and contracts awarded and (ii) robust estimates are available in relation to non-contract elements of the project.

Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 6.

Road Network.

Jack Wall

Question:

47 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport the contacts he has had with the National Roads Authority, Dublin City Council and Nishimatsu-Mowlem-Irishenco in relation to the total projected estimate for the construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel; when the total tunnel construction cost will be finalised; and if he envisages further payments being made to the NMI consortium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17339/08]

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. As the Deputy is aware, the implementation of individual national road projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

In particular, the allocation of funding in relation to the construction or maintenance of national roads is a matter for the NRA under Section 19 of the Act.

The construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel project was procured by Dublin City Council and funded through the NRA. I understand from the NRA that the estimated final outturn cost of the Tunnel remains at €751 million.

Public Transport.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

48 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan arising from the recent consultation process; his views on whether it will be necessary to publish new legislation to accompany the Sustainable Transport Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17347/08]

My intention is to publish the Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan before the end of the year.

It is premature, pending finalisation of consideration of possible measures in the Sustainable Travel and Transport Plan, to indicate if it will be necessary to publish new legislation to underpin its objectives.

Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 39.

Road Safety.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

50 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recommendation to double the penalty points at bank holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17326/08]

The penalty points system under the Road Traffic Acts is kept under review in relation to changes that would enhance both road safety and the effective enforcement of road traffic legislation. This particular suggestion will be borne in mind in that context, and in relation to effective implementation of the Road Safety Strategy 2006-2012.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 30.

Road Network.

Jack Wall

Question:

52 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is examining plans to complete the original Dublin C-ring or M50/Dublin beltway, namely, the southern extension of the Port Tunnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17340/08]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21.

The implementation of individual national road projects, such as the proposed Dublin Eastern Bypass, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the relevant local authorities concerned.

As I indicated in response to similar Parliamentary Questions recently, two reports were commissioned by the NRA in 2000 and 2002 on the feasibility of constructing the Eastern Bypass. Copies of both reports were forwarded to my Department at the time. The output of these reports consisted of a constraints study and preliminary cost and traffic reports.

It was indicated at the launch of Transport 21 that feasibility study work would be undertaken on this route. However, implementation of the project is not included in the Transport 21 financial envelope.

The NRA subsequently engaged consulting engineers to update these two studies by undertaking a further engineering and feasibility study of the Bypass. This study examines possible route options, forecasts traffic demand and reports on scheme costs for the various options examined. The Department was given a copy of this report by the NRA late last year and is considering it.

Rail Network.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

53 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on plans to fast-track the delivery of the Dublin rail interconnector; the projected total cost and completion date for the interconnector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17348/08]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Question No. 14 on 6th March 2008. The position remains unchanged.

Air Services.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

54 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will initiate an investigation in conjunction with the National Consumer Agency, the Competition Authority and the Commission on Aviation Regulation into the new extra charges on airline passengers; if he will consider legislation specifically to protect air travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17324/08]

The market for air services in the Community was liberalized in the 1990s. The internal market has removed all commercial restrictions for airlines flying within the EU, such as restrictions on the routes, the number of flights or the setting of fares. Under the provisions of Council Regulation (EEC) No. 2409/92 Community air carriers can freely set their air fares.

The broader issue of consumer protection legislation falls within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment.

Road Traffic Offences.

Mary Upton

Question:

55 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport the progress he has made in preparing legislative or other measures to ensure that all vehicles on roads here, including foreign registered vehicles, are subject to the same laws, regulations and penalties and that any fines or penalties accrued by a driver of a foreign registered vehicle are realised; the operation date for the system of mutual recognition of penalty points between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17332/08]

All drivers are subject to road traffic law and enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána. The realisation of any fines or penalties imposed by the Courts is a matter for the Courts Service.

While foreign licence holders do not have an Irish driving licence record, a separate record of any penalty points incurred by them in this State is kept in the National Driver File.

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

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

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

Insurance Industry.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

56 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce measures to reduce the cost of motor insurance, particularly for young drivers. [17432/08]

Motor insurance is provided by private companies in an open and competitive market where consumer interests can exert influence by seeking quotes and comparing costs before purchasing. The Financial Regulator oversees insurance companies.

The Government's insurance reform programme, initiated in 2002, has resulted in cheaper and more widely available motor insurance. In general, the cost of motor insurance has declined by 2.8% in the last 12 months and overall, motor insurance premia have fallen by 41% since April 2003. Various factors have contributed to this reduction including the establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, improved road safety and increased competition in the open market.

In the case of young drivers it has been represented that the cost of insurance is still too high. As part of the Social Partnership Agreement Towards 2016, a review of the cost of insurance for young people, 17 to 24 years of age, was commissioned in September 2007. I expect a report on this matter shortly.

Road Safety.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

57 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if he has plans to increase the level of funding for the Medical Bureau of Road Safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17328/08]

The issue of funding for the Medical Bureau of Road Safety (MBRS) for any one year is considered in the context of the overall funding and resources for my Department and its non-commercial state agencies for that year and any funding submissions received from those agencies. The Bureau has been allocated €4,448,000 for this year and the estimates process for 2009 has not yet begun.

Rail Network.

Denis Naughten

Question:

58 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the development of the Athlone to Mullingar rail line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16056/08]

The upgrading and extension of the mainline railway system, including the re-opening of closed lines such as the Athlone to Mullingar line, is a matter for consideration by Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. The re-opening of the Athlone-Mullingar rail line was not identified as a priority in the Strategic Rail Review and is not provided for in Transport 21.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 19.

Road Safety.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

60 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport if he is invigilating the rollout of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 on a continuous basis; the number of deadlines for the implementation of specific actions within the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 that have already been missed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17327/08]

One of the actions in the 2007-2012 Road Safety Strategy is for the Road Safety Authority (RSA), to report to me in the second quarter of each year on the implementation of the 126 actions in the Strategy, all of which identify the agency responsible for implementation and a target implementation date. I expect to receive the first report during the second quarter of this year and will be bringing it to the Cabinet Sub-Committee, which I chair, as it is important that the implementation of the Strategy is co-ordinated at the highest level.

The RSA has already confirmed to me that all actions in the Strategy identified for completion in 2007 have been completed in full and I expect that the Authority will be notifying me of any specific actions that have not been implemented within the deadlines as set out in the Strategy.

Rail Network.

Martin Ferris

Question:

61 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport if he will formally commit to a plan to develop a rail line from Sligo to the city of Derry, creating an all-Ireland rail loop. [17426/08]

The upgrading and extension of the mainline railway system is a matter for consideration by Iarnód Éireann in the first instance. I understand from Iarnród Éireann that it has no plans to develop a rail line from Sligo to Derry. Such a proposal does not form part of Transport 21.

Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 44.

Road Safety.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

63 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will introduce new measures to facilitate the drug and drink testing of public and private sector transport workers in safety critical roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17325/08]

I refer the Deputy to my previous reply to Question No. 9618 of 6th March 2008.

The Department has commenced a review of the issues relating to aviation personnel. Otherwise the situation is unchanged.

Public Transport.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

64 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the date for the full rollout of the integrated ticketing scheme; if this process will be delayed by the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority; if he will mandate the Integrated Ticketing Project Board to oversee the development of a real time information system across the public transport modes in tandem with the integrated ticketing project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17317/08]

The Integrated Ticketing Project Board has responsibility for delivering the smartcard technology required to implement an integrated smart card ticketing system within an agreed specification, timeline and budget.

The Project Board submitted a comprehensive proposal to me in December 2006 setting out the timelines, scope and budget for the delivery of an integrated system.

Based on this proposal, the integrated ticketing system will be launched initially within the Greater Dublin Area in September 2009 on the services of Dublin Bus, LUAS and Morton's. It will be extended to Irish Rail DART and commuter rail services within a further 12 months, and by Bus Éireann on a pilot basis on a number of its commuter routes. It is also envisaged that other private bus operators will join the scheme over this timeframe.

The development of the integrated ticketing system is continuing in line with the programme agreed by the Project Board and it will not be delayed by the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority.

In relation to real time information, the Dublin Transport Authority will, when established, have responsibility for the provision of an integrated information scheme within the Greater Dublin Area. In the interim, I do not intend to extend the mandate of the Integrated Ticketing Project Board to cover real time information.

It is better in my view for the Project Board to continue to focus solely on the delivery of the integrated ticketing system and for the Dublin Transport Authority to develop an integrated information scheme.

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 34.

Dublin Transport Authority.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

66 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recently published Dublin Transport Authority Bill; when he will appoint the new members of the DTA board and advisory council; if he will provide an indicative date for the full operation of the DTA; if he will estimate the expected cost of the authority’s operation for its first three years; the reason the Railway Procurement Agency has not been incorporated into the new DTA; the reason the Commission for Taxi Regulation is not incorporated into the new body; if the DTA will be the lead agency for the delivery of Transport 21 projects, including inter urban and other roads, in the Greater Dublin Area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17313/08]

The Dublin Transport Authority Bill 2008 was published last month and the Bill is currently before Seanad Éireann. Once the Seanad has passed the Bill it will be a matter for the Chief Whip to decide when Second Stage should be ordered in the Dáil. My aim is to have the Bill enacted during 2008 with a view to facilitating formal establishment of the new Authority at the beginning of 2009.

Mr. Tom Mulcahy was appointed by my predecessor as Chairperson-designate of the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA). I will shortly be appointing the other members of an interim Authority that will be tasked with putting in place the necessary arrangements to ensure that the Authority will be in a position to commence work immediately following its formal establishment. The priority in this regard will be the recruitment of a Chief Executive-designate.

My Department will provide up to €4 million from existing resources in the current year to the interim Authority for this purpose. The interim Authority will identify the Authority's administrative budget and staffing requirements for 2009 and beyond.

The Government decided that the Railway Procurement Agency should not be absorbed by the new Authority in order to remove any possible risk to the successful completion of the ongoing procurement process in respect of Metro North. The Government also decided that the Commission for Taxi Regulation should be absorbed by the new Authority and my Department is preparing the necessary amendments to the Dublin Transport Authority Bill for this purpose. Those amendments will be tabled at Dáil Committee Stage.

The DTA will have overall responsibility for the implementation of Transport 21 in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), working as far as possible through the existing agencies as set out in Chapter 1 of Part 3 of the Bill. While the National Roads Authority (NRA) will continue to exercise national road functions in the GDA, it will be required to do so in a manner that is consistent with the DTA's transport strategy. The DTA will also have the power to require the NRA to exercise its functions in a manner that is consistent with the transport strategy as well as other specified plans and measures. Where necessary, the DTA will also be empowered to step-in and perform those functions itself. These powers are detailed in Chapter 6 of Part 4 of the Bill.

Driving Tests.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

67 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether adequate exemptions are being granted to driving instructors who were on the driving instructors register who wish to register as an approved driving instructor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15237/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

69 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the time-frame for full implementation of the approved driving instructor will be adequate to allow for the testing and re-testing of driving instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15238/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 69 together.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has given me comprehensive proposals for the registration and regulation of driving instructors, with a target operational date of 1 January 2009. The RSA's proposals followed on from extensive consultations it has engaged in with the driving instructor sector since 2006.

The proposals provide, inter alia, that the RSA may exempt a person from having to undertake one or more of the three required qualification tests for accreditation as an approved driving instructor, where it can be demonstrated that he or she meets the standard for the particular qualification test.

The RSA has administrative and testing arrangements in place to enable it to process applications from persons seeking accreditation as approved driving instructors.

Standards in driving instruction are an important element in the overall road safety agenda, particularly in relation to providing quality instruction for learner drivers, and this is recognised in the Road Safety Strategy 2006-2012.

Departmental Agencies.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

68 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport the number of agencies that come under the aegis of his Department; the funding provided by his Department for the operation of each of these agencies; the number of agencies that will be subsumed by the new Dublin Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17320/08]

There are a total of 36 State agencies under the aegis of my Department. The total operating funding, excluding capital funding, provided to the State agencies by my Department in 2007 was €407,502,715. Some 10 State agencies received this funding and the amounts provided in each case are set out in the table below.

The remainder of the agencies, including the 20 port companies and harbour authorities, the aviation and airport authorities and the taxi and aviation regulators, are self-financing through charging for services provided.

It is my intention to subsume the Dublin Transportation Office and the Commission for Taxi Regulation into the Dublin Transport Authority.

I am, of course, always prepared to keep structures and agencies continuously under review, to ensure optimal efficiencies and best fit with my Department's strategic agenda.

Department of Transport Funding to Agencies

Name of Agency

Operating Funding provided in 2007

CIE Group — Bus Átha Cliath

80,100,000*

CIE Group — Bus Éireann

31,600,000*

CIE Group — Iarnród Éireann

194,900,000

Railway Safety Commission

2,100,000

Railway Procurement Agency

11,636,715

National Roads Authority

55,097,000

Dublin Transportation Office

1,108,000

Road Safety Authority

27,952,000

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

2,709,000

Marine Casualty Investigation Board

300,000

Dublin Airport Authority

Nil

Shannon Airport Authority

Nil

Cork Airport Authority

Nil

Commission for Taxi Regulation

Nil

Commission for Aviation Regulation

Nil

Irish Aviation Authority

Nil

Port of Cork Company

Nil

Drogheda Port Company

Nil

Dublin Port Company

Nil

Dundalk Port Company

Nil

Dún Laoghaire Harbour Company

Nil

Galway Harbour Company

Nil

New Ross Port Company

Nil

Shannon/Foynes Port Company

Nil

Port of Waterford Company

Nil

Wicklow Port Company

Nil

Arklow Harbour Commissioners

Nil

Baltimore Harbour Commissioners

Nil

Bantry Bay Harbour Commissioners

Nil

Kilrush Harbour Commissioners

Nil

Kinsale Harbour Commissioners

Nil

River Moy (Ballina) Harbour Commissioners

Nil

Tralee and Fenit and Harbour Commissioners

Nil

Westport Port and Harbour Commissioners

Nil

Wexford Harbour Commissioners

Nil

Youghal Harbour Commissioners

Nil

*In respect of subvented public transport services.

Question No. 69 answered with Question No. 67.
Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 19.

Port Development.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

71 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if the Government’s study of Dublin Port has been completed; when it will be published; if he will bring forward a Green Paper on Dublin Port; if he has reviewed Dublin City Council’s recent study on the future of Dublin Bay; his views on plans to move Dublin Port and develop a new residential and commercial development on port lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17341/08]

The National Development Plan provides for a comprehensive study of the role of Dublin Port, taking account of locational considerations, in the context of overall ports policy on the island of Ireland, wider transport policy, urban development policy, the National Spatial Strategy and national economic policy. My Department is in the process of recruiting consultants to help carry out the study. It is hoped to have the study completed within a six-month period. In October 2007, Dublin City Council published for public consultation a wide-ranging study of economic, amenity, recreational and environmental issues linked to Dublin Bay, including the port area. I am familiar with that study and I understand that the outcome of the consultation will be reported back to the Council. The study of the port under the NDP will take account of the findings of Dublin City Council's work. Dublin Port is a vital piece of economic infrastructure. In tonnage terms, it handles roughly 40% of the seaborne trade in and out of the State. In value terms it is even more significant. In 2006 it handled 79% of the State's RoRo traffic and 62% of the container traffic. Clearly, the future role of Dublin Port is of major strategic importance to the country. It is much more than a local or regional issue and requires further examination at a strategic level. The study of the port under the NDP will provide this strategic level examination.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

72 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on all contacts he has had with members of the Shannon Foynes Port Company; his views on measures to address the alleged financial difficulties at Shannon Foynes Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17321/08]

I met the Chairman of Shannon Foynes Port Company on 3 March 2008. I have also been in correspondence with the Company over the past year. Department officials have represented me at the 2007 Annual General Meeting of the company on 10 July 2007 and the 2008 AGM on 2 May 2008. Officials have also had a number of meetings with the company over the past year. On 23 April last, in advance of the 2008 AGM, my Department met with the interim CEO of the company and the vice Chairman of the company. In 2006 and 2007 the company was party to a number of related legal disputes. In October 2007, an out of court settlement was reached between the parties. Following the settlement, my Department considered the financial position of the company and has further reviewed the accounts for 2007 in the context of the recent AGM. This has provided some reassurance that the company is addressing its financial difficulties, while continuing to operate and develop the business. My Department will continue to closely monitor the financial situation of the company.

Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 30.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

74 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the number of off-licences that have been authorised in the postal district of Dublin 24; the number that have been licensed in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17174/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that details of the number of off-licences that have been issued in the postal district of Dublin 24 in each of the past three years are as follows:

Year Ending 30/09/2005

Year Ending 30/09/2006

Year Ending 30/09/2007

Dublin 24

25

33

36

The above figures include the renewal of existing licences and the issuance of new licences. The question of off-licences was among the issues considered by the Government Alcohol Advisory Group appointed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Group has now reported and the legislative proposals arising from the work of the Group were published recently.

Departmental Staff.

Chris Andrews

Question:

75 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Finance when the marriage ban was initiated for working women who got married; the person by whom it was initiated; when it ended; the reason it did not apply to primary school teachers; if constitutional challenges were taken as a result of the ban; and if the State if obliged to repay moneys which were deducted for a pension scheme from which a woman can not benefit as a result of the marriage ban. [17180/08]

Statutory Instrument 26/04/1924: Regulations by the Minister of Finance Under Section 9 of the Civil Service Regulation Act, 1924 provided, inter alia, that female Civil Servants holding established posts would be required on marriage to resign from the Civil Service. The Civil Service (Employment of Married Women) Act, 1973 provided for the repeal of certain statutory provisions restricting the employment of married women in the Civil Service, including the repeal of Section 10 requiring women to retire on marriage. The marriage bar applied to female primary school teachers. All female teachers who entered teaching service on or after 1 October 1934 had to retire on marriage. The only exception to this was in the case of women who had completed their teacher training course before that date but had not been appointed to a permanent teaching position until on or after that date. The marriage bar was removed for primary school teachers on 30 June 1958. I am not aware of any Constitutional challenges having been taken as a result of the marriage bar. In the Civil Service the superannuation scheme was non-contributory for women in the period in question, so therefore the issue of repayment of contributions does not arise. Women who were compulsorily retired on marriage could, in certain circumstances, qualify for a marriage gratuity.

Tax Yield.

Phil Hogan

Question:

76 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the number of new motor vehicles registered for each month since January 2007 to date in 2008. [17279/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of new motor vehicles registered through the VRT system for each month since January 2007 to April 2008 are set out in the following table:

New Vehicle Registrations

Year 2007

Category A Vehicles — cars

Category B Vehicles — car and jeep derived vans

Category C Vehicles — commercial

Total

Jan

45,864

1,145

11,888

58,897

Feb

26,573

650

6,507

33,730

Mar

28,047

627

6,416

35,090

Apr

16,906

401

4,627

21,934

May

20,563

484

5,112

26,159

Jun

15,318

482

4,460

20,260

Jul

13,133

398

3,854

17,385

Aug

8,881

331

3,193

12,405

Sep

5,748

291

2,754

8,793

Oct

3,830

184

2,157

6,171

Nov

1,460

93

1,397

2,950

Dec

518

23

478

1,019

Total

186,841

5,109

52,843

244,793

New Vehicle Registrations

Year 2008

Category A Vehicles — cars

Category B Vehicles — car and jeep derived vans

Category C Vehicles — commercial

Total

Jan

47,308

1,067

10,248

58,623

Feb

24,049

653

5,697

30,399

Mar

21,566

507

4,576

26,649

Apr

13,303

404

3,573

17,280

Total

106,226

2,631

24,094

132,951

Tax Code.

Michael Creed

Question:

77 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if his Department’s attention has been drawn to the concerns among energy crop growers of the tax treatment of establishment costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17404/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the growing of energy crops such as miscanthus (elephant grass) and willow, for example, is regarded as crop husbandry. As such it is treated as farming for tax purposes. The crops in question are generally perennials which are harvested on a regular basis to provide bio-fuels. The initial cost of planting the root stock of these perennials is treated in tax law as capital expenditure. No deduction is, therefore, allowed for tax purposes. All expenditure subsequent to the initial planting is deductible as a trading expense. This tax treatment is in line with the tax treatment of other perennial crops such as nursery plants and fruit trees. I understand that grant aid is payable on 50% of the approved costs associated with establishing miscanthus and willow crops for biomass. The cost of establishment is estimated at €2,900 per hectare, giving a maximum grant payment amount of up to €1,450 per hectare.

Departmental Staff.

Finian McGrath

Question:

78 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will advise on a case (details supplied). [18010/08]

Recruitment and appointment to a position in the Civil Service is normally carried out by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) under the provisions of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. Departments and Offices can also obtain a recruitment licence from the Commission for Public Service Appointments for this purpose. In considering someone for appointment to the Civil Service, the licence holder must evaluate suitability in all respects. This includes suitability on grounds of character which would encompass such matters as criminal convictions. In addressing the issue of a criminal conviction, the licence holder would have regard to such matters as:

the nature and sensitivity of the post being filled,

the classification of the offence,

the circumstances under which the offence was committed,

the age of the person at the time of the offence,

any extenuating circumstances,

the sentence passed or served,

the elapsed time since completion of the sentence, and

whether the person has re-offended in the interim period.

If a candidate is rejected on grounds of character, this does not prevent him/her from applying for Civil Service competitions at a future date. Candidates are afforded the opportunity to complete a Health and Character Declaration during the recruitment process. This affords candidates the opportunity to bring all relevant matters to the attention of their potential employer. In accordance with the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 in respect of a competition for a post with the public service it is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make an application that is false or misleading in a material respect for the position.

Disabled Drivers.

Pat Breen

Question:

79 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17863/08]

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations. As the Deputy will be aware there was an interdepartmental review of the Scheme. Some 12,500 people benefited under the scheme in 2007 at an overall estimated cost of €74 million. Any changes would have to be considered in the context of the annual Budget.

Departmental Bodies.

Liz McManus

Question:

80 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance the resources for personnel that have been allocated to REACH; the contractual arrangements to private consultants in regard to REACH; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17140/08]

My Department assumed responsibility for Reach's functions at the beginning of April, and is now integrating these with the Department's work and simplifying the technologies used, as recommended by the Review of Reach. At present, five of the civil servants who worked on the Reach project are temporarily assigned to my Department, to assist two of my Department's staff with this work. With regard to private consultants, at present four are employed to work on the Broker, with a further seven providing a help desk service. All are employed under standard contractual arrangements. The consultancy contract for the development, maintenance and support of the Public Service Broker continues as before. As with all transfers of functions, my Department must of necessity adopt a flexible approach towards staffing so as to ensure value for money.

Richard Bruton

Question:

81 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if delays are being experienced in the stamp duty section of the Revenue Commissioners; the reason for the delay; the steps being taken to clear the delay; the system operated for identifying delays in Revenue transactions that are outside acceptable tolerance; and the areas showing strain in meeting performance targets. [17143/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the stamping of legal documents is mainly carried out in the office of Dublin Stamping District, with service also provided in Cork and Galway. I am advised that in the Dublin Stamping District 65% of all cases received are dealt with on the day and a further 10% are addressed within 5 working days of receipt. The remaining cases — 25% of the total — are received by post. In Dublin Stamping District and Cork Stamping Office there are currently some delays in processing postal cases, particularly for the more complex documents that require to be adjudicated. However, I am assured that the working of postal cases is continually monitored by managers and slippages are quickly identified; where backlogs arise, additional resources are specifically applied to the area concerned — including temporary redeployments of officers.

I am advised that, for Stamp Duty, the monitoring by managers of the initial response to postal submissions currently involves manual counts of items of post. The current process of stamping involves title deeds being physically presented to Revenue for examination, processing and calculation of any duty payable and finally physically stamping each Deed. This is a resource-intensive process for all concerned. Revenue are progressing the development of an e-Stamping system that will, when it comes into operation in 2009, enable the majority of customers to transact their stamp duty business on ROS — the Revenue Online Service. The legal framework for e-Stamping was provided in the Finance Act 2008.

Tax Yield.

Michael Ring

Question:

82 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the number of people affected by the imposition of penalties when calculating tax liabilities for deceased persons and their estates in each of the past ten years. [17147/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

83 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money the Revenue Commissioners have taken in as a result of penalties applied when calculating tax liabilities for deceased persons and their estates in each of the past ten years. [17148/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 83 together.

I assume the Deputy is referring to the recent change of practice announced by the Revenue Commissioners in March regarding the settlement of audits where there is a tax liability and where the taxpayer is deceased. From 18 March 2008 the imposition of penalties in tax settlements involving a deceased taxpayer under the Revenue audit programme will depend on whether or not a settlement is reached in the case prior to the death of the taxpayer. Where an agreement is reached and the penalty is unpaid at the time of death, Revenue will continue to proceed against the personal representatives of the deceased for the recovery of the penalty in the normal way. Otherwise, when no agreement is in place prior to the death of the taxpayer, Revenue will not seek to recover a penalty. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that detailed audit statistics to the level of identifying deceased taxpayers can be produced for the years from 2006 onwards only, and these are set out below. Prior to 2006, other than fairly basic statistics, a largely manual system of audit reporting was in place. Any attempt to capture the data sought by the Deputy for the years prior to would require the manual examination of ten of thousands of audit records at a disproportionate cost.

Since 2006, figures are available as follows:

In 2006, Revenue settled 38 cases involving deceased taxpayers collecting penalties of € 1.9 million.

In 2007, the figures were 16 cases and just under €1 million.

In 2008 so far, there are just 4 cases with a total of €11,000.

Revenue's audit programme is a key tools in supporting tax compliance and fairness in the tax system: 13,600 and 14,300 audits were carried out in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Flood Relief.

Pat Breen

Question:

84 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of 11 March 2008, if a feasibility study has been undertaken by the engineering staff of the Office of Public Works (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17164/08]

It is expected that the feasibility study will be completed by the Office of Public Works by the middle of May.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

85 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if a school (details supplied) is an approved and registered college with the Revenue Commissioners for the purposes of tax relief on tuition fees and student grants; if it is not an approved and registered college for these purposes, if it is eligible to become so; the procedure for same; if an Irish student, normally resident in Ireland, taking part in their 14 month integrated airline transport pilot course would be eligible for such financial benefits as outlined or other reliefs or benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17202/08]

Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, provides for tax relief at the standard rate of income tax (20%) for qualifying fees paid by an individual in respect of a third level education course. Qualifying fees means tuition fees paid for an approved course at an approved college. The maximum amount of qualifying fees on which tax relief is allowed is €5,000 for the academic years 2006/2007 and 2007/2008. The tax relief is confined to tuition fees only and does not extend to items such as registration fees, administration fees, accommodation, etc. Tuition fees that are, or will be, met directly or indirectly by grants, scholarships, employer contribution or other means are to be deducted in arriving at the net fees qualifying for tax relief. An approved course means either: (a) a full-time or part-time undergraduate course of study of at least 2 academic years duration at an approved college; or (b) a postgraduate course of study leading to a postgraduate award, based on a thesis or on the results of an examination or both, at an approved college of not less than one academic year, but not more than 4 academic years in duration that requires an individual, undertaking the course, to have been conferred with a degree or an equivalent qualification.

As regards an approved college, the school referred to in the details supplied, being a school in an EU Member State, would be an approved college for the purposes of the tax relief for tuition fees if it is a university or similar institution of higher education, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds of that Member State or is a duly accredited university or institution of higher education in the country in which it is situated. In practice, it is a matter for the individual claiming the tax relief to obtain a letter from the relevant university or similar institute of higher education confirming that it is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds or is a duly accredited university or institution of higher education in the country in which it is situated. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that while they cannot at this point, in the absence of relevant information, comment on whether the school referred in the details supplied would be a qualifying college, they are of the view that a 14 month integrated airline transport pilot course is unlikely to be considered an undergraduate or post graduate course for the purposes of tax relief in respect of tuition fees.

Departmental Properties.

John O'Mahony

Question:

86 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the stage the process of building new office accommodation for the Office of Public Works in Claremorris is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17207/08]

I am advised by the Office of Public Works that pre-qualification submissions have been received from contractors who are interested in tendering for this project. These have been assessed and tender documents are currently being completed with a view to inviting tenders at the earliest possible date.

The new accommodation in Claremorris is being procured on a Design and Build basis. While the offices are primarily for staff of the Office of Public Works, provision is also being made for local staff of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Private Security Authority. In addition, the project includes a new district court facility as a separate stand-alone building on the site.

Disabled Drivers.

Finian McGrath

Question:

87 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [17222/08]

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities. The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations. As the Deputy will be aware there was an interdepartmental review of the Scheme. Some 12,500 people benefited under the scheme in 2007 at an overall estimated cost of €74 million. Any changes would have to be considered in the context of the annual Budget.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

88 Deputy Richard Bruton: asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons who are not domiciled here for tax purposes; the estimate of the tax foregone to the State as a result of the tax treatment of non-domiciles; if he plans to change the tax treatment of non-domiciles; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

97 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who claim non-domiciled status for tax purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17397/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 97 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of chargeable persons that show on their 2006 return of income that they are not domiciled in the State is 3,996. In addition the 2006 returns show 1,773 spouses as non-domiciled. An individual who is not domiciled in the State but who is ordinarily resident in the State is, in general, taxable on all Irish income and on UK and foreign sourced income remitted to the State whether the individual is resident or not-resident in the State. Prior to 1 January 2008 such an individual was taxable on all UK income whether remitted or not. An individual who is not domiciled in the State and who is neither resident nor ordinarily resident in the State is in general taxable on Irish sourced income and on foreign sourced income in respect of a trade, profession carried on in the State or employment exercised in the State. In either case, there is no statutory obligation on these individuals to return details of income or gains arising anywhere else in the world. Therefore, it is not possible to establish the amount of these income or gains, including any associated tax.

Departmental Staff.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

89 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of a matter (details supplied) he will respond in full and confirm affirmatively or in the negative whether any such agreement was entered into by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17265/08]

As advised in the response of 2 April 2008, under the centrally agreed arrangements for staff who wish to remain in Dublin the Public Appointments Service circulates as much detail as possible in relation to the post to be filled to persons in the appropriate grades in the organisations participating in the arrangements at that time. Further information is of course made available to individual applicants by the receiving organisation as required. My Department has advised Departments and Offices that they can have a discussion with an individual volunteering under the Dublin Arrangements to ensure that the person understands fully the nature of the post and that there is a shared understanding of the expectations of the job. Once the closing date for expressions of interest in the post has passed, the post due to be filled is offered by the PAS to the most senior volunteer. My understanding from the Office of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is that the GSOC wished to review all aspects of organisational staffing both current and prospective, to cater for the long-term needs and structure of the office. In that context, following the advertisement of the post to Dublin-based staff, that office advised my Department that the filling of the post of Head of Corporate Services was postponed pending a review of the posts at senior level in the GSOC. I understand that this review is ongoing.

Tax Yield.

Phil Hogan

Question:

90 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the amount collected in taxation for each category of petrol and diesel for each year from 2004 to date in 2008 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17280/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the amounts of tax revenue collected from Mineral Oil Tax and VAT on Petrol and Auto Diesel for the years 2004 to March 2008 inclusive are as follows:

Estimated Excise Duty yield from Petrol and Auto Diesel

2004

2005

2006

2007 (prov.)

2008 (prov.) 1st Qtr

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Petrol

970.7

1,001.9

1,026.4

1,051.3

291.3

Diesel

870.7

920.5

1,016.7

1,075.9

293.0

Total

1,841.5

1,922.4

2,043.1

2,127.2

584.3

Estimated VAT yield from Petrol and Auto Diesel

2004

2005

2006

2007 (prov.)

2008 (prov.) 1st Qtr

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Petrol

342

393

440

465

121

Diesel

38

46

53

57

15

Total

380

439

493

522

136

Total Estimated Excise Duty and VAT yield

2004

2005

2006

2007 (prov.)

2008 (prov.) 1st Qtr

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Total

2,221.5

2,361.4

2,536.1

2,649.2

720.3

Note: The VAT yield from Petrol and Auto Diesel is estimated as the information to be furnished on VAT returns does not require the yield from particular sectors of trade to be identified. It should also be noted that the VAT content of purchases of Auto Diesel is a deductible credit for business in the Irish VAT system.

Phil Hogan

Question:

91 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of stamp duty collected on housing transactions for each month since January 2006 to date in 2008. [17281/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to net receipts from stamp duty on residential property is as set out in the table which reflects the position up to and including March 2008:

Month

2006 Net Receipts

2007 Net Receipts

2008* Net Receipts

€ million

€ million

€ million

January

96.50

127.40

48.37

February

82.80

115.51

43.43

March

96.25

93.77

44.13

April

75.75

76.58

May

105.55

89.53

June

102.64

81.95

July

128.66

90.83

August

121.50

86.83

Sept.

137.54

68.50

Oct.

134.02

75.14

Nov.

123.65

67.32

Dec.

105.81

49.22

Total

1,310.87

1,017.90

135.85

*Figures for 2008 are provisional and subject to revision.

As monthly figures of yield provided in the table reflect the position recorded soon after the end of each month the total end-year yield implied on this basis does not coincide entirely with the end year totals finalised after year end. Differences can arise because of various retrospective adjustments and this applies particularly to 2007 where refunds to first-time buyers under the Finance (No. 2) Act 2007 necessitated retrospective adjustment to stamp duty liabilities.

Registration of Title.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

92 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Finance if he will arrange for the transfer of deeds (details supplied) to Fingal County Council, as there are various issues which need resolving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17294/08]

I would refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No.15516/08 of 23 April 2008. The position remains unchanged.

Faoiseamh Cánach.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

93 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Paul Gogarty den Aire Airgeadais an dtugann sé faoiseamh cánach i leith cúrsaí iarchéime Gaeilge mar a thugtar i leith cúrsaí inmholta i dteangacha iasachta agus an leagfaidh sé amach a thuairimí faoi. [17298/08]

Faoi réir Alt 473A den Acht um Chomhdhlúthú Cánacha 1997, foráiltear, faoi choinníollacha áirithe, gur féidir faoiseamh cánach ag an ráta caighdeánach de cháin ioncaim (20%) a thabhairt i leith táillí teagaisc a íocann duine aonair i dtaca le cúrsa oideachais tríú leibhéal agus cúrsa iarchéime san áireamh. Cuimsítear anseo cúrsaí iarchéime i dtaca leis an nGaeilge. Is é an t-uasmhéid de tháillí incháilithe ar a lamháiltear faoiseamh cánach ná €5,000. Tá sonraí iomlána i dtaobh na scéime le fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na gCoimisinéirí Ioncaim ag http://www.revenue.ie/index.htm?/leaflets/it31.htm. Ach más mian leis an dTeachta na sonraí i dtaobh cáis áirithe a sholáthar, cinnteoidh na Coimisinéirí Ioncaim an bhfuil na táillí a íoctar i leith an chúrsa sin i dteideal faoisimh chánach.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

94 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17378/08]

The information requested by the Deputy with the exception of the Office of Public Works is contained in the following Tables.

Average time for payment to be made to outside contractors for goods and services

Department / office

Average time for payment in 2004

Average time for payment in 2005

Average time for payment in 2006

Average time for payment in 2007

Average time for payment in Year to date 2008

(days)

Department of Finance

28

28

31

23

14

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

23

22

23

18

18

Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland

22*

26

19

20

19

Public Appointments Service

22

24

21

29

39

Commission for Public Service Appointments

20

9

7

12

15

Valuation Office

3

1

1

1

1

National Treasury Management Agency

22

17

16

19

17

State Claims Agency

23

23

17

17

17

Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General’s Office

11

11

11

10

10

Office of the Ombudsman

40

9

7

5

10

State Laboratory

36

47

45

26

22

*New system employed in 2004 records relate to April 2004–December 2004.

As the Office of Public Works process over of 40,000 payments annually it would not be practicable to research the payment details of each payment. The Office of Public has informed me that their accounting system captures all payments in excess of €5 which attract interest payments under the Prompt Payments of Accounts Act 1997. Interest is payable under the Act where an invoice is not paid within thirty days of receipt (or a shorter period specified in a contract).

The following table sets out the number of late payments by the Office and the percentage of the total which accrued interest payments for the period January 2004 to 30 April 2008.

Year

Total Number of Payments

Number of Late Payments

%

2004

42,341

1,062

2.5

2005

46,071

791

1.7

2006

46,817

900

1.9

2007

51,025

1,023

2.0

2008 (to 30 April)

15,960

435

2.7

Tax Yield.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

95 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of the revenue that would be gained by restoring the residential property tax and applying it to residential properties, rental and homes, over a threshold of €3 million, €4 million and €5 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17395/08]

A Residential Property Tax was introduced by Finance Act 1983 and abolished in Finance Act 1997. There is insufficient data available that would allow for estimation of the revenue that would arise from a re-introduction of this tax.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

96 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the estimate of the amount of revenue that would be gained from applying a minimum effective income tax rate of 20% to tax-payers who have reduced their income tax bill to lower than 20% through tax incentives and other measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17396/08]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the restriction of reliefs measure that I introduced in Budget and Finance Act 2006, which took effect from 1 January 2007. The measure aims to ensure that those with high incomes pay a minimum effective tax rate of approximately 20% and restricts the use of various listed tax incentives in this regard. It is currently estimated that this measure will yield approximately €70 million in a full year. As the final date for receipt of tax returns in respect of the 2007 tax year is 31 October 2008, the actual amount raised will not be known until well into 2009.

Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 88.

Tax Code.

Michael Creed

Question:

98 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will extend the same tax allowances to the woody biomass crops as are available to forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17411/08]

The current tax package for forestry provides that income from woodlands are exempt from income tax and corporation tax. In addition, gains arising to individuals and certain trusts on the disposal of felled timber are not chargeable to capital gains tax. Forestry is regarded for VAT purposes as an agricultural activity. As regards stamp duty, there is an exemption on the value of trees where it can be certified that the land being transferred contains commercial woodlands on a substantial part of those lands. The tax treatment of forestry investment is based on the premise that such investment is long term in nature. The tax treatment of investment in and profit from forestry is derived from the unique features associated with the activity where significant levels of investment are generally required at an early stage with the returns on such investment not arising for some considerable time. These considerations do not apply to farming income derived from woody biomass crops. It would not, therefore, be appropriate to extend the same tax treatment to such income. There is already in place a generous package of reliefs that continue to be available exclusively to the farming sector. These include accelerated capital allowances for expenditure incurred on farm buildings, accelerated capital allowances in respect of expenditure incurred on certain pollution control measures, stock relief, and an exemption from income tax in respect of certain income from certain leased farmland. In addition, certain young trained farmers can also qualify for full relief from Stamp Duty on the transfer of land.

Michael Creed

Question:

99 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a 0% VAT rate on the supply of miscanthus and all energy crop seedstock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17412/08]

The VAT rating of goods and services is subject to the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply. Under the VAT Directive Member States may retain the zero rates on goods and services, which have been in place since 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to other goods and services. It is therefore not possible under EU law to apply a zero VAT rate to the supply of elephant grass rhizomes (miscanthus), seeds, bulbs, roots and similar supplies used for the agricultural production of bio-fuels. However, in Budget 2008 I took the opportunity available under the EU Directive to reduce the rate of VAT on energy crop seedstock. The VAT rate on the supply of elephant grass rhizomes, seeds, bulbs, roots and similar supplies or inputs used for the agricultural production of bio-fuels was reduced from 21% to 13.5% with effect from 1 March 2008. This measure was introduced to assist in the development of agricultural production of such fuels.

Michael Creed

Question:

100 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted a refund of VAT in respect of farm buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17413/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the claim in question was received by them on 5 December 2007. The amount claimed was allowed in full and payment was processed on 13 December. However, the cheque which issued was not received by the claimant. The cheque has not been cashed and Revenue have now arranged with the bank to have it cancelled. A replacement cheque issued to the claimant in the last few days.

Michael Creed

Question:

101 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance if community child care facilities which are operated on a not for profit basis can be exempted from commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17414/08]

The Valuation Act 2001 maintains the long-standing position that commercial child care facilities — including all private child care facilities such as play schools, preschools, crèches and Montessori schools — are liable for rates. However, private child care facilities which operate on a community basis in a community hall, and which are not-for-profit, are not rateable because there is not exclusive occupation of the hall. In the circumstances, they would be part of the activities of a community hall and, therefore, exempt under Schedule 4, section 15 of the Valuation Act. Similarly, child care facilities which operate on a non-profit basis as a charitable organisation may be deemed to be exempt depending in each instance on the terms and conditions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The exemption in such an instance is provided for under Schedule 4, section 16 (a) of the Act.

Flood Relief.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

102 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will defer the closure of the Upper Glen Road until the road works in Chapelizod are complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17422/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

107 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the reason elective road works are taking place in the Upper Glen Road in the Phoenix Park at a time when this road is being used as an alternative route to facilitate road works in Chapelizod village which is closed to outgoing traffic for the next six months; the further reason these works can not be scheduled for summer time when schools are closed and traffic is lighter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17655/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 107 together.

The remedial works in the Upper Glen Road were essential for safety reasons particularly in the context of the commencement of the new Phoenix Park Shuttle bus service. Postponement of them was not a viable option. To minimise disruption, the roadworks were timed to coincide with the school mid-term break and will be completed this week.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

103 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the sources of income that are exempt from income tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17423/08]

The Schedule set out in the following table identifies those sections of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended) which provide for a full or partial exemption from income tax. In circumstances where the section ceases to have effect at a date in the next year this has been highlighted. Due to the time constraints some minor legislative provisions may have been overlooked in the preparation of this reply.

Description of income

Section of the Taxes Consolidated Act 1997

1.

Interest on Saving certificates

Section 42

2.

Interest on certain securities issued by Minister for Finance

Section 43

3.

Redemption of non-interest-bearing securities

Section 45

4.

Premiums on Investment Bonds (full or partial exemption on certain income)

Section 46

5.

Exemption of premiums on certain securities

Section 48

6.

Interest on certain securities exempted by Minister for Finance

Section 49

7.

Interest on securities issued outside the State by a local authority

Section 50

8.

Certain benefits in kind

Section 118, 118A, 120A, 121 (Pool cars), 121A

9.

Income which is the subject of a Revenue approved salary sacrifice agreement

Section 118B

10.

Certain benefits payable under the Social Welfare Acts

Section 126

11.

Age exemption and associated marginal relief (for persons aged over 65 years).

Section 188

12.

Payments in respect of Personal Injuries

Section 189

13.

Certain income from special trusts for permanently incapacitated individuals

Section 189A

14.

Certain payments made by the Haemophilia HIV Trust

Section 190

15.

Payments received under the Hepatitis C [and HIV] Compensation Acts

Section 191

16.

Payments in respect of Thalidomide children

Section 192

17.

Certain payments made under Employment Law

Section 192A

18.

Foster Care Payments

Section 192B

19.

Income from scholarships

Section 193

20.

Child benefit payments

Section 194

21.

Early Child care supplement payments

Section 194A

22.

Certain earnings of writers, composers and artists (subject to certain limits)

Section 195

23.

Certain expenses payments to members of boards, councils and committees

Section 195A

24.

Certain expense payments payable to members of the Judiciary

Section 196

25.

Certain foreign service allowances payable to certain employees of the State and certain agencies

Section 196A, 196B

26.

Bonus or interest paid under national instalment savings schemes

Section 197

27.

Certain interest receipts

Section 198

28.

Interest on certain securities used in the payment of income tax

Section 199

29.

Certain foreign pensions

Section 200

30.

Certain payments made on termination of an office or employment (subject to certain limits)

Section 201

31.

Certain payments for agreed pay restructuring

Section 202

32.

Certain statutory redundancy payments

Section 203

33.

Certain military and other pensions, gratuities and allowances

Section 204

34.

Payments to Veterans of War of Independence

Section 205

35.

Income from investments under Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act

Section 206

36.

Rents of properties belonging to hospitals and other charities

Section 207, 209

37.

Lands owned and occupied, and trades carried on by charities

Section 208

38.

Income arising under “The Great Book of Ireland Trust”

Section 210

39.

Income payable to Friendly Societies

Section 211

40.

Certain payments made by Trade Unions to their members

Section 213

41.

Income arising to Local authorities, Vocational Education Committees, the Health Service Executive, and certain Agriculture Committees.

Section 214

42.

Certain profits of agricultural societies

Section 215

43.

Profits from lotteries

Section 216

44.

Income received under the Rent-a-room scheme (subject to a certain limit)

Section 216A

45.

Payments under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí

Section 216B

46.

Income from certain Childcare services (subject to a certain limit)

Section 216C

47.

Certain income of Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta

Section 217

48.

Certain income of Housing Finance Agency plc.

Section 218

49.

Income arising to a body designated under the Irish Takeover Panel Act

Section 219

50.

Income of Investor Compensation Company Ltd

Section 219B

51.

Profits of certain bodies corporate (e.g. National Lottery; Pensions Board)

Section 220

52.

Certain payments to National Co-operative Farm Relief Services Ltd. And certain payments made to its members

Section 221

53.

Certain dividends from a non-resident subsidiary

Section 222

54.

Small Enterprise grants

Section 223

55.

Certain employment grants to medium and large industrial undertakings

Section 224

56.

Certain employments grants and recruitment subsidies

Section 225, 226

57.

Certain income arising to specified non-commercial state-sponsored bodies

Section 227

58.

Income arising to designated bodies under the Securitisation (Proceeds of Certain Mortgages)Act, 1995

Section 228

59.

Certain income of harbour authorities and port companies

Section 229

60.

Profits arising to National Treasury Management Agency

Section 230

61.

Profits arising to the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission

Section 230A

62.

Profits arising to the National Development Finance Agency

Section 230AB

63.

Profits or gains from Stallion Fees (up to 31 July 2008)

Section 231

64.

Profits from occupation of certain woodlands

Section 232

65.

Stud greyhound service fees (up to 31 July 2008)

Section 233

66.

Certain income derived from patent royalties

Section 234

67.

Income arising to bodies established for promotion of athletic or amateur games or sports

Section 235

68.

Exemption from a benefit in kind charge in respect of the loan of certain art objects

Section 236

69.

interest and dividends on special term accounts (full or partial exemption on certain income)

Section 261A

70.

Dividends on special term share accounts (full or partial exemption on certain income)

Section 267C

71.

Exemption in respect of certain benefits received by employees under approved employee share schemes

Section 510, 519A, 519C, 519D

72.

Income from leasing of farm land (full or partial exemption on certain income)

Section 664

73.

Exemption in respect of certain retirement benefits to certain employees

Section 778

Exemption from income tax is also provided for in respect of certain diplomatic personnel, officials of the United Nations and certain other international organisations, as well as for the earnings of persons working in the service of the European Community. The relevant legislation is included in:

The Diplomatic Relations and Immunities Act 1967;

The European Communities Act 1972;

Article 12 of the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities annexed to the Treaty of Rome.

Tax Yield.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

104 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue that would be accrued from a 5 cent and 10 cent increase in duty on petrol and diesel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17424/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated amount of revenue that would accrue from a 5 cent and a 10 cent increase, inclusive and exclusive of VAT, in excise duty on petrol and diesel is as follows:

5 Cent Increase in Price (VAT Inclusive)

10 Cent Increase in Price (VAT Inclusive)

Increase in Price

5 Cent

10 Cent

€m

€m

Petrol

108.47

214.70

Diesel

116.38

230.67

Total

224.85

445.37

5 Cent Increase in Duty + VAT

10 Cent Increase in Duty + VAT

Increase in Price

6.05 Cent

12.1 Cent

€m

€m

Petrol

130.92

258.78

Diesel

140.55

278.05

Total

271.47

536.83

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

105 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of An Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17564/08]

It has long been the practice for discussions to be held with Departments including the Department of the Taoiseach on the allocation of funds as part of the estimates process. These discussions take place at a late stage in the formulation of the annual estimates between civil servants from each Department who, from ongoing interdepartmental contacts, are highly familiar with the relevant details and issues involved. While there are no standing instructions in this regard, these discussions are not usually minuted by my officials.

Tax Yield.

Liz McManus

Question:

106 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Finance the amount of VAT collected from energy sources for each year of the past five years; the breakdown of those figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17594/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that it is not possible to furnish actual figures of the VAT take from energy sources, as VAT returns are not required to be completed in a manner that identifies the yield from particular goods and services. However, estimates of the VAT yield on energy sources, derived from non-Revenue statistical data, are as follows:

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Petrol

296

342

393

440

465

Auto Diesel

32

38

46

53

57

Marked Gas Oil

31

48

65

73

70

Kerosene

48

51

69

79

77

Electricity

117

129

153

159

180

Coal

18

17

17

18

22

Gas

42

52

67

53

60

Turf/Briquettes

12

11

14

14

17

LPG Domestic

9

9

10

11

13

Firewood/Firelighters

4

4

5

5

6

Motor Oil & LPG

2

2

3

3

3

Total

611

703

842

908

970

The revision of figures previously supplied is necessitated following the receipt of more up to date information. Data for 2007 is provisional and subject to further change.

Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 102.

Tax Code.

Mary Upton

Question:

108 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the entitlement of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 to tax relief for rent payments made by them; if he will confirm that this person is required to withhold 20% of their rent and pay this to the Revenue Commissioners and not to their landlord; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17656/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the person in question is entitled to a tax credit for rent paid in respect of private rented accommodation. However, as the rent is paid to a non-resident landlord they are obliged to deduct income tax at the standard rate (20%) from the payment. In PAYE cases, such as the case in question, recovery of the tax deducted is collected by reducing the tenant's tax credits.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

109 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17716/08]

My Department did not implement a payroll system in the years 2004 to date in 2008. However within the period in question my Department paid €613, 000 in relation to training, upgrades and maintenance of the Department's payroll systems. In relation to the agencies under the remit of my Department the Public Appointments Service incurred an implementation cost of €3,000 in relation to a payroll system introduced in 2004 to pay selection board members. In relation to the Valuation Office, Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General and Office of the Revenue Commissioners some €574,000 has been paid in the period 2004 to 2008 towards enhancing and maintaining their payroll systems. I have been informed by the Office of Public works that they incurred costs of €274,000 in relation to hardware, licensing, upgrades and maintenance in relation to their payroll system for the years 2004 to date in 2008.

National Monuments.

Damien English

Question:

110 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Finance if the Office for Public Works has plans to introduce more secure protective measures at the Loughcrew Cairns in County Meath in order to maintain their natural structure and longevity of existence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17698/08]

The Office of Public Works manages some eighteen referenced cairns that are in state ownership or guardianship and that form part of the national monument complex collectively known as Sliabh na Callaigh or Loughcrew Cairns, Co. Meath. Additional cairns in the townlands of Corstown, Newtown and Patrickstown are in private ownership and are afforded protection under the National Monuments Acts, 1930-2004.

The Office of Public Works has no plans at present to introduce more secure protective measures at the Loughcrew Cairns, but the matter will be kept under review.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

111 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the incentives from his Department and his Department’s agencies for the production of bio-fuels; if he will review these in view of the current world food crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17742/08]

While the promotion of biofuel is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, the Deputy will be aware the Finance Act 2006 provided for significant tax measures to promote biofuels in Ireland. The overall level of excise relief available for biofuels is regarded as a level which is sufficient to match Ireland's output potential in relation to renewable energy crops for motor fuels over the coming years. These fiscal incentives were designed to kickstart the domestic biofuels industry. Long-term general excise reliefs are not anticipated.

In addition, as a complementary measure, the Finance Act 2008 provided for the VAT rate applicable on the supply of miscanthus rhizomes, seeds, bulbs, roots and similar goods used for the agricultural production of bio-fuels to be reduced from 21% to 13.5%.

The Deputy will be aware that under proposals drafted by the European Commission, Ireland has been assigned ambitious targets for reducing emissions from sectors not covered by the Emission Trading Scheme. In this regard, transport is one of the main areas where there will be a need to reduce emissions. Given the lack of viable alternatives to fossil fuels in the transport fuels market, it is appropriate that there are some incentives in place in the short term that facilitate biofuels becoming more available in the market place.

I am aware of the need to strike a land use balance between energy and food crops. Some biofuel sources are to an extent in direct competition with food production, however, I understand second generation biofuel and energy sources are less so. The assistance we are providing is towards the production of second generation as well as first generation biofuels sources. The European Commission has indicated its awareness of general sustainability issues in relation to biofuels and has signalled its intention to introduce incentives and support systems to avoid such issues.

Specifically, it intends to encourage the development of ‘second generation' biofuels. To this end, the Commission's renewable energy legislative proposals, contain targets for biofuels market penetration, subject to the introduction of sustainability criteria and the coming on stream of second-generation biofuels.

The Commission also notes that European demand for biomass, especially biofuels, could contribute to improving trade relations with the European Union's trading partners, in particular developing countries, many of which have the potential to produce and export biomass and biofuels at competitive prices. It will be important to strike a careful balance to ensure the optimum outcome in terms of reducing Green House Gas emissions in transport, providing real opportunities for local producers and developing countries, and at the same time minimising any risk in terms of food production.

I understand the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources will shortly be launching a public consultation on the proposed biofuels obligation as set out in the Programme for Government. In that context, Ireland's biofuels obligation will take account of EU sustainability initiatives in relation to biofuels. We should of course not forget that an increase in the prices for agricultural products also increases incomes in the agricultural industry in Ireland.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

112 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the correct level of tax free allowances or tax credits in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17809/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that without the PPS number of the person in question they are unable to furnish the information requested, as the taxpayer is not registered on their records at the address supplied and all searches have been unsuccessful. However, if the taxpayer wishes to contact the Kildare PAYE Customer Service, by telephoning 1890 44 44 25 or by e-mailing kildarecustomerservice@revenue.ie, they would be happy to deal with any queries she may have.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

113 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to take measures to address the issue of competitiveness in the economy and encourage continued inward investment having particular regard to global trends in the economic and financial services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17810/08]

In responding to the Deputy's question to my predecessor Mr. Cowen, I would begin by saying that the Government recognises that improving national competitiveness is essential to facilitate a re-balancing of the economy towards more sustainable, export-led growth and to maintain Ireland's attractiveness as a location for inward investment in all sectors of the economy.

While external factors such as the exchange rate have an impact on domestic costs, these are beyond our control. As such, we must seek to control those costs which we can influence. We must also take steps to improve productivity.

In support of these objectives, the Government is committed to maintaining a low burden of taxation on capital and labour, and has implemented a range of policies aimed at improving competition in product markets and flexibility in the labour market. We are also investing heavily in physical and human capital under the National Development Plan. These measures will equip the Irish economy with the skills, infrastructure and operating environment needed so that we can compete effectively for projects in sectors where global demand is growing, such as business and financial services.

Of course, restoring competitiveness will also require sensible wage developments. Therefore, it is essential that pay increases are kept at a level which does not undermine our competitive position relative to our main trading partners. The current round of pay talks has an important role to play in this respect.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

114 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by individual Departments and agencies. [17833/08]

The non-property once-off costs incurred for decentralisation of my Department to Tullamore from 2004 to end 2007 are €624,472. As my Department completed its decentralisation to Tullamore it is not expected that there will be any further costs associated with this move. However, my Department will be decentralising circa 30 ICT posts to Naas later in the year. To date no costs have been incurred in association with this move.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the Revenue costs incurred for decentralisation from 2004 up to end 2007 are €963,469. The Revenue costs incurred for decentralisation during Q1 2008 are €8,648. Both of these amounts refer to non-property decentralisation costs.

I am advised that to date the Valuation Office have not incurred any costs associated with their move to Youghal while the costs incurred by PAS amount to €5,306 (not including staff costs or costs associated with the CAF).

I am informed by the Office of Public Works (OPW) that the non-property costs incurred by their office in relation to their decentralisation to Trim, Kanturk and Claremorris will be forwarded directly to the Deputy. I am further informed by the OPW that the following is the position regarding property costs for my Department and the agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Location

Department/ Office

Status

Site Acquisition Costs

Yearly Rental Costs

Fit Out Costs/ Building Purchased

(€1,000)

(€1,000)

(€1,000)

Athy

Revenue

Lease

231.5

493.00

Claremorris

OPW

Permanent Ownership

2,500

Claremorris

OPW

Lease

68.7

552.00

Kilrush

Revenue

Lease

85.0

411.00

Listowel

Revenue

Lease

183.0

1,352.00

Navan

Revenue

Lease

575.4

2,135.20

Newcastle West

Revenue

Permanent Ownership

325

Newcastle West (Limerick Office space)

Revenue

Lease

68.8

Trim

OPW

Permanent Ownership

3,600

Trim

OPW

Lease

67.8

43.00

Tullamore

Finance

Building Purchased

10,034.00

Richard Bruton

Question:

115 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the €833 million allocation for the decentralisation sub-programme in the National Development Plan by individual Departments and agencies. [17834/08]

Richard Bruton

Question:

116 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a breakdown of the €833 million allocation for the decentralisation sub-programme in the National Development Plan between Government Departments on one hand, and State agencies on the other. [17835/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 116 together.

Of the total allocation of €833 million provided in the NDP for Decentralisation, an estimate of €60 million is provided for agencies whose costs will not be funded through the OPW vote. The balance of €773 million represents the estimated cost of providing accommodation for the departments and agencies whose accommodation will be paid for by the OPW.

Property solutions are being pursued in respect of some remaining locations being funded through the OPW vote and firm scale costs will emerge on foot of actual cost proposals being received from the market. It would not be possible to give definitive costings in advance of final agreement on specific proposals. It is expected however that overall costs will remain within the published estimate figures.

Tax Yield.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

117 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the taxation yield on rental income for 2004 and for each subsequent year for which figures are available with a breakdown in each year for individuals and for companies. [17909/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is estimated as follows:

Estimated Tax Yield

Year ended

Individuals

Companies

Total

€m

€m

€m

31/12/2004

295

121

416

31/12/2005

324

124

448

31/12/2006

334

133

467

The figures shown in respect of year ended 31/12/2006 are provisional and may be revised.

The rental income could come from either private tenants or business tenants. Data are not available to distinguish between income from private rental accommodation and from other accommodation.

Data for the tax year 2007 is not yet available as the income tax returns for that year are not due for filing until October 2008 (by 17th November 2008 in the case of returns filed via ROS) and the bulk of corresponding corporation tax returns are not due for filing until September 2008.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

118 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if, in respect of Appendix D of the Green Paper on Pensions, he will provide the same information in respect of PRSAs and RACs for 2005 and subsequent years; if he will provide details of the work ongoing to garner similar information in respect of other pension holders and the details similar to Appendix D for the years that are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17912/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information available is in respect of income tax relief allowed for contributions to Retirement Annuity Contracts (RACs) and Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) for the income tax year 2005. RACs and PRSAs are available to the self-employed and to employees not in occupational pension schemes.

The information is set out in tables following this reply which provide the number of cases, amount of deduction and reduction in tax for tax relief for RACs and PRSAs for the various contribution ranges. The information is based on income returns contained in Revenue records at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes, representing about 98.5 % of all returns expected. A married couple who has elected or has deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

It is not possible to provide corresponding figures in regard to the take-up of the tax relief for pension contributions by employers and employees to occupational pension schemes as the relevant data are not captured in such a way as to make this possible.

Provisions were included in Finance Act 2004 with a view to improving data quality and transparency without overburdening taxpayers or employers. The Act includes provisions that require employers to provide data on superannuation contributions in the P35 form to be filed by employers from 2006 on. These changes have yielded additional information regarding the overall cost of tax relief for pension contributions but as the returns are aggregated at employer level they cannot provide a precise basis for measuring the potential impact on the Exchequer of proposals for changes at individual level or enable a distribution of pension tax relief across the different income cohorts to be provided.

INCOME TAX 2005

Retirement Annuity — by range of Gross Income.

Range of gross income

Totals

From

To

Number of cases

Amount of deduction

Reduction in tax

Gross Tax*

Reduction in tax as % of Gross Tax

%

9,000

1,008

1,881,903

75,498

82,740

91.2

9,000

10,000

265

374,631

30,386

33,229

91.4

10,000

12,000

657

1,025,582

134,741

190,034

70.9

12,000

15,000

1,392

2,392,161

350,206

679,108

51.6

15,000

17,000

1,323

2,233,300

352,112

842,250

41.8

17,000

20,000

2,589

4,780,514

816,857

2,287,102

35.7

20,000

25,000

5,651

11,087,382

2,080,370

7,539,642

27.6

25,000

27,000

2,715

5,668,769

1,098,028

4,696,639

23.4

27,000

30,000

4,381

9,484,765

1,880,533

9,069,509

20.7

30,000

35,000

7,751

18,261,845

4,705,878

22,318,537

21.1

35,000

40,000

7,780

20,674,562

6,003,555

30,473,740

19.7

40,000

50,000

14,363

45,816,794

14,547,614

79,144,477

18.4

50,000

60,000

12,398

48,880,951

15,565,254

95,469,140

16.3

60,000

75,000

14,057

70,245,866

25,617,798

155,121,844

16.5

75,000

100,000

13,615

99,961,110

40,744,562

235,383,899

17.3

100,000

150,000

9,892

125,055,147

52,235,223

295,482,218

17.7

150,000

200,000

3,705

81,437,198

34,165,790

184,174,412

18.6

200,000

250,000

2,240

67,483,762

28,305,769

153,550,523

18.4

Over

250,000

5,532

278,887,354

117,075,544

832,516,852

14.1

Totals

111,314

895,633,596

345,785,718

2,109,055,895

16.4

*"Gross tax" means the tax that would be due before relief is allowed for retirement annuity deductions.

INCOME TAX 2005

Personal Retirement Savings Accounts — by range of Gross Income.

Range of gross income

Totals

From

To

Number of cases

Amount of deduction

Reduction in tax

Gross Tax*

Reduction in tax as % of Gross Tax

%

9,000

99

131,880

1,331

1,655

80.4

9,000

10,000

36

44,781

4,764

5,745

82.9

10,000

12,000

59

85,072

11,937

17,987

66.4

12,000

15,000

150

233,336

32,587

63,085

51.7

15,000

17,000

149

223,139

38,841

91,737

42.3

17,000

20,000

309

508,353

91,482

285,601

32.0

20,000

25,000

672

1,222,950

234,106

964,971

24.3

25,000

27,000

341

633,141

121,908

658,814

18.5

27,000

30,000

468

909,837

182,962

1,146,859

16.0

30,000

35,000

784

1,885,268

550,654

2,586,331

21.3

35,000

40,000

748

2,020,822

673,858

3,504,921

19.2

40,000

50,000

1,231

3,918,871

1,331,798

7,816,522

17.0

50,000

60,000

1,010

4,258,348

1,460,433

8,867,772

16.5

60,000

75,000

1,152

5,832,227

2,224,524

13,755,660

16.2

75,000

100,000

1,143

8,357,350

3,448,343

20,731,795

16.6

100,000

150,000

914

10,057,040

4,219,484

28,241,781

14.9

150,000

200,000

302

5,161,334

2,166,660

15,221,998

14.2

200,000

250,000

157

3,749,842

1,572,734

10,862,836

14.5

Over

250,000

282

9,359,602

3,931,033

39,741,329

9.9

Totals

10,006

58,593,193

22,299,439

154,567,399

14.4

"Gross tax" means the tax that would be due before relief is allowed for PRSA deductions

Joan Burton

Question:

119 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government that the VAT classifications would be examined, with a view to reducing the rate of VAT applied to certain environmental goods and services. [17925/08]

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to examine the scope for reducing the VAT rate on environmental goods and services from the standard VAT rate of 21 per cent to the reduced rate of 13.5 per cent. I should mention that this is just one of a number of initiatives in the Programme aimed at delivering a cleaner environment.

When considering a change in the VAT treatment of a good or service, it is important to bear in mind that the scope for such change is derived from EU law with which Irish VAT law must comply. In this regard, the rate of VAT that applies to a particular good or service is determined by the nature of the good or service, and not by the environmental impact of the good or service. There is no provision in European VAT law that would allow the application of a reduced VAT rate on supplies of goods or services based on their environmental impact per se. However, at Community level, we support calls for the Commission to examine the potential use of reduced VAT rates in promoting environmentally friendly goods and services.

I would of course draw to the Deputy's attention that in the 2008 Finance Act the VAT rate on the supply of miscanthus rhizomes, seeds bulbs and similar inputs used for the agricultural production of biofuels was reduced from 21% to 13.5% with effect from 1 March 2008. This measure will assist in the development of agricultural production of such fuels.

National Parks.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

120 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the progress being made in the implementation of Section 5.3 of the Towards a Liffey Valley Park strategy document which recommends that the currently limited co-ordinating role of the Office of Public Works be enhanced to ensure that the strategic objectives of the strategy are placed on the national agenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17987/08]

Many of the Study's objectives can be pursued by the Local Authorities from within their own resources. Progress at a national level is dependent on provision of funding through the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Health Services.

Brian Hayes

Question:

121 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech and language therapists currently working with primary schools here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17752/08]

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75 million 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.

Mental Health Services.

David Stanton

Question:

122 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, with reference to the National Economic and Social Forum Report 36, the Senior Officials Group under the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion are responsible for the implementation of the recommendations of the report; the action which has been taken in doing

The National Economic and Social Forum's report on Mental Health and Social Inclusion is consistent with ‘A Vision for Change' which was launched in January 2006.

A key recommendation of the NESF report is the establishment of cross-departmental structures to address mental health and social inclusion. In January 2008, the Government announced the establishment of the Office for Disability and Mental Health. The Office is a cross-departmental Government office with functions in four Departments: Health and Children, Education and Science, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Director of the Office is a member of the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion.

The Office's functions include driving the recommendations of ‘A Vision for Change', bringing a new impetus to the implementation of the Report through working in partnership with the HSE and other stakeholders to achieve implementation of agreed targets. The recommendations of the NESF report will inform the work of the Office in this regard.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

123 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17988/08]

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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

124 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting time for a routine outpatient appointment in Cork University Hospital is 18 to 24 months, that due to the suffering and anxiety of this delay the National Treatment Purchase Fund allocated 100 outpatient orthopaedic referrals for 2008 which have already been filled and that a patient (details supplied) in County Cork who is awaiting a consultant appointment is in severe pain and needs treatment before an MRI scan can be undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17144/08]

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 concerning the case of the person in question.

I am aware that the National Treatment Purchase Fund is currently working closely with Cork University Hospital in order to facilitate treatment for 157 people who are on surgical in-patient waiting lists for more than 12 months.

Health Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

125 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an application from a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; if same will be dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17167/08]

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

Vaccination Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

126 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 57 of 3 April 2008, her definition of the term “shortly”, as this report has been due shortly for the past 12 months; when she expects to receive the final report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17170/08]

The Group is continuing with its consideration of this matter and I look forward to receiving its final recommendations.

Departmental Audits.

Michael Ring

Question:

127 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a value for money audit has been carried out on the work undertaken for her Department by private companies (details supplied). [17177/08]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator K.P.M.G. and McCann Fitzgerald.

The HSE has advised my Department that in the normal course of events a Value for Money audit would be carried out on completion of a particular project or assignment of work. The work in relation to the Longstay Repayments Scheme is ongoing at present.

The HSE has also advised my Department that an initial Tender and Procurement Process had been completed and a second Tender and Procurement Process was entered into to create a more competitive market environment, guided by the principle of obtaining value for money for the taxpayer. The HSE has informed my Department that they believe the result of this second Tender and Procurement Process achieved this objective. It is at the discretion of the Comptroller and Auditor General to conduct specific Value For Money audits and this applies to the Repayments Scheme also.

Health Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

128 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to services for a person (details supplied); if there are respite services available for people in this position; if there are houses where they could go and be supervised for a week's respite but where they would have the necessary supervision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17179/08]

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.

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

129 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason no orthopaedic operations are carried out in Tallaght General Hospital each Friday; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17181/08]

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. This includes decisions in relation to the scheduling of orthopaedic procedures at Tallaght Hospital. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued to the Deputy on the operational issue raised.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

130 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of claimants that have been paid under an Act (details supplied) on a county basis; the number of applications received and verified; the number of applications that have been validated but are waiting on payment; and the number of applications that have been refused. [17191/08]

The Health Service Executive has advised my Department that since the commencement of the Health Repayment Scheme in August 2006, over 36,000 applications have been received. Letters of offer have been sent to in excess of 13,000 claimants and almost 9,500 of these have been paid. The breakdown of claimants paid on a county basis is provided in the accompanying table.

The HSE have advised my Department that payments issue as soon as is practicable after the 28 day appeal period has passed provided that a valid letter of acceptance is received. The HSE have advised my Department that over 9,600 rejections have been processed in respect of these claims. The remaining claims are all being worked on and claims are concluded on a weekly basis.

County

Number of Paid Claimants

Co. Dublin

2,032

Co. Galway

474

Co. Kildare

374

Co. Meath

265

Co. Mayo

447

Co. Carlow

152

Co. Cavan

93

Co. Clare

275

Co. Cork

1,010

Co. Donegal

337

Co. Waterford

390

Co. Westmeath

205

Co. Wexford

301

Co. Wicklow

286

Co. Kerry

311

Co. Kilkenny

186

Co. Laois

206

Co. Leitrim

114

Co. Limerick

291

Co. Longford

132

Co. Louth

344

Co. Monaghan

232

Co. Offaly

163

Co. Roscommon

239

Co. Sligo

219

Co. Tipperary

399

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Jack Wall

Question:

131 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 17 April 2008, when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for their operation; if the reply received from the Health Service Executive can be determined as a directive to the National Treatment Purchase Fund from Tallaght General Hospital that files and so on in relation to the applicant will be made available to the NTPF for their processing of the case and that there will be no hold up in relation to the provision of the date for the operation other than finding a suitable hospital to carry out such an operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17198/08]

The primary remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund is to facilitate patients who are longest on waiting lists for surgery.

The scheduling of admissions is a matter for the relevant Consultant and is determined on the basis of medical priority and having regard to available capacity. The question of the treatment appropriate to the circumstances of each individual patient is a matter of clinical responsibility over which I have no control.

In the event that treatment is not readily available and should the medical condition of the person in question disimprove, their General Practitioner would be in the best position to emphasise the urgency of her case to the Consultant directly.

My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond to the Deputy directly on the operational matter raised by him.

Hospital Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

132 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 214, 375 and 433 of 2 April 2008, when the review of acute hospital services in the mid-west will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17212/08]

The HSE is undertaking a strategic review of acute hospital services in the Mid-West region. The review is focussing on identifying the most appropriate configuration of acute hospital services in the Mid-West including arrangements for A&E, critical care, acute medicine and surgery, together with diagnostic services, so that the highest quality of care can be delivered to the population. The HSE has advised my Department that the review is currently being finalised and that it will help to inform decisions on the future organisation of acute hospital and related services in the region.

General Practitioner Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

133 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to address the worsening shortage of general practitioners as highlighted by the Irish College of General Practitioners survey showing over 25% of GPs in this State have closed their practices to new patients due to pressure of work; if she will increase the number of training places for GPs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17219/08]

I am aware of the results of the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) Manpower Survey 2008.

The number of General Practitioners who are in active practice is about 2,500. This equates to approximately 0.5 GPs per 1000 of the population, a ratio that is low by comparison with other EU and OECD countries.

I recognise there is a need to increase the number of GPs to take account of the projected growth in population, the ageing of the population and the ageing of the GP workforce.

The Government has taken a number of initiatives to address this. In February, 2006 we announced that the number of medical school places for EU students would be more than doubled by 305 to 725. The number of 305 places had been in place since 1978 through successive governments. Now there will be a new graduate entry stream providing an additional 240 places and increasing the number of EU undergraduate places by 180.

A total of 170 extra medical school places have been provided between 2006 and 2007 for Irish/EU students in the existing undergraduate courses and in the new graduate entry programme. A further 95 places will be made available in 2008 with the remaining 155 places coming on stream over the next 2 years.

In 2004, it was agreed with the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) that the number of GP vocational training places should be increased from 84 to 150 on a phased basis over three years. I am informed by the HSE that to date, 36 of the additional 66 places have been provided, bringing the total number of training places annually to 120. The further increase to 150 places is being kept under review by the HSE in the light of the current budgetary situation.

There are currently 12 GP vocational training programmes in the State and these programmes are accredited by the ICGP. 376 trainees are currently participating in these programmes and the HSE has advised that this number will increase to 449 in July 2008. The HSE has indicated that there have been capacity issues within these training programmes and that this is the principal reason that it has not been possible to increase the number of training places as quickly as had been hoped. The HSE continues to work with the ICGP with a view to addressing these issues.

A joint Department of Health and Children / HSE working group on workforce planning was established in June 2006. It also includes representatives of the Departments of Finance and Education and Science, and the Higher Education Authority.

Research is currently being undertaken by FÁS on behalf of the joint working group. This research will analyse the labour market for 11 healthcare grades and professions, including GPs, and will help determine future GP training needs. FÁS is expected to complete its work by the end of 2008 when it will report its findings to the joint working group.

Departmental Funding.

Finian McGrath

Question:

134 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a group (details supplied) will be assisted with their priority matters. [17228/08]

With regard to the request for direct Irish Government funding for the exon skipping research project, there is no mechanism or budget for Government funding to U.K. health research.

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

The matters of education, training, employment, housing and transport are more appropriate to other Government Departments.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Pat Breen

Question:

135 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17231/08]

Pat Breen

Question:

136 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children when appliances will be allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17232/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 136 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. 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.

Hospital Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

137 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation where a person (details supplied) in County Cork received an appointment in the Cork University Hospital for 2 February 2009 to have their eyes examined; and if the appointment will be brought forward in view of their condition and age. [17234/08]

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 concerning the case of the person in question.

Foreign Adoptions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

138 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the lengthy delay in the greater Dublin area with regard to the assessment of appropriate candidates for inter country adoption; the number of couples and individuals in the greater Dublin area waiting on an assessment appointment; if there are sufficient social workers available to deal with the number of outstanding applications; and if she will implement policy to reduce waiting times and develop a more effective system. [17238/08]

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.

As the Deputy may be aware, requests for assessment for intercountry adoption are continuously increasing. The recent study on intercountry adoption, undertaken by the Children's Research Centre in Trinity College, revealed that Ireland has one of the highest rates for foreign adoption in Europe. In addition, as a result of the increased number of children coming from abroad, a new and increasing demand for post-adoption reports from sending countries has been created. Both assessments and post-placement reports are being undertaken by HSE social work staff.

The HSE has been assessing the provision of services in the context of moving from the health board system to a single executive. It has acknowledged that there is a divergence in the provision of services and is committed to addressing those differences. In a number of areas, the HSE has improved waiting times by contracting assessments out to non-statutory agencies with appropriate expertise.

The HSE has undertaken a review of the intercountry adoption service. This review examined staffing, business processes, resources, strengths and options within the service. The HSE has indicated that it will contact the Department shortly with a proposed strategy on the management of the service into the future based on this work and parallel discussions with professionals within the service. I would like to assure the Deputy of my attention to this issue and reiterate the importance of a rigorous and effective assessment system.

Child Care Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

139 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in an application by persons (details supplied) in County Dublin for domiciliary care for a child; if the application will be processed in view of the long delay already encountered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17240/08]

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

Medicinal Products.

Finian McGrath

Question:

140 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that a drug (details supplied) is safe; and if she will investigate this matter. [17242/08]

While no medicine is entirely without risk, the benefits of Prozac for the indications for which it is licensed far outweigh any potential associated risks.

All patients being prescribed Prozac are informed by the prescriber regarding the correct use of the product. Furthermore, all the information relating to the correct use of the product and the precautions and warnings for its use are clearly outlined in the product information and in particular the patient information which is supplied with the medicine when it is dispensed.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

141 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a psychological assessment is given to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [17246/08]

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.

Finian McGrath

Question:

142 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) will be assisted. [17254/08]

As part of the Multi-Annual Investment Programme 2006-2009 under the Disability Strategy, the Government provided the Health Service Executive with an additional €75 million 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.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

143 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if the home care attendants employed by the Health Service Executive in Kildare and west Wicklow are paid travel allowances using the eastern community works computer system; if so, the reason there is a delay in calculating the paying of travel expenses and arrears to the home help employees in Kildare and west Wicklow; if the system is programmed to pay existing employees within the HSE through the same system in view of the fact that both sets of employees are entitled to the same expenses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17257/08]

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, including the payment of travel allowances to eligible personnel, has been provided as part of its overall vote. 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Infectious Diseases.

John Deasy

Question:

144 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is expected that the final report set up by the Health Service Executive to study a cluster of hepatitis B cases which occurred at Waterford Regional Hospital and Wexford General Hospital between the period January 2005 to February 2006 will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17262/08]

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 Services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

145 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide isolation units for cystic fibrosis patients at the University Hospital, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17269/08]

I have identified the enhancement of services to persons with cystic fibrosis as a key priority over recent years. Development funding of €6.78m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive since 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of specialist staff in this area.

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.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Billy Timmins

Question:

146 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is waiting for a hip replacement; if they will have the procedure as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17275/08]

The primary remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund is to facilitate patients who are longest on waiting lists for surgery.

The scheduling of admissions is a matter for the relevant Consultant and is determined on the basis of medical priority and having regard to available capacity. The question of the treatment appropriate to the circumstances of each individual patient is a matter of clinical responsibility over which I have no control.

In the event that the treatment is not readily available and should the medical condition of the person in question disimprove, their General Practitioner would be in the best position to emphasise the urgency of her case to the Consultant directly.

My Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the matter raised.

Health Services.

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

147 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress regarding the refurbishment and upgrading of the Health Service Executive public health clinic at New Street, Malahide, County Dublin, in order to ensure that the facility is fully accessible for people with disabilities and the elderly and that the working conditions for the staff in the clinic are brought up to standard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17304/08]

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.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

148 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in relation to their claim under the health repayment scheme. [17305/08]

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

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

Hospital Services.

James Reilly

Question:

149 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when, in view of the success of the acute medical admissions unit at St. James Hospital, acute medical admissions units will be introduced to hospitals, noting an article (details supplied) which claims up to 3000 lives could be saved by the introduction of such units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17311/08]

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.

Pharmacy Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

150 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence (details supplied); her plans to address the concerns expressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17363/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

157 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received communication from pharmacists or if her attention has been drawn to such communication with the Health Service Executive indicating a cessation of services provided by pharmacists resulting from action taken by her Department and the HSE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17447/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

158 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take an initiative to resolve the ongoing dispute between herself, the Health Service Executive and the pharmacists with particular reference to the need to ensure ongoing services and facilities as provided by the pharmacist in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17448/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

175 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the contingency plans in place by her Department and the Health Services Executive to deal with the probability that pharmacists will withdraw from the community drugs scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17624/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

176 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has considered the impact on rural pharmacies of the cut in payment to pharmacists under the community drugs schemes; the plans in place to guarantee continuity of supply to patients of their medicines under the community drugs scheme in areas which may be left without a local community pharmacist arising from changes imposed by the Health Services Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17625/08]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

191 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding pharmacies arising from recent discussions between the Health Service Executive and the Irish Pharmaceutical Union; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18013/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 150, 157, 158, 175, 176 and 191 together.

I welcome the recent decision of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) to recommend that its members not proceed with their threatened withdrawal from the GMS and community drugs schemes. This decision followed intensive consultations between the IPU and officials of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health and Children.

The Government's priority has been to ensure that patients continue to receive their full entitlements under the GMS and other drugs schemes and I am pleased that this has been achieved. Both the Government and the HSE have confirmed that they recognise the IPU as the representative body for community pharmacists. An agenda has been agreed for detailed discussions between the parties commencing this week on contractual and other outstanding issues.

I established an Independent Body to assess an interim, fair community pharmacy dispensing fee. This Body is being chaired by Seán Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It has been asked to make its recommendations by the end of May 2008. The Government is pleased that there will be no disruption of pharmacy services pending the completion of the work of the Independent Body. With continued goodwill on all sides, I am confident that significant progress will be made over the next few weeks.

Hospital Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

151 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has plans to increase the number of MRI scanners at Beaumont Hospital from two to five; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17354/08]

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

Hospital Staff.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

152 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the staffing levels at each hospital maternity unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17355/08]

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. 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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

153 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the average time for payment to be made by her Department and by each agency affiliated to her Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17380/08]

I would like to inform the Deputy that my Department does not collate information in the manner set out in the question. The number of invoices processed for payment in regard to goods and services is set out in the table below. I would like to assure the Deputy that it is a policy of my Department to adhere to EU Directive 2000/35/EC in relation to prompt payment. All invoices which are authorised for payment are paid within 30 days of receipt.

Year

Invoices for Goods & Services

Invoices attracting Prompt Payment Interest

% of invoices paid within 30 days

2004

7,906

51

99.35

2005

7,115

89

98.75

2006

6,167

33

99.46

2007

5,306

13

99.75

2008

2,047

5

99.76

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Services Executive to forward information directly to the Deputy. In addition there are a number of agencies funded directly by my Department. I have requested that these agencies forward information to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Cards.

Jack Wall

Question:

154 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a full medical card will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17392/08]

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.

Vaccination Programme.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

155 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will act on the Health Information and Quality Authority’s approval of the HPV vaccine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17417/08]

The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) has undertaken a scientific assessment of the public health value of HPV following a request from my Department. NIAC and the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) agreed that this work needed to be complemented by a study of the cost effectiveness of the vaccine in the current Irish context. Accordingly, both organisations requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a study into the cost effectiveness of HPV.

I understand that HIQA has completed the study and that it is currently being considered by NCSS. When I receive the advice of the NCSS in the matter, the necessary decisions that arise from the advice will be made.

Pharmacy Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

156 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the eventual negative consequences arising from the continued conflict between herself and the Health Service Executive directed at the pharmacists; the expected reduction or cessation of services arising from the arbitrary action taken by the HSE; if her attention has further been drawn to the expected reduction in competition and delivery of services to the public in the event of the closure of a substantial number of pharmacies with particular reference to young pharmacists who were to become the driving force in the provision of such services in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17446/08]

I welcome the recent decision of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) to recommend that its members not proceed with their threatened withdrawal from the GMS and community drugs schemes. This decision followed intensive consultations between the IPU and officials of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health and Children.

The Government's priority has been to ensure that patients continue to receive their full entitlements under the GMS and other drugs schemes and I am pleased that this has been achieved. Both the Government and the HSE have confirmed that they recognise the IPU as the representative body for community pharmacists. An agenda has been agreed for detailed discussions between the parties commencing this week on contractual and other outstanding issues.

I established an Independent Body to assess an interim, fair community pharmacy dispensing fee. This Body is being chaired by Seán Dorgan, former Head of IDA Ireland. It has been asked to make its recommendations by the end of May 2008. The Government is pleased that there will be no disruption of pharmacy services pending the completion of the work of the Independent Body. With continued goodwill on all sides, I am confident that significant progress will be made over the next few weeks.

Questions Nos. 157 and 158 answered with Question No. 150.

Hospital Services.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

159 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the work of a group (details supplied) which produced a report and recommendations locally for maternity patients and their families at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; if their report was accepted by the relevant Health Service Executive manager; if leaflets were agreed and printed; the cost of same; if the leaflets have since been withdrawn from circulation to patients; if so, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17553/08]

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.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

160 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of An Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17566/08]

During the Annual Estimates process meetings are routinely held within the Department and with officials from the Department of Finance. A variety of officials attend these meetings depending on the issues involved. These meetings help to clarify outstanding issues in relation to the detail of the Estimate and the relative priorities for increased funding. As the meetings can be quite frequent and informal minutes are not kept in the ordinary course of events, but the meetings inform part of what is an ongoing dialogue in advance of final discussions on the Estimates. Towards the end of the process a meeting takes place at Ministerial level at which officials are also involved. Final figures are then agreed with the Minister for Finance for recommendation to Government and publication in the Estimates volume shortly thereafter.

Medical Cards.

Michael McGrath

Question:

161 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the medical card appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [17574/08]

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 Service Staff.

Martin Ferris

Question:

162 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will fill the vacant psychologist position at the Brothers of Charity, Kerry. [17578/08]

Martin Ferris

Question:

163 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children when the vacancy for a psychologist by the Health Service Executive in the Kerry region will be filled. [17579/08]

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

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 healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of 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.

Health Services.

Martin Ferris

Question:

164 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if there will be no financial cuts to the Health Service Executive budget regarding primary community continuous care for the Kerry area. [17580/08]

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.

Martin Ferris

Question:

165 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the delay in getting through the waiting list for repeat assessments for autistic children in the Kerry area. [17581/08]

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.

Health Service Staff.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

166 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 17 of 31 January 2008, if a recruitment pause is still in place; if this affects front line staff; the health services staff who are considered front line; if essential health services posts will be filled where vacancies are created in 2008; and the health services staff considered essential health services posts. [17590/08]

The recruitment pause put in place in September 2007 was initiated as part of the HSE financial break-even plan to facilitate the delivery of services on budget in accordance with the provisions of the 2007 National Service Plan. This pause did not involve random job cuts but did mean that the recruitment of staff to approved positions was delayed. The HSE put in place a derogation process to deal with the filling of essential posts to protect front-line services and close to 900 posts were approved under this process.

This temporary pause in recruitment ended on 31st December 2007 and any posts falling vacant from 1st January 2008 can be filled subject to the provisions of Circular 01/2008. This circular sets out the HSE Employment Control Framework for 2008 and is aimed at ensuring that health services are delivered in accordance with the provisions of the 2008 National Service Plan and within the funding provided by Government. The Employment Control Framework provides for the filling of vacancies arising in 2008, the filling of approved and funded service development posts not filled at the end of 2007 and new service developments in 2008.

An overall employment ceiling of 112,560 whole time equivalents has been set for the public health services for 2008 (111,650 adjusted for student nurses). This level of employment provides for 1,050 additional new posts arising from development funding provided by the Government in the Budget Day package for 2008. Following consideration of the requirements to deliver the priorities identified by Government in the Budget package, 1050 posts have been approved for 2008. A breakdown of these development posts is provided below.

Service

2008 Development Funding

No. of Development posts to be filled in 2008

€m

Older People

22.00

100

Palliative Care

3.00

50

Disability

49.96

710

Cancer

15.00

90

Population Health

17.96

100

Total

1,050

The filling of the above development posts are to be managed by the HSE within the employment control framework for the health services and its own circular issued in January 2008. The Executive is the appropriate body to consider the health service staff and grades which are considered front-line and essential. 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.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

167 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive north east is prepared to finalise a deal with a person (details supplied) in County Cavan for an extension to their site. [17600/08]

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.

Liz McManus

Question:

168 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there are no funds available to hospitals to discharge patients to nursing homes (details supplied). [17602/08]

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

169 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the intention is to raise standards and increase capacity and capability in laboratories here for cervical screening to ensure existing expertise is not lost and to ensure the highest standard of reporting recall and management of Irish patients; if her attention has been drawn to the dangers of loss of local expertise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17597/08]

The roll out of a national cervical screening programme is the most efficient population approach to preventing and controlling cervical cancer. The National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) is planning to roll out such a programme on a national basis and is in the final stages of preparations. The service will be available free of charge to all eligible women in Ireland aged 25-60. A national programme will provide screening in a primary care setting every three years for women aged 25-44 years and screening every five years for women aged 45-60 years. The priority is to establish a national quality assured, organised cervical screening programme and it will be implemented in line with best international practice.

All elements of the programme will be quality assured — call and recall, laboratory testing, colposcopy and will be managed to deliver a single integrated national service. A cytology procurement process is underway. This process commenced in December 2007 and the outcome of this will be announced shortly.

The vital emphasis of the procurement process has been and will be on quality of the national programme. The necessary entry criteria in choosing a cytology partner included accreditation status and that the laboratory dealt with a minimum of 25,000 smears per annum. These criteria were chosen in line with international acceptable criteria for cervical screening programmes. The NCSS will ensure that the laboratory elements will be delivered in an efficient and cost effective manner and with high quality and acceptable turn-around time for results and so avoid unacceptably long delays for routine cervical smear test results as a priority.

The specific question raised by the Deputy in relation to standards, capacity and capability of cytology laboratories relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

170 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the new national paediatric hospital at the Mater Hospital can only be built once the newly proposed adult hospital at the Mater is completed; the proposed timeframe for the construction of both new hospitals at the Mater; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17605/08]

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has responsibility for planning, designing, building, furnishing and equipping the new national paediatric hospital. The Health Service Executive is working closely with the Development Board in progressing the project. My Department has asked the HSE to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the specific issues raised.

Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

171 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the Office for Disability and Mental Health. [17610/08]

Dan Neville

Question:

172 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of the members of the Office for Disability and Mental Health. [17611/08]

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

In January 2008, the Government announced the establishment of the Office for Disability and Mental Health to support the Minister for Disability & Mental Health in exercising their responsibilities across four Government Departments: Health & Children, Education & Science, Enterprise, Trade & Employment and Justice, Equality & Law Reform.

The new Office brings together responsibility for a range of different policy areas and State services which directly impact on the lives of people with a disability and people with mental health issues. The Office will aim to bring about improvements in the manner in which services respond to the needs of people with disabilities and mental health issues, by working to develop person-centred services, focussing on the holistic needs of clients and service users and actively involving them in their own care.

Very substantial progress has been made in recent years in the areas of disability and mental health, but much remains to be done. In particular, there is a need to improve co-ordination and communication across different Government Departments and agencies in their delivery of services to this client group. This will be the main focus for the new Office in the coming months.

The key priorities for the Office for Disability and Mental Health are:

supporting the implementation of the Health Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The Office will focus in particular on facilitating the delivery of integrated health and education support services for children with special needs, by further developing existing mechanisms for co-operation and co-ordination between the health and education sectors, both at national and local level;

developing an appropriate continuum of training and employment support services for people with a disability by working together with the Dept. of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, FAS and the HSE;

bringing a new impetus to the implementation of A Vision for Change, working in partnership with the HSE and other stakeholders to achieve implementation of agreed targets.

Achieving greater cooperation between the health and justice sectors on matters relating to people with mental illness who come before the Courts, who are in the prison system or in the Central Mental Hospital.

The Director of the Office for Disability and Mental Health is Bairbre Nic Aongusa, formerly Deputy Director of the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC). During her time in the OMC, Ms Nic Aongusa engaged extensively in the type of cross-agency and cross-Departmental work that is now required to achieve real progress in disability and mental health. She brings that experience and expertise with her to the new Office, in addition to her experience as a senior manager in the Department of Health & Children over several years. The Director of the Office is a member of the Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion, which monitors progress on the Government's commitments in relation to social policy. The Government has also agreed that meetings will be held on a quarterly basis between the Minister for Disability and Mental Health, the four Secretary Generals of the relevant Departments and the Director of the new Office, to review progress in the priority areas. The staff of the Office were drawn from within existing resources as per Government policy on public service numbers.

In conclusion, the Government's decision to establish the Office for Disability and Mental Health reflects its commitment to developing a more coherent and integrated response to the needs of people with disabilities and mental health issues. It recognises that clients and service users need to be at the centre of service delivery and that we may need to examine the way in which services are currently delivered to ensure that is the case. To effectively achieve this requires a cross-Departmental, cross-agency response. The designation of a Minister of State with responsibility for Disabilities and Mental Health and the establishment of an Office for Disability and Mental Health will facilitate cross-agency and cross-departmental working and enable us to deliver real benefits to clients and service users into the future.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

173 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of child adolescents on the psychiatric waiting list. [17612/08]

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.

Dan Neville

Question:

174 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 275 of 17 April 2008 in relation to the number of in-patient psychiatric beds for years 2000 to 2006, the areas of the reduction of 850 beds in that period under the criteria of acute beds and long stay beds; and if there was a reduction on long stay, the locations where the patients were re-located to. [17613/08]

According to the Health Research Board the reduction in the number of in-patient psychiatric beds for the years 2000 to 2006 has been entirely in long-stay beds. There has been no decline in acute beds. Since the establishment of the Health Service Executive in 2004 and the splitting of some catchment areas it is not possible to compare data between the former health board areas and the HSE areas.

The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, ‘A Vision for Change', which was launched in January 2006 and represents Government policy, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health services for a seven to ten year period. The Report recommends that steps be taken to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and the reinvestment of the resources released by these closures in mental health service. It emphasises that this process should take place on a phased basis with wards closing sequentially and that hospitals can only close when the clinical needs of the remaining patients have been addressed in more appropriate settings such as additional community residences, day hospitals and day centres. Currently, there are approximately 400 community psychiatric residences in the country providing over 3,000 places.

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.

Questions No. 175 and 176 answered with Question No. 150.

Health Service Staff.

Richard Bruton

Question:

177 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that since changes have been made in the supply arrangements for specialist stockings for persons with acute swelling, medical card holders are having difficulty in obtaining service for lack of trained nurses to do the required measurement for fittings as in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [17628/08]

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. 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 Staff.

Michael Creed

Question:

178 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will guarantee that a third consultant surgeon will be available to Mallow General Hospital on a permanent basis for the period after 31 May, 2008 when the current arrangements expire; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17645/08]

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

Health Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

179 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will produce a copy of an agreement referred to recently (details supplied); if she will verify whether this document exists; and if so, if she will produce a copy of same. [17648/08]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

180 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost to her Department of implementing the pay roll system within her Department and within bodies under her Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17718/08]

The following table indicates the cost of updating and maintaining the payroll system in my Department from 2004 to the present. These costs include maintenance, support, licensing and training but do not include hardware.

Year

Cost

2004

21,034.89

2005

25,267.47

2006*

94,155.78

2007

31,055.32

2008 to date

29,585.92

*In 2006, an on-line payslip facility was implemented and the disaster recovery infrastructure was updated and enhanced.

The position regarding the HSE and other agencies is a matter for the agencies themselves. My Department is asking them to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.

Health Services.

John Cregan

Question:

181 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children when funding of €1,500,000 will be made available to a foundation (details supplied) in County Cork by the Health Service Executive in view of the fact that this allocation was made in Budget 2008 and no funding has been drawn down to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17723/08]

As part of service improvements in the health system, a sum of €1.5million is provided in Budget 2008 for the organisation (details supplied). The drawing down of this funding is a matter between the Health Service Executive and the organisation (details supplied).

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

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

182 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the recently published OECD report in relation to the Health Reform Plan for hospitals in the north east which recommended that the Government reviews the idea of a centralised single acute hospital for the north east and consider the possibility of having two hospitals in the region. [17726/08]

The OECD review of the Irish Public Service report entitled Ireland Towards an Integrated Public Service, was launched by the Taoiseach on Monday 28 April and includes a Case Study on the reconfiguration of the Hospital Services in the North East. I think it is important to note that the OECD state that the health sector Case Study does not purport to be a full analysis or review of wider issues relating to health care in Ireland or a commentary on health service provision generally in Ireland.

The OECD note that the health of the Irish is good and improving at an exceptionally rapid pace. Ireland is the European country which had the most spectacular increase in its life expectancy at birth since 1990: almost five years in 15 years, an average of four months a year. The OECD recommend that there should be a focus on longer-term outcomes such as life expectancy to measure the performance of the health system.

The Report emphasises the need to deal with the reforms of primary and community care in tandem with the reconfiguration of hospitals if the overall vision is to be realised. In order to ensure the model is the optimum given the specific characteristics of the region, it suggests taking a broader look at international systems, including systems that are similar in terms of their needs, in order to examine different patterns of hospital requirements in the North East.

The OECD took the view that this may include the possibility of having two hospitals, one regional, and one general. It may equally be that the outcome of such an examination would be a reaffirmation of the plan for one acute hospital for the region. At this point no decisions have been made by the Government or by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the future location of the new hospital. The immediate task for the HSE is to ensure that services in the region are organised to optimise patient safety. The first step in the development of a fully integrated regional health service is to ensure that the people of the North East have local access to both routine planned care and immediate life saving emergency care. Over the next few years, in preparation for all acute emergency in-patient care and complex planned care being provided at a regional centre, the existing five hospitals will continue to improve services by further merger of their acute care specialties.

Finally, I would like to draw attention to the fact that the OECD confirm that policy objectives of the proposal to reconfigure hospital services in the North East are based on sound principles: "Clinically, the reform programme makes sense and will lead to safer, better quality treatment options for citizens". There is also an acceptance that there is a clear vision within the HSE regarding how health care services in the North East will be delivered following final implementation of all reforms.

Care of the Elderly.

Damien English

Question:

183 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to a reduction in the number of day care visits being afforded to senior citizens at a centre (details supplied) in County Meath; if she will request the Health Service Executive to increase the number of visits that senior citizens can make in order to ensure that adequate physiotherapy, occupational therapy, blood pressure, blood sugar monitoring and other medical services can be afforded to those who use the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17697/08]

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.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

184 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when a response will issue to this Deputy in relation to correspondence (details supplied). [17727/08]

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

Hospital Charges.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

185 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the way the terms a contract bed in a private nursing home and long stay maintenance charges are defined in primary legislation, regulation or guidelines issued by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17731/08]

Section 53 of the Health Act, 1970, (as amended by the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005) provides, inter alia, for the levying of a charge where in-patient services have been provided for a period of not less than 30 days or for periods aggregating not less than 30 days within the previous 12 months.

The charges are implemented by way of the Health (Charges for In-Patient Services) Regulations 2005. These regulations provide for the maximum charge to be levied on either class of person. The HSE has the power to reduce or waive a charge on the grounds of "undue hardship". Under Section 1(b) of the Health (Amendment) Act, 2005, the HSE can examine a person's overall financial situation in view of the person's reasonable expenditure in relation to themselves or their dependants, if any. It is a matter for the HSE, based on its own legal advice and taking into account the individual circumstances as well as the service being provided, to make a decision on any charges levied.

The term "contract bed" is not defined in primary legislation, regulation or by way of departmental guidelines. The term "private nursing home" is defined in the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 (as amended). I have arranged for copies of the relevant legislation to be sent to the Deputy. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to point out that it is intended to ultimately replace the arrangements for funding public nursing home beds, contract beds and private nursing home subventions with a single, uniform system of financial support, namely A Fair Deal.

Health Service Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

186 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in appointing a replacement public health nurse (details supplied); and if she will ensure that there is no further delay. [17728/08]

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. 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.

Proposed Legislation.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

187 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to clarify and update legislation on eligibility for health and personal social services; if it is intended to address eligibility for chiropodity services, in the context of that legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17732/08]

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is currently preparing legislation to provide for clear statutory provisions on eligibility for health and personal social services. The aim is to produce a clear set of statutory provisions that ensure equity and transparency and to bring the system up to date with developments in service delivery and technology that have occurred since the Health Act 1970. The legislation will define specific health and personal social services more clearly; set out who should be eligible for what services, as well as criteria for eligibility; establish when and in what circumstances charges may be made and provide for an appeals framework. My Department is currently examining the range of services that will be defined in legislation. It is expected that proposals will be brought to Government during 2008.

Health Service Staff.

Damien English

Question:

188 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of new positions created within the Health Service Executive for each of the years from 2004 to date in 2008; and the breakdown per grade category of same in tabular readable form. [17706/08]

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 healthcare professionals employed in the public health services. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of 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.

However, the Deputy may wish to note that the increases in the numbers employed in the public health service by grade category, from end 2004 to March 2008, are as follows:

Table 1: Health Service Employment 2002-20081 (source: Health Service Personnel Census)

Grade category

2004

% Diff. between 2004 and 2003

2005

% Diff. between 2005 and 2004

2006

% Diff. between 2006 and 2005

2007

% Diff. between 2007 and 2006

Mar-08

% Diff. between 2007 and Mar 2008

Medical/Dental

7,013

3.30%

7,263

3.56%

7,712

6.18%

8,005

3.80%

8,007

0.02%

Nursing

34,313

1.65%

35,243

2.71%

36,737

4.24%

39,006

6.18%

38,047

-2.46%

Health & Social Care Profess

12,830

1.30%

13,927

8.55%

14,913

7.08%

15,705

5.31%

15,681

-0.15%

Mngmt./Admin.

16,157

2.60%

16,680

3.24%

17,262

3.49%

18,043

4.52%

17,930

-0.63%

General Support Staff

13,771

-0.38%

13,215

-4.04%

12,910

-2.31%

12,900

-0.08%

12,873

-0.21%

Other Patient & Client Care

14,640

7.32%

15,580

6.42%

16,739

7.44%

17,846

6.61%

17,759

-0.49%

Total

98,723

2.39%

101,908

3.23%

106,273

4.28%

111,505

4.92%

110,297

-1.08%

Notes

1 Excludes Home Helps.

2 Management/ Administrative includes staff who are of direct service to the public and include Consultant's Secretaries, Out-Patient Departmental Personnel, Medical Records Personnel, Telephonists and other staff who are engaged in front-line duties together with staff in the following categories Payroll, Human Resource Management (including training), Service Managers, IT Staff, General Management Support and Legislative and Information requirements.

3 The methodology under which employment figures are compiled changed during the course of 2007 with the addition of personnel not previously included in subsumed agencies such as the Health Service Executive-EA (HSEA), the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (GMSPB), Health Boards Executive (HeBe) and the Office for Health Management (now part of the HR function) together with many other posts in projects or post previously excluded such as HRBS/PPARS and Value-for-Money posts (all of which are largely in the Management/Administrative stream) together with the inclusion of student nurses and chaplains. This change was undertaken to represent health service employment on a like-for-like basis with employment ceilings and to more accurately represent a reconfigured health service's employment information. As a result of this change year-on-year figures are not comparable.

4 Caution should be exercised in making grade category comparisons due to changes in category composition over time.

5 Student nurses are included in the 2007 and 2008 employment ceiling on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment levels adjusted for student nurses on the above basis are 110,664 wte (Dec 07) and 110,156 wte (Mar 08).

Damien English

Question:

189 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed within the Health Service Executive as of 1 May 2008; and the breakdown per grade category in tabular readable form. [17707/08]

The main source of employment data in the health services is the Health Service Executive's Health Services Personnel Census which is derived from payroll history in each agency. The census collects data on actual staffing level for each staff grade in each health agency at a given point in time. Up to and including 2002 the census was conducted annually. Since 2003 the census has been carried out quarterly at the end of March, June, September and December each year. The data referred to in the question are unavailable as yet, however, the latest census data from the end of March are set out in the following table (source: Health Service Personnel Census):

Health Service Personnel Census by Grade Category

Grade Category

31/03/2008

Medical/Dental

8,007

of which Consultants

2,214

Nursing

38,047

Health and Social Care Professionals

15,681

Management/Admin

17,930

General Support Staff

12,873

Other Patient and Client Care

17,759

Total

110,297

Notes

1 Excludes Home Help.

2 Management/ Administrative includes staff who are of direct service to the public and include Consultant's Secretaries, Out-Patient Departmental Personnel, Medical Records Personnel, Telephonists and other staff who are engaged in front-line duties together with staff in the following categories Payroll, Human Resource Management (including training), Service Managers, IT Staff, General Management Support and Legislative and Information requirements

3 Student nurses are included in the 2008 employment ceiling on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment level adjusted for student nurses on the above basis is 110,091 wte.

Hospital Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

190 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to have a person (details supplied) admitted to the Eye and Ear Hospital to have an important procedure carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17738/08]

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. 191 answered with Question No. 150.

Health Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

192 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if they will be seen as matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18014/08]

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.

Medical Cards.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

193 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children when the income limits for medical cards were last increased; her views on whether the limits should be further increased; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18020/08]

Since the beginning of 2005, the qualification guidelines for medical card eligibility have increased by a cumulative 29% (7.5% and 20% in January and October 2005 respectively). The Agreed 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.

In conjunction with the development of a new legislative framework to provide for clear statutory provisions on eligibility for health and personal social services, my Department is reviewing the assessment criteria in the context of financial, medical and social need in line with the commitment in Towards 2016. A Steering Group has been established which is expected to complete this work in autumn 2008. It is my intention to then consider how best to progress the commitments in the Agreed Programme for Government in relation to medical card eligibility.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

194 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting times for speech and language services for adults in each Health Service Executive local health office in Dublin City and County, in each year over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17755/08]

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.

James Reilly

Question:

195 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting times for occupational therapy services for adults in each Health Service Executive local health office in Dublin City and County, in each year over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17756/08]

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

James Reilly

Question:

196 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting times for orthodontic treatment for adults in each health Service Executive local health office in Dublin City and County, in each year over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17757/08]

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.

General Practitioner Services.

James Reilly

Question:

197 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of general practitioners per county, in each year over the past 10 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17758/08]

The Irish College of General Practitioners has informed my Department that the number of General Practitioners (GPs) who are in active practice is about 2,500. GPs working in the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme hold a contract with the Health Service Executive (HSE). Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to examine this matter and to provide the available information directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

198 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the allocation to each of the major acute hospitals in Dublin for the years 1997 to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17761/08]

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.

Child Care Services.

Seán Ardagh

Question:

199 Deputy Seán Ardagh asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the investigation on child care facilities (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17763/08]

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

Hospital Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

200 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in providing for additional kidney dialysis capacity in County Kilkenny and in County Limerick; her views on the failure to reach timeframe targets; if she has plans to withdraw the contracts and provide the service through other means; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17766/08]

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.

My Department is aware that the HSE undertook a National Renal Review to inform the approach to the future development of renal services. The Report of the Review Group was completed over a year ago and developments in renal services have since been guided by the thinking in the report. The Renal Review Group identified the need for the early introduction of a follow-on implementation plan. The HSE has decided that such a plan needs to be aligned with its Transformation Programme. The HSE has further determined that the Report of the Review Group should be reviewed by an external expert/consultancy and arrangements are to be put in place to this effect.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

201 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will assist in the case of a person (details supplied). [17767/08]

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.

Billy Timmins

Question:

202 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if home help will be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17772/08]

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.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

203 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17813/08]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

204 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a home care package will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17814/08]

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.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

205 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card application review will be processed in the case of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17815/08]

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.

Departmental Properties.

Bernard Allen

Question:

206 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a recent report (details supplied) that the National Director of Estates in the Health Service Executive has issued an instruction that assets and properties may not be disposed of at present. [17824/08]

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.

Alcohol Consumption.

Bernard Allen

Question:

207 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on recent figures published by the Health Service Executive which show that in 2007 there was a rise in alcohol consumption here for the first time in four years. [17825/08]

Earlier this year the Health Service Executive obtained provisional alcohol consumption data from the Revenue Commissioners which indicated an increase of 2.7% in per capita alcohol consumption for 2007 compared to 2006. The 2006 Census population figure was used in this calculation. The Central Statistics Office recently released its population estimate for 2007 which showed an increase on 2006. Based on this estimate, the per capita alcohol consumption rate seems to have increased by 0.21% in 2007 over 2006. This figure remains provisional pending final alcohol consumption data from the Revenue Commissioners later this year.

I remain concerned that the per capita alcohol consumption rate in Ireland is well above the EU average. Reducing our consumption levels is key to tackling alcohol related harm in Ireland. The Government will continue to identify, promote and support measures to achieve this aim.

Medical Research.

Bernard Allen

Question:

208 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on a recent report into stem cell therapies prepared by the Irish Council for Bioethics which calls for research to be carried out on human embryos. [17826/08]

The report referred to by the Deputy has just been received by my Department and it is currently being examined and considered.

Health Service Staff.

Bernard Allen

Question:

209 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on recent comments made by medical experts that the shortage of general practitioners here is one of the reasons there are major bottlenecks in introducing a feasible and affordable health care system as contained in the report Social Health Insurance: Further Options for Ireland. [17827/08]

The Report referred to by the Deputy, Social Health Insurance: Further Options for Ireland, was published by the Adelaide Hospital Society on 16 April 2008 as a contribution to the debate on the health care system in Ireland. As part of its examination, the report looks at the supply of General Practitioners and other medical professionals in Ireland. My Department is currently considering this report.

Disease Screening Programme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

210 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to introduce a programme whereby all patients over 65 years of age should be tested for Alzheimer’s disease (details supplied). [17828/08]

Alzheimer disease is the most common form of dementia in Ireland. It is characterised by progressive, and almost always, irreversible decline in mental functioning. The condition has no single cause and, as yet, no single cure. It has a life changing physical, emotional and mental impact on the affected person and their primary carer and family. It is largely, but not exclusively, a condition of older age. While dementia is not solely related to age, it does affect 5% of people over 65 years with the figure rising to 20% over 80 years of age.

The case for any new screening programme would have to be carefully assessed against international criteria for the application of such programmes. These would include, for example, the ability to reliably predict the disease earlier than would present normally. The question of intervening earlier to change the course of the disease would also have to be determined, prior to the introduction of any effective programme. My Department is obviously familiar with the various and complex evolving issues associated with bringing about improvements in the detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. In this context, my Department will keep the issue of an effective screening programme in this regard under close review. It is important that information, care and support are made available as early as possible and this is what services try to achieve.

Mental Health Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

211 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on recent disclosures that several mental health projects funded in 2006 and 2007 will not come on stream until later in 2008 at the earliest; and the projects these are. [17829/08]

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 Service Staff.

Bernard Allen

Question:

212 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to deal with the situation whereby 6,000 health care workers face fatal hazards from needle stick injuries. [17830/08]

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to have delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services in a safe and secure setting. The Executive is therefore the appropriate body to consider the matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued to the Deputy.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

213 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the criteria taken into consideration when awarding the rural practice allowance. [17838/08]

Payments to General Practitioners (GPs) under the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme are made by the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) section of the Health Service Executive (HSE). This includes payments in respect of the Rural Practice Allowance. 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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Finian McGrath

Question:

214 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support persons (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [17844/08]

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 Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

215 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a request from a group (details supplied). [17845/08]

I attended a meeting with this group in February of this year during which facilities for patients with cystic fibrosis at Temple Street and Beaumont Hospitals were discussed. A detailed proposal in this regard is due to be submitted, on behalf of the group, to the Health Service Executive for consideration.

Hospital Procedures.

John O'Mahony

Question:

216 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of mastectomy procedures were carried out in Mayo General Hospital in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17858/08]

John O'Mahony

Question:

222 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of breast surgeries carried out in Mayo General Hospital in 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17885/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 222 together.

Data on surgical cancer procedures is collated by the Hospital In-patient Enquiry System (HIPE). The information is supplied by all public hospitals to the Economic and Social Research Institute. The HIPE system collects information on all discharges and deaths. The HIPE analysis counts every occurrence of those procedures where the patient has a principal diagnosis of breast cancer, and so may include more than one procedure per person.

The data provided by Mayo General Hospital shows that in 2006, 43 surgical procedures were carried out on women with a principal diagnosis of breast cancer. The HIPE data for 2007 for Mayo General Hospital is almost 90% complete and shows 35 procedures. Data for 2008 has yet to be collated.

Health Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

217 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the provision of podiatry footwear for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17869/08]

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.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Ulick Burke

Question:

218 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to her and the Health Service Executive west’s proposals for the provision a new health campus and step down facilities on the site of the Grove Hospital at Tuam, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17873/08]

The Government's sustained high level of investment in health care has enabled the completion and commissioning of numerous new facilities in both the acute and the non-acute sectors. This year, overall capital funding of approximately €594m has been provided to the Health Service Executive.

In drawing up its Capital Plan the Health Service Executive is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects to be progressed within its overall capital funding allocation under the National Development Plan 2007-2013, taking account of the NDP targets for division of capital investment between the Acute and Primary, Community & Continuing Care pillars. The HSE has submitted a draft Capital Plan to my Department for consideration and approval in the normal way which sets out the HSE's proposed short and longer-term priorities and commitments. Consultation on this draft Capital Plan is ongoing between the HSE, the Department of Finance and my Department.

Children in Care.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

219 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps her Department will take on the continuing issue of 278 separated children who entered the country as unaccompanied minors and who have gone missing while under the care of the Health Service Executive; her views on whether the human rights of these children have not been vindicated; and if she is in a position to state that the children involved are not in danger of involvement in circumstances such as the abuses associated with human trafficking. [17881/08]

Separated children seeking asylum going missing from care is not a phenomenon unique to Ireland. Evidence from other countries indicates this is a substantial problem.

Most of the unaccompanied minors in Ireland are placed in the care of the Health Service Executive under the Child Care Act, 1991. My Department has asked the HSE to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of these young people. The HSE has assured my Department that all possible steps are taken to protect these children within the resources available. The 2001 "Policy on Absence without Leave" is being followed in respect of these children. Each child who goes missing is reported, (on an agreed template with photograph and physical description), to the following: Local Garda Station; Garda National Immigration Bureau; Child Care Manager (for circulation throughout the country); Supt. Community Welfare Officer, Asylum Seekers Unit (for flagging on the National Social Welfare record system); Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (for circulation to other relevant asylum process agencies); and Local services notified.

New national protocols regarding missing children are currently being drafted and will be finalised shortly. The HSE are in consultation with the Garda Missing Persons Bureau on this matter.

The HSE are devising a National Policy, including an operational policy, for separated children. This is being finalised and it is understood to include the principle that all children in the care of the HSE should receive the same standard of care whether they be separated children seeking asylum or indigenous children in care. The policy will also reflect the principle of good practice that younger children under 12 should be placed in foster care with older less vulnerable young people placed in residential care as appropriate. The implementation of such a policy through the enhanced level of care should have a significant impact on the numbers of such young people going missing from the care of the HSE.

Mental Health Services.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

220 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the response she proposes to make to that part of the Council of Europe‘s Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Thomas Hammarberg’s report on his visit to Ireland that refers to the large number of children with psychiatric needs who continue to be treated in adult circumstances and his further comment that the placing of such children in adult facilities is in breach of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child, which Ireland has ratified. [17882/08]

Commissioner Hammarberg's Report recommended inter alia that adequately resourced separate facilities and services be provided for minor psychiatric patients, and that early intervention at a local level should be made possible for such children.

The response to that recommendation in the report indicated that: "Government policy for the development of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services is outlined in "A Vision for Change". It recommends the recruitment of additional Child and Adolescent Multidisciplinary Mental Health Teams and the development of additional in-patient accommodation.

In 2008 eight additional Multidisciplinary Teams will be recruited and 18 additional beds provided. Construction of two 20 bed units (in Cork and Galway) for children and adolescents will also commence".

Dan Neville

Question:

221 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 166 of 26 February 2008 if the Health Service Executive has completed a cost benefit analysis under the Capital Appraisal Guidelines on the re-development of the Central Mental Hospital facility. [17884/08]

A cost benefit analysis of the new national forensic mental health facility at Thornton Hall, Co. Dublin is currently being undertaken, and the results are expected shortly.

Question No. 222 answered with Question No. 216.

Care of the Elderly.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

223 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will release funds for a home care package for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 18; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17897/08]

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.

Medical Qualifications.

Jack Wall

Question:

224 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a decision has been reached by the medical academy on the registration of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17989/08]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the application which was the subject of earlier questions on 7 February and 17 April 2008 on the recognition of professional qualifications.

The Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (AMLS) is the competent authority for the implementation of the EU Directive on the recognition of professional qualifications in medical laboratory science. I am advised by officials in my Department that the AMLS will issue a letter to the Deputy and to the applicant this week.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

225 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of claimants who have appealed the amounts offered to them under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006; the number of appeals that have been successful; and the number of appeals that have resulted in the moneys offered remaining the same. [18000/08]

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 Appeals Office has informed my Department that up to 2 May 2008 the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office had received 650 completed appeal forms from claimants who have appealed the amounts offered to them. Decisions have issued in 259 of these cases and 171 of these decisions will result in an increased offer to the claimant while 88 of these decisions have resulted in the amounts offered remaining the same.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

226 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by her Department and the agencies under the aegis of her Department. [18118/08]

As the Deputy will be aware my Department is not one of the Departments scheduled for decentralisation under the Government's Decentralisation Programme. To date fifty-four civil servants have transferred to decentralising Departments from my Department. Further details in respect of the transfer of these officers are available from the decentralising Departments.

Traffic Management.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

227 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if he has had discussions with the Office of Public Works or the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government to discuss the provision of public service car park spaces in Dublin; if he has plans to promote a sustainable transport policy for Government Departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18005/08]

My intention is to publish a Sustainable Travel and Transport Action Plan before the end of the year and my Department is currently considering a wide range of policy options.

The development of the Action Plan is a cross-cutting initiative and there is already substantial engagement with other Government Departments, including the Office of Public Works, which is the key player in allocation of Government buildings, with their associated car spaces. My Department will engage in detailed bilateral discussions with the Office of Public Works on a range of issues in the next month and I expect that public service car park spaces will feature in those discussions.

I believe that the public service, in its widest sense, must strive to become an example of best practice in relation to sustainable travel and transport.

Coastal Protection.

Joe McHugh

Question:

228 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to a 60 year old agreement signed by the British and Irish Governments insisting that Malin Head Coastguard Station must always remain open for the safety of seafarers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17272/08]

I refer the Deputy to previous Dáil Question No: 251 on Tuesday, 29th April, 2008. The position remains the same.

The Coast Guard Radio Station at Malin Head is not being closed, and therefore, no issue would arise in relation to an agreement as outlined above. The question of relocation of the Rescue Co-Ordination function is still under consideration.

Rail Services.

Joe McHugh

Question:

229 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if in view of the fact that the majority of cargo freight lands on the east coast and that Ireland does not have the necessary infrastructure to deal with the distribution of this cargo, with only 3% of goods transported by rail, there are plans to use rail in a pro-active way to distribute such goods, or if there are plans to use ports in the north west coast such as Lisahally in Derry or Greencastle for landing of cargo freight; his views on whether Ireland should be exploring the greater use of sea freight as a solution to congestion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17273/08]

Ireland, as an island, is dependent on seaborne trade. Our ports are vital gateways for commercial freight and sea passengers, with over 95% by volume of the island's overseas trade going by sea. Naturally given the State's geographic position the majority of the State's port capacity is located on the East and South coasts.

The position in relation to rail freight is that Iarnród Éireann continues to pursue a policy of growing its rail freight business where opportunities present such as in bulk and trainload traffic (where a company hires the entire train for a rail freight journey) and it has made progress in growing the rail freight business in areas where it holds a competitive advantage over road haulage, for example in the movement of mineral ore and pulpwood.

With regard to the promotion of the use of sea freight, there are a number of EU funded programmes, namely Marco Polo II and Motorways of the Sea, which are available to any enterprise. The Irish Maritime Development Office promotes these programmes and publishes full details on its website www.imdo.ie . The IMDO is available to encourage and assist with any application under these programmes.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

230 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17384/08]

The following table sets out the average lead time for all payments made by the Department of Transport for goods and services in the years 2004 to 2007 and until the end of April in 2008. The average time for payments by the agencies would be a matter for the bodies themselves.

Year

Average Time for Payment (Days)

2004

13.0

2005

9.9

2006

7.6

2007

6.9

2008 (to end April)

5.7

State Airports.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

231 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport his view on the impact that the debt inferred upon the Cork Airport Authority will have on investment in the greater Cork area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16768/08]

While the airport authority does not have direct responsibility for promoting investment in the Cork region, one of the policy objectives in separating out Cork airport is to enable an independent airport, operating to a commercial mandate, to assist in the economic and tourist based development of its catchment area.

Some €180 million has been spent on a capital investment programme at Cork Airport, in recent years, effectively creating a new Cork airport for the benefit of the region. Passenger traffic at the airport has grown significantly in recent years increasing from about 2.2 million in 2003 to 3.2 million in 2007.

I am satisfied that the Cassells report, which has been accepted by both the Cork Airport Authority and the Dublin Airport Authority provides the Cork Airport Authority with a strong funding base post separation.

Traffic Management.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

232 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recently published Value for Money and Policy Review of the Traffic Management Grants Scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17554/08]

My views on this Value for Money and Policy Review are contained in my Department's response to the Review Report. This response was published at the same time as the Review Report, and is available in the Oireachtas Library and on my Department's website.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

233 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of An Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17570/08]

The Question impinges on matters internal to Cabinet. The only meetings of the category set out in the question were those involving the Taoiseach and Ministers and therefore the question relates to matters which are internal to Government.

Traffic Management.

Joan Burton

Question:

234 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the distress caused to local parents as a result of significant HGV traffic outside a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if he will proceed with measures to reduce and minimise the impact of this HGV traffic on pupils attending the school and their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17622/08]

I have no function in relation to the application of traffic management or traffic calming measures at local level.

It is a matter for the road authority, Meath County Council, to assess the road safety situation in respect of that location and to determine if the situation warrants the application of any particular traffic management measures, for example traffic calming, a periodic speed limit, or restrictions on access to a particular public road.

Air Services.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

235 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Irish citizens availing of flight services in the US could be at risk from failings in maintenance in the US and that the failure in maintenance was acknowledged in US Senate hearings on the part of the US supervisory authority; if he will confirm that the efficiency of arrangements for the rigorous enforcement of maintenance standards have been re-examined in view of these failings in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17641/08]

I am aware of the matter that the Deputy refers to. As I indicated in my reply to Dail Question No. 155 on 23 April 2008 safety oversight of civil aviation in Ireland is the responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) under the Irish Aviation Act 1993.

The IAA carries out rigorous surveillance and enforcement in the conduct of its safety oversight functions. Furthermore the standards applied and the quality of the surveillance is subject to standardisation inspection by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on behalf of the EU Commission. The IAA is subject to several of these inspections per annum on a repetitive basis. These standardisation inspections are detailed and rigorous and provide independent assurance of the standards applied by the Authority.

My responsibility in relation to the safety functions of the Authority arises under Section 32 of the 1993 Act, which requires me periodically, to commission an examination of the performance by the company of its functions insofar as they relate to the application and enforcement of technical and safety standards in relation to aircraft and air navigation. The most recent examination took place in 2004 and concluded that there is a general, positive and proactive attitude and competence vis-à-vis safety and the maintenance of a high safety level. I intend to commission a further independent audit of the company's performance this year.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

236 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the cost to his Department of implementing the pay roll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17722/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is set in the table below.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 (to date)

Hardware/Software/Maintenance

35,454

1,118

163,617

3,373

55,265

Staffing

146,592

164,290

157,583

178,286

58,229

The significant increase in spending in 2006 reflects a full system upgrade, installation of CorePension system, increased operational support and the costs of incorporating staff from the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources onto my Department's payroll system. Staffing costs are calculated on the basis of the numbers and grades of staff based on the mean of scale. Data in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the bodies concerned.

US Customs Facilities.

Pat Breen

Question:

237 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on his recent visit to Washington; if he discussed the proposed extension to the US customs and border protection facility with his US counterparts; if progress has been made on finalising agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17729/08]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey) In the course of my recent visit to Washington I met Mr. Michael Chertoff, Secretary of Homeland Security to discuss progress on the negotiation of US proposals for the provision of preclearance facilities at Dublin and Shannon Airports, submitted to my Department in late December 2007.
While the content of the discussions must remain confidential, I now look forward to making good progress with the US authorities. Preclearance will require the conclusion of an Inter-Governmental Agreement with the US and new legislation. Given that the matter is under negotiation it is too early to say exactly when the Agreement will be finalized. However, subject to Government approval, I would currently target the end of year for the agreement and legislation to be in place.

Rail Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

238 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if studies in the Kildare route project railways order have been completed; if they have not been completed, when these studies will be completed and published by the railway undertaking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17768/08]

I am informed by Iarnród Éireann that the position in relation to the studies referred to by the Deputy is that work has started on the study under Condition Number 5 while discussions have taken place with Dublin Bus under Condition Number 12. Neither study has yet been completed.

Public Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

239 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which targets and costings set in the context of Transport 21 are expected to be met on time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17788/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Dail question Nos 70, 59 and 19 of today's date.

At the launch of Transport 21, the Government identified the programmes and projects in the national roads, public transport and regional airports sectors that it wishes to see prioritised for implementation in the ten-year period from 2006 to 2015 within an overall capital provision of €34 billion. That objective has not changed.

The prioritization of those programmes and projects was influenced by relevant Government policies such as the National Spatial Strategy and by a number of relevant studies such as the National Road Needs Study, the Strategic Rail Review, the DTO Strategy document "A Platform for Change" the Cork Area Strategic Study and proposals submitted by the principal implementing agencies.

The significant progress made on Transport 21 in its first two years is continuing. A number of projects have been completed and many more are either under construction or well advanced in planning. For example most national road projects are now being completed ahead of schedule and within budget and it is expected that the five major inter-urban routes will be completed by the end of 2010. New rolling stock and improved services are being introduced across the intercity rail network and the capacity of trams on the Tallaght Luas line has been increased by 40%. In addition, construction is underway on the Luas extensions to Cherrywood and the Docklands and on the Midleton, Western Rail Corridor and Kildare Route rail projects.

The Government has committed to the overall funding for Transport 21 over its ten-year life to 2015. The Exchequer element of the funding is provided through the normal annual budget and estimates process. For the first three years of Transport 21, the capital funding provided has been fully in line with the originally agreed profile of expenditure. The Government has repeatedly indicated that the National Development Plan, of which Transport 21 is a fundamental part, is its top priority and that, even in difficult economic circumstances, it will seek to continue to provide the funding necessary to develop its capital programme.

Railway Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

240 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily throughput of commuter rail passengers using Sallins Rail Station, Sallins, County Kildare; the extent to which this has increased in the past five years; the degree to which this traffic can be increased further in the future to a maximum level by way of increased frequency, or provision of extra rail cars; the extent to which these requirements can or will be met by way of existing or proposed parking; the way it is intended to further improve, expand and enhance the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17789/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily throughput of commuter rail passengers using Kilcock Rail Station, Kilcock, County Kildare; the extent to which this has increased in the past five years; the degree to which this traffic can be increased further to a maximum level by way of increased frequency, or provision of extra rail cars; the extent to which these requirements can or will be met by way of existing or proposed parking; the way it is intended to further improve, expand and enhance the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17790/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

242 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily throughput of commuter rail passengers using Confey Rail Station, Leixlip, County Kildare; the extent to which this has increased in the past five years; the degree to which this traffic can be increased further to a maximum level by way of increased frequency, or provision of extra rail cars; the extent to which these requirements can or will be met by way of existing or proposed parking; the way it is intended to further improve, expand and enhance the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17791/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

243 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily throughput of commuter rail passengers using Leixlip Rail Station, Leixlip, County Kildare; the extent to which this has increased in the past five years; the degree to which this traffic can be increased further to a maximum level by way of increased frequency, or provision of extra rail cars; the extent to which these requirements can or will be met by way of existing or proposed parking; the way it is intended to further improve, expand and enhance the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17792/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

244 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily throughput of commuter rail passengers using Hazelhatch Rail Celbridge, Kilcock, County Kildare; the extent to which this has increased in the past five years; the degree to which this traffic can be increased further to a maximum level by way of increased frequency, or provision of extra rail cars; the extent to which these requirements can or will be met by way of existing or proposed parking; the way it is intended to further improve, expand and enhance the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17793/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

245 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily throughput of commuter rail passengers using Maynooth Rail Station, Maynooth, County Kildare; the extent to which this has increased in the past five years; the degree to which this traffic can be increased further to a maximum level by way of increased frequency, or provision of extra rail cars; the extent to which these requirements can or will be met by way of existing or proposed parking; the way it is intended to further improve, expand and enhance the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17794/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 to 245, inclusive, together.

The day to day operation of railway services and the upgrade of same including on the Kildare and Maynooth lines is an operational matter for Iarnród Eireann.

I understand that in response to a previous Parliamentary Question from the Deputy on the 18th October 2007, Iarnród Éireann provided information to the Deputy in December 2007 regarding passenger carryings, and the actual and planned car parking capacity, at railway stations in Co. Kildare.

The Kildare Line Upgrade project currently underway and the Maynooth Line Upgrade works currently in planning will substantially increase capacity on both lines.

Rail Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

246 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his proposed or revised targets in regard to further expansion and improvement of provincial and intercity rail services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17795/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

247 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for further expansion and improvement of commuter rail services; when he expects such targets to be met in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17796/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.

The sustained high levels of capital investment in the railway network since 1997 — totalling over €2 billion in the period 1997-2007, has facilitated a substantial expansion in services across InterCity and Commuter railway services. Capacity, for example, on the Kildare and Maynooth lines has increased by 125% and 250% respectively since 2000. The introduction of new rolling stock on the Cork-Dublin line has enabled the introduction of an hourly service each way. These service improvements along with others across the network are reflected in the growth in passenger numbers which Iarnród Éireann has achieved of 33% in the last 3 years alone. The deployment of the 183 new InterCity railcars throughout 2008 and into 2009, and the completion of the Kildare line upgrade project, the Cork-Midleton line and the Western Rail Corridor will all facilitate a further substantial increase in InterCity and Commuter services. In the short to medium term, the completion of the City Centre Re-signalling and the Inter-connector/Electrification projects in the Dublin area will transform commuter services in the Dublin area.

Air Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

248 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the plans by Aer Lingus or other carriers to close down existing services or open up new air routes in the future with particular reference to both long and short haul services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17797/08]

The aviation sector in Europe is fully liberalised and European Community airlines are free to operate services on intra-community routes on a fully commercial basis in response to consumer demand, without any restrictions or barriers.

In the transatlantic market, the First Stage EU-US Open Skies Agreement is now being provisionally applied and the way is now clear for all European Community carriers to fly between any point in the EU and any point in the US. Negotiations on a second stage agreement, with a view to achieving further liberalisation of traffic rights and closer regulatory co-operation between the EU and the US, will commence in Ljubljana on 15/16 May 2008.

In respect of other long haul routes, my Department seeks to facilitate the continued creation and sustainable growth of competitive air links through the development and application of bilateral Air Services Agreements with third countries. An agreement with Canada was concluded last year and consultations with Egypt are ongoing with a view to commencing formal negotiations in the near future. Formal requests from both India and Pakistan for new air service agreements with Ireland are also anticipated. Priorities for the amendment of existing bilateral agreements or the development of new bilateral agreements are continually being assessed by my Department.

Railway Stations.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his proposals for extending new rail spurs to growing towns or villages particularly where existing rail stations are a distance from the centre of population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17799/08]

Transport 21 provides for major upgrading of railway infrastructure and rolling stock including projects to re-open sections of the network between Ennis and Athenry, Cork and Midleton and Clonee and Navan, and to provide new or additional stations such as those at Docklands, Adamstown, Phoenix Park and the new stations on the Kildare Line and on the proposed inter-connector linking the Northern and Kildare Line.

Road Safety.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

250 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if consideration has been given to highlighting road speed cameras or traffic control vans as is the case in other jurisdictions arising from which it appears to achieve a greater compliance with speed limits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17800/08]

These are matters for the Garda Síochána and the Courts Service.

Road Signage.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the proliferation of and, in some cases contradictory, road signs including speed limits at many locations here, that this may lead to confusion and traffic accidents; that concentrations of signs tend to be ignored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17801/08]

Under section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 the provision of traffic signs on the public roads is a matter for each road authority.

I have given directions and guidance to road authorities in the Traffic Signs Manual on the provision and use of traffic signs. It is a matter for the road authority to determine the location of traffic signs to ensure that clear and effective signing is in place for the efficient operation of the road network, for the enforcement of traffic regulations and for road safety purposes.

Road Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of many professionals who are of the opinion that poor road conditions are a contributory factor in many traffic accidents; the action taken of proposed to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17802/08]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. As the Deputy is aware, the implementation of individual national road projects, including the maintenance of those national roads, is a matter for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

Specifically, Section 17(1) of the Roads Act 1993 states that it is the general duty of the NRA to ‘secure the provision of a safe and efficient network of national roads'.

Road Traffic Offences.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers arrested under drink-driving laws on a monthly basis in each of the past two years; the number of convictions, dismissals or cases pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17803/08]

These are matters for the Garda Síochána and the Courts Service.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

254 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18121/08]

The total non-capital expenditure to date is €31,343, in respect of Travel and Subsistence costs connected with the move of the Road Safety Authority and my Department's Road Haulage functions to Loughrea. Costs amounting to €6,598 were also incurred in respect of the induction training of staff in the Road Haulage Division in Loughrea. Costs of approx €46,000 were incurred in respect of telephone and IT equipment. The sourcing and fitting-out of premises, and payment of rent are matters for the Office of Public Works.

Pension Provisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

255 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will liaise with the Department of Social and Family Affairs concerning a particular sector of people (details supplied). [17150/08]

I am fully conscious of the enormous contribution that missionaries and volunteer development workers have made to Irish development work. This is reflected in the significant level of Irish Aid funding to civil society organisations and the large increases in funding to the Irish Missionary Resource Service (IMRS). This year, Irish Aid will provide funding of €20m in support of IMRS.

Responsibility for pension protection rests with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. However, the protection of the interests of missionaries and overseas development workers is a matter of real concern to me.

The issue of pension provision for overseas development workers and missionaries is a particularly complex one. The position of the Department of Social and Family Affairs is that any proposal to pay the State Pension (Non-Contributory) to missionaries who are Irish citizens living outside the State would set an unacceptable precedent and would break EU pension regulations. As far as Irish Aid's own funds are concerned, our position is that a pension provision, in any form, for retired missionaries living overseas could not be considered as overseas development assistance.

Nevertheless, my Department continues to be in contact on a regular basis with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and Comhlámh, the organisation which acts on behalf of returned development workers, regarding the issue of pension provision. Options to expand the Volunteer Development Worker scheme have been examined and consideration is currently being given to a new scheme, which has been proposed by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, which might help address this issue in the future.

International Agreements.

Joe Costello

Question:

256 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the provisions of the EURATOM Treaty and their implications for Ireland; if the Lisbon treaty is affected in any way by the EURATOM Treaty; if there are proposals to review the EURATOM Treaty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17223/08]

The Treaties of Rome, signed in March 1957, are the basis of the European Economic Community, now the European Community, and the European Atomic Energy Community, referred to as EURATOM. Ireland is party to these Treaties.

EURATOM was created to establish the conditions for the peaceful, civil development of nuclear energy in Europe by sharing resources (funds, knowledge, materials, experts etc.), protecting the general public and associating other countries and international organisations in this work. Ireland is a non-nuclear country and that status is not affected by the terms of EURATOM.

EURATOM is legally distinct from the European Community although they are served by common institutions.

The Reform Treaty does not affect the status of EURATOM as a separate legal entity. As with all previous EU amending Treaties, the Reform Treaty makes technical adjustments to the institutional provisions of EURATOM. These are contained in a Protocol to the Treaty. Therefore, the Reform Treaty effects no change in substance to EURATOM. Accordingly, there is no change arising for Ireland insofar as EURATOM is concerned.

The Government would have favoured a review of EURATOM leading to a significant updating of its provisions. However, there was no consensus in support of this during the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) negotiations on the Reform Treaty.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

257 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17379/08]

Payment of invoices by this Department is governed by the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 as amended by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002. The Act, which came into force in January 1998, provided for the payment of interest on invoices which are unpaid after 45 days from date of receipt. In August 2002, the point at which interest becomes due was reduced to 30 days.

While there are no figures available to establish the average time for payments on an annual basis, the payment procedures of my Department are designed to avoid undue delay in the processing and payment of valid invoices. Every effort is made to make payments within the 30 day period.

The following table gives particulars of the number of late payments made in the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008, in both Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Aid).

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Number of late payments

155

35

30

33

11

The number of late payments in each year represents a very small part of the total number of payments made. For example, in 2007, my Department made over 15,000 payments in Ireland, of which only 33 were late payments under the terms of the Acts mentioned above.

Foreign Conflicts.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

258 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his view on the Armenian genocide and Turkey’s refusal to acknowledge it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17398/08]

Relations between Turkey and Armenia are complicated by a number of outstanding issues. The major dispute between the two countries centres on the different interpretations of events during the First World War which resulted in the tragic deaths of very large numbers of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire. The Turkish Government has proposed the establishment of a commission, composed of eminent academics, to investigate and determine the facts of this tragic episode in their shared history. While it has not been possible to move forward on the basis of this proposal, we would encourage both sides to explore ways to make progress on this most sensitive issue.

More generally, there have been recent reports of initial, tentative steps by both the Turkish and Armenian authorities aimed at improving bilateral relations. I note in particular that, when President Sargsyan of Armenia took office last month, he promised to improve bilateral ties with Turkey and also that Turkish President Abdullah Gul was among those who congratulated him on his election. I would encourage both sides to try to build on these first steps, and to work to develop the goodwill required to enable them to address their broader differences.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

259 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17565/08]

As part of the estimates process each year, as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I would normally have a formal bilateral meeting with the Minister for Finance to discuss the Department's needs for the year ahead.

The dates of these meetings, in respect of each year of my predecessor's term as Minister for Foreign Affairs, are set out below. The bilateral meetings in previous years were, I understand, held around the same time, 31 October 2007; 20 September 2006; 20 October 2005; 22 October 2004.

The normal pattern at these meetings is that I would be accompanied by the Minister of State responsible for the Irish Aid programme, the Secretary General of the Department, the head of the Department's Corporate Services Division and one or two senior officials dealing with the Irish Aid programme.

This bilateral meeting would normally be preceded by consultations at official level with the Department of Finance. In addition, as part of the preparation for the bilateral meeting, I would expect to hold internal meetings with officials from the Department. It is not the normal practice to take minutes of these meetings, though there is no instruction to that effect.

In addition, as the Deputy will be aware, the preparation of the budget is a matter which is discussed at Cabinet, in advance of the publication of the Estimates.

Refugee Status.

Barry Andrews

Question:

260 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the application for refugee status of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17586/08]

I understand the person concerned to be an Uzbek national currently detained in the United States detention centre at Guantánamo, Cuba, since his capture by United States defence forces in Afghanistan in 2001.

The Government has repeatedly stated its desire to see the United States Administration take steps to release or bring to trial all detainees in accordance with established legal norms, and to close Guantánamo Bay as soon as possible.

Ireland has raised the issue of the detainees in Guantánamo Bay with the US authorities on numerous occasions. In all contacts with the US authorities, Ireland has been assured that the US is aware of its obligations under international law.

It is a matter for the United States Government to make arrangements for the return of individuals whom it has retained at Guantánamo to their countries of origin or elsewhere as may be agreed with third States willing to host individual detainees on their release. Were the United States Government to approach the Irish Government in relation to Mr. Jabbarov, the ultimate decision would lie with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, whose Department has responsibility for the reception and integration of refugees and asylum seekers. I am arranging for a copy of this reply and some background material to go to that Department.

Overseas Development Aid.

Barry Andrews

Question:

261 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons in eastern Chad in view of anticipated shortages in food aid ahead of June 2008 when it is anticipated that roads will become impassable due to seasonal flooding. [17587/08]

UN agencies and other development agencies have identified deteriorating security and internal displacement as two of the chief operational challenges they face in addressing the humanitarian situation in Chad in 2008. We are very aware of the situation and my colleague, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern TD, visited Chad in November of last year, to see the situation on the ground in advance of the arrival of the contingent of Irish peacekeepers. He met with Government Ministers, but also with the humanitarian agencies and a number of refugees.

There are more than 252,000 Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad, 12,000 of who have crossed from Darfur since early February. Additionally there are about 180,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). There are also approximately 57,000 refugees who have fled conflict in the Central African Republic. It is estimated that there are about 50,000 refugees from Chad currently displaced across the border in Sudan.

The transport of relief supplies to eastern Chad is a major and complex logistical challenge. Most supplies must pass through Cameroon or Libya and this involves an overland journey of up to 1,800 kilometres, through difficult terrain.

The World Food Programme (WFP) and other relief-providers active in food aid and food security in eastern Chad are aware of the seasonal factors involved in maintaining this pipeline and have planned accordingly. However, the sheer difficulty involved in this provision means it is likely that not all plans will be realised, and some contingency measures may be necessary.

Ireland's support to humanitarian endeavour in Chad has increased significantly. Since 2007 Ireland has provided over €11 million in assistance. The partner organisations delivering this assistance on the ground have included the WFP, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and Concern and MSF. Funding also included a contribution of €2 million to the Humanitarian Air Service, which provides transport to remote regions. We continue to monitor the situation on the ground and will respond appropriately.

An Teanga Ghaeilge.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

262 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Eachtracha cad atá á dhéanamh aige tríd an mBuanionadaíocht sa Bhruiséal nó ar aon bhealach eile chun a dheimhniú go gcuirfidh institiúidí an Aontais Eorpaigh, go sonrach Comhairle na nAirí agus Parlaimint na hEorpa, a suímh idirlín ar fáil trí mheán na Gaeilge ar bhonn comhionann le teangacha oifigiúla eile, gan idirdhealú, agus de réir dlí; an nglacann sé leis go bhfuil úsáid mhíchuí á baint as an maolú a bhaineann le foilsiú reachtaíochta amháin mar leithscéal chun cearta sonracha i réimsí eile, seirbhísí idirlín EUROPA san áireamh, a cheilt ar phobal na Gaeilge; an ndéarfaidh sé linn cad iad na céimeanna atá tógtha aige chun a dheimhniú go gcuirfear deireadh leis an maolú nuair a dhéanfar athbhreithniú air roimh dheireadh na bliana 2010; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17588/08]

Bronnadh stádas mar theanga oifigiúil agus oibre an AE ar an nGaeilge ar 1 Eanáir 2007. Sainmhíníonn Rialachán 920/2005 na socraithe a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil. Ciallaíonn an stádas go gcaitheann gach institiúid san AE, an Pharlaimint san áireamh, gach rialachán a ghlacfaidh an Chomhairle agus Parlaimint na hEorpa leo i gcomhpháirt a aistriú go Gaeilge. Ní chiallaíonn sin, áfach go gcaitheann na hInstitiúidí seirbhís idirlín á chur ar fáil. Ach bíonn mo Roinn-se i gcónaí ag obair go dlúth leis an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta chun tacaíochta a thabhairt d'Institiúidí an AE. Tá seirbhís bunúsach idirlín á chur ar fáil ag an gCoimisiún de bharr iarrachtaí oifigigh de chuid mo Roinn-se atá ar iasacht leo chun na críche sin.

Táim sásta go bhfuil muid tar éis lán-tacaíocht agus comhoibriú a fháil ó gach institiúid san AE i leith an cinneadh seo a chur i bhfeidhm. Is dul chun cinn thar a bheith suntasach é don Ghaeilge ar leibhéal an AE an méid atá bainte amach againn go dtí seo. Má dhaingnaíonn na Ballstáit uile an Conradh um Athchóiriú, beidh idir dhushláin agus deiseanna nua romhainn ó thaobh úsáid na Gaeilge i ngnó reachtach an Aontais ar bhonn níos leithne Beidh comhchinnteoireacht mar mhodh caighdeánach le haghaidh cinnteoireacht reachtach san Aontas. De bhrí seo, beidh gá le i bhfad níos mó aistriúcháin reachtaigh go Gaeilge ó 1 Eanáir 2009. Mar sin, níl aon chinneadh tógtha ag an Rialtas maidir le hathbhreithniú ar an maolú.

Leanfaimid ag obair, i mBaile Átha Cliath agus sa Bhruiséal, ionnas go dtabharfar gach tacaíocht d'Institiúidí an AE seirbhísí trí Ghaeilge a sholáthar taobh istigh de chóras Rialachán 920/2005.

Garda Investigations.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

263 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had recent contact with the Northern Ireland Office regarding the murder in October 2007 of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17606/08]

This was a particularly shocking and brutal murder, one which has been widely, and rightly, condemned.

My predecessor met with the parents of the deceased young man, as did the then Taoiseach and also the previous Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. They conveyed to them the sympathy of the Government on their terrible loss and the Government's determination to see justice done in this matter.

A very active criminal investigation by An Garda Síochána is ongoing and receiving excellent co-operation and assistance from the PSNI.

My colleague, the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan T.D. has discussed this case with Secretary of State Shaun Woodward and NIO Security Minister Paul Goggins in the context of the ongoing investigation.

I would again urge anyone who has information on this terrible murder to pass it on to the two police forces. It is only through full co-operation with the law enforcement agencies that the authors of this vicious crime will be brought to justice.

Emigrant Support Services.

John O'Mahony

Question:

264 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts he has made in respect of undocumented Irish in the USA; his recent contacts in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17637/08]

The Government continues to attach the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States. The former Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D, strongly emphasised this commitment during his address to the US Congress on 30 April.

During the visit of the former Taoiseach to Washington, my predecessor, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., participated in his meetings with President Bush, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Edward Kennedy. On 1 May, Minister Ahern had a further series of meetings with key Congressional and Administration figures to press the case for finding a solution for our undocumented. Among those he met were: Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the House Sub-Committee on Immigration; Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee; Congressman Jim Walsh and Ms Paula Dobriansky, Under-Secretary of State and Special Envoy to Northern Ireland.

My predecessor also had a constructive and forward looking meeting with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, with both sides determined to continue to work closely together on this important issue.

Following the failure of the US Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation last June, despite the strong endorsement and encouragement of President Bush, the Government immediately set about exploring with key US Administration and Congressional contacts possible alternative options.

However, achieving progress on immigration reform at this time, in the middle of a Presidential campaign, is exceptionally difficult. The political reality in the United States is that immigration has become a divisive political issue. Our many friends in Congress have emphasised this, including the difficulty of passing legislation specifically for our citizens separate from the other 12 million undocumented.

Despite these considerable political challenges, the Government will continue to press for change. We will work closely with our friends in Congress, with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, and with the many organisations who have worked hard on behalf of the undocumented in the Irish community, with a view to trying to find a way forward which would remedy the very difficult situation in which our undocumented find themselves.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

265 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17717/08]

The pay roll system in operation in my Department is the CorePay system which was implemented on the recommendation of the Department of Finance in 2001. There are no bodies under the aegis of my Department which operate an independent pay roll system.

The following table gives particulars of the maintenance and on-going development costs incurred by the CorePay system for the years 2004 to 2007 and to-date in 2008.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

€30,669

€20,611

€58,045

€34,555

€58,403

The figure of €58,403 for 2008 includes the maintenance costs for the year and the introduction of an electronic payslip which has eliminated the use of paper payslips across the Department.

Emigrant Statistics.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

266 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens resident overseas with a breakdown by country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17744/08]

The global spread of our Diaspora is very considerable. For a small nation, it is practically unparalleled. Our largest emigrant communities have consistently lived in Britain and the United States, Irish citizens have also been an influential presence in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, and Southern Africa for very many decades. While the precise number of Irish citizens resident around the world is not known, the enormous contribution they have made to their host countries and to Ireland is well documented.

In 2002, the Report of the Task Force on Policy regarding Emigrants, which is considered the most authoritative research yet conducted on the extent of our Diaspora, stated that there were approximately three million Irish citizens living abroad, over 1.2 million of whom were born in the island of Ireland. There are several impediments to providing a more precise figure than this. For example, Irish citizens are not required to register with any official Government body when leaving the State, or when resident abroad.

Some countries, including the United States, include questions regarding ancestry in their census forms, and so offer a broad estimate of the total number of people of Irish heritage residing there. Being of Irish heritage, however, does not necessarily entitle one to Irish citizenship. Estimates of Irish ancestry in census returns are, therefore, of very limited assistance in estimating the precise number of resident Irish citizens abroad.

As regards information to be gleaned from passports, a snap-shot of those issued in 2007 shows that, out of some 600,000, 80,000 were issued by our Embassies and Consulates. Our Embassy in London was the highest issuing office at almost 43,000, with our offices in North America accounting for almost 16,000.

Finally, the prevalence of unreported citizenship by descent is another complicating factor when it comes to estimating the number of Irish citizens overseas. Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts 1956 to 2004, a person born outside of Ireland is automatically an Irish citizen by descent, if one of his/her parents was an Irish citizen and born in Ireland. Many citizens by descent, however, do not "activate" dual citizenship by, for example, acquiring an Irish passport.

Diplomatic Representation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

267 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the seat of each Irish ambassador or permanent representative; the location of the embassy to which they are attached; the countries and international organisations to which they are accredited as ambassadors or permanent representatives; if they enjoy ambassadorial or counsellor rank with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17745/08]

Ireland's diplomatic network consists of 75 resident Missions abroad, in addition to offices in Armagh and Belfast. These Missions also have over 80 additional accreditations to other countries and organisations. There are also 21 Honorary Consuls General and 67 Honorary Consuls who provide assistance to Irish citizens in 59 countries.

Ambassadorial appointments are made by the President on the advice of the Government. There is no specific grade attached to the post of Ambassador. The majority of Ireland's Heads of Mission, a term which covers Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives and Consuls General, are civil servants serving in the grade of Assistant Secretary. There is also a significant number of Heads of Mission who are in the grades of either Counsellor/Principal Officer or First Secretary/Assistant Principal Officer.

I have set out in the table below the locations and accreditations, both primary and secondary, of all Irish Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives and other Heads of Mission serving abroad.

Primary Accreditation

Secondary Accreditations

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay

Australia (Canberra)

Fiji, New Zealand,

Australia (Sydney/Consulate General)

Austria (Vienna)

Permanent Representative to the International Organisations based in Vienna

Belgium (Brussels)

Permanent Representative to the Liaison Office of Ireland to the Partnership for Peace

Brazil (Brasilia)

Bulgaria (Sofia)

Canada (Ottawa)

Jamaica, Bahamas

China, (Beijing)

Mongolia

China, (Shanghai — Consulate General)

Cyprus (Nicosia)

Czech Republic (Prague)

Ukraine

Denmark (Copenhagen)

Iceland

Egypt (Cairo)

Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan

Estonia (Tallinn)

Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)

Permanent Representative to the African Union

Finland (Helsinki)

France (Paris)

Monaco

Germany (Berlin)

Greece (Athens)

Albania, Republic of Serbia

Holy See (Holy See)

Hungary (Budapest)

Republic of Montenegro, Republic of Kosovo

India (New Delhi)

Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka

Iran (Tehran)

Pakistan, Afghanistan

Israel (Tel Aviv)

Italy (Rome)

Libya, San Marino, Permanent Representative to the Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the World Food Programme (WFP) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

Japan (Tokyo)

Korea(Seoul)

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea(North Korea)

Latvia (Riga)

Lesotho (Maseru)

Lithuania (Vilnius)

Luxembourg (Luxembourg)

Malawi (Lilongwe)

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Thailand

Malta (Valetta)

Mexico (Mexico City)

Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Peru, Venezuela

Mozambique (Maputo)

Angola, Botswana

Netherlands (The Hague)

Nigeria (Abuja)

Ghana, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Chad

Norway (Oslo)

Palestinian National AuthorityWest Bank Representative Office(Ramallah)

Poland (Warsaw)

Portugal (Lisbon)

Morocco

Romania (Bucharest)

Moldova

Russia (Moscow)

Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan

Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE

Singapore (Singapore)

Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, East Timor

Slovakia (Bratislava)

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

Slovenia (Ljubljana)

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia

South Africa (Pretoria)

Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe

Spain (Madrid)

Andorra, Tunisia

Sweden (Stockholm)

Switzerland (Berne)

Algeria, Liechtenstein

Tanzania (Dar-es-Salaam)

Burundi, Eritrea, Kenya

Turkey (Ankara)

Azerbaijan

Uganda (Kampala)

Rwanda

UK (London)

UK (Cardiff — Consulate General)

UK (Edinburgh — Consulate General)

United States of America (Washington)

USA (Boston — Consulate General)

USA (Chicago — Consulate General)

USA (New York — Consulate General)

USA (San Francisco — Consulate General)

Vietnam (Hanoi)

Cambodia, Laos

Zambia (Lusaka)

Namibia

Sierra Leone (Freetown-Irish Aid Office) (Ambassador accredited from Nigeria

East Timor (Dili — Irish Aid Office) (Ambassador accredited from Singapore)

Permanent Representations to International Organisations

Brussels

Permanent Representation of Ireland to the European Union

Brussels

Permanent Representation to the Liaison Office of Ireland to the Partnership for Peace

Strasbourg

Permanent Representation of Ireland to the Council of Europe

Vienna

Permanent Mission of Ireland to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Paris

Permanent Representation to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Permanent Delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Geneva

Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations (UN)

New York

Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations (UN)

Visa Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

268 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the thousands of Irish soccer fans expected to travel to Georgia and Montenegro in September 2008, his Department officials have had discussions with their counterparts in the respective countries regarding visa applications, consular arrangements and overall security for visitors expected to travel to the games. [17777/08]

My Department works closely with Irish sporting organisations to ensure that our citizens attending major sporting events abroad receive a first class consular service.

In accordance with normal practice, I intend to have additional resources allocated to our Embassy in Sofia, which is accredited to Georgia, and to our Embassy in Budapest, which is accredited to Montenegro, to ensure that the best possible service is provided to Irish soccer supporters attending the matches in Georgia and Montenegro on 6th and 10th September respectively. In this regard, temporary consular offices will be opened in both locations for the period of the games.

The Embassies are in ongoing contact with the relevant authorities in the countries concerned and will be organising pre-match planning visits to Tbilisi and Podgorica in June. The Department's Consular Division is, as always, liaising with the Football Association of Ireland to ensure that it is fully briefed on our arrangements.

In addition to arrangements on the ground, our Embassies and the Consular Section are jointly working on a comprehensive travel advisory note for Irish supporters travelling to the matches. This will be available in due course on the Department's website, www.dfa.ie.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

269 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support the work of a group (details supplied) in their efforts for truth, justice and a public apology from the British Government in relation to the 1971 Ballymurphy internment massacre. [17848/08]

The Government consistently raises in its contacts with the British Government ongoing issues which are the legacy of the Troubles.

These issues are currently being considered by the Independent Consultative Group on the Past, which was established in June 2007, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Robin Eames and Denis Bradley. The Government welcomed the establishment of the Consultative Group and has remained in close contact with it.

Among the important topics on which the Consultative Group is deliberating is how best to meet the demand for truth, justice and apology for the many terrible deeds which occurred during the Troubles. As they move to develop their proposals the Consultative Group has met with many stakeholders across the spectrum of those affected, including in this jurisdiction: I understand that the group referred to in the question has met with the Consultative Group on the Past on a number of occasions.

My Department was represented at an event in Dublin on 30 April hosted by the group referred to in the question. My Department remains in ongoing contact with the group concerned and has, over the years, supported them in their work, including through the provision of assistance by the Reconciliation Fund.

Foreign Conflicts.

Joe Costello

Question:

270 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will respond to documentation from a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17877/08]

I am aware of this correspondence and share the concerns of the group regarding the situation facing the Palestinian people.

The Government has consistently and actively promoted efforts to find a lasting, peaceful and just settlement to the Israeli — Palestinian conflict. We have been to the fore in arguing directly with the parties, in cooperation with our EU partners, and at the United Nations, that the only way forward for the Israeli and the Palestinian people is through a negotiated two-State solution.

The Government strongly supports the efforts of President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to reach a final status agreement by the end of 2008. However, as my predecessor has stated in this House and elsewhere, we are increasingly concerned that events on the ground will undermine the prospects for political progress. We are particularly concerned about the appalling situation in Gaza.

The immediate priority must be to end all violence in and from the Occupied Territories, including all rocket attacks by Palestinian groups and all military operations by the Israeli Army in the Occupied Territories. The EU strongly supports the continuing efforts, being led by Egypt, to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, which could form the basis for a broader agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. The Government has called consistently for an end to the isolation of the people of Gaza, for the urgent re-opening of the crossing points for people and for goods, for the lifting of restrictions on the movement of Palestinians in the West Bank, and for an immediate and genuine freeze on all settlement construction. At the European Council in Brussels in March, the EU reiterated that settlement building anywhere in the Occupied Territories, including East Jerusalem, is illegal under international law, prejudges the outcome of final status negotiations and threatens the viability of an agreed two-State solution. At its meeting in London last Friday, the Quartet emphasised the importance of visible progress on the ground to build confidence and create an atmosphere supportive of negotiations. The Quartet called for an end to all violence and called on Israel to freeze all settlement activity including natural growth, and to dismantle outposts erected since March 2001.

The Government monitors the human rights situation in the Occupied Territories constantly through our Embassy in Tel Aviv, our Representative Office in Ramallah, and in close consultation with a wide range of Palestinian and Israeli NGOs and civil society groups. We also cooperate closely in this regard with our partners in the EU and regularly raise our concerns directly with the Israeli authorities. These concerns are also raised directly under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The next meeting of the EU — Israel Association Council will take place on 16 June.

The Government does not believe that suspension of the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement would serve the interests of any of the parties. We are also firmly opposed to any proposals for cultural, academic or other boycotts against Israel. Our priority is to encourage all efforts to restore momentum to the peace process through meaningful negotiations for the establishment of a Palestinian State.

Ireland's assistance to the Palestinians has risen by some 70% over the past two years, to €7.5 million in 2007. At the International Donors' Conference for the Palestinian State in Paris in December 2007, Ireland pledged €40 million for Palestinian recovery, reconstruction and development, in the context of political agreement. We will continue to respond to the needs of the Palestinian people, and to work for a peaceful and just settlement of the Israeli — Palestinian conflict. This will remain a major priority of the Government's foreign policy.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

271 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18117/08]

Under the Government's decentralisation programme, the Development Cooperation Directorate of the Department of Foreign Affairs, which is Irish Aid's Headquarters, will decentralise to Limerick. Good progress has been made and personnel have either been assigned to, or identified for, 108 posts or approximately 87% of the 124 posts being decentralised. The new permanent offices for Irish Aid in Limerick are expected to be completed in the autumn.

The property related costs associated with the decentralisation programme are a charge on the Office of Public Works. The following table sets out the non-property costs incurred by this Department during the period 2004-2008. The increase experienced in 2007 relates to the costs associated with the establishment of interim offices in Limerick in May of that year.

Travel & Subsistence A.2

TrainingA.3

Office Machinery & related expenses A.5

Office Premises A.6

Total Per Year

2004

0

1,200

0

0

1,200

2005

500

2,900

0

0

3,400

2006

1,900

7,200

0

0

9,100

2007

6,400

2,000

166,900

6,500

181,800

2008

600

2,100

0

14,000

16,700

Total 2004-2008

9,400

15,400

166,900

20,500

212,200

EU Funding.

Joan Burton

Question:

272 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government that the Government will encourage financial institutions to provide European Investment Fund guaranteed loan finance to small businesses. [17926/08]

The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (2007-2013) contains a financial instrument, the SME Guarantee Facility that aims to improve the financial environment for SMEs by facilitating their access to debt and equity finance. The European Commission published a Notice in the Official Journal of the European Union on 26 September 2007 addressed to financial intermediaries for SMEs, such as banks and institutions operating guarantee schemes, outlining information on the financial instrument. The SME Guarantee Facility is operated by the European Investment Fund (EIF) on behalf of the European Commission. Financial intermediaries are free to make contact directly with the EIF concerning participation in the facility and I am aware that some have done so in the past.

My Department has informed the Irish Bankers' Federation of the proposal, the operation and the scope of the arrangement. My Department has made itself available to any bank interested in pursuing the possibility of securing funding under the SME Guarantee, with a view to their being put in contact with relevant officials in the European Investment Fund (EIF) and/or the European Commission, for further advice and assistance.

Proposals from financial intermediaries will be examined by the EIF on a continuous basis, within the constraints of the available Community budget allocations. Irish financial intermediaries will, therefore, continue to have an opportunity to participate in the Facility. My Department will continue to encourage participation and will remain available to financial intermediaries wishing to access the Facility. Participation in the Facility is a commercial decision for any financial intermediary concerned.

Research Funding.

Liz McManus

Question:

273 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to amend the remit of Science Foundation Ireland to include a third research pillar in the area of sustainable energy and energy efficient technologies. [17931/08]

On 6th May 2008 new Regulations to amend the remit of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to include sustainable energy and energy-efficient technologies were signed into law. The Regulations (SI No 134 /2008) are in fulfilment of the commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 to amend the remit of SFI to include a third research pillar in these areas.

The Regulations prescribe sustainable energy and energy-efficient technologies as strategic areas of scientific endeavour in addition to the areas of ICT and biotechnology specified in section 7(3) of the Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Act 2003. The signing into law of these regulations will allow SFI to build a world-class research capacity in these areas and will provide a solid basis to address Ireland's challenges in the sustainable energy field.

The Regulations follow the agreement between myself and my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to combine resources and to target a world-class research capacity investment through SFI of €90 million in these areas, over the period to 2013, details of which I announced at the Energy Summit held in March this year.

Employment Rights.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

274 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the situation at a Fingal County Council social housing construction site north of Ballymun where a construction firm (details supplied) has fired BATU union staff from the site amidst claims that it was paying the workers cash-in-hand and would not allow them access to an REA or procedural agreement pension scheme; if she will investigate the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17155/08]

I understand that the trade union in question has not made a complaint to the Labour Court regarding a possible breach of the Construction REA regarding this construction site.

As the Deputy knows, enforcement of the provisions of a Registered Employment Agreement (REA) may be effected by direct complaint to the Labour Court. A trade union 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. These safeguards are in place to ensure the satisfactory implementation of Registered Employment Agreement wages and conditions of employment and to ensure that non–compliant employers are discovered and do not benefit in any way from their avoidance of their obligations.

The Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2001 offer protection to employees from being unfairly dismissed from their jobs by laying down criteria by which dismissals are judged to be unfair and by providing an adjudication system and redress for employees who have been found to have been unfairly dismissed. The Acts do not normally apply to a person who has been in the continuous service of the employer for less than one year. However, if the unfair dismissal results from trade union activity, then the requirement of one year's service does not apply. A complainant may refer a case regarding unfair dismissal to a rights commissioner or the Employment Appeals Tribunal.

Work Permits.

Brian Hayes

Question:

275 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a favourable decision will be made in respect of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17186/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this application was refused on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits for highly skilled highly paid positions or for non-EEA nationals already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits. Furthermore, the proposed employee is currently resident in the State on a Student Visa and is, therefore, ineligible to enter fulltime employment. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing by letter dated 17th April 2008 and of their right to appeal within 21 days. To-date no such appeal has been received in the Employment Permits Section.

Employment Rights.

Niall Collins

Question:

276 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on introducing a requirement for agency workers to be given a minimum notice period of one week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17236/08]

Irish employment law applies to all workers including agency workers.

Accordingly, I understand that agency workers who enter into or work under a contract of employment can, under the terms of the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts 1973 to 2005, qualify for minimum notice in respect of termination of employment. Its application will depend on individual circumstances. Given the changing nature of employment structures and relationships in which, for example, the term "agency worker" could cover a range of situations in practice it is difficult to be precise and each case depends on its own facts. Workers posted to Ireland from abroad — including agency workers — do, of course, have the benefit of the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts by virtue of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time work) Act 2001.

I am not aware of any problems arising in this area, generally. However, if the Deputy has any specific cases that he would like to bring to my attention, I would be happy to have them considered.

Proposed Legislation.

Mary Upton

Question:

277 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects the Consumer Protection Act 2007 to be fully implemented; when the ban on traders charging extra to customers based on their method of payment will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17278/08]

Sections 48 and 49 are the relevant sections of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 which seek to restrict the manner in which traders impose additional charges on consumers solely by reason of the method of payment chosen by the consumer.

The Deputy will be aware that on the commencement of the Consumer Protection Act 2007 in May last year, sections 48 and 49 were not commenced. A public consultation was conducted on these provisions and, in the course of that consultation, my Department received almost 50 submissions on the impact of sections 48 and 49. The submissions gave rise to a number of complex matters which required legal advice, particularly regarding the compatibility of sections 48 and 49 with provisions of EU law.

These responses raised a number of specific issues upon which the Department sought the advice of the Attorney General. These issues related to the compatibility of sections 48 and 49 with EU law, specifically with the EU directive on unfair commercial practices and the EU payment services directive. The Attorney General's advice is that sections 48 and 49 are not compatible with the maximum harmonisation nature of the unfair commercial practices directive in that the sections seek to legislate within the field of consumer protection approximated by the directive. He argues that by going beyond what is permitted by the directive, the sections are not compatible with the maximum harmonisation nature of the directive.

As the Attorney General has advised that sections 48 and 49 are not compatible with EU law, it has been decided not to commence these provisions. I am, however, committed to the importance of consumers being made aware of the fact that a trader imposes an additional charge based on the method of payment before transacting with that trader. My Department is currently examining the possibility of making regulations under the Consumer Protection Act obliging traders who impose payment method charges to include information on those charges in any advertisements for their goods and services.

In the course of the public consultation process, retailers in opposing the introduction of section 48, maintained that they were merely passing on to the cardholder the cost imposed on the retailer by the card companies for facilitating card transactions. The Deputy may be aware of the recent decision of the competition directorate of the EU banning Mastercard from requiring retailers to pay its multilateral interchange fee for facilitating Mastercard transactions. It is understood that the competition directorate has recently commenced similar proceedings against the other major payment card scheme Visa. In that context, the advice of the Competition Authority as to the implications of this decision and its effects in Ireland, particularly in terms of the likely impact on the costs to retailers of accepting payment by particular payment methods, has been sought.

Job Protection.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

278 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will investigate reports that Irish workers are being forced to take redundancy in the construction sector when workers from outside of the Republic of Ireland are still being employed by the contractors and subcontractors involved; if she will review whether the State’s redundancy scheme is being used to fund the replacement of direct employees by agency or subcontracted staff in the construction sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17350/08]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

279 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to what is allegedly happening in a company (details supplied), where Irish workers are allegedly being forced to take redundancy and are being replaced by non-Irish nationals; if she will check all P35s and pension schemes of all agency and non-agency workers employed by the company and all of their subcontractors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17351/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department has had no application for a rebate in respect of any sum paid to employees by way of statutory redundancy from the construction company in question.

The purpose of the Redundancy Payments Scheme is to compensate workers, under the Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2007, for the loss of their jobs by reason of redundancy. Compensation is based on the workers' length of reckonable service and reckonable weekly remuneration, subject to a ceiling of €600.00 per week. Broadly speaking, a redundancy situation obtains where a job ceases to exist, the employment is terminated by the employer and the employee is not replaced. Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. On payment of statutory redundancy to an employee, an employer is entitled to apply for a rebate of 60% of the total cost from the Social Insurance Fund. There are no conditions attached to the end-use of any monies rebated to the Employer.

However, it is the policy of the Government to pay a rebate only where the strict criteria stipulating genuine grounds for redundancy are met under Section 7 of the Redundancy Payments Act, 1967, as amended by Section 4 of the Redundancy Payments Act, 1971 and Section 5 of the Redundancy Payments Act, 2003, and Section 4 of the Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Act, 2007.

If the employees involved believe that they have been unfairly dismissed they 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.

Checking of P35s is a matter in the first instance for the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and I would not be aware of checks made in any particular case.

An Employment Agreement on wages and conditions of employment in the Construction Industry has been registered with the Labour Court.

The effect of this registration is to make the provisions of the agreement legally enforceable in respect of every worker of the class, type or group to which it is expressed to apply and to his or her employer, even if such worker or employer is not a party to the agreement. Section 10 of this REA sets out requirements for the engagement of sub-contractors.

The provisions of the Construction Industry's REA on wages and conditions of employment are enforced by the Labour Inspectors of the National Employment Rights Authority. Labour Inspectors are empowered to seek compliance with the terms specified in the agreements.

The enforcement of the provisions of the Registered Employment Agreement may also be effected by direct complaint to the Labour Court. A trade union, an association of employers or an individual 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 the employer is in breach of a Registered Employment Agreement it may by order direct compliance with the agreement. Failure to comply with such an order is an offence punishable by a fine.

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. I understand that the Construction Industry Monitoring Agency (CIMA), which was established by the Construction Industry Federation and ICTU monitors compliance with the REA in this respect, with a view to ensuring that employers register their employees in the pension scheme and pay the weekly pension contributions on employees' behalf. Enforcement of the provisions of this Registered Employment Agreement may be effected by direct complaint to the Labour Court.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

280 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average time for payment to be made by her Department and by each agency affiliated to her Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17376/08]

My Department makes in excess of 9,000 payments each year. Due to the volume of transactions in question, it is not feasible to provide the information sought in the level of detail requested by the Deputy.

However, the Deputy may wish to note that my Department is subject to the provisions of the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2002. Under these Regulations, payment of invoices must be made within 30 days of receipt of the invoice or the delivery of goods or services, whichever is later, unless otherwise specified in a contract. The supplier is entitled to penalty interest if payment is not made within the 30 day period, provided the invoice is not subject to query. The total amount paid out in interest by my Department since 2004 in accordance with the Regulations is set out on the following table.

All public bodies, including the agencies under the remit of my Department, are subject to the provisions of the Late Payment in Commercial Transactions Regulations. However, my Department does not have any function in relation to the operation or the detail of the agencies' accounting systems.

Table 1 — Amount of interest paid by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations, 2002

Year

Amount paid in interest

No. of invoices involved

2004

3,000.97

65

2005

4,929.90

24

2006

579.07

23

2007

5,019.46

79

2008 (to end-Apr.)

855.11

21

Community Employment Schemes.

James Bannon

Question:

281 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action she will take against FÁS in view of its failure to take on initiatives to allow people with disabilities to work 20 hours per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17434/08]

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the minimum hours that are required to be worked in order to be eligible for certain FÁS employment programmes for people with disabilities. In this regard the significant employment support schemes provided by FÁS for people with disabilities are as follows:

The Wage Subsidy Scheme is available to all employers (except public service employers and/or any employers or schemes where wages are funded by FÁS) in the State who provide a minimum of 21 hours of employment per week to disabled workers. The objective of the scheme is to increase the number of people with disabilities in employment, as far as practicable, and to provide a level playing field for them in seeking out, or remaining in employment. The scheme provides payment of a wage subsidy to the employer to compensate for the reduced productivity of the disabled worker. The wage subsidies are designed to provide an incentive to employers to look more closely at the potential of people with disabilities to meet their labour force requirements. Disabled workers may work up to 39 hours per week in agreement with their employer.

The Supported Employment programme is a labour market initiative providing supports to help people with disabilities access the open labour market. It is implemented by sponsor organisations on behalf of FÁS who employ job coaches to provide a range of supports tailored to the individual needs of a jobseeker. The ultimate outcome is that the employee becomes independent of job coach support.

It is expected that participants on Supported Employment, upon commencement of employment, will enter a progression for a working time strategy leading to work in excess of 18 hours per week. Exceptions may be made in cases where it is believed that the jobseeker requires further support.

The Community Employment Programme provides eligible unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons, including people with disabilities, with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a temporary basis. CE has three categories of participant, each with its own set of qualifying conditions, namely:

1. Part-time Integration option

2. Part-time job option

3. Rate for the job option

Community sponsors must provide 39 hours per fortnight on the Part-time Integration Option and the Part-time Job Option, and between 24 and 39 hours per fortnight for participants on the Rate for Job Option.

The eligibility criteria for all FÁS employment programmes, including those for people with disabilities, are implemented by FÁS in accordance with my Department's policy goals that are aimed at enhancing the employment prospects of people with disabilities. These employment programmes are reviewed at appropriate intervals with a view to increasing programme efficiency and effectiveness where possible. In this regard reviews of both the Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Supported Employment Programme are nearing completion and are expected to be concluded very shortly. Copies of these reviews will be made available to relevant interest groups in due course.

Unemployment Levels.

James Bannon

Question:

282 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the action she will take to deal with the rise in unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17435/08]

Unemployment has increased by 15,200 in the three-year period since 2004 and must be seen in the context of the substantial increase in employment by 242,500 in the same period. The number of people currently in employment is 2,138,900. It is generally accepted that the strong rate of growth experienced over the past few years could not continue and the economy is now entering a period of adjustment. Employment is forecast to grow by over 1% (24,000) in 2008.

Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey, published and collated by the CSO, rather than the Live Register which is not designed to measure unemployment. The Live Register includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers entitled to unemployment benefit. However, while the Live Register increased in the first three months of the year, data for April reflects a decrease of 2,349.

The actual rise in unemployment over the coming months will be determined by a number of factors including a possible decrease in participation and the response of migrants to the slowdown. In regard to the latter the ESRI expects inward migration to fall from 70,000 in 2007 to 20,000 in 2008. The trend in PPS numbers issued to persons from the EU12 continues to reflect a decline in the numbers entering the State.

The most recent FÁS/ESRI Employment and Vacancies Survey for March 2008 shows that the percentage of firms reporting vacancies across all sectors is 10%, indicating that there are still employment opportunities available.

The range of integrated support services provided by FÁS involving information sessions, skills analysis, training/retraining courses and job placement are available for those who become redundant because of company restructuring or closures. In the delivery of these services, FÁS liaises with other relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland, the City/County Enterprise Boards and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There is also active engagement with the unemployed after 3 months on the live register to assist them progress towards employment, training or active labour market programmes.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

283 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of An Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter [17562/08]

The Minister for Finance normally holds a formal bilateral meeting with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment each year as part of the Estimates process, to discuss the Department's requirements for the year ahead.

As my Department's records relating to the Estimates process for the period 2000 to 2004 are stored off-site, it has not been possible, in the time available to my officials, to identify the dates of bilateral meetings, if any, held between 2000 and 2004. However, the dates of the meetings held in the last three years were: 16 November 2005, 28 September 2006 and 24 October 2007.

There were no separate pre-Budget bilateral meetings with the Taoiseach in those years. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the preparation of the Budget is a matter which is discussed at Cabinet.

The normal arrangement at the bilateral meetings is for the Minister to be accompanied by the Secretary General of the Department, the head of the Department's Corporate Services Division, and one or two other senior officials.

The bilateral meetings are normally preceded by extensive consultations at official level with the Department of Finance, and followed up with further communication at official level. Therefore, it has not been the practice in recent years for an agenda to be circulated in advance or for my Department to take formal minutes of these meetings, although no instruction has been issued to that effect.

Employment Levels.

John O'Mahony

Question:

284 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average workforce in Ireland in 2007 and in each of the previous ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17636/08]

The average workforce in Ireland for the years 1998 to 2007 is set out in the following table. This is based on the average number of people employed per year as calculated in the Quarterly National Household Survey published by the Central Statistics Office. The increase in the average numbers in employment in the last ten years is 596,000 or 39%.

Year

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

’000 Empl

1,521

1,614

1,692

1,745

1,774

1,807

1,864

1,956

2,044

2,117

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

285 Deputy Damien English asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost to her Department of implementing the payroll system within her Department and within bodies under her Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17714/08]

The direct costs associated with the implementation of the payroll function by my Department is set out in Table 1. Due to the fact that the payroll function is administered by a sub-section of a much larger Finance Unit, it is not possible to provide details of indirect overhead costs, such as heating, electricity consumption, etc.

Many of the agencies under the aegis of my Department operate their own payroll systems and my Department has no function in relation to, or details of, those systems. However, my Department currently manages the payroll function for the following bodies:

Companies Registration Office

Competition Authority

Employment Appeals Tribunal

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)

Labour Court

Labour Relations Commission

National Consumer Agency

National Employment Rights Authority

Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement

Registry of Friendly Societies

Table 1 — Costs associated with the implementation of the payroll function by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Year

Staffing costsa

Software, Maintenance and Training costs

Total

2004

289,775.16

19,886.64

309,661.80

2005

282,154.28

18,036.99

300,191.27

2006

319,411.85

30,069.47

349,481.32

2007

318,853.94

34,395.07

353,249.01

2008 (to end-Apr)

103,018.88

16,832.83

119,851.71

a Staffing costs are based on the salaries and employers' PRSI costs of staff assigned to the Payroll Section since 2004, and include an apportionment of management costs.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

286 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of her Department’s Work Life Balance campaign; the audited outcome of the campaign; her views on whether there has been value for money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17734/08]

My Department's Work Life Balance campaign for 2008 involved a poster campaign in each of the Department's buildings, followed by an office notice circulated to all staff advising of the various Work Life Balance options available to them. Relevant information was also made available on the Department's intranet site and in its Human Resources Management Handbook.

The Work Life Balance posters were provided by the Equality Authority, consequently, there was no financial outlay associated with this year's campaign.

Work Permits.

Michael Creed

Question:

287 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will confirm receipt of an application for a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will approve this application. [17908/08]

The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that this application was refused on the grounds that it is current Government policy to issue new employment permits for highly skilled highly paid positions or for non-EEA nationals already legally resident in the State on valid employment permits. Furthermore, the position on offer is one of the occupational categories currently ineligible for an employment permit. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing by letter dated 6th May 2008 and of their right to appeal within 21 days. To-date no such appeal has been received in the Employment Permits Section.

Industrial Development.

Willie Penrose

Question:

288 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government that innovation centres would be made available to small business in every sector to be exchanged for advice, expertise and information from accredited knowledge providers. [17941/08]

The establishment of an Innovation Voucher initiative was a key recommendation of the Small Business Forum in the 2006 report "Small Business is Big Business" and was also the subject of a commitment in the Programme for Government 2007-2012.

In March 2007, I announced the establishment of a €10m Innovation Voucher fund, which is being administered by Enterprise Ireland. The Innovation Vouchers initiative was initially launched on a pilot basis. Applications were sought from small businesses that have a business opportunity or problem that they wished to explore by accessing the knowledge in the third level sector in order to become more innovative. The programme has been designed to stimulate an on-going cultural shift with regard to innovation within the small business sector while bridging the gap that exists between the small business community and public research bodies and creating greater synergies between the two.

Each successful applicant received an Innovation Voucher worth €5,000 which can be used to facilitate knowledge transfer from the public research sector to small businesses. The vouchers can be used for any kind of business innovation such as developing a new product or service, improving service delivery or conducting a technology audit. The Vouchers are available to the widest possible range of small businesses in Ireland as permitted by European Union State Aid regulations and to a total of 66 sectors. A total of 24 knowledge providers based all over Ireland, mainly in institutes of technology and universities, are now available to work with the companies that receive Innovation Vouchers.

The pilot phase has met with a very positive response both from the small business sector and from knowledge providers. Building on the success of the pilot, further rounds of the programme have been launched. To date Enterprise Ireland has issued 530 Vouchers over five rounds, with a total redeemable value of €2.65 millions. In the 2007 pilot phase of the Initiative 428 Companies have received Vouchers with a total grant allocation of €2,140,000. In 2008 a further 102 vouchers were approved with a total value of €510,000. It is intended to have a further 3 calls in 2008, the most recent call closed at end of April 2008.

Willie Penrose

Question:

289 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government that knowledge acquisition grants would be provided to enable small businesses to gain access to research based knowledge and expertise. [17942/08]

The Small Business Forum in its 2006 report "Small Business is Big Business" sought that Knowledge Acquisition Grants would be provided to small businesses in Manufacturing & Internationally Traded services. The Programme for Government 2007-2012 contained a commitment that such grants would be provided to enable small business in the manufacturing and internationally traded service sectors gain access to research based knowledge, expertise and facilities in higher educational institutes.

Accordingly, as part of the revised and simplified Research and Development programme of initiatives introduced in January 2008, Enterprise Ireland has put in place a €30,000 R&D Stimulation Grant aimed at companies that are new to product, process and service development activities. The financial support will allow the companies to explore how research & innovation can drive their future development.

The Enterprise Ireland R&D Stimulation Grant provides funding to support activities such as:

Developing an R&D business plan

Researching opportunities for new product / process development

Hiring an R&D consultant

Client companies of Enterprise Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the City and County Enterprise Boards are eligible for this support provided they do not have an established Research and Development function activity or have not already been approved more than €25,000 in R&D support from any development agency in the 3 year period prior to the date of receipt of the company's application. One R&D stimulation grant is available to each individual company.

Willie Penrose

Question:

290 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government that assistance would be provided for smaller manufacturing firms to realise the potential of information technology by appointing a director for the research and development programme support structures. [17943/08]

The Government Strategy for Science Development and Innovation 2006-2013 has identified a seven year programme which aims to ensure that Ireland will be at the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social progress. In the delivery of this Strategy a number of Government Agencies including IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland have put in place a wide range of supports and schemes to fund leading edge research which will assist Irish companies to engage in research and development work that will lead to innovation and the practical application of research in their enterprises.

In January 2008 a revised and simplified Research and Development package of Programmes was introduced jointly by Enterprise Ireland and the IDA for Irish companies, that will be relevant at all stages of client development, and will seek to progress clients from small beginnings to high-level, sustained R&D activity.

In terms of the development of personnel within Irish enterprises, Enterprise Ireland is successfully providing tailored, results-oriented management development programmes in response to identified client needs by providing development programmes in areas identified as critical to growth. This programme seeks to rapidly and effectively develop the capability of company management necessary to drive innovation and to support them in acquiring, developing and integrating the technologies and supporting knowledge required to effectively achieve high developmental goals of their companies.

In addition, Enterprise Ireland operates a website "Openup" that provides information to help companies understand and use IT and eBusiness to improve competitiveness and grow sales by providing jargon-free, independent advice on information technology topics. Specific assistance is provided on finding the right IT supplier; the tax implications of trading online; and the experience of other companies when they implemented eBusiness/ICT projects.

Any further action required under this commitment, including the question of the appointment of a dedicated director, will be kept under review.

Willie Penrose

Question:

291 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to fund regional skills advisory groups. [17946/08]

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs were asked to examine the potential of a number of innovative measures to incentivise both employers and employees to more fully engage in education and training. The measures that were reviewed were paid learning leave, individual learning accounts for employees, brokerage services to help firms identify training needs and source suitable training, and the potential of regional skills advisory groups.

The Expert Group have recently concluded their research on these items, including regional skills advisory groups and have presented their findings to both my Department and the Department of Education and Science.

These findings will be considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Implementation of the National Skills Strategy in the context of developing an implementation plan for the National Skills Strategy. The question of what role in determining Ireland's skills needs and in implementing the Skills Strategy, regional skills advisory groups could play will be considered at this stage

Willie Penrose

Question:

292 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to expand the training networks programme. [17947/08]

Since the publication of the Programme for Government the Skillnets Training Networks Programme has been significantly expanded.

Last year Skillnets Limited received a total of €23.5 million, which funded a total of 109 networks. The Training Networks Programme was allocated €13.5 million and trained approximately 21,000 people. The ACCEL programme was allocated €10 million.

The ACCEL programme concluded in March of this year and it will receive no further funding. In 2008 the Training Networks Programme will receive €26.5 million, which will provide funding for 123 networks and will allow approximately 48,000 people to receive training. In line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Government this represents a significant expansion both in terms of investment and the number of people that will receive training through the Training Networks Programme.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

293 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by her Department and the agencies under the aegis of her Department. [18115/08]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has primary responsibility for the procurement of suitable accommodation for both the advance and permanent re-location of decentralising Departments, including my Department's staff to Carlow.

Officials of my Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance and the OPW, as well as decentralising staff and Business Units, opened an advance office in Carlow on July 30th 2007. It is my understanding from the OPW that the yearly rental costs for this office is in the region of €369,000 and the fit-out costs were approximately €2,068,000.

With regard to the property costs for the Department's permanent move to Carlow, the OPW completed the purchase of a site in Carlow town centre for the construction of my Department's permanent office. I understand from the OPW that the site acquisition costs were €1,440,000. My colleague, Minister of State Noel Ahern TD, announced on 13th December 2007 that the OPW has invited The Macquarie Partnership as the consortium to become the "Successful Tenderer" in respect of this decentralisation project. This forms part of a major PPP project, which also involves the provision of office accommodation for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Portlaoise and the Department of Education and Science in Mullingar. The OPW is responsible for costs in relation to this entire project.

With regard to non-property decentralisation costs incurred to date, the most recent figure for such costs for my Department, as submitted to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, via the Department of Finance, relates to the period January 2004 to December 2007. These amount to €184,647, broken down as follows — (Travel and Subsistence €11,298, Incidental €1,247, Postal & Telecom €306, Office Machinery €129,854, Office Premises €15,322 and Consultancy €26,620).

With regard to agency decentralisation costs, the most recent expenditure return issued to the Department of Finance, for submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Finance and the Public Service, relates to the period January 2004 to December 2007. The following tabular statement outlines the non-capital expenditure and capital expenditure incurred by Enterprise Ireland, FÁS, Health & Safety Authority & NSAI for that period.

Subhead

A2

A3

A4

A5

A6

A7

A8

Total Non-Capital Expenditure 2004-2007

Capital Expenditure 2004-2007

Total Expenditure 2004-2007

Travel & Sub-sistence

Incidental Expenses

Postal & Telecom Expenses

Office Machinery & other office supplies & related services

Office Premises Expenses

Consultancy

Equip, Stores & Maintenance

Enterprise Ireland

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

FÁS

Nil

21,024

32,092

19,263

282,517

95,576

13,476

463,944

3,003,205

3,467,149

HSA

10,500

1,000

8,600

8,000

306,391

3,500

Nil

337,991

Nil

337,991

NSAI

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

24,500

Nil

24,500

Nil

24,500

Sports Funding.

Phil Hogan

Question:

294 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a decision will be made on an application by a club (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for lottery funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17152/08]

Phil Hogan

Question:

298 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when a decision will be made in respect of an application by a partnership (details supplied) in County Kilkenny under the sports capitation grant scheme 2008; and if he will support this important project. [17387/08]

Michael Creed

Question:

304 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will confirm receipt of an application for grant aid for a sporting organisation (details supplied) in County Cork. [17907/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 294, 298 and 304 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 online applications.

All applications received before the deadline, including the ones 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.

Lisbon Treaty.

Martin Ferris

Question:

295 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the implications Article 149 of the Lisbon Treaty will have with regard to the future direction and administration of sport here in view of the fact that it appears to set out the parameters for a European model of sport, and that sport will be one of the areas in which national states will not have a veto. [17208/08]

Under the Lisbon Treaty, if ratified, sport will become one of the activities where the EU will have the right to carry out "actions to support, coordinate or supplement the actions of member states". As such, Sports policy will remain a national competence in the same way as Education and Culture policies are currently treated within the framework of the EU. The Treaty states that the Union can take action "to develop the European dimension in sport, by promoting fairness and openness in sporting competitions and cooperation between bodies responsible for sports". It can also take action to protect "the physical and moral integrity of sportsmen and sportswomen especially the youngest".

In practice, this means that Parliament and Council will have the legal competence to adopt so-called "incentive measures" in the area of sport, using the co-decision procedure, which would be subject to Qualified Majority Voting at Council. Similar measures adopted by the EU in the cultural and education field have been of significant benefit to Ireland (eg the ERASMUS Programme, the Culture 2007 and Media 2007 support programmes). It is clear however that any such measures will not involve any harmonisation of the laws and regulations of the member states. Indeed, any Recommendations adopted by Council would not be legally binding on member states.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

296 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17371/08]

The average time for payment to be made by agencies affiliated to my Department to outside contractors for goods and services is a matter for the agencies themselves. Insofar as the Department is concerned the information for 2005 to 2008 required by the Deputy is set out in the table below. The figures for 2004 are not available. The figures are based on the average number of working days from the date of receipt of the supplier invoice to the date of payment.

Year

Average (days)

2005

26

2006

25

2007

27

2008 To Date

22

Sports Capital Programme.

Tom Hayes

Question:

297 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will intervene in the case of a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary who were approved for a grant under the 2007 sports capital programme. [17388/08]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

The position is that under the Sports Capital Programme, grantees in receipt of funding over a specified level must enter into a Deed of Covenant and Charge in order to protect the Department's interest and ensure that the property remains in sporting use. To date, €596,974 has been allocated to this group in 1999, 2006 & 2007 under the Sports Capital Programme. A Deed of Covenant and Charge was executed by the group on 16 March 2007 in relation to their 2006 grant allocation. In this regard, the group's solicitors undertook to register the Deed of Covenant and Charge in the Land Registry (Property Registration Authority) within three months of receipt of the sealed Deeds. The sealed Deed of Covenant and Charge in duplicate was sent to their offices on 28 March 2007 for the purpose of registration by the group's solicitors.

I am advised by the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO) that the Deed of Covenant and Charge has not yet been submitted to the Property Registration Authority for registration. I am further advised by the CSSO that this registration will need to be attended to prior to the release of the 2007 grant. The outstanding registration of the Deed of Covenant and Charge has been brought to the attention of the group's solicitors. A checklist of the remaining requirements of the Chief State Solicitor's Office was also recently sent to the group's solicitors in relation to the 2007 grant allocation.

I understand from the CSSO that while they have briefly spoken to members of the group on a number of occasions, under Law Society rules their primary contact must be with the group's solicitors.

Question No. 298 answered with Question No. 294.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

299 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of An Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17557/08]

The number of meetings attended by my predecessors to negotiate the contents of the Budget since my Department was founded in June 2002 was one. This was held on 31 October 2007 to negotiate the policy changes and service level improvements, which would be included in Budget 2008 for delivery by my vote group. My immediate predecessor Mr. Seamus Brennan, T.D. and the then Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Mr Brian Cowen, T.D, attended the meeting. Officials from each Department, who, from ongoing interdepartmental contacts, were highly familiar with the relevant details and issues involved, also attended. In the ordinary course of events meetings such as this would not be minuted by my Department.

In years prior to 2007, negotiations on expenditure by my Department were completed in the Estimates process, which culminated in the publication of the Abridged Estimates Volume in November each year. The addition of negotiations on policy changes and service level improvements to Budget negotiations commenced with the move to the Single Budget and the attendant Amended Estimates Process introduced in 2007.

Sports Capital Programme.

John O'Mahony

Question:

300 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the mechanisms to be put in place or which are in place to assist those successful in their applications for capital lottery funding but who have been unable to draw down their allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17632/08]

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Sports Capital Programme. 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.

Since 1998 the Programme has allocated over €675 million to over 6,700 projects. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland and has allowed the development of sports facilities across the length and breath of the country. Such large scale investments obliges my Department to follow good practice in relation the disbursement of public funds.

Every organisation that is provisionally allocated a grant under the programme receives a detailed letter setting out the terms and conditions that must be complied with prior to the grant being drawn down. These include conditions relating to the submission of comparable quotes, valid tax clearance certificates as appropriate for the grantee and contractors and the putting in place of adequate legal protection for the State's investment. This letter is accompanied by a simple to follow checklist to bring grantees through the draw down process. While the Department is anxious that all grants awarded under the Programme are drawn down in a timely manner it is aware that on occasions delays may occur and in that context officials in my Department are available to assist with any such issues which arise.

Departmental Bodies.

John O'Mahony

Question:

301 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the public bodies under the control of his Department; the function, role, location and establishment date of same; the administration costs of each body in the year 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17633/08]

The establishment dates of the bodies under the aegis of my Department are set out hereunder. The general functions, roles and locations of these bodies are set out in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2008-2010 which is available on my Department's website and in the relevant websites of the bodies, and their budgets for 2007 are set out in the Estimates for my Department which are published as part of the Estimates Volume.

Name

Year of Establishment

Arts Council

1951

Bord Scannán na hÉireann

1980

Culture Ireland

2005

National Museum of Ireland

Originally established in 1877. Established on a statutory basis in 2005

National Library of Ireland

Originally established in 1877. Established on a statutory basis in 2005

National Gallery of Ireland

1854

Irish Museum of Modern Art

1990

Crawford Gallery Cork

2006

Chester Beatty Library

1969

National Concert Hall

1981

Irish Manuscripts Commission

1928

National Archive Advisory Council

1986

Irish Sports Council

1999

Horse Racing Ireland

2001

Bord na gCon

1958

National Sports Campus Development Authority

2007

Fáilte Ireland (National Tourism Development Authority)

2006

Tourism Ireland (North / South Body)

2000

Shannon Development (Tourism Division)

1959

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

302 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost to his Department of implementing the pay roll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17709/08]

The cost of implementing the pay roll system within the bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the agencies themselves. The Department outsourced its payroll function as part of the overall outsourcing of our Financial Management System to the Financial Shared Service Centre of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in 2005. There is no cost to my Department associated with this arrangement.

Sports Capital Programme.

Tom Hayes

Question:

303 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will intervene in the case of a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary who were approved for a grant under the 2007 sports capital programme. [17880/08]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country.

The position is that under the Sports Capital Programme, grantees in receipt of funding over a specified level must enter into a Deed of Covenant and Charge in order to protect the Minister's interest and ensure that the property remains in sporting use. To date, €260,000, which includes a Clar top-up grant of €30,000, has been allocated to this group and a Deed of Covenant and Charge is currently being drafted to cover this amount.

The grantees now wish to take out a loan for €160,000 and the bank in question also wish to place a legal charge on the grantee's property. The ranking of charges placed on a grantee's land is regulated by means of a Priority Agreement. In such situations it is my Department's established practice to seek a valuation of the lands in question from the grantees, so that it may determine whether the property may bear the burden of the combined charges.

In this instance the bank wishes their charge to rank first in priority. The valuation provided by the grantees, however, estimates the land's value as being €260,000, which means that the combined value of the prospective bank loan and cumulative grant allocations is significantly in excess of the current valuation. The Department has been requested to rank second on the Priority Agreement.

You will appreciate that serious consideration must be given to this matter. In this regard, the Department plans to respond through the CSSO to the grantee's solicitors in the near future.

Question No. 304 answered with Question No. 294.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

305 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18110/08]

Excluding the cost of accommodation, the total cost incurred to date for the decentralisation of the Department to Killarney, Co Kerry currently stands at €640,000. This expenditure is in respect of office machinery, office and premises overheads, postal and telecommunications services and travel and subsistence. The Office of Public Works is responsible for costs relating to both the temporary and permanent accommodation and these costs do not fall within the Department's Vote.

Expenditure by the agencies under the aegis of my Department i.e. the Arts Council, the Irish Sports Council and Failte Ireland in respect of decentralisation is a matter for the agencies themselves.

Marriage Licences.

Chris Andrews

Question:

306 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties involved in getting the necessary paper work ready in order to get married and the delays that are being caused as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17247/08]

I have been advised by the Registrar General that the position is as set out below.

Following commencement of the provisions of the Civil Registration Act, 2004 on 5 November, 2007, new processes and procedures were put in place to provide a universal system that recognises and underpins marriage as a solemn contract, and to streamline procedures to provide clarity on the formalities to be observed.

Section 46 of the Act requires that, save in exceptional circumstances, couples intending to marry in the state attend at the office of the registrar in person to give notification of intention to marry at least three months in advance of the intended marriage date, and to sign a declaration that there is no impediment to the marriage. This provision also gives the registrar authority to request documentary evidence from each of the parties in relation to the verification of identity, current marital status, nationality etc. Additional documentation may be required, for example, where either or both of the parties to the proposed marriage has had a divorce granted outside the state so that it can be determined whether it is entitled to recognition under Irish law.

Documentary evidence may also be required for the purposes of establishing the domicile of the parties to the divorce. Any delay in the provision of the requested documentation inevitably delays a decision by the registrar on whether the couple are free to marry.

Registrars are acutely aware of the need to provide full and clear information as to documentary and other evidential requirements. When couples make initial contact with a registrar, the requirements relating to documentation and procedures are explained.

Section 48 of the Act provides for the issue of a Marriage Registration Form (MRF), without which no marriage may be legally solemnised. In essence, this form constitutes the approval of the registrar to the marriage proceeding. An MRF will be issued only when the registrar is satisfied that all the statutory requirements for a valid marriage have been met.

The new procedures have been well advertised and seminars were held around the country for religious solemnisers in the weeks preceding the commencement of the provisions. Comprehensive guidelines have been published for religious solemnisers and couples intending to marry. The guidelines may be obtained from any registrar or downloaded from the General Register Office website at www.groireland.ie.

The Deputy will appreciate that, owing to the constitutional and legal implications of marriage, all reasonable measures must be taken to protect the integrity of marriage and to ensure the international acceptability of certificates of marriage produced by this country as evidence of a valid marriage.

Death Certificates.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

307 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a death certificate will be issued for a person (details supplied). [17389/08]

When a person dies, it is the duty of a relative of the deceased to act as qualified informant. This means that the relative must give to a registrar of births, deaths and marriages the information necessary to register the death, including a medical certificate of the cause of death, which is obtainable from the medical practitioner who attended the deceased, and sign the register of deaths.

In certain circumstances, a death is referred to the Coroner. There is a legal responsibility on doctors, registrars, undertakers, Gardai, hospitals and nursing homes to inform the Coroner where a death occurs suddenly or unexpectedly, or from a cause unknown, unclear or unnatural, or where the deceased was not seen or treated by a registered medical practitioner within one month prior to death.

In such cases, the Coroner may request a post-mortem examination. If the post-mortem shows that a death was due to natural causes, the Coroner may issue a certificate to the Registrar, who can then proceed to register the death and issue a death certificate. If the post-mortem shows that a death was due to unnatural causes, the Coroner may cause an inquest to be held. In such cases, the Registrar must await the outcome of the inquest and the issue by the Coroner of a coroner's certificate before the death can be registered.

An tArd Chláraitheoir (Registrar General), who has statutory responsibility for the civil registration system, is not aware of any particular reason for the delay in issuing a death certificate in the case of the person concerned (details supplied) other than that the death in question has not been registered as yet. A relative of the deceased should contact the nearest Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages as soon as possible in order to effect registration.

Pension Provisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

308 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the pension payments to a particular sector (details supplied); and the reason her Department will not issue pension payments in this regard. [17149/08]

The Department operates two main types of pension scheme; contributory and non-contributory payments. Contributory payments are paid on the basis of social insurance contributions made over a person's working life. Missionaries who have made sufficient social insurance contributions can qualify for the state pension (contributory). These pensions are payable abroad and so missionaries who qualify, and who live or work abroad, can receive a payment.

Non-contributory pensions are only payable where a person is resident in this country and those applying for such pensions must also satisfy the habitual residency condition (HRC). Accordingly, missionaries who reside abroad cannot receive a non-contributory pension. However, those who retire here permanently are generally deemed to satisfy the HRC and will, subject to satisfying a means test, qualify for a payment.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

309 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount it would cost in a year to increase maternity benefit to a flat rate of 60% of the average industrial wage. [17196/08]

The estimated Gross Average Industrial Wage (GAIE) in quarter 2, 2007 was €627.24 per week. Based on this figure the estimated full year cost of increasing Maternity Benefit to a flat rate of 60% GAIE would be some €91 million in 2008 terms.

From quarter 3, 2007 earnings are being calculated by the Central Statistics Office using an EU methodology, the Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey (EHECS), only. The comparable EHECS estimate of industrial earnings per week was €609.04 in quarter 3, 2007. Based on this figure, which is the most up-to-date available, the estimated full year cost of increasing Maternity Benefit to a flat rate of 60% of the EHECS estimate of industrial earnings would be some €80 million in 2008 terms.

Michael McGrath

Question:

310 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the criteria used to determine if an Irish citizen who has returned home after spending some years abroad is entitled to social welfare benefits here including benefits for their children. [17210/08]

The Habitual Residence Condition was introduced in the context of the Government's decision to open the Irish labour market to workers from the 10 new EU Member States, without the transitional limitations which were imposed at that time by most of the other Member States.

The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" has been decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the grounds for assessing individual claims. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has set down a number of factors to be considered when deciding whether someone is "habitually resident". The Court has determined that five factors are relevant in determining whether a person is habitually resident, and these grounds are specified in Section 30 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 as follows:

(a) the length and continuity of residence in the State or in any other particular country;

(b) the length and purpose of any absence from the State;

(c) the nature and pattern of the person's employment;

(d) the person's main centre of interest, and

(e) the future intentions of the person concerned as they appear from all the circumstances.

An Irish national returning to this country having lived abroad for a number of years, would have their entitlement to Social Welfare payment assessed in the context of the factors outlined above. It is likely that a person returning to live permanently in this country would satisfy the requirements of the habitual residence condition.

Each case received for a determination on the Habitual Residence Condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the legislation and guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. The Habitual Residence Condition is being operated in a careful manner to ensure that Ireland's social welfare system is protected, while at the same time ensuring that persons whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it.

Finian McGrath

Question:

311 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if persons (details supplied) in Dublin 9 will be assisted. [17229/08]

The Health Service Executive has stated that the matter is currently under review with the Executive's Appeals Office and has advised that the person concerned will be informed of the outcome of its decision in due course.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

312 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will address the anomaly in the family income supplement allowance which states that local elected councillors are self-employed and therefore cannot qualify for FIS, even though their only source of income may be the representational allowance from their council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17258/08]

Family income supplement (FIS) is designed to provide cash support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were unemployed and claiming other social welfare payments. FIS is paid on a weekly basis over a period of 52 weeks, taking into account a family's net earnings and the number of children under aged 18 or aged between 18 and 22 years and in full time education.

Where self employment is the sole employment in a household, Family Income Supplement is not payable. Arrangements already exist whereby self employed people on low earnings can receive additional payments under the social welfare system. Self-employed people whose income falls below the rate of unemployment assistance (UA) appropriate to their family circumstances are entitled to claim assistance. The rate of assistance payable depends on the person's means. In assessing means, account is taken of the net income which the applicant may reasonably expect to receive in the next year, and all expenses necessarily incurred by the applicant in carrying out the business are disregarded.

Representational Payments are insurable at PRSI class M and Councillors are regarded as office holders in the same manner as TDs, MEPs Senators and members of the judiciary. Under Social Welfare Regulations (Article 27 of SI 312/96) all emoluments received in respect of the office held are exempt from Social Insurance with the exception of the Health Levy. A Representational Payment is therefore considered to be an emolument from self-employment and treated as such in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare legislation.

Any extension of FIS to other categories of persons would have to be considered in a budgetary context. There are currently no plans for such an extension.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

313 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 was refused family income supplement to supplement their council representational allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17259/08]

Family income supplement (FIS) is designed to provide cash support for employees, with families on low earnings. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were unemployed and claiming other social welfare payments. FIS is paid on a weekly basis over a period of 52 weeks, taking into account a family's net earnings and the number of children under aged 18 or aged between 18 and 22 years and in full time education. Where self-employment is the sole employment in a household FIS is not payable.

Representational Payments are insurable at PRSI class M and Councillors are regarded as office holders in the same manner as TDs, MEPs, Senators and members of the judiciary. Under Social Welfare Regulations (Article 27 of SI 312/96) all emoluments received in respect of the office held are exempt from Social Insurance with the exception of the Health Levy. A Representational Payment is therefore considered to be an emolument from self-employment and treated as such in accordance with the provisions of the Social Welfare legislation.

The person concerned is in receipt of a Representational Payment. As this is their sole income and is considered to be from self employment their application for FIS was refused.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

314 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there is a backlog of applications for family income supplement with her Department only dealing with applications from September 2007 at this time, resulting in new applicants being told they will have to wait months for their claims to be processed; the action she will take to shift the backlog in order that those in need of this income support are not left waiting for months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17268/08]

Following improvements made to the qualifying income thresholds for family income supplement (FIS) in recent budgets and publicity campaigns promoting the scheme, there has been a substantial increase in the scheme take-up.

In 2007, my Department received 36,000 new and renewal FIS claims compared to 33,000 in 2006 and 23,000 in 2005 — an increase of over 60% on 2005 and 11% on 2006. In the first 16 weeks of 2008 over 15,000 new and renewal claims were received compared to some 12,000 in the same period in 2007 — an increase of 20%.

The Department has introduced a number of measures to address the efficiency of claim processing for FIS in light of the increased current backlog:

A review of existing processes and procedures has been undertaken with the explicit objective of reducing delays in claim processing;

Priority is being given to claims where a claim is being renewed to ensure continuity of payment;

The ongoing staffing requirement was recently reviewed in light of the increased volumes of claims;

Overtime working is being judiciously applied;

5 extra temporary staff have been recruited to help with processing the backlog of FIS claims.

These measures will, over time, lead to more efficient processing and reduce the number of claims on hand. The position is being closely monitored and kept under review by my Department.

Jack Wall

Question:

315 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for an exceptional needs payment for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17296/08]

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on my behalf by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive, an exceptional needs payment (ENP) may be made to help meet an essential, once-off cost which the applicant is unable to meet out of his/her own resources. There is no automatic entitlement to this payment. Each application is determined by the Executive based on the particular circumstances of the case. Eligible people would normally be in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment.

The Dublin / Mid-Leinster Area of the Executive has advised that the wife of the person concerned applied to the local Community Welfare Office (CWO) for two ENPs in April 2008, one of which was for an orthopaedic bed. The CWO refused the ENP requests on the grounds that an exceptional need was not in evidence. The person has been advised of her right to appeal the decision to the designated officer of the HSE Appeals Office. To date no appeal has been received.

The person concerned was further advised that if there are any changes in her circumstances she should make a formal application for an ENP that will be considered under the terms of the scheme.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

316 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the Government have undertaken an additional study of extending contributory pension cover to women who were homemakers; and when it is intended to take decisions on pension reform in this area. [17309/08]

The social welfare pension rights of those who take time out of the workforce for caring duties are protected by the Homemaker's scheme which was introduced in and took effect from 1994. The scheme allows up to 20 years spent caring for children or incapacitated adults to be disregarded when a person's social insurance record is being averaged for pension purposes. However, the scheme will not of itself qualify a person for a pension. The standard qualifying conditions, which require a person to enter insurance 10 years before pension age, pay a minimum of 260 contributions at the correct rate and achieve a yearly average of at least 10 contributions on their record from the time they enter insurance until they reach pension age, must also be satisfied.

The operation of this scheme is subject to review in the context of the Green Paper on Pensions, with particular regard being paid to the operative date of the scheme and the use of credits for pension purposes rather than the current system of disregards. Also, alternative means of providing pensions for homemakers, and others at present outside the social welfare pension system, are also explored in the Green Paper, including the use of universal entitlements with qualifying criteria based around residence rather than contributions.

A consultation process on the Green Paper is now underway and will remain open until 31 May. Once the consultation process is completed, work on developing the framework for future policy in all areas of pension provision will commence. The aim is to finalise proposals by the end of 2008.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

317 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average time for payments to be made by her Department and by each agency affiliated to her Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17382/08]

This Department makes approximately twenty three thousand payments to contractors annually in respect of goods and services. Additional payments are made by bodies under the aegis of the Department. Given the large number of payments made the information which the Deputy has requested is not readily available in my Department.

Question No. 318 withdrawn.

Pension Provisions.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

319 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason her policy on the screening of submissions to her Department as part of the public consultation for the Green Paper on Pensions, as outlined in her reply to Parliamentary Question No. 381 of 17 April 2008, is not contained in the Green Paper on Pensions publication as well as the information on her Department’s website; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17436/08]

The Green Paper on Pensions consultation process has been ongoing since October 2007 and will continue until the end of May 2008. To date, over 180 submissions have been received and the Department hosted six regional seminars around the country to gather people's views on the key issues of concern to them. A comprehensive report will be drawn up on the consultation process and the views expressed through the written submissions and the seminars.

In conducting the consultation process, the Department is following the general set of guidelines in the Department of the Taoiseach's publication "Reaching Out: Guidelines on Consultation for Public Bodies", particularly sections 3.1 on written consultation and 4.7 on public meetings. Where correspondence is received through the consultation process and relates to individuals personal circumstances, this is passed to the appropriate section within the Department. Similarly, submissions including personal correspondence between the individual and other people or organisations are also inappropriate. In such cases, the contributor is asked to make their contribution along the lines set out on Page XV of the Green Paper. In addition, names of persons have been removed from submissions to protect anonymity.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

320 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter [17568/08]

I understand that the Deputy is, in particular, referring to bilateral meetings with the Minister for Finance or the Taoiseach in relation to the annual social welfare Budget as distinct from internal meetings within my Department relating to the Budget process generally.

Each year, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs normally meets with the Minister for Finance to discuss the social welfare budget package. These meetings take place at a relatively advanced stage in the formulation of the Budget and are generally also attended by officials from the respective Departments. In this context, the development of the Budget is a continuous, intensive and rolling process. The relevant officials are in ongoing interdepartmental contact throughout the year and are highly familiar with all of the relevant details and issues involved, including Government priorities. Accordingly, it is not necessary to prepare a formal agenda for such meetings.

Each year, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs normally meets with the Taoiseach in the weeks immediately preceding the Budget to review progress on the Government Programme and any other relevant issues. While this meeting is not specifically Budget related, priorities for possible progression in the context of the impending Budget may be discussed from time to time. The relevant officials who attend these meetings are in regular and frequent contact on a wide variety of issues on a continuous basis. Decisions arising from both sets of meetings are documented and form part of the Department's records.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

321 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost to her Department of implementing the payroll system within her Department and within bodies under her Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17720/08]

The cost of implementing the CorePay payroll system from 2004 to date in my Department is set out in the following table.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Cost Per Annum

€681,207

€743,928

€846,511

€806,676

€359,666

The corresponding information for the bodies under my Department's aegis is not readily available but is being compiled at present and I will write to the Deputy as soon as this data is available.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

322 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average length of time taken in her Department to process carer’s allowance and carer’s benefit applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17764/08]

Entitlement to carer's allowance/benefit is based on an applicant satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. In determining entitlement to the allowance there are, in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and enquiries to enable accurate decisions to be made. Delays can also arise if persons applying for the allowance are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim. Many applicants for carer's allowance are already in receipt of another social welfare payment while their claim is being processed.

The average time for deciding a claim for carer's allowance is currently 18 weeks. The number of claims for carers allowance submitted in 2007 was 18,000 compared to 10,700 in 2006. This represents an increase of 68% on the total received in 2006. A total of 7,000 new applications for Carer's Allowance have been received this year to date (week end 2nd May 2008). The large increase in applications received is mainly due to the introduction of the half rate carer's allowance payment which came into effect from 27 September 2007.

Entitlement to Carer's Benefit is based on an applicant satisfying medical, employment and PRSI contribution conditions. In determining entitlement to the Benefit there are in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and inquiries to enable accurate decisions to be made. Delays can also arise if persons applying for the benefit are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim. The average time for deciding a claim for carer's benefit is currently 9 weeks. The number of claims for carer's benefit submitted in 2007 was 3,469 compared to 2,616 in 2006. This represents on average an annual increase of 33%.

Michael Ring

Question:

323 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded jobseeker’s allowance. [17775/08]

The person concerned applied for jobseeker's allowance on 8 February 2008. A Deciding Officer approved his claim on 14 April 2008 and awarded him jobseeker's allowance at the weekly rate of €56.80 from 8 February 2008 and he was notified accordingly. However, the person concerned failed to sign the live register on 8 April 2008 and consequently his claim was closed from 15 April 2008. If he is currently unemployed he should contact his local Social Welfare Office, to discuss the matter. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Michael Ring

Question:

324 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a bereavement grant has been paid in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if so when it was paid. [17867/08]

The Bereavement Grant is a payment designed to assist families in dealing with death and funeral expenses. It is a scheme that relates specifically to those who have made PRSI contributions and is payable on the death of an insured person, his/her spouse and dependent children under age 18 or under age 22 if in full-time education. In order to qualify for the bereavement grant the deceased must have:

a total of 156 PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurable employment, or

at least 26 PRSI contributions paid since entry into insurable employment and 39 PRSI contributions paid or credited in the Relevant Tax year.

The application for Bereavement Grant in respect of this person was received on 19 March 2008. Following extensive searches, this Department was unable to trace any record of contributions paid by the person or her spouse. Accordingly, on 4th April 2008 the Department notified the deceased person's son that there was no entitlement to the Bereavement Grant as the PRSI conditions were not satisfied.

Where there are insufficient PRSI contributions to qualify for bereavement grant a person may receive assistance under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Under this arrangement, the local Community Welfare Officer may make a single payment to help meet exceptional expenditure, for example, for funeral expenses, which a family could not reasonably be expected to meet from their own resources.

Social Welfare Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

325 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when she will act on the request to redesignate Ballymun under section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17870/08]

The Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas advised me last week that he has decided that the Ballymun area merits designation as an area of regeneration for the purposes of Section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007. This section of the Act provides that rent supplement shall not be payable in general, the objective being to achieve social integration.

The measures provided for in Section 25 are not a blanket refusal of rent supplement in areas of regeneration. Specific provision is made to ensure that:

people already residing in such areas and in receipt of rent supplement may continue to receive payment; and

people already residing in such areas in private rental accommodation and who may have recourse to rent supplement in the future would not have their entitlement restricted. Arrangements will be made by all parties to ensure that vulnerable groups or individuals who are dependent on rent supplement now or may be so dependant in the future are adequately catered for in Ballymun.

Officials of my Department are currently examining the request to invoke the provisions of Section 25 in the Ballymun regeneration area, with a view to ensuring that all operational issues arising, are identified and resolved prior to implementation. It is not intended that the Section 25 provisions will be open-ended. Once in place, the arrangements will be kept under review by both Departments.

Departmental Expenditure.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

326 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide a monthly schedule of the actual expenditure for each estimate subheading for February and for March 2008; and if she will provide the actual income received by the social insurance fund for February and March 2008. [17911/08]

The information requested is given in the following tables.

Table A sets out provisional expenditure for Vote 38 for February 2008 and Table B sets out the corresponding provisional income and expenditure for the Social Insurance Fund for February 2008. These figures are provisional pending completion of statutory accounts. Expenditure data for the month of March is not yet finalised.

Table A — Provisional Expenditure under the Department of Social and Family Affairs Vote 38 for February 2008

A.1 Salaries, Wages & Allowances

17,769,711

A.2 Travelling & Subsistence

241,527

A.3 Incidental Expenses

434,412

A.4 Postal & Telecommunications

1,027,406

A.5 Office Machinery/Office Supplies

988,576

A.6 Office Premises Expenses

437,056

A.7 Consultancy Services

7,778

A.8 Payment for Agency Services

10,451,489

A.9 eGovernment — Reach

1,496,611

A.10 VFM & Policy Reviews

7,471

A11 eGovernment Related Projects

70,164

B State Pension (Non-Con)

91,242,373

C Blind Pension

1,577,407

D Child Benefit

192,632,072

E Jobseeker’s Allowance

80,112,839

F Farm Assist Scheme

6,871,016

G Employment Support Services

14,082,360

H Pre-Retirement Allowance

9,573,941

I One-Parent Family Payment

80,878,917

J Widow(er)s’ & Guardians Payments (Non Con)

2,398,635

K Social Assistance & Other Allowance

583,724

L Family Income Supplement

13,135,796

M Carer’s Allowances

33,111,174

N Supplementary Welfare Allowances

60,801,430

O Disability Allowance

81,782,304

P Respite Care Grant

(252,255)

Q Free Schemes

31,885,369

R Money Advice & Budgeting Service

9,233

S. Grant to Family Support Agency

0

T1 Grant to the Combat Poverty Agency

300,000

T2. EU Program (Progress) 2007-2013

0

U. Grant to Citizens Information Boar

2,000,000

V Dormant Accounts — Economic & Social Disadvantage

0

W Miscellaneous Services

2,039,954

Extra Statutory Grants

0

Losses

0

GROSS TOTAL

737,698,490

DEDUCT

X Appropriations-in-Aid

(16,666,103)

NET TOTAL

721,032,387

Table B — Provisional Income and Expenditure for the Social Insurance Fund for February 2008.

Income

Income from Contributions

807,054

Income from Investments

1,678

Total Income

808,732

Expenditure

Illness Benefit

67,236

Invalidity Pension

56,579

Occupational Injuries Benefits

9,457

Maternity Benefit

23,699

Health & Safety Benefit

45

Adoptive Benefit

107

Treatment Benefits

6,336

State (contributory) Pension

301,751

State Pension (Transition)

7,164

Jobseeker’s Benefit

60,929

Widow(er)s & Guardians (Contributory) Payment

121,907

Widowed Parent Grant

477

Deserted Wife’s Benefit

9,065

Carer’s Benefit

3,856

Bereavement Grant

1,638

Free Schemes

25,100

Redundancy & Insolvency Payments

15,328

Administration Expenses

16,724

Total Expenditure

727,398

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

327 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision on an appeal for jobseeker's allowance will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [17984/08]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been disallowed and the person has been notified. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of my Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

328 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by her Department and the agencies under the aegis of her Department. [18120/08]

Since the commencement of the decentralisation programme in the Department, expenditure returns have been submitted to the Department of Finance detailing non-property costs associated with the programme for both this Department and the agencies under its aegis. The following tabular statement summarises the returns associated with non-property costs. Expenditure figures for the first quarter of 2008 are not yet available.

Breakdown of non-property costs for the Department of Social and Family Affairs 2004-2007

Subhead Description

Travel & Subsistence

Incidental Expenses

Postal & Telecom Expenses

Office Machinery & Other Office Supplies and Related Services

Office Premises

Consultancy Services

Total

2007: Dept

42,323

30,881

55,313

21,746

3,442

153,705

2007: Agencies

2006: Dept

18,561

7,462

1,122

829

945

28,919

2006: Agencies

2005: Dept

4,369

17

204

1,415

6,005

2005: Agencies : Comhairle

6,150

6,150

2004: Dept

6,907

19

270

783

6,436

14,415

2004: Agencies

Grand Total

209,194

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

329 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17373/08]

All payments made by this Department to suppliers are subject to the Prompt Payments of Accounts Act 1997, which requires that payments are made within 30 days of receipt of the invoice or delivery of the goods or services, whichever is the later. I wish to confirm that my Department processes in excess of 99% of all payments within the 30 day timeframe.

The Deputy will appreciate that payments made by bodies reporting to, or under the aegis of, my Department is a day-to-day operational matter for the Chief Executive Officers of those organisations. Accordingly, I am forwarding the Question to the organisations in question and am asking the Chief Executive Officers to provide any relevant information directly to the Deputy.

Rural Development Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

330 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the rural development programme 2007 to 2013 will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17386/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 represents my Department's response to the commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to rural enterprise development. In that regard, I hope to be in a position to commence the process of selecting the Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme in the near future. The funding available for the delivery of LEADER-type activities under the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-13 will amount to €425.4 million — almost treble the €150 million available for the 2000-06 period. The new Programme will complement the other funding for rural development measures by my Department.

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

The realignment of local delivery structures will reduce the overall number of local development bodies from 94 to 55, comprising 17 Partnerships in urban areas and 38 integrated LEADER/Partnership bodies in rural areas. My intention is to have the cohesion process completed in advance of the roll out of the new NDP programmes, including the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme. At this stage, local development bodies are in place in some 54 of the 55 operational areas agreed by Government. I understand that steps are now being taken to complete the establishment of an appropriate structure in the remaining area. It is expected that this process will be completed shortly.

Michael Creed

Question:

331 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the role his Department played in negotiating AXIS 1, 2 and 3 with the EU Commission; the reason AXIS 4 measures are being progressed as non co-financed; the consequences for rural development measures for coastal communities; the specific proposals by his Department to target coastal communities under the revised Leader programmes; and the role of BIM in this regard. [17410/08]

Implementation of Axes 1 and 2 of the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 is the sole responsibility of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and consequently, my Department had no role in the negotiation of these axes with the EU Commission. My Department is responsible for the implementation of Axes 3 and 4 of the Rural Development Programme Affairs through a network of Local Action Groups and my officials were accordingly involved in the negotiation of these axes, alongside the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

It was been agreed with the Commission that all Axis 3 measures, including those to support improvements to the quality of life in rural areas and the diversification and development of the rural economy, will be delivered through Axis 4 (LEADER Axis) of the Rural Development Programme. All Axis 4 activities will be co-funded by the Commission at a rate of 55%.

There are no specific proposals to target coastal communities under the Rural Development Programme, rather such communities will benefit in the wider rural development context from the significant investments that will be delivered by the Programme. My Department has liaised with BIM and many other stakeholders in relation to the Rural Development Programme and will continue to do so as the Programme is implemented.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

332 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17559/08]

As the Deputy is aware, the Estimates process for a particular year begins in May or June of the previous year, with the Budget being central to the whole process. Within my Department, and in relation to contacts between officials in my Department and the Department of Finance, many of the meetings and conversations in the course of which matters related to the Estimates process are discussed are short and informal. Issues emerging from such meetings are followed up by officials in the normal course of business.

Any meetings attended by me of the nature referred to by the Deputy would have been with the Minister for Finance in the context of the Estimates process. Issues arising at such meetings would be followed up in contacts at official level.

Sports Funding.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

333 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the application by a group (details supplied) to the sports capital grant and the young people’s facilities and services fund for funding to cover the shortfall identified as necessary to deliver a new sports facility; when a decision on the application will be made; and what the decision is expected to be. [17604/08]

An application for capital funding under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) has been received in my Department from the group in question. All applications under the current round, will now be assessed by the Fund's National Assessment Committee against set criteria and I expect to be in a position to approve projects recommended to me shortly thereafter.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

334 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a grant will be approved under the CLÁR programme for Ballynoneen No. 2 group water schedule in Asdee, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17616/08]

An application for CLÁR funding in respect of Ballynoneen Group Water Scheme was received in my Department on the 14th of April, 2008. My Department is currently processing the application and a decision will be made as soon as possible. My Department will inform the Deputy of the outcome.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

335 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17711/08]

The cost of the payroll system within my Department, incorporating the salaries of the staff that process the payroll and the maintenance charges of the specific IT system, for each year from 2004 to 2007, and in 2008 to date, is listed in the following table.

Year

Amount

2004

140,010

2005

109,141

2006

128,694

2007

142,148

2008 (to date)

60,809

The Deputy will appreciate that payroll costs of bodies reporting to, or under the aegis of, my Department is a day-to-day operational matter for the chief executive officers of those organisations. Accordingly, I am forwarding the Question to the organisations in question and am asking for any relevant information to be provided directly to the Deputy.

Youth Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

336 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the grants administered or funded by his Department in the area of youth projects, youth cafés and summer schemes; the level of funding including capital and staffing grants to the various projects in 2007. [17782/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department does not operate a specific scheme or programme of funding in the area of youth projects, youth cafés and summer schemes, however, my Department does operate a number of programmes and schemes where some funding is available for these purposes.

In 2007, some funding was provided for youth cafés, youth projects and summer schemes under the following programmes and schemes operated by my Department:

Programme of Grants for Locally-Based Community and Voluntary Organisations;

White Paper on Community and Voluntary Activity;

The Young People's Facilities and Services Fund;

The Local and Regional Drugs Tasks Forces;

LEADER Programmes;

PEACE II Programme;

Gaeltacht Schemes.

Funding for the purposes outlined by the Deputy was also provided by Foras na Gaeilge, The Boord o Ulster-Scotch, Foras na Gaeilge and under the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Details of all the programmes and schemes operated, including funding available by my Department can be accessed on the Department's website at www.pobail.ie. If the Deputy has any query in relation to a specific project funded by my Department, I would be happy to provide him with that information.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

337 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18112/08]

Non-property costs incurred by my Department to end March 2008 amounted to some €1m. Costs incurred by the Office of Public Works in relation to accommodation for my Department's decentralisation programme to end 2007 amounted to some €650,000. Decentralisation costs incurred by Pobal to March 2008 amounted to €36,917.

Foreshore Licences.

Michael McGrath

Question:

338 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a foreshore lease will be put in place between his Department and the port of Cork in relation to a pier (details supplied) in County Cork. [17178/08]

This is a long-standing case involving leasing arrangements put in place initially in 1937. Following refurbishment of the pier in the late 1990s, the Port of Cork indicated a wish to alter the leasing arrangement with a view to ultimately acquiring the freehold of the area of foreshore in question. At a meeting between officials of my Department with representatives of the Port Company held in December 2007, a number of crosscutting issues associated with the Company's proposal were discussed.

My Department is currently examining the proposal with a view to determining how to best meet the needs of the Company in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Foreshore Act.

Finian McGrath

Question:

339 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the application lodged on 7 March 2002 by Dublin Port Company for a foreshore licence to infill 52 acres of Dublin Bay has not been rejected (details supplied). [17620/08]

The proposal referred to by the Deputy would require an appropriate foreshore consent under the Foreshore Acts. In line with normal procedures, my Department requires that planning permission be obtained before consideration is given to an application for a foreshore consent. This requirement is of general application. The Department's consideration of this case remains open pending finalisation of the planning matters.

Harbours and Piers.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

340 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the plans for the development of services at Howth fishery harbour; and if these include the provision of new mobile catering services through a tendering process. [17778/08]

The level of services provided at Howth Fishery harbour Centre are constantly appraised and upgraded in accordance with its designation as a Fishery Harbour Centre and the requirements of stakeholders and harbour users.

An Invitation to Tender for the operation of a Food and Beverage (Non-Alcohol) Unit at Howth Fishery Harbour Centre has recently been published in the national press, on the "eTenders" Public Procurement website and on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food website. Notices have also been displayed locally in the harbour area. The closing date for receipt of tenders is Wednesday 21st May 2008.

Pat Breen

Question:

341 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a project (details supplied) in County Clare would qualify for a grant under the coastal protection programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17861/08]

Responsibility for coast protection rests with the property owner whether it is a Local Authority or a private individual and in this instance it would rest with the property owners, i.e., the Irish College and the five local farmers.

My Department's Coastal Protection Programme provides funding to projects managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and also provides for the co-funding of a number of local authority projects. There is no funding available under the Programme for projects on land owned by private individuals and I regret therefore that the aforementioned project would not be eligible for consideration under the Coastal Protection Programme.

Afforestation Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

342 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the planning required to plant a forestry plantation on a green field site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17141/08]

The criteria for planting are based on the Forestry Schemes Manual, a comprehensive suite of environmental guidelines including fisheries, landscape, archaeology, biodiversity, harvesting and forest protection, and the Code of Best Forest Practice (all available on the Department's website). The criteria vary from site to site and each application is examined by the Forest Service for environmental and silvicultural suitability. The initial assessment of a site takes place by a registered forester who is listed on the Forest Service Register of Foresters and Forestry Companies.

Proposed sites in environmentally sensitive areas are advertised in the local paper and referral letters are sent the relevant competent authority and An Taisce. All public consultation notices are advertised in the relevant local newspaper and placed on the Department's website under the heading of ‘Proposals for Afforestation in Environmentally Sensitive Areas'. All other notifications for sites over 2.5 hectares are placed on the Department's website.

Farm Waste Management.

Pat Breen

Question:

343 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the situation currently being experienced by many farmers particularly in the pig sector (details supplied), he will approach the European Commission to alter the terms of the farm waste management scheme beyond the 31 December 2008 deadline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17151/08]

The end-2008 deadline for completion of work by farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006 is a strict condition of the EU state aid approval for the Scheme. I have no plans to approach the EU Commission to alter the terms of the state aid approval.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

344 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the top-up payment to sheep farmers under the national reserve who have been paid to date; the number yet to be paid; the number of additional farmers envisaged to be eligible following his recent announcement of an increase in the single farm payment cut off; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17158/08]

The 2007 National Reserve was advertised on 16 May 2007 with a closing date of 8 June 2007. On initial examination of the Department's records it appeared that up to 8,000 farmers could qualify under the special sheep measure of the National Reserve but up to 11 June only 1,000 farmers had applied under this category. The deadline for applications was then extended to the 22 June 2007. In addition my Department wrote to the farmers identified as likely qualifiers inviting them to apply for the measure and this resulted in the number of applications increasing to 6,000. To date some €2.1m has been paid to 2,700 successful applicants and some 900 applicants have been rejected as not meeting the qualifying criteria. The remaining applications are still being processed.

It was recently decided to amend the criteria by increasing the existing threshold of the Single Payment for qualification for the 2007 National Reserve special sheep measure from €6,000 to €10,000. It is estimated that another 1,300 farmers could be eligible for this category and my Department will now write to these farmers inviting them to apply.

Niall Collins

Question:

345 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if grant aid is available for farmers constructing an underpass to keep livestock off the public roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17168/08]

There is no grant-aid available from my Department for the construction of cattle underpasses.

Harbours and Piers.

John O'Mahony

Question:

346 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the underwater survey has been carried out at a pier (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17176/08]

Kilcummin Pier is owned by Mayo County Council and responsibility for its repair and maintenance rests with the Local Authority in the first instance. However, in late 2007, my Department invited Mayo County Council to submit proposals for inclusion in the Fishery Harbours & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme for 2008. An application for funding for a new slipway and hard standing area at Kilcummin Pier was included in the submission received from Mayo County Council. (The application did not include a funding request for an underwater survey at Kilcummin pier).

The Fishery Harbours & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme 2008 was announced in February 2008. All approvals were decided based on overall national priorities and Exchequer allocation. Unfortunately, the application for funding of the project at Kilcummin pier was unsuccessful on this occasion.

Any future application from Mayo County Council for funding under the Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme will be given due consideration subject to the above criteria.

Farm Waste Management.

John O'Mahony

Question:

347 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cut-off date that payments will be made in respect of the farm development grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17205/08]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the end-2008 deadline for completion of work by farmers under the revised Farm Waste Management Scheme introduced by my Department in March 2006. This is a strict condition of the EU state aid approval for the Scheme and I have no plans to approach the EU Commission to alter the terms of the state aid approval. All claims for payment must therefore be submitted to my Department before the 31 December 2008 deadline.

EU Directives.

Michael McGrath

Question:

348 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the farming community in relation to the proposed changes to European Directive 91/414; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17211/08]

The EU Commission has proposed a Thematic Strategy for the Sustainable Use of Pesticides. The Strategy includes a number of initiatives to reduce the impact of pesticides including a revised and extended Regulatory system for plant protection products.

Council Directive 91/414/EEC requires that all plant protection products be approved, following risk assessments, before being placed on the market. A Regulation revising the Directive was discussed at Coreper on 24th and 30th of April but no agreement was reached on a number of issues. Discussions on these issues were referred to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of the 19th May 2008, with a view to achieving political agreement.

The main issues to be resolved relate to the replacement of risk assessment with hazard-based ‘cut-off criteria', protection of proprietary rights to data, mutual recognition of authorizations and zonal authorizations. Chemical substances are classified and grouped in categories on the basis of the intrinsic properties, i.e. hazard. Risk assessment takes exposure to the hazard into account and estimates the risk to man, animals and the environment arising from the use.

I am seeking to ensure that the regulation will enshrine the principle of risk assessment in the approval of plant protection products while at the same time ensuring the protection of operators, consumers and the environment and maintaining the competitiveness of Irish and European agriculture.

Officials from my Department have been in regular contact with representatives of the various stakeholders and I have met with representatives from the IFA recently. Therefore, I am fully aware of the concerns of the farming community.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

349 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17370/08]

The information requested by the Deputy in respect of payments made by my Department is set out in the following table.

Year

Average no. of days for payment to issue

2004

18 days

2005

23 days

2006

18 days

2007

22 days

2008 (to date)

18 days

The table indicates the number of days which elapsed between receipt of invoices in the Department and the issue of payment. Payments made by state agencies which come under the remit of my Department are subject to the prompt payment legislation but are an operational matter for the agencies themselves.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

350 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of sheep farmers who applied for additional single farm payment from the national reserve element of the sheep package announced on 16 May 2007; the number of sheep farmers who have been paid single farm payment from this measure to date; the number of outstanding cases which remain unpaid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17400/08]

The 2007 National Reserve was advertised on 16 May 2007 with a closing date of 8 June 2007. On initial examination of the Department's records it appeared that up to 8,000 farmers could qualify under the special sheep measure of the National Reserve but up to 11 June only 1,000 farmers had applied under this category. The deadline for applications was then extended to 22 June 2007. In addition my Department wrote to the farmers identified as likely qualifiers inviting them to apply for the measure and this resulted in the number of applications increasing to 6,000. To date some €2.1m has been paid to 2,700 successful applicants and some 900 applicants have been rejected as not meeting the qualifying criteria. The remaining applications are still being processed.

It was recently decided to amend the criteria by increasing the existing threshold of the Single Payment for qualification for the 2007 National Reserve special sheep measure from €6,000 to €10,000. It is estimated that another 1,300 farmers could be eligible for this category and my Department will now write to these farmers inviting them to apply.

Sheep Sector.

Michael Creed

Question:

351 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the on-farm investment grant aid scheme announced for sheep farmers on 16 May 2007; the dates on which this investment grant aid package opened; the date on which it was closed by him; the number of farmers who applied; the amount of investment grant aid paid out under the scheme to sheep farmers; the proposals he has to rectify the problems in this area and make investment grant aid available to farmers again in the sheep sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17401/08]

On 16 May 2007, a comprehensive package of aid measures was announced for the sheep sector in Ireland, including a specific range of grants to encourage on-farm investment in that sector. These grants were made available to sheep farmers under the Farm Improvement Scheme which was introduced on 12 July 2007. The Scheme was suspended for new applications on 31 October 2007 as applications received had reached the level of funding provided for the Scheme under the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. 12,675 applications were received by my Department by the closing date. To date, €836,849 has been paid out to farmers under the Scheme. It is not possible to identify the amount of grant-aid paid out specifically to the sheep sector.

I have no plans at present to re-open the Farm Improvement Scheme to new applications.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

352 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers that have applied for the REP scheme mixed grazing supplementary measure for sheep farmers announced on 16 May 2007 claiming to be worth €28 million per annum; the amount of money paid out under this measure to date; the proposals he has to release the hold up on payment of this money to sheep farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17402/08]

The mixed grazing supplementary measure is available to farmers joining REPS 4. Out of 3,787 applications for REPS 4 received up to today, 241 applicants have indicated that they wish to participate in the mixed grazing measure. Eleven of these applications have been approved and paid to date. In total my Department has issued some €9,000 to the farmers.

I am currently considering certain proposals from the farming organizations on aspects of the mixed grazing supplementary measure. Ultimately, however, REPS is a voluntary, demand-led scheme and it is open to farmers to opt for the measure, for which sufficient funding is available.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

353 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details provided) in County Cork will have their REP scheme grant paid shortly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17403/08]

The person named submitted a REPS 4 plan in December 2007. If it is a valid application, he will start his REPS 4 contract from 1 January 2008 and will receive 75% of his 2008 full year's REPS payment when all administrative checks for REPS and the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are completed. In practice, this will be in early autumn. The remaining 25% payment will go out when the last of the year's REPS on-farm inspections has taken place. This means that these payments will be processed in December.

To be eligible for his REPS payment in 2008, the person named must also submit his 2008 Single Payment application by 15 May 2008.

Michael Creed

Question:

354 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has proposals to introduce a grant scheme for machinery used for harvesting bio-energy crops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17405/08]

I have no plans at present to introduce a Scheme to aid the purchase of harvesting machinery for bioenergy crops. In 2007, I introduced a new Bioenergy Scheme offering establishment grants of up to €1,450 per hectare to farmers to plant willow and miscanthus. Some 800 hectares were grant aided in 2007. One of the main advantages of these crops is that harvesting operations can be carried out with conventional farm machinery. Miscanthus, for example can be harvested using traditional harvest machinery including mowers, balers and forage harvesters. Willow can be harvested by adapting conventional farm harvesting machinery such as forage harvesters. Specialised machinery to harvest willow is also available and in use.

The Department has published Best Practice guidelines for growing willow and miscanthus under the Bioenergy Scheme. Among other items, the guide provides advice to growers on planting and harvesting operations to maximise crop yield and improve the economic viability of the crop. Teagasc recently published a new Farm Diversification Manual, which provides detailed technical advice to farmers on the cultivation of energy crops including willow and miscanthus.

Areas planted with bioenergy crops qualify for the Single Farm Payment, the National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare and the EU Premium of €45 per hectare under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. The second phase of the Bioenergy Scheme commenced in December 2007 and to date applications to plant a further 1,400 hectares of willow and miscanthus have been submitted.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

355 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the regulation in the REP scheme whereby miscanthus can only be grown on 10 hectares or 25% of any land holding as this condition is discouraging growers from entering into the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17406/08]

Michael Creed

Question:

356 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the condition of the REP scheme four whereby miscanthus growers must leave an uncultivated four metre margin around each field or plot of crop as the condition serves no agronomy, bio-diversity or environmental purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17407/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 356 together.

REPS is a agri-environmental measure, and for that reason payments to farmers must be costed and justified on the basis of quantifiable environmental benefits that go beyond keeping land in good agricultural and environmental condition and observing the statutory management requirements of the Single Payment Scheme. No element of the REPS payment can be justified on the basis of a production support, nor can a farmer be compensated for the same action twice. REPS is not a support scheme; it is a voluntary scheme open to all farmers and payments under the scheme are not entitlements as of right. Participants who agree to be bound by the scheme conditions qualify for payment.

The maximum area of miscanthus permitted on REPS farms is 10 hectares or 25% of the REPS contract area, whichever is the greater. This area limitation is in order to maintain landscape diversity. It would not be desirable or acceptable in an agri-environmental scheme to have whole farms, or a major portion of the lands, devoted to the growing of an introduced species monoculture. Existing levels of flora and fauna need to be sustained, and if possible improved, on all REPS farms and the large-scale growing of miscanthus is not consistent with this objective.

Four-metre margins are necessary to allow for routine hedgerow maintenance which can take place only when the crop is standing in the field, and to protect against invasion by the miscanthus root system into field boundaries. This crop can attain heights of more than three metres which can result in deep shading of field margins and associated hedgerow habitats. Consequently the margins must be wide enough to prevent indigenous plant species being deprived of light. Hedgerows are the only refuge for indigenous plant species associated with the former grassland or tillage field use, and they must be kept in a condition that is adequate to provide for diversity of flora and fauna to be maintained.

Cereal Sector.

Michael Creed

Question:

357 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has proposals to encourage conservation agriculture in the tillage sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17408/08]

The concept "conservation agriculture"in the context of tillage undoubtedly embraces at least the principles of minimal soil disturbance, permanent soil cover with plants or residues and the use of crop rotations and cover crops.

Minimal soil disturbance by the use of alternatives to ploughing is increasingly being practised in Ireland. The current Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS 4) recognizes the importance of minimum soil disturbance and incorporates a measure to encourage greater uptake of shallow non-soil inversion crop establishment, for which the farmer will be paid.

Although the other principles I have referred to are not associated exclusively with conservation, all Irish tillage farmers would regard permanent crop cover and crop rotation as good practice. There is a benefit to water quality as well, and for that reason the principles outlined above feature in the Nitrates Regulations (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to give effect to the Nitrates Directive. Article 21 of the Regulations, which apply to all agricultural holdings, governs ploughing and the use of non-selective herbicides.

These principles were also taken on board when standards for Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) were drawn up for Ireland in the context of cross compliance under the Single Payment Scheme.

Afforestation Programme.

Michael Creed

Question:

358 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if forestry lands owned by Coillte, which have been harvested without grant aid either from the State or the EU and which have now been sold on with a replanting obligation, have an entitlement to forestry grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17409/08]

As replanting of the sites in question would not constitute first afforestation they would not be eligible for grant aid.

Animal Importation Licences.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

359 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the animal species import licences that have been issued to circuses operating here since the beginning of 2008; and the number of licences that have been issued for each species. [17542/08]

Since the beginning of 2008, one import licence has been issued for the importation of three African Elephants from Germany via France to a circus operating in Ireland.

Proposed Legislation.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

360 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the Animal Welfare Bill; when he expects to publish the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17543/08]

A good deal of work has already been undertaken and significant progress has been made on drafting the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill and I intend, very shortly, to initiate a process of public consultation by publishing a consultation paper and inviting submissions from interested parties and other stakeholders.

The Bill will be a comprehensive piece of legislation which will, inter alia, give effect to a number of important commitments, in the area of animal health and welfare, contained in the Programme for Government. The Bill will amend and consolidate previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our nation's animals and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) is properly protected and that penalties for offenders are increased significantly as well as replacing and repealing a long list of outdated legislation. Drafting of the Bill will continue after the consultation process, having regard to the various submissions received.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

361 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of An Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not, the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17556/08]

Frequent informal contacts take place and meetings are held on an ongoing basis between officials in my Department and in the Department of Finance in the preparation of the annual Estimates provisions for the Department. It is also the practice for Ministers to meet with the Minister for Finance in the final stages of the Estimates negotiations. On these occasions, my predecessors were accompanied by the Ministers of State in the Department and by senior officials.

The regular and informal nature of official contacts means that, in general, such meetings are not formally minuted. However, conclusions are normally noted and briefing may be prepared on points agreed and issues outstanding prior to the meetings with the Minister for Finance. No direction has been issued to officials in relation to the keeping of minutes of such meetings. Given the on-going nature and content of the discussions, formal agendas are not normally circulated in advance of the meetings between Ministers.

In relation to Ministerial bilateral meetings, my predecessors met with the Minister for Finance on 31st October, 2007, 20 September, 2006, 29 September, 2005, 13 October, 2004 and 8 October, 2003. The dates of the bilateral meetings prior to 2002 are not readily available. There were no separate meetings with An Taoiseach in relation to the Estimates discussions.

Grant Payments.

Martin Ferris

Question:

362 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement regarding the application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a waste management grant. [17576/08]

The person named 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.

Finian McGrath

Question:

363 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the REP scheme application will be approved for payment for a person (details supplied). [17619/08]

The person named has been approved for a REPS 3 payment which will issue within the next ten days.

Agricultural Holdings.

John O'Mahony

Question:

364 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of full-time and part-time farmers in 1967, 1977, 1987, 1997 and 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17631/08]

The most recent statistics relating to farm numbers are available through the CSO Farm Structures Survey results for 2003 and 2005. The report shows that over that period 2003 to 2005 farm numbers declined at a rate of approximately 1% per annum to 132,500 farms. The reduction in farm numbers is part of an on-going trend, which is common throughout Europe. The rate of decline is lower in Ireland than in many other EU member states.

Comparable figures are not available on the numbers of full-time and part-time farmers for all the years requested during the period 1967 to 2007. Up to 1991 the focus of agriculture surveys was on the land holding, without distinguishing between the holder's full-time or part-time involvement in farming.

The table below shows the number of agricultural holdings over 1 acre for available years during the period 1965-1980.

Year

Number of Holdings over 1 Acre

1965

283,500

1970

279,500

1975

269,800

1980

263,600

In the 1991 Census of Agriculture, a new system was introduced which focused on the operational aspects of farming, which distinguished whether the farm holder considered farmwork to be his or her sole occupation or, on the other hand, his or her major or subsidiary occupation. It should be noted that until the 1991 Census, the CSO recorded all farms over 1 acre. From 1991 onwards, only farms over 1 hectare (2.5 acres approx) were measured.

The second table shows the total number of active family farms (in thousands) from 1991 to 2005 (the latest data available), broken down on the basis of whether or not farmwork is the sole occupation of farmer holder.

Year

Farmwork is sole occupation of the farm holder

Farmwork is not sole occupation of the farm holder

Total

1991

124.7

45.2

169.9

1993

106.0

52.9

158.9

1995

101.2

51.8

153.0

1997

98.3

49.3

147.6

2000

78.7

62.6

141.3

2003

76.9

58.6

135.5

2005

73.5

58.9

132.5

Grant Payments.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

365 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 455 of 19 February 2008, if the review of the eligibility inspection has been completed; if the single farm payment for 2007 will be processed and awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17626/08]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme /Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 18th April 2007.

As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing these Schemes, the application was randomly selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and animal identification and registration inspection

During the course of the ground eligibility inspection discrepancies were found with four parcels. As a result of this discrepancy the claimed area of 58.24ha was reduced to 31.62ha. The person named was informed of these findings on the 22nd October 2007. If the total area found is not sufficient to support the number of entitlements held, penalties will be applied in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Single Payment Scheme. In this case the number of entitlements held by the person named is 58.04. As the difference between the area declared and the area found is more than 20%, under EU Regulations, no payment is due.

A request to review the findings of this eligibility inspection has been received. The officer in charge is currently examining this review and the person named will be informed of the outcome within the next two weeks. If the person concerned is not happy with the outcome of the review he has the right to appeal the outcome of the review to the Agriculture Appeals Office.

Michael Creed

Question:

366 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of grants under the farm improvement scheme paid in County Cork; the breakdown in respect of each farm development office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17644/08]

To date, 58 payments totalling €169,662.79 have been paid out to farmers in County Cork under the Farm Improvement Scheme. All of these payments have been made from the Clonakilty office.

Proposed Legislation.

Michael Creed

Question:

367 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the new Animal Welfare Bill will be published; if it is proposed in the context of this legislation to ban fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17647/08]

A good deal of work has already been undertaken and significant progress has been made on drafting the new Animal Health and Welfare Bill and I intend, very shortly, to initiate a process of public consultation by publishing a consultation paper and inviting submissions from interested parties and other stakeholders.

The Bill will be a comprehensive piece of legislation which will, inter alia, give effect to a number of important commitments, in the area of animal health and welfare, contained in the Programme for Government. The Bill will amend and consolidate previous legislation to reflect the changed disease status of our nation's animals and update existing legislation, to ensure that the welfare of all animals (including non-farm animals) is properly protected and that penalties for offenders are increased significantly as well as replacing and repealing a long list of outdated legislation.

Drafting of the Bill will continue after the consultation process, having regard to the various submissions received.

Licensed fur farms are inspected to assess compliance with the Council of Europe recommendations concerning fur animals and Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. These inspections have, to date, found that licensed fur farms have been operating in compliance with current national and EU legislation. In this regard fur farming is a legitimate farming activity, which is permitted in the greater majority of EU Member States. It is intended that the forthcoming legislation will provide for the continuation of normal farming, sporting and other activities where these do not involve reckless endangerment of the welfare of animals.

Turbary Rights.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

368 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are turbary rights in the name of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17649/08]

A turbary right over a plot of bog, separate to the folio in the question was sold in 1967 by the former Irish Land Commission by means of a Q3 agreement, to the person named (now deceased) in the Question. The original Q3 document cannot be found in the Records Branch of my Department despite an intensive search being undertaken. There is no indication from other source documents that ownership of the turbary right was ever amended. The folio mentioned in the Question is no longer registered in the person's name in the Property Registration Authority.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

369 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are turbary rights in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17650/08]

A turbary right over a plot of bog was sold in 1966 by the former Irish Land Commission, by means of a Q3 agreement, to the person named in the Question. The turbary right is still recorded in the person's name in the Records Branch of my Department.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

370 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the 2007-2008 REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17653/08]

The person named was notified in writing in October 2007 that a soil sample was required before any further REPS payments could be processed. The necessary soil sample has not yet been provided.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

371 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17654/08]

The person named has been approved for a REPS 3 payment which will issue within the next ten days.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

372 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004 to 2007, inclusive, and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17708/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Year

Payroll system costs

2004

116,963.75

2005

152,617.91

2006

102,267.27

2007

126,656.30

2008 (to date)

26,771.27

A new payroll system was installed in my Department in 2001. The costs indicated cover software maintenance, modifications required, support and upgrades to the system including a module introduced in 2005 to enable staff to view their salary and to claim travel and subsistence costs electronically on the Department's computer network. In addition, €20,000 per annum from 2004 to 2006 and €24,000 in 2007 was paid in licensing fees in respect of the payroll system's use of the Department's computer hardware. The salary costs of the staff operating the system are not included. Payments made by state agencies under the remit of my Department are an operational matter for the agencies themselves.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

Damien English

Question:

373 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received a submission from an association (details supplied); the action he will take to address these eight priority issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17690/08]

My Department received a submission from the association in question in which they raised a number of issues in relation to growing miscanthus. These issues, some of which are not within the remit of my Department are being examined and a detailed response will issue in due course. I am eager to support the development of miscanthus in Ireland and I am making grant aid available to growers under the Bioenergy Scheme. The Scheme was introduced on a pilot basis in February 2007 and provides establishment grants of up to €1,450 per hectare. Some 700 hectares of miscanthus were planted in 2007. In September 2007, my Department met with all the stakeholders including the aforementioned association to review the operation of the Bioenergy Scheme. All stakeholders were complimentary towards the Scheme and acknowledged it had stimulated considerable interest among farmers. The second phase was launched in December 2007 and so far applications to plant a further 1,300 hectares of miscanthus have been submitted.

In addition to establishment grants, areas planted with miscanthus also qualify for the Single Farm Payment, the National Energy Crop Premium of €80 per hectare, the EU Premium of €45 per hectare under the EU Energy Crops Scheme and adjusted payments under the REPS and Disadvantaged Areas Scheme.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Damien English

Question:

374 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will re-examine a case for a person (details supplied) in County Meath regarding his early retirement farm pension; if he will liaise with the Department of Social and Family Affairs on same; if the moneys clawed back from this person’s pension will be reinstated to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17705/08]

It is a requirement of the EU Council Regulation under which the 1994 Early Retirement Scheme was introduced that the Early Retirement Pension can be paid only as a supplement to any national retirement pension to which the participant, and his or her spouse or partner in a joint management arrangement, is entitled. This means that the entire value of any such national retirement pension awarded from age 66 must be deducted from the Early Retirement Pension.

For the purposes of the Scheme, a participant's national retirement pension includes his/her Personal Rate and any Adult Dependant Allowance, Child Dependant Allowance or Living Alone Allowance payable, as a spouse or dependant child does not have an independent right to the pension.

In the case of the person named, as he is in receipt of a Child Dependant Allowance my Department is obliged to offset this amount against his Early Retirement pension.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

375 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the incentives from his Department and his Department’s agencies for the production of bio-fuels; if he will review these in view of the current world food crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17740/08]

The following incentives are available from my Department to encourage farmers to produce bio-fuel feedstocks (energy crops).

An EU premium of €45 per hectare available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme.

A National Energy Crop Premium worth €80 per hectare.

50% establishment grants for willow and miscanthus.

Areas sown with energy crops may also qualify for the single farm payment. The Department's agencies do not pay direct subsidies for bio-fuel production. Teagasc provide advisory services to farmers to develop more efficient production systems generally and improve crop yields. Research undertaken by Teagasc assesses the opportunities provided by bio-fuel crops and communicates this information to farmers.

I have no plans to review the energy crop incentives given the relatively small area devoted to energy crop cultivation in Ireland. The percentage of agricultural land under energy crops in 2007 was less than 0.02% comprising some 9,000 hectares. Teagasc estimate that potentially some 75,000-100,000 hectares of land could be devoted to energy crops in Ireland without impacting negatively on food or animal feed production. There is potential to expand the feedstock base with the advent of new second-generation bio-fuels, which use non-food feedstocks such as wood biomass.

The current rise in food prices is largely associated with rising world population and increased demand in some rapidly developing economies where demand is outstripping supply. Other factors include declining stocks of grain, speculation in commodity futures, higher energy costs and export restrictions imposed by some countries. The diversion of more land to produce bio-fuels, particularly corn-derived ethanol in the USA contributed to the surge in cereal prices in 2007.

In response to the current high prices for cereals and the abolition by the EU of compulsory set aside, extra land is being devoted to cereal production in Ireland and across the Community in 2008. It is forecast that the 2008 wheat crop in the EU could increase by 17m tonnes compared to 2007. As crops for bio-fuels, are estimated to account for about 3m-4m tonnes of production, the additional 13m tonnes of cereals at EU level should help increase the availability of stocks for food and animal feed.

In 2007, the EU Commission carried out an ‘Impact Assessment' to assess the effect of the 10% bio-fuel target on transport fuel on EU-27 agricultural markets in 2020. The assessment concluded that the 10% bio-fuel scenario would not overly stretch land availability, and as a consequence food production. The EU Commission recently proposed new sustainability criteria for bio-fuels, that are counted towards the 10% target. As part of the monitoring and reporting system for bio-fuel production, the Commission will be required to analyse, among other items, the impact of EU bio-fuel policy on the availability of foodstuffs in exporting countries, the ability of people in developing countries to afford these foodstuffs and wider development issues.

The reality is that bio-fuel production is currently one of the few practical ways of making a real impact on oil dependence and greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Nonetheless the objective should be to ensure that bio-fuels, are produced in a sustainable fashion and not have undesirable consequences for food production, the environment and biodiversity.

Fisheries Protection.

Martin Ferris

Question:

376 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if copies of the recent report by the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority are available to Members of Dáil Éireann or to the public. [18009/08]

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is an independent authority which was established under Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 on January 1st 2007. The Act provides that the Authority is independent in the exercise of its functions and may publish any reports on matters related to its functions, subject to the normal requirements regarding the Annual Report of statutory bodies. The latter, along with copies of the audited accounts, is presented to me, as the responsible Minister, prior to its being laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. The distribution of all other reports is a matter entirely for the Authority.

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is of course fully accountable to Committees of the Oireachtas. Section 68 of the Act sets out, specifically, the detailed position in relation to accountability of the Authority to the Committees of the Oireachtas.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

377 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the 2005 national reserve application for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been processed; and if all their payments have issued. [17864/08]

The person named had applied under Category D of the 2005 National Reserve that catered for farmers who commenced farming after 31 December 2002 or who commenced farming in 2002 but did not received any direct payments in respect of that scheme year. The person named was deemed ineligible under this category as he had received his herdnumber in September 2001.

However as outlined in my previous reply to the Deputy on 2 April 2008 my Department had agreed to review the 2005 National Reserve application submitted by the person named. My Department wrote to the person named on 1 April 2008 requesting additional information in relation to his on farm and off-farm income; farming qualifications; birth certificate and copy of Deed of Transfer that was required to fully process his application. The person named did not reply and my Department issued a reminder letter to him on 21 April 2008.

My Department received the required information on 29 April 2008 and has now processed the National Reserve application. A letter outlining details of the allocation has issued to the person named and payment due will issue shortly.

Fishing Industry Development.

Michael Creed

Question:

378 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the difficulty faced by him regarding the operational programme for the fisheries sector, he will make a submission under the AXIS 4 co-financed rural development initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17906/08]

With regard to the current position of the Operational Programme for Fisheries, the Commission Negotiating position was received on the 22nd of April 2008. The Commission has expressed disappointment that measures under Axis 4 of the European Fisheries Fund are not included as co-funded measures. The draft Operational Programme involves support for priority areas including decommissioning of fishing vessels and aquaculture development, while Axis 4 measures will be supported under nationally funded measures. There will be full discussion with the Commission to finalise the Operational Programme including in relation to the content of the Programme.

Bovine Diseases.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

379 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, with regard to bluetongue disease and the havoc currently being wrought within agriculture by the disease, he will compensate farmers for losses incurred as a result of his failure to deal adequately with confirmed infected cattle in the west of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17985/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

380 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, with regard to inactivity regarding bluetongue exclusion zone which, as readily acknowledged by most veterinary experts in the field, is putting the national herd at risk, his attention has been drawn to the serious losses incurred due to reduced productivity in herds that have been infected with the virus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17986/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.

Ireland has been and continues to be bluetongue-free and the presence of the disease in a number of other Member States has had very little impact on Irish agriculture.

While a small number of imported animals that were tested on their arrival here were found to have been exposed to the virus in the past, they were found to be free of the virus and, as such, posed no threat to animal health, having developed a natural immunity to the virus. Consequently, the issue of compensation raised by the Deputy doesn't arise.

As there has been no outbreak of bluetongue in this country, the issue of establishing protection, surveillance and restricted zones does not arise.

My Department has carried out a number of assessments to seek to determine the risk of the possible introduction of the disease into the country and, based on the assessed level of risk, my predecessor has taken a number of initiatives to minimise that risk, including the introduction of a ban on the importation of female breeding and production cattle aged over 12 months and female sheep over 6 months, following confirmation that the presence of the virus had been detected in Northern Ireland.

That particular measure has now been revoked following the introduction of tighter movement controls of animals from bluetongue-restricted areas that were introduced earlier this week, which impose further restrictions on the animals that may now be imported to this country from bluetongue-restricted areas and their application in Ireland. These further measures are discretionary for Member States but their application in Ireland is in line with our commitment to maintain the country's disease-free status.

It will be my objective to ensure that we make every effort and take all such reasonable precautions as we can to ensure that Ireland remains disease-free.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

381 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18109/08]

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food sends a quarterly return to the Decentralisation Implementation Group which details the non-property costs such as travel and overtime. To the end of 2007, the last reporting deadline, the costs amounted to €90,128.

Schools Refurbishment.

Damien English

Question:

382 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application by a school (details supplied) in County Meath under the dormant accounts fund for a kitchen, library and parent room will be processed; if the applicant will be informed of the decision; when he expects payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17701/08]

In light of the very large number of project proposals received and the level of oversubscription, the Dormant Accounts Fund Inter-departmental Committee for Educational Disadvantage recommended that arrangements should be made to transfer these proposals to the Department's Planning and Building Unit for consideration in the context of the Department's overall Schools Building and Modernisation Programme. The application referred to by the Deputy will be considered, in due course, in this context.

Youth Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

383 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a project (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and the funding from his Department it receives. [17784/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

448 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a project (details supplied) in Dublin 8; the funding from his Department it receives; if his further attention has been drawn to an application for funding for an additional youth worker; the reason no decision has been taken on that application to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17783/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 448 together.

The project referred to by the Deputy receives annual grant-in-aid funding from my Department under two initiatives, namely the Special Projects for Youth Scheme (SPY) and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF). The total amount allocated in 2007 under these schemes was €200,221.

The Youth Affairs Section of my Department received a request for an additional worker in 2008 under both of these schemes.

The process of determining my Department's financial allocations to the Youth Work Sector for 2008 is still underway. I expect that this process will be completed shortly and all Administering Agencies, in this instance City of Dublin VEC/City of Dublin Youth Service Board will then be notified of the outcome as appropriate.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

384 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants administered or funded by his Department in the area of youth cafés, summer schemes, youth at risk, early school leavers and after-school clubs in the Dublin 8 area; and the level of funding including capital and staffing grants to the various projects in 2007. [17785/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

449 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants administered or funded by his Department in the area of youth projects, youth cafés, summer schemes, youth at risk, early school leavers and after-school clubs in the Dublin 8 area; and the level of funding including capital and staffing grants to the various projects in 2007. [17786/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 449 together.

The Youth Affairs Section of my Department supports a number of schemes and initiatives which provide non-formal educational opportunities for young people throughout the country through voluntary participation in youth work. This support consists mainly of grant-in-aid assistance for national and major regional youth work organisations under the Youth Service Grant Scheme, targeted youth work responses for young people through the Special Projects for Youth Scheme and the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund which targets young people at risk from substance misuse. Grant-in-aid funding is made available as a contribution towards the general running expenses, including staffing costs, of projects. My Department does not operate a capital funding programme in respect of the youth work sector.

A number of youth projects funded under these schemes are located in the Dublin 8 area. Details of the projects and schemes are outlined hereunder:

Special Projects for Youth Scheme

There are four (4) projects in receipt of funding under this scheme located in the Dublin 8 area.

Project

2007 Grant

1. Rialto Youth Project

193,455

2. St. Michael’s Parish, Inchicore

134,808

3. Donore Avenue Youth Project

176,251

4. Focus Ireland Youth Project

868,845

Young People's Facilities and Services Fund

There are six (6) projects in receipt of funding under this scheme located in the Dublin 8 area.

Project

2007 Grant

1. South West Inner City Network Youth Service

138,070

2. Donore Education Network

69,208

3. Rialto Youth Project

65,548

4. Children and Young Peoples Provision Programme

56,654

5. St. Michael’s Parish, Inchicore

65,417

6. Canal Communities Regional Youth Service

200,520

The City of Dublin Youth Service Board (CDYSB) also administers grant-in-aid funding for the support of youth clubs and groups throughout Dublin city. Some 21 youth clubs received funding amounting to €39,665 in 2006 (latest figures available).

School Completion Programme

Preventative measures are in place such as the School Completion Programme with €31.160 million allocated to the School Completion Programme for 2008.

School Completion Programme (SCP) is based on a set of key principles, with a strong emphasis being placed on partnership between schools, family members and local statutory, community and voluntary agencies and on the concept of integrated services. Effective support requires a cross-community and cross sectoral response to young people's needs, with support being provided on a continuous basis both during, and outside of, school time. 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).

Over €580,000 has been allocated for 2007/08 to projects in the Dublin 8 area where supports are offered in-school, after-school, out-of-school and during holiday time in recognition of the fact that continuous support must be given to young people at risk of early school leaving. 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.

Holiday Time Supports are delivered during holiday time, for example, mid-term break, Easter and Summer holidays. Holiday time supports are provided to young people at risk of early school leaving in order to provide a consistent educational experience for them all year round. Holiday supports are often delivered in conjunction with other external agencies, particularly youth services.

School Accommodation.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

385 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the increase in demand for school places at a school (details supplied); if the school’s application for further accommodation has been accepted; the position regarding the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17146/08]

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

An assessment of the projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and the housing developments in the area will be required to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. 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.

School Staffing.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

386 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if it is envisaged that this allocation will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17159/08]

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 236 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 9 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 227 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 8 mainstream class teachers.

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 Department and its decision is final.

Schools Refurbishment.

Brian Hayes

Question:

387 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if funds will be made available to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24, as a special school in a disadvantaged area, to carry out repair works to the playground area as the school previously applied under the dormant accounts fund and the summer works schemes, which are both now defunct; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17172/08]

It is open to the school authorities of the school in question to submit an application for Major Capital funding should works be required at the school. All application received are considered and assessed for funding under my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Work Permits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

388 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the implications for Ireland’s image as a destination for international students of proposals to require non-EEA students to send their children to private schools and to obtain work permits if they want to work while studying here; if he has been consulted on these proposals in her capacity as Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17183/08]

Existing education policy is that students up to 18 years of age are admitted to primary and second level schools irrespective of their nationality or status. Indeed, under the Equal Status Act, schools may not discriminate in admission to schools except where this is necessary to maintain the religious values or ethos of the school. While the Act does provide for differential treatment in relation to fees for further and higher education for persons who are not nationals of an EU Member State, there is no such condition specified in regard to second level schools. The admission of persons to the State from outside the EU is a matter for the immigration authorities. Children of refugees, those with humanitarian leave to remain in the State, asylum seekers and dependents of certain work permit holders, are entitled to access free first and second level education. However, the basic conditions for a student visa require that the student attend a full time programme of education and training, pay the appropriate fees and be financially self supporting. Such students have no entitlements to bring their dependents with them to the State.

The Report on the Inter-Departmental Committee on the Internationalisation of Irish Education, published in 2004, set out a strategy with the objective of enhancing the attractiveness of Ireland as a quality venue for international students and increasing the numbers of students coming to Ireland to participate in further and higher education and training and in the language sector. It was envisaged that students from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland, other than refugees and those with humanitarian leave to remain in the State, would participate on a fee paying basis. In the course of the discussions leading to the Report, the position of minors attending school for second level education was discussed, and the existing immigration policy that student visas should be allowed only in respect of attendance at fee-paying schools was confirmed, on the basis that to do otherwise would give rise to additional demands on the State. My Department is in continuing discussion with officials in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform regarding the proposals in the Immigration and Residence Bill.

On the issue of work permits, Section 24.2 of Towards 2016 provides that the employment of non EU/EEA students will be made subject to work permits, and the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment is currently drawing up proposals for the implementation of this commitment. It is proposed that such permits will not be the subject of a labour market test. This is part of an overall strategy to help ensure that there are adequate safeguards in place to protect employment rights, that minimum wage and registered employment agreements are adhered to, and that migration policy is underpinned by appropriate administrative arrangements.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael McGrath

Question:

389 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of educational supports to a child (details supplied) in County Cork with special needs. [17185/08]

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

Shane McEntee

Question:

390 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant will be provided to meet the needs of a child (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17190/08]

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating 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. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for its attention and direct reply.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

391 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide the information referred to in Question No. 62 of 9 April 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17192/08]

The information referred to has recently been forwarded to the Deputy by my officials.

School Accommodation.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

392 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if plans for two new eight classroom primary schools for Gorey are going ahead in view of the fact that no mention was made of them in a newspaper report recently which listed 22 new primary schools due to open in September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17209/08]

As the Deputy may be aware, a Developing Area unit was set up in my Department to focus on the school accommodation needs of rapidly developing areas. 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. Gorey is one of the areas designated as a rapidly developing area and my announcement on 1 February last refers to projects commencing construction in 2008. Planning Permission has since been granted and this will allow for the commencement and construction of two 8 classroom schools for Gorey in 2008. The 22 new primary schools mentioned in a recent newspaper report that the Deputy refers to are in connection with the recognition of new primary schools by the New Schools Advisory Committee. Gorey was not mentioned on this list as the schools are already established.

Schools Building Projects.

Bernard Allen

Question:

393 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [17233/08]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

454 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will be making available a capital allocation for the building of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17855/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 393 and 454 together.

An extension and refurbishment project for the school referred to by the Deputy is in the early stages of architectural planning at an agreed projected enrolment of 500 pupils. Following on from a recent meeting with the school authorities, 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 the Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

394 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the additional funding he will provide to overcome the substantial shortfall in funding approved for a school extension in a school (details supplied) in County Monaghan, where a deficit of €100,000 is in evidence against the lowest tender received for the said works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17243/08]

A grant of €484,000 was sanctioned under the Small Schools Scheme to enable the management authority of the school in question to extend and modernise their school. The Scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives Boards of Management control of the building project. The intention of the scheme is to provide funding to schools to enable them to undertake wanted building projects. The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fundraising needs but for the school to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. A central tenet of the scheme is that the schools, granted discretion and funding, must equally accept responsibility for prioritisation, adherence to statutory regulations, control of costs and ensuring value for money. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority. The current position is that the school management have appointed a contractor and building works have commenced. I understand that an application for additional funding will be submitted for consideration by the Department. The school will be informed of the decision in duecourse.

School Curriculum.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

395 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will adopt the recommendations of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment that research is carried out here on the question of language and literacy in Irish medium schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17244/08]

This issue relates to the impact of providing an immersion model of education in Irish medium schools under which no English is taught for a significant part of the infant cycle. The NCCA indicated that the research available was not adequate to come to firm recommendations applicable in the Irish context, and accordingly recommended that research be undertaken on a range of models, with different Irish medium schools taking different start dates for the introduction of English. The question of deferring a decision in relation to this matter pending a research project to ascertain the impact on student performance of various models of immersion education was considered. Such research would take a considerable time to complete, and is likely to be inconclusive, given the many variables (socioeconomic status, school practice, variations in first language at home of students etc) that are at play here. In any event, research will, by its nature, focus on but one subset (learning impact) of what is a significantly wider public policy matter and for that reason I did not consider it appropriate to delay a decision pending any such research.

It is a requirement in all schools that all subjects of the curriculum are taught to all class groups. In the Introduction to the Primary Curriculum (page 27) it is stated that "It is a particular feature of Irish primary education that children, from the beginning of schooling, have experience of language learning in two languages." It is important that all children have access to a balanced education and benefit from the full curriculum at the earliest possible stage. Oral language development plays a critically important role in early learning and I believe it is important to ensure that tuition in both Irish and English is provided for children in the infant cycle. Accordingly, circular 044/2007 issued in July last to schools requiring Irish medium schools to provide the minimum recommended tuition in English, of least 2.5 hours per week, for the infant classes with a shorter day (and 3.5 hours per week for those attending for the full day) with effect from no later than the start of the second term in junior infants. This provides that between 88% and 90% of the overall provision in such schools is through the medium of Irish, with all subjects being taught through Irish, except English.

School Staffing.

Dan Neville

Question:

396 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will intervene and ensure that a resource teacher is provided for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [17245/08]

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers to schools to support children with special needs. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Schools Building Projects.

Dan Neville

Question:

397 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new school building at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [17252/08]

A schedule of accommodation has been drawn up based on a long-term projected enrolment of 800 pupils. The further progression of the project will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Question:

398 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will honour his promise of a permanent integrated autistic unit at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; when he expects to have this facility in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17253/08]

The National Council for Special Education is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for the establishment of special classes for children with autism and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE will continue to establish additional autism classes where the need arises in both special schools and mainstream schools. I have arranged for the details requested by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

399 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a home tuition grant in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [17256/08]

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 child concerned. My Department's qualification preference is for a fully qualified teacher. If parents cannot recruit a fully qualified teacher, some alternative qualifications are acceptable including certain Montessori qualifications. Details in this regard are published on my Department's website. Home tuition is sanctioned until July 2008 for the child in question. On the basis of the information provided to date, the qualifications of the nominated replacement tutor do not meet theminimum requirements. My officials are in contact with the family in relation to thismatter.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

400 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the average cost of the new school buildings, broken down by new primary and post-primary, approved in early 2008 in the latest large-scale building projects programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17290/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

401 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will categorise by project band rating, the applications approved in early 2008 in the latest large-scale building projects programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17291/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 400 and 401 together.

Some 13 new primary school buildings are included in list A of the announcement, made on 1 February last, of large-scale projects to progress to construction. The average cost per school building will be in the region of €4.687 million. Two new post-primary school buildings were included also at an average cost of €14.3 million. Nine of the schools — seven primary and two post-primary — were rated at Band 1 with the remainder of the schools having a Band 2 rating. The banding system was introduced following agreement with the Education Partners in 2004. The banding system is briefly set out as follows:

Band 1 — Projects serving rapidly developing areas, schools with special needs requirements, rationalisation projects.

Band 2 — Projects dealing with deficits of mainstream accommodation. It is not uncommon, given current demographic trends, for projects in this category to move from minor projects to more substantial projects.

Band 3 — Projects concerned with ancillary accommodation — that is projects where there is no deficit of mainstream accommodation.

Band 4 — Desirable but not urgent or essential.

Brian Hayes

Question:

402 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will estimate the capital cost of approving all outstanding applications for large scale school building projects assigned a project band rating of one to three; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17292/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

403 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will estimate the capital cost of approving all outstanding applications for large scale school building projects assigned a project band rating of one to four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17293/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.

Major school building projects are selected for inclusion in the School Building and Modernisation Programme on the basis of priority of need using published criteria. The banding system was introduced following agreement with the Education Partners in 2004. Applications can range from extensions and refurbishments to applications for new schools on new sites. In this regard, it should be noted that a project's banding, or classification, can be subject to reassessment having regard to demographic developments in the area served by the school and also, for example, if on foot of a technical examination of the school it was found that the proposed project put forward by the school was not an appropriate design solution to meet the accommodation requirements. The banding system can be broadly set out as follows:

Band 1 — Projects serving rapidly developing areas, schools with special needs requirements, rationalisation projects.

Band 2 — Projects dealing with deficits of mainstream accommodation. It is not uncommon, given current demographic trends, for projects in this category to move from minor projects to more substantial projects.

Band 3 — Projects concerned with ancillary accommodation — that is projects where there is no deficit of mainstream accommodation.

Band 4 — Desirable but not urgent or essential.

It would not be realistic to try to estimate the potential cost of all building projects on hand in my Department. A variety of factors can affect the final cost of a project. Site size/conditions, demographic trends, technical assessment of the existing buildings etc., requirement for new buildings, extension to existing schools or refurbishment of existing schools will all affect the cost of the various projects, as will the trend in building costs in the broader economy. Ultimately, it is only when a project has been tendered that an accurate cost becomes available.

School Insurance.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

404 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science if all community and vocational schools are covered by public liability insurance; if so, if children who have accidents at school are eligible to claim under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17297/08]

In the case of Vocational Schools and Community Colleges, insurance cover is arranged by the relevant Vocational Education Committee. With regard to Community and Comprehensive Schools, the State provides a general indemnity to the authorities of these schools in lieu of their taking out insurance cover against liabilities which may arise. Any claims arising in respect of a Vocational School or Community College is dealt with under the insurance cover arranged by the VEC. In cases involving Community and Comprehensive Schools and where the State or Minister is joined in a personal injuries claim by any party, the State Claims Agency is the body appointed by Government to respond to such claims.

Schools Building Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

405 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department will complete the building of a new national school at Ballygarvan, County Cork; if the Chief State Solicitor’s Office has completed the purchase, commenced in March 2007, of the three plots of land required; if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowded and hazardous conditions in the existing premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17303/08]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

439 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time the construction period will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18007/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 439 together.

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. The 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 along with any proposed capital allocation will be considered in the context of the Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme. In the meantime temporary accommodation for the school has been approved by the Department as an interim measure to facilitate increased enrolments next September.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

406 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17375/08]

My Department is subject to the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997. Under the terms of the Act my Department is obliged to make payments to our suppliers within 30 days of receipt of invoice unless otherwise specified in a contract or agreement. The information in relation to the average time for payment requested by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile. Details of payments made by agencies are a matter for the individual agencies concerned.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen

Question:

407 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 27 February 2008, if an application has been assessed for a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17366/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question has been offered an all-in grant to provide additional accommodation to cater for the proposed unit.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

408 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the recommendations of the New School Advisory Committee with regard to a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17418/08]

The New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC), which is an independent advisory body, is charged with making recommendations to the Minister in relation to applications received for new schools. In their report this year, the NSAC recommended recognition of the application in respect of the school in question.

Following consideration of the report and recommendations of the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) on the recognition of new primary schools for 2008, it was decided not to grant recognition to the school to which the Deputy refers, at this time.

In recognising a new school, cognisance needs to be given to the demand on resources so that the State can ensure efficiency and equity in the allocation of constrained resources. In that context, and given the significant additional levels of primary school provision made in the area in the past 3 years, I am satisfied that sufficient provision has been made to serve the current and future population in the medium term. I am satisfied that appropriate diversity of provision has also been provided.

On that basis, recognition has not been granted to the proposed new school at this time. This does not preclude recognition at a future date.

Site Acquisitions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

409 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if the primary school site at Tyrellstown, Dublin 15 has been acquired; if not, if it is intended to acquire this site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17419/08]

A 6 acre site for primary school provision in Tyrellstown has been identified and negotiations are ongoing with the owner. As the Deputy will appreciate, due to the commercial sensitivities attached to site acquisition, I cannot comment further on the matter at this time.

Subject to legal acquisition of the site and a full review of other provision in the area, this site will be developed to provide accommodation for up to two 24 classroom schools, each of which would have a 3 stream junior infant intake. This equates to a pupil intake of 162 junior infants per year. Any proposed development of the site will be considered in the context of the multi-annual school building and modernisation programme.

School Enrolments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

410 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will postpone the establishment of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 in view of the fact that the anticipated demand for this school has not materialised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17420/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

411 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; the number of these from children living in the catchment area; the number who meet the enrolment age requirement; the final deadline for enrolment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17421/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 410 and 411 together.

The position in relation to enrolment in Scoil Oisín, Phoenix Park, Dublin 15 has been under review in the context of overall requirements for primary school places in the wider area. The planned opening this September of Scoil Oisín is to be postponed following a review of overall enrolment figures for the area which indicate that the new school will not now be required for the next school year. Scoil Oisín is one of three schools due to come under the patronage of County Dublin VEC as part of a new pilot patronage model, the details of which were announced in December 2007.

It is intended that the school will eventually serve the community around the new residential development on the site of the old Phoenix Park racecourse. A slower pace of development on that site has resulted in a reduction of projected demand for school places in the area this year. The parents of children who had sought places in Scoil Oisín this coming September have all been contacted and offered alternative places in nearby schools.

The two other schools under the new pilot patronage model, Scoil Choilm, Porterstown, Dublin 15, which opened last year under temporary arrangements, and a new school, Scoil Ghráinne, Phibblestown, Dublin 15, will both be accepting pupils this September having shown strong enrolment numbers for this September.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Joe McHugh

Question:

412 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 356 of 29 April 2008, the way the person (details supplied) in County Donegal can receive the higher pay increment in view of the fact that it is the institution’s policy not to grade students except on a pass-fail basis; if he is simply going to ignore this serious problem, which affects a large proportion of teachers in the north west who have studied for their teaching in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17438/08]

My Department has established an agreed procedure for the payment of an allowance where a teacher obtains the Post Graduate Certificate in Education. My Department has been in contact with the school authority. The person to whom the Deputy refers has been advised on the documentation required in order for the school authority to process an application for the payment of the allowance being sought.

School Staffing.

David Stanton

Question:

413 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 357 of 29 April 2008, the training and qualification requirements for people to be employed as visiting teachers for the visually impaired; the number of visually impaired pupils for whom the 13 visiting teachers who are employed by his Department cater; the number who have requested such a service; his plans to extend this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17444/08]

To be employed in my Department's Visiting Teacher Service for the Hearing and Visually Impaired, a visiting teacher for the visually impaired (VTVI) must be a fully qualified primary or post-primary teacher, must be recognised by, and registered with the Teaching Council and must have fulfilled the requirements of probation or its equivalent. If qualified outside Ireland, the teacher must be recognised by the Teaching Council as qualified to teach in special education settings. In addition, the visiting teacher must have at least two years satisfactory teaching service in a mainstream class or in a special school or special class setting.

In the recruitment process, priority may be given to applicants who have acquired, or are in the process of acquiring, the Diploma for Teachers of the Visually Impaired or the Diploma in Special Education or equivalent. New appointees undergo induction, training, mentoring and probation. Continuous professional development is an integral part of the Visiting Teacher services and a teacher will be expected to commit to further training where necessary. In that regard, visiting teachers for the visually impaired are facilitated in attending appropriate training courses in their specialist field.

For the school year 2007/2008, the 13 VTVIs employed by my Department provide a service commensurate with individual need to more than 880 children and young people. Of these, 361 are pupils in primary schools, 228 are second-level students and 191 are in special education settings. The service also works with pre-school children and their families and provides guidance, where necessary, to a small number of third-level students.

The service responds to referrals from parents or schools, or through Eye Clinics, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) or the National Council for Special Education (NCSE). Referrals, together with relevant assessment reports, are processed through the appropriate Regional Office of the Department of Education and Science. There are no plans at present to expand the service.

School Enrolments.

Joan Burton

Question:

414 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 has up to 60 children enrolled to commence junior infants in September 2008 and that they have not been able to secure a site for the school; if it is proposed to facilitate this school at the Kellystown site; if other arrangements are being made to facilitate the opening of this school in September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17551/08]

Following consideration of the report and recommendations of the New Schools Advisory Committee (NSAC) on the recognition of new primary schools for 2008, it was decided not to grant recognition to the school to which the Deputy refers, at this time.

In recognising a new school, cognisance needs to be given to the demand on resources so that the State can ensure efficiency and equity in the allocation of constrained resources. In that context, and given the significant additional levels of primary school provision made in the area in the past 3 years, I am satisfied that sufficient provision has been made to serve the current and future population in the medium term. I am satisfied that appropriate diversity of provision has also been provided.

On that basis, recognition has not been granted to the proposed new school at this time. This does not preclude recognition at a future date.

School Accommodation.

Niall Collins

Question:

415 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a school (details supplied). [17571/08]

A grant of €120,000 under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme was sanctioned to enable the management authority of the school in question to provide a permanent classroom.

The Scheme allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives Boards of Management control of the building project.

The intention of the scheme is to provide funding to schools to enable them to undertake wanted building projects. The scheme is not intended to leave schools with significant fundraising needs but for the school to tailor the scope of capital works commissioned to the available funding. A central tenet of the scheme is that the schools, granted discretion and funding, must equally accept responsibility for prioritisation, adherence to statutory regulations, control of costs and ensuring value for money. The decision on whether to continue participating in the scheme or to drop out, if the scope of build is more than the funding envelope permits, is a matter for each school authority.

The current position is that tenders have been sought and are due back shortly. I understand that the school intends applying for additional funding. The application will be considered by my Department and a decision conveyed to the school in due course.

Schools Recognition.

Finian McGrath

Question:

416 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a school (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [17572/08]

The school to which the Deputy refers commenced operation in September 2002 with provisional recognition from the Department on the basis that it would be providing multi-denominational education in the Clontarf/Marino/Fairview area of Dublin. The location in Glasnevin, which is already served by two multi-denominational schools, was intended to be a purely temporary measure.

The Department has requested the OPW to identify a suitable site for the school in a more appropriate location. When this happens, the Department will review the question of permanent recognition.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

417 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17561/08]

The Estimates process for each year, of which the Budget is a central part, begins in May/June of the previous year and formal meetings are usually held during the period May to December. The precise timing of these meetings in the overall process, particularly those involving Ministers, can depend on when the Government is considering different aspects of the budgetary process at regular or special Government meetings.

Meetings are held that involve:

Line Sections in the Department and the Department's Finance Unit

The Finance Unit and the Department's Management Advisory Committee (MAC)

Meetings between MAC and the Minister and Ministers of State

Meetings between officials of this Department and Department of Finance

Ministerial Bi-Lateral meetings between the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Education & Science and their senior officials.

In general position papers covering the particular aspects of the process under consideration at a particular point in time are prepared in advance, as distinct from a formal agenda document. While a formal agenda and related minutes may not be maintained other than where the matters are discussed at the regular meetings between the Minister, Ministers of State and MAC all decisions taken arising from budget and estimates discussions are documented and supported by any papers prepared for those discussions and form part of the Department's records.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

418 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sanction a new building for a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo to allow it to proceed to public tender and construction phase, particularly as the school is designated as disadvantaged under DEIS. [17585/08]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the 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.

In view of the large number of projects at various stages of architectural planning, it is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Schools Amalgamation.

Martin Ferris

Question:

419 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the amalgamation of schools (details supplied) in County Kerry. [17577/08]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

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. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Foireann Scoile.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

420 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an ndéanfaidh sé athscrúdú ar an tiarratas ó scoil aon oide (sonraí tugtha) múinteoir breise nó cúntóir nach oide é nó í a ceapadh don scoilbhliain 2008/09 ó tharla go bhfuil ocht ndalta ar an Rolla faoi láthair; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [17362/08]

De réir sonraí a chur Bord Bainistíochta na scoile dá dtagraíonn an Teachta faoi bhráid mo Roinnese, b'é an rolla ar 30ú Meán Fómhair, 2007 ná seisear mac léinn. De réir an sceidil foirne (Ciorclán 0010/2008), atá ar fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin mo Roinnese ag www.education.ie, Príomhoide amháin a bheidh ann i gcónaí mar fhoireann príomhshrutha na scoile don scoilbhliain 2008/2009.

Tá bord achomhairc neamhspleách anois ann chun breith a thabhairt ar achomhairc faoi sholáthar foirne príomhshrutha i mbunscoileanna. Léirítear sonraí faoin nós imeachta achomhairc insan sceideal foirne agus chomh maith leis sin i gCiorclán 0024/2007 (Bord Achomhairc do Sholáthar Foirne Príomhshrutha i mBunscoileanna) atá le fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin mo Roinne. Feidhmíonn an Bord Achomhairc go neamhspleách ar an Roinn agus níl dul thar bhreith an Bhoird.

Schools Building Projects.

Mary Upton

Question:

421 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school extension and construction of a sports hall at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12 first promised in 2000; if there are plans to ensure that this building, particularly the sports hall, is built without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17595/08]

The Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding for general classroom accommodation and a PE hall, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme.

In view of the large number of projects already at various stages of architectural planning, it is not possible at this early stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Student Support Schemes.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

422 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to his response to Parliamentary Question No. 363 of 29 April 2008, the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is being asked to pay a registration charge despite the fact this person is eligible for student support and is attending an authorised PLC course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17603/08]

No additional charges in the nature of the Student Service Charge at third level are applied to students participating on Post Leaving Certificate courses. Any other charges would be a matter for the college.

Road Safety.

Joan Burton

Question:

423 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the distress caused to local parents as a result of significant HGV traffic outside a school (details supplied) in County Meath; if he will proceed with measures to reduce and minimise the impact of this HGV traffic on pupils attending the school and their parents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17621/08]

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

The issue of road safety measures outside the vested site areas of schools, such as road signage, traffic calming measures etc., is a matter that should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Local Authority. Local Authorities have the power to decide on road safety measures outside schools and should ensure that measures are in place to protect the safety of local school children.

Alternative Energy Projects.

John O'Mahony

Question:

424 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are supports available either from his Department or any other Departments to support wind energy programmes in schools that would complement environmental works that are taking place under green flag initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17635/08]

My Department has a strong record in developing low energy educational buildings. For the past eight years my Department has been using a process called the DART approach to develop sustainable and energy efficiency in educational buildings. This acronym focuses on four key areas, namely; Design, Awareness, Research, and Technology. Rather than develop a unique focus on energy design the Department have taken a more holistic approach and have developed our technical guidance on energy efficiency in school designs as an integral part of the suite of technical guidance documents.

These guidelines encourage the design team to take a complete design team approach from project conception. There is particular emphasis on elimination of over design, improved thermal envelope design and improved passive solar design, natural ventilation and day lighting along with advanced heating and lighting controls. It has been demonstrated that all Primary School's designed and built in line with the above policy and the technical guidance documents can have an energy performance that is 2.3 times more efficient than International best practice.

The application of wind energy schemes in schools has been explored by my Department and the results indicate that given the scale of application to match demand and capacity in a meaningful way schools are better placed to connect to one of the main wind energy electrical suppliers to maximise the potential of green electricity. This is kept under review given improvements in technology and the market place. The performance of my Department in the area of low energy design has been recognised at both National and International level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification and just recently by the Taoiseach's Public Service Excellence Awards held in Dublin Castle Conference Centre on Friday, 18th April 2008.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen

Question:

425 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 140 of 30 April 2008, if a selected design team which has been forwarded by a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be approved; when this approval will be made by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17640/08]

The process of appointing a design team to the school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage and all correspondence from the school has been received in my Department. The further progression of the project as with 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.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

426 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the status with regard to the proposed construction of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17643/08]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

441 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the new national school for Summercove, Kinsale, County Cork. [18017/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 426 and 441 together.

The Office of Public Works (OPW), which acts on behalf of my Department in relation to site acquisitions generally, has been asked to source a suitable site for the school in question. The OPW have recently submitted a technical report for a site for the school which is currently with my Department for consideration and further instruction to the OPW. The further consideration of same will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Youth Services.

Michael Creed

Question:

427 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the level of funding available in his Department for the recruitment of community youth workers under the special programme for youths; if he has received an application from an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork for funding for a post working with young people as a deterrent to crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17646/08]

My Department currently supports 182 projects for disadvantaged young people under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. Funding amounting to €20.5m was made available for this purpose in 2007. The Youth Affairs Section of my Department received an application on behalf of the project in question to be considered in 2008 under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme. This application was submitted through the Administering Agency, in this instance Youth Work Ireland. The process of determining my Department's financial allocations to the Youth Work Sector for 2008 is still underway. I expect that this process will be completed shortly and all Administering Agencies will then be notified of the outcome as appropriate.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

428 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17713/08]

My Department's staff payroll and school employees' payrolls (the latter catering for some 75,000 current and retired payees) were implemented prior to 2004. The licence and external support costs for these payrolls for the years in question are as follows:

2004 — €101,000

2005 — €156,000

2006 — €148,000

2007 — €225,000

2008 — €197,000 (anticipated for full year)

My Department currently provides a payroll service for staff employed by the State Examinations Commission and a HR/payroll service for staff employed by An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta & Gaelscolaíochta. Certain bodies under the aegis of the Department provide full administration services (human resource, accounting, payroll, accommodation, purchasing, IT, maintenance, portering etc) on a shared basis to related bodies. Details relating to the cost of implementing payroll systems in individual agencies are not available in the Department and are a matter for the individual agencies concerned.

Higher Education Grants.

Damien English

Question:

429 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision for a higher education grant will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17688/08]

The decision on eligibility for third level grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the local authority or VEC. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required. If an individual applicant considers that she/he has been unjustly refused a maintenance grant, or that the rate of grant awarded is not the correct one, she/he may appeal, in the first instance, to the relevant local authority or VEC.

Where an individual applicant has had an appeal turned down, in writing, by the relevant local authority or VEC, and remains of the view that the body has not interpreted the schemes correctly in his/her case, an appeal form outlining the position may be submitted by the applicant to my Department. County Cork VEC are awaiting additional information from the candidate referred to by the Deputy in order to process his grant application. On receipt of this information the matter will receive further attention.

Second Level Education.

Damien English

Question:

430 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has reviewed the ASTI’s strategy document for the development of second level education; his views on this six point strategy document; the action he will take to address the proposals in this document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17691/08]

In relation to second level education it is my intention to prioritise the commitments in the Programme for Government 2007-2012 for delivery over the lifetime of this Government, having regard to available funding, and I will consider the proposals in the ASTI strategy document in that context.

Schools Building Projects.

Damien English

Question:

431 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school building project for a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; the stage the project is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17693/08]

The school referred to by the Deputy was included in the announcement of 1st February 2008 which outlined details of large scale building projects that are authorised to proceed to construction. In early March the school authorities were instructed to proceed with the acceptance of a tender for the project and it is envisaged that construction on the project will commence shortly

School Accommodation.

Damien English

Question:

432 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding additional permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17694/08]

My Department has no record of the receipt of an application for capital works from the school to which the Deputy refers.

Damien English

Question:

433 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding additional permanent accommodation for a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17695/08]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of permanent accommodation has been received from the school authority referred to by the Deputy. The long term projected enrolment 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 view of the large number of projects already at various stages of architectural planning, it is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Special Educational Needs.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

434 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on the proposed closure of the special needs classroom unit at a school (details supplied) in County Louth. [17725/08]

My officials have been in contact with the National Council for Special Education regarding the special class referred to by the Deputy. I understand that a decision on the future of the class has yet to be taken. I understand also that a significant number of children enrolled in the special class will be moving to post primary education in September 2008. I am informed that the local special educational needs organiser is actively involved in discussions with the school authorities and the local Health Service Executive regarding the future of the special class.

Schools Building Projects.

Damien English

Question:

435 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding works to be carried out at a school (details supplied) in County Meath; his views on the delay in the process to date; when he anticipates significant works will commence; when he expects works to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17696/08]

An extension project for the school referred to by the Deputy is currently in early architectural planning. The Department has received a revised stage 2 submission (initial sketch scheme) from the school authorities and this has been examined. Officials from the Department will be writing to the board of management shortly in this regard. It is not possible at early stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Martin Ferris

Question:

436 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the new building proposed for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry. [17730/08]

The proposed project is currently at stage 3 of architectural planning. Following on from a review of a stage 3 submission, additional information was requested from the Design Team. A response to this has now been received, and officials in my Department are currently evaluating the documentation. The 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. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

State Examinations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

437 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when persons who applied to correct leaving certificate examination papers will be informed if they are to be employed; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17733/08]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations, including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted. In view of this, I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Schools Building Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

438 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed; the length of time the construction period will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18006/08]

An application has been received by my Department for funding for the provision of additional accommodation at the school in question. The progression of all large scale building projects, 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. It is not possible at this early stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Question No. 439 answered with Question No. 405.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

440 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed; the length of time the construction period will last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a Design Team has now been appointed for the school in question and the process of architectural planning has commenced. When the architectural planning process is completed the progression of the project to tender and construction will be considered in the context of my Department's School Building and modernisation Programme.

Question No. 441 answered with Question No. 426.

Pat Breen

Question:

442 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 161 of 27 February 2008, when the next batch of schools to commence construction will be announced; if a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be included in this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17759/08]

The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project referred to by the Deputy, 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.

It is my intention to make a further announcement shortly and to provide an update on progress for the new schools planned for September 2008 delivery in developing areas.

Higher Education Grants.

David Stanton

Question:

443 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if, under current legislation, students who would normally qualify for full rate third level maintenance grants are entitled to receive the full rate of grant in addition to financial assistance from scholarships wholly or partly funded by public moneys, such as the recently announced All Ireland Scholarships; if not, if he is proposing to make changes to this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17769/08]

By reference to clause 2.2 of the Higher Education Grants Scheme and clause 2.1 of the Vocational Education Committees' Scholarship Scheme, a candidate is not eligible to hold a grant if she/he holds:

(i) a scholarship/grant awarded by another Local Authority, a Vocational Educational Committee or the Department of Education, or

(ii) any other award payable from public funds, or

(iii) the equivalent of (i) or (ii) from another E.U. Member State.

The provisions at (ii) or (iii) do not include awards such as scholarships, prizes or bursaries, made by the institution being attended or postgraduate research grants where the grant received does not exceed a specified amount, which for the 2007/08 academic year, is specified to be €16,000. In addition the provision at (ii) does not include awards to candidates under the Student Assistant Fund, the Millennium Partnership Fund and the Fund for Students with Disabilities.

If eligible, a holder of the following scholarships may also hold a maintenance grant:

(1) Easter Week Scholarship

(2) Donagh O'Malley Scholarship.

The All Ireland Scholarship Scheme was announced in March of this year and will only take effect for students sitting the 2008 Leaving Certificate examination. The new All Ireland Scholarship Scheme is only open to those who qualify and are in receipt of the maintenance grant.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Question:

444 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if a full time special needs assistant will be reinstated for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17776/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. 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. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Schools Building Projects.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

445 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will get the approval to build the new school building as agreed with the management of the two schools on the site, prior to their amalgamation in 2001; if his attention has been drawn to fact that the planning permission for the pre-fab school accommodation which they were told to get in 2000 as a temporary stop gap measure runs out in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17779/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

446 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that since the closure of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8, pressure for places in another school is at a premium, coupled with the increase in population in the area and the fact that all other primary schools in the area are running at capacity, the disadvantaged status of the area which is a RAPID area and has an identified lower school completion record which will not be addressed by having pupils and teachers in highly cramped conditions in total breach of health and safety regulations; and if he will instruct his officials to allow the school authorities go to tender for a €3 million new school building and refurbishment of existing building as indicated in view of the fact that their application has completed the final parts of stage four of his Department’s criteria for capital expenditure on school building projects. [17780/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

447 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there has been a delay in allowing a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8 go to tender for their new school building in view of the fact that the area they service is one of a high number of new community families, has disadvantage status, is in a drugs taskforce area, and occupies a building which is 150 years old. [17781/08]

I propose to take Questions Nso. 445 to 447, inclusive, together.

The architectural planning of the school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage. The progression of all projects to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Departments Multi Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Question No. 448 answered with Question No. 383.
Question No. 449 answered with Question No. 384.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

450 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are not enough school places available for children to attend a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and the action he will take to rectify this problem. [17787/08]

My Department is aware of the position in relation to the school in question. The further progression of a project for the school 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.

In view of the large number of projects at various stages of architectural planning, it is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

School Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

451 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science if funds will be made available for the provision of a car parking site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17805/08]

My Department has no record of the receipt of an application for funding from the school to which the Deputy refers.

School Services.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

452 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science if his Department has entered into commercial or other agreement with suppliers to permit vending machines in schools. [17836/08]

Schools are privately managed institutions which, although funded by the State, enjoy a large degree of autonomy. It is, therefore, primarily a matter for each school to devise guidelines around the types of food that is available on the school premises and such policies should be driven by the needs and welfare of the pupils. I know that many schools have developed healthy eating policies in co-operation with their parents' associations and I would encourage others to do so also.

In relation to schools/colleges provided under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model my Department has to date entered into three separate contracts. The three contracts cover the five Pilot PPP Schools, the National Maritime College and the Cork School of Music. In the contracts agreed for the five Pilot Schools while the Operator is responsible for the vending machines the location, content and availability of vending machines were agreed through discussion between the Operator and the School Authorities concerned. The contract stipulate that, if catering and/or vending is provided, the PPP Operator must pay a guaranteed income to the authority regardless of the level of net income received from these services.

Schools Amalgamation.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

453 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the way the development of a school (details supplied) can take place in view of the fact that it is being directed to move into temporary quarters in their former site which will be the site of the amalgamated national schools for Rathnew; the reason the school is to move premises twice in a short time in view of the complexity of moving a school and the disruption of the school work; and the time frame for the development of the school. [17837/08]

The site in question is not the planned long term home for the school. Its location there is a temporary arrangement. My Department is aware of the need to provide permanent accommodation for the school and it is in on-going discussions with the local authority and landowners for the purpose of identifying and acquiring a suitable site as quickly as possible to enable this to happen. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Question No. 454 answered with Question No. 393.

Schools Building Projects.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

455 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will be making a capital allocation for the building programme at a school (details supplied) in County Cork; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17856/08]

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. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

456 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the school that will be located in buildings (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17859/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, considerable interventions have been made by the Department to increase pupil places in Blanchardstown and Dublin 15 area generally and these interventions are being backed up by a significant construction programme. The Deputy will also be aware of the construction of a school in Porterstown to accommodate Scoil Choilm. In the context of this building project being delivered against a very demanding timescale, the Department considered it prudent to progress the project to which the deputy refers as a contingency measure. Because the requirement for school or other educational accommodation can arise at very short notice, and in the context of anticipated overall growth in future years, my Department also considered it prudent to have a facility available for use to provide an immediate solution to these needs should they arise.

Student Accommodation.

Michael Ring

Question:

457 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will establish a student accommodation taskforce as urgently as possible in relation to the accommodation needs of third level students. [17865/08]

I am aware that there has been a call for the establishment of a taskforce on student accommodation. However, this is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. While I would be concerned if accommodation difficulties are impacting on students' performance at college, my Department has no remit in relation to student accommodation. My Department does not provide financial assistance for the provision of student accommodation nor has it any funding available to do so. Capital funding under the NDP for higher education is targeted at delivering core educational facilities.

Neither does my Department have any expertise or knowledge in relation to housing supply or housing policy in general. Any analysis of student accommodation in a particular locality would have to take account of the availability of other rented accommodation in that area. Any proposals would have to be considered in the context of national housing policy as set by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

As the Deputy will be aware, a number of initiatives have been taken by the Government to improve the availability of student accommodation in recent years. Section 50 of the Finance Act 1999 incentivised the provision of dedicated student residential accommodation, while the Rent a Room tax relief introduced in 2001 has encouraged private householders to rent out rooms to students.

A review of the Section 50 tax exemption by Indecon consultants for the Department of Finance in 2006 concluded that it had served its purpose and that oversupply was potentially developing as an issue. As a result the scheme will be phased out in 2008 although the tax relief will apply for 10 years from the date that the property is first let to students. The Deputy will also be aware that there have been record increases in the overall housing stock, with over 700,000 new housing units built over the past ten years.

Notwithstanding all of this, I am conscious that student representatives believe that there is a shortage of suitable rented accommodation in the Dublin area in particular. My colleague, Minister Gormley, has recently suggested commissioning a study from the Centre for Housing Research on the availability of rented accommodation for students in the greater Dublin region. I am pleased to state I have signalled to him that my Department is willing to co-fund such a study, subject to agreement of terms of reference and costs. Discussions are continuing at official level in this regard.

Property Transfers.

Michael Ring

Question:

458 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received a map (details supplied); and if he will execute the deed of partial surrender in this case. [17866/08]

The Site Map for the school referred to by the Deputy has been received and examined by the Department. It is intended to sign and seal the Deed of Partial Surrender shortly.

School Accommodation.

Ulick Burke

Question:

459 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans for the provision of a new school as a replacement for the inadequate accommodation at present at a school (details supplied) in County Galway which is in a deplorable condition and overcrowded; and when his Department will make a decision on the matter. [17871/08]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of accommodation has been received from the authority of the school referred to by the Deputy. An assessment of the projected enrolment trends, demographic trends and the housing developments in the area will be required to determine the long term projected staffing figure on which the school's accommodation needs will be based. 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 view of the large number of projects already at various stages of architectural planning, it is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Schools Building Projects.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

460 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the proposed new school building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork: when he expects work to commence on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17893/08]

The school referred to is one of six schools that make up the Second Bundle of the Department's current Public Private Partnership Programme. This bundle consists of Bantry Community College, Kildare Town Community School, Abbeyfeale Community College, Athboy Community School, Wicklow Town Community College and the school referred to in the Deputy's question.

Pre procurement work consisting of the preparation of Output Specifications, Public Services Benchmark (PSB) has been completed and Outline Planning

Permission has been obtained for all six schools. It is envisaged that this second bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) shortly to commence the procurement process. The estimated timescale for the delivery of this Bundle is mid 2011.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

461 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will sanction the going to tender of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; if he will prioritise this school which has been in the building programme for ten years and which has inadequate facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17894/08]

The proposed extension for Ardscoil Rís will cater for a long-term enrolment of 700 pupils. The accommodation to be provided will consist mainly of specialist rooms (Mathematics, Arts/Crafts, Physics Lab., Construction Studies etc.) with stores, staff accommodation and circulation making up the rest. The architectural planning of the project is at an advanced stage. The further progression of the project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Site Acquisitions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

462 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will allocate funding for a school building project (details supplied) in County Limerick; the estimated timeframe for the project; if a site has been acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17895/08]

The Office of Public Works, which acts generally on behalf of this Department on the acquisitions of sites for schools, has been requested to source a site for this school. A suitable site has been identified and the further progression of the purchase of the site will be considered in the context of my Departments multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

463 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has been acquired for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; when he expects to sanction funding for this school to replace the unsuitable prefab buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17896/08]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) which acts generally on behalf of my Department on the acquisition of sites for schools, has been requested to source a suitable site for this Gaelscoil. I am advised that the OPW are in discussions with the local authority in relation to identifying a site from a land bank that has been transferred to the Council. The further consideration of these proposals will be considered in the context of the Department's school building and modernisation programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

464 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding is available to progress a school building (details supplied) in County Limerick; if the project has gone to tender; the timeframe to complete the project in view of the bad conditions endured by the students including having to use outside toilets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17898/08]

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. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Site Acquisitions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

465 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a site has been acquired for a school extension at a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; when he expects to sanction funding for the project; the timeframe for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17899/08]

The Department is currently in direct negotiations with the Department of Defence in relation to the acquisition of land that is required to facilitate a building project at the school in question. The proposed building project for this school will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Schools Building Projects.

Mary Upton

Question:

466 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17900/08]

Tenders for the project referred to by the Deputy are currently with my Department. The further progression of the project will be considered on an on-going basis in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Mary Upton

Question:

467 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17901/08]

The Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding for general classroom accommodation and a PE hall, from the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band 2 rating. Progress on the project will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation programme. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Mary Upton

Question:

468 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17902/08]

The architectural planning of the school building project referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage. The progression of all projects to tender and construction, including this project, will be considered on an ongoing basis in the context of my Departments Multi Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Mary Upton

Question:

469 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 8; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed; the length of time he expects the construction period to last; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17903/08]

I can confirm to the Deputy that an application has been received from the school in question for large scale capital funding. 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. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

Schools Amalgamation.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

470 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will make a capital allocation for the building programme of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 9; when the school authorities, including the board of management and principal, will be informed; and the length of time he expects the construction period to last. [17913/08]

The schools to which the Deputy refers made certain requests of my Department for capital works in the context of an amalgamation negotiation. They have not, otherwise, completed a formal application for funding for major works.

Any application from the schools for major refurbishment works will be ssessed in accordance with the relevant governing criteria which treat all applications in an open, transparent and equitable manner. It is not possible at this stage to say when construction will commence on the project referred to by the Deputy.

School Accommodation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

471 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in recent weeks in identifying the primary schools that have some of their class rooms in prefab buildings; the number of prefab classrooms; the number that are rented by boards of management; the average annual cost of renting a prefab; the age of the oldest generation of prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17916/08]

As the Deputy is aware my Department is currently working on compiling a database of the information he has requested. Work on this database is underway as part of a general review of rental policy being undertaken. Information will be collated on approximately 900 schools which have received approval from the Department to rent 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. This work is well advanced and I anticipate it will be completed shortly.

School Statistics.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

472 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of national primary schools and special national schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17917/08]

There are 3,286 primary schools (3160 ordinary schools and 126 special schools). The Deputy will appreciate that the total number of schools will vary from year to year on account of closures, amalgamations and new school openings. In this regard I recently announced the opening of 22 new schools with effect from September next. The 22 new schools include: 12 Multi-Denominational, 5 Catholic Denominational, three of which are Gaelscoileanna, 1 Inter-Denominational, 4 Special Schools, including a special school for children with Autism.

School Accommodation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

473 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the growing demand for additional primary school places in mature built up areas, such as Dublin 6, where one school (details supplied) has an intake of 27 junior infant pupils confirmed with a waiting list of 63, plus an additional six applicants; the steps being taken to expand the capacity of the primary school system to cope with the growing population for more primary school places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17918/08]

The school to which the Deputy refers has not submitted an application to my Department for capital funding towards the provision of additional accommodation. If schools feel that they don't have sufficient places to meet demand, including this school, they should contact my Department so that the situation can be examined as to how best to provide whatever additional capacity is required.

The Dublin 6 area is served by nineteen primary schools, (including three special schools). My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in any given area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking school places. This approach ensures that the use of existing accommodation is maximised and that the development and support of one school over others does not occur.

The Forward Planning Section of my Department will keep the position in such areas under review to ensure that any additional emerging needs are met as expeditiously as possible. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

Ministerial Responsibilities.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

474 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the responsibilities the Minister with responsibility for integration has within his Department; the section of his Department with which he works; the portion of his Departmental budget for which he has direct responsibility; the series of functions within his Department which have, following a Cabinet decision, been devolved to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17919/08]

The Minister of State for Integration Policy, appointed under the previous Government, was responsible for integration policy functions in my Department relating to the following. Ensuring that the range of education policies across different areas of the Department and the bodies under its aegis take account of the need to integrate immigrants and their families, in particular in relation to further development of policy in relation to the deployment of language support teachers for newcomers in schools; appropriate teaching materials, supports and advice for schools on how to meet the needs of newcomer children; development, in conjunction with other relevant Departments and agencies, of a national policy on the provision of English language education for adult newcomers; implementation of the Department of Education and Science aspects of the National Action Plan against Racism; liaison with education partners (management bodies, unions, parents, representatives of school principals) on newcomer issues; review of international developments and trends in relation to newcomers; development of appropriate linkages with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland on newcomer issues; co-ordinating the work of the Department of Education and Science on the integration of newcomers with the related work of other relevant Departments and State Agencies.

An Integration Unit has been established in the Department to oversee directly the remit of the former Minister of State. The Unit liaises with other sections of the Department as required. Most front line sections have a role in the promotion of integration policy in all educational services and institutes. Services for newcomers are funded from the budgets of the front line sections providing these services. No budget allocation has been made specifically for the Minister of State within the Department of Education and Science.

School Curriculum.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

475 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when he last reviewed or revised the syllabus for the teaching of religion in primary and secondary schools; the plans to review or revise the syllabus in view of the changing composition of the school going population as a result of social and demographic change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17920/08]

Education legislation requires that the diversity of educational provision in the State is taken account of, and the right of parents to send their children to a school of their choice is respected under Section 30 of the Education Act 1998, no student can be required to attend instruction in any subject which is contrary to the onscience of the parent of the student. The Rules for National Schools also provide, where the parents or guardians so wish, for the withdrawal of pupils from religious instruction.

Section 15 of the Education Act 1998 requires boards of management of schools to uphold and be accountable to the Patron for upholding the characteristic spirit of the school including the moral, religious, social, educational and spiritual values which inform the ethos of the school.

At primary level, the Department of Education and Science recognises the rights of the different church authorities to design curricula in religious education and to supervise their teaching and implementation. This right is enshrined in the Education Act 1998. Consequently, although religious education is part of the Curriculum for Primary Schools and schools are obliged to allocate 30 minutes per day for religious instruction, the content of the religion programme is determined by the Patron of the school.

The Revised Curriculum for Primary Schools espouses the importance of tolerance towards the practice, culture and life-style of a range of religious convictions and states explicitly that the beliefs and sensibilities of every child are to be respected.

In second level schools, a programme of religious instruction approved by the Patron may be offered, or alternatively, the school may use the curriculum in Religious Education which has been designed as an examinable subject by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment. The NCCA syllabuses are concerned with understanding religion as a phenomenon in the world and are designed to be studied by students of all religious faiths and of none. At Junior Cycle, the NCCA syllabus in Religious Education was introduced in September 2000 for first examination in the Junior Certificate in 2003. At Senior Cycle, a new NCCA syllabus in Religious Education at Higher and Ordinary levels was introduced for first examination in 2005

As the Deputy is aware, a new model of primary school patronage is to be piloted from September 2008 in response to changing societal circumstances. The pilot schools, which will come under the patronage of County Dublin VEC, will aim to provide religious education as part of the school day for diverse denominational groups, reflecting parental choice and based on an ethos of inclusion and respect for children of all faiths and none. The content and approach to religious education in the pilot schools will be developed in partnership with the relevant interests, and evaluated over the course of the pilot phase.

Third Level Qualifications.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

476 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the number, in respect of the Annual Output Statement 2008 High Level Objective Goal 3, of PhD students who graduated in the years 2000 to 2007 in the accredited universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17921/08]

The number of PhD graduates for the seven universities from 2000 to 2006 is outlined in the following table. PhD graduates from the Institutes of Technology will increase this number to over 950 for 2006. The numbers for 2007 are not yet available. However, indications are that the number of PhD graduates from state funded higher education institutions will be approximately 1,000.

Combined full-time and part-time PhD Graduates

UCD

UCC

NUIG

TCD

NUIM

DCU

UL

Grand Total

2000

156

75

58

186

20

37

38

570

2001

151

101

38

166

23

25

61

565

2002

156

76

63

177

21

44

54

591

2003

180

98

51

172

24

61

47

633

2004

192

97

75

181

51

32

74

702

2005

182

122

61

196

38

73

72

744

2006

197

135

79

239

51

97

88

886

Early School Leavers.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

477 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps taken to identify and support the 28,000 children at risk of early school leaving, which is a task charged to school completion as set out in the Annual Output Statement 2008; the methodology to be employed; the agency or agencies with responsibility for the task; the resources available to induce or secure continued school attendance by the group at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17922/08]

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.

My Department has adopted a broad-based approach to tackling early school leaving. We established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) to monitor attendance and help to get young people back to school. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

The service provided by the NEWB is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that this Government has put in place to support schools, families and young people themselves. In this regard, extra supports targeted at young people in disadvantaged areas include both educational initiatives such as intensive literacy programmes, after school and holiday time supports.

In addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 620 staff within the education sector in education disadvantage programmes of which over 130 are additional posts allocated under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central to DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion, which is being implemented at present. The action plan represents a shift in emphasis away from individual initiatives, each addressing a particular aspect of the problem, with the new plan adopting a multi-faceted and more integrated approach. This is the first time that an integrated educational inclusion strategy has been developed for 3-18 year olds in this country.

We have widened the range of curricula available to students by promoting the Junior Certificate Schools Programme, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, and the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme in addition to the traditional Junior and Leaving Certificate curricula.

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 €31.160 million allocated to the School Completion Programme and in the region of €30 million allocated to HSCL 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. Work is ongoing to develop appropriate protocols for all agencies and services to work together in collaboration and to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources deployed.

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.

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 School Completion Programme identifies young people at risk of early school leaving and aims to provide a range of supports for them in-school and in the community, through linkages with relevant community, youth and statutory agencies. The factors contributing to why young people leave school prior to completing senior cycle are multi- faceted, such as poor school attendance, poor literacy/numeracy, behavioural problems, family history of early school leaving, socio-economic to mention a few.

Local Management Committees establish criteria for targeting students at risk of leaving school early. Each local project develops its own set of criteria based on local circumstances and local need. As SCP targets, in the main, young people most at risk of early school leaving but still in the formal education system, projects have developed criteria identified in research and practice that cause young people to be at risk of early school leaving. This approach allows local flexibility and local knowledge to inform the process of identifying young people at risk of early school leaving.

SCP projects target and focus programme resources in the first instance on the individual young people who are most at risk of early school leaving. Additionally, some strategies may include a wider group (e.g. in the case of sporting and leisure activities) or the entire school population (e.g. where tracking attendance is involved).

The National Co-ordination Team have also published Guidelines on Identifying Young People at Risk of Early School Leaving in order to assist SCP projects identify good practices for targeting young people at risk of early school leaving. Projects have adopted consultative processes to review criteria lists, notably through projects' review days and also through formal and informal meetings with relevant stakeholders throughout the academic year. Local management committee meetings provide an opportunity for criteria to be reviewed and also provide space to projects that need to look at prioritising students on the target list.

I would like to assure the Deputy that we have greatly intensified our efforts in recent years to keep more young people in school and I will continue to prioritise further progress in this area.

Education Schemes.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

478 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that he has read a policy proposal (details supplied); his views on whether the present system creates poverty traps or financial barriers for people who wish to avail of the back to education allowance as soon as they stop working; if he will raise this matter with the Department of Finance and Department of Social and Family Affairs with a view to dealing with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17923/08]

My Department is aware of the document referred to by the Deputy.

Eligibility for the Back to Education Allowance and associated payments is determined and administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is a second chance education opportunities scheme designed to encourage and facilitate people on certain social welfare payments to improve their skills and qualifications and, therefore, their prospects of returning to the work force. To qualify for participation in the BTEA scheme, an applicant must be, inter alia, in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for at least six months in the case of people wishing to complete a second-level course, or twelve months in the case of people wishing to pursue third-level qualifications. However, there is provision under the scheme for persons awarded statutory redundancy to access the BTEA scheme provided an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment is established prior to commencing an approved course of study.

The BTEA scheme was established to assist people who have been out of the workforce for some time and whose opportunities of obtaining employment would be enhanced by participation in the scheme. I understand that the requirement to be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period has always been a feature of the scheme and this eligibility criterion is necessary to ensure that limited resources are directed towards those most in need.

People who are already in employment are not considered to be in the target group for the BTEA scheme.

Students who qualify for the standard rate of maintenance grant under each of my Department's four maintenance grant schemes may, under certain circumstances, qualify for the special rate of maintenance grant. In order to qualify for the special rate, a candidate must meet a number of conditions, including the following:

1. An applicant must qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant;

2. Total reckonable income in the relevant tax year must not exceed the lower income limits as set out in the relevant maintenance grant schemes and, where applicable, net of Child Dependent Increase payments;

3. As at the prescribed date, i.e., 31st December each year, the source of income must include one of the eligible long-term Social Welfare payments.

The prescribed income limit for the special rate of maintenance grant for the academic year 2007/2008 is €18,055.

The Deputy will be aware that I have recently published the Student Support Bill 2008. This Bill will provide a statutory framework for reforming the administration of student grants and a coherent basis for a new single unified scheme of student maintenance grants. My Department, in consultation with the key stakeholders, will consider all criteria regarding eligibility for maintenance grants, including the special rates of maintenance grant, in the course of the development of regulations governing a single unified grants scheme, as provided for in the Student Support Bill.

Legal Costs.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

479 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in respect of subhead B19 of the Revised Estimates 2008 which saw an increase from €7.394 million to €18.132 million to be distributed by the Commission on Child Abuse and its committees, largely related to legal charges, he will publish the list of legal firms, solicitors and barristers who were paid legal fees; the amount paid to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17924/08]

The Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse was established under statute to investigate child abuse in institutions in the State, to enable persons who have suffered such abuse to give evidence to committees of the Commission and to prepare and publish a report of findings and recommendations considered appropriate for the alleviation of the effects of past child abuse and for the protection of children. The Commission is independent in the performance of its functions under legislation.

To date, a large number of costs insofar as they relate to representing complainants, have been settled or are currently being negotiated, with a view to settlement in the short term. In respect of representation of respondents a large number of these legal costs remain outstanding. These are currently under negotiation between the Commission and the solicitors acting for the respondents.

Accordingly, €18.132 million has been allocated to the Commission of which approximately €13 million is available to meet the negotiated settled costs during this year.

As the Commission is independent in the performance of its functions it is a matter for the Commission to publish the details in respect of the legal fees it pays to legal firms.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

480 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 9 April 2008, if the final contract papers are finalised and the purchase of the site completed; when he will publish the next design team list; if he has decided if the school is to be included in the next PPP bundle; if not, when such a decision will be made; when the second PPP bundle will go to the market; when it is envisaged that the third bundle will go to market; when the first PPP bundle went to market; when it will go on site; the timetable for completion of that bundle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17979/08]

The final legal transfer of title is currently under way in respect of a site purchased by the Department for the provision of a new school referred to by the Deputy. The Department is currently examining the feasibility of allowing this school proceed in the 3rd Bundle of Public-Private Partnership projects which I will be announcing later this year. The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP schools currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the bundle is formally announced.

It is envisaged that the 2nd Bundle of School projects will be offered to the market later this month. It is not possible to say prior to the completion of the outline planning process and any site specific issues which may arise when the 3rd Bundle will be offered to the market.

The 1st bundle of school projects in the current programme was offered to the market on the 27th September 2006 and subject to the planning process it is envisaged that construction will commence in July/August this year with the schools due to be completed by the end of 2009.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

481 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18114/08]

To date, my Department has incurred costs of €34,830 in connection with the relocation of the posts forming the Athlone element of the programme of decentralisation. This relocation of posts is underway at present and I expect this to be complete by the end of June.

The agencies under the aegis of my Department have reported incurring costs of €15,902 in connection with the implementation of the programme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Question:

482 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Defence the amount it cost for the publication and circulation of a brochure (details supplied); and the other associated costs in this regard. [17160/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

483 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Defence the expenditure incurred in the setting up and maintaining of a website (details supplied). [17161/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 482 and 483 together.

On Monday 14th April 2008, the Public Information and Awareness Campaign on Emergency Planning was launched at the National Emergency Coordination Centre. The main focus of the campaign was the publication and distribution of a handbook — ‘Preparing for Major Emergencies'. The handbook was distributed to every household in the country and an advertisement campaign was undertaken to let people know that it was on the way and to encourage everyone to read it.

While the full costs associated with the preparation and implementation of the campaign are not yet available, I estimate that it will be approximately €2.1 million. 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 sum of €36,200 in respect of the development and design of the website www.emergencyplanning.ie

Departmental Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

484 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Defence the number of people currently employed in a section of his Department and their specific roles (details supplied). [17162/08]

The Office of Emergency Planning was established in the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11th. It is a joint civil and military Office within the Department of Defence comprising of four Civil Servants and two Officers from the Defence Forces.

The Office has a number of distinct roles. These include the provision of administrative support to the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and Chairing the Interdepartmental Working Group on Emergency Planning. The Office exercises an oversight role in relation to peacetime emergency planning to ensure the best possible use of resources and compatibility between different planning requirements. It promotes the coordination of emergency planning functions across all departments and other key public authorities. The Office also submits an Annual Report to Government on Emergency Planning. As part of a broader public information and awareness campaign on emergency planning, approved by the Government, the Office of Emergency Planning produced the handbook ‘Preparing for Major Emergencies', which was circulated recently to every household in the country and it coordinated the accompanying media advertisement campaign. The roles of the individual staff are assigned according to the work requirements of the Office. The Head of the Office is responsible for overall management and policy direction and is assisted in this regard by the Deputy Head of the Office. Other members of staff carry out research and liaise with individual departments and agencies in the emergency planning area. They also provide support to the Government Task Force and the Inter-departmental Working Group on Emergency Planning.

Estate Management.

Jack Wall

Question:

485 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the reason the board of works has changed the timescale of proposals in relation to an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17307/08]

Jack Wall

Question:

486 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence the reason residents of an estate (details supplied) in County Kildare are finding it difficult to have matters addressed by the board of works in view of the fact that the board of works still has responsibility for the estate and not the county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17308/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 485 and 486 together.

Officials of my Department met with the residents of Orchard Park on 11th February 2008. At that meeting issues of concern were raised by the residents and it was agreed that work was needed to be done to improve the estate. It was requested that the residents put forward a proposal of works for the Department's consideration. In the interim the Department provided seven large skips for the removal of the residents' refuse. The proposal from the residents was received in the Department on 8th April 2008. Having considered the plan, my officials met with the residents again on 16th April 2008. At that meeting my officials outlined the generality of a programme of work that the Department is committed to carrying out. In the short term it was agreed to provide a children's play area on an area of Curragh lands adjacent to the estate, this is to be done by means of a licence agreement. In order to prevent unsocial behaviour it was also agreed to brick up or erect gates at laneway entrances and tarmac these laneways. Arrangements are currently being made by my officials to facilitate progress on these issues. The more major items of work such as provision of additional parking and the laying of tarmac on roads and footpaths will take longer to complete due to the nature and size of the job. Since the initial meeting my officials have been in contact with Kildare County Council regarding the taking over of the estate.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

487 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17374/08]

The average time taken to make payment to suppliers of goods and services to my Department, the Defence Forces, the Civil Defence Board and Coiste an Asgard for each of the years in question is as follows:

Year

Average Payment Period in Days

2004

12

2005

11

2006

15

2007

9

2008 (to date)

8

My Department complies with the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 and the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002. It is the Department's policy to settle all invoices promptly with due regard to contractual terms where applicable, good financial management practices and the provisions of the Act and Regulations.

Army Barracks.

Tom Hayes

Question:

488 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Defence his plans for the future of Kickham Barracks in Clonmel, County Tipperary. [17385/08]

Kickham Barracks is used on a full time basis by the Permanent Defence Forces and is the Head Quarters for 1 Southern Brigade, Reserve Defence Force. The Barracks is currently required by the Defence Forces. However, my Department's property portfolio is kept under on-going review. Properties deemed surplus to military requirements are disposed of and the funds invested to meet the equipment and infrastructure needs of the Defence Forces.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

489 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter [17560/08]

Since 2000, apart from routine meetings in relation to the Estimates for my Department, no pre-budget meetings were held between my Department and the Department of Finance and the Department of An Taoiseach.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

490 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Defence the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17712/08]

In 2004, my Department implemented a new payroll system for the payment of Reserve Defence Force (RDF) personnel at a cost of almost €51,000. There have been no other new payroll implementations during the years in question.

The costs of maintaining, developing and upgrading all Departmental payroll systems (including hardware costs) during the years in question are given in the following table:

Year

Cost (rounded to nearest €000)

2008 (to 30 April)

217,000

2007

46,000

2006

133,000

2005

93,000

2004

133,000

These payroll systems comprehend my Department's civil service staff, the staff of the Civil Defence Board, civilian employees, military personnel and military pensioners.

Coiste an Asgard incurred payroll-related costs of approximately €300 in each of the years in question.

Military Medical Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

491 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Defence if his Department has implemented a patients charter for the Defence Forces which would identify the rights of military personnel in receiving medical services. [17823/08]

Military medical services and facilities exist to maintain the health of the Defence Forces and to support them in operational and overseas activities. The focus of the military medical service is on primary care, occupational medicine, acute trauma management, preventative medical programmes and field medical training.

The challenges in the medical arena have been recognised for some time and a review of the provision of medical services, in association with the Representative Associations, is ongoing as part of the Modernisation Agenda for the Defence Forces. The scope of the review includes the level of service to be provided to members of the Defence Forces and the resources required for the delivery of that service.

The review has already produced a Patients Charter. The agreement on the Patients Charter identifies the rights of members of the Defence Forces as patients and their obligations as users of the Defence Forces medical services. It also identifies the obligations on the providers of the services.

The implementation of the Patients Charter is underway. The Military Authorities have advised that the Patients Charter has been published on the Medical Corps section of the Defence Forces Intranet site. In addition copies have been circulated, for display, to all of the Medical Aid Posts and clinics. The Brigade Medical Officers have been directed to implement its provisions.

However, the full implementation of the Charter is clearly dependent on the resolution of the structural, resource and other challenges facing the Medical Corps. The challenges we face with medical services in the Defence Forces go beyond the provision of the Patients Charter. It is one item on the Medical Review agenda.

In view of the complexity of the challenge to resolve the structural, resource and other issues facing the Medical Corps, I have decided to engage consultants to make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces. The consultancy will deal with all relevant issues affecting the sustainable provision of the relevant medical expertise and services to the Defence Forces.

The closing date for receipt of tenders for the provision of consultancy services was the 18 April 2008. Tender documents are currently being evaluated.

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

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

492 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18113/08]

The Government decision on decentralisation in December 2003, provides for the transfer of all my Department's Dublin based Civil Service staff to Newbridge, Co. Kildare. The construction of the Department's new headquarters is not expected to be completed until the second half of 2009.

The Government decision also provides for the transfer of Defence Forces Headquarters staff to the Curragh, Co. Kildare.

No costs have been incurred to date by my Department under the Government's decentralisation programme.

Proposed Legislation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

493 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date on which legislation governing the establishment of the National Property Services Regulatory Authority will be published; the extent to which the NPSRA will be able to enforce standards and instigate and subsequently adjudicate on complaints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17596/08]

The Government Legislative Programme published on 1 April 2008 provides for publication of the Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill during the current Dáil session. It will provide for the establishment on a statutory basis of the Property Services Regulatory Authority,

The primary task of the Authority will be to maintain and improve standards in the property services sector by means of a streamlined licensing regime and a new system for investigating and adjudicating on complaints against property service providers. The Authority will have powers to investigate such providers in response to specific complaints submitted by consumers or on its own initiative. The Authority will have a range of penalties at its disposal which will enable it to respond effectively to any infringements of standards.

Registration of Title.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

494 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the registration of property; if a deed of rectification or otherwise as may be required will be issued in order to facilitate the transfer of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17683/08]

I am informed by the Property Registration Authority that the parties concerned have been in regular contact with the Authority and that an investigation of this matter has been ongoing for several weeks. I understand that a definitive resolution of the matter, which involves records of considerable age, cannot be arrived at until all relevant documents have been inspected. I am further informed that if a deed of rectification is required it will be for the parties concerned to prepare any such deed.

Visa Applications.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

495 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are proposals between the British and Irish Governments to allow tourists visit either country on a single visa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17762/08]

Tourist visas are only a subset of Short Stay visas which cover intended stays of 90 days or less in Ireland; there are many other types of Short Stay visa such as business travel, visit to family member, conferences, examinations, intra-company transfers, sports and cultural events, etc. It is also the case that visas are the first line of defence in the field of immigration control. In common with most states, Ireland and Great Britain have their own, respective social, economic and security priorities and immigration policies and, as such, each issues its own visas on a worldwide basis.

While there is a high level of co-operation between Great Britain and Ireland in the immigration and visa areas in the context of the Common Travel Area, there are currently no plans in place to allow travel to both Great Britain and Ireland on a single visa.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Richard Bruton

Question:

496 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his new provisions on intoxicating liqueur public order have considered imposing a condition whereby alcohol can not be sold in premises which are operating on the basis of a planning application for retention of an unapproved use. [17142/08]

The Government Legislation Programme provides for publication of a comprehensive Sale of Alcohol Bill later this year which will modernise and streamline all the laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004, and replacing them with updated and streamlined provisions.

It is intended that this legislation will clarify matters relating to the relationship between licensing law and the planning and development code. For example, the Bill will provide that a certificate entitling the applicant to obtain a liquor licence shall not be granted by the Court unless it is satisfied that appropriate planning permission for the premises concerned has been obtained and that any conditions attached to such permission have been complied with.

Garda Operations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

497 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cumulative cost of the policing operations at Rossport from September 2006 to date in 2008. [17154/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the cumulative cost of the policing operation at Rossport from September 2006 to 30th April, 2008, including salary costs, amounts to €8.9m.

Garda Vetting Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

498 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when Garda clearance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the applicant needs to get Garda clearance for a job; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17165/08]

The Garda Central Vetting Unit (GCVU) makes criminal history vetting disclosures to registered organisations in respect of prospective employees, volunteers and students on placement who would have substantive, unsupervised access to children and vulnerable adults.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a vetting application form in respect of the person in question was received by the Garda Central Vetting Unit on 24 April, 2008, and that it will be processed within normal processing procedures.

Firearms Licences.

Phil Hogan

Question:

499 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the criteria required to receive favourable consideration in respect of a gun dealing licence application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17166/08]

I can inform the Deputy that a person who wishes to become a firearms dealer should first obtain an application form (form 7) which is available on my Department's website. The completed form should be lodged with the Sergeant of the Garda sub-district where the applicant resides and the Gardaí will then prepare a suitability report on the character of the applicant and a crime prevention report on the proposed business location.

Section 9 (3) of the Firearms Act, 1925 provides for the registration of a person as a firearms dealer. The section provides, inter alia, that the Minister shall have regard to the character of the applicant, and generally to the public safety and preservation of the peace when considering such applications.

Asylum Applications.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

500 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the application for political asylum made on 3 December 2001 by a person (details supplied) has not been decided; when it will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17173/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 2 December 2001 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 8 November 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a deportation order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a deportation order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been submitted 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.

Work Permits.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

501 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has conducted an assessment of the impact on the international image of Ireland as a destination for international students, in view of his proposals to require non-EEA students to send their children to private schools and to obtain work permits if they want to work while studying here. [17182/08]

As the Deputy may be aware, certain aspects of student migration from outside the EEA have given rise to concern in recent years.

It has been apparent for some time that a significant proportion of non-EEA students are in reality economic migrants who enroll in a course purely for the purpose of gaining entry to the State and accessing the labour market. There is evidence that some students may be subject to exploitation in the workplace. It is also believed that the concession available to students to work 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week outside of that is being abused. Having regard to these factors, the Social Partners agreed under Towards 2016, "that the employment of non-EEA students is subject to an application for employment permits". The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment is currently developing a proposed Student Permits Scheme to give effect to this commitment.

A non-EEA adult student in the State is required to be economically self-sufficient. This requirement is clearly not being met in circumstances where the student is having their dependant child educated at the taxpayer's expense. Indeed it would be an untenable proposition that a non-EEA national should be entitled, merely by dint of enrolling in one of the myriad of courses on offer, to obtain a state-funded education for their children. An exception was made in the case of fee paying schools where, even though there is State funding, the parents also make a contribution to the costs of their child's education. However, this concession is under review at present.

My Department has been carrying out a review of student immigration generally. The purpose of the review is twofold. Firstly, it is clear that reform is needed in this area and the review will address the abuses in the system. Secondly, it will draw up proposals for a more coherent approach to student migration consistent with Ireland's general immigration policy and with the Government's other policy objectives. The review will be completed in the near future and its recommendations will be discussed at that time with other relevant Government Departments.

Ireland's image abroad is obviously something of which we must all be cognisant. That image is best served by Ireland offering a well regulated system of student migration that is aimed at attracting genuine students to bona fide educational courses.

Residency Permits.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

502 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for residency for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17255/08]

Long-term residency is an administrative scheme that was introduced in May 2004 and is focused on persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit / work authorisation / work visa conditions. Such persons may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.

An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in October 2007. I understand that applications received in August 2006 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Garda Stations.

Joe Carey

Question:

503 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the Garda station (details supplied) in County Clare will be re-opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17264/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the Garda station to which the Deputy refers is operational and has not been closed. I am further informed that refurbishment of the station is being advanced.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

504 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of a matter (details supplied) he will respond in full and confirm affirmatively or in the negative whether any such agreement was entered into by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17266/08]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

544 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the matter (details supplied) he will confirm affirmatively or in the negative whether any such agreement was entered into by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17879/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 504 and 544 together.

I am fully supportive of Government policy in relation to decentralisation and of the mechanisms promulgated by the Department of Finance (following consultation with representative bodies) which are in place to give effect to it.

As my predecessor has indicated previously, the filling of sanctioned vacancies is handled at official level. I am informed that the Department of Finance has advised Offices and Departments, including my own, that they can have discussions with persons interested in bilateral transfer to ensure that they understand fully the nature of the any post and that there is a shared understanding of the expectations of the job. However my Department's approval was not required for the approach that was taken in the case to which the Deputy refers. This was entirely a matter between the Ombudsman Commission and the Department of Finance, which is the Department responsible for the management of the Dublin Arrangements.

My understanding is that Garda Síochána Ombudsman has postponed the filling of the post in question for the present consequent on an ongoing staffing review related to the long term needs and structures of the office.

Jury Service.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

505 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the age limit applied to jury service which disbars those over the age of 70 from serving is ageist; if he has plans to change it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17267/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 14 and 607 taken together on 17 April 2008.

Visa Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

506 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the application by a person (details supplied) for a stamp four visa; the status of the application; and when a decision is expected. [17274/08]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have recently been in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy in relation to his immigration status. Further documentation has been requested from the person concerned in order to facilitate the Immigration Division in examining his case.

Citizenship Applications.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

507 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for naturalisation by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17284/08]

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 requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing her when her application will be further examined or, of any shortfall in her residency.

Sexual Offences.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

508 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been prosecuted or convicted of an offence under section 12 of the Sexual Offenders Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17288/08]

Following the submission of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, it was decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 consequently makes provision for this, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. The CSO has published crime statistics since the third quarter of 2006. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Public Order Offences.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

509 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to ensure that sections 4 and 5 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 are fully implemented without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17289/08]

The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, including sections 4 and 5, came into operation one month after its passing on 3 March, 1994. I presume the Deputy is referring to section 184 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to provide for a fixed penalty procedure in relation to the public order offences of intoxication in a public place (section 4) and disorderly conduct in a public place (section 5) as an alternative to proceedings being taken in the first instance.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that work on the necessary arrangements for the introduction of these provisions is under way with a view to their introduction as soon as possible this year.

Residency Permits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

510 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy of his Department in respect of the recognition of same sex couples who have entered a civil partnership in Northern Ireland, where one member of the couple is a non EEA citizen; if such a relationship will be accepted for immigration purposes; if there are guidelines covering this matter; and if he will report on the time-scale involved in his Department considering such applications. [17306/08]

A non-EEA national who is the partner (including same sex partner) of an Irish citizen may seek permission to remain in the State based on such a relationship and each case will be considered by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service on the particular circumstances of the case.

The circumstances that would support such a request would be where the partners have been in a relationship for at least 4 years (i.e. evidence of a durable relationship); the immigration record of the non-EEA national; if the persons appear to have a genuine intention of residing together in the State; if the persons have an income in the State which would support them; if there is no evidence to suggest that the request for permission to remain is being used as a way of circumventing other immigration procedures. Evidence of a civil partnership or marriage entered into in another jurisdiction, including Northern Ireland, would not of itself determine the application but could contribute to proof of a durable relationship. The length of time to process the case will depend on the circumstances presented and the form of status sought.

Permission to enter and reside in the State as the partner (including same sex partner) of an EU citizen who is exercising free movement rights is covered by the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No.2) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 656 of 2006). Those regulations transposed the European Directive (2004/38/EC) on the rights of citizens of the Union and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States. The Regulations include as a "permitted family member" a person who is "the partner with whom the Union citizen has a durable relationship, duly attested." Such cases must be dealt with within 6 months of application.

Garda Deployment.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

511 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recruits that have graduated from Templemore training college in the past 24 months; the number of conferring ceremonies that have taken place on each occasion that a class qualified; the stations they have been allocated to on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17353/08]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Probationer Gardaí that have graduated from the Garda College during the years 2006, 2007 and to-date in 2008 are as set out in the following table, broken down by Garda Division.

On attestation, Probationer Gardaí are allocated to Garda Stations throughout the 25 operational Garda Divisions. Following graduation at the Garda College, Probationer Gardaí return to their allocated Garda Stations. A detailed breakdown of allocation by station could only be obtained by a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources.

Division

2006

2007

2008 (to date)

Carlow/Kildare

8

35

13

Cavan/Monaghan

17

35

21

Clare

16

34

23

Cork City

10

42

12

Cork North

9

22

12

Cork West

4

25

8

DMR East

51

75

25

DMR N.C.

48

77

58

DMR North

47

73

39

DMR S.C.

50

87

45

DMR South

50

71

33

DMR West

59

67

32

Donegal

19

34

14

Galway West

7

30

10

Kerry

9

25

7

Laois/Offaly

3

23

11

Limerick

15

38

16

Longford/Westmeath

5

26

15

Louth/Meath

31

50

27

Mayo

4

22

13

Roscommon/Galway East

1

16

5

Sligo/Leitrim

5

25

6

Tipperary

12

30

14

Waterford/Kilkenny

10

37

17

Wicklow/Wexford

14

39

24

504

1,038

500

In addition to the above the following Probationer Reserve Gardaí have also graduated from the Garda College during the years 2006, 2007 and to-date in 2008:

Division

2006

2007

2008 (to date)

Carlow/Kildare

6

2

Cavan/Monaghan

3

Clare

1

2

Cork City

7

11

7

Cork North

5

1

Cork West

1

DMR East

4

2

DMR N.C.

11

12

DMR North

18

5

DMR S.C.

13

25

DMR South

10

5

DMR West

20

9

Donegal

1

3

Galway West

4

9

3

Kerry

1

Laois/Offaly

3

Limerick

14

1

Longford/Westmeath

3

3

Louth/Meath

8

3

Mayo

8

Roscommon/Galway East

1

Sligo/Leitrim

1

6

1

Tipperary

4

2

Waterford/Kilkenny

13

2

Wicklow/Wexford

6

1

36

187

58

With regard to the Conferring Ceremonies, a Conferring Ceremony of the B.A. (Ordinary) Degree in Police Studies is conducted at the Garda College each year. The Ceremony normally takes place during the month of September. All Probationer Gardaí who have completed their two year education/training and development programme are invited to attend the ceremony.

The number of Probationer Gardaí awarded the B.A (Ordinary) Degree in Police Studies in 2006 and 2007 was as set out in the following table:

Year

Conferred

2006

546

2007

802

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

512 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17381/08]

The information required by the Deputy is set out in the following table. It refers to the Department and the other organisations in the Justice Sector Vote group. The figures are based on the average number of working days from the date of receipt of the invoice to the date of payment.

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

An Garda Siochana

Irish Prison Service

Courts Service

Property Registration Authority

2004

15

16

11

21

*

2005

14

17

13

22

10

2006

18

17

15

23

9

2007

16

18

14

20

10

2008 (to date)

16

21

16

25

11

*Invoice payments for the Property Registration Authority did not commence from the current Financial Management System until 2005.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

513 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a stamp four visa will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17449/08]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have recently been in contact with the person referred to by the Deputy in relation to his immigration status. Further documentation has been requested from the person concerned in order to facilitate the Immigration Division in examining his case.

Residency Permits.

Denis Naughten

Question:

514 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 395 of 8 April 2008, when a decision will be made in view of the fact that such applications are taking 24 months to process and the application was made in April 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17439/08]

I refer the Deputy to my previous answers to Parliamentary Question Nos: 188 put down for answer on 13th March 2008 and 395 put down for answer on 8th April 2008. I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the wife of the person referred to by the Deputy was admitted to the State in November 2004 as a programme refugee. The person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification application made by his wife in April 2006. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

515 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of An Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17567/08]

It is a normal part of the annual Estimates process for meetings to take place at official and Ministerial level between my Department and the Department of Finance. The Estimates process by its nature evolves during negotiation over the entirety of the campaign. As such budgetary allocations change at very short notice. Therefore, the formal recording of minutes would not normally arise as they would be of limited or no value. The meetings in question are attended by senior officials of my Department who act in accordance with Ministerial directions with the Minister normally agreeing the final allocations at the latter part of the Estimates process. There is no question of officials being directed not to keep minutes or records of these meetings.

Visa Applications.

Martin Ferris

Question:

516 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the application of a person (details supplied) in County Cork for a permanent visa. [17582/08]

I am advised by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person referred to by the Deputy has not made any application for residence in the State on the basis of her marriage to an Irish national. The person in question can be advised to make her application to the Marriage to Irish National Section, INIS, 4th Floor, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2. Applications in this category can take twelve months to process depending on the complexities of individual applications and on the volume on hands. The Deputy should note that there is no automatic constitutional or statutory right of residence in the State on the basis of marriage to an Irish national.

Garda Deployment.

Joe Carey

Question:

517 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans, both enforcement and funding, under the Intoxicating Liquor Public Order Bill 2008 to specifically deal with the extra resources required to police late night discos at locations that experience a significant increase in population during summer months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17593/08]

One of the policing priorities set out under the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 is to combat, in cooperation with other agencies and the community generally, the problems of public disorder with particular emphasis on alcohol related behaviour (including under age drinking) and socially disadvantaged communities especially through utilisation of the available legal mechanisms, including behaviour warnings and closure orders.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that work on the necessary arrangements for the introduction of Section 184 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to provide for a fixed penalty procedure in relation to the public order offences of intoxication in a public place (section 4) and disorderly conduct in a public place (section 5) as an alternative to proceedings being taken in the first instance, are under way and that it is expected that these arrangements will be introduced in the coming months.

I am further informed that Operation Encounter, which was introduced in 2002, continues to target public disorder 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 to and consumption of alcohol by underage persons.

In the General Scheme of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008 which was recently published, there is a proposal to empower the Garda Síochána to seize alcohol where it is in the possession of people under the age of 18 in public places. It is also intended to provide the power to members of An Garda Síochána to seize alcohol and to move persons on where the Garda is of the opinion that consumption of that alcohol, by persons of any age, will lead to a public order offence or a breach of the public peace. The level of all fines in the Criminal justice (Public Order) Act 1994 will also be revised upwards.

The accelerated intake of 1,100 Garda recruits per annum is continuing and as of 31 March 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 13,900 fully attested members of An Garda Síochána with a further 1,306 recruits in training. The combined strength of the Force, including recruits in training, on that date was 15,206.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking all relevant factors into account. The situation is constantly kept under review and the allocation of Gardai throughout the country is carefully monitored by him in light of the overall policing requirements.

Garda Stations.

Shane McEntee

Question:

518 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in County Meath that have access to broadband; the number that do not have access to the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17601/08]

Broadband services are used to deliver PULSE and other services to all Garda stations covering the Meath area except the following which do not have network connectivity:

Crossakiel

Nobber

Summerhill

Longwood

Kilmessan

Garda Vetting Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

519 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for Garda clearance for a person (details supplied) seeking to enter the security business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17598/08]

With the information available, it has not been possible for the Garda Central Vetting Unit to identify the person in question and therefore to locate the application. However, if the Deputy will provide the necessary additional information, I will be in separate contact with a substantive response as soon as possible.

Garda Investigations.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

520 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his contacts with the authorities in Northern Ireland regarding the murder of a person (details supplied) in October 2007; if his attention has been drawn to the particular interest in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17607/08]

I am very conscious of the particular concerns which this killing has caused. I have made my views on it known already.

However, the Deputy will appreciate that responsibility for the investigation of crime rests with the Garda Síochána. The investigation into this particular killing is very much ongoing and active. An Garda Síochána is leading this investigation with assistance from the PSNI, and the Senior Investigation Officer is liaising with his counterpart in the PSNI on a frequent basis.

I understand that the previous Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has discussed this case with Secretary of State Shaun Woodward and NIO Security Minister Paul Goggins in the context of ongoing contact on matters of criminal justice co-operation.

I have also met with the parents of the deceased young man in my previous role as Minister for Foreign Affairs, as did the Taoiseach and the previous Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. We conveyed to them the sympathy of the Government on their terrible loss and our determination to see justice done in this matter.

Garda Stations.

John O'Mahony

Question:

521 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda stations that have been closed in County Mayo from 2000 to date in 2008 and the year each was closed; the Garda stations in County Mayo that are deemed part time and the hours they are open; the full time Garda stations in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17638/08]

No Garda Stations in County Mayo have been closed in the period referred to by the Deputy. In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007, decisions on opening or closing Garda stations are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner to take in the context of the Annual Policing Plan.

The opening hours of Garda Stations in the Mayo Division are dependent on manpower availability on a daily basis. An increase in the opening hours of these Stations would necessitate the employment of additional Garda personnel on indoor administrative duties who may be more effectively employed on outdoor policing duties. The opening hours of all Garda Stations in Mayo are as listed in the following table.

24 hour Y/N

Monday to Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Mayo

District: Castlebar

Castlebar

Yes

Ballyvary

No

10am-12md, 7pm-9pm

10am-12md,

Closed

Ballyglass

No

10am-12md, 7pm-9pm

10am-12md,7pm-8pm

Closed

Balla

No

10am-12md, 7pm-9pm

10am-12md,7pm-8pm

Closed

Partry

No

10am-12md, 7pm-9pm

10am-12md,7pm-8pm

Closed

Glenisland

No

10am-12md, 7pm-9pm

10am-12md,7pm-8pm

Closed

Tourmakeady

No

10am-12md, 7pm-9pm

10am-12md,7pm-8pm

Closed

District: Ballina

Ballina

Yes

Killala

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Closed

Ballycastle

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Closed

Bonnicconlon

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Closed

Crossmolina

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Closed

Lahardane

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Closed

Enniscrone

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Closed

Easkey

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Closed

District: Belmullet

Belmullet

Yes

Blacksod

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

12pm-2pm

Bellacorrick

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

12pm-2pm

Bangor Erris

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-12md

Ballycroy

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

12pm-2pm

Glenamoy

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

12pm-2pm

District: Claremorris

Claremorris

Yes

Kilmaine

No

2.30pm-3.30pm

2.30pm-3.30pm

Closed

Ballindine

No

11am-12md

11am-12md

Closed

Knock

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Closed

Ballinrobe

No

11am-1pm, 8pm-9pm

11am-1pm,

12pm-1pm

Cong

No

11am-12md

11am-12md

Closed

Shrule

No

4pm-5pm

4pm-5pm

Closed

Hollymount

No

4pm-5pm

4pm-5pm

Closed

District: Swinford

Swinford

Yes

Kiltimagh

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Charlestown

No

10am-12md

10am-12md

10am-12md

Kilkelly

No

10am-12md

10am-12md

10am-12md

Ballyhaunis

No

10am-12md

10am-12md

10am-12md

Foxford

No

10am-12md

10am-12md

10am-12md

District: Westport

Westport

Yes

Newport

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Achill Sound

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Mulranny

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Louisburgh

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Keel

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Ballyhaunis

No

10am-12md

10am-12md

10am-12md

Foxford

No

10am-12md

10am-12md

10am-12md

District: Westport

Westport

Yes

Newport

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Achill Sound

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Mulranny

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Louisburgh

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Keel

No

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

10am-1pm

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

522 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations in west Cork that are opened on a 24 hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17642/08]

The Garda Stations in the Cork West Garda Division that are opened on a 24-hour basis as at the 2nd May 2008 was as set out hereunder.

Stations

Bandon

Bantry

Clonakilty

Kanturk

Macroom

Prisoner Releases.

Tony Gregory

Question:

523 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 167 of 30 April 2008, the reason for rejecting the applications under the Good Friday Agreement in each case; if, in each case, it was the advice of the Commission to him to reject these applications; and the relevant provision of the Good Friday Agreement which the prisoners failed to satisfy in each case. [17682/08]

The procedures for the early release of certain prisoners are set out in the Criminal Justice (Release of Prisoners) Act 1998. Under Section 3(2) of the Act, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform can specify a prisoner as a qualifying prisoner and request the Release of Prisoners Commission to give advice as to their release.

The Minister did not specify the prisoners in question as qualifying and therefore did not request the advice of the Commission in relation to their release.

The Courts have indicated that the Minister has considerable executive discretion in deciding whether a person is a qualifying prisoner and that the Criminal Justice (Release of Prisoners) Act, 1998 does not limit the Minister's powers in relation to release.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

524 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to his Department of implementing the pay roll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17719/08]

There was no new payroll system implementation for the years in question. The current payroll system was implemented prior to 2004 and the annual external support costs are in the region of €105,000.

Citizenship Applications.

Damien English

Question:

525 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation will be decided on for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17685/08]

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 April 2008.

I have been advised by officials in that Section that there were errors on the original application form and it was returned to the person in question on 15 April 2008 for amendment. The resubmitted application was not correct and was returned to the person in question for further amendment on 30 April 2008.

Damien English

Question:

526 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation will be decided on for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17686/08]

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 April 2008.

I have been advised by officials in that Section that there was an error on the original application form and it was returned to the person in question on 15 April 2008 so that it could be amended. An amended application was received by my Department on 2 May 2008.

The application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing her when her application will be further examined or, of any shortfall in her residency.

Damien English

Question:

527 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation will be decided on for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17687/08]

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 March 2008.

The application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing her when her application will be further examined or, of any shortfall in her residency.

Residency Permits.

Damien English

Question:

528 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for family reunification will be decided on for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17689/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question is the subject of a Family Reunification/Permission to Remain application made in August 2006.

The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. This investigation is completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to my Department. This application will be considered by my Department and a decision will issue in due course. At the present time Family Reunification applications are taking up to 24 months to process.

Garda Equipment.

Damien English

Question:

529 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on making funding provision for speed detection equipment for An Garda Síochána in the catchment area of Delvin/Clonmellon, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17692/08]

The detailed allocation of resources, including the allocation of personnel and speed detection equipment, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to decide in accordance with his identified operational requirements.

Along with the expansion in the numbers of the Traffic Corps, there has been a significant increase in the financial resources provided for road traffic equipment which will enable a number of projects to proceed, including the replacement and upgrading of the current mobile speed detection equipment.

Firearms Legislation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

530 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legal position for minors using airguns for sports shooting; if he will bring in legislation to secure their position in using airguns for sports shooting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17746/08]

I am in correspondence with the Office of the Attorney General on this issue. I will write to the Deputy on the matter in the near future.

Consumer Protection.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

531 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the anticipated benefits for house purchasers arising from the application of consumer protection law to real property transactions, as a result of the Consumer Protection Act 2007; if, in particular, a reduction in conveyancing costs for intending purchasers is anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17754/08]

The position is that matters relating to consumer protection, including the impact of provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 2007, fall primarily within the policy area of the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Garda Security Escorts.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

532 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda hours used for prison escort services in the Limerick division in 2007 and in January to April 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17771/08]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Garda hours used for prison escort services in the Limerick Division in 2007 and in the period January to April 2008 is as outlined in the following table.

Year

Hours

2007

13,427

January to April 2008

5,245

Prison Education Service.

Jack Wall

Question:

533 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the request of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be considered in relation to the educational needs of their son; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17774/08]

The person referred to by the Deputy is serving a two and a half year prison sentence for burglary and was transferred to the open centre at Shelton Abbey on 28 April 2008. In common with all other prisoners detained there he has access to a wide range of educational opportunities.

Youth Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

534 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the grants administered or funded by his Department in the area of youth diversionary programmes in the Dublin 8 area; and the level of funding including capital and staffing grants to the various projects in 2007. [17785/08]

My Department currently funds, through the Irish Youth Justice Service, two Garda Youth Diversion Projects (GYDP) in the Dublin 8 area. These are the DAN GYDP and the YIS GYDP. In 2007, these Garda Youth Diversion Projects received funding of €94,162 and €51,400 respectively. GYDP funding covers staff, operational and programme costs; capital grants are not a feature of GYDP funding.

The Garda Youth Diversion Programme was placed on a statutory basis under the Children Act 2001, as amended. This programme operates under the general superintendence and control of the Garda Commissioner. The Deputy will be aware that it is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to decide on the prioritisation and allocation of resources within the force. However I can confirm that my Department provides funding, via the Irish Youth Justice Service, to support the system of restorative cautioning under the Diversion Programme. In 2007, funding to the amount of €150,000 was provided by my Department to fund Garda Restorative Justice Conferences across the country.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

535 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17812/08]

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

While it is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications, I would point out to the Deputy that delays in finalising cases can occur for a variety of reasons, including giving applicants and appellants the fullest opportunity possible to present their cases and the determination of Judicial Review proceedings, where appellants pursue such a course of action. Where the latter is relevant, the time taken to discharge any proceedings is a matter for the Courts and is not something that I, as Minister, can comment on. It is, of course, open to the applicant or the appellant to withdraw any Judicial Review proceedings which they may have instigated and this would allow for their appeal to be processed in the normal manner. A final decision on this application will be made upon receipt of the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Garda Reserve.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

536 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda reserve serving in each Garda district as of 1 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17839/08]

The personnel strength of the Garda Reserve in each Garda District as at 30 April 2008 was as follows:

Region

Number

DMR (Dublin Metropolitan Region)

DMR South Central

Pearse St

19

Kevin St

8

Donnybrook

6

Total

33

DMR North Central

Store St

9

Bridewell

6

Fitzgibbon St

6

Total

21

DMR West

Clondalkin

5

Lucan

6

Blanchardstown

15

Total

26

DMR North

Santry

4

Raheny

6

Coolock

7

Balbriggan

3

Total

20

DMR South

Crumlin

3

Terenure

4

Tallaght

4

Total

11

DMR East

Bray

3

Dun Laoghaire

3

Blackrock

4

Total

10

DMR Total

121

Southern Region

Anglesea Street

12

Togher

3

Mayfield

3

Gurranabraher

4

Cork City Total

22

Midleton

4

Fermoy

1

Mallow

2

Cork North Total

7

Henry Street

10

Limerick Total

10

Tralee

2

Kerry Total

2

Southern Region Total

41

South Eastern Region

Tipperary Town

2

Clonmel

3

Cahir

1

Thurles

1

Tipperary Total

7

Waterford

8

Tramore

2

Kilkenny

5

Waterford/Kilkenny Total

15

New Ross

1

Wexford

1

Wicklow

1

Gorey

2

Enniscorthy

1

Wexford Total

6

South Eastern Region Total

28

Eastern Region

Kildare

1

Baltinglass

1

Naas

2

Carlow

4

Carlow/Kildare Total

8

Tullamore

2

Portlaoise

1

Laois/Offaly Total

3

Drogheda

4

Dundalk

4

Kells

1

Navan

1

Louth/Meath Total

10

Mullingar

5

Longford

1

Longford/Westmeath Total

6

Eastern Region Total

27

Western Region

Ennis

6

Clare Total

6

Galway

16

Galway West Total

16

Castlebar

3

Westport

2

Ballina

3

Mayo Total

8

Roscommon

1

Roscommon/Galway E

1

Western Region Total

31

Northern Region

Cavan Town

2

Monaghan Town

1

Cavan/Monaghan Total

3

Sligo

6

Sligo Total

6

Letterkenny

4

Donegal Total

4

Northern Region Total

13

Total Garda Reserves as at 30/4/08

261

Prisoner Complaints Procedures.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

537 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if sections 15 and 16 of the Prisons Act 2007 have been commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17840/08]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

538 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has made an appointment under Section 16(3) of the Prisons Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17841/08]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

539 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if appeals have taken place under section 16 of the Prisons Act 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17842/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 to 539, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that sections 15 and 16 of the Prisons Act, 2007 were commenced on the 1st of October 2007. These sections provide a mechanism whereby prisoners can make an appeal to an independent tribunal against a decision by the prison authorities to impose a disciplinary penalty involving a loss of remission for a breach of prison regulations.

Section 16(3) of the Act provides that the Minister may appoint practising barristers or solicitors of not less than seven years' standing to the Tribunal and, in that regard, the following six appointments have been made:

Mr Richard Humphreys,

Ms Teresa Lowe,

Mr Nehru Pillay,

Mr Michael Moloney,

Mr Charles Corcoran and

Mr Noel Devitt

A total of four appeals have been made by prisoners to date and arrangements are being made for hearings to be held in the coming weeks.

Equal Opportunities Employment.

Finian McGrath

Question:

540 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on a query (details supplied). [17846/08]

Although not specific to graduates with a legal background, there are opportunities for temporary placements for graduates with disabilities across Government Departments. The "Willing, Able and Mentoring" project, WAM as it is known, is coordinated by the Department of Finance and over the last 2 years, 3 people have been placed with my Department under this programme.

WAM is administered by AHEAD — the Association of Higher Education Access and Disability — and they can be contacted at PO Box 30, East Hall, UCD, Carysfort Ave., Blackrock, Co. Dublin or by email at ahead@ahead.ie.

Registration of Title.

Finian McGrath

Question:

541 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [17847/08]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 386 on 22 April 2008.

Garda Deployment.

Liz McManus

Question:

542 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if under the proposed changes in policing due to commence in Wicklow in 2008, the current Garda division along county boundaries will involve the setting up of a separate Garda division for all of Wicklow, with its headquarters based in Bray (details supplied). [17857/08]

In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 proposals, inter alia, to alter the boundaries of a divisional geographical area are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. The 2008 Policing Plan contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. This includes the creation of a new Wicklow Division with its divisional headquarters located in Bray.

The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees. I am advised by the Garda authorities that a detailed programme of work is currently being developed by the Garda Síochána to implement the planned changes. This programme of work will also examine the geographical areas of district and sub-district stations, including the station referred to by the Deputy, arising from the boundary realignments and set out a timetable for the establishment of the new Division.

Garda Strength.

Pat Breen

Question:

543 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in conjunction with the Garda Síochána, his attention has been drawn to plans to increase the number of gardaí in a town (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17862/08]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of Lahinch Garda Station on 31 March, 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 2. Lahinch Garda Station forms part of the Ennistymon Garda District and the personnel strength of Ennistymon Garda District as of the same date was 33. The Deputy will appreciate that, as with any large organisation, on any given day, personnel strengths of individual divisions, districts and stations may fluctuate due, for example, to promotions, retirements and transfers.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account. In that regard, the needs of Lahinch Garda Station will be fully considered by the Commissioner within the overall context of the needs of Garda Stations throughout the country.

Question No. 544 answered with Question No. 504.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

545 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date, with regard to the proposed restructuring of the Wexford-Wicklow Garda division, from which the restructuring will be effective; the impact it will have on Garda numbers; the numbers of gardaí within the division; if this number will increase under the new structure; if so, the amount it will increase by; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17883/08]

In accordance with the provisions of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 proposals, inter alia, to alter the boundaries of a divisional geographical area are a matter in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner in the context of the Annual Policing Plan. The 2008 Policing Plan contains the Commissioner's proposals to realign Garda boundaries in a number of areas around the country to make them coterminous with local authority boundaries. This includes the separation of the existing Wexford/Wicklow Division into two new Garda Divisions of Wexford and Wicklow.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that a detailed programme of work is currently being developed to implement these planned changes and includes plans for the distribution of personnel resources to the new Divisions. As of 31 March 2008, the personnel strength of the Wicklow/Wexford Division was 369. The planned changes will bring about greater efficiencies and effectiveness in facilitating the establishment and functioning of Joint Policing Committees.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force taking everything into account and the needs of the Wexford and Wicklow Divisions will be fully considered by him within the overall context of the needs of all Garda Divisions throughout the country.

Asylum Applications.

Frank Feighan

Question:

546 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [17886/08]

It is not the practice to comment in detail on individual asylum applications.

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

Citizenship Applications.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

547 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for citizenship of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [17914/08]

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 February 2008. The application has not been examined in detail. Examination of the residency requirement will take place in the near future and the applicant will be contacted at that time informing her when her application will be further examined or,of any shortfall in her residency.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

548 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18119/08]

Up until the end of 2007, the non-property costs, such as IT and training, incurred by my Department and its agencies, amounted to €1.4m. As the Deputy will be aware, all matters and expenditure in relation to the provision of office accommodation and other property solutions, required under the Government's decentralisation programme, are primarily the responsibility of the Office of Public Works.

EU Directives.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

549 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the EU Directive 1999 22 EC relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos has been transposed into Irish law; if not, if there are plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17541/08]

The European Communities (Licensing and Inspection of Zoos) Regulations, 2003 transposed into Irish law Council Directive 1999/22/EC relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos, including aquaria and any significant collection of animals that is open to the public for seven days or more in a year. My Department has, to date, licensed nine zoos under the regulations.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

550 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the scheme of special housing aid for the elderly; and if funding has been provided for this scheme in 2008. [18018/08]

An initial allocation of €13m for 2008 has been notified to the Health Service Executive by the Task Force who, under the aegis of my Department, administer the scheme of Special Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Water Pollution.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

551 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the spread of lagarosiphon major in Lough Corrib, that 64 sites in Lough Corrib have an infestation of lagarosiphon major, and that if this should continue that the entire biodiversity of the lough would be altered and many of the fish would be wiped out; if he is prepared to implement a vigorous campaign based on the formation of a task force to have this weed eradicated before irreparable damage is done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17874/08]

Lagarosiphon major, also known as the curly-leaved pondweed, is a native of southern Africa. It has been widely sold for many years as an oxygenating plant for garden ponds and aquaria. However, it is now viewed as a major threat to Irish lakes and their associated wildlife since it became established in Lough Corrib in 2005.

A Lagarosiphon Task Force has been established to address the spread of the pondweed in the lake. The Task Force includes representatives of my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Central Fisheries Board, the Western Regional Fisheries Board, the Office of Public Works and Galway County Council. Last year my Department provided funding to the Central Fisheries Board to purchase a weed cutting boat to be dedicated exclusively to removing Lagarosiphon major in the lake. I understand that the boat is now moored on the lake and will begin operations in the next few weeks. In this regard, I have provided additional funding of €200,000 this year to the Central Fisheries Board for work involving the removal and control of Lagarosiphon major in the lake.

Local Authority Housing.

Liz McManus

Question:

552 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide sustainable financial support to improve the energy efficiency of existing public housing. [17932/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

574 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has carried out an audit of the number of local authority houses that do not have central heating; the estimated excess carbon tonnage produced as a result; his plans to provide central heating to all of these homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17393/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

575 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimate of the cost of installing central heating in all local authority homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17394/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 552, 574 and 575 together.

Since 1994, my Department has required that central heating be provided in all new local authority dwellings and the associated costs are included in the overall cost of construction projects.

Under a specific programme introduced in 2004, my Department provides funding to local authorities towards the cost of installing central heating, and associated improvements in thermal insulation, in existing local authority housing. In the 2004 to 2007 period, funding of €94 million has been provided, resulting in some 19,600 local authority homes, or two thirds of the total number estimated to be in need of central heating, benefiting from this programme. An additional €26 million has been allocated to local authorities under the programme this year, which it is expected will result in works being carried out on more than 4,000 further homes.

The programme includes not just central heating installation but also makes provision for measures to improve the energy efficiency of the dwellings, including attic insulation to Building Regulations standards, draught-proofing to existing windows and external doors, and the lagging of exposed pipe-work and hot water cylinders. The type of heating system and associated improvements outlined above are a matter for determination by the relevant local authority, having regard to factors including the running costs, preference of the occupants, and the environmental benefits.

As the main intent of the programme is to replace solid fuel heating and to improve levels of thermal insulation, the overall impact of the programme will be to reduce the carbon tonnage produced.

Land Sales.

Denis Naughten

Question:

553 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 662 of 5 February 2008, the status of the sale; the reason for the further delay in the processing of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17145/08]

I understand that the Chief State Solicitor's Office is still awaiting a response from the vendor's solicitor to the queries referred to in the reply to Question No. 662 of 5 February 2008.

Waste Management.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

554 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are implications for Government waste management policy in respect of incineration and recycling, in view of claims of waste ownership by Dublin local authorities. [17206/08]

Under the Waste Management Acts the relevant local authorities have the responsibility both for making statutory waste management plans and regulating the activities of persons engaged in the collection of household waste. Furthermore, the statutory responsibility for collecting or arranging for the collection of household waste is vested in local authorities by virtue of section 33 of the Act. As provided for in section 60(3) of the Act, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by a local authority of a statutory function given to it under the Act.

The position in Dublin has involved the Dublin local authorities making an amendment to the regional waste management plan for which they are responsible. Dublin City Council, which acts as lead authority for the region, will also be using the powers available to it to review waste collection permits that it has previously issued.

This matter is currently the subject of proceedings in the High Court involving a waste collection company contesting the recent actions by the Dublin local authorities in regard to waste collection and management in the region and the outcome of these proceedings is awaited.

Fire Stations.

Phil Hogan

Question:

555 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be provided for a new fire station at Lismore County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17224/08]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme and through setting of general policy.

The capital programme forms part of my Department's strategy to support the fire authorities in the development and maintenance of a quality fire-fighting and rescue service. It provides funding for the construction/upgrading of fire stations, the procurement of fire appliances and specialised equipment.

There have been significant improvements affecting all areas of the fire service in recent years — increased investment in infrastructure and equipment, more staff, better training, and the provision of improved communications infrastructure. With a further investment of €26 million this year, details of which will shortly be finalised, the fire service is well positioned to meet the increasing demands placed on it in the 21st century.

A number of priority projects have been advanced in County Waterford in recent times. These include replacement stations and extensions or upgrading works at stations in Ardmore, Cappoquin, Dungarvan, Dunmore East and Tramore. The provision of Exchequer funding to support further investment in the Co. Waterford fire service will have regard to the fire authority's priorities, the spread of existing facilities, and the competing demands from other fire authorities for available funding.

Building Regulations.

Phil Hogan

Question:

556 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that failure to delay the commencement of Section 18 of the Building Control Act 2007, until such time as the Technical Assessment Board is ready to receive applications has had the effect of causing practising architects to be in breach of the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17225/08]

Phil Hogan

Question:

557 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will revoke Statutory Instrument No. 50 of 2008 and ensure that any further commencement of Part 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 will be on a phased basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17226/08]

Phil Hogan

Question:

558 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the simultaneous commencement of Sections 18 and 21 of the Building Control Act 2007 has had the effect of causing practising architects to be in breach of the law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17227/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 556 to 558, inclusive, together.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 480 of 29 April 2008, in which I stated that Parts 3 to 7 of the Building Control Act 2007 would commence on 1 May 2008.

Responsibility for the establishment of the various Boards required under the Act, including the Technical Assessment Board, and the procedural arrangements for the operation of such Boards, are matters for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI), as the designated registration body for Part 3 of the Act — Registration of Architects. The RIAI are finalising the arrangements for the establishment of the various Boards, including the Technical Assessment Board, and this work will be completed shortly. My Department has been advised by the RIAI that they have accepted applications for technical assessment from 1 May 2008.

Subsections 18(1)(a) and 18(1)(d) of the Act provide that it will be an offence to use the title “Architect” unless the person is registered on the statutory register. However, subsection 18(5) of the Act provides that paragraphs (a ) and (d ) of subsection 1 will not apply (i) where a person has applied for registration to either the Admissions Board or the Technical Assessment Board and where a decision has not been made on the application; (ii) where a decision is awaited on an appeal to the Appeals Board against a decision of either Board referred to, or (iii) where a decision is awaited on an appeal to the High Court against a decision of the Appeals Board, subject to the requirement that the application for registration to the Admissions Board or the Technical Assessment Board, or the appeal to either the Appeals Board or the High Court, has not been withdrawn.

Archaeological Sites.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

559 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if in relation to a development (details supplied) by Meath County Council, his Department has received a report from the local authority concerning the costs of archaeological excavations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17235/08]

I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 1372 -1375 of 30 January 2008.

My Department wrote to Meath County Council seeking a report on this matter including, inter alia, details of archaeological costs. A report has since been received from the County Manager indicating that the total projected cost of archaeology, including excavation and post-excavation work, amounts to €260,000.

Public Representatives.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

560 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he is taking to allow local county and city councillors to become full-time elected representatives with the appropriate representational allowance, in view of the number of meetings held during normal working hours which they are required to attend, which in fact discriminates in favour of self-funded, self-employed or flexitime workers as opposed to councillors who are employees or in full-time positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17260/08]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

561 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to ensure that more young and not so young councillors here do not step down in view of the fact that they have to decide between trying to represent their communities fully and fulfilling their council duties and try to earn a living and pay a mortgage and survive. [17261/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 561 together.

Over the past decade the financial supports framework for councillors has been substantially improved to reflect the nature of their role. These improvements include the introduction of the annual Representational Payment (RP), currently €17,175 for county and city councillors; a Retirement Gratuity up to a maximum of four times the RP; enhanced annual expenses allowances; annual allowances of €6,000 for Chairs of Strategic Policy Committees and County/City Development Boards and an annual mobile telephone allowance up to a maximum of €600. Separately, councillors can also be reimbursed for expenses in relation to attendance at conferences and seminars as well as receiving expenses in respect of their membership of other bodies such as Vocational Education Committees, Regional Assemblies and Regional Authorities. In addition, my Department, in consultation with the elected members associations, has promoted and supported on an ongoing basis training and development programme for councillors.

As set out in the recently published Green Paper on Local Government — Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, justifying a move to a full-time councillor system (which is not commonplace in other jurisdictions) might require a severe reduction in overall councillor numbers. I look forward to a lively and informed debate on this and other issues in the Green Paper over the coming months.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

562 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation as regards the provision of a sewerage scheme for Clifden, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17270/08]

The Clifden Sewerage Improvement Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2009.

Galway County Council's Design Review Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

563 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the situation as regards the improvement of the water supply in Clifden, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17271/08]

The Clifden Regional Water Supply Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2009.

Additional information supplied by Galway County Council in relation to the Preliminary Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Motor Taxation.

Phil Hogan

Question:

564 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount collected in motor taxation by each local authority for the years 2004 to date in 2008, inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17282/08]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

569 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money collected nationally in each of the years 2002 to 2007 and to date in 2008 on the issuing of vehicle driving licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17352/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 564 and 569 together.

The amount of motor tax, which includes driving licence duties and other related charges, collected by each local authority and through the online motor tax service for the years 2004 to date in 2008 is set out in Table 1 below.

Table 1

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 (to end April)

Carlow

9,402,684

9,577,446

10,151,892

10,809,172

4,245,502

Cavan

10,906,522

10,925,797

11,512,562

11,798,100

4,586,301

Clare

18,297,206

18,764,979

19,323,658

19,913,424

7,687,582

Cork

78,414,745

75,681,713

75,322,247

74,932,968

29,852,629

Donegal

22,327,970

23,283,121

24,766,816

26,196,446

10,128,487

Galway

34,681,775

35,296,681

36,335,693

37,255,683

14,137,927

Kerry

23,138,196

22,903,422

23,079,015

23,124,460

8,957,739

Kildare

28,599,476

27,319,360

26,113,408

26,123,729

9,997,570

Kilkenny

14,622,592

14,447,027

14,987,442

15,461,876

6,297,662

Laois

10,746,912

10,956,887

11,495,839

12,009,466

4,735,618

Leitrim

4,791,631

4,862,364

5,172,730

5,386,598

2,048,014

Limerick Co

21,843,480

21,856,230

22,054,207

22,360,620

8,791,335

Longford

5,850,989

5,976,239

6,309,337

6,642,905

2,590,855

Louth

15,637,852

15,631,421

16,112,357

16,553,568

6,696,404

Mayo

19,905,815

20,002,308

20,542,009

21,245,387

7,987,968

Meath

26,160,983

26,632,321

26,976,043

27,566,483

10,385,582

Monaghan

10,308,018

10,376,392

11,033,944

11,511,238

4,446,183

Offaly

11,155,395

11,385,231

11,782,405

12,098,956

4,853,032

Roscommon

10,024,417

10,390,089

10,900,252

11,273,022

4,547,660

Sligo

9,937,089

9,887,747

10,421,545

10,649,476

4,129,503

N. Tipperary

11,833,302

11,884,832

12,528,299

12,983,524

4,974,324

S. Tipperary

15,085,443

15,207,443

15,857,063

16,615,964

6,508,625

Waterford Co

9,939,460

10,142,982

10,607,297

11,222,445

4,465,762

Westmeath

12,712,499

12,711,338

13,730,214

14,370,754

5,699,327

Wexford

23,428,248

23,853,757

24,978,708

25,531,000

9,902,659

Wicklow

19,909,530

19,413,820

19,583,073

19,923,480

7,341,169

Dublin City

153,777,447

141,456,983

131,409,353

130,380,228

48,773,638

Limerick City

6,460,482

6,425,748

6,507,959

6,631,423

2,950,165

Waterford City

7,117,909

7,044,134

7,093,046

7,128,288

3,009,744

On-line

100,238,775

168,068,030

243,016,800

309,030,717

146,935,763

Total

747,256,842

802,365,839

879,705,213

956,731,400

397,664,729

The amount of money collected on vehicle driving licences nationally for the years 2002 to date in 2008 is set out in Table 2 below.

Table 2 — Vehicle Driving Licences

Year

Amount

€m

2002

10.6

2003

9.8

2004

8.3

2005

8.0

2006

8.7

2007

9.1

2008 (to end April)

1.1

Questions in relation to vehicle driving licences are a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) under the aegis of the Department of Transport.

Local Authority Housing.

Phil Hogan

Question:

565 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new housing starts for each local authority in 2008. [17283/08]

The Government's housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities and the National Development Plan 2007-2013 (NDP) reflect the strong commitment to expand social housing provision contained in the social partnership agreement Towards 2016. Under the agreement, local authorities are to deliver 21,000 social housing starts over the period 2007-09.

Data in relation to social housing starts are published in my Department's Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library and on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. Data for the period ending December 2007 were published on 2 May 2008 and show good progress towards achieving the 21,000 starts target for the local authority housing programme, with 6,857 homes commenced, purchased or acquired under long-term lease in 2007.

The Exchequer provision for social housing for 2008 and 2009 is expected to allow for a further 14,000 starts in this period. Housing allocations for 2008 were announced on 2 May 2008 and greater precision as to the number of starts likely in 2008 will be available once authorities, taking account of their allocations, finalise their work programmes for the year.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

566 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has sanctioned the appointment of a preferred bidder in respect of the redevelopment and rejuvenation of the Market Square and the mixed use development on the Market Square, Dundalk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17301/08]

In accordance with the relevant Department of Finance guidelines relating to Public Private Partnerships my Department, having satisfied itself that all necessary procedures have been complied with, has sanctioned the award of contract to the preferred bidder in this case.

Local Authority Funding.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

567 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding has been ringfenced by his Department for the proposed social and physical regeneration scheme for estates (details supplied) in County Louth; and when residents of these areas can expect the scheme to commence. [17302/08]

As part of the 2008 National Housing Programme allocations, €1 million has been allocated to support the regeneration process in Cox's Demesne and Muirhevnamor. The process of regeneration must have regard to the wider environment in which the estates concerned are located. The local authority is currently engaged in preparing a document outlining this wider vision, having regard also to relevant national policies, including the National Spatial Strategy. The authority has also been requested to consider "early win" projects that might be commenced in the short-term. Further discussions on the matter between my Department and the local authority are expected to be held in the coming weeks.

Joe Carey

Question:

568 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide a breakdown of local authority funding by his Department in each of the years 2004 to 2007 for all city, county and town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17310/08]

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 569 answered with Question No. 564.

Sustainable Development Strategy.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

570 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Meath master plan policy proposals on the protection of archaeological heritage and enhancing public transport in County Meath; if his Department has made progress on evaluating its proposals for housing, energy, public transport and sustainable tourism for County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17356/08]

My Department's Planning Guidelines on Development Plans (June 2007) and draft Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (February 2008), emphasise that the County Development Plan should focus on creating sustainable communities by incorporating the highest design standards and providing a coordinated approach to the delivery of transport and other infrastructure, services and amenities in tandem with new residential development.

The Meath County Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out a framework for the proper planning and sustainable development of the county, taking account of a range of national and regional policy objectives and priorities. It envisages a holistic and integrated approach to the delivery of the necessary infrastructure and services for the county, while also preserving and enhancing the archaeological and natural heritage.

I met with the authors of the Meath Master Plan in December 2007 to discuss their proposal. Their plan sets out an alternative spatial, developmental and infrastructural context for future development in County Meath and envisages, for example:

Re-design of the M3 between Dunshaughlin and Kells to a "2+1" road, and a buy-out of the M3 toll contract;

Acceleration and extension of the Dublin-Navan rail link to Kells;

A sustainability development plan incorporating local business development, "green" building techniques and sustainable agriculture and tourism development; and

The creation of a World Heritage Park, encompassing the five main county settlements of Navan, Kells, Trim, Dunshaughlin and Slane.

Their proposal provides an interesting contribution to the on-going consideration of appropriate strategic planning and infrastructure investment responses to the development potential and natural and built heritage assets of the county. I understand that the authors have also met with officials from the Department of Transport in relation to the transport infrastructure aspects of their proposal.

Election Management System.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

571 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to develop a mechanism such as a postal voting system to allow citizens who are normally full-time residents in the State to vote in elections if they will be temporarily out of the country on polling day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17358/08]

In order to be able to vote at elections and referenda in this jurisdiction, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides. Subject to this primary requirement, postal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of certain categories of persons including those whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day (section 63 of the Electoral Act 1997). In these cases, the law provides for completion of the necessary voting documentation at a Garda station.

It is open to any such elector who is not already on the postal voters list to apply for inclusion on the supplement to the postal voters list. The closing date for such applications is 2 days after the dissolution of the Dáil at a general election or 2 days after the making of the polling day order at a referendum.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

572 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on plans for fixed term elections to Dáil Éireann or for mandating an independent body to set the date for all elections and referenda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17357/08]

Under Article 13.2 of the Constitution, Dáil Éireann is summoned and dissolved by the President on the advice of the Taoiseach. It has a maximum term of 7 years or a shorter period as may be fixed by law, as provided for in Article 16.5; section 33 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that the same Dáil shall not continue for a period longer than 5 years. Electoral and referendum law provides that polling dates are set by order of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. There are no proposals to alter these arrangements.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

573 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17377/08]

My Department receives in excess of 40,000 valid invoices for payment each year from contractors and suppliers. The average time taken to make payments on foot of these invoices in each of the years in question is set out in the following table. My Department does not compile or hold these data for bodies under the aegis of the Department.

Year

Average time in days

2004

19

2005

17

2006

16

2007

17

2008 (to 30 April)

17

Questions Nos. 574 and 575 answered with Question No. 552.

Purchase of Lands.

Pat Breen

Question:

576 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 505 of 11 March 2008, when an application will be processed for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17365/08]

I understand that the Chief State Solicitor's Office wrote to the vendor's solicitor on 28 April in relation to some pre-contract queries. Closing documents have not yet been received.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Phil Hogan

Question:

577 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications received by each local authority under the housing aid for the elderly scheme, mobility aids housing grant scheme and the disabled person grant scheme; the amount of money allocated in respect of each scheme in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17437/08]

The most recent information received from local authorities regarding applications made under the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability since the implementation of the Schemes in November 2007 is set out in the following table.

The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department, together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. Notification of the combined capital allocations for 2008 in respect of all of the Schemes will shortly issue to local authorities. It is then a matter for local authorities to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the Schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the Schemes in their area from within this allocation.

Applications received under the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability to end March 2008

Local Authority

Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability

Mobility Aids Grant Scheme

Housing Aid for Older People Scheme

Carlow County Council

13

17

136

Cavan County Council

62

9

80

Clare County Council

84

22

190

Cork County Council (North)

60

39

186

Cork County Council (South)

48

34

72

Cork County Council (West)

49

4

97

Donegal County Council

102

64

181

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council

140

9

28

Fingal County Council

28

9

42

Galway County Council

21

20

76

Kerry County Council

87

83

246

Kildare County Council

58

4

72

Kilkenny County Council

52

12

141

Laois County Council

23

8

50

Leitrim County Council

16

8

22

Limerick County Council

16

26

50

Longford County Council

17

21

72

Louth County Council

61

5

65

Mayo County Council

26

35

94

Meath County Council

0

0

0

Monaghan County Council

117

25

142

North Tipperary County Council

14

12

98

Offaly County Council

32

3

28

Roscommon County Council

51

10

95

Sligo County Council

47

23

85

South Dublin County Council

93

14

42

South Tipperary County Council

38

24

84

Waterford County Council

124

17

150

Westmeath County Council

29

8

31

Wexford County Council

94

10

237

Wicklow County Council

135

65

146

Cork City Council

138

24

138

Dublin City Council

222

19

110

Galway City Council

33

11

8

Limerick City Council

17

6

15

Waterford City Council

6

4

47

Sligo Borough Council

7

0

0

Total

2,160

704

3,356

Local Government Reform.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

578 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the options, in view of the recent Green Paper, available to groups seeking to establish a town council (details supplied) in order to progress matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17442/08]

The provisions for the establishment of new town councils are contained in Part 17 of the Local Government Act 2001. However, these provisions have not been commenced and in these circumstances formal moves to establish a new town council cannot proceed.

The Green Paper, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, contains a chapter on town local government which acknowledges both the positive role played by town councils and the difficulties which can confront such councils seeking to perform the complex social, environmental and infrastructural functions required of modern local government. My goal is to strike an appropriate balance between the maximisation of efficiencies and the democratic legitimacy provided by town councils; Stronger Local Democracy concludes that the establishment of new town councils would need careful consideration having regard to the potential impact on resources and efficient service delivery.

Stronger Local Democracy represents the initial phase of a transparent, inclusive policy formulation process. The purpose is not to arrive at a single solution, but to present options for further consideration. It is my objective that a broad and lively debate on the future of local government will now take place. I look forward to receiving the views of all concerned, including those groups seeking to establish a town council, to help inform the preparation of the White Paper. I will give consideration to those parts of the 2001 Act which have not yet been commenced, including Part 17 of the 2001 Act, as part of the reform process.

Details of how to contribute to the consultation process are available on my Department's website. I also intend to hold a number of regional seminars in the coming weeks in order to gather as full a range of perspectives as possible.

Services for People with Disabilities.

David Stanton

Question:

579 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if all local authorities have adopted the Barcelona Declaration project; the details of those which have not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17443/08]

The local authorities who have adopted the Barcelona Declaration, as advised to my Department by the National Disability Authority, are listed in the following table. The aims and objectives of the Declaration are also largely reflected in the National Disability Strategy.

Local Authority

County Councils

Carlow

Cavan

Clare

Cork

Donegal

Dun Laoghaire

Rathdown

Fingal

Galway

Kerry

Kildare

Kilkenny

Laois

Leitrim

Limerick

Longford

Louth

Mayo

Meath

Monaghan

North Tipperary

Offaly

Roscommon

Sligo

South

Dublin

South Tipperary

Waterford

Westmeath

Wexford

Wicklow

City Councils

Cork

Dublin

Galway

Limerick

Waterford

Borough Councils

Clonmel

Drogheda

Kilkenny

Sligo

Wexford

Town Councils

Ardee

Arklow

Athlone

Athy

Balbriggan

Ballina

Ballinasloe

Ballybay

Ballyshannon

Bandon

Bantry

Birr

Boyle

Bray

Buncrana

Bundoran

Carlow

Carrickmacross

Carrick on Suir

Castlebar

Castleblaney

Cavan

Clonakilty

Clones

Dundalk

Dungarvan

Edenderry

Ennis

Enniscorthy

Fermoy

Gorey

Granard

Kilkee

Killarney

Kilrush

Kinsale

Leixlip

Letterkenny

Lismore

Listowel

Longford

Macroom

Mallow

Monaghan

Mountmellick

Muinebheag

Mullingar

Naas

Nenagh

New Ross

Passage West

Portlaoise

Shannon

Skibbereen

Tipperary

Tralee

Tramore

Trim

Tuam

Tullamore

Westport

Wicklow

Animal Welfare.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

580 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of inspections of circuses and circus animals that have been carried out by local authority vets here in the past five years; the findings that have been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17544/08]

Animal welfare and the legal protection of animals from cruelty, including in circuses, are the responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

581 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of investment that has been made in the water supply programme in south Tipperary in 2008. [17545/08]

Details of investment in water supply by South Tipperary County Council to date in 2008 should, most appropriately, be sought from the Council. No recoupments have been made by my Department to South Tipperary County Council so far this year under the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

582 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not, the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17563/08]

The settlement of the Department's spending Estimates by Government in the context of annual Budget decisions for the years in question involved a process of consultation over a period of months with the Department of Finance culminating in Ministerial meetings. Meetings of this nature do not require an agenda to be circulated in advance and minutes of such meetings are not maintained by my Department. Attendance at meetings of officials would, in the early stages, involve the Department's Finance Officer and at Ministerial meetings the Minister would also be accompanied by the Secretary General. Should any Ministerial meetings have taken place on these matters involving the Department of the Taoiseach, such matters are internal to Government Budgetary preparations.

Departmental Staff.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

583 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the policy to train and employ building inspectors to certify public buildings under the building energy rating regulation in 2008; and the number of inspectors employed by his Department at present. [17589/08]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 228 of 9 April 2008.

The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006, introduced a requirement for a Building Energy Rating System, or BER as it is more commonly known. The BER system is being implemented under the Regulations in 4 phases:

BER for new dwellings was introduced with effect from 1 January 2007, with a transitional exemption applying to new dwellings for which planning permission was applied for on or before 31 December 2006, and provided they are substantially completed by 30 June 2008;

BER for new non-domestic buildings will commence from 1 July 2008, with a transitional exemption applying for buildings for which planning permission was applied for on or before 30 June 2008 and provided they are substantially completed by 30 June, 2010;

BER for existing buildings of any class being offered for sale or letting will commence from 1 January, 2009; and

BER for all new public service buildings will come into effect from 1 July 2008, subject to the transitional arrangements applying to new non-domestic buildings, and will be applicable to existing large public service buildings from 1 January 2009. For new public service buildings, it is proposed that the methodology for new non-domestic buildings, which I will be introducing in June 2008, will be applied and that the BER will be produced off the plans at design stage. In relation to existing public service buildings, the Regulations provide that a public body, in respect of a large building — defined as a building with a total useful floor area in excess of 1,000 metre square — occupied by it on or after 1 January, 2009, must secure and display a BER certificate. The BER certificate must be in a prescribed form and must be displayed in a prominent place clearly visible to the public. The prescribed form will be determined in sufficient time to meet the 1 January 2009 deadline.

It is likely that the BER certificate for display on large public service buildings will be based on operational ratings i.e. measured energy use. The purpose of the rating will be to provide information regarding the energy use of the building by the current occupant and it can also be used to show improvements over time.

The assessment for a BER for new large public buildings or such buildings offered for sale or rent, will be carried out by a specially trained BER Assessor operating within the private sector. While trained BER Assessors will be required for the certification of new public service buildings and such buildings offered for sale or rent, final decisions remain to be taken in respect of existing public service buildings.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

584 Deputy Ciarán Lynch 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 licence agreement is not subject to inspection by the local authority and if he will legislate to correct this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17608/08]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

585 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 licence agreement directly with the tenant is not required to register with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; if he will legislate to correct this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17609/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 584 and 585 together.

Section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992 provides that the Minister may make regulations prescribing standards for houses let for rent or other valuable consideration. Minimum standards for private rented accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 1993. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department.

The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) has a function of reviewing the operation of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 and of making recommendations for the amendment of the Act and any other related enactments, where this is considered necessary. I am open to considering any such recommendations and am aware that the PRTB has recently identified possible amendments to the Act that may enhance the Board's operations. These amendments are being considered in the context of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is currently being drafted.

I understand that the PRTB has also considered licensing arrangements and makes no recommendations in this regard. Such issues are understood not to be the subject of a significant number of cases received by the Board. The PRTB is mindful of the need to ensure that tenancy registration requirements are not avoided through licensing and other arrangements and will continue to adopt a robust approach in dealing with any such cases arising.

Badger Snaring.

Tony Gregory

Question:

586 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of licences he has issued for the snaring of badgers; his views on this control method of the badger population in view of the cruelty involved; if he will liaise with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to develop a more humane approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17618/08]

My Department annually issues thirty licences to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (one for each District Veterinary Office) to take badgers for the purpose of carrying out necessary research into bovine Tuberculosis in cattle and badgers. Bovine Tuberculosis has serious implications for both human and animal health in Ireland.

I understand that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is funding research on the development of a bait based vaccination against TB for badgers. I would be hopeful that should a programme of effective vaccination become available, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will no longer consider it necessary to snare badgers.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

587 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status with regard to the proposed new sewerage scheme at Ballylickey, Bantry, County Cork; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17623/08]

The Ballylicky Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding under the Rural Towns and Villages Initiative of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. My Department is awaiting submission of Cork County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme.

Dan Neville

Question:

588 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Adare Patrickswell sewerage scheme and Limerick County water network contract Patrickswell-Adare and Croom link will be completed. [17614/08]

The combined Adare and Patrickswell Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 as a scheme to start construction in 2008.

I approved Limerick County Council's proposals to proceed separately with the Patrickswell element of the scheme in October 2007 because of potential land acquisition delays in Adare. I understand that the Council is now finalising revised Contract Documents for Patrickswell. The Council will be in a position to complete Contract Documents for Adare when the necessary lands have been acquired.

The Patrickswell/Adare and Croom Link components of the Limerick County Water Network Scheme are both approved for construction in the Investment Programme. I understand that work has started on the Patrickswell/Adare project. My Department is awaiting submission of Limerick County Council's Contract Documents for the Croom Link.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

589 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the allocation approved for Donegal County Council in 2008 towards the provision of group water schemes in the County; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 22 schemes awaiting to commence; if he will increase the allocation in order that some of these schemes can commence as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17615/08]

I have approved an allocation of €6.47m to Donegal County Council under the 2008 Rural Water Programme, of which €0.36m relates to the provision of new group water schemes. The Rural Water Programme priority continues to focus on addressing water quality issues in existing privately sourced group schemes and the need to bring these schemes into compliance with the Drinking Water Regulations. The overall provision of €135m for the 2008 Rural Water Programme is fully committed at this stage.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

590 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17715/08]

The information in respect of my Department is set out in the following tabular statement.

Year

Operational Cost of Payroll System (Staffing & Maintenance)

2004

347,411

2005

333,765

2006

415,462

2007

421,093

2008 (to 30 April)

59,126

*My Department does not hold information along the lines sought in respect of bodies under its aegis.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Damien English

Question:

591 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the delivery of the public sewerage scheme for Delvin, County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17702/08]

The Delvin Sewerage Scheme has been approved for funding under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €4.3m. I understand that Westmeath County Council is preparing Contract Documents for a revised scheme to serve a population equivalent of 2,500 as approved by my Department.

Damien English

Question:

592 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to introduce an incentive scheme for homeowners to replace septic tanks with more environmentally-friendly systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17703/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

616 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to introduce a scheme of support for the replacement and upgrade of septic tanks older than 15 years. [17963/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 592 and 616 together.

The Programme for Government set out a commitment to introduce a scheme of support for the replacement and upgrading of septic tanks older than fifteen years with newer systems. My Department is currently considering the terms, conditions and resource implications that may be appropriate to take forward this commitment.

Car Free Day.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

593 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of his Department’s last car free day campaign; the audited outcome of the campaign; his views on whether there has been value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17735/08]

A total of €131,500 was provided in 2007 by my Department in support of various local authority initiatives to mark mobility week. A programme of activities was organised by both Cork City Council and Dublin City Council, including events such as walking and cycling tours, and exhibitions. Over 500 cyclists took part in the biggest bicycle parade ever in Cork, which was followed by a street festival.

In Town Without My Car Day, previously known as Car Free Day, took place on the 22 September and for the first time in nearly a decade a number of streets in Dublin City Centre were closed to traffic and family friendly events were hosted to encourage families to come into the city by public transport. Other Local Authorities as well as the Dublin Transportation Office also received funding for their initiatives.

I am satisfied that the funding provided in 2007 represented good value for money in terms of highlighting the principles of mobility week and car free day, not least in relation to the importance of transport in cities from both sustainable planning and climate change perspectives. The theme for 2008 mobility week is Clean Air for All and I am currently examining how events to mark the week can be strengthened in light of the success in 2007.

Biodiversity Awareness Campaign.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

594 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of his Department’s biodiversity awareness campaign; the audited outcome of the campaign; his views on whether there has been value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17736/08]

The ‘Notice Nature' biodiversity campaign commenced in 2007 and expenditure on the campaign amounted to €645,000 last year. Further expenditure of €266,000 is envisaged for 2008.

As the campaign is still running, there has been no final audit of its outcome. However, my Department is working closely with the consultants responsible for the design and delivery of the campaign to ensure that it is being delivered in an efficient and effective manner. I believe that the campaign has provided excellent value for money to date. It has achieved notable success in winning an EU award for best practice in an environmental awareness campaign, in the Hague, in October 2007. Moreover, the campaign website (www.noticenature.ie) won a gold award at the Graphic Design Business Association annual awards ceremony in November 2007.

I believe that increased public awareness of the importance of biodiversity is essential to Ireland's drive to meet our commitments as a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

595 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to the housing aid for older people scheme; the details of its operation; and the amount of funding provided therefor. [18019/08]

The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is administered by local authorities and is part of a revised framework of grant aid, introduced in November 2007, to assist older people and people with a disability with their accommodation needs. The Scheme, which amalgamates the provisions of the old Essential Repairs Grant Scheme and the existing Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme (SHAE), is designed to provide targeted support to improve conditions in the existing housing of older people. It is targeted at older people aged over 60 years, and the maximum grant available is €10,500 which may cover up to 100% of the costs of works for applicants with gross annual household incomes of less than €30,000, tapering to 30% for those with incomes of €54,001 to €65,000. The types of works that may be grant aided under the Scheme are varied and may include structural repairs or improvements, the provision of central heating, water and sanitary services, insulation works, contract-cleaning and painting.

The Scheme facilitates the implementation of a Government Decision, taken in February 2006, to transfer the SHAE from the Health Service Executive to my Department. That decision arose on foot of a recommendation made in the Core Functions of the Health Service Report that a more integrated service and better value for money may be achieved by transferring responsibility for the SHAE to the local authorities, who already had responsibility for the Essential Repairs and Disabled Persons Grant Schemes.

I am conscious of the need to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of the SHAE from the HSE to the local authority sector. To allow sufficient time to resolve relevant issues, including the allocation of staffing and other resources, it has been agreed with the HSE that the Scheme will continue to operate and be administered by the HSE, until such time as the appropriate arrangements are in place to ensure that the local authorities are in a position to accept the scheme on transfer. My Department is engaged on an ongoing basis with the HSE to conclude this process as quickly as possible.

The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. Notification of combined capital allocations for 2008 in respect of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Schemes will shortly issue to local authorities. It is a matter for local authorities to decide on the level of funding to be provided for the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme in their area, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the Scheme from within this allocation.

Planning Issues.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

596 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a review of the prescribed bodies as set out in the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006 was last carried out; if, as part of the last review, he is satisfied that An Taisce is in a position, when it makes an observation on a planning permission, to deal in a fast, efficient manner with the developers of a property who may wish to deal with the issues and obtain agreement prior to submitting information which would usually be requested from the planning authorities in the form of a request for further information; if he is further satisfied that the employees of An Taisce are available and willing to meet face to face with developers in such a situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17770/08]

As stated in the reply to Question No. 261 of 24 April 2008, An Taisce is an independent, voluntary, non-governmental organisation and in general terms it is a matter for such organisations to regulate their own affairs, without Government involvement. I have no role or responsibility in relation to the operation of An Taisce.

When submitting observations on planning applications, prescribed bodies such as An Taisce are bound by the statutory time limits set out in the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2006, and associated regulations.

The list of bodies prescribed for the purposes of planning applications was last reviewed in the making of the 2006 Planning and Development Regulations. I will keep the Regulations, including the list of prescribed bodies, under regular review, to ensure that they deliver an effective and efficient planning service leading to quality planning decisions.

Fire Stations.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

597 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status on the provision of a new fire station for Castlecomer in County Kilkenny. [17843/08]

The provision of a fire service in a fire authority's functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of the individual fire authority under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981.

My Department's role is one of supporting and assisting local authorities in delivering fire services through the setting of general policy and the provision of funding under the fire service capital programme.

Approval in principle was granted under my Department's 2005 fire service capital programme for the construction of a new fire station in Castlecomer, County Kilkenny.

Based on documentation submitted by the fire authority, in May 2007, my Department approved the fire authority's proposal to invite tenders for the construction of the station.

During the subsequent preparation of contract documents and detailed site investigation in the early summer of 2007, a survey of the proposed site for the new fire station indicated contaminated soil in one of the boreholes tested.

The fire authority subsequently invited tenders in respect of the construction of the station. In April 2008, following an assessment by the fire authority of tenders received, the fire authority wrote to my Department requesting sanction to accept a recommended tender.

My Department has recently been in contact with the fire authority in relation to issues concerning compliance with provisions of Department of Finance Circulars on construction procurement reform (Circular 33/06 and Circular 04/08). These issues relate in particular to the requirement to use new Forms of Construction Contracts for Public Works.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ulick Burke

Question:

598 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to the details released by the Environmental Protection Agency that 339 public water supplies require examination from source to customer to determine whether replacements or upgrades are needed, the number of these in County Galway; the location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17872/08]

Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) (No.2) Regulations, 2007, the Environmental Protection Agency is the supervisory authority for public water supplies. In accordance with the Regulations, the Agency has notified local authorities, including Galway County Council, of supplies where detailed profiling is required from source to consumer to ensure that water provided to the general public is clean and wholesome. The Agency will also oversee the carrying out of necessary remedial measures by individual authorities. Details of the relevant schemes in County Galway may be obtained from Galway County Council.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Frank Feighan

Question:

599 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the sale of bogland in a special area of conservation on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim. [17888/08]

I understand that the Chief State Solicitor's Office have raised a number of pre-contract issues with the vendor's solicitor which must be resolved before the sale can be completed.

Departmental Schemes.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

600 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of rent paid by each local authority to landlords under the rental accommodation scheme for each of the years since its inception; the number of tenancies covered by these payments in each local authority and in each year; the local authorities for which figures were unavailable in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17910/08]

The information requested for the years 2005-07 is set out in the following table.

Table: Amount of rents and number of tenancies [private and voluntary sector] funded by local authorities through the Rental Accommodation Scheme 2005-2007.

County Councils (including Borough and Town Councils)

2005 First transfers commenced in September 2005 in pilot authorities. Rent payments

2005 Number of tenancies

2006 Rent payments

2006 Number of tenancies

2007 Rent payments

2007 Number of tenancies

Carlow

15,643

28

171,516

46

Cavan

27,849

39

154,334

66

Clare

44

105,017

92

665,295

152

Cork county data included in Cork City data until 2007

Included in Cork City

Included inCork City

Included inCork City

Included inCork City

585,927

315

Donegal

53

66,726

70

123,117

120

D/L Rathdown

35,111

32

870,983

169

Fingal

53,750

17

733,730

100

Galway

17,775

77

78,573

133

Kerry

20,498

35

692,531

178

Kildare

0

0

355,377

136

Kilkenny

154,663

100

465,781

287

Laois

18,574

44

230,370

84

Leitrim

0

0

3,910

1

Limerick

3,063

124

376,366

177

Longford

21,105

32

380,212

93

Louth

2,539

15

95,154

40

433620

87

Mayo

17,265

95

472,006

273

Meath

20,510

25

78,170

51

Monaghan

35,127

34

161,069

81

Nth Tipperary

22,065

50

500,404

122

Offaly

6

58,760

51

285,638

85

Roscommon

13,633

42

210,261

97

Sligo

9,817

81

187,501

115

South Dublin

6

953,129

168

2,755,215

342

Sth Tipperary

68,828

43

250,664

112

Waterford

0

0

32,143

13

Westmeath

8

60,988

50

448,009

102

Wexford

88,179

74

253,739

113

Wicklow

21,050

29

357,444

69

City Councils

Cork City

3,059

50

143,033

221

648,000

260

Dublin

46,859

219

1,680,152

669

5,786,192

985

Galway

13,747

62

537,189

180

1,951,604

354

Limerick

1,548

42

191,526

108

740,205

198

Waterford

236,570

183

613,119

240

Totals

67,752

505

4,792,749

2,833

22,053,025

5,756

EU Directives.

Michael Creed

Question:

601 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he proposes to take to resolve the difficulties at an EU Commission level regarding the operational programme for fisheries and specifically measures regarding the Shellfish Waters Directive and the Habitats Directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17915/08]

This matter, in so far as it concerns the operational programme for fisheries, is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. My Department has been consulted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the measures necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the EU Birds and Habitats Directive in the operation of fisheries and aquaculture programmes. This is critically important against the background of the December 2007 ruling of the European Court of Justice which, inter alia, found that Ireland had failed to apply the requirements of these directives with regard to aquaculture licensing.

Energy Efficiency.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

602 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to require all street lighting and traffic lighting systems to be energy efficient and to replace inefficient systems. [17949/08]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 430 of 8 April 2008 in which I stated that these efficiency initiatives are being implemented by local authorities in the context of ongoing management and maintenance of lighting. The position is unchanged.

Air Transport.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

603 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to require carbon offsetting of all official air travel in support of urban forests. [17950/08]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 990 of 11 December 2007 in which I indicated that I am developing a carbon offsetting scheme for use by all Government Departments and bodies under their aegis. Work on the scheme is at an advanced stage and I expect to announce details shortly.

Environmental Policy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

604 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish a Commission on climate change. [17951/08]

Arrangements for the establishment of the Commission are under consideration.

Waste Management.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

605 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for the Government to drive down the cost of waste management charges to households and businesses. [17952/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

607 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that flat rates on waste disposal will be abolished and a mandatory system of weight related charges introduced. [17954/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 605 and 607 together.

Waste management services have traditionally been provided at a local level, with individual arrangements being locally determined and tailored to local circumstances. The present legal framework, as determined by the Oireachtas, reflects this. In accordance with section 52 of the Protection of the Environment Act 2003 the determination of waste management charges is a matter for the relevant local authority where it acts as the service provider. Similarly, where a private operator provides the collection service, it is a matter for that operator to determine charges.

Significant regulatory issues, including issues associated with waste charges and the methods for charging for service provision, have emerged as waste management services have rapidly evolved in recent years. I recognise that the existing regulatory framework requires modernisation which will be taken forward in the context of the overall review of national waste management policy, provided for in the Programme for Government, which I have recently initiated. Identification of the changes necessary will also be greatly assisted by the recently published OECD review of the public service, which includes a specific case study on waste management.

The revised approach to the collection of household waste being taken by the Dublin local authorities will further inform what measures may be necessary to underpin sustainable and affordable waste collection services and infrastructure provision, whether delivered by the private or public sectors. In these contexts the appropriate policy responses are being developed and elaborated.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

606 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish community monitoring arrangements of major waste management facilities. [17953/08]

Under the Waste Management Act, 1996 all major waste management facilities are subject to a stringent licensing system which is the statutory responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Agency's role is to ensure the application of high environmental standards with regard to the development, operation, closure and aftercare of such facilities.

While this licensing system is statutorily independent, my Department is aware that monitoring arrangements are already established within certain local authorities. For example the Central Waste Management Facility Community Liaison Committee in Co. Clare uses the medium of Clare County Council's website to make information and minutes of relevant meetings available to the community.

The wide ranging overall review of national waste management policy provided for in the Programme for Government is currently getting underway. The terms of reference of the review are broad in scope; the review will examine in a comprehensive manner the various key aspects of waste management policy and will chart a way forward towards bringing Ireland to the forefront of international best practice.

Question No. 607 answered with Question No. 605.

Sustainable Development Strategy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

608 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that Comhar is given a strengthened research role as part of the National Economic and Social Development Office. [17955/08]

Substantial additional resources have been made available to Comhar from the Environment Fund in 2008. This will enhance the capacity of Comhar to undertake additional research and policy analysis in line with its mandate and work programme. Arrangements for giving effect to the commitment to establish Comhar as a body within NESDO are being given careful consideration to ensure that the effective operation of both Comhar and NESDO is not compromised by any changes in structure.

Noise Pollution.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

609 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to publish comprehensive legislation on noise pollution. [17956/08]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 551 of 4 March 2008 in which I indicated that my Department is currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution, with a view to meeting the Programme for Government commitment as a matter of priority. I intend to consult with key stakeholders, including local authorities, and will announce my preferred approach as soon as possible.

Local Authority Audits.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

610 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that each local authority publishes an annual audit of its environmental performance. [17957/08]

A system of local authority service indicators was developed and introduced as part of the local government modernisation programme. These service indicators addressed such matters as provision of segregated waste collection, recycling, litter pollution, environmental complaints and enforcement, and compliance with drinking water standards.

Revised service indicators have come into effect in the current year having regard to the recommendations of a review group established under the aegis of my Department. As environmental audits are closely aligned with service indicators of an environmental kind, I propose to consider further the commitment in the Programme for Government in light of the experience with, and reporting upon, the new indicators.

Sustainable Development Strategy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

611 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that all county development plans are sustainability proofed. [17958/08]

Development plans, prepared by local authorities under Part II of the Planning and Development Act 2000, provide the over-arching strategic framework for development within their areas, ensuring that all development is sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms. As such, the development plan must offer clear guidance on sustainable development policies and objectives, both national and local, which address the full range of sustainability issues such as climate change, waste management, transport, urban development, sustainable communities and the use of natural resources.

In June 2007, my Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Development Plans. The Guidelines state that it is imperative that the objectives and strategies set out in development plans are compatible with the Government's commitment to reducing energy consumption and modifying the impacts of climate change. Development plans should be consistent with the objectives of national initiatives that will address energy and climate change issues such as the National Climate Change Strategy 2007-2012, which builds on the commitment to sustainable development set out in Towards 2016 and the National Development Plan 2007-2013. Moreover, the conclusions in the EPA State of the Environment Report, and other evidence in relation to environmental quality and trends, should inform the drafting of development plans and be reflected, as appropriate, in their objectives and implementation.

The Strategic Environmental Assessment carried out as part of the preparation and review of the development plan can help to bring environmental issues into sharper focus during the consultation phases, and should improve the overall sustainability of the plan-making process by facilitating the identification and appraisal of alternative plan strategies, by raising awareness of the environmental impacts of plans, and by encouraging the inclusion of measurable targets and indicators. I am considering how best to ensure that the SEA process operates as an effective sustainability proofing process.

International Agreements.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

612 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to fully implement the Aarhus Convention. [17959/08]

Ireland signed the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters on 25 June 1998. Progress towards ratification of the Convention is closely aligned with work at EU level and, in that context, the European Union has adopted two Directives as part of the ratification process for the Convention. These deal with public access to environmental information (2003/4/EC) and public participation in certain environmental decision-making procedures (2003/35/EC).

Regulations transposing the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Directive 2003/4/EC were signed and came into effect on 1 May 2007. The process to transpose Directive 2003/35/EC is already well advanced, with legislation completed to amend the majority of the relevant consent systems. The work to amend the remaining outstanding consent systems will be finalised by the Departments concerned as soon as possible.

When this work has been completed I, along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, will ensure that the instrument of ratification of the Aarhus Convention is submitted to Government and laid before the Dáil as soon as possible.

Environmental Protection Controls.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

613 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the level of fines and custodial sentences which can be applied by the lower courts in cases of pollution, dumping and illegal developments. [17960/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

624 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the role, procedure and legislation governing the Environmental Protection Agency. [17972/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 613 and 624 together.

The Programme for Government commits to initiate a study of all legislation relating to environmental fines as part of the review of the Environmental Protection Agency. I am at present considering how best to give effect to these undertakings.

Environmental Policy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

614 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish community-based litterwatch systems. [17961/08]

The commitment in the Programme for Government to establish community-based "litter watch" systems was given in the context of protecting Ireland's scenic amenities and combating fly-tipping.

The Protecting Uplands and Rural Environments (PURE) Project was a pilot project launched on 1 September 2006 to combat the escalating problem of fly-tipping and small scale illegal dumping in the scenic area encompassed by the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands. This project is a regional environmental partnership initiative that unites all relevant statutory and non-statutory interests in the Wicklow and Dublin Uplands, including the relevant local authorities, Coillte, my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, ESB and a number of non-statutory organisations represented by the Wicklow Uplands Council.

My Department agreed to provide funding of €350,000 over the three-year lifespan of the project. It is a condition of this funding that the lead public body — Wicklow County Council — will conduct a full review of the operation and effectiveness of the project at the end of the three-year funding period. The results of this review will assist in assessing how best to meet the commitment referred to in the Question.

Air Pollution.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

615 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to expand the network of air quality monitoring stations. [17962/08]

Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Agency's report on Air Quality in Ireland 2006 in October 2007 contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA. Monitoring in 2006 showed that air quality in Ireland is good and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants.

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the network of air quality monitoring stations, my Department will shortly undertake a review of the existing network in consultation with the EPA.

Question No. 616 answered with Question No. 592.

Water and Air Quality.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

617 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide real time user-friendly information on line on water and air quality. [17964/08]

Air quality assessment is the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA has a statutory duty under the Air Quality Standards Regulations 2002 to make information available on ambient concentrations of all pollutants under the scope of the Regulations. The EPA website provides real-time, publicly accessible, data from a number of monitoring stations nationally which allows the public to gauge air quality in relation to current EU and national standards.

The EPA's Air Quality in Ireland 2006 report, published in October, 2007, (available in the Oireachtas Library), contains details of the monitoring and assessment of national air quality, and incorporates data from all air quality monitoring stations operated by the EPA and local authorities. Air quality was good throughout the country in 2006 and complied with the air quality standards in force for all pollutants.

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. The EPA, through its ENvision online Map Viewer, currently shows the biological river quality data available to the Agency and it is hoped to add the chemical quality data to this in the near future.

In relation to drinking water quality results, a standard template for publication on each water services authority website is currently being prepared by my Department in consultation with the EPA and the City and County Managers' Association.

EU Directives.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

618 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to strengthen the implementation of the Habitats Directive and other nature conservation measures. [17966/08]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 974 on 2 April 2008.

My Department is working on the preparation of new regulations that will address recent developments in the case law of the European Court of Justice, to ensure that the transposition of the Birds and Habitats Directives is complete and fully up to date.

I have also increased the allocation to the Biodiversity Fund from €500,000 in 2007 to €700,000 in 2008. The Fund provides capital grants to projects aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. I have, in addition, allocated €300,000 this year to support the implementation of local biodiversity action plans.

My Department, working with other Government Departments and stakeholders, is preparing a second National Biodiversity Plan for Ireland to cover the five-year period 2008-12.

Heritage Sites.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

619 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to seek designation of Clonmacnoise as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. [17967/08]

I recently approved a detailed programme of work in my Department towards the inscription on UNESCO's World Heritage List of those Irish heritage sites deemed to be of "Outstanding Universal Value".

In this context, I attach a high priority to the nomination of Clonmacnoise heritage site for inscription on the List. At the invitation of my Department, Dr. Jukka Jokilehto, an internationally recognised expert in the area of world heritage, visited Ireland in December 2007 to advise on the likelihood of inscription of some of the sites on our existing Tentative List, including Clonmacnoise. On foot of his advice, and having regard to the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department has commenced work on the preparation of the nomination documents and site management plan for Clonmacnoise to meet UNESCO requirements. A Request for Tenders for elements of this work will shortly be published on the e-tenders website, www.e-tenders.gov.ie.

Environmental Policy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

620 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a national landscape strategy. [17968/08]

The commitment in the Programme for Government to establish a National landscape Strategy is aimed primarily at the development and implementation of policies on landscape protection, management and planning. It builds on Ireland's ratification of the European Landscape Convention in March 2002.

A steering group of key representatives, supported by a wider consultative panel, has been established under the chairmanship of my Department to progress the development of the Strategy. The first meetings of these groups took place on 29 April 2008. The Steering Group and Consultative Panel have been asked to press ahead in devising a framework for a draft National Landscape Strategy: as part of this process my Department will be publishing an issues paper for public consultation to seek the views of stakeholders on the scope of the Strategy.

Planning Issues.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

621 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review the classes of developments to which part XI applies to introduce greater accountability. [17969/08]

My Department has completed a detailed review of the taking in charge procedures for residential developments provided under section 180, Part XI, of the Planning and Development Act 2000. On foot of this review, new policy guidance issued to planning authorities in February 2008 on the taking in charge of estates in the form of circular letter PD 1/08 which is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Each planning authority is being asked to develop or update, as appropriate, its policy on taking in charge by the end of June 2008, on the basis of the framework, and wider housing and planning guidance, set out in the annex to the circular.

I also intend to give the new policy guidance statutory backing by incorporating the main elements in the new Guidelines on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas which will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act later this year. Planning authorities are obliged to have regard to such Guidelines in the exercise of their functions under the Planning Acts.

The other elements of Part XI of the Planning and Development Act will be reviewed, as necessary, over the period of the Programme for Government.

Community Development.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

622 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to launch a proud cities and towns programme. [17970/08]

My Department is undertaking a range of measures to encourage and facilitate the development and enhancement of sustainable cities and towns.

Building active and successful communities through quality housing is at the core of the housing policy statement Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities which sets out a vision to guide the transformation of the Irish housing sector over the next ten years. Since its publication in February 2007, the reform agenda set out in the statement has been actively pursued.

My Department is developing a suite of guidance documents to promote the highest possible standards in residential development and the provision of sustainable communities with access to the requisite range of public services and facilities. In particular, in March 2007, my Department launched new design guidelines on housing delivery entitled Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities. In September 2007, new guidelines for planning authorities entitled Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments were published. In February 2008, I published draft guidelines for planning authorities on sustainable residential development in urban areas, for public consultation.

This policy guidance reinforces the Government's Developing Areas initiative which is aimed at ensuring the integrated and timely delivery of the necessary infrastructure and services in parallel with housing development: the initiative is focused on fast growing strategic locations within the National Spatial Strategy gateways and hubs, which are experiencing significant development pressures.

The National Development Plan provides for EU and Exchequer investment of some €170 million to facilitate the ongoing closure of the urban and village renewal measure of the Regional Operational Programmes 2000-2006, and to support the implementation of a new urban renewal programme for the period to 2013. I intend shortly to announce details of this programme, which will aim at supporting sustainable urban regeneration and development projects including, for instance, the provision or redevelopment of public parks and the development of pedestrian areas within urban centres.

In addition to the above measures, the national Tidy Towns competition, which is organised by my Department, and the related "Ireland's Best Kept Towns" competition, recognise and seek to encourage local initiatives in respect of the conservation and enhancement of the built and natural environments that contribute to community development and enhance the attractiveness of city areas, towns and villages as places to live, work and visit.

Waste Disposal.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

623 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure the implementation of the national strategy on biodegradable waste. [17971/08]

Implementation of the National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste involves a range of measures including waste prevention, home composting, segregated collection of biodegradable waste for the generation of compost, and the introduction of Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facilities as one of a range of technologies to treat residual 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, which will in part focus on how best to advance the use of the full range of technologies available for waste management, including MBT.

Source separated collection of organic waste, or ‘brown bin' collection, is a critical element of the Strategy. These services are already in place in some areas, principally in Waterford city and county and Galway city, and plans for the roll-out of brown bins are at an advanced stage in many local authority areas, including in excess of 200,000 households by early 2009 in Fingal and Dublin City Council. It is also anticipated that segregated collections will be initiated in the Clare-Kerry-Limerick region and further expanded in the south east in 2009. Pilot schemes have also been carried out in other local authority areas, including a current pilot scheme in Louth involving 10,000 households, in preparation for more widespread provision of these services.

My Department will shortly issue a circular letter to all local authorities seeking implementation, as rapidly as possible, of the measures for the management of biowaste within the various statutory regional waste management plans, including the promotion of home composting and the provision of source separated collections for organic waste.

Question No. 624 answered with Question No. 613.

Community Wardens.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

625 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to roll out the national community warden service. [17973/08]

The position remains as set out in the reply to Question No. 187 of 27 February 2008.

National Monuments.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

626 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to update and consolidate the law on national monuments. [17974/08]

As the first stage in a major review of archaeological policy and practice in Ireland, my Department held a number of seminars in the latter half of 2007 to get the initial views of stakeholders on the scope of such a review. These seminars were attended by stakeholders from all areas working in, or with an interest in, archaeological heritage, including academic interests, commercial archaeologists, local authorities, infrastructure providers and local history groups.

To advance the review, I have decided that a dedicated committee of national and international professional experts in the fields of archaeology and built heritage should be established to assist and advise me in shaping best practice in archaeological heritage protection and how such protection should operate into the future. This Expert Advisory Committee has been given the task of analysing and prioritising the issues raised at the four consultation meetings and in 41 written submissions received subsequently by my Department. The committee will hold its first meeting on 22 May.

At a later stage, it is my intention to activate a Stakeholders Committee to engage with relevant stakeholders in developing agreement on how best practice as it emerges by way of recommendations from the Expert Committee can be given practical expression and resourced.

I intend that the outcome of this review will shape archaeological policy and practice into the future and that any recommendations for legislation amending the current National Monuments Acts will be brought to Government for approval later in 2008.

Nuclear Plants.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

627 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to continue to bring political, diplomatic and legal efforts to bear on the UK with a view to the safe decommissioning of the facilities at Sellafield. [17975/08]

Ireland has long been concerned about the threat posed by the nuclear site at Sellafield. Our concerns in relation to the site have been consistently articulated to the UK Government at political, diplomatic and official levels.

In 2001, in response to the imminent commissioning of the MOX plant at the site, Ireland instituted legal proceedings against the UK under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Pending the hearing of the case, Ireland applied for and received a Provisional Measures Order, which ordered a review by Ireland and the UK of the mechanisms for inter-governmental notification and co-operation. Arising from this, a series of co-operative measures was developed, agreed and put in place.

These measures are valuable from Ireland's viewpoint, are working well and represent considerable and real added value to the necessarily co-operative relationship between Ireland and the UK. The Bi-Lateral Agreement on Early Notification of a Nuclear Incident, direct access to the UK Radiation Monitoring System (RIMNET), access for the Garda Siochana to Sellafield, access for the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) to Sellafield and other facilities, significantly improved information exchanges, co-operation on emergency planning with the UK, and improved and ongoing contacts at regulator and official level on nuclear issues, all provide objective evidence of real improvements.

The Government is continuing to pursue all political, diplomatic and where necessary and appropriate, legal options to secure the safe and orderly decommissioning of the Sellafield facility. I consider that the ongoing discussions between the two administrations in relation to Sellafield have resulted in increased recognition by the UK Government of the depth of Ireland's concerns about Sellafield and of the priority that is accorded to the issue by the Irish Government.

Ireland has supported and will continue to support efforts by the European Commission to develop an increased safety role within the European Nuclear Industry. Adoption of recent European Council Conclusions in regard to the establishment of the EU High Level Regulators Group is a significant development in the area of nuclear safety. In Ireland's view, the transboundary risks and impacts arising from nuclear installations should be fully reflected in the instruments, structures and institutions of the EU.

The policy and actions of this Government continue to reflect the firm position that Sellafield is an unacceptable threat to Ireland and that it should be closed in a safe and orderly manner.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

628 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18116/08]

Details of the costs incurred to date in relation to decentralisation by my Department are set out in the following table. These cover training, travel and subsistence, and costs (IT facilities and office administration) associated with the establishment of an advance office in Wexford in June 2007. The Local Government Computer Services Board and the National Building Agency who are under the aegis of my Department are both due to decentralise. I understand that neither of these bodies has incurred any specific costs to date in relation to decentralisation.

Year

2005

9,022

2006

5,756

2007

131,116

2008 (to 30 April)

39,700

Environmental Policy.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

629 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made on the commitment given in the programme for Government to require the public sector to lead the way on energy efficiency with a mandatory programme of energy efficiency measures, including the sole use of energy-efficient lighting and heating in offices, schools hospitals and other public buildings. [17948/08]

My Department is currently finalising the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan in light of the consultative process and I will be bringing it to Government shortly with a view to launching the Plan thereafter. In that context I intend shortly to establish a Public Sector Energy Efficiency Working Group to drive collective delivery of the Government's target of 33% for the public sector. The Group will bring together all Government Departments and agencies. The involvement of the Office of Public Works and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) will obviously be critical to the work of this cross Government group. A key part of the initial work of the Group will be to quantify the extent of existing energy efficiency initiatives within public sector bodies, share experience of best practice, coordinate action and most importantly develop and implement the detailed measures for achievement of the 33% public sector target, including performance indicators.

It is clear that action is already being taken by a number of individual public sector bodies and much fine work is being done by OPW. These actions are already contributing to energy savings. The energy savings potential will vary from one public sector body to another but every public sector body will be expected to contribute significantly to meeting the Government's ambitious global target of 33%. This will require a galvanising of all players across the public sector.

My Department's national energy efficiency awareness campaign "Power of One" launched a specific module on "Power of one at work" last autumn designed to raise awareness among private and public sector employers and staff and, working with SEI, to support behavioural change and encourage investment in energy efficiency systems. Earlier this year, OPW also launched a specific staff energy efficiency awareness campaign for 250 central Government buildings. OPW expects this initiative to achieve 15% energy savings. With the assistance of SEI, OPW has established an Energy Management Bureau to monitor and analyse energy use by the 150 largest central Government buildings. It is striking that a similar initiative by third level colleges in Dublin yielded 12% energy savings for the colleges in 2006.

In the context of the decentralisation programme, OPW is committed to ensuring that all new Government offices around the country are highly energy efficient. The specification for my Department's new headquarters building in Cavan will ensure a highly energy efficient building, making full use of passive and renewable energy solutions. I have launched a major review of energy use in my Department's existing headquarters building on Adelaide Road in conjunction with OPW. The project involves upgrading of the Building Management Systems, reducing base energy loads, installing additional energy controls, reducing energy demands in high use areas and managing seasonal solar gain in areas under significant glass cover. OPW are also assessing as a priority the feasibility of employing passive energy solutions in the building.

Fisheries Protection.

John Cregan

Question:

630 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the draft net quota on the River Feale for 2008; the salmon rod and line quota for anglers on the River Feale for 2008; and the number of sea trout over 40 cm in length tagged by draft net licence holders in the Feale Estuary in 2007. [17200/08]

Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. The rivers meeting their conservation limit and for which a surplus of fish was identified for harvest in 2008, are specified in the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2007 (SI No. 849 of 2007).

The above regulation also provides for the establishment of Fishery District Committees, which are representative of both commercial and recreational stakeholders, with whom the Chief Executive of the Regional Fisheries Board will consult in allocating the opportunity to harvest the identified surplus in each river.

The combined quota that can be harvested by commercial fishing engines and recreational fishermen from the river Feale in 2008 is 4,581. The Limerick Fishery District Committee met on 28 April 2008 to discuss the distribution of the quota and a decision will be made shortly by the CEO of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board taking account of the advice of the Committee. One sea trout over 40 cm in length was tagged by draft net licence holders in the Feale Estuary in 2007.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Liz McManus

Question:

631 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he concluded consideration of the question whether geothermal energy is encompassed by the reference to all natural resources, including the air and all forms of potential energy in Article 10.1 of the Constitution and therefore under that Article belongs to the State; his plans for legislation to enable the State to exploit this form of energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17218/08]

Officials in my Department are in the process of finalising arrangements for the inaugural meeting of an informal geothermal working group. This group will consider relevant technical, legal and regulatory issues and is scheduled to report back to me later this year, setting out the options for the development of a proportionate and realistic regulatory regime for geothermal energy utilisation in Ireland. In the interim, a national consultation exercise will be undertaken in order to obtain the views of citizens and industry.

Telecommunications Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

632 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the technical work that will allow residents (details supplied) in Dublin 6, who have been told that they are too far away from the Rathmines, Dublin 6 exchange to receive Eircom broadband will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17237/08]

I have no role in the matter raised by the Deputy. The provision of telecommunications services is a matter, in the first instance, for the relevant companies operating in a fully liberalised market, regulated where appropriate by the Independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

My Department operates a dedicated website www.broadband.gov.ie where potential broadband customers can establish the service providers providing a broadband service in their area. The website also lists prices of the various service levels on offer and contact details for each service provider.

Shane McEntee

Question:

633 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will become available to the residents of Culmullen, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17300/08]

The provision of broadband services is, in the first instance, a matter for the private sector. Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The role of the Government is to formulate regulatory and infrastructure policies to facilitate the provision of high quality telecommunications services by competing private sector service providers.

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

Although broadband is now widely available in Ireland there are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. These areas are being addressed by the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), which will provide broadband services to areas that are currently unserved and will ensure that all reasonable requests for broadband are met.

The first phase of the NBS procurement process (Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ)) is now complete, and four candidates pre-qualified to enter the next phase of the procurement process. Following the withdrawal of the IFA/Motorola Consortium as a candidate, the remaining three candidates are engaged in "competitive dialogue" with my Department and are finalising their proposed solutions to meet my Department's requirements for the delivery of broadband to the unserved areas of the country. It is anticipated that a preferred bidder will be selected by July 2008, with rollout to commence as soon as possible thereafter.

My Department has recently received notice of Judicial Review proceedings regarding certain elements of the NBS mapping process. These proceedings are currently before the Commercial Court and due for hearing on 10 June 2008. A speedy conclusion of the matter has been requested in order to advance the NBS as quickly as possible.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

634 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the average time for payment to be made by his Department and by each agency affiliated to his Department to outside contractors for goods and services employed for each of the years 2004 to 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular, readable form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17372/08]

It is a key objective of my Department, in its dealings with suppliers of goods and services, to pay all invoices as soon as possible after the goods and services have been satisfactorily delivered. In addition, payments governed by the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997, are required to be made within the statutory limit of 30 days set out in the Act.

The vast majority of all payments made by my Department to outside contractors for goods and services are made within 30 days. Details of payments incurring penalties under the Prompt Payments of Accounts Act are published in my Department's Annual Report. All payments made by agencies affiliated to my Department are a day-to-day operational matter for those organisations.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

635 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on correspondence (details supplied); the meetings he or his Department has had with his ministerial European colleagues or Commissioners on the matter; if actions or proposals have been made or completed or are contemplated as a result of such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17364/08]

The social and environmental sustainability concerns raised by the Irish Missionary Union reflect the agreed need to ensure that biofuel production and utilisation is fully sustainable. The European Commission's Renewable Energy Directive proposes a 10% target for biofuels by 2020, backed up by proposals for stringent sustainable criteria. Together with other Member States, Ireland fully supports the sustainability imperative in relation to biofuels policy. Biofuels are a key part of the EU's strategy to reduce dependence on oil use in transport. Equally, the economic and environmental impacts of biofuels use need to be understood and addressed. We are working with the Commission and Member States in the Committee on Sustainability Criteria for Biofuels to ensure that the necessary sustainability criteria backed up by efficient administrative and reporting arrangements are put in place by the EU to underpin biofuels production and use.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

636 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the obstacles that currently prevent microproducers of energy such as apartment buildings from selling the energy they produce back to the national grid; the action he will take on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17399/08]

There are a number of challenges to be addressed as we work to facilitate the widespread adoption of micro-generation. A key challenge is the absence of commercial arrangements for export of surplus electricity. The new micro generation programme which I announced recently, to be operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland, is designed to address the challenges.

The new programme includes a range of analysis of the challenges together with field trials of additional technologies to inform policy development in relation to micro-generation. The first element of the programme to be commissioned in the coming weeks will be an examination of the options for commercial arrangements for small-scale generators which will include an assessment of the options for payment for exported electricity. Decisions in relation to further action to stimulate the widespread deployment of microgeneration will be taken in light of the results of the SEI programme.

Post Office Network.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

637 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy on the future of the post office; if he has identified the optimum number of post offices expected to form the mainstay of the service in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17445/08]

It is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company into the future, in a position to compete in a liberalised market, provide a high quality, nationwide postal service and maintain a nationwide, customer-focussed network of post offices. Matters and decisions relating to the future of the post office and the optimum number of post offices are, in the first instance, for the board and management of the company and ones in which I have no statutory function.

Budget Submissions.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

638 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the date for each year since 2000 of pre-budget meetings held with the Department of Finance and the Department of the Taoiseach; the attendees at such meetings; if an agenda was circulated in advance; if minutes of such a meeting were kept; if not, the reason for same; if officials were directed not to keep minutes of such meetings; if so, by whom and the date of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17558/08]

The settlement of the Department's spending Estimates by Government in the context of annual Budget decisions for the years in question involved a process of consultation over a period of months with the Department of Finance culminating in Ministerial meetings. Meetings of this nature do not require an agenda to be circulated in advance and minutes of such meetings are not maintained as part of Budgetary preparations in my Department.

Attendance at meetings of officials would, in the early stages, involve the Department's Finance Officer and at Ministerial meetings the Minister would also be accompanied by the Secretary General. Should any Ministerial meetings have taken place on these matters involving the Department of the Taoiseach, such matters are internal to Government.

Departmental Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Question:

639 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the ESB employee share option programme has not progressed to a point where shares would be tradeable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17584/08]

Responsibility for the management and operation of the ESB Employee Share Option Programme (ESOP) rests with the ESB ESOP Trustees (ESOT) and I have no role or function in the matter. My consent and that of the Minister for Finance, as Shareholders in ESB, however, is required for any amendments that might be proposed to be made to the ESOP Trust Deed by the Trustees. A number of such amendments were put forward by the Trustees last year to take account of the imminent arrival onto the ESOP internal market of a significant amount of stock from a large number of former employees of the company. This is as a result of the requirement on all former employees to sell their stock allocations within a specified number of years after leaving the company. It has been accepted by all parties involved that the large number of such ‘forced' sellers has potential implications for the liquidity and the effective functioning of the ESOP market. We are working together to address those issues.

The proposed amendments have necessitated in-depth consideration by the two Departments and the ESOT of a range of legal and market-related issues. Work has progressed significantly in co-operation with the ESOT and I would expect to see the process reach an equitable and satisfactory conclusion in the very near future.

Departmental Expenditure.

Damien English

Question:

640 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost to his Department of implementing the payroll system within his Department and within bodies under his Department’s aegis for each of the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 in tabular readable form. [17710/08]

The maintenance and support cost to my Department of implementing the payroll system within my Department for each of the years under question is as detailed in the following table.

Year

Cost

2008

14,153.06

2007

92,156.05

2006

12,237.94

2005

72,803.78

2004

50,954.21

The variation in costs between years is generally due to additional once-off costs for specific projects.

Costs associated with implementing the payroll by bodies under the aegis of my Department is a day-to-day operational matter for those organisations.

Energy Resources.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

641 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the incentives from his Department and his Department’s agencies for the production of bio-fuels; if he will review these in view of the current world food crisis. [17741/08]

I am committed to ensuring that the development of the biofuels sector is fully sustainable. I will shortly be launching the public consultation on the proposed Biofuels Obligation in line with the Programme for Government and the Energy Policy Framework. The planned introduction of a Biofuels Obligation by 2009 would require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales. In that context, current EU policy developments in relation to ensuring the sustainability of biofuels production and utilisation will be fully factored in and publicly debated. The recent introduction by the UK of a Biofuels Obligation will also be closely monitored for lessons to be learned in the context of finalising our own proposals. The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes, which were introduced in 2005 and 2006, enables successful project promoters to produce a certain volume of biofuels on which they are exempt from paying mineral oil tax. The schemes have resulted in eighteen projects being awarded excise relief for the period 2005 to 2010 and are valued at over €200m.

My Department is also supporting research and development of Second Generation Biofuel production techniques under the Charles Parsons research awards. Work is also under way to determine what the marine environment might contribute to developing the national biofuels capacity. SEI in consultation with the Marine Institute is commissioning analysis of the potential of marine algae as a source of biofuels for Ireland. This will provide a comprehensive basis on which to inform future research and development into the potential use of marine algae for renewable energy. It will also provide data in relation to the biofuels capacity that could potentially be derived from the marine environment.

Inland Fisheries.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

642 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost structure for a licence to fish on rivers and lakes here; if there is a different cost in place for pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17891/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

643 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the body responsible for the issuing of licences to fish in rivers and lakes here; the last time the cost of licences to fish in rivers and lakes was increased; the amount they were increased by; the reason for the increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17892/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 642 and 643 together.

Under the Fisheries Acts, primary responsibility for the management, conservation, protection and development of the inland fisheries resource and in this case, the issue of licences, rests with the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards. Licence duties are increased on an annual basis and such increases are in line with the Consumer Price Index. Licence duties are set by me, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, at rates recommended by the National Fisheries Management Executive (Fisheries Boards Managers) and endorsed by the National Salmon Commission.

In 2007, as part of a suite of conservation measures for the management of the wild salmon fishery, a salmon conservation component was applied to all licences. This component represents 50% of the licence fee and income generated from the component is dedicated by the Regional Fisheries Boards for the rehabilitation of salmon habitats and conservation measures throughout the country. All of the proceeds of the licence fee income are reinvested, by the fisheries boards, in the conservation, protection and development of wild salmon fisheries habitat and stocks.

The Salmon Rod Ordinary Licences (Alteration of Licence Duties) Order 2007 S.I. 794 of 2007 gives details of the current licence fees, including the conservation component, effective from 1 January 2008. The 2008 full cost of an annual salmon licence is €134; a Salmon rod (annual) district licence is €64; a Salmon rod (twenty-one day) licence is €50 and a Salmon rod (one-day) ordinary licence is €36. Further details are available on my Department's website at www.dcenr.gov.ie.

There are no plans to apply a reduced rate for anglers other than juveniles for whom a licence costs €20 per annum. Any such reduction would require amendments to the licensing regime provided for in the primary legislation.

Energy Resources.

Liz McManus

Question:

644 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to remove regulatory barriers to combined heat and power and district heating systems. [17927/08]

In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department and Sustainable Energy Ireland are consulting with the Commission for Energy Regulation with a view to identifying and removing barriers, including regulatory barriers, to the deployment of high efficiency Combined Heat and Power and district heating. I intend to bring forward proposals in the near future in light of the outcome of these consultations and taking account of the views of all stakeholders.

Electricity Generation.

Liz McManus

Question:

645 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that the ESB installs a new smart electronic meter in every home in the country. [17928/08]

The roll-out of a national smart meter programme is progressing in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government. The programme is a central component of our strategy to significantly enhance management of demand for electricity and to achieve greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology.

The delivery of smart metering requires a collective response. This is a technically complex and ambitious initiative. The Steering Group overseeing programme implementation is chaired by the Commission for Energy Regulation and includes representation from Sustainable Energy Ireland, ESB Networks, ESB Customer Supply and independent suppliers as well as my Department. There are also four working groups, reporting directly to the Steering Group, which are mandated to progress the complex technical aspects of smart metering including Tariffs, Billing/Data Services, Networks and Customer Behaviour.

I can confirm that the pilot phase, which will be the start of roll-out, is still scheduled to get underway by mid year. ESB Networks is currently engaged in the final stages of a tender process to select smart meters for testing in the pilot phase. The objective remains to complete the national smart meter programme in five years. Under the ESB's new Strategic Framework to 2020, the national smart meter programme will be financed under the ESB Networks Multi-annual Investment Programme.

Smart metering has the recognised potential to deliver a range of benefits. These include:

Better demand management, particularly at peak times, leading to reduced emissions resulting from increased energy efficiency and reductions in electricity usage,

The enabling of micro generation and distributed generation, as smart meters will be able to record electricity exported to the Grid,

Improved customer service: smart metering will allow remote meter reading allowing for more accurate billing. Smart metering technology also has the potential to enhance competition by facilitating customers wishing to switch supplier and suppliers wishing to offer innovative products.

A cost effective smart metering system will therefore deliver tangible benefits to all consumers of electricity.

Liz McManus

Question:

646 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to facilitate the introduction of net metering. [17929/08]

Net metering, in the electricity market, requires that participating generators can access electricity meters which record both imports and exports of electricity or, at a minimum, meters which offset electricity imported by individual customers against volumes of electricity exported to the electricity system from the same property. Traditional electricity meters do not record or offset the volume of any electricity exported.

In line with the Programme for Government, work is underway on the roll-out of the national smart meter programme. These meters, among other functions, can measure and record both imports and exports of electricity. The introduction of net-metering will therefore be enabled by the national smart meter programme.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Liz McManus

Question:

647 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to establish a dedicated ocean energy development unit. [17930/08]

Work is well advanced on the establishment of the ocean energy development unit within Sustainable Energy Ireland which will oversee and drive the roll out of the Ocean Energy funding programme of €5.5 million this year.

Fuel Poverty.

Liz McManus

Question:

648 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to assist those on low incomes to avoid fuel poverty. [17932/08]

There are a number of initiatives and schemes in the Energy Policy Framework designed to assist those on low incomes in relation to their energy expenditure. These initiatives include:

The Department of Social and Family Affairs, Fuel Allowances Scheme

Sustainable Energy Ireland's Warmer Homes Scheme- "Keep Well This Winter, Stay Well and Warm" publication

Various schemes relating to local authority rented dwellings, including the Remedial Works Scheme.

The Warmer Homes scheme provides insulation and other energy efficiency solutions to low income homes across Ireland. The service is coordinated by SEI and is delivered principally through Community Based Organisations. The scheme is targeted at householders who are in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, Disability Benefit or Invalidity Benefit and is provided either free of charge or for a nominal fee (less than €100). Households are identified by community based installers working closely in association with other intermediaries including the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Health Services and GP networks.

I have provided some €4 million to Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) in 2008 to fund the Warmer Homes Scheme, which is an increase over the €2.5m available to this scheme in 2007.

The Fuel Poverty Action Research Project is assessing the effectiveness of the interventions delivered under the current Warmer Homes Scheme in addressing fuel poverty and the final report of the Fuel Poverty Action Research Project is scheduled for publication in mid 2008.

The information pack "Keep Well This Winter, Stay Well and Warm" contains information on all national and local schemes of assistance in relation to fuel poverty. This information pack was developed by a steering group comprising representatives from the Health Service Executive (HSE), ESB Customer Supply, SEI, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, Age Action Ireland, Combat Poverty Agency and An Post. It contains advice for householders about

1. Keeping well and warm;

2. Heating their home;

3. Useful phone numbers of service providers;

4. A temperature card; and

5. Available allowances under the Social Welfare system, such as the fuel allowance scheme

6. The Warmer Homes Scheme, including a full list of providers.

The pack was published during winter 2006-2007 and is available in most pharmacies, post offices, doctors' surgeries and citizens' information offices. Approximately 250,000 copies were printed and further copies are available from the ESB and the HSE.

The Energy Policy White Paper proposes that the Inter Departmental/Inter Agency Group on Fuel Poverty will be chaired by the Office of Social Inclusion and a directory of all national and local schemes of assistance in relation to fuel poverty will be published. This Office is the Government office with overall responsibility for co-ordinating and driving the government social inclusion agenda and is based in the Department of Social and Family Affairs. My Department and the Social Inclusion Office will be liaising on the establishment of the group. It is intended to await the outcome of the fuel poverty research project currently in progress, as set out above, before the group is established.

Broadcasting Policy.

Liz McManus

Question:

649 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure a speedy right to reply for those who have been defamed in radio and television programmes. [17933/08]

Liz McManus

Question:

650 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to review rules relating to the advertising of junk food aimed at young people, with a view to the phasing out of such adverts. [17934/08]

Liz McManus

Question:

651 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to maximise the number of home-produced programmes within the RTÉ schedule. [17935/08]

Liz McManus

Question:

652 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to digitise the RTÉ archives for use in education and science. [17936/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 649 to 652, inclusive, together.

I propose to address the matters raised by the Deputy in the context of the Broadcasting Bill 2008, which I intend to introduce into the Oireachtas shortly.

Post Office Network.

Liz McManus

Question:

653 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to ensure that as many Government services as possible operate through the post office network. [17937/08]

As set out in the programme for Government, the Government remains fully committed to the objective of securing a viable and sustainable nationwide post office network through a range of measures including maximising the volume of both public and private sector business handled through the network. Currently 65% of the post office network's revenue comes from Government contracts.

The responsibility for awarding contracts to An Post in relation to Government services is a matter, in the first instance, for the Department or agency awarding the contract. Furthermore, under procurement legislation, contracts must be awarded following a transparent public procurement process. It is an operational matter for the Board and management of An Post as to whether they tender for Government contracts.

Postal Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

654 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to introduce a postcode system. [17938/08]

The National Postcode Project Board (NPPB) presented its recommendation as to the most appropriate postcode system for Ireland, the costs and benefits arising from its introduction along with a detailed implementation, promotion and maintenance plan. The proposal of the NPPB was to proceed with an alpha-numeric postal sector postcode model.

A proposal concerning the introduction of postcodes went to Government in May 2007 and Government decided that, prior to the introduction of postcodes, further analysis to quantify the wider economic and societal benefits should be carried out. My Department has recruited consultants to assist it in carrying out this analysis. This work will be completed shortly. On consideration of this analysis it would be my intention to revert to Government on the issue.

Liz McManus

Question:

655 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to insist on much improved next day postal delivery rates and to link them to future stamp price increases. [17939/08]

Liz McManus

Question:

656 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to empower ComReg to withhold increases or claw back income where delivery targets are not met. [17940/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 655 and 656, inclusive, together.

Matters relating to quality and levels of postal service are a matter, in the first instance, for the management and board of An Post and one in which I have no statutory function. In addition, the Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg, in accordance with the 2002 European Communities (Postal Services) Regulations, is responsible for the monitoring, measurement and regulation of the postal sector including measuring the levels of service to be achieved by An Post and ensuring that the company abides by its statutory universal service obligations.

With regard to the progress made on the commitment given in the Programme for Government to empower ComReg to enforce its delivery targets, I have amended the postal regulations using powers conferred on me by the Communications Regulation (Amendment) Act 2007. These amended regulations permit ComReg to apply to the High Court for the application of a financial penalty to An Post, as universal service provider, in the event that the company fails to comply with a direction issued by the regulator, including one in relation to quality of service targets.

Regarding the approval of price increases, under the existing regulatory framework ComReg must concur with price changes for services within the reserved area in advance of any such increases being applied. There is currently no formal link between quality of service and price increases.

My Department has recently launched a consultation process on the EU Postal Directive and one of the consultation topics relates to the regulation of price increases in a liberalised market. I will consider the responses received in the transposition of the Directive into Irish law.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

657 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the costs incurred to date for decentralisation, broken down by his Department and the agencies under the aegis of his Department. [18111/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the bulk of costs associated with the Decentralisation programme are to be met by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

I can advise the Deputy that other Decentralisation related costs incurred directly by my Department are reported on a regular basis to the Department of Finance and a breakdown of costs reported to date is set out in the table below:

Travel and Subsistence

Incidental Expenses

Postal and Telecom Expenses

Office Machinery

Office Premises Expenses

Total

43,755

4,615

48,637

7,531

104,538

A significant portion of these costs related to the relocation of the Seafood functions of the former Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to Clonakilty, County Cork. Responsibility for these functions transferred in June 2007 to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

The costs incurred by Agencies in this regard are a day to day operational matter for the agencies themselves in which I have no function.

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