Adjournment Debate.

Hospital Accommodation.

Deputy Willie Penrose

I am disappointed that it is some 11 and a half years since I first stood on my feet in the Dáil to forcefully request the then Minister for Health and Children to make rapid progress with the plans for phase 2B of Mullingar General Hospital, which facilitates the significantly increased population of two counties, namely, Longford and Westmeath. Phase 2A was completed in June 2007 and I am compelled tonight on behalf of the constituents of Longford-Roscommon and Westmeath to raise the issue and their deeply held concerns over the tardiness and slowness of progress with the completion of phase 2B of Mullingar Regional Hospital.

In 2006, we were informed that the unit would be opened towards the end of 2007. We were then told phase 2B, stage 1, which was scheduled again and subdivided, would be completed in 2008, with same having been commenced formerly on 24 October 2006. The completion of this phase of the project will increase the bed complement from 215 to 244. I acknowledge that an additional €4.6 million was allocated to allow the refurbishment of the remaining existing wards, including a medical and surgical ward on level O and a delivery and gynaecology ward on level 2.

There are also plans to fit out of the existing ward shells in line with the strategy for the control of antimicrobial resistance in Ireland, SARI, guidelines to provide a new paediatric ward on level O, a new day surgery and gynaecology ward on level 1, a new obstetric ward on level 2, and a new medical ward, incorporating an acute stroke level unit on level 3.

Phase 2B — stage 1 will also see the existing paediatric and obstetric wards in line with SARI guidelines to provide a surgical ward on level 1 and a medical ward and palliative care unit on level 3, which is very important and has been demanded. I pay tribute to the work of the North Westmeath Hospice which is very valuable.

The existing facilities at level O will be extended to accommodate an interim special care baby unit, adjacent to the new paediatric ward. The road, car parking, drainage and other associated works will be completed by the end of December 2008 and should open in early 2009, which is very welcome, even if the completion is somewhat belated.

This small piece of good news is subject to qualifications. The staff are left to ascertain if the appropriate complement of additional staff will be provided, but despite the hospital having submitted a manpower plan to the HSE, it is still awaiting developments and outcomes in this regard especially with reference to the provision of the necessary additional staff complement.

I seek clarification on the plans for stage two of phase 2B, which originally included the following: a new acute psychiatric department, additional beds in the medical assessment unit, additional day beds, a separate coronary care unit, a separate intensive care unit, new medicine for elderly and rehabilitation units and replacement child and adolescent psychiatric unit, replacement of theatres, a replacement pathology department, a replacement occupational therapy unit, extended catering facilities and new central staff changing facilities. I want clear answers tonight, which is why I was sent here by my constituents.

Is it true that the new acute psychiatric unit, which was to be built as part of the phase 2B capital development accommodation at Mullingar General Hospital, is being scrapped? If so, why is there such a fundamental change in policy and a clear reneging on commitments solemnly given to the people of Longford and Westmeath? Is the Minister going to expect patients who require such a service to be transferred to either Naas or Portlaoise under the PCCC area plan? There is clearly no transport network available and this would interfere with the seamless nature of the treatment afforded to patients at St. Loman's Hospital. This illustrates the illogicality of any such plan or policy at this stage. I want an assurance that there will be no new acute psychiatric unit in Mullingar General Hospital, and that the patients will remain at St. Loman's Hospital and avail of the excellent facilities provided by the staff there.

As if this is not bad enough, I understand that the second stage of phase 2B, which will increase the bed complement to 313, has been subjected again to an independent cost benefit analysis. We all know that this would recommend that the work proceed. This must be the most over analysed, evaluated and scrutinised project ever to take place in Ireland, yet it has now been referred to the national hospital capital steering committee, and formal confirmation is awaited from the committee concerning the status of this development. How many times do we have to have a project, now about 12 years in gestation, subjected to internal analyses and evaluation? Does the Government keep opting for evaluations in the hope of getting a negative analysis? We all know that could not or never will happen, as this hospital project is vital for the population of Longford and Westmeath.

I also understand the HSE board is finalising its capital funding budget plans tomorrow for 2009 and the Minister will have this plan by the end of the week. I call upon her to ensure that the necessary funding of €36 million is provided in the budget to allow the second stage of phase 2B to proceed. She should then ensure that it is opened in 2009 or early 2010, which is about 13 years after it should have been completed at a fraction of the cost that will now be incurred.

I hope that the manpower plan which must accompany the infrastructural development will not be left lying on a desk within the HSE, as it is vital that the additional necessary complement of staff is also provided at that stage to enable the extra facilities to be properly staffed when it is opened.

Four years ago we took to the streets in Mullingar to show our displeasure at the shoddy way in which residents in Longford and Westmeath were being treated by the Government in the provision of essential health services we deserve. We will not accept any more half truths, obfuscation, side-stepping, or bureaucratic replies. The time for action has long since passed. Our patience has been exhausted, and if the Minister does not give a positive reply, the Labour Party will bring the people back on the streets of Mullingar and to the gates of Dáil Éireann to fight with our feet for what is rightfully ours.

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Barry Andrews)

I will be taking this Adjournment matter on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children.

Stage one of the phase 2B capital development at Mullingar began in October 2006 and is scheduled to be completed next month. The completion of this phase of the project, costing over €23 million, will increase the bed complement at the hospital from 215 to 244, which is an increase of 29 beds. This phase of the project includes a fit-out of the existing ward shells to provide a new paediatric ward, a new day surgery and gynaecology ward, a new obstetric ward and a new medical ward, incorporating an acute stroke unit; refurbishment of the existing paediatric and obstetric wards to provide surgical and medical wards and a palliative care unit; an extension of the existing facilities to accommodate an interim special care baby unit adjacent to the new paediatric ward; and substantial completion of the proposed infrastructural road and car park network, together with any associated drainage works and utility diversions. The Health Service Executive has advised that these works are completed and that the ward areas are now fully occupied.

In addition, the HSE also granted approval for the refurbishment of two further wards in the existing hospital, that is, a medical and surgical ward and a delivery and gynaecology ward. This work is due to be completed next month.

With regard to stage 2, the HSE, in drawing up its capital programme, is required to prioritise the capital infrastructure projects to be developed within its overall capital funding allocation under the national development plan. This must take account of the NDP targets for the division of capital investment between the acute and primary, community and continuing care pillars. The HSE is currently considering its capital plans from 2009 onwards, and these will soon be submitted to the Department of Health and Children for consideration and approval in the normal way. Details on individual projects will be made available when the capital plan is approved.

Deputy Willie Penrose

I am not blaming the Minister of State, but that is a terrible reply to give to anybody. It could have been written by a school child.

Drug Seizures.

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing this matter on the Adjournment. When discussing the successful capture by the Naval Service of the yacht Dances with Waves off the coast of south-west Cork on “Today with Pat Kenny” last Friday, the Minister for Defence referred to the previous unsuccessful attempt to import drugs from the yacht Lucky Day 17 months earlier. He stated:

There is a kind of perception abroad that the previous huge seizure 17 months ago that you mentioned there in west Cork around the same area was something that was more or less stumbled upon by accident. That is not true. I mean, that had been tracked also. That is not widely known that it had been widely tracked also.

As the minister stumbled over his words, he went on to state:

It would probably would have been taken, arrested and taken into custody, had the accident not happened which precipitated the action on the part of the officials here.

I do not know whether the Minister was still dreaming or just inventing a bit of revisionist history at that hour of the morning, but I would like to know where did he come up with this fairy tale.

It totally contradicts the statements by everyone else involved in this matter, including senior Garda officers who, on the day, described the capture as "an act of God". It also contradicts the evidence given by Commander Gene Ryan of the Naval Service in the trial of some of those charged and convicted over these events. In an interview with the "News at One" on RTE Radio 1 on 23 July 2008 at the conclusion of the trial, Commander Ryan explained how he traced the journey of the yacht from the records of two satellite phones recovered from the stricken RIB in Dunlough Bay, with the specialist technical help from the Iridium satellite phone company, and which involved many thousands of man hours to plot the history of their movements. It also contradicts the statement by Customs and Excise official Mr. Brian Smyth at the joint task force press conference last week, when he likened the illegal transportation of the massive volume of cocaine to the shipment which was fortuitously intercepted off the west Cork coast last year.

The new European maritime analysis and operation centre for narcotics only became operational on 25 July 2007, three weeks after the Dunlough Bay event. I have heard of delays in the operation of Government organisations all my political life, but I have never heard of one beginning before its starting date.

Will the Minister confirm that neither the Garda, the Naval Service, nor Customs and Excise were tracking the movements of the yacht named Lucky Day before 2 July 2007? Will he confirm that neither he nor any State agency, including the Garda, the Naval Service and Customs and Excise were aware that any other agency was tracking this vessel before 2 July 2007? Will he also confirm that there was no Garda, Customs and Excise or Naval Service operation in progress on 2 July 2007 to monitor the movements of this vessel and its occupants or the activities of others on land, which led to the arrest of the four men subsequently convicted or others who may have been involved in this illegal attempt to import drugs into this country before the communications received from the local coast guard unit to a member of the Garda on 2 July 2007? Will the Minister also congratulate the professional work and expertise of the Coast Guard unit, which arrived first on the scene and raised the alarm with the authorities?

The Minister for Defence often has a great turn of phrase, but in this case I think we can call it "premature recollection".

Acting Chairman (Deputy Charlie O’Connor)

I call on the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, who also has five minutes.

Deputy Dan Neville

The Minister of State will not be able to answer that.

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

Give him a chance.

Deputy Barry Andrews

I am replying on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern. I thank Deputy Sheehan for raising this important matter in the House. I should start by saying that the Minister is only answerable to this House concerning An Garda Síochána.

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

The Minister for Defence answered Pat Kenny.

Deputy Barry Andrews

Investigations are still ongoing on this matter, albeit in other jurisdictions, and the Minister is still restricted as to what he can say about this particular case. On top of that, the Minister firmly holds the view that he should not openly disclose the intelligence that may or may not be available to members of An Garda Síochána at any particular time, or what action is taken on foot of that intelligence. In the circumstances, it is not possible to go into specific operational details of the kind sought by the Deputy.

What is a matter of public record is that the joint task force of An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service, and the Naval Service worked extremely well together in the investigation that followed the seizure in Dunlough Bay and this resulted in four successful convictions in Ireland.

The Minister would like once again to commend the work of the joint task force last week in Operation Seabight. This operation involving An Garda Síochána, the Customs Service and the Naval Service, working closely with our international partners in the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency and the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre (Narcotics) in Lisbon, is an example of what can be achieved when we collaborate and work together for the common good. The Minister is grateful for the strong support for the operation in this house.

The subject of this Adjournment matter specifically relates to the interdiction of drugs at sea, but we should not overlook the fact that when drugs find their way into the country considerable efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to track these down and seize them. In 2007, the total amount of drugs seized had an estimated street value of €155 million. As of 11 November, this year's seizures have already amounted to €203 million. Of necessity, figures for 2008 are provisional. While some would argue that this means there are more and more drugs coming into Ireland, it could also be that our law enforcement agencies are obtaining better intelligence and are getting better at detections and seizures.

The Minister has been advised by the Garda authorities that in addition to the considerable volumes of drugs which continue to be seized, of which last week's huge cocaine haul is further evidence, significant impact has been made in 2008 by arresting and prosecuting a number of major players involved in drug trafficking through the importation, sale and distribution of drugs.

Obviously there is little room for complacency and this work is ongoing. To further assist in our law enforcement efforts against drug trafficking, a number of new initiatives have been introduced. Some examples of these include the establishment in January 2008 of the Garda organised crime unit on a permanent footing, which now has a full-time staff of 70 officers; the provisions introduced in the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007, which have provided further measures to enhance the powers of the Garda Síochána in the investigation and prosecution of drug offences; the ring-fencing of €21 million in the 2009 Estimates to enable Operation Anvil to continue with targeted disruption of serious and organised criminal activity throughout the country——

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

Rubbish.

Deputy Barry Andrews

——and the continued increase in the personnel strength of the Garda Síochána. Its attested strength will increase to almost 14,900 by the end of 2009, from its current attested strength of 14,267.

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

Pure rubbish. The Minister of State is not answering the allegations made by the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, on the Pat Kenny show.

Deputy Simon Coveney

The Minister cannot give straight answers to straight questions.

Deputy Barry Andrews

The Minister has particularly asked me to mention the establishment of the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre (Narcotics) in Lisbon. Established in 2007, the centre is focused on targeting the sea and air cocaine routes from Central and South America into the European Union. It collects and analyses operational information, enhances intelligence through better information exchange, and ascertains the availability of assets to facilitate interdictions in accordance with the national laws of the countries involved. The centre is an international and inter-agency co-ordination force, focused on intelligence exchange leading to the interdiction of large maritime and aviation drug shipments, and to the severing of links between transportation networks and the shore-based command and control personnel.

Ireland, the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and the Netherlands are the founding members of the centre. Europol, the European Commission and the US joint inter-agency task force south are observers at the centre. Ireland has Garda and customs liaison officers based at the centre on a full-time basis. The Naval Service appoints an officer to the centre for the duration of operations with Irish involvement. This summer, Ireland became the first member state to ratify the international agreement establishing the centre. The Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, is fully supportive of Irish participation in the centre. The Minister is also supportive of all measures that involve practical co-operation and increase international co-ordination.

The Minister wishes to assure the Deputy that he will continue to keep the measures for tackling all forms of drug trafficking under review. The enforcement of the law on drugs continues to be a key element in the Government's policing priorities and this is reflected in An Garda Síochána's policing plan for 2008.

Deputy P. J. Sheehan

Will the Minister of State give me an assurance that the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, will correct the misinformation he gave on the Pat Kenny show?

Human Rights Issues.

Deputy Simon Coveney

I sometimes wonder whether it is worth bringing motions like this before the House in order to get a response from the Government. There is much frustration among many people in Ireland who are interested the Burma tragedy. Organisations such as Burma Action Ireland and others are continually trying to raise the profile of what is happening in a country with a population in excess of 70 million, that continues to be run by a military dictatorship.

I am glad in some ways that the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, is present as I expect he will know something about Burma, given his interest in foreign affairs as well as his own brief. I ask him, however, not to read out a history lesson on Burma for us. I would like to know what stance the Government thinks it can take, or is willing to take, in responding to what happened in Burma yesterday. At least 14 — some reports say up to 23 — political prisoners were sentenced to 65 years in prison for so-called crimes of using electronic media — in other words, they are bloggers. They were also charged with harming public tranquility and forming so-called illegal organisations. In many cases, the latter are peaceful political organisations seeking democratic governance in their country.

I have raised the issue of Burma on many occasions in various fora, including the European Parliament and on the floor of this House. Just when it looks as if some progress is inching forward, however, the rulers in the military junta seem deliberately to give the international community the two fingers. As recently as last month, the UN Security Council called for all political prisoners in Burma to be released. We now have a new UN Secretary General who understands the political complications of this part of the world very well and has taken a personal interest in what is happening in Burma, or Mayanmar as it is known by some countries. Yet we continue to get the kind of brutal response in the treatment of its own people.

I wish to ask the Minister of State a number of questions. I have read the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin's, response. The words are strong but I would like to know what he will actually do to raise this issue at European Council level. Will the EU's Common Position on Burma be changed? Will he raise the matter in the context of future EU-ASEAN meetings? Will he raise it with his counterparts in other EU countries who, in turn, can raise it at UN level? In that way, the international community, through the UN Security Council — which is the ultimate arbiter of an international strategy towards Burma — can take a tougher stance and send stronger signals to a military dictatorship that seems to understand nothing else.

There are strange but real connections between Ireland and Burma. Many of the minority ethnic population there have had biographies of Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera translated into their own dialect. This is to try to inspire hope for their struggle for independence. I saw those books when I visited that part of the world.

In addition, Irish aid agencies working in refugee camps on the Thai-Burmese border are doing fantastic work. The Government, through Irish Aid, is sponsoring much of that humanitarian work. We should try to get a serious response from the Government this time around. We will raise in a determined fashion on the international stage the ongoing human rights consequences of what continues to happen in Burma in a way that will at least make some small difference.

Deputy Barry Andrews

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter on the Adjournment. Like Deputy Coveney, the Government is deeply shocked by the severe sentences which were imposed on Burmese political activists by a closed military court yesterday afternoon. On hearing news of the sentences, the Minister for Foreign Affairs immediately issued a statement on the matter. The statement encapsulates the Government's position on the issue and states:

I am appalled by the severity of the sentences imposed today on several respected political activists, whose sole crime has been to try to communicate to the outside world the truth about the conditions under which the people of Burma are living. The 65-year sentences will mean that these courageous individuals face spending the rest of their lives in Burma's inhumane prison system. This is yet another unacceptable, callous, act by a brutal regime that daily violates the basic human rights of the Burmese people and which will tolerate no voices seeking freedom and justice. I have repeatedly made clear our Government's demand for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners and I will continue to work with my EU colleagues, with the UN and with the countries of the region to do all possible to accelerate our efforts in this regard.

In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs contacted the French EU Presidency and other EU partners urgently seeking the issue of an EU statement on these events. This statement, issued today, condemns the sentences and demands the immediate release of these and all political prisoners. It also recalls the statement made by EU Foreign Ministers on Monday calling again for the lifting of restrictions placed on political parties in Burma and the early release of those under detention. The Ministers also stated their view that the elections scheduled for 2010 will have no credibility unless all political prisoners are released unconditionally, in particular Aung San Suu Kyi, and a political process is initiated with the support of the United Nations on the basis of an inclusive, long-term dialogue in which the opposition and ethnic groups can participate fully. It is estimated that at present over 2,000 political prisoners are under detention in Burma, often in appalling conditions.

There is increasing concern for the worsening treatment which many of these prisoners face. NGOs have received reports from sources in Burma that the regime is now confining political prisoners to their cells without exercise periods and is stopping families from bringing them extra food and other supplies to top up the meagre food rations. Most seriously, the regime appears to be systematically denying medical treatment to political prisoners, including to Aung San Suu Kyi. Earlier this year, her doctor was refused permission to visit her over a three-month period.

I note with great regret that the junta has detained even more political prisoners in the past weeks and months. Human Rights Watch has reported that 39 politically-motivated arrests were made in August and September, and more than 20 political prisoners were given jail terms. Among those arrested in recent months was Ms Nilar Thein, a leading member of the 88 Generation Group, who was one of those sentenced yesterday afternoon.

There has been a conspicuous absence of political progress in Burma since the events of 2007. The military continues to repress monks, political activists and ethnic minorities. The sentences handed down yesterday seem to confirm that the junta is determined to maintain an iron hold on the country, irrespective of the fact that elections will be held next year.

The Government has long taken a strong, proactive stand on the appalling situation in Burma. We would very much like to see the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, engaging on a personal level in the search for a solution and a more concerted, effective role by Burma's neighbours. I am most grateful to have this opportunity to reiterate the Government's deep concern on this issue.

Protestant Schools.

Acting Chairman

I understand Deputy Crawford wishes to share time with Deputy Dinny McGinley.

Deputy Seymour Crawford

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this important issue on the Adjournment.

When free education was introduced in 1967, it was realised and accepted by all that the minority Protestant population throughout the Republic had the right to have their children educated at a Protestant ethos school. As a result, special arrangements were made to fund the limited number of Protestant schools in such a way that people living in isolated areas could be provided with boarding facilities where necessary and general support to allow them to survive on an equal basis with other public schools. The difference between the funding for these schools and Catholic schools was that Catholic schools were available in most major towns in the country. It is unreal that some 40 years later, the Minister, Deputy O'Keeffe, should use this budget situation to remove the €2.8 million necessary to support this structure or 30% of their support budget.

I am specifically anxious about the future of two such schools in my constituency, the Collegiate School, which has been in Monaghan town since 1570, and the Royal School in Cavan, now celebrating its 400th anniversary. They survived revolutions and two world wars but I wonder if they will survive this Minister.

The Minister has stated the reason he removed this funding and increased the pupil-teacher ratio for Protestant schools as against Catholic schools is because of advice he received from the Attorney General that action might be taken against him by a Catholic school. I believe this is an unreal and unrealistic excuse for him. How was it that no action was taken against any Minister or school over the past 40 years?

The change for either of these schools could mean a reduction in their budget from anywhere between €150,000 and €200,000 in a full calendar year, depending on how the regulations are implemented. Is the Government prepared to offer the children of Cavan-Monaghan access to free education in a school of Protestant ethos? Will the Government undertake that their children will have access to education opportunities that are not diminished because they go to the school of their choice? Does the Minister realise that parents of children attending Protestant ethos schools have to financially support their schools so that they can be taught a diversity of subjects and are not disadvantaged? Why are such parents being punished by the Government?

The two schools I mentioned do not disadvantage pupils on a financial basis and all I am asking is that the problems of such schools are recognised and dealt with. During Question Time, the Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, stated: "I am well aware it will cause serious difficulties and I obviously have concerns about this." He also stated at a later stage: "I recognise the special position of the Protestant schools." However, he continued to argue that he was under pressure from the Attorney General and that the block grant which they were getting should be sufficient.

However, as pointed out by Deputy Ruairí Quinn, the issue is much deeper than just one of education, although it manifests itself in education for historic reasons with which we are all familiar. The Government's decision is really an attack on the principle of diversity within the Republic and the Minister is undermining a principle which we cherish in the South. I fully endorse the comments made by Deputy Quinn.

The Minister's attempt to rewrite history by suggesting that the only commitment was to pay a block grant is not true. The commitment was to treat Protestant schools in the same way as schools going into the free scheme. Forty years later, this is the first-ever breach of that commitment. In fact, it was similar to a commitment given to the Protestant community at the foundation of the State that they would be able to choose a school which reflected their faith and ethos. Even in the mid-1980s under former Taoiseach, Charles J. Haughey, the then Government gave a special fixed 5% interest rate loan to rural-based Protestant boarding schools towards boarding provisions and other repairs and there was no word from the Attorney General. The sum of money under consideration is small and the situation must be rectified. Who were the people who advised the Minister? Did they have a score to settle?

Deputy Dinny McGinley

I thank the Acting Chairman and Deputy Crawford and I agree with the case he has made for Protestant schools. There is one such school in my constituency, namely, the Royal and Prior Protestant school in Raphoe. It provides secondary education for the Protestant community in County Donegal and has been successfully doing so for many years. The school is an amalgamation of two schools, including the Royal, which has a history going back 400 years since its foundation by royal charter by King James I in 1608.

The school has an enrolment of approximately 500 pupils, which includes 30 or 40 boarders. It is most concerned at the negative impact of educational cuts, particularly the increase in the pupil-teacher ratio and the new regulation concerning the employment of substitute teachers. If the proposed cuts are implemented, the school will lose at least two teachers and this will have a negative impact on the number of subjects taught in the school and also the conducting of extra-curricular activities such as essential field trips for subjects such as geography.

The Royal and Prior is a unique school providing the secondary educational needs of a religious minority within Donegal. In view of its special role, I appeal to the Minister to exempt it from any cutbacks that would adversely affect its long and proud tradition of providing the highest standards of education, learning and citizenship, as it has done in Donegal for so many centuries.

Deputy Barry Andrews

I am pleased to be given the opportunity to clarify for the House the position in regard to the withdrawal of certain grants from Protestant fee-paying schools. The 2009 budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. Decisions were made in order to control expenditure and ensure sustainability in the long term. In this respect, education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be entirely spared. The Minister, Deputy Batt O'Keeffe, acknowledges the impact of funding restrictions in a number of areas, including at school level. However, these are the inevitable result of the challenging international economic environment and the need to manage Exchequer resources.

With regard to the removal of certain support services grants received by Protestant fee-charging schools, the Minister wishes to re-emphasise that the Protestant block grant remains in place. Protestant fee-charging schools receive, and will continue to receive, this grant, which amounts to €6.25 million in the current school year. This payment covers capitation, tuition and boarding grants. It is distributed by the Secondary Education Committee among needier Protestant children. Applications are made by parents to the central Protestant churches authority, which, on the basis of a means test, distributes the funds to individual schools on the basis of pupil needs.

The retention of this grant demonstrates the importance that the Minister, Deputy O'Keeffe, and the Government continue to attach to ensuring that students of the Protestant faith can attend schools that reflect their denominational ethos. In retaining this grant, the Government is being faithful to the separate arrangements that were agreed with the Protestant schools when the free scheme was introduced by Donogh O'Malley. At the time, it was the payment of the block grant in particular for Protestant fee-charging schools that distinguished them from those Catholic schools that chose to continue to charge fees.

It is estimated that savings of €2.8 million will accrue to the Department as a result of the withdrawal of certain support services grants from Protestant fee-charging schools in 2009. It is important to note that the purpose of these grants was not to offset fees for disadvantaged Protestant students. Rather, they covered a range of support services. The Minister has had to take decisions on a number of grants that have impacted on the funding of schools generally. With the Protestant block grant remaining in place, the Minister can see no justification for treating the Protestant fee-charging schools in a special way, particularly given that Catholic fee-charging schools have not been in receipt of the grants in question.

I again thank the Deputies for providing me with the opportunity to address the House on this matter and to outline the current position.

The Dáil adjourned at 10.55 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 13 November 2008.

Dáil Éireann debate - Wednesday, 12 Nov 2008