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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Nov 2008

Vol. 667 No. 3

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 5, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 6 to 75, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 76 to 83, inclusive, answered orally.

Community Development.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

84 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of grant aid he has provided under CLÁR funding to local improvement schemes on a county basis for each of the past four years; the amount which will be provided on a county basis in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40656/08]

During the period 2004 to 2007 my Department through CLÁR approved over €20.5m of funding on Local Improvements Schemes roads (L.I.S.) in CLÁR areas. The table below details approvals over the past four years.

As all Departments have to refocus their priorities in these uncertain financial times, The CLÁR LIS measure is not being run in 2008. However CLÁR is co-funding with the Department of Transport a measure for Class 11 and Class III Local Roads and Bridges in CLÁR areas for 2008. The Local Authority has sole responsibility for the selection of projects, which are eligible for funding. The total funding for 2009 is almost €6m of which CLÁR is contributing almost €3m.

The following table details the CLÁR funding approved for each of the past four years.

LIS Approvals 2004 to 2007

County

2004

2005

2006

2007

CLÁR

CLÁR

CLÁR

CLÁR

Carlow

29,618.00

38,123.00

Cavan

255,913.20

422,903.64

585,086.31

353,179.03

Clare

165,451.00

307,913.00

604,760.15

344,927.00

Cork

160,961.00

299,752.00

653,013.00

375,225.00

Donegal

323,124.65

735,066.57

1,033,058.18

499,954.66

Galway

134,657.50

269,571.00

454,175.00

462,196.00

Kerry

216,566.15

372,914.35

810,499.61

447,898.00

Kilkenny

102,809.00

12,596.00

Laois

160,229.25

54,118.00

Leitrim

392,477.49

784,893.83

607,200.54

354,243.62

Limerick

4,950.00

0.00

176,208.26

171,425.70

Longford

30,429.00

77,872.00

253,771.63

185,582.02

Louth

0.00

40,232.75

1,930.79

0.00

Mayo

344,474.00

712,344.00

1,184,532.00

500,000.00

Meath

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

Monaghan

56,847.37

225,631.86

578,228.50

472,246.00

Offaly

72,250.00

48,335.50

Roscommon

90,932.00

131,326.04

209,084.38

260,432.00

Sligo

197,857.23

346,203.26

364,805.31

470,724.00

Tipp North

9,450.00

9,600.00

72,808.20

65,434.00

Tipp South

0.00

0.00

41,004.00

63,930.00

Waterford

23,662.80

123,350.00

17,661.00

98,305.00

Westmeath

0.00

0.00

11,892.00

0.00

Wicklow

0.00

0.00

Total

2,407,753.39

4,859,574.30

8,024,625.11

5,278,874.53

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

85 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent announcement of the funding for leader groups. [40957/08]

My recent announcement in respect of the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007 — 2013 represents the outcome of the process for selecting Local Action Groups and the allocation of funding to Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Programme.

Under the Programme funding of €425m will be provided towards LEADER activities for the programming period. This is the largest ever package for such rural development in Ireland and is almost treble the level of funding available under the previous LEADER Programmes.

I am delighted to be able to announce this package of funding, particularly in light of the economic challenges currently facing the country. This considerable investment in rural Ireland is expected to result in the creation of more than 12,000 full time jobs and support for 10,000 new and existing micro-enterprises.

In this context, and on the basis of complementary investment from the CLÁR Programme and the Rural Social Scheme, I believe we will see significant and sustained benefits across rural Ireland over the coming years.

Voluntary Sector.

Joe McHugh

Question:

86 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the recent policy developments in relation to the voluntary sector; the progress made to date on delivering Towards 2016 commitments on volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40848/08]

In recent years, the Government has sought to actively encourage and support the community & voluntary sector and has prioritised significant resources in pursuit of this objective. This funding supports valued services that community & voluntary groups provide to Irish society on a not-for-profit basis. In addition, the role of the sector has been reflected in the evolution of social partnership over recent years.

The Government has also made significant progress in pursuing a more supportive environment for the non-profit sector, as articulated in Towards 2016. In this context, the Deputy should note that the Charities Bill 2007 was passed by Dáil Éireann on 5 November last and is expected to commence its passage through the Seanad in the coming weeks. I am confident that the Bill will help to secure accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud, thus enhancing public confidence in the charities sector.

In relation to volunteering, my Department is providing annual funding of nearly €2.5 million to twenty volunteer centres located across the country. So far this year, these centres have registered over 5,660 volunteers and over 800 volunteer-involving organisations. It is also worth noting that 56% of registered volunteers had never volunteered before and 70% are aged 35 years and under. To date 2,300 volunteers have been placed by the Volunteer Centres, which will generate over 151,000 volunteering hours this year alone.

In addition, a range of other activities to encourage greater active citizenship are being supported by my Department. These include:

The Young Social Innovators Initiative which involves transition year students identifying social needs and in developing strategies to address them;

The Dublin Institute of Technology's Community Learning Programme. This promotes community- based learning by integrating classroom theory with practical application in projects for community and voluntary bodies. Examples of projects include computing science students designing web pages for voluntary bodies, or food science students providing health and safety audits in community kitchens;

Focus Ireland which supports the placement of social science graduates within the organisation, who wish to gain experience and to develop skills in working with people who are marginalised;

Support for Boardmatch, an organisation which supports the development of the voluntary and community sector in Ireland by strengthening boards of management and management committees of non-profit organisations; and

A cross-border volunteering initiative with the Department for Social Development in Northern Ireland, which will pilot action research into how recruitment of volunteers can be encouraged and how volunteers recruited within different spheres can provide the catalyst for wider community involvement and the development of active communities.

I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to the work of the Forum on Philanthropy. Developments since the establishment of the Forum include Government approval of flagship projects with the private sector to the value of €51 million; the publication of Philanthropy Ireland's Guide to Giving; the endorsement of increased philanthropic activity by the Task Force on Active Citizenship and the establishment of the Social Finance Foundation. The work of the Forum is on-going.

Finally, it should be noted that my Department also provides funding to the community & voluntary sector for training in relation to capacity building in governance and compliance, strategic development, and services to communities, through a range of different programmes. Details of these are available on my Department's website — www.pobail.ie.

Community Development.

Michael Ring

Question:

87 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied that investment made by his Department in the western region to encourage economic activity in local communities has been targeted effectively and has succeeded in delivering sustained growth to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40838/08]

My Department operates a range of initiatives, schemes and programmes that support the social and economic development of the western region and the growth of rural business and enterprise. Relevant schemes include the Rural Development Programme, the CLÁR programme, the Rural Social Scheme, the Enterprise Scheme for non-Gaeltacht offshore islands and the Community Services Programme and Rural Recreation Schemes.

The LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007–2013, includes particular measures in relation to rural enterprise development. The overall aim of the new LEADER Programme is to improve the quality of life in rural areas and promote the diversification of the rural economy, which I believe is key to achieving sustainable economic growth and stability in rural regions. The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the outcome of the selection process for Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER element of the RDP and I expect it to be open to applications from local project promoters shortly.

The funding available for the delivery of LEADER-type activities under the RDP will amount to €425.4 million — almost treble the €150 million available for the 2000-06 period. In relation to the Western Region, the Local Action Groups have between them secured more than €117.5m. This does not include additional allocations, which will benefit Gaeltacht and Island regions. The new programme will also complement the other rural development measures operated by my Department.

In addition to the schemes and programmes operated directly by my Department, the Deputy will also be aware that responsibility for the creation of employment in Gaeltacht areas rests with Údarás na Gaeltachta, a body that comes within the ambit of my Department. The work of this body includes the development of rural enterprises. Following continued investment over the past number of years, Údarás has maintained the overall employment base in the Galway and Mayo Gaeltacht region, with 3,711 people in full time employment and 1,577 in part time employment in client companies at the end of 2007. Information in relation to assistance provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts which, under sections 18 and 19 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979, are laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Information is also available on its website at www.udaras.ie.

Finally, the Western Development Commission, another body that comes within the ambit of my Department, has responsibility for fostering and promoting economic and social development, including rural enterprise and job creation in the Western Region. Since its inception in 2000 up to the end of 2007, it has invested over €31m and helped to create or sustain 1,086 jobs in the Region. Further information in relation to the support provided by the WDC is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts, which are also laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Information is also available on its website at www.wdc.ie.

Michael Ring

Question:

88 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the timing and method of distribution of funding to groups approved for assistance under the recently announced Leader programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40837/08]

The Deputy will be aware that I announced the results of the process for selecting Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme and the respective funding allocations for the successful Groups on the 4th November last. I hope to be in a position to sign contracts with the Groups in the near future. However, contracts will only be signed with those Groups who are fully cohesed and who have completed the transfer of Rural Social Scheme participants from the old LEADER companies. Provision of funding to the newly selected Groups will be made in the context of finalisation of contracts.

Road Network.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

89 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding allocated under scéim na mbóithre áise, on a gaeltacht area basis in 2007 and to date in 2008; the estimated budget for this scheme for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40851/08]

The funding allocated under this scheme for 2007 and 2008 is set out in the table below. No decision has been made in relation to the 2009 budget for this scheme.

Gaeltacht

2007

2008

Dún na nGall

37,000

283,181

Maigh Eo

188,740

Gaillimh

291,250

390,450

Ciarraí

119,000

172,132

Corcaigh

82,192

90,327

Port Láirge

40,000

24,000

An Mhí

Total

569,442

1,148,830

*Allocations for island roads not included.

Departmental Bodies.

Liz McManus

Question:

90 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has undertaken any aspect of amalgamation or abolition of State agencies or semi-State bodies or boards within his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40919/08]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

128 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for a rationalisation of State boards or bodies for which his Department has responsibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40951/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 128 together.

The following developments are relevant in this context. In accordance with a decision made by the North South Ministerial Council in 2007, and in order to secure good practice and value for money, the functions and funding of Bord na Leabhar Gaeilge transferred to Foras na Gaeilge with effect from 1 January 2008. The Council also decided at its meeting on 4 July 2008 that the functions, staffing and funding of Colmcille in Ireland should transfer to Foras na Gaeilge and arrangements to that end are in hand. I am not in a position to comment on any specific future plans at this stage.

I should also mention that, the Charities Bill 2007, which was passed by Dáil Éireann on 5th November 2008, provides for the dissolution of the Office of Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland. The Bill further provides that the Office of Commissioners will be replaced by a new Charities Regulatory Authority, which will take on the statutory functions of the Office of Commissioners, as well as having broader statutory regulatory functions relating to charities operating in the jurisdiction. It is expected that Second Stage of the Bill in the Seanad will be taken in the coming weeks.

In addition a number of local development agencies receive funding through my Department or through Pobal for local delivery of community and rural development measures. This number comprises a total of 94 local development bodies and 184 community development projects. Arising from the cohesion process, which involves the merger of overlapping LEADER and Partnership groups, the number of local development bodies are being reduced from 94 to 54.

Further opportunities to secure improved efficiencies and outcomes across bodies within the ambit of the Department will be pursued over the coming period.

National Drugs Strategy.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

91 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the new National Drugs Strategy; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40888/08]

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

108 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the public consultation programme on the National Drugs Strategy 2009 to 2016 has been completed; when the strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40958/08]

Mary Upton

Question:

382 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when he plans to launch the National Drugs Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40785/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 91, 108 and 382 together.

Work on the development of a new National Drugs Strategy to cover the period 2009-2016 has been ongoing in my Department throughout 2008 and is continuing.

The Steering Group established to develop proposals and make recommendations to me on the new Strategy has been meeting regularly during the year and the frequency of these meetings has increased in recent weeks as they work towards finalising their proposals.

Meanwhile, the consultants engaged to support the Steering Group have completed their work. Their input included the facilitation, reporting and drawing conclusions from the extensive consultation process that was undertaken earlier this year. This process included 15 public meetings and 40 consultation meetings with various statutory, voluntary & community sectors representatives and organisations of interests. In addition, over 140 written submissions were received.

Apart from attending a number of the consultation meetings, I also participated in a debate in the Seanad in June and met with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Sports, Tourism, Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in September to hear their views on the new Strategy.

As part of its terms of reference, the Steering Group is examining the progress and impact of the current Drugs Strategy, the degree to which it continues to be relevant and the operational effectiveness of the structures that underpin the implementation of the Strategy. They are also looking at developments in regard to drug policies at EU and international levels.

I am expecting to receive the Steering Group's recommendations in the New Year and I would hope to publish the new Strategy by the end of March 2009.

Departmental Expenditure.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

92 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cuts in services provided by or funded through his Department arising from Budget 2009 decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40950/08]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

129 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on the Estimate for his Department in 2009. [40949/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 129 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's Budget Day estimate for 2009 was published on 14 October 2008. Overall funding is reduced by a total of 6%, with current expenditure reduced by 5% and capital expenditure by 8.5%.

My primary concern is to ensure that the daily front line services provided through my Department, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially disadvantaged communities, are protected. Administrative overheads are targeted for particular reductions so that the wide range of services my Department provides, in partnership with other bodies and agencies across urban, rural, Gaeltacht and island communities, is maintained. Key areas in this regard include the Drugs Initiative, the Rural Social Scheme, the Community Services Programme, the Dormant Accounts-funded Initiatives on Tackling Economic & Social Disadvantage, supports for the Community and Voluntary Sector, the National Rural Development Programme, the Gaeltacht, Islands and the Irish language, and North-South co-operation.

Across Government, we have had to take a range of difficult decisions, but our approach has been to do it in as balanced a way as possible. We are all faced with difficult decisions in the current economic circumstances, particularly in the short term. There will still be positive news for 2009 — for example, in the case of rural areas, it will come with the rollout of the new National Rural Development Programme, the largest such programme for diversifying the rural economy and improving the quality of life in rural areas. €27m has been provided for this Programme next year.

Finally, with a total vote of some €520m for 2009, I am confident that, by focusing resources efficiently, we can continue with the very comprehensive work being carried out by my Department.

Community Development Forum.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

93 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the anticipated role of the newly established Community Development Forum for North Mayo, arising from the Corrib gas dispute; the timetable he envisages for the work of the forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40955/08]

On foot of a recent Government decision, the North West Mayo Community Forum is being established as a joint initiative by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Its objectives include:

fostering the socio-economic development of the North West Mayo region through a coordinated engagement involving a number of Government Departments and State bodies with members of the local community and public representatives, and

facilitating dialogue and promoting understanding of regulatory issues in regard to the Corrib gas project.

It is intended to hold the inaugural meeting of the Forum in the coming weeks. The work of the Forum will continue for the foreseeable future.

Foras na Gaeilge.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

94 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Tom Sheahan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an ainmneoidh sé na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge a gcreideann sé gur chóir dóibh a bheith cónasctha; cén fáth go gcreideann sé gur chóir dóibh a bheith cónasctha; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40879/08]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

123 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil maoiniú á cháilliúint sa bhliain 2009 ag aon cheann de na 19 n-eagras dheonacha Gaeilge a fhaigheann bunmhaoimiú trí Fhoras na Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40909/08]

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh 94 & 123 le chéile.

Is mian liom aird na dTeachtaí a dhíriú ar mo fhreagraí ar Cheisteanna Uimh 145 agus 167 den 7 Deireadh Fómhair 2008.

Mar atá curtha in iúl don Teach, cuirtear bunmhaoiniú do 19 n-eagras deonach Gaeilge ar fáil trí Fhoras na Gaeilge. Is trí Vóta mo Roinne féin agus tríd an Roinn Cultúir, Ealaíon agus Fóillíochta ó Thuaidh a chuirtear an t-airgead sin ar fáil don bhForas d'fhonn an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn ar bhonn uile-oileánda.

Tuigim ón bhForas go bhfuil athbhreithniú ar bun aige maidir leis na heagrais Gaeilge atá á maoiniú i láthair na huaire le cinntiú go mbeidh an luach airgid is fearr le fáil sa todhchaí. Tá sé ró-luath ag an bpointe seo réamhaithris a dhéanamh ar an tionchar a d'fhéadfadh a bheith ag torthaí an athbhreithnithe sin ar chúrsaí maoinithe na n-eagras i 2009 nó ar chúrsaí cónasctha amach anseo.

Mar a dúirt mé freisin, tá éifeacht an chaiteachais phoiblí agus luach airgid maidir le spriocanna an Rialtais, ó thaobh na Gaeilge a bhaint amach, á gcoinneáil faoi bhreithniú agam.

Inland Waterways.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

95 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has had discussions with Waterways Ireland or has given directives to that agency in relation to the provision of funding or grant assistance to groups or individuals seeking to provide inland marinas or harbour facilities on rivers or canals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40912/08]

Waterways Ireland has responsibility for the management, maintenance, development and restoration of the inland navigational waterways primarily for recreational purposes. Waterways Ireland carries out a capital development programme to provide moorings and harbours for public use and other services along the navigation. However, it is not a grant-giving agency and does not provide financial assistance for groups or individuals to provide similar facilities.

Drug Seizures.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

96 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views in relation to the continued finds of large amounts of drugs, be it on sea or land; the number of meetings he has or proposes to have with the Departments of Justice Equality and Law Reform, Education and Science and Environment, Heritage and Local Government to discuss such concerns; his plans as a result of such meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40915/08]

I welcome the success of An Garda Síochána and the Customs Service in targeting the supply of drugs — both nationally and internationally — with the resultant continuing high levels of seizures on land and at sea. I am aware that these achievements are based on an intelligence-led approach and I am know that both organisations are committed to continuing to work together to reduce the amount of illicit drugs entering Ireland.

In particular, I would like to congratulate the Gardaí and the Customs and Naval Services on last week's record seizure of cocaine off the Cork coast. Given the global nature of the drugs market, it is vital that jurisdictions ensure that there is a co-ordinated approach across national boundaries. The most recent Cork seizure demonstrates that Ireland is playing a full role in this regard, and that this is paying off. The various organisations, including dedicated units such as Criminal Assets Bureau, carry out their work in a spirit of co-operation and help to the mutual benefit of this and other countries.

Indeed, Ireland is one of the 7 EU countries involved in the establishment of the Maritime Analysis and Operational Centre — Narcotics (MAOC-N) in 2007 in Lisbon. The Centre was set up to co-ordinate efforts to counter the movement of cocaine, in particular, from South America into Europe. It played a crucial role in the recent successful operation and I believe that it will continue to facilitate similar counter measures in the future.

I have no plans for meetings in the short-term with the Ministers for Justice Equality & Law Reform, Education & Science and Environment, Heritage & Local Government to discuss drugs seizures. However, officials of those and other relevant Departments continue to meet on an on-going basis through the structures that underpin the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy. They are also engaged in developing proposals on a new Drugs Strategy through the Steering Group established for that purpose and I expect to be receiving recommendations in this regard in New Year.

I am determined to ensure that the new Drugs Strategy will continue to prioritise supply reduction efforts and the continued seizure of drugs, with a negative impact on the overall drugs trade.

Departmental Staff.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

97 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the mechanism he will use to achieve the 3% reduction in payroll costs for his Department as announced in July 2008; the areas, sections or agencies that will be affected by this reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40952/08]

Liz McManus

Question:

130 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the effect Budget 2009 has had on the proposal of a 3% payroll reduction as outlined in July 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40920/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 130 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, the Government decided in July 2008 on a number of spending measures to maintain a prudent fiscal out-turn for 2008 and to provide the basis for a sustainable approach to the financial situation in 2009. The Government reiterated its position on Budget Day on 14 October 2008.

One of the measures decided upon by Government is that all Departments, State agencies and local authorities — other than in Health and Education — reduce their payroll bill by 3% by the end of 2009 through all appropriate measures identified by local management in the light of local circumstances.

My Department and the agencies that come within its ambit are currently considering a number of measures to secure a 3% reduction in payroll costs by the end of 2009. These include control of premium pay, management of vacancies, the organisation of work processes and the levels at which work is carried out, as well as control of numbers through recruitment and other measures.

The key priority for my Department remains the delivery of front-line services and the provision of services to those who most need them, and this is being borne in mind as my Department considers measures and mechanisms to reduce payroll costs by the required 3%. My Department will continue to work with the Department of Finance to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to achieve the savings required.

Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 82.

Inland Waterways.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

99 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with Waterways Ireland in relation to extensions to or refurbishment of the canals within its remit; the cost of such works; the timescale involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40911/08]

There is a provision of €75m for the capital development programme on the waterways under the NDP for the period 2007-2013. I and officials of my Department have regular discussions and consultations with the Body in relation to the scope and progress of the programme.

The works that Waterways Ireland would propose to undertake are set out in its capital programme, which was published last March. In summary, the Programme includes:

completion of existing projects commenced under the NDP 2000-2006, including the completion of the Royal Canal and extension of the Shannon Navigation towards Dowra and Glasson (as the Deputy will be aware, approval has also been granted by the North/South Ministerial Council to Waterways Ireland to proceed with the restoration of the stretch of Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones, to be financed from Waterways Ireland own resources);

provision of the necessary office buildings, depots, stores, plant and machinery;

consolidation of the existing navigations by improving access to and facilities and infrastructure on, and adjacent to, these navigations; and

feasibility studies and preliminary designs to assess the opportunities for extension of navigation to additional destinations linked to the waterways system.

Clearly, it will be necessary to keep the proposed programme under review in light of changing circumstances and the ongoing economic situation and it will continue to be subject of ongoing discussion with the Body.

National Drugs Strategy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

100 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided by his Department to groups, bodies or agencies involved in combating drugs in each of the past five years to date; the extent to which such funding is expected to increase in 2009 in view of the need in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40893/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

392 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he has provided funding or other support to community based groups in County Kildare involved in campaigning against drugs; the extent to which he expects to increase, extend or expand the support in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41219/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

394 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the necessity to increase funding and support for urban and rural community groups involved in the campaign against drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41221/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

395 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the extent to which he will increase his support for community groups involved in campaigns against drugs including rehabilitation and prevention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41222/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100, 392, 394 and 395 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the majority of expenditure allocated to community groups through my Department for drugs initiatives is channelled through the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces. A breakdown of funding across the different Task Force areas since 2003 is set out below. The outturn for both in 2008 is expected to be of the order of €22m and €10m respectively.

Over 440 LDTF projects, including those under the Emerging Needs Fund, are receiving funding from my Department. In the region of 170 of these projects focus on treatment/ rehabilitation and roughly a further 190 have a focus on prevention-type activities.

Across the ten RDTF areas, work is progressing on the implementation of their Action Plans and by the end of 2008 it is expected that in the region of 200 projects will be up and running. Of these, around 90 treatment and rehabilitation projects are being funded and a similar number dealing with prevention.

Overall, in 2008, the budget for community-based initiatives in the Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas, including funding for new cocaine and rehabilitation measures introduced during the year, amounts to nearly €34.8m. While the funding available for 2009 has not yet been finalised, I expect the comparable figure for next year to be in the region of €34.4m. In this context, the Deputy should note that of the foregoing, funding for projects in Drug Task Forces action plans in 2009 will be maintained at 2008 levels i.e. €32m.

In relation to Co. Kildare which is part of the South West Regional Drugs Task Force area, the following allocations have been made:

Funding of €150,000 has been allocated to the Abbey Project to provide a number of services such as drop-in, family support, referral, counselling, holistic therapies and advice and information on housing to drug users and their families from Celbridge and the surrounding areas;

Fuding of €340,112 was approved for the Community Drug Team for Kildare and West Wicklow in 2008. The service will expand and complement existing treatment services along with family support and early responses to young people at the early stage of drug misuse; and

An amount of €22,354 was approved to Newbridge Family Resource Centre in 2007 under the Premises Initiative in respect of the purchase and installation of a semi-permanent structure for the Centre to provide a dedicated drop-in facility for "at risk" youth.

Some of the other funding provided to that Drugs Task Force also provides benefit broadly across their region of operation, including Co. Kildare. In addition, a sum in the region of €170,000 has been made available to Teen Challenge, a rehabilitation project at Shechem House, Richardstown, Co. Kildare, arising from applications through the South Inner City LDTF in Dublin.

Irish Language.

Joe Costello

Question:

101 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has discussed with his Government colleagues the holding of a major debate on the future of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in January 2009 in the Oireachtas based on the twenty year strategy and the action plan for the future of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40961/08]

Mary Upton

Question:

105 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the 20 year strategy for the Irish language will be presented to Government, approved and published before the Christmas 2008 recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40959/08]

Mary Upton

Question:

117 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the action plan for the future of the Irish language in the Gaeltacht will be presented to Government, approved and published before the Christmas 2008 recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40960/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101, 105 and 117 together.

Work is continuing on the development of the 20-year strategy for the Irish language and it is expected that the draft will be submitted for my consideration and for submission for Government approval by the end of the year.

In regard to the Report of the Linguistic Study on the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht, as the Deputy will be aware, the Government received this report late last year. As a result, a Government Committee was established to consider matters arising in the context of the analysis and recommendations contained in the Report. That Committee has met twice and a Senior Officials Group has been established to assist it in its deliberations. The work of the Committee is ongoing with a view to the production of an integrated action plan as soon as possible to secure the future of Irish as the community language of the Gaeltacht. No decision will be made with regard to implementation until the work of the Committee in this regard is complete.

The question of an Oireachtas debate is, of course, a matter for the House and for discussion by the Whips, but the Deputy can take it that I would be happy to participate in any such debate at the appropriate time.

Decentralisation Programme.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

102 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position of the decentralisation programme for his Department; the cost to date; the cost of the temporary accommodation for officials and storage; the cost of travel due to officials having to travel to Dublin for Departmental business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40914/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department's headquarters will be decentralising to Charlestown, Co Mayo. To date, 100 staff have moved to temporary accommodation in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo. My Department has incurred expenditure of €1,224,023 in this regard, of which €300,332 was in respect of travel and subsistence.

The decentralisation of 10 staff to Na Forbacha, Co Galway, is now complete and the process has not resulted in any material additional costs to my Department.

I should point out that this reply relates only to matters that are the direct responsibility of my Department and does not cover matters in relation to the payment of rents, as this is an issue for the Office of Public Works.

Polasaí don Ghaeilge.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

103 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén uair a bheidh an Coiste Comh-Aireachta Rialtais atá ag plé leis an Tuarascáil ar an Staidéar Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht ag bualadh le chéile arís [40881/08]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

126 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an raibh cruinniú de Choiste Rialtais ann ón 23 Iúil 2008; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40906/08]

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimh 103 agus 126 le chéile.

Bhí an cruinniú deireanach den Choiste Rialtais faoin nGaeilge agus faoin nGaeltacht, a bunaíodh mar thoradh ar an Tuarascáil ar an Staidéar Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, ar 23 Iúil 2008 agus tuigim go bhfuiltear ag súil go mbeidh an chéad chruinniú eile ann i rith na míosa seo.

Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

104 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cad iad na cainteanna a bhí aige maidir le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta a thabhairt isteach faoin Údarás Forbartha Tionscail; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40907/08]

Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 101.

Coláistí Samhraidh Gaeilge.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

106 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé gur buille tubaisteach a bheadh ann do gheilleagar na Gaeltachta dá mbeadh ar na coláistí samhraidh deireadh a chur le cúrsaí mar thoradh ar chealú na ndeontas múinteoireachta sna coláistí samhraidh sa Cháinaisnéis is déanaí, i bhfianaise na bhfigiúirí a deir gur thug nach mór 28,000 scoláire aghaidh ar an nGaeltacht i gcaitheamh na bliana 2008 le freastal ar chúrsaí samhraidh Gaeilge; cén sciar den €10.5 milliún don chiste do Scéimeanna Cultúir agus Sóisialta sa Ghaeltacht atá an Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta ag tairiscint do na coláistí samhraidh atá ag fulaingt faoin gciorrú seo agus táillí na gcúrsaí don bhliain 2009 socraithe acu cheana féin; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40883/08]

Faoi mar is eol don Teachta, is ón Roinn Oideachais agus Eolaíochta a íocadh na deontais teagaisc do na Coláistí Samhraidh Gaeilge agus níl aon fhreagracht ormsa mar Aire ina dtaobh.

Chomh fada agus a bhaineann sé le mo Roinn féin de, faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge — ceann de Scéimeanna Cultúrtha agus Sóisialta mo Roinne atá luaite ag an Teachta sa Cheist — íoctar deontas laethúil le teaghlaigh aitheanta sa Ghaeltacht a choinníonn foghlaimeoirí Gaeilge ar iostas. Tá beagnach €5.5m íoctha le mná tí Gaeltachta faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge go dáta i mbliana. Níl i gceist aon athrú a chur ar an deontas an bhliain seo chugainn.

Ní miste dom a rá, áfach, go bhfuil beocht ar leith le hearnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge le blianta beaga anuas, le breis agus 26,600 dalta ag freastal ar chúrsaí sa Ghaeltacht i 2008 go dáta. Bheinn an-dóchasach go mbeidh ar chumas na gcoláistí deimhin a dhéanamh de, le tacaíocht leanúnach mo Roinne, go leanfaidh an scéal amhlaidh sna blianta amach romhainn.

Community Development.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

107 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to the amalgamation of LEADER groups in County Kildare; if the chief executive officer has been appointed; the funding allocated for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40947/08]

The integrated Local Development Company, Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta, was incorporated on 30th November 2007. I can confirm that this company has met the requirements set down by Government in relation to the its Objectives and Membership.

In relation to the appointment of the CEO, I wish to refer the Deputy to PQ Nos 207-209 of 6th November and PQ No. 223 of 2nd October in relation to positions within the newly Integrated Companies. Decisions in relation to the advertising and appointment of positions in LEADER and Partnership Groups are matters for the boards of the companies concerned taking into account all relevant legislation, including the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003 (S.I. No. 131 of 2003). My Department has no role or authority in such processes.

As the Deputy will be aware I announced allocations of funding under Axes 3 and 4 (the LEADER elements) of the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 on 4th November last. Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teo has been allocated €12,282,448 over the lifetime of this programme. Details of these allocations are available on my Department's website at www.pobail.ie.

Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 91.

Inland Waterways.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

109 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the reopening of the Ulster canal; when he expects work to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40657/08]

As the Deputy is aware, approval has been granted by the North/South Ministerial Council to Waterways Ireland to proceed with the restoration of the stretch of Ulster Canal from Upper Lough Erne to Clones.

I understand that preliminary work in relation to design, land acquisition and submission for planning has commenced. Following the acquisition of land and the receipt of planning, a contract for the development and construction of the project will be let. At this stage, it is anticipated that construction works will commence in 2011.

Departmental Bodies.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

110 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of bodies, voluntary or statutory under his aegis that have heretofore received funding directly or indirectly from his Department; the extent to which each body is expected to be affected by financial constraints in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40894/08]

Six statutory bodies are funded directly through my Department's Vote. These are:

Údarás na Gaeltachta,

Western Development Commission,

The Dormant Accounts Board,

An Foras Teanga, comprising Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch,

Waterways Ireland, and

Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla.

I should point out that An Foras Teanga and Waterways Ireland, which are North/South Implementation Bodies, are funded jointly with the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland.

In addition, my Department provides funding to a wide range of bodies under its various schemes, including LEADER groups, Partnerships, Irish language bodies, Community Development Projects, and Federations and Networks in the Community and Voluntary sector. Details of such groups are set out in the annual Appropriation Accounts. My Department also provides funding to intermediary bodies such as Pobal to assist in the delivery of programmes.

Reductions on administrative allocations of the order of €850,000 are required in 2008. Against the background of a gross allocation of c€557m for the Vote this year, I am satisfied that this reduction can be secured with minimal impact for the bodies concerned.

Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

111 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Michael D. Higgins den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta, cad iad na cainteanna a bhí aige le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta faoi ghníomhachtaí Thaighde Mara Teoranta a chur ar ceal; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40908/08]

Is comhlacht neamhthrádála é Taighde Mara Teoranta atá faoi lánúinéireacht Údarás na Gaeltachta. Bunaíodh é i 1983 chun feirmeoireacht sliogéisc a fhorbairt sa Ghaeltacht ach, le himeacht ama, leathnaíodh amach ról an chomhlachta chun tabhairt faoi thaighde ar dheiseanna gnó in earnáil na mara i gcoitinne agus chun tacaíocht theicneolaíochta agus chomhairleach a chur ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Ag tús na bliana 2004, cheadaigh an Rialtas clár maoinithe cúig bliana do Thaighde Mara Teoranta a raibh feidhm leis do na blianta 2004-2008. Tá deireadh ag teacht leis an tréimhse cúig bliana sin anois agus is é tuairim mheáite an Údaráis — i gcomhthéacs forbairtí éagsúla atá tarlaithe san earnáil taighde seo, le roinnt blianta anuas (ar a n-áirítear an obair atá ar siúl ag Foras na Mara agus Institiúid Martin Ryan) — gurb é an rogha is fearr a oireann dá straitéis ná, deireadh a chur leis an gcomhlacht agus cur le scileanna foirne an Údaráis féin chun deiseanna forbartha san earnáil seo a threisiú.

Ba sa chomhthéacs sin a fuarthas cead an Rialtais níos túisce i mbliana chun Taighde Mara Teoranta a leachtú agus pacáiste iomarcaíochta a íoc lena fhoireann.

Tuigtear dom go bhfuil na socruithe cuí chuige sin á dhéanamh ag Údarás na Gaeltachta i láthair na huaire.

National Drugs Strategy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

112 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent research published by the Health Research Board which found that Ireland had the fourth worst rate of drug deaths in Europe; his views on this high level of deaths among drug users; the steps he is taking to reduce demand for illegal drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40956/08]

The National Drugs Related Death Index (NDRDI), covering the period 1998-2005, was published by the Health Research Board last week in fulfilment of action 67 of the National Drug Strategy. The development of a comprehensive index was prioritised in the current Strategy as it was accepted that the level of drug related deaths — as reported by the General Mortality Register — was understated. The work involved was funded jointly by the Departments of Health & Children and Justice, Equality & Law Reform.

To ensure its accuracy and completeness, the new NDRDI was compiled from four sources of data — the General Mortality Register, the records of the Coroners Service, the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry Scheme and the Central Drugs Treatment List. While a significant increase in the numbers of deaths was expected, the data also highlights in stark terms the serious challenges that drug misuse poses in our society and I have expressed my deepest sympathy to everyone affected by these deaths.

While the figures place us 4th for the number of deaths per 1 million population in the EU (after Estonia, Luxembourg & Denmark) in the 2005/6 period, this is a very misleading statistic as only six countries in Europe have prepared comprehensive indices that can be compared with that now produced for Ireland.

The NDRDI is made up of two categories of entry — deaths directly related to drugs (232 in 2005) and indirectly attributed to drugs (168 in 2005 which would include HIV deaths arising from infection from needles exchange, as well as such things as accidents linked to drug use). The figures have increased between 1998 and 2005 as one would expect, as the period covered since the onset of serious illicit drug usage in Ireland becomes longer. Work will now be undertaken on the records for 2006 and it is intended to continue to have a comprehensive and timely data available.

The NDRDI is another piece of valuable information on the overall drugs situation in Ireland. In this context, I am sure the Deputy will agree that it is vital that we have comprehensive and accurate information when developing proposals for a new National Drugs Strategy. The findings from the Index will now feed into the work on the formulation of the new Strategy and I hope to be receiving recommendations in that regard from the Steering Group, which is overseeing that process, in the New Year.

The bottom line is that drugs kill and I hope that the publication of stark facts in the NDRDI will help to prevent some people, at least, from starting a drugs habit and will help others to seek treatment and ultimately to become drug free, before it is too late.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

113 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the upcoming new National Drugs Strategy will contain measures focused on crystal meth specifically in view of the significant seizure in July 2008 and anecdotal evidence of greater use of the drug; and the measures that they are expected to entail. [40996/08]

The new National Drugs Strategy, which will cover the period 2009-2016, will include measures to deal with issues arising from the use of any illicit drug, including crystal meth. The emphasis will be on ensuring that there is an on-going comprehensive response to drug related problems — rather than on drug-specific measures per se. However, those involved in dealing with the drugs problem, from the Gardaí to the Health Services, are aware of the potential threat from crystal meth.

In 2007 the Gardaí hosted an international conference focusing on crystal meth and experts from many countries, who had experience of its impact, addressed the conference and exchanged information. Meanwhile, the Health Service Executive are re-engineering their drug treatment services towards dealing with the individual, regardless of the drugs they use. This is increasingly important as more drug users become involved in polydrug use.

Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 82.

Irish Language.

Joe Costello

Question:

115 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has for the disbursement of the additional funds that he has received for Ciste na Gaeilge in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40962/08]

As the Deputy is aware, funding is provided under Ciste na Gaeilge to a wide range of Irish-language organisations and initiatives that advance the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht. In addition to funding major organisations such as Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and An Taibhdhearc on an annual basis, the Ciste is used to fund critically-important initiatives to support the status of Irish as an EU official and working language and to resource public bodies to implement the Official Languages Act. These special initiatives include, for example, the development by Fiontar, Dublin City University, of a database of EU terminology in the Irish language. The database also includes terminology required for translation of statutory instruments. Furthermore since 2006, four new sub-Funds under the Ciste have been established — an Ciste Logainmneacha, an Ciste Gnó, an Ciste Tríú Leibhéal and an Ciste DVDs as Gaeilge, to provide funding for the provision of children's DVDs in the Irish language.

As well as providing, as already announced, for a special grant to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, the funding provided in the 2009 estimates for Ciste na Gaeilge will facilitate the continuation of the various schemes and initiatives outlined above. I expect to be in a position to announce precise details of funding being allocated to individual initiatives in early 2009.

Question No. 116 answered with Question No. 82.
Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 101.

Community Development.

Ulick Burke

Question:

118 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to review the boundary areas under the CLÁR programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40854/08]

As the Deputy is aware, the CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme for rural areas, which was launched in October 2001. The areas covered by the Programme were reviewed in 2002 and, more recently, in 2006 and as a result, CLÁR now covers parts of 22 counties and all of Co. Leitrim and benefits a population of nearly 727,000. I have no plans at present for any further expansion of the areas covered by CLÁR.

Official Engagements.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

119 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent official visit to the United States. [40953/08]

I visited the United States between the 17th and the 21st October 2008 and spent time in Boston, New York and Portland. During my visit I attended the following events:

I attended a meal hosted by the Consul General in Boston, which was attended by the Directors of the Irish Immigration Centre and the Irish Pastoral Centre, senior academics from University of Massachusetts, Boston College and Harvard and Irish business figures.

I attended the celebration of 100 years of the Mayo County Association in Boston. Approximately 700 people attended, including representatives from other County Associations, a high level delegation from Mayo County Council including the Cathaoirleach and the County Manager, and representatives from agencies in Mayo.

I visited Catholic Memorial High School in Roxbury, Boston, the only High School in the United States, to my knowledge, that teaches the Irish language as a subject. I met with students, staff, parents, members of the school Board, and supporters of the school.

In New York I visited an exhibition by a young Irish artist, Joseph Walsh, who was exhibiting hand turned furniture. I then attended a celebratory Mass in St. Agnes Church, where a plaque was unveiled marking the place in which Éamon de Valera was baptised. I also attended a GAA match between New York and Galway.

I also visited Portland, Maine to officially reopen the Maine Irish Heritage Centre. Among my engagements there, I met with the committee that worked to develop the Heritage Centre, and also attended a gathering of Irish speakers. I also visited the Western Cemetery Memorial to the victims of the Irish Famine.

Polasaí don Ghaeilge.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

120 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Tom Sheahan den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta an aontaíonn sé go ndíríonn feachtas GLAC LEIS Chonradh na Gaeilge — le daoine óga go háirithe a spreagadh agus a chumasú chun leas a bhaint as na seirbhísí Gaeilge atá á dtairiscint ag an earnáil phoiblí buíochas le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 — ar dhreamanna daoine óga nach mbaineann an scéim Gaeilge Labhartha in Earnáil an Oideachais (GLEO) atá á reáchtáil ag Foras na Gaeilge leo, ó thugann GLEO aitheantas do na cleachtais is fearr maidir le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge labhartha i mbunscoileanna agus meánscoileanna a fheidhmíonn trí mheán an Bhéarla in Éirinn, fad agus a dhíríonn feachtas GLAC LEIS an Chonartha ar dhaoine óga ag a bhfuil cumas maith labhartha Gaeilge sna scoileanna Gaeltachta, sna Gaelscoileanna, sna Gaelcholáistí, sna coláistí samhraidh agus in áiteanna eile nach iad, a spreagadh agus a chumasú leis an nGaeilge a úsáid leis na comhlachtaí poiblí i gcónaí agus dá réir sin, gur fiú maoiniú ar leith a thabhairt d’fheachtas GLAC LEIS; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh [40882/08]

Dinny McGinley

Question:

384 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta nach fíor go bhfuil sé mar ról ag Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga eolas a thabhairt don phobal agus comhairle a chur ar an bpobal maidir le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003 agus maidir leis na seirbhísí agus na cearta atá ag an bpobal ó thaobh na Gaeilge de go ginearálta, ach ós rud é nach bhfuil sé mar ról ag an gCoimisinéir éinne a spreagadh nó a chumasú leis na seirbhísí sin a éileamh, tá tábhacht nach beag lena leithéid d’fheachtas agus Glac Leis an Chonartha chun daoine a chumasú agus a spreagadh leis an nGaeilge a úsáid leis na comhlachtaí poiblí i gcónaí; an aontaíonn sé gur fiú go mór maoiniú a chur ar fáil do thionscnaimh bhreise chun tabhairt faoina leithéid d’fheachtas d’fhonn tuilleadh feasachta agus úsáide a bhaint amach i gcomhthéacs Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003, agus go sonrach d’fhonn pobal na teanga a chumasú agus a spreagadh leis an nGaeilge a úsáid san earnáil phoiblí, agus chun cabhrú leis na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge atá ag déanamh tréaniarrachta é seo a chur i gcrích cheana féin cheal acmhainní daonna agus airgid; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40884/08]

Tógfaidh mé Ceisteanna Uimhir 120 agus 384 le chéile.

Is mian liom aird na dTeachtaí a dhíriú ar mo fhreagra ar Cheist Uimh 173 den 9 Deireadh Fómhair 2008. Go hachomhair, bhain trí phríomh-ghné leis an bhfreagra sin agus ní miste dom athrá a dhéanamh orthu.

Ar an gcéad dul síos, tacaím go mór le daoine a spreagadh chun leas a bhaint as na seirbhísí Gaeilge atá á gcur ar fáil anois de thoradh Acht na dTeangacha Oifgiúla. Sa dara háit, aithním freisin go bhfuil an obair sin mar ghnó lárnach do na heagraíochtaí agus do na greasáin Gaeilge. Sa tríú háit, táim go láidir den tuairim gur chóir tosaíocht a thabhairt don chúram seo taobh istigh de na hacmhainní atá ag an earnáil Ghaeilge cheana féin.

Dá réir sin, ag cur san áireamh go bhfuil breis agus 200 craobh ag Conradh na Gaeilge agus go bhfuil coistí ag Glór na nGael, Gaelscoileanna, Cumann na bhFiann, Comhluadar agus na Scéimeanna Pobail atá maoinithe ag Foras na Gaeilge, feictear domsa go bhfuil bunús láidir ag an earnáil Ghaeilge chun tabhairt faoina leithéid d'fheachtas d'fhonn tuilleadh feasachta agus úsáide a bhaint amach.

Is fiú aird a tharraingt ar ról Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga sa ghnó seo chomh maith ó thaobh eolais agus comhairle a chur ar an bpobal maidir le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla agus maidir lena gcearta i ndáil le seirbhísí a fháil trí Ghaeilge.

Community Development.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

121 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of recreational areas or parks that have received funding from his Department or its agencies in each of the past five years; the criteria attached to such funding allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40913/08]

My Department operates a range of initiatives, schemes and programmes to benefit communities, through which funding may be available for recreational areas or parks. The most relevant schemes for the purposes of the Deputy's query are the CLÁR Programme, the Rural Recreation Scheme, the RAPID Programme, the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) and the Gaeltacht Improvement Schemes. The total number of recreational areas or parks that have received funding in the past five years under these and other improvement schemes operated by my Department is 1455, of which 172 received funding in the current year. A full detail of the breakdown per programme and per year is outlined in the following table. I will arrange to forward to the Deputy further information in relation to the relevant schemes and programmes, including the specific eligibility criteria.

In relation to the agencies within the ambit of my Department, I am advised by the Western Development Commission (WDC) that six recreational projects have benefited from the Western Investment Fund since 2004. There are two main criteria of eligibility for funding under the WDC Investment Fund. These are:

1. The commercial viability of the project and its ability to provide the WDC Investment Fund with an appropriate financial return for the risk undertaken.

2. The social benefits accruing to the area served by the project and the region as a whole as a result of the investment, including employment potential and enhancing quality of life.

Finally, as regards Údarás na Gaeltachta, I am advised that they have provided funding in the case of 2 recreational areas or parks during the past 5 years. In addition, I understand that they have given sites on a lease basis for the development of play facilities in 2 further instances, one of which is now completed and works will be commencing shortly on the other.

Year

CLÁR Primary School Outdoor Play Facilities Enhancement Scheme (No. of schools)

Recreational Areas on Off shore islands

Gaeltacht Improvement Scheme — Community Halls

Gaeltacht Improvement Scheme — Pitches & Play Areas

YPFSF Capital projects

RRS Failte Ireland Looped Walks

RRSCRGA Walks Projects

RAPID leverage Playgrounds Grants Scheme

RAPID leverage Sports Capital Top-up Scheme

2004

299

3

6

7

51

0

0

14

0

2005

19

1

4

9

56

0

0

41

15

2006

303

10

11

10

21

0

20

29

2007

181

3

12

16

49

38

2

24

32

2008

48

4

20

9

0

46

8

11

27

National Drugs Strategy.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

122 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the research that was carried out into the workings and effectiveness of the regional drug task forces established under the National Drugs Strategy 2001 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40917/08]

Jack Wall

Question:

380 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the research that has been carried out into the workings and effectiveness of the Regional Drug Task Forces established under the National Drugs Strategy 2001 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41022/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 380 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, ten Regional Drugs Task Forces (RDTFs) were established in 2003/04 in the former Health Board areas to develop appropriate policies to deal with drug misuse in the regions.

Across the ten RDTF areas, work is progressing on the implementation of their Action Plans with expenditure in 2007 coming to over €7m. The increased provision in 2008 will allow for the full year cost of the approx. 155 community projects already in progress and the start of a number of new projects, with expenditure expected to reach around €10m by the end of this year. In addition, nearly €2.3m was allocated to 16 projects this year under the Regional Youth Initiative. This Initiative provides capital funding for the development of dedicated youth facilities in RDTF areas not covered under the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund.

No formal research of the workings and effectiveness of the RDTFs has been carried out to date. However, the National Drugs Strategy Team, which oversees the workings of the LDTFs and RDTFs, has undertaken training and induction workshops for new Task Force members on financial and procedural matters. They also meet regularly with the RDTFs Chairpersons and Co-ordinators in order to ensure Task Forces are working effectively.

As the establishment of the Task Force structures was a lengthy process, many of the Task Forces are still relatively new and are still in the process of implementing their actions plans. Therefore, I believe it would be premature at this stage to carry out a review of effectiveness before they have reached their full capacity.

Question No. 123 answered with Question No. 94.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

124 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way he plans to tackle cocaine misuse in 2009 particularly across drugs taskforce areas; the amount of money that he will spend on such measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40887/08]

Funding for projects in Drugs Task Forces action plans in 2009 will be maintained at 2008 levels i.e. €32m. These action plans contain initiatives to tackle a range of issues across the pillars of treatment, rehabilitation, supply reduction as well as prevention measures.

With regard to cocaine, under the Local Drugs Task Force Emerging Needs Fund, seven dedicated cocaine specific projects were approved for funding in 2005/06. A further nine projects aimed at poly-drug/cocaine use are also being supported under that Fund. Over €1m is provided annually through the National Drugs Strategy to support these projects and I recently approved an additional €300,000 to further develop and enhance four of these initiatives. These will continue to be rolled out in 2009.

The Deputy should also note that my Department provided funding for four pilot cocaine projects to examine different methods of treatment for cocaine use, as well as a training initiative for frontline personnel to deal with cocaine issues. In this regard, I recently approved almost €150,000 for one of these projects — located in Tallaght — to further develop their response to cocaine.

Although some savings may have to be identified within the projects above, funding will continue into 2009.

I also provided funding of €500,000 to the Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces to run their own locally based awareness campaigns on cocaine which will highlight the issues raised in the national campaign but will focus on issues relating to cocaine use in their own areas.

Finally, it should be noted that a further €750,000 was allocated this year to address cocaine use in local communities across both Regional and Local Drugs Task Force areas. The majority of this allocation will fund dedicated cocaine and poly-drug workers and 12 such proposals were approved across the Task Force areas. The funding will also provide for cross-Task Force cocaine training. Many of these projects will be rolled out next year or will be rolled out at a protracted rate, taking into consideration the priorities of Task Forces and the savings to be identified in 2009.

Appointments to State Boards.

Willie Penrose

Question:

125 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the response he has received to his recent request for submissions to the Dormant Accounts Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40954/08]

The Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005 provides that the Dormant Accounts Board will consist of a chairperson and 10 ordinary members appointed by me, all of whom must have knowledge or experience relevant to the Board's functions. Section 32(3) of the Act provides that not fewer than four of the ordinary members are required to be persons who in my opinion have knowledge of, and experience relating to, the purposes for which disbursements may be made under the Act. This section also provides that appointments to the Board will be made following consideration by me of any submissions received on foot of a published notice.

In order to comply with this latter requirement, a public notice appeared in national newspapers on 4th November 2008 seeking submissions from interested parties nominating suitably qualified candidates for consideration in relation to appointments to the Board over the coming years.

The closing date for submissions is noon on Friday 28th November 2008. As of 14th November 2008, five submissions had been received by my Department.

Question No. 126 answered with Question No. 103.

Sports Capital Programme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

127 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding supplied in each of the past three years to sporting organisations in RAPID areas to provide and support and improve facilities for recreational and sporting activities in respect of young people in these areas; if this funding will increase in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40946/08]

The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within 46 designated RAPID areas nationally. It is a matter for individual lead Departments to report on their investments in RAPID areas.

RAPID Leverage Funding

Deputies will be aware that, in 2004, I introduced the RAPID Leverage Fund to provide financial support for small-scale projects in RAPID areas, which are endorsed by the RAPID Area Implementation Teams. Under this scheme, my Department provides an additional grant of up to 30% of the funds allocated under the Sports Capital Programme operated by my Colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism for projects in or serving RAPID areas. Indeed from 2008 the overall level of funding has been increased to 90% of the project cost. The table below illustrates funding under this measure in the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Year

RAPID Allocation

2005

2,317,750

2006

3,791,000

2007

3,476,000

2008

1,960,426

Total

11,545,176

While the level of funding allocated in 2008 shows a reduction on previous years it should be pointed out that the level of proportionality with respect to the SCP funding allocated by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism remains constant also additional funding for sport related initiatives in RAPID areas is available as follows:

Dormant Accounts Funding

Following the enactment of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2005, funding is ring-fenced annually to support priority projects in RAPID areas. Since 2007, 15% of the annual €7.5million available under the RAPID Additionality Measure is allocated to sports and youth related activities.

A further €0.2 million of the Dormant Accounts was allocated under the 2006 and 2007 rounds of funding for equipment grants for youth groups with a particular focus on disadvantaged and marginal groups. Details of beneficiaries to date are available on my Department's website www.pobail.ie

YPFSF Funding

The Deputy may also wish to note that the Young Peoples Facilities and Services Fund also operates in some RAPID areas and to date, over €66m has been allocated in capital funding to support the development of a range of youth, community and sports facilities in the areas in which it operates.

Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 90.
Question No. 129 answered with Question No. 92.
Question No. 130 answered with Question No. 97.

Liscensed Trade Sector.

Jack Wall

Question:

131 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Taoiseach if there is evidence that the recent changes in the licensing laws have resulted in a reduction of employment in that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40752/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is not available. The Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) is the official source of estimates of the number of persons in employment. With regards to sector of employment, the NACE classification is used and licensed premises are included in the Hotels and Restaurants sector under that classification. The latest available figures relate to the second quarter of 2008, which was before the introduction of the changes in the licensing laws. These figures showed an estimated 128,600 persons in employment in the Hotels and Restaurants sector. However, it is not possible to estimate how many of these people were employed within licensed premises specifically.

The next QNHS (third quarter 2008) is due for release on Friday, 21 November 2008.

US Presidential Election.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

132 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach if he attempted to contact Senator Barrack Obama to congratulate him on his election on 4 or 5 November 2008; if Senator Obama took the call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40497/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

133 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach if he has spoken to Senator Barrack Obama since his election victory on 4 November 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40498/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

On 5 November I sent a message of congratulations to President-elect Barrack Obama, on behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland.

I subsequently wrote to the President-elect offering him our congratulations on his historic election victory. I also extended my best wishes to Vice President-elect Joe Biden.

I anticipate speaking with the President-elect in the near future and I look forward to working with him to further build and strengthen relations between Ireland and the United States.

Ministerial Staff.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

134 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the number of people he and his Minister of State have appointed to work with them; the number located in their constituency offices and in their Department; the responsibility of each; the rank, salary scale and name in each case; if they are elected to city, county, town or borough councils; if they are members of State boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40598/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is detailed in the following table.

Name

Title

Annual Salary

Rank (Civil Service equivalent)

Joe Lennon

Programme Manager/Special Adviser

221,929

(Secretary General)

Gerry Steadman

Special Adviser

131,748

(Assistant Secretary)

Brian Murphy

Special Adviser

131,748

(Assistant Secretary)

Declan Ryan

Special Adviser

94,785

(Principal Officer)

Peter Clinch

Special Adviser

204,952

No grade equivalent (University Professor)

Padraig Slyne

Special Adviser (to the Government Chief Whip)

96,555

(Principal Officer)

Peter Lenehan

Personal Assistant

53,354

Executive Officer

Annette McManus

Personal Assistant

49,685

Staff Officer

Denise Kavanagh

Personal Assistant

61,082

Higher Executive Officer

John Sheridan

Personal Assistant to Government Chief Whip and Minister of State

46,558

(Executive Officer)

Yvonne Graham

Personal Assistant

55,030

Higher Executive Officer

Sinead Dooley

Personal Assistant with responsibility as Office Manager

66,179

(Assistant Principal)

Margaret Fogarty (worksharing)

Secretarial Assistant to Government Chief Whip and Minister of State [Finglas Office]

20,239

Secretarial Assistant

Linda Weir (worksharing)

Secretarial Assistant to Government Chief Whip and Minister of State [Finglas Office]

20,239

Secretarial Assistant

Elaine Hogan

Personal Secretary [Tullamore Office]

40,479

Secretarial Assistant

Colette Waters

Personal Secretary [Tullamore Office]

39,351

Clerical Officer

Eoghan O Neachtain

Government Press Secretary

150,712

(Assistant Secretary)

The responsibilities of the staff listed in the table are as follows. Under the direction of the Programme Manager, the primary function of the Special Advisers is to monitor, facilitate and help secure the achievement of Government objectives and to ensure effective coordination in the implementation of the Programme for Government.

They are also tasked with giving me advice and keeping me informed on a wide range of issues, including business, financial, economic, political, environmental, administrative and media matters and performing such other functions as may be directed by me from time to time. In addition, a number of my advisers have specific responsibilities in relation to speech drafting.

My Programme Manager meets other Ministerial Advisers on a weekly basis. He monitors and reports to me on progress in implementing the Programme for Government.

I also appointed four non-established Civil Servants to the Government Chief Whip two of whom are based in his Private Office and two in his Finglas Constituency Office, (these are work sharers). I appointed Mr. Pádraig Slyne as Special Adviser to the Government Chief Whip.

In addition, I appointed Mr. Eoghan O Neachtain as Government Press Secretary. The two Deputy Government Press Secretaries, Mr. Mark Costigan and Mr. John Downing, while they are members of staff of my Department, report to Minister Harney and Minister Gormley respectively. These are supported by two non-established Civil Servants.

The Government Press Secretary and Press Officers provide an information service on Government policy to the public through the national and international media on behalf of myself, my Department and the Government, together with promoting a co-ordinated approach to media matters across all Government Departments. The central task of the Deputy Government Press Secretaries is to assist the Government Press Secretary in communicating to the media the decisions of Government.

The Personal Assistants/Personal Secretaries in my Department have a range of duties including providing administrative assistance in the Constituency Office, Protocol Division and the Government Chief Whip's Office.

The Green Party Programme Manager, based in Government Buildings, is not a member of staff of my Department, while the PD Programme Manager, Oliver O'Connor is a staff member of my Department.

All appointments made by me comply with relevant legislation including the terms of the Civil Service (Regulation) Act, 2006 and with the relevant directions on Ministerial Staff appointments of the Department of Finance.

One member of staff in my Constituency Office in Tullamore is a Councillor with the Tullamore Town Council.

Housing Statistics.

Richard Bruton

Question:

135 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach the number of houses which were reported as vacant at the last census in Dublin distinguishing the number in each local authority ward. [40599/08]

The following table provides the number of housing units reported as vacant by enumerators during the fieldwork phase of the April 2006 census for each of the electoral divisions in the Dublin administrative counties.

Permanent Housing Units by occupancy status on Census night 2006

County

DED

Occupied

Vacant House (including temporarily absent and holiday homes)

Total Housing Stock

Dublin City and County

422,440

55,559

477,999

Dublin City

001 Arran Quay A

613

146

759

Dublin City

002 Arran Quay B

1,414

408

1,822

Dublin City

003 Arran Quay C

1,541

479

2,020

Dublin City

004 Arran Quay D

1,427

266

1,693

Dublin City

005 Arran Quay E

1,370

380

1,750

Dublin City

006 Ashtown A

2,719

467

3,186

Dublin City

007 Ashtown B

1,025

115

1,140

Dublin City

008 Ayrfield

1,691

81

1,772

Dublin City

009 Ballybough A

1,500

269

1,769

Dublin City

010 Ballybough B

1,324

305

1,629

Dublin City

011 Ballygall A

1,168

147

1,315

Dublin City

012 Ballygall B

725

58

783

Dublin City

013 Ballygall C

1,337

88

1,425

Dublin City

014 Ballygall D

952

56

1,008

Dublin City

015 Ballymun A

605

284

889

Dublin City

016 Ballymun B

1,229

177

1,406

Dublin City

017 Ballymun C

1,952

229

2,181

Dublin City

018 Ballymun D

1,263

258

1,521

Dublin City

019 Ballymun E

576

49

625

Dublin City

020 Ballymun F

891

48

939

Dublin City

021 Beaumont A

997

71

1,068

Dublin City

022 Beaumont B

1,539

86

1,625

Dublin City

023 Beaumont C

1,250

148

1,398

Dublin City

024 Beaumont D

719

37

756

Dublin City

025 Beaumont E

775

61

836

Dublin City

026 Beaumont F

1,287

92

1,379

Dublin City

027 Botanic A

1,252

210

1,462

Dublin City

028 Botanic B

1,339

218

1,557

Dublin City

029 Botanic C

861

177

1,038

Dublin City

030 Cabra East A

2,413

307

2,720

Dublin City

031 Cabra East B

1,438

110

1,548

Dublin City

032 Cabra East C

1,484

367

1,851

Dublin City

033 Cabra West A

529

39

568

Dublin City

034 Cabra West B

1,044

60

1,104

Dublin City

035 Cabra West C

1,081

83

1,164

Dublin City

036 Cabra West D

1,058

101

1,159

Dublin City

037 Clontarf East A

1,265

117

1,382

Dublin City

038 Clontarf East B

2,549

320

2,869

Dublin City

039 Clontarf East C

1,093

152

1,245

Dublin City

040 Clontarf East D

1,055

126

1,181

Dublin City

041 Clontarf East E

595

61

656

Dublin City

042 Clontarf West A

1,353

160

1,513

Dublin City

043 Clontarf West B

982

84

1,066

Dublin City

044 Clontarf West C

1,589

315

1,904

Dublin City

045 Clontarf West D

959

138

1,097

Dublin City

046 Clontarf West E

935

95

1,030

Dublin City

047 Drumcondra South A

1,499

223

1,722

Dublin City

048 Drumcondra South B

629

122

751

Dublin City

049 Drumcondra South C

1,271

174

1,445

Dublin City

050 Edenmore

964

56

1,020

Dublin City

051 Finglas North A

1,137

52

1,189

Dublin City

052 Finglas North B

1,055

73

1,128

Dublin City

053 Finglas North C

1,209

124

1,333

Dublin City

054 Finglas South A

960

47

1,007

Dublin City

055 Finglas South B

1,133

205

1,338

Dublin City

056 Finglas South C

863

53

916

Dublin City

057 Finglas South D

773

45

818

Dublin City

058 Grace Park

2,136

221

2,357

Dublin City

059 Grange A

2,142

154

2,296

Dublin City

060 Grange B

936

111

1,047

Dublin City

061 Grange C

1,108

31

1,139

Dublin City

062 Grange D

1,435

78

1,513

Dublin City

063 Grange E

967

59

1,026

Dublin City

064 Harmonstown A

1,064

80

1,144

Dublin City

065 Harmonstown B

960

69

1,029

Dublin City

066 Inns Quay A

978

219

1,197

Dublin City

067 Inns Quay B

1,384

403

1,787

Dublin City

068 Inns Quay C

1,133

184

1,317

Dublin City

069 Kilmore A

1,178

57

1,235

Dublin City

070 Kilmore B

998

44

1,042

Dublin City

071 Kilmore C

488

96

584

Dublin City

072 Kilmore D

794

29

823

Dublin City

073 Mountjoy A

1,312

384

1,696

Dublin City

074 Mountjoy B

1,429

273

1,702

Dublin City

075 North City

1,148

614

1,762

Dublin City

076 North Dock A

532

81

613

Dublin City

077 North Dock B

1,535

480

2,015

Dublin City

078 North Dock C

1,552

323

1,875

Dublin City

079 Phoenix Park

620

96

716

Dublin City

080 Priorswood A

494

42

536

Dublin City

081 Priorswood B

725

24

749

Dublin City

082 Priorswood C

1,031

205

1,236

Dublin City

083 Priorswood D

926

56

982

Dublin City

084 Priorswood E

867

39

906

Dublin City

085 Raheny-Foxfield

821

39

860

Dublin City

086 Raheny-Greendale

800

70

870

Dublin City

087 Raheny-St.Assam

1,287

121

1,408

Dublin City

088 Rotunda A

1,576

390

1,966

Dublin City

089 Rotunda B

851

322

1,173

Dublin City

090 Whitehall A

1,287

148

1,435

Dublin City

091 Whitehall B

1,575

127

1,702

Dublin City

092 Whitehall C

809

64

873

Dublin City

093 Whitehall D

1,009

92

1,101

Dublin City

094 Chapelizod

1,342

215

1,557

Dublin City

095 Cherry Orchard A

695

65

760

Dublin City

096 Carna

948

45

993

Dublin City

097 Cherry Orchard C

1,094

257

1,351

Dublin City

098 Crumlin A

1,438

98

1,536

Dublin City

099 Crumlin B

1,185

68

1,253

Dublin City

100 Crumlin C

926

74

1,000

Dublin City

101 Crumlin D

1,548

204

1,752

Dublin City

102 Crumlin E

1,071

72

1,143

Dublin City

103 Crumlin F

1,107

120

1,227

Dublin City

104 Decies

1,046

58

1,104

Dublin City

105 Drumfinn

1,311

121

1,432

Dublin City

106 Inchicore A

878

178

1,056

Dublin City

107 Inchicore B

700

100

800

Dublin City

108 Kilmainham A

1,023

184

1,207

Dublin City

109 Kilmainham B

763

179

942

Dublin City

110 Kilmainham C

1,795

241

2,036

Dublin City

111 Kimmage A

740

35

775

Dublin City

112 Kimmage B

1,430

95

1,525

Dublin City

113 Kimmage C

1,172

138

1,310

Dublin City

114 Kimmage D

1,025

63

1,088

Dublin City

115 Kimmage E

1,353

105

1,458

Dublin City

116 Kylemore

956

67

1,023

Dublin City

117 Mansion House A

1,569

310

1,879

Dublin City

118 Mansion House B

208

89

297

Dublin City

119 Merchants Quay A

855

161

1,016

Dublin City

120 Merchants Quay B

1,725

296

2,021

Dublin City

121 Merchants Quay C

1,195

408

1,603

Dublin City

122 Merchants Quay D

925

103

1,028

Dublin City

123 Merchants Quay E

1,025

170

1,195

Dublin City

124 Merchants Quay F

943

159

1,102

Dublin City

125 Pembroke East A

1,893

239

2,132

Dublin City

126 Pembroke East B

1,309

308

1,617

Dublin City

127 Pembroke East C

1,486

381

1,867

Dublin City

128 Pembroke East D

1,466

302

1,768

Dublin City

129 Pembroke East E

1,377

424

1,801

Dublin City

130 Pembroke West A

1,892

478

2,370

Dublin City

131 Pembroke West B

1,148

449

1,597

Dublin City

132 Pembroke West C

1,684

752

2,436

Dublin City

133 Rathfarnham

1,720

279

1,999

Dublin City

134 Rathmines East A

1,883

450

2,333

Dublin City

135 Rathmines East B

2,186

409

2,595

Dublin City

136 Rathmines East C

1,330

258

1,588

Dublin City

137 Rathmines East D

1,213

270

1,483

Dublin City

138 Rathmines West A

2,592

465

3,057

Dublin City

139 Rathmines West B

1,635

452

2,087

Dublin City

140 Rathmines West C

1,149

231

1,380

Dublin City

141 Rathmines West D

1,453

238

1,691

Dublin City

142 Rathmines West E

1,481

365

1,846

Dublin City

143 Rathmines West F

1,287

268

1,555

Dublin City

144 Royal Exchange A

1,264

313

1,577

Dublin City

145 Royal Exchange B

547

106

653

Dublin City

146 St Kevin’s

1,753

468

2,221

Dublin City

147 South Dock

2,237

726

2,963

Dublin City

148 Terenure A

1,485

216

1,701

Dublin City

149 Terenure B

1,367

230

1,597

Dublin City

150 Terenure C

616

66

682

Dublin City

151 Terenure D

287

31

318

Dublin City

152 Ushers A

787

174

961

Dublin City

153 Ushers B

613

152

765

Dublin City

154 Ushers C

1,331

254

1,585

Dublin City

155 Ushers D

744

203

947

Dublin City

156 Ushers E

833

90

923

Dublin City

157 Ushers F

1,092

187

1,279

Dublin City

158 Walkinstown A

770

60

830

Dublin City

159 Walkinstown B

728

68

796

Dublin City

160 Walkinstown C

905

89

994

Dublin City

161 Wood Quay A

1,150

176

1,326

Dublin City

162 Wood Quay B

1,772

350

2,122

South Dublin

001 Ballinascorney

262

35

297

South Dublin

002 Ballyboden

1,623

104

1,727

South Dublin

003 Bohernabreena

1,333

103

1,436

South Dublin

004 Clondalkin-Ballymount

587

44

631

South Dublin

005 Clondalkin-Cappaghmore

532

21

553

South Dublin

006 Clondalkin-Dunawley

3,399

377

3,776

South Dublin

007 Clondalkin-Monastery

3,451

439

3,890

South Dublin

008 Clondalkin-Moorfield

1,782

155

1,937

South Dublin

009 Clondalkin-Rowlagh

1,235

58

1,293

South Dublin

010 Clondalkin Village

2,949

263

3,212

South Dublin

011 Edmondstown

1,812

112

1,924

South Dublin

012 Firhouse-Ballycullen

1,996

119

2,115

South Dublin

013 Firhouse-Knocklyon

1,238

51

1,289

South Dublin

014 Firhouse Village

3,575

276

3,851

South Dublin

015 Lucan-Esker

8,585

655

9,240

South Dublin

016 Lucan Heights

1,835

146

1,981

South Dublin

017 Lucan-St. Helens

2,137

324

2,461

South Dublin

018 Newcastle

812

93

905

South Dublin

019 Palmerston Village

1,425

84

1,509

South Dublin

020 Palmerston West

2,072

218

2,290

South Dublin

021 Rathcoole

1,253

161

1,414

South Dublin

022 Rathfarnham-Ballyroan

940

75

1,015

South Dublin

023 Rathfarnham-Butterfield

1,238

103

1,341

South Dublin

024 Rathfarnham-Hermitage

1,539

159

1,698

South Dublin

025 Rathfarnham-St. Enda’s

1,381

99

1,480

South Dublin

026 Rathfarnham Village

1,220

162

1,382

South Dublin

027 Saggart

989

313

1,302

South Dublin

028 Tallaght-Avonbeg

545

11

556

South Dublin

029 Tallaght-Belgard

536

27

563

South Dublin

030 Tallaght-Fettercairn

1,854

107

1,961

South Dublin

031 Tallaght-Glenview

439

35

474

South Dublin

032 Tallaght-Jobstown

4,132

346

4,478

South Dublin

033 Tallaght-Killinardan

1,194

36

1,230

South Dublin

034 Tallaght-Kilnamanagh

1,505

63

1,568

South Dublin

035 Tallaght-Kiltipper

2,147

169

2,316

South Dublin

036 Tallaght-Kingswood

1,234

56

1,290

South Dublin

037 Tallaght-Millbrook

1,257

72

1,329

South Dublin

038 Tallaght-Oldbawn

1,365

64

1,429

South Dublin

039 Tallaght-Springfield

2,295

424

2,719

South Dublin

040 Tallaght-Tymon

1,722

113

1,835

South Dublin

041 Templeogue-Cypress

969

54

1,023

South Dublin

042 Templeogue-Kimmage Manor

1,508

115

1,623

South Dublin

043 Templeogue-Limekiln

1,271

74

1,345

South Dublin

044 Templeogue-Orwell

732

42

774

South Dublin

045 Templeogue-Osprey

817

42

859

South Dublin

046 Templeogue Village

807

94

901

South Dublin

047 Terenure-Cherryfield

876

60

936

South Dublin

048 Terenure-Greentrees

1,118

68

1,186

South Dublin

049 Terenure-St. James

1,094

46

1,140

Fingal

001 Airport

564

249

813

Fingal

002 Balbriggan Rural

3,586

635

4,221

Fingal

003 Balbriggan Urban

2,440

427

2,867

Fingal

004 Baldoyle

1,975

132

2,107

Fingal

005 Balgriffin

273

94

367

Fingal

006 Ballyboghil

275

22

297

Fingal

007 Balscadden

182

31

213

Fingal

008 Blanchardstown-Abbotstown

1,344

187

1,531

Fingal

009 Blanchardstown-Blakestown

10,601

952

11,553

Fingal

010 Blanchardstown-Coolmine

3,339

202

3,541

Fingal

011 Blanchardstown-Corduff

1,524

88

1,612

Fingal

012 Blanchardstown-Delwood

1,693

134

1,827

Fingal

013 Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart

913

64

977

Fingal

014 Blanchardstown-Roselawn

618

47

665

Fingal

015 Blanchardstown-Tyrrelstown

443

76

519

Fingal

016 Castleknock-Knockmaroon

5,647

692

6,339

Fingal

017 Castleknock-Park

1,375

175

1,550

Fingal

018 Clonmethan

194

25

219

Fingal

019 Donabate

2,484

393

2,877

Fingal

020 Dubber

1,368

207

1,575

Fingal

021 Garristown

366

91

457

Fingal

022 Hollywood

303

40

343

Fingal

023 Holmpatrick

979

74

1,053

Fingal

024 Howth

2,889

421

3,310

Fingal

025 Kilsallaghan

629

62

691

Fingal

026 Kinsaley

2,054

287

2,341

Fingal

027 Lucan North

361

40

401

Fingal

028 Lusk

2,461

395

2,856

Fingal

029 Malahide East

2,222

515

2,737

Fingal

030 Malahide West

2,031

258

2,289

Fingal

031 Portmarnock North

1,382

86

1,468

Fingal

032 Portmarnock South

1,221

90

1,311

Fingal

033 Rush

2,704

404

3,108

Fingal

034 Skerries

2,840

356

3,196

Fingal

035 Sutton

2,144

170

2,314

Fingal

036 Swords-Forrest

4,222

397

4,619

Fingal

037 Swords-Glasmore

2,404

133

2,537

Fingal

038 Swords-Lissenhall

3,226

278

3,504

Fingal

039 Swords-Seatown

1,882

185

2,067

Fingal

040 Swords Village

892

104

996

Fingal

041 The Ward

1,803

236

2,039

Fingal

042 Turnapin

564

38

602

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

001 Ballinteer-Broadford

1,097

78

1,175

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

002 Ballinteer-Ludford

767

50

817

Dun-Laoghaire Rathdown

003 Ballinteer-Marley

823

41

864

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

004 Ballinteer-Meadowbroads

579

50

629

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

005 Ballinteer-Meadowmount

686

29

715

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

006 Ballinteer-Woodpark

1,496

145

1,641

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

007 Ballybrack

992

43

1,035

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

008 Blackrock-Booterstown

1,172

230

1,402

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

009 Blackrock-Carysfort

1,888

190

2,078

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

010 Blackrock-Central

1,315

240

1,555

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

011 Blackrock-Glenomena

663

102

765

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

012 Blackrock-Monkstown

1,327

200

1,527

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

013 Blackrock-Newpark

710

71

781

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

014 Blackrock-Seapoint

507

122

629

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

015 Blackrock-Stradbrook

907

97

1,004

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

016 Blackrock-Templehill

967

145

1,112

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

017 Blackrock-Williamstown

888

187

1,075

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

018 Cabinteely-Granitefield

892

97

989

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

019 Cabinteely-Kilbogget

904

43

947

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

020 Carbineely-Loughlinstown

1,043

192

1,235

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

021 Cabinteely-Pottery

1,559

104

1,663

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

022 Churchtown-Castle

532

52

584

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

023 Churchtown-Landscape

448

47

495

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

024 Churchtown-Nutgrove

1,132

97

1,229

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

025 Churchtown-Orwell

664

82

746

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

026 Churchtown-Woodlawn

505

62

567

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

027 Clonskeagh-Belfield

790

62

852

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

028 Clonskeagh-Farranboley

641

104

745

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

029 Clonskeagh-Milltown

698

92

790

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

030 Clonskeagh-Roebuck

730

144

874

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

031 Clonskeagh-Windy Arbour

977

122

1,099

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

032 Dalkey-Avondale

481

35

516

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

033 Dalkey-Bullock

602

126

728

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

034 Dalkey-Coliemore

566

138

704

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

035 Dalkey Hill

568

150

718

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

036 Dalkey Upper

740

83

823

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

037 Dundrum-Balally

1,685

160

1,845

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

038 Dundrum-Kilmacud

1,124

184

1,308

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

039 Dundrum-Sandyford

2,094

316

2,410

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

040 Dundrum-Sweetmount

714

67

781

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

041 Dundrum-Taney

960

92

1,052

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

042 Dun Laoghaire-East Central

863

235

1,098

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

043 Dun Laoghaire-Glasthule

1,029

191

1,220

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

044 Dun Laoghaire-Glenageary

735

93

828

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

045 Dun Laoghaire-Monkstown Farm

802

115

917

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

046 Dun Laoghaire-Mount Town

581

71

652

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

047 Dun Laoghaire-Sallynoggin E

978

73

1,051

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

048 Dun Laoghaire-Sallynoggin S

589

57

646

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

049 Dun Laoghaire-Sallynoggin W

740

49

789

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

050 Dun Laoghaire-Sandycove

1,400

186

1,586

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

051 Dun Laoghaire-Salthill

725

182

907

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

052 Dun Laoghaire West Central

798

144

942

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

053 Foxrock-Beechpark

593

45

638

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

054 Foxrock-Carrickmines

1,917

254

2,171

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

055 Foxrock-Deansgrange

813

74

887

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

056 Foxrock-Torquay

470

84

554

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

057 Glencullen

4,622

770

5,392

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

058 Killiney North

1,092

160

1,252

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

059 Killiney South

2,023

143

2,166

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

060 Shankill-Rathmichael

1,532

277

1,809

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

061 Shankill-Rathsallagh

1,085

75

1,160

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

062 Shankill-Shanganagh

1,761

136

1,897

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

063 Stillorgan-Deerpark

979

105

1,084

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

064 Stillorgan-Kilmacud

1,378

132

1,510

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

065 Stillorgan-Leopardstown

678

54

732

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

066 Stillorgan-Merville

987

97

1,084

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

067 Stillorgan-Mount Merrion

826

77

903

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

068 Stillorgan-Priory

759

99

858

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

069 Tibradden

219

52

271

Active Citizenship.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

136 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach the reason funding for the Active Citizenship Office in his Department to implement the findings of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship has been cut from €200,000 in 2008 to €56,000 in 2009 or by 72%; the way the office or recommendations of the taskforce can be progressed on such a small budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40625/08]

The estimate of €56,000 for 2009 in respect of the Active Citizenship Office provides for the non-pay administrative costs of the Office. The Office, together with a Steering Group on Active Citizenship, recently appointed by the Minister of State with special responsibility for Active Citizenship, will seek to progress the recommendations of the Taskforce on Active Citizenship. The recommendations, for the most part, relate to initiatives being undertaken by Government Departments and the costs of implementation of the initiatives will be borne in the Departments' votes.

In addition, there is continuing substantial support for active citizenship initiatives within the corporate sector. I am satisfied, within the financial resources available, that the Steering Group on Active Citizenship will make good progress in effecting their task.

Decentralisation Programme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

137 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the number of posts that have been decentralised to date, and of those, the number that have been decentralised from Dublin, and their grades; the number that have opted to remain in Dublin, and their grades; the number of those that have moved to another Department or agency in Dublin; and the number that have been decentralised from outside Dublin to other locations and their grades. [40711/08]

22 former members of staff from my Department have already been assigned to decentralised posts. The grades of these former staff are as follows: 4 Assistant Principals, 3 Higher Executive Officers, 2 Administrative Officers, 5 Executive Officers, 2 Staff Officers and 6 Clerical Officers.

There are no proposals to decentralise my Department. It is a matter for those Departments to which staff from my Department have decentralised to assign such staff to locations outside of Dublin.

Administrative Burden.

Jack Wall

Question:

138 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Taoiseach if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of small businesses, who have to complete the National Employment Survey and Annual Services Inquiry forms, that the completion of such forms is creating problems for such businesses in view of the complicated nature and time consumption of the completion of them; his plans to alter or change the procedure or to provide assistance to such businesses to ensure the correct completion of the forms with as little disruption as possible to the successful running of the business in view of the fact that in many cases such businesses have only one or two employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40744/08]

The National Employment Survey (NES) is an annual survey of employers and employees in both the public and private sectors, covering all sectors of the economy. The NES provides valuable information on the structure and distribution of employee earnings, and on the factors influencing earnings and employment conditions, to meet national and EU needs. In total it has an annual sample of approximately 10,000 employers and 100,000 employees.

The Annual Services Inquiry (ASI) is an annual structural survey of the traded services sector. The surveys provide valuable information on the structure and distribution of enterprises, principal trading aggregates and other items such as E-Commerce etc. It is conducted by the Central Statistics Office in order to meet EU legal obligations and national statistical needs. There is a sample of approximately 20,000 enterprises in the survey every year.

The CSO recognises that surveys impose a burden, particularly on small businesses when they are included in the surveys. In its Statement of Strategy 2008-2010, the CSO has identified as a corporate priority the minimising of response burden on CSO inquiry respondents. The CSO is also committed to monitoring and reporting on progress in reducing the response burden on businesses, while continuing to meet the growing demands for statistics on business sectors and competitiveness. In June 2008 the CSO published the "Report on Response Burden placed on Irish Businesses by CSO inquiries, 2007". This report indicated that in enterprises with less than 20 persons engaged, 61.3% never received any CSO form in 2007 while another 32.3% only received one form.

Steps have been taken and will continue to be taken to keep the response burden to a minimum. These include:

In both surveys, only a sample of small enterprises is included. For example, while the NES includes all enterprises with 250 or more employees, only 5% of enterprises with between three and nine employees inclusive are surveyed. In addition, only enterprises with three or more employees are included in the survey. Similarly, in the case of the ASI only 10% of enterprises with between one and four employees inclusive are surveyed.

In both surveys, the sample is rotated each year, to reduce the chance that a small business will be asked to take part in consecutive years.

The CSO has been working in consultation with payroll software providers to reduce the burden of response on enterprises. These payroll companies have installed an optional CSO "module" on their payroll packages which will extract all the payroll data required for the NES (and also for the new quarterly Earnings, Hours and Employment Costs Survey or EHECS). This innovation will lead to a significant reduction in burden on those companies using the modules. The modules are currently been rolled out by the payroll companies and will be available for the NES from 2009 onwards.

The potential for similar electronic reporting options in the ASI and other large annual business surveys is also being examined.

The CSO is exploring the potential for greater use of administrative sources of data (e.g. Revenue data) in order to avoid asking businesses to provide information which can be sourced elsewhere. This offers the potential of reducing sample sizes and issuing shorter questionnaires in some surveys.

The list of questions in the NES and ASI surveys are also continuously reviewed, with a view to keeping to a minimum the overall burden on businesses.

This is in line with Government's overall effort to measure and reduce administrative burdens placed on business by 25% by 2012.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

139 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Taoiseach the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40877/08]

The Department of the Taoiseach does not, as a rule, administer programmes or deliver services directly to the public. The Department has a different customer base to many line Departments which deliver services to the general public.

The role of the Department of the Taoiseach is to provide leadership in the development, implementation and co-ordination of key Government policy areas including Northern Ireland, European Affairs, Public Service Modernisation and Economic and Social policy. The Modernisation Action Plans for the Department under both Sustaining Progress and its successor agreement Towards 2016 contained several commitments across a number of key areas common to the Civil Service as a whole, such as human resource management, financial management, quality customer service and technological innovation. I am satisfied that benchmarking is leading to real change and modernisation in the way the Department does its business.

Trade Statistics.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

140 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Taoiseach his views on the UK Government proposal to introduce a de minimis threshold for Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3330/91 on the reporting of intra-community trade statistics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40490/08]

The position is that Council Regulation (EEC) No. 3330/91 was repealed and replaced in 2004 by the European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No 638/2004.

Article 10 of the replacement regulation provides for simplification within the Intrastat system — Article 10(1) requires Member States to define each year thresholds expressed in annual values of intra-Community trade below which a business is exempt from providing any Intrastat information.

Article 10(3) requires Member States to ensure when setting the exemption threshold that at least 97% of their total trade with other Member States (expressed in value) is captured by the Intrastat system.

Consistent with this legislation, in Ireland all traders (identified by VAT number) whose annual imports exceed €191,000 and/or annual exports exceed €635,000 are obliged to file intrastat information.

The number of traders required to make a detailed monthly report is approximately 7,400 for imports and 2,100 for exports (with overlap) and the total number of traders is 33,000 approximately.

Departmental Expenditure.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

141 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Taoiseach the reason for the 11% increase in funding for the Central Statistics Office from €51 million to €56.5 million, which includes a 58% increase in incidental expenses from €1.2 million to €1.9 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40569/08]

The net allocation for the CSO in 2009 is €56.506m, compared with €50.045m in 2008. The increase reflects advance preparations for the next Census of Population, in April 2011; and the fieldwork for the 5-yearly Household Budget Survey in 2009/2010.

The increase of €700,000 in the allocation for incidental expenses relates to the costs of geographical information systems and mapping which form part of the Census preparations.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

142 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41075/08]

The average number of sick days taken by staff in my Department during the past three years is listed in the table below.

Year

Average no. of days lost per employee (excluding long-term illness cases)

Average no. of days lost per employee (including long-term illness cases)

2005

4.92

7.80

2006

5.10

6.35

2007

5.50

7.30

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

143 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Taoiseach the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41186/08]

Details of the amount paid to Consultants in each year from 2000 to 2008 (end of October) by my Department, the name of each consultant and work carried out by same are set out in the following tables.

Details of payment made in 2008 (Jan-Oct)

Name of Consultant

Details of engagement

Total cost

Department

Grant Thornton

Forensic accounting services in respect of issues pertaining to an industrial relations dispute at Aer Lingus (the services were commissioned by the National Implementation Body to assist in resolving industrial relations issues at Aer Lingus).

75,120

Goodbody

Provision of economic assistance with the application of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) across Government Departments.

7,200

RA Consulting

Employee Opinion Survey — 2nd Tranche

9,030

QTS Limited

Annual Risk Assessment — health and safety

1,694

Ipsos Mori

Phase 2 of 2007 QCS Survey

9,952

Hudson Talent Management

Survey, deployment, analysis and reporting for the Organisational Review Programme

45,552

PA Consulting Group

16 days professional services for Organisational Review Programme

46,775

National Forum on Europe

Austin Butler Design

“Getting ready for the Referendum”

647

Caroline Erskine

Media Relations Services

108,182

Lansdowne Market Research

Study Research

6,292

Ireland Newfoundland Partnership

Bernadette Kiely

Interviewing for the INP Business Development Position

1,028

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

The Economist Intelligence Unit

To conduct an independent Review of the Economic Regulatory Environment to compare the performance of Irish sectoral regulators against their international counterparts

306,281

Isolde Goggins

Facilitator for workshop on review of the Economic Regulatory Environment

1,815

Isolde Goggins and Gillian Lauder

Review of the Operation of Regulatory Impact analysis (RIA). In line with the terms of Towards 2016, an independent review of the operation of RIA was commissioned to assess the effectiveness of the current RIA model across Departments.

85,305

Details of payments made in 2007

Name of Consultant

Details of engagement

Total cost

Department

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Regularly Impact Analysis Consultancy

8,349

Grant Thornton

Fee for professional services provided to National Implementation Body

86,336

Indecon

A Review of the Irish Annuities Market (The Review was undertaken under the auspices of the Partnership Pensions Review Group which was established under the terms of Towards 2016).

133,166

PA Consulting Group

Expert Support for the Organisational Review Programme Team

17,424

Marie Halpin and Associates

Review on implementation of Positive Working Environment Policy

1,936

PA Consulting Group

3 days expert report for the ORP

6,534

Fitzpatrick Associates

Participation at QCS Conferences

21,962

QTS Limited

Safety Statement and Risk Assessment

2,541

National Forum on Europe

Caroline Erskine

Media services

144,474

Fitzpatrick Associates

Research on Pilot basis the impact of the European Union at a local level

21,961

Taskforce on Active Citizenship

Caroline Erskine

Media Relations associated with final report of Taskforce

6,050

All Party Committee on the Constitution

Gail Nohilly

Research and compilation of 11th Progress Report

11,238

Jim O’Donnell

Secretary to the All Party Oireachtas Committee

21,792

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

RA Consulting

2007 Employee Opinion Survey — 1st Tranche

9,051

ESRI

Business Regulation Survey

20,278

Fitzpatrick Associates

Research project to evaluate the impact of the introduction of the Customer Charter process in the Irish Civil Service

17,182

Goodbody Economic Consultant

Provision of economic assistance with the application of Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) across Government

6,437

Ipsos Mori

Survey of Civil Service customers (general public) to determine attitudes towards and experiences of dealing with Civil Service Organisations.

9,952

Isolde Goggin and Gillian Lauder

Review of the Operation of Regulatory Impact Analysis

23,595

Details of payments made in 2006

Name of Consultant

Details of engagement

Total cost

Department

Fitzpatrick Associates

Study on Progressing the Special Initiatives under Sustaining Progress

18,604

Watson Wyatt

Employee Opinion Survey — 1st and 2nd Tranche

26,505

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

Etain Doyle

Preparation and Delivery of training on aspects of Better Reg. White Paper

7,260

Economic and Social Research Institute

Business Attitudes Survey

80,000

Fitzpatrick Associates

Customer Charter Evaluation

40,656

Goodbody Economic Consultation

RIA Consultancy & Regulatory impact Assessment

18,513

Institute of Public Administration

Project to map regulatory framework in Ireland

13,068

Ipsos Mori Ireland

Surveys of general public and business customers

17,847

HCM Consultants & Actuaries

PMDS Review

33,524

John Sweeney

RIA Training

1,500

National Forum on Europe

Caroline Erskine

Media Relations Services

53,905

Brendan Lynch

Consultancy Service

1,875

Taskforce on Active Citizenship

Olivia McEvoy

Write a youth-friendly version of Consultation paper

3,542

Caroline Erskine

Media Services for Taskforce

18,755

Mary Higgins

Report of the Consultation Process of the Taskforceon Active Citizenship

44,388

NESDO

Xperidox

Futures Ireland Project

7,078.42

Achilles Procurement

Identification of general population goals

363

Details of payments made in 2005

Name of Consultant

Details of engagement

Total cost

Department

Tansey Webster Stewart and Company

Affordable housing proposals

9,680

Hay Group (Ire) Limited

Economic and Social Policy — consultancy fees Eamon Drea

2,662

Hay Group (Ire) Limited

Facilitation Business Plan Meeting

1,214

Fitzpatrick Associates

Research project on the Special Initiatives under Sustaining Progress

18,604

Pan Research Limited

Customer Service Evaluation

6,314

Grant Thornton

Report of the National Implementation Board re cost and implications of Proposed Amendments to Labour Court recommendations on An Post (in the context of an industrial relations dispute at the company)

60,000

Des Geraghty

Affordable Housing Initiative

2,625

National Forum on Europe

Caroline Erskine

Media Relations Services

78,263

Conor Joyce

Media Relations Services

14,880

Eugene Downes

Development of proposal for Forum Cultural Event May 2005

484

Ed Miliano Design and Illustration

Youth Conference Digital

1,573

Gerry Godley

Proposed Forum music event consultation and programme development

900

Niamh Lehane Design

A model of Democratic engagement

1,575

Ireland Newfoundland Partnership

Liam Rellis

Festival of the Sea

2,000

Commission of Investigation

IT Force

Provision of Security review for Commission Of Inquiry

4,356

Moriarty Tribunal

Peter Bacon and Associates

Consultancy fees

25,410

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Economic assistance to Departments/Offices piloting Regulatory Impact Analysis.

18,513

Institute of Public Administration

Regulatory Mapping project

37,466

Ipsos Mori Ireland

Market research on Customer Satisfaction

16,486

Mercer Consulting

PMDS — presentation of results to AHCPS and CPSU

1,815

Grayling Gilmore

Wordsmith services for the Guidelines on consultation for the Public Service document

3,630

Details of payments made in 2004

Name of Consultant

Details of engagement

Total cost

Department

Market Research Bureau of Ireland (MRBI)

JNLR Report/Copy of report for 4 regions

527

Institute of Advertising Practitioners of Ireland

JNRS Survey

1,170

Des Geraghty

Affordable Housing Initiative

1050

Hay Group (Ire) Limited

Consultation services for workshop

4,671

Carr Communications

Disability Bill

12,148

Watson Wyatt

Employee Opinion Survey 2003

20,201

Paddy Wally

Ingenuity Project

6,000

National Forum on Europe

Caroline Erskine

Media Relations Service

47,117

Conor Joyce

Media Relations Service

20,717

EU Presidency

David Donaghy

Day of Welcomes production expenses

34,969

Academic Conferences

ECEG Conference Management

53,240

Grayling Gilmore (PR)

PR services for December 2003

21,024

RTE

EU Presidency Consultation Services

35,257

Moriarty Tribunal

Peter Bacon and Associates

Consultancy

25,410

Information Society Commission

DCU

Perspectives of I.S. Thinkers Project and Report

5,332

Douglas Thorton Associates Marketing

Consultancy

907

Fleishman-Hillard Saunders

Consultancy services

51,215

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

Gooodbody Economic Consultants

Consultancy services in respect of Regulatory Impact Assessment

7,260

Jacobs and Associates Europe

Consultancy on preparation of paper for EU presidency conference on Better Regulation

14,500

Mercer Consulting

Presentation and facilitation fee for CPMR seminar

21,175

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

Research and preparation of report — Redress for Civil Service Customers

76,895

Details of payments made in 2003

Name of Consultant

Details of engagement

Total cost

Department

Watson Wyatt

Employee Opinion Survey 2003

21,300

National Forum on Europe

Caroline Erskine

Media Relations Services

35,706

Conor Joyce

Media Relations Services

18,960

Moriarty Tribunal

Peter Bacon and Associates

Report on Awarding of second GSM Licence

46,948

Information Society Commission

DCU

Perspectives of I.S.Thinkers

1,332

Economic and Social Research Institute

Analysis of General Public and Business Surveys

7,260

Fleishman-Hillard Saunders

Consultancy by Peter Bacon

33,383

Sonas Innovation

ISC Broadband report

49,610

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

BCT Communications Limited

Presentations at CMOD Customer Charter Training

6,061

Martin Cave

Consultancy on regulatory reform policy. Informed the content of the Government White Paper on better regulation (2004).

589

Grayling Gilmore

Consultancy services for white paper on regulation

4,840

Jacobs and Associates

Consultancy on regulatory reform policy. Informed the content of the Government White Paper on better regulation (2004)

11,616

Lansdowne Market Research Ltd

Irish Civil Service Customer Satisfaction Survey Report

21,447

NGM Market Research Ltd

Communication change and modernisation in the Civil Service Report

13,890

Details of payments made in 2002

Name of Consultant

Details of engagement

Total cost

Department

Oracle

Implementation of Financial Management System

414,387

Sureskills

IT Consultancy

4,610

Acrobat Design

Tender for Design Services for DOT

4,474

Hay Management Consultants

Implementation of Human Resource Management System

5,324

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Legal Advice Re: Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme

5,397

Eustace Patterson Ltd

Follow up consultation with employers involved in the FIT initiative

1,536

Rits-Bianconi Research Ltd

E-mail and internet security review

2,286

HOSCA Management Consultants

Employee Opinion Survey

12,077

Octagon Ltd

Consultancy on ICT Strategy

16,870

eCabinet

Pricewaterhousecoopers

Consultancy e-cabinet

35,367

InVision

Consultancy e-cabinet

251,922

National Forum on Europe

Conor Joyce

Media Relations Officer

35,968

Keating & Associates

Media Strategy and Market Survey

6,278

Caroline Erskine

Media Relations Service

39,666

Information Society Commission

Chinook Consulting

Evaluation of Equal Skills Initiative

18,266

MRBI

General Public Survey on attitudes to Information Society

85,368

Models Research

Consultancy and report on inclusive Information Society Development

36,336

Accenture

Consultancy and report on a National ePayments Strategy

82,734

Information Society Fund

Accenture

Equalskills

72,600

AE Consulting

ICT Expo

14,891

All Party Oireachtas Committee on Constitution

Richard Humphries

Legal Research

10,000

Donal O’Maolfabhaile

PR Consultancy

6,600

Sean de Freine

Feasibility Study

500

NESC

Euro Computers

IT Consultancy

533

NESF

M. Lynott

Evaluation of working arrangements

3,239

ESRI

Early School Leavers

3,892

ESRI

Health

8,832

E Fitzgerald

Older Workers

3,600

J Sexton

Older Workers

15,392

PA Consulting Services

LGB’s

8,105

A Clarke

Older Worker

3,282

NCPP

Creative Solutions

Information and Consultation EU

5,445

Bradley McGuirk

Corporate Identity

1,116

Options Consultancy

Learning Strategy

2,420

Change Management Fund, Department of Finance

NGM Market Research Ltd

Communicating Change and Modernisation in the Civil Service — Report

25,181

Lansdowne Market Research Ltd

Irish Civil Service — Customer Satisfaction Survey Report

35,804

Departmental Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

144 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Taoiseach the amount paid in annual pension and retirement lump sum to each retiring member of staff in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41213/08]

Under the terms of the Civil Service Pensions Schemes, all retiring Civil Servants are normally entitled to an annual pension and a retirement lump sum based on the final salary and years of service. The pension arrangements including calculations and payment of same are a matter for the Department of Finance. The amounts granted to staff retiring from my Department under these entitlements in each of the past three years are detailed in the following table.

Year

No. of Staff

Pension

Lump sum

Total

2005

3

41,793.20

131,789.36

173,582.56

2006

5

72,613.05

244,774.74

317,387.79

2007

1

53,361.00

158,413.46

211,774.46

Income Statistics.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

145 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the number of people with weekly salaries of less than €300 according to the latest Central Statistics Office data; and the number of people with weekly incomes of less than €300. [41272/08]

Data from the most recent National Employment Survey (NES) shows that an estimated 301,400 employees were paid less than €300 per week in the reference period October 2006. This was equivalent to 18% of all employees. These earnings include the gross earnings paid to the employee before the deduction of tax, PRSI and superannuation. They include normal wages, salaries and overtime; taxable allowances, shift allowances, regular bonuses and commissions; holiday or sick pay for the reference period. They exclude redundancy payments, back pay and irregular bonuses and commissions.

Wages and salaries may be only one element of a person's income, as they may have income from other sources such as State benefits or income from assets. On the other hand, many people do not have any direct source of personal income, e.g. dependent persons in households. In the latest results from the Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) for 2006, an estimated 1.53 million persons aged 18 or over had a weekly income below €300 per week. Of these, 25% were classified as ‘at work'.

National Minimum Wage.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

146 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the data available to him on the number of workers in receipt of the minimum wage of €8.65 per hour. [41273/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is contained in the National Employment Survey (NES), an annual workplace survey published by the Central Statistics Office. The most recent NES was published in September 2008 and uses data collected in October 2006 as its reference point.

The National Minimum Wage rate in operation in October 2006 was €7.65 per hour. An estimated 63,700 employees were paid that amount or less, equivalent to 3.8% of all employees. Approximately 163,400 employees were paid €8.65 or less per hour, which was equivalent to 9.6% of all employees at that time.

Financial Services Regulation.

Joan Burton

Question:

147 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the notification requirements to the Irish Stock Exchange of significant shareholdings; the powers and responsibilities of the Financial Regulator and stock exchange to ensure that such notification occurs; if there is a mechanism or necessity for a mechanism whereby proactive measures are undertaken to ensure compliance with notification requirements; if she will define the meaning of a controlling interest for the purposes of such notification; if her attention has been drawn to breaches of these notification requirements in either 2007 or 2008; the sanctions possible when there is a failure to notify; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40793/08]

The Transparency Directive (2004/109/EC), inter alia, establishes EU-wide requirements in relation to the disclosure of major shareholdings by investors in respect of issuers whose securities are already admitted to trading on a regulated market. This Directive replaced the EU legislation that had applied prior to the adoption of the new measure. The Directive was transposed into Irish law on 13 June 2007 by means of the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 277 of 2007) and Part 3 of the Investment Funds, Companies and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2006. The implementing legislation allows the competent authority to make additional rules, as necessary, to enable it to ensure effective compliance with the provisions of the new law.

In accordance with Article 24 of the Directive the Financial Regulator was designated in Part 8 of the Regulations as the central administrative competent authority with responsibility for ensuring that the disclosure provisions in the Regulations are applied. Under Part 8 of the Regulations the Financial Regulator has delegated certain tasks to the Irish Stock Exchange. However, the Financial Regulator retains overall responsibility for ensuring compliance.

Under the 2007 Regulations, notification to the Irish Stock Exchange is required when a person's shareholding in an issuer company that is admitted to trading on a regulated market reaches or crosses certain percentage thresholds. The relevant threshold for Irish issuers is 3%, and each 1% thereafter, up to 100%. An option was available to Member States to have a threshold lower than the 5% required by the Directive and Ireland chose to set 3% as the threshold in the interest of increased transparency.

A person making a notification to an issuer is obliged at the same time to file a copy of the notification electronically with the Irish Stock Exchange. Upon receipt of the notification the issuer must make public all the information contained in the notification. The notification requirement applies only to shares with voting rights attached.

Under Regulations 39 and 40 of the 2007 Regulations, the Financial Regulator has power to monitor whether issuers disclose timely information and to take appropriate action if that is not the case. The Regulator can also make public the fact that an issuer or shareholder or other person as set out in the Regulations is failing to comply with his or her obligations. The Financial Regulator has not brought breaches of notification requirements in 2007 or 2008 to my attention.

Breaches of notification requirements are investigated, in the first instance, by the Irish Stock Exchange, which the Financial Regulator has appointed as its delegate in this regard. Regulation 67 of the Regulations sets out the sanctions that may be imposed for a contravention of the notification requirements. These include public caution or reprimand and monetary penalties up to a maximum of €2.5 million.

Notification of major shareholdings in respect of issuers admitted to trading on markets other than regulated markets, such as the Irish Enterprise Exchange (IEX) of the Irish Stock Exchange, continues to be governed by Part IV of the Companies Act 1990 which applied to all issuers prior to the implementation of the Transparency Regulations. Consideration is being given to extending the Regulations to these issuers.

Work Permits.

Jack Wall

Question:

148 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40618/08]

I understand that the Appeals Officer has been in contact with your office requesting some additional information in relation to this case. On receipt of that information this application will be considered further.

Employment Rights.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

149 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will amend the Industrial Relations Act 1990 to prevent Employment Regulation Orders from imposing double pay conditions for work on Sunday. [40634/08]

I have no plans to amend the Industrial Relations Acts as proposed by the Deputy. The operation of the Joint Labour Committee system has recently been considered by the social partners in the course of their negotiation of the Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement.

Minimum rates of pay and other conditions of employment for workers in certain sectors, including the hotels and catering sectors, are set down in Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) made by the Labour Court. These orders are legally binding and are determined on the basis of proposals drawn up by the employer and employee representatives on the relevant Joint Labour Committees (JLCs). The JLCs are independent bodies and are composed of equal numbers of representatives of employers and workers in a particular sector with an independent Chairman.

In the context of our voluntarist approach to collective bargaining, each of the JLCs covering the catering and hotels sectors have agreed a set of terms and conditions, including the payment of premia for Sunday work, to apply to the workers covered by their respective remits.

I am aware of the concerns that have been raised by some employers regarding the impact of Sunday premia payments, particularly in the current economic environment. Any adjustment or variation in the rates applying to Sunday work in these sectors remains a matter for agreement by the parties represented on the JLCs.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

150 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of enforcement actions that have been made with regard to the enforcement of Sunday double pay conditions for the catering and hotel sector by the National Employment Rights Authority in 2008 with a breakdown by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40676/08]

Minimum rates of pay, and other conditions of work, for workers in certain sectors are determined by Joint Labour Committees (JLCs). Each JLC is composed of representatives of workers and employers in the sector concerned. The pay and conditions agreed by the JLCs are given the force of law in Employment Regulation Orders made by the Labour Court on foot of proposals made to the Court by the JLCs. It is within this framework that the JLCs covering the hotels and catering sectors have, over the years, agreed a set of terms and conditions, including the payment of premia for Sunday work, to apply to the workers covered by their respective remits.

The table below sets out details of the number of inspections conducted by the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) to date in 2008 in the catering and hotel sector, in the course of which breaches of the Sunday double pay provisions have been detected.

Where breaches of employment rights legislation are detected, NERA in the first instance engages with the employer to seeks the rectification of those breaches and the payment of any arrears due to employees arising from the breaches. To date in 2008 some €562,000 in arrears relating to breaches of the pay provisions (including Sunday pay provisions) of the Employment Regulation Orders governing the Catering and Hotels sectors has been recovered on behalf of employees.

To date in 2008, no prosecutions have yet been initiated in respect of employment rights breaches detected in the catering or hotel sectors.

Table: Number of Employment Rights Inspections in Catering and Hotels Sectors to date in 2008 in which breaches of Sunday Double Pay Provisions have been Detected.

County

Employers in Breach of Sunday Premium

Carlow

10

Cavan

2

Clare

15

Cork

33

Donegal

10

Dublin

37

Galway

39

Kerry

8

Kildare

12

Kilkenny

9

Laois

19

Leitrim

5

Limerick

46

Longford

5

Louth

12

Mayo

3

Meath

9

Monaghan

3

Offaly

25

Roscommon

13

Sligo

13

Tipperary

14

Waterford

11

Westmeath

41

Wexford

19

Wiclow

37

Total

450

Leo Varadkar

Question:

151 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the National Employment Rights Authority may show any discretion in enforcing the double minimum rate requirement for Sunday work in the catering and hotel sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40677/08]

The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) has responsibility for enforcing the minimum statutory employment rights to which employees are entitled, including employees in the catering and hotel sectors. These rights and entitlements are set out in Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) covering the sectors — Statutory Instruments 228 of 2007 and 142 of 2008 covering the catering sector and Statutory Instrument 149 of 2008 covering the Hotels sector. While NERA enforces the terms of the EROs, the Orders themselves are Statutory Instruments made by the Labour Court following proposals agreed by employer and employee representatives through the Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) for the appropriate sector. NERA does not have a role in the formulation or the making of EROs.

NERA inspectors are empowered under the Industrial Relations Act to enforce the minimum pay rates and conditions of employment as prescribed in EROs. The EROs do not give any discretion to inspectors insofar as the minimum rates of pay set by the JLCs are concerned.

Any amendment to the existing EROs for the Catering and Hotels sectors would require, in the first instance, the submission of proposals by the relevant JLC to the Labour Court. The Labour Court may, by Order, give effect to any such proposals (with or without amendment). The Labour Court has recently received agreement in principle to amalgamation of the two JLCs in the catering sector and I have written to the Court requesting that the relevant legislative procedures be put in place to provide for the establishment of a single JLC for the sector. When in place, the single Catering JLC will provide the appropriate forum in which the Sunday Premium issue can be addressed.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

152 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the National Employment Rights Authority’s policy with regard to the requirement that every second Sunday should be a day off for employees in the catering and hotel sectors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40678/08]

The wages and conditions of employment of workers in the Catering and Hotels industries are governed by Employment Regulation Orders (EROs). While NERA enforces the terms of these EROs, the orders themselves are made by the Labour Court following proposals agreed by employer and employee representatives in the context of the deliberations of the joint labour committees (JLCs) for the catering and hotels sectors. Neither the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment nor NERA have any role or function in relation to the formulation of proposals or the making of such orders.

The Catering EROs provide that every second Sunday within the 78 hour fortnight is regarded as a day off. The Hotels Employment Regulation Order provides for alternate Sundays off during the off-season.

These provisions are consistent with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 which provides that an employee's weekly rest period should include a Sunday unless the employer and employee agree, in the context of the employee's contract of employment, to an arrangement whereby the employee receives his/her rest period of 24 hours on a day of the week other than Sunday.

In circumstances in which employers roster employees on all Sundays, NERA inspectors will determine compliance on the basis of the following criteria:

(a) have the employees concerned consented to being rostered in this manner;

(b) is the employer paying the correct combination of Sunday premium/overtime; and

(c) are the employees receiving an alternative weekly rest period as required under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.

Departmental Appointments.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

153 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the public appointments made by her Department between 1 September 2007 and 1 November 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40725/08]

The following persons were appointed by this Department during the period 1 September 2007 and 1 November 2008.

Labour Relations Commission:

The following were appointed as Rights Commissioners:

Michael Rooney was appointed on 23 September 2008

John Walsh was appointed on 1 November 2007

Eugene Hanley was appointed on 1 November 2007

Rosaleen Glackin was appointed on 1 November 2007

Jim O'Connell was appointed on 1 November 2007

Sean Reilly was appointed on 1 November 2007

Gaye Cunningham was appointed on 1 January 2008

Emer O'Shea was appointed on 1 January 2008

Tony Bregazzi was appointed on 1 July 2008

Labour Court

Paidrigin Ní Mhurchú was reappointed as a member on 3 September 2007

Jack Nash was reappointed as a member on 3 November 2007

Peter D.R. Murphy was reappointed as a member on 10 September 2008

Employment Appeals Tribunal

Kate O'Mahony was reappointed as Chairperson of the Tribunal on 22 January 2008.

Paul Clarke was appointed on 30 January 2008

Liam Tobin was appointed on 30 January 2008

NERA — National Employment Rights Authority (Interim Board)

An interim Advisory Board for the National Employment Rights Authority was established on 14 April 2008 pending the enactment of the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008. The following were appointed to the Interim Board.

John Dennehy was appointed on 14 April 2008

John Walsh was appointed on 14 April 2008

Stella Skowronska was appointed on 14 April 2008

James Somers was appointed on 25 September 2008

Linda Tanham was appointed on 14 April 2008

Patricia King was appointed on 14 April 2008

Owen Wills was appointed on 14 April 2008

Mary Cryan was appointed on 14 April 2008

John Flanagan was appointed on 14 April 2008

Eddie Keenan was appointed on 14 April 2008

Joint Labour Committees (JLC)

Brian McGinn was appointed as Chairman of the Contract Cleaning JLC on 13 November 2007

Damien Cannon was appointed to the Contract Cleaning JLC on 13 November 2007

Sheamus Sweeney was appointed as Chairman of the Handkerchief and Household Piece Goods JLC and the Clothing JLC on 30 January 2008 and 24 September 2008 respectively

National Consumer Agency (NCA)

Bill Prasifka was reappointed to the Board of the NCA on 30 April 2008

Edward Shinnik was appointed to the Board of the NCA on 30 April 2008

Registry of Friendly Societies

Paul Farrell was reappointed as Registrar for a period of 2 years from 1 May 2008.

FÁS

Dermot Nolan was appointed on 10 October 2008

The Health and Safety Authority

The Board of the Health and Safety Authority was appointed for a 3 years term on 20 December 2007 as follows:

Chairperson:

Jim Lyons

Representing Employers:

Marian Byron

Sean Corrigan

Dermot Carey

Representing Employees:

Eamon Devoy (Deputy Chairperson)

Dessie Robinson

Esther Lynch

Ministerial Appointments:

Christina McEleney

Rosie Sheerin

Pat Kearney

Anne Marie Hayes

Francis Rochford (appointed on 24 April 2008)

Science Foundation of Ireland (SFI)

The following were appointed to the SFI Board:

Dr. Rita R. Colwell was appointed on 31 March 2008

Tom Boland was appointed on 1 April 2008

Dr. Jim Mountjoy was reappointed on 25 July 2008

Peter MacDonagh was reappointed on 25 July 2008

Dr. Pat Fottrell was reappointed as Chairperson of the Board on 25 July 2008

IDA Ireland

The following were appointed to the IDA Ireland Board:

Loretta Brennan Glucksman was reappointed on 19 December 2007

Lionel Alexander was appointed on 19 March 2008

Shannon Development

The following were appointed to the Shannon Development Board:

Dr. Roger Downer was reappointed on 7 May 2008

Richard Sadlier was appointed on 7 May 2008

Enterprise Ireland

The following were appointed to the Enterprise Ireland Board:

Liam Meaney was appointed on 17 January 2008

Gearoid Doyle was appointed on 17 January 2008

Helen Nugent was appointed on 18 March 2008

Hugh Cooney was appointed on 1 November 2008

Forfas

The following were appointed to the Forfas Board:

Eoin O'Driscoll was reappointed on 1 January 2008

Sean Gorman was reappointed on 1 January 2008

Barry O'Leary was appointed on 1 January 2008

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)

The following were appointed to the NSAI Board:

Helen Curley was appointed on 21 January 2008

David Gargan was appointed on 14 April 2008

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor was appointed on 14 April 2008

Mary Ita Walsh was appointed on 14 April 2008

Expert Group on Future Skills Needs

Una Halligan was appointed on 18 March 2008

Tony O'Donoghue was appointed on 10 June 2008

Management Development Council

Liam O'Brien was appointed on 28 April 2008

Gail Warrick was appointed on 30 July 2008

Company Law Review Group (CLRG)

The following members of the CLRG were appointed by Ministerial warrant in April 2008:

Dr. Thomas B. Courtney

Ralph MacDarby

William Johnston

Paul Egan

Paul Farrell

Vincent Madigan

Michael Halpenny

Mike Percival

Jim Byrne

Connall O'Halloran

Daryl Byrne

Marie Daly

Noel Rubotham

Jon Rock

Jonathan Buttimore

Paul Appleby

Nora Rice

Tanya Holly

Lyndon MacCann

George Treacy

Ian Drennan

Mark Pery Knox Gore

Brian O'Kane

Mark Fielding

Patricia Taylor

Deirdre Ann Barr.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

154 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by her Department. [40870/08]

The first Public Service Benchmarking Body was established as an independent body in July 2000 under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to examine public service pay and jobs by comparison with the private sector. The Body reported in June 2002 and recommended varying levels of pay increases for the grades examined. The Benchmarking Body, in their first report, recommended that, apart from the first quarter of the award, the payment of the balance should be dependent on real and verifiable outputs from modernisation, flexibility and change. This was endorsed by the social partners in Sustaining Progress. It was also agreed that the final two phases of the benchmarking increases should be conditional on satisfactory implementation of the modernisation agenda and the maintenance of industrial relations stability.

The change agenda as set out in Sustaining Progress and subsequent action plans reflected the priorities of the various sectors. The Towards 2016 Agreement built on the progress made under previous partnership agreements and reaffirmed commitment to the further development and accelerated implementation of modernisation frameworks in each sector of the public service in order to secure the flexibility required to achieve the highest international standards. It provides an important framework for meeting the economic and social challenges ahead and builds on previous achievements in areas such as:

more responsive and better quality customer services;

better management of performance — individually and organisationally;

better financial and human resource management;

greater flexibility and openness to change.

Critically, Towards 2016 sets out a mechanism for the verification of progress at sectoral, organisational and grade level in the civil service through the establishment of Civil Service Performance Verification Groups. Under the terms of the agreement, the CSPVG is required to satisfy itself on progress in relation to co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, including co-operation with the satisfactory implementation of the agenda for modernisation set out in the agreement, the maintenance of stable industrial relations and the absence of industrial action in respect of any matters covered by the agreement before recommending the pay increases provided for under the agreement.

My Department is responsible for the development and delivery of a wide range of customer-oriented policy initiatives and services, and all of the improvements made in these areas in recent years are listed in the Actions Plans and Progress Reports that were submitted to the CSPVG under the Partnership Agreements. Copies of the Reports and of the CSPVG responses in respect of my Department are available on their website at www.cspvg.gov.ie.

The benefits arising to my Department from the benchmarking and associated Partnership processes are detailed in those reports. In general, though, they include the development of a more performance-oriented culture, an improved focus on accountability with closely defined responsibilities, and a better use of ICT with the development of a wider and more customer-oriented range of on-line services.

More specific achievements in this area by my Department include:

improved customer service through online publication of the Patents Office Official Journal which provides better public access to specialised information concerning intellectual property rights in Ireland

the creation of a central repository of legislation, briefing material and information on employment rights legislation in order to create a single, searchable repository of all such legislation

the establishment of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)

meeting targets (90%) for the number of suppliers being paid by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), and

achieving all specific targets identified in our external Customer Charter.

Job Creation.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

155 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 25 September 2008, regarding the FÁS decision to close the jobs club in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary, if her attention has been drawn to the fact that under the terms enshrined in the Jobs Club Operating Manual issued by the Employment Services Unit of FÁS in 2000, that participants for the formal training course would be provided by way of direct referral from FÁS, in order that the club itself cannot be blamed solely for failure to meet targets set by FÁS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40900/08]

I am advised by FÁS that procedures and practices relating to FÁS programmes, including Job Clubs, were reviewed as part of Sustaining Progress, Benchmarking, and latterly T16 and that Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Club staff and sponsors signed off their acceptance of these changes.

Job Clubs, for their part under their agreements, are required to prepare an annual plan in which they are expected to show how they will achieve the agreed targets within the revised procedures and practices.

In early 2008 FÁS in completing its annual review of the Jobs Club programme raised concerns about the capacity of the Carrick-on-Suir Jobs Club to meet the agreed targets. Representatives were advised by FÁS that if there was no progress towards achieving the targets funding would be discontinued.

FÁS continues to run the current suite of programmes in Carrick-on-Suir, i.e. three Community Employment (CE) Projects with 62 places, a Job Initiative programme, with 5 places and the Local Employment Service. In addition FÁS has announced a Core Employment Skills programme which will start in Carrick-on-Suir in November.

FÁS is committed to supporting those in Carrick-on-Suir who are unemployed and has initiated discussions with other community interests in the town to determine what alternative programmes would attract potential participants and address the needs of unemployed people.

EU Directives.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

156 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her view of the recently proposed Contract Rights Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41029/08]

The Commission published a proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Consumer Rights on the 8th October 2008. This proposal will involve the review of four existing EU consumer Directives on Distance Selling, Doorstep Selling, Unfair Terms in Contracts and on Consumer Sales and Guarantees.

The proposed Directive is intended to codify horizontal issues such as common terms in the Directives. These include the definition of consumer and trader; the length of cooling off periods during which a consumer may withdraw from a contract without incurring any penalty; and the manner of withdrawal.

I welcome the Commission's proposal for a draft Framework Directive on Consumer Rights. I fully support the empowerment of consumers and recognise the need for strong consumer protection. I expect that the outcome of our discussions on the proposed Directive will result in a simplified and coherent regulatory environment with increased certainty for both consumers and traders as to their respective rights and obligations.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

157 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will estimate the savings that would be made by suspending incremental pay increases in 2009 with regard to her Department and agencies within the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41040/08]

It is not possible to estimate the saving that would be made by suspending incremental pay increases. Any additional cost would be offset by reductions in costs associated with staff on higher scales being replaced by staff on lower scales.

The administration of incremental pay increases in the agencies under the remit of my Department is a day-to-day matter for the agencies concerned. My Department has no role or function in this process.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

158 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average number of sick days taken by her departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41068/08]

My Department monitors sickness absence in order to ensure the proper application of the sick leave regulations. Sickness absence for this purpose is measured in "duration days" (i.e. span of sickness absence from date of the first absence to date of return to work) rather than actual working days lost.

Separately, my Department has begun a detailed examination of sickness absence, applying international best practice principles. Our first examination was done in respect of the calendar year 2007. Considerable man-hours were required to undertake this examination and my Department decided that while such examinations would henceforth be done annually, applying similar resources to previous years' data could not be justified. However, in response to the Deputy's question, and in the time available, my Department has been able to ascertain the information sought in respect of 2006 also. Time did not permit calculating the information for 2005.

Year

Average working days lost per head of staff

Excluding long-term illness cases

2007

8.29 days

5.08 days

2006

8.51 days

5.77 days

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

159 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41179/08]

Officials in my Department are currently compiling the information sought by the Deputy. However, due to the large amount of work involved it will not be possible to supply the material within the timescale requested. A full response will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

National Minimum Wage.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

160 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the data available to her on the number of workers in receipt of the minimum wage of €8.65 per hour. [41274/08]

Data from the October 2006 National Employment Survey (NES) shows that 9.6% of employees were paid €8.65 or less per hour in the reference month of October 2006. This was equivalent to 163,400 employees out of a total number of 1,685,200 employees. The National Minimum hourly wage age rate in operation in October 2006 was €7.65. The October 2006 National Survey found that 3.8% of employees were in receipt of that rate, which was equivalent to 63,700 employees.

The National Employment Survey (NES) is an annual workplace survey conducted by the CSO. The purpose of the NES is to provide more detailed structural information than before on workplace issues, including earnings and the factors influencing earnings and labour costs. It has been designed as an integrated survey that addresses issues of national interest, while simultaneously fulfilling requirements under EU law. The first results were published in May 2005 and it became an annual survey in 2006. Results for October 2006 were published in September 2008.

Science and Technology Groups.

David Stanton

Question:

161 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding that has been made available to the research frontiers programme in 2008; the amount that has been expended to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41656/08]

The SFI Research Frontiers Programme (RFP) supports innovative, cutting-edge and internationally competitive research in a broad range of disciplines in Science, Mathematics and Engineering.

The principal objectives of the Research Frontiers Programme are:

To provide a broad base of trained researchers to support and underpin the strategic areas of Biotechnology, Information & Communications Technology, and Sustainable Energy & Energy-Efficient Technologies.

To provide advanced education and training for young researchers in a wide variety of areas.

To put in place a broad scientific foundation for Ireland's future strategic research requirements.

Under the RFP 2008 Call, SFI made 143 awards totalling over €29m (including the associated overhead for the host institution). SFI expenditure to date in relation to the 2008 awards is €10.7m with the remainder of the awards to be paid out over the remainder of 2008, 2009 and 2010.

David Stanton

Question:

162 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding that has been made available to fund the SFI engineering professorship and lectureship programme; the progress that has been made to date in respect of this programme; the ultimate aim of the programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41657/08]

As part of the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) the Government recognises the important contribution of engineering to the economic competitiveness of Ireland and proposes significant growth and strengthening of the research base in this area.

The Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Engineering Professorship and Lectureship Programme, which was launched in 2007, is an important step in meeting this objective. The programme aims to increase the number of world-class, research active professors and lecturers in engineering disciplines in Irish HEIs. The programme requires a minimum cost share contribution of 20% of SFI direct costs from industry sponsors and is designed to allow more flexible and proactive recruiting by HEIs of key research personnel in any field of engineering. Furthermore, it should assist the HEIs to develop new links, and strengthen existing interactions, with industry.

In December 2007, SFI awarded funding for 6 Lectureships and 3 Professorships across UCC, UCD, NUIG and TCD with a total value of €5.5m including industry sponsorship. To date 2 Professorship and 3 Lectureship positions have been filled and the recruitment process for the other posts is ongoing.

SFI remains committed to the recruitment of academics in the field of engineering, therefore, the Engineering Professorship and Lectureship Programme will be integrated into future calls of the SFI Stokes Professorship and Lectureship Programme.

Credit Union Fund.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

163 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Finance the take-up to date in 2008 among individual credit unions of the enabling functions contained in section 44 of the Credit Union Act, 1997; his estimate of the overall value to the development of the prescribed social, cultural, charitable or community development purposes at local and community level, if all of the credit unions affiliated to the Irish League of Credit Unions were to adopt this section of the Act and apply it within their common bonds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40749/08]

Section 44 of the Credit Union Act 1997 provides that an individual Credit Union may establish and maintain a special fund to be used for social, cultural or charitable purposes, including community development. There is no requirement under the Act to report to Government, or to the Registrar of Credit Unions, on the amounts held in these special funds or the exact projects or charitable purposes supported by these funds or the individual amounts paid out. I hope the Deputy will appreciate that I am not, therefore, in a position to answer his question.

My Department has, however, been in contact with the CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions who has confirmed that he would be happy to update the Deputy on Section 44 activity carried out by credit unions affiliated to the League.

Tax Yield.

Joan Burton

Question:

164 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the extra revenue the Exchequer is expected to receive in a full year as a result of doubling the betting tax from 1% to 2%; if he, or his Department or outside consultants have conducted studies into the expected impact that this could have on the bookmaking industry, in particular on smaller bookmaking operations; if it is expected that this tax would be passed on to the consumer or absorbed by bookmakers from their profits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40579/08]

An increase in the Betting Duty from 1% to 2%, based on current information, would raise an estimated additional €36m in a full year, however it is clear that betting turnover is lower than had been expected so this level of additional revenue might be optimistic. Representatives of the sector have indicated that some participants will face a very challenging position in 2009.

The Finance Act 2006 provided that bookmakers are solely liable for the Betting Duty. Subsequent to the Budget announcement, I have met a wide range of representatives from the betting industry where the problems faced by the sector, including those arising from the Budgetary changes, were discussed. I will bear these in mind in the context of the Finance Bill.

Tax Code.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

165 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Finance the measures he will put in place to ensure that all betting transactions originating here, including those carried out by telephone or by Internet, are within the remit of the betting tax, in order to ensure that there is a level playing field for small independent bookmakers who rely heavily on in-shop transactions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40650/08]

Betting duty is payable by the bookmaker. If a bookmaker were to establish an on-line betting operation within the State, the bookmaker would be liable to pay betting duty. In general, however, the charge to pay duty does not apply to on-line betting because virtually all providers of such a service are based outside the State. A similar scenario occurs in the case of bets carried out by telephone. This is not unusual since these types of operations tend to locate in jurisdictions that have extremely low levels of taxation.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

166 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance if he will exempt occupational pensions from the 1% levy (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40655/08]

The position is that the income levy will be payable on gross income, including occupational pensions. It is intended, however, to provide a threshold which will exempt those on low incomes, social welfare payments and contributory and non-contributory State pensions will be exempt.

Full details regarding provisions in relation to the collection, recovery, inspection of records, and other provisions required, will be set out in the forthcoming Finance Bill.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

167 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will amend the rules in relation to the compulsory purchase of annuities at retirement. [39553/08]

I am aware of the difficulties for certain individuals, particularly members of defined contribution schemes, who are retiring in current market conditions and who are required to purchase an annuity on retirement at this time. I am examining this matter and consulting with industry interests to establish the extent of the problem and what, if anything, can be done to alleviate it.

Bookmaker Licences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

168 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of licences issued to bookmakers in each of the past five years; the criteria governing the issuing of such licences; the tax to date from bookmakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40724/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the number of licences issued to bookmakers and the betting tax paid by bookmakers in each of the past five years for which figures are currently available is set out in the following table:

Year

Betting Tax Paid

Licences issued

2007 (Prov)

36,437,009

704

2006

54,295,658

496

2005

45,850,201

588

2004

45,552,353

535

2003

38,422,170

584

To obtain a bookmaker's licence a person must first obtain a Certificate of Personal Fitness from the Superintendent of An Garda Síochána for the area in which the person resides.

A person who has obtained a Certificate of Personal Fitness must make application, within 21 days of the issue of the certificate, to the Revenue Commissioners under Section 7 of the Betting Acts, 1931 and 1994. The application must be accompanied by: the relevant Certificate of Personal Fitness, a tax clearance certificate issued under Section 242 of the Finance Act 1992 as amended, a remittance of the appropriate licence fee, currently €250, and a photograph of the applicant.

Tax Compliance.

Jack Wall

Question:

169 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns and frustrations of small business owners who feel intimidated by Revenue Commissioner agents who call to such businesses checking till rolls, cash transactions and payroll on demand; if this action is permitted under legislation in view of the fact that the business is obliged only to make a return of income and capital gains for the said year by 31 October of that year; if his further attention has been drawn to the time lost to such owners in such competitive businesses by this intrusion; his plans to address the concerns expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40743/08]

A Revenue authorised officer has general enquiry powers that allow him/her enter a business premises and obtain information from those present. Section 905(2)(a) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 provides that an authorised officer may at all reasonable times enter any premises or place where the authorised officer has reason to believe that any trade, profession or other activity, the profits or gains of which are chargeable to tax, is or has been carried on, or any records relating to any trade, profession, other source of profits or gains or chargeable gains, or any tax liability, is or has been located. Records include till journal rolls and staff rosters. Section 912(2) of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 deals with data equipment such as cash registers. It provides that records applies to both the records and the data equipment together with any associated software, data, apparatus or material.

Regulation 3(c) of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Regulations 2008 [Statutory Instrument 238 of 2008 effective from 2 July 2008] was introduced this year to remove any ambiguity there may have been in relation to the requirement to retain till journal rolls. It provides that an accountable person who makes sales to unregistered persons using an electronic cash register or point of sale system must retain an up to date and complete daily total of the consideration receivable together with records of each entry on the system uniquely identified by sequential number, date and time of such entry.

Revenue's administration is based on self-assessment principles, which in turn relies heavily on the concept of voluntary compliance. As with any self-assessment system, it must be adequately policed, and Revenue must be effective in identifying and punishing evasion. Voluntary compliance is undermined if Revenue is not seen to be protecting the honest taxpayer from the non-compliant taxpayer. Revenue's programmes are geared to improving the level of compliance through interventions aimed at identified areas of risk and to give reassurance to compliant taxpayers that every taxpayer will pay their fair share.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that visits by their officers are carried out in a professional and discreet manner with minimal disruption to the business of the taxpayer. Consideration is given to ensure that visits are not carried out during peak business hours. I am not aware of any specific issues raised by business representatives. On the contrary, representatives from the Small Firms Association were recently very positive regarding the work of the Revenue Commissioners in the course of an appearance before a Joint Committee on Economic Regulatory Affairs. However if the Deputy has a specific case in mind the Revenue Commissioners will be happy to look into it.

Licensed Trade Sector.

Jack Wall

Question:

170 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if the recent changes to the licensing laws has seen a reduction in Exchequer returns from that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40751/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Exchequer returns from the alcohol drinks sector are not captured in such a way as to be able to identify and measure the effect of the changes to the licensing laws, under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, as distinct from the effects of other market factors on customer demand. It is not possible therefore to provide the information requested by the Deputy.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Joan Burton

Question:

171 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which Irish lending institutions have availed or intend to avail of the European Investment Bank’s latest €30 billion small and medium enterprises lending programme; if he is encouraging the relevant institutions to avail of the facility; if he proposes other concrete measures to ease the credit shortage for SMEs; his views on direct State lending to SMEs through the National Treasury Management Agency or an alternative mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40791/08]

The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced on 3 October 2008 that it was increasing its support for Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help mitigate the effects of the current credit crisis. This is to take the form of a €30 billion facility to provide loans to SMEs through commercial banks.

I understand that the EIB has had discussions with a number of Irish banks about participation in the facility. Participation in the facility is, in the first instance, a commercial decision for individual financial institutions, who will be responsible for evaluating loan applications submitted by individual SMEs.

This is a very welcome initiative by the EIB and I would strongly urge Irish financial institutions to utilise the facility to the maximum extent possible with a view to making the additional funding involved available to SMEs as soon as possible.

More generally, my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Mary Coughlan, TD, has primary responsibility for enterprise development, including supports for SMEs.

With regard to the National Treasury Management Agency, the primary role of the Agency is to ensure that sufficient funding is available at all times to meet the day-to-day requirements of the Exchequer. I would not envisage extending the role of the Agency to providing finance for small and medium businesses as this role is more appropriate to the commercial lending institutions.

National Treasury Management Agency.

Joan Burton

Question:

172 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the details of the advisory service provided to his Department by a company (details supplied); when this relationship was first established; the nature of the investigations being carried out by the company into the banking sector here; the way these investigations supplement, duplicate and differ from similar investigations being carried out by another company; when the company’s investigations are due to conclude; if the results will be published; if there is a sunset clause on the contract; the amount the contract has cost his Department to date and on an annual basis; the advice received from the company with respect to recapitalisation of the banking sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40792/08]

The advisory service referred to by the Deputy was contracted at my request by the National Treasury Management Agency in September 2008, under the powers set out in the National Treasury Management Agency Act 1990, to assist the Government by providing general, strategic and specific technical advice on the Irish banking sector.

The contract extends to provide advice as required for a period of two years up to the end of the Banks Guarantee Scheme. The details of the contract were negotiated between the Agency and the company concerned. I am advised that the company was retained for an initial fee of €2 million to exclusively advise the Government over the two year period of the contract. This fee should be considered in the context of covered institutions paying fees of €1 billion over the period of the guarantee. The Deputy will appreciate that any advice received by me under this contract would be extremely commercially and market sensitive and will not be published.

This work differs considerably from the work by the other company referred to which has been carrying out a review for the Financial Regulator of the credit risk and lending profiles of the covered financial institutions from a prudential perspective.

Tax Code.

Willie Penrose

Question:

173 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 157 of 18 May 2004, the reason the correspondence between the solicitor’s office involved which has been ongoing and of considerable detail, has not resulted in the solicitor’s fees being discharged in respect of professional services rendered in respect of the estate of a person (details supplied), and which details have been furnished to the Office of the Chief State Solicitor and which is ongoing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40858/08]

This is an escheated estate case where the Chief State Solicitor is administering the estate of the deceased who died intestate without next of kin and where the Minister for Finance under the Succession Act 1965 became entitled as ultimate intestate successor to the estate. Correspondence has been ongoing for some time between the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the solicitors for the applicant in respect of a discretionary waiver to the applicant of part of the deceased's estate to the applicant.

The solicitors for the applicant, on behalf of the applicant, have made an application to the Chief State Solicitor's Office to discharge all his client's expenses and his legal fees. This application exceeds the value of the deceased's estate. At all times the Chief State Solicitor's Office have informed the solicitors for the applicant that any payment with regard to his client's expenses will be made on an ex-gratia basis and that legal expenses in processing an application for waiver in respect of an escheated estate are not allowed.

The solicitors for the applicant provided services for his client on a private basis and they do not have any legal claim with regard to their professional fees against the Chief State Solicitor's Office or the Minister, neither can their legal fees be considered as a debt against the deceased's estate.

In order to make a decision with regard to discharging the applicant's expenses, the Chief State Solicitor's Office require that these be duly vouched. Some items listed in the applicant's list of expenses have not been vouched to date and therefore no decision has yet been made in regard to a waiver. The discharge of any expenses, which should be reasonable and fully vouched, will be considered as soon as vouchers in respect of all expenses are made available.

Restoration Works.

Alan Shatter

Question:

174 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that the maintenance of Rathfarnham graveyard, County Dublin is the responsibility of the Office of Public Works; his views on whether the current condition of the graveyard is acceptable; and if essential clean up and restoration works will be undertaken without undue delay. [40861/08]

Rathfarnham graveyard is not in the ownership or care of the Office of Public Works. He should direct his queries to South Dublin County Council.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

175 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40872/08]

My Department has consistently received a positive assessment from the Civil Service Performance Verification Group (PVG) in relation to the achievement of its modernisation objectives under successive public service Pay Agreements. These objectives, including objectives relating to the provision of services to the general public, were part of a modernisation plan approved in advance by the PVG and monitored by it over the course of the Agreement. Thus, the relevant objectives, and performance generally in relation to the provision of services to our customers, were scrutinised over a period of years by the PVG and met with their satisfaction. While the Department was not required to conduct a similar exercise under Benchmarking, I am satisfied, in light of the PVG exercise in recent years, with the quality of the services provided by our staff, whether to the general public or otherwise.

Departmental Expenditure.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

176 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Finance the Exchequer expenditure, capital and current, planned for 2009; the departmental expenditure planned for health and children, social and family affairs and education and science; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41034/08]

As published in the Budget, gross current expenditure for 2009 is forecast at €61,782 million. Gross capital expenditure is forecast at €10,723 million.

Gross expenditure in respect of the Health and Children, Social and Family Affairs and Education and Science Votes for 2009 is forecast at €16,335 million, €19,570 million and €9,628 million respectively. A detailed breakdown of these and all other expenditure allocations is provided in Section G of the Budget book.

Tax Code.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

177 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the amount per year, in tabular form, from the tax year 1996/1997 that was claimed in total to date and in total per year by tax covenanters in respect of covenants in favour of adults aged 65 years or over; and if this tax relief has been used by any of the covenanters or covenantees to help pay private nursing home fees. [41037/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the information requested by the Deputy is not available.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

178 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax relief, in tabular form, that has been claimed in total and per year for the years 1997 to 2007 for the building of private nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41038/08]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the scheme of capital allowances for capital expenditure on registered nursing homes which was introduced in 1997.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that information on the scheme of tax relief for registered nursing homes was for the first time specified and separately included in personal income tax returns for the tax year 2004, which were due for filing in October, 2005. No specific Revenue information on the cost of the scheme is available for the tax year 2003 or previous years.

Based on the information that has been received and collated to date for the tax years 2004, 2005 and 2006, the total amount of tax relief claimed was €82.3 million with an estimated tax cost of €34 million. The following table gives details of number of claims, amount of capital allowances and Exchequer cost in terms of income tax and corporation tax foregone for the construction of nursing homes for each of the years 2004 to 2006.

Claims

Capital Allowances

Exchequer Cost

€m

€m

2004

287

16.6

7.0

2005

498

30.3

12.4

2006

538

35.4

14.6

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that data for the tax year 2007 is not yet available as the appropriate income tax and corporation tax returns for that year are either not yet due for filing (by 17 November 2008 in the case of returns filed via ROS) or have only recently been filed but have not yet been processed.

Decentralisation Programme.

Dan Neville

Question:

179 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding decentralisation of the Revenue Commissioners office to Newcastle West. [41060/08]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that to date forty eight (48) staff have relocated to the advance office (based in Limerick city), for decentralisation to Newcastlewest, County Limerick. It is expected that the permanent office in Newcastlewest will be completed by the end of this year. The Revenue Commissioners do not anticipate any difficulty in filling the full quota of fifty (50) staff in Newcastlewest.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

180 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the average number of sick days taken by his departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41070/08]

The following is the average number of sick days taken by staff in my Department for each of the 3 years requested:

Year

Average number of sick days

2005

8.9

2006

8.9

2007

7.5

When long term sick leave is excluded, the equivalent number is as follows:

Year

Average number of sick days (excluding long term illness cases)

2005

3.84

2006

4.26

2007

3.68

The figures have been calculated on the basis of the number of working days each year, excluding bank holidays, weekends and privilege days, and by reference to the number of staff serving in the Department on the 31st of December each year.

A single absence due to illness of 30 days/6 weeks or more has been taken to involve long term illness, in accordance with the recommendations on referrals of persons on sickness related leave by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

181 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the number of additional people who will pay income tax in 2009 as a result of the failure to increase the income tax exemption limits in respect of those over 65 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41097/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the increase in the number of income earners over 65 paying income tax in 2009 compared with 2008 is estimated to be about 2,600.

It should be noted that the available figures for numbers of taxpayers aged 65 or over for 2008 and 2009 are projected estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2005 adjusted as necessary for estimated income and employment growth in general for the years in question. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised in respect of both these years.

It should also be noted that year-on-year projected increases in the number of income earners over 65 paying income tax cannot be said to be directly attributable to the level of the age exemption thresholds. There are a number of other factors which are likely to affect these numbers, such as wage, salary and pension growth and demographic changes.

The age exemption thresholds have increased by almost 54% since 2002. This is substantially ahead of wage growth and inflation increases for the same period.

Departmental Transport.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

182 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the annual cost of mileage expenses across the Civil Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41098/08]

Approximately €31 million was expended across the civil service in 2007 on mileage expenses relating to official business.

Departments and offices are responsible for the day to day management of expenditure on mileage. Most of this expenditure relates to inspections, inquiries, visits etc to ensure compliance with regulations and that services are being delivered appropriately.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

183 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the sources and types of income that are exempt from income tax. [41099/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the Schedule set out as follows identifies those sections of the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997 (as amended) which provide for a full or partial exemption from income tax.

Due to the time constraints some minor legislative provisions may have been overlooked.

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 an 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 Childcare 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 (prior to 1st January 2004)

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 gaeilge

Section 216B

46.

Income form 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.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

184 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41181/08]

The following table sets out details of the money paid to consultants in each of the years 2000 to 2008 (to date) by my Department and the offices under its aegis. The State Laboratory was unable, in the time available, to collate material in respect of 2000 to 2003. However, that office will forward the relevant material direct to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

£

2000

IBI Corporate Finance, Davy Stockbrokers and Donaldson Lufkin and Jenrette

Provision of corporate and financial advice with regard to the proposed merger and flotation of ACC and TSB Bank.

376,907

Department of Finance

2000

Adept Creative Services Ltd;

Design and delivery of Euro changeover advertising campaign.

351,054

Department of Finance

2000

All Ireland Media Ltd;

Purchase of media space for Euro changeover advertising.

322,623

Department of Finance

2000

Brindley Advertising

Design and delivery of Euro changeover advertising campaign.

178,307

Department of Finance

2000

Deloitte & Touche

Consultancy in connection with the competitive process to award a new licence to operate the National Lottery.

145,410

Department of Finance

2000

Arthur Cox Solicitors

Provision of legal advice with regard to the proposed merger and flotation of ACC and TSB Bank.

109,444

Department of Finance

2000

Deloitte & Touche/Expense Reduction Analysts Limited

Annual audits on the operation of travel policy by Government Departments and Offices and Club Travel Limited. (Expense Reduction Analysts Limited were hired through Deloitte & Touche.)

76,515

Department of Finance

2000

Carr Communications

Provision of public relations services in relation to the Euro changeover.

43,082

Department of Finance

2000

Howard Johnson/HCM Consultants

Payment for actuarial services in respect of the discharge of certain Exchequer pension liabilities — Telecom Éireann An Post, IAA, Coillte.

39,739

Department of Finance

2000

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

Provision of legal advice in relation to An Post ESOP implementation.

37,079

Department of Finance

2000

Data Options

Outsourcing of data entry work for Paymaster General’s office during very busy periods.

35,000

Department of Finance

2000

Irish Marketing Surveys

Research on public awareness about the Euro.

32,639

Department of Finance

2000

DKM Economic Consultants

Advice to the Minister in relation to the charging of a fee for UMTS licences.

24,156

Department of Finance

2000

David Duffy Prospectus Strategy Solution

Advice on Corporate Governance aspects of Review of Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

17,238

Department of Finance

2000

Mercer Limited

Actuarial Review of SW pensions in connection with the National Pensions Reserve Fund.

15,000

Department of Finance

2000

Clear System Solutions

Development of software for Euro computer tool for retailers.

5,324

Department of Finance

2000

Ms. N. Hynes

Provision of Accountancy advice in relation to the Management Information Framework Project.

3,640

Department of Finance

2000

Mr. Lauri McDonnell

Process Auditor to proposed merger and flotation of ACC and TSB Bank.

3,000

Department of Finance

2000

Hay Management Consultants

Evaluation of Chief Executive positions in Commercial State Organisations.

2,259

Department of Finance

2000

Mercer Limited

Additional actuarial work on draw down arrangements for National Pension Reserve Fund.

2,000

Department of Finance

2000

Information Consultants Pty Limited

Production of Train the Trainer Manual for FOI.

1,400

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

£

2000

Mr. David Kingston

Paper and Presentation re the potential structure of the National Pensions reserve Fund.

1,188

Department of Finance

2000

Mr. Billy Power

Consultancy in relation to public service pensions.

1,080

Department of Finance

2000

Tricon Foodservice

Consultancy for Aras an Uachtaran

71,841

Office of Public Works

2000

Farrell Grant Sparks

Refugee accommodation

69,905

Office of Public Works

2000

Newmarket

Accounting services

39,724

Office of Public Works

2000

Cap Gemini

Property management project

39,178

Office of Public Works

2000

Grafton Recruitment

Property Management project

14,512

Office of Public Works

2000

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

9,910

Office of Public Works

2000

Brian Kelly Design

Customer service action plan

6,760

Office of Public Works

2000

PriceWaterhouse

Consultancy for Innate project

6,662

Office of Public Works

2000

Collector General

VAT on imports

4,507

Office of Public Works

2000

P E Consulting

E & H Project

4,225

Office of Public Works

2000

Tom O’Higgins

Interview Services

3,682

Office of Public Works

2000

Dara Fitzpatrick

Property Management Project

2,354

Office of Public Works

2000

Anderson Consulting

Integrated Taxation Systems

3,592,000

Revenue

2000

PA Consulting Group

Management Consultancy

97,048

Revenue

2000

Interact

Redesign of Revenue Website

39,561

Revenue

2000

Butler Carolan Management Selection

Recruitment conultancy

26,047

Revenue

2000

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Implementation and support for new procurement and Financial Mgt. System

17,743

Revenue

2000

P. Michael O’Connor

Expert in relation to patents and the level of royalties paid.

15,511

Revenue

2000

Group 1 Software

Integrated Taxation Systems

11,292

Revenue

2000

Gartner Group Ire Ltd

Independent third party expert assesssment service in connection with certain bonuss.

10,340

Revenue

2000

Enterprise Ireland

To advise on products for classification

9,912

Revenue

2000

R.A. Fitzpatrick, Tax Expert

Legal and Technical Tax Advice

8,255

Revenue

2000

Gerard O’Leary, Valuer

Specialist professional advice in the area of classic cars and Kit cars for VRT

7,938

Revenue

2000

Hummingbird

Set up and install a web based tool which would make Companies Registration Office data available to Revenue Staff.

7,410

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

£

2000

Arthur Nowlan, Valuer

To value seized goods and attend court in connection with prosecution for smuggling offences

5,080

Revenue

2000

Callaghan Engineering

Electrical and security advice on heating air-conditioning and alarms.

4,419

Revenue

2000

Hay Management Group

Staff survey on performance management

3,273

Revenue

2000

Ergo Consulting Ltd.

Assessment of working environment and ergonomic assessment

2,228

Revenue

2000

John O’Dowd

Consultancy/facilitation work for the Revenue Partnership Committee

2,075

Revenue

2000

John Quilliam

Change Mgt for Revenue Restructuring

953

Revenue

2000

Edward Fleury, Valuer

To value seized goods and attend court in connection with prosecution for smuggling offences

518

Revenue

2000

Deloitte Touche

To advise on methodology for implemenation of the Valuation Act 2001

IR88,200

Valuation Office

2001

All Ireland Media Ltd;

Purchase of media space for Euro changeover advertising.

3,440,808

Department of Finance

2001

Adept Creative Services Ltd;

Design and delivery of Euro changeover advertising campaign.

1,019,246

Department of Finance

2001

TBP International Ltd;

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

153,674

Department of Finance

2001

MCG Consulting Group

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

135,466

Department of Finance

2001

Mercer Ltd;

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

123,805

Department of Finance

2001

Alpha Consulting

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

118,358

Department of Finance

2001

Deloitte & Touche

Assistance in development of the Euro changeover oversight plan.

114,735

Department of Finance

2001

Deloitte & Touche

Review of the Department’s management information requirements.

114,451

Department of Finance

2001

FPM Chartered Accountants

To undertake a systems based corporate audit to examine the systems in place to support the efficient and effective administration and use of EU and other funds by the Special EU Programmes Body

99,205

Department of Finance

2001

Hay Management Consultants

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

92,649

Department of Finance

2001

Carr Communications

Provision of public relations services in relation to the Euro changeover.

92,329

Department of Finance

2001

PriceWaterhouse Coopers

Review of the existing PPP structures.

90,000

Department of Finance

2001

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Research into the career progression of persons with disability at all general service grades within the Irish Civil Service.

85,000

Department of Finance

2001

Fitzpatrick Associates

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

81,248

Department of Finance

2001

Deloitte & Touche/Expense Reduction Analysts Limited

Annual audits on the operation of travel policy by Government Departments and Offices and Club Travel Limited. (Expense Reduction Analysts Limited were hired through Deloitte & Touche.)

76,394

Department of Finance

2001

Sean Bourke Solicitors

Payments in respect of a judicial review.

66,092

Department of Finance

2001

Masons Solicitors

Engaged to advise and assist in the competitive process to award the National Lottery licence.

56,862

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

£

2001

Capita Consulting

Consultancy to review the Appropriation Accounts and a pilot project on accruals.

54,320

Department of Finance

2001

Deloitte & Touche

Consultancy in connection with the competitive process to award a new licence to operate the National Lottery.

42,883

Department of Finance

2001

Arthur Andersen

Provision of corporate and financial advice with regard to the sale of TSB Bank to Irish Life & Permanent.

42,000

Department of Finance

2001

Irish Marketing Surveys

Research on public awareness about the Euro .

31,987

Department of Finance

2001

DKM Economic Consultants

Advice to the Minister in relation to the charging of a fee for UMTS licences.

27,600

Department of Finance

2001

Data Options

Outsourcing of data entry work for Paymaster General’s Office during very busy periods.

24,457

Department of Finance

2001

Joe Carr of Chapman Flood Mazars Ltd

Provision of Financial Management advice to the Steering group on Systems review of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

22,052

Department of Finance

2001

Mercer Ltd;

Actuarial exercise in connection with National Pensions Reserve Fund.

20,570

Department of Finance

2001

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

Quality assurance review of the draft IT Strategy.

20,418

Department of Finance

2001

Mr. E. Molloy

Consultancy to the Working Group on the accountability of Accounting Officers and Secretaries General.

15,209

Department of Finance

2001

Howard Johnson/HCM Consultants

Payment for actuarial services in respect of the discharge of certain Exchequer pension liabilities — Telecom Éireann An Post, IAA, Coillte.

13,295

Department of Finance

2001

ECOTEC Research and Consulting

Ex — Ante Evaluation study — required by EU Regulations.

12,536

Department of Finance

2001

Deloitte & Touche

Provision of advice to Department in relation to the negotiation of the National Lottery Licence with An Post National Lottery Company.

10,000

Department of Finance

2001

ECOTEC Research and Consulting

Ex — Ante Evaluation study Interreg IIIB Programme

9,452

Department of Finance

2001

MMP Business Programme

Review of the Management Information Framework Project Structure.

9,246

Department of Finance

2001

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

Provision of legal advice in relation to An Post ESOP implementation.

9,066

Department of Finance

2001

Robson Rhodes

Work undertaken for the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers.

7,509

Department of Finance

2001

Brindley Advertising

Design and delivery of Euro changeover advertising campaign.

4,952

Department of Finance

2001

Hay Management Consultants

Evaluation of Chief Executive position in a Commercial State organisation (Shannon/Foynes).

4,480

Department of Finance

2001

Advanced Organisation and Management Development

Membership of the working group on the accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting Officers.

3,960

Department of Finance

2001

PE Consulting Services

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

3,780

Department of Finance

2001

Saville and Holdingsworth (Irl) Ltd;

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

3,780

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

£

2001

IPC Consulting Facilitators

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

3,780

Department of Finance

2001

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

3,780

Department of Finance

2001

KPMG Management Consultants

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

3,780

Department of Finance

2001

Fitzpatrick Associates

Presentation on Private Sector Pay Structures and Benchmarking.

3,630

Department of Finance

2001

Hay Management Consultants

Evaluation of Chief Executive position in Commercial state organizations (Rail Procurement Agency/Eirgrid/Ordnance Survey Ireland.

3,600

Department of Finance

2001

Mr. Billy Power

Consultancy in relation to public service pensions.

2,145

Department of Finance

2001

Mr. Brian Lenihan

Study on the provision of a Nursing degree in the third level Education Sector.

1,540

Department of Finance

2001

Cap Gemini

Property management project

121,100

Office of Public Works

2001

Lisney

Valuation review

45,710

Office of Public Works

2001

KPMG

Consultancy services

39,791

Office of Public Works

2001

P E Consulting

E & H Project

38,520

Office of Public Works

2001

Ernst & Young

Professional services

28,188

Office of Public Works

2001

Informatic Software

Office of Public Works Strategy

25,598

Office of Public Works

2001

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

10,650

Office of Public Works

2001

Tricon Foodservice

Consultancy for Aras an Uachtaran

4,789

Office of Public Works

2001

Newmarket

Accounting services

3,922

Office of Public Works

2001

McCann Fitzgerald

Review of canteen

2,057

Office of Public Works

2001

Accenture Consulting

To supply technical and development expertise in the building and implementation of integrated tax processing (ITP).

5,956,350

Revenue

2001

Accenture Consulting

To support Revenue on the implementation of large-scale organisational change arising from Revenue restructuring.

722,669

Revenue

2001

KPMG

Development, customization and support of Human Resources Management System (HRMS) & upgrade of HRMS to Version 8 (internet based)

400,734

Revenue

2001

Cap Gemini Ernest & Young

Establishment of a manpower Advisory Service in Revenue. To assist with management information requirements and reform.

102,654

Revenue

2001

Project Management Ltd. (PM)

To carry out an examination of functions, work practices, management practices, processes, structures and system in the Human Resources Division and to recommend any necessary changes.

74,203

Revenue

2001

Murray Consultants

PR Consultancy .

59,533

Revenue

2001

Irish Marketing Surveys Ltd.

To conduct a survey of clients of the Office of the Revenue Solicitor.

30,855

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

£

2001

Bull Information Systems Ire

To supply technical and development expertise in the building and implementation of the Stamp Duty Administration System.

22,220

Revenue

2001

Carmarc Ltd.

Consultancy on Revenue’s Maritime needs, advice on suitable vessels and assistance in preparing procurement document.

18,514

Revenue

2001

Interact Ogilvy

Set up of a newsletter database for the Revenue Website.

16,197

Revenue

2001

P. Michael O’Connor, Connor & Co.

Expert in relation to patents and the level of royalties.

5,334

Revenue

2001

Gerard O’Leary, Valuer

Specialist professional advice in the area of classic cars and Kit cars for VRT purposes

4,762

Revenue

2001

Bohan Solicitors

Assisting with technical expertise in the preparation of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Bill 2001.

3,809

Revenue

2001

Sysnet Ltd.

Provide support in relation to security on the Revenue Website

3,428

Revenue

2001

John J. Dowling, Mgt., Consultant & Facilitator

Pesonnel consultancy

3,200

Revenue

2001

Richard A. Fitzpatrick, Tax Expert

Assisting with technical expertise in the preparation of the Capital Acquisitions Tax Consolidation Bill 2001.

3,174

Revenue

2001

Derek Horner Agencies Ltd.

C&E Assistance

3,000

Revenue

2001

Drury Communications

Preparation and Delivery workshop

2,773

Revenue

2001

Business Risk Management

Facilitate workshop to initiate the development of risk management

2,201

Revenue

2001

Arthur Nowlan, Valuer

To value seized goods and attend court in connection with prosecution from smuggling offences

1,793

Revenue

2001

SD Media Products

Provision of expertise in the Development of IT Strategy

1,524

Revenue

2001

Institute of Chartered Accountants Ltd.

Pesonnel consultancy

1,219

Revenue

2001

Deloitte Touche

To advise on methodology for implemenation of the Valuation Act 2001

IR72,800

Valuation Office

2001

Cap Gemini

Financial System Tender Evaluation and Selection Support

IR52,000

Valuation Office

2002

Watson Wyatt Partners

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

632,115

Department of Finance

2002

DLA

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process

265,629

Department of Finance

2002

Hay Management Consultants

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

225,797

Department of Finance

2002

A&L Goodbody

Provision of legal advice in relation to sale of ACC Bank.

212,977

Department of Finance

2002

KPMG Consultants (now known as Bearingpoint)

HRMS Implementation project. Customised version of Peoplesoft Human Resources Management System.

178,825

Department of Finance

2002

O’Donnell Sweeney Solicitors

Provision of legal advice regarding drafting of ‘Unclaimed Life Assurance Policies Bill 2002’.

156,776

Department of Finance

2002

Ican Interactive Advertising

Marketing and promotion of the e Tenders website.

134,000

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2002

Deloitte and Touche

Secondment of accountant to provide financial, accountancy and related advice.

122,191

Department of Finance

2002

TBP International Ltd;

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

111,896

Department of Finance

2002

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Audit of Completion Accounts in relation to sale of ACC bank.

103,697

Department of Finance

2002

Merrion Corporate Finance

Provision of corporate and financial advice in relation to the sale of ACC bank.

95,231

Department of Finance

2002

Matheson Ormsby Prentice Solicitors

Secondment of a solicitor to assist in relation to legal and related matters arising within the Department.

92,010

Department of Finance

2002

A &L Goodbody

Provision of legal advice in relation to IFSRA.

74,640

Department of Finance

2002

Alpa Consulting

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

48,053

Department of Finance

2002

Messers. Dermot Quigley, Kevin Bonner and Maurice O’Connell

Estimates for the Public Services 2003 — Payments to members of the Independent Estimates Review Committee.

42,112

Department of Finance

2002

Deloitte & Touche

Advice and support in relation to financial system implementation and documenting of financial policies and procedures.

39,030

Department of Finance

2002

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Research into Career Progression of Staff with a disability in the civil service.

35,833

Department of Finance

2002

Deloitte and Touche

Provision of assistance in the detailed specification of new software to support the department’s Management Information Framework project.

34,568

Department of Finance

2002

Capita Consulting

Provision of Request for tender Template to reflect common accounting and technical needs for Management Information Systems.

30,928

Department of Finance

2002

Softworks Computing ltd;

Implementation, configuration and customisation of time and attendance system.

27,164

Department of Finance

2002

Blue Wave Technology ltd;

Development of Estimates Returns database.

25,410

Department of Finance

2002

Brindley Advertising

Public awareness campaign to highlight issue of dormant accounts. Half of payment only — other half of payment made by Dept; of Social and Family Affairs.

23,379

Department of Finance

2002

Hewlett Packard

Study in relation to the options available to the Paymaster General’s Office for upgrading of server used for the Payable Order Reconciliation system.

19,905

Department of Finance

2002

Hosca Management Consultants

Conduct of a Climate Survey in the Department of Finance.

18,150

Department of Finance

2002

Software Resources ltd;

Assistance with the implementation of the new Management Information System.

13,581

Department of Finance

2002

Siobhan Lynam

Research into the representation of women in the IT sector in the Irish civil service

13,205

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2002

Dr. Edmund Molloy / Advanced Organisation & Management Development Ltd.

Membership of the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting officers

8,262

Department of Finance

2002

Mr. P.H. Mullarkey

Chairmanship of the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting officers

7,682

Department of Finance

2002

E-Blana ltd;

Development and support of additional functionality on e tender website.

7,115

Department of Finance

2002

Price Waterhouse Cooper

Study in relation to e Procurement Initiative.

6,598

Department of Finance

2002

Microsoft Consulting ltd;

Customisation of Sharepoint Portal.

6,149

Department of Finance

2002

Tim Hastings and Associates

Consultancy relating to Benchmarking process.

6,144

Department of Finance

2002

Langley Freeman Design Group Ltd;

Layout and design work.

5,585

Department of Finance

2002

Seamus Dowling

Customisation of database for Departmental Training Unit.

5,500

Department of Finance

2002

Mr. R Boyle (IPA)

Provided four days training for Expenditure Review Initiative.

4,840

Department of Finance

2002

Hay Management Consultants

Evaluation of chief executive positions in state organisations.

4,571

Department of Finance

2002

Mr. Patrick Lauri McDonnell

Membership of the Working Group on the Accountability of Secretaries General and Accounting officers

3,826

Department of Finance

2002

International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD)

Survey of tax incentives for payment of renewable energy in the EU.

3,403

Department of Finance

2002

Blue Wave Technology ltd;

Development of additional reporting requirements for Estimates Returns database.

3,388

Department of Finance

2002

Sysnet ltd;

Unix support for 2002.

3,175

Department of Finance

2002

Hay Management Consultants

Workshop for Secretaries General on performance related awards for Assistant Secretaries.

2,783

Department of Finance

2002

Hay Management Consultants

Workshop for Secretaries General on performance related awards for Assistant Secretaries.

2,641

Department of Finance

2002

KPMG Consultants

HRMS Time and Attendance computer system interface scoping project.

2,396

Department of Finance

2002

Farrell Grant Sparks

Provision of training in conjunction with IPA in relation to the assessment of staffing needs and structures across the civil service 2002 \nd ongoing to 2004

2,360

Department of Finance

2002

PM Centrix

Provision of computer system workshop.

1,936

Department of Finance

2002

E-Blana

Assistance in computer installation.

1,542

Department of Finance

2002

Dell Computer (Irl)

Consultancy for Microsoft Exchange.

1,459

Department of Finance

2002

Dell Computer (Ireland)

Computer consultancy with Sureskills.

1,452

Department of Finance

2002

Mr. Billy Power

Consultancy in relation to public service pensions.

1,194

Department of Finance

2002

Spin Solutions

Web hosting consultancy.

968

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2002

Gerard Hogan SC

Provision of legal advice in relation to the establishment of the new financial services regulatory authority.

960

Department of Finance

2002

Ican ltd;

Preparation of promotional material for e tenders website.

702

Department of Finance

2002

Cap Gemini

Property management project

160,883

Office of Public Works

2002

Deloitte & Touche

Professional services

70,087

Office of Public Works

2002

PriceWaterhouse Cooper

Financial statements

60,614

Office of Public Works

2002

O’Hare & Associates

Financial statements

54,774

Office of Public Works

2002

Capita Business

Financial statements

39,920

Office of Public Works

2002

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

34,669

Office of Public Works

2002

KPMG

Professional services

28,012

Office of Public Works

2002

Monica Leech

Consultancy services

21,715

Office of Public Works

2002

Goodbody

Evaluation of building plans

10,285

Office of Public Works

2002

Ernst & Young

Salary review

6,780

Office of Public Works

2002

POS Systems

Software development

428

Office of Public Works

2002

Accenture

Software development and day to day maintenance and suport for Integrated Taxation Systems.

5,525,901

Revenue

2002

Accenture

Replacement of obsolete and inflexible analytical IT system.

418,748

Revenue

2002

Accenture

Project Management and Change Management for skills and audit restructuring project.

272,323

Revenue

2002

Bearing Point (formerly KPMG Consulting)

Development, customization and support of Human Resources Management System (HRMS).

254,185

Revenue

2002

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Support for the establishment of a manpower advisory service

128,478

Revenue

2002

Data Conversion Direct

Data capture of Revenue form ST21

73,016

Revenue

2002

Innovative Systems

Replacement of obsolete and inflexible analytical IT system.

59,523

Revenue

2002

Copper Reed Studio Ltd.

Production of artwork for printed material in connection with TRS, SSIA and Enviroment Levy

31,543

Revenue

2002

Ogilvey Interactive

Testing of the Revenue Website.

29,802

Revenue

2002

Hay Management Consultants

PMDS Survey

23,947

Revenue

2002

Ryan Glennon & Co.

Financial Evaluation of companies involved in the tendering process for maritime patrol boats.

21,730

Revenue

2002

Creative AD

CMD — Art Work Euro Advertising.

15,044

Revenue

2002

Ballycotton Marine Servs.

Evaluation of tenders.

9,193

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2002

Computer Associates

Replacement of obsolete and inflexible analytical IT system.

7,986

Revenue

2002

Gerard O’Leary, Valuer

Valuation of classic cars in the CVO Rosslare

7,936

Revenue

2002

P. M. Connor-Connor & Co.

Expert in relation to patents and level of royalties

6,858

Revenue

2002

John Lawlor Consultants.

Conduct a Review a CAT Customer Service Branch Procedures and Practices.

6,190

Revenue

2002

Lawlor Consulting Ltd.

Preparation of an RFT for the Risk Analysis and Management System

5,651

Revenue

2002

Declan Fleming, Douglas, Cork.

Technical evaluation of Maritime tenders.

4,658

Revenue

2002

Enterprise Ireland, Glasnevin

To provide technical advice in classifying certain electronic goods and to meet cost of expert witness at legal consultations.

4,522

Revenue

2002

Data Entry Bureau, Blanchardstown

Outsourcing of P35 documents for data capture.

4,200

Revenue

2002

J.P. Farrelly,Killiney.

Assessment of Revenue’s Internal Review Procedures

4,000

Revenue

2002

John McCormack, Wexford.

Computer work re C-Net Computer System.

3,740

Revenue

2002

Valuation Office Ireland.

Valuation of property for stamp duty purposes.

3,200

Revenue

2002

Arthur Nolan, ACISDPA, Financial Mgt. Services.

Independent valutaion of seized goods which were the subject of criminal proceedings, valuation of classic cars, etc.

2,229

Revenue

2002

Callaghan Engineering

Review of heating system and air quality in Nenagh.

1,815

Revenue

2002

Rational Commerce

Replacement of obsolete and inflexible analytical IT system.

1,633

Revenue

2002

Achilles Procurement Services

Assistance in preparing a Procurement Guide for staff

908

Revenue

2002

Michael Slattery & Associates

Fire safety review in Furry Park, Santry.

738

Revenue

2002

Val Burns

Staff Training

673

Revenue

2002

Patrick F. Treacy, Solicitor.

Swearing of information before Commissioner of Oaths in connection with legal proceedings.

480

Revenue

2002

CCFRA Technology Ltd.

To analyse wood samples for tariff classification purposes.

220

Revenue

2002

Gordan Knaggs & Associates

Assessment of definitions of parquet flooring for tafiff classifications purposes.

140

Revenue

2002

C. Edward Fleury

Valuation of seized goods — subject of criminal proceedings.

65

Revenue

2002

Cap Gemini

Financial System Tender Evaluation and Selection Support

15,500

Valuation Office

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Value for Money Evaluations

37,261

Comptroller & Auditor General

2003

National Audit Office

Value for Money Evaluations

17,773

Comptroller & Auditor General

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2003

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Value for Money Evaluations

15,252

Comptroller & Auditor General

2003

Fusio Ldt

Redevelopment of C&AG Office website

8,168

Comptroller & Auditor General

2003

Trinity College Dublin

Value for Money Evaluations

4,538

Comptroller & Auditor General

2003

National Safety Centre

Value for Money Evaluations

2,335

Comptroller & Auditor General

2003

ERSI

Midterm Evaluation 2003 of National Development Plan and Community Support frame work 2000-2006

401,115

Department of Finance

2003

Curtin Communications (later merged with and became Grayling)

Provision of publicity services for NDP/CSF.

129,947

Department of Finance

2003

Millstream

New contract for management, maintenance and development of the etenders website

99,905

Department of Finance

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Advice and support in relation to the procurement of a Financial Business Intelligence application to support the implementation of the e-Estimates project

88,841

Department of Finance

2003

Millstream

New contract for management, maintenance and development of the etenders website

73,319

Department of Finance

2003

McCann Fitzgerald/Raymond Burke Consulting

Advice on tender procedures and drafting of contracts for the provision of foreign travel

54,450

Department of Finance

2003

Fusio

Redevelopment of Department of Finance web site

39,930

Department of Finance

2003

Max Smith Project Services Queensland

Development of Strategic Asset Management Framework

30,000

Department of Finance

2003

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

Secondment of a solicitor to assist with legal and related issues.

30,000

Department of Finance

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Assistance to an interdivisional study group on Shared Services

28,713

Department of Finance

2003

Core Computers

Develop and install Civil Service Numbers Extraction Program (NEP) Extract Module

26,644

Department of Finance

2003

Ms. Siobhan Lynam

Research into representation of women in the Information Technology (IT) sector in the Irish civil service

26,410

Department of Finance

2003

Mercers

Quality Assurance data for pensions benefit/admin

25,000

Department of Finance

2003

IBM Global Services

Assist with methodology etc in study of Department of Finance structure

24,135

Department of Finance

2003

Accenture

Public Service Identity Management Research

18,150

Department of Finance

2003

Bearing Point

Review of use of Purchasing Cards in the Irish Public Sector

18,131

Department of Finance

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Study of Best Practice in Human Resource (HR).

17,424

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2003

Langley Freeman.

Design for Civil Service Training and Development Framework document for Civil Service Training and Development Centre

15,573

Department of Finance

2003

Colorprint

Printing of Civil Service Training and Development Framework

15,545

Department of Finance

2003

IPA

Second payment for Report on the Cohesion Fund in Ireland.

14,250

Department of Finance

2003

IPA

Second payment for Report on the Cohesion Fund in Ireland.

14,250

Department of Finance

2003

IBM

Technical review of etenders website (quoted)

14,141

Department of Finance

2003

Ms. Siobhan Lynam

Research into representation of women in the Information Technology (IT) sector in the Irish civil service

13,205

Department of Finance

2003

Adam Smith Consortium (incl. PWC)

Research on pensions issues in PPPs

12,100

Department of Finance

2003

BearingPoint

Human Resource Management System (HRMS) further miscellaneous enhancements.

11,979

Department of Finance

2003

Webfactory

Web design/development, of EU Structural Funds website Annual maintenance and hosting

11,480

Department of Finance

2003

KMCS

Monitoring agent for EEA funded project in Cork

11,253

Department of Finance

2003

Brook Hill

Public Service Interoperability Research

10,450

Department of Finance

2003

Ms. Siobhan Phillips

Evaluation Services -Statistical and Focus Support For Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 2006

9,650

Department of Finance

2003

Propylon Ltd.

Public Service Interoperability Research

7,986

Department of Finance

2003

IPA

Advice to conduct the MIF Training Needs analysis

7,563

Department of Finance

2003

Coopers & Lybrand

Economic Appraisial of an Ireland/Nireland Interreg Economic Development project application entitled “The Cross Border Furniture Devl Programme

7,381

Department of Finance

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Analysis and documentation of a report regarding the data cleansing exercise with Human Resource Management System (HRMS) system

7,260

Department of Finance

2003

Bearing Point

Human Resource Management System (HRMS) fixes for self-service facility

7,187

Department of Finance

2003

Arthur Cox

Examination of Pensions legislation in the context of the North-South implementation Body’s pension scheme.

6,050

Department of Finance

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Services rendered in relation to Ireland/Wales Interreg II

5,929

Department of Finance

2003

Gartner Ireland Ltd.

Subscription to Gartner Research

5,687

Department of Finance

2003

Version 1 Software

System performance reporting for period 1/8/03-1/2/04 on Civil Service Numbers (NEP) System — CenSIS Section

4,840

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2003

Core International

Provide & modification to Auto-generate Employee Numbers Payroll Module

4,417

Department of Finance

2003

Mr. Brian Lenehan

Statistical Analysis re Educational Centres

3,515

Department of Finance

2003

Catalysto Ltd

Design Logo for Documentation and Stationery for Civil Service Language Centre

3,500

Department of Finance

2003

PriceWaterhouse Coopers

Audit of Ireland/Wales Interreg II programme Technical Assistance measure

3,479

Department of Finance

2003

Core International

Provide payroll software re Age Points

2,777

Department of Finance

2003

Dr. Richard Boyle

Independent Evaluation Expert For Social inclusion Co Ordinating Mechanisms

1,815

Department of Finance

2003

Core International

Modification to Term Time Module

1,791

Department of Finance

2003

IPA

Facilitation of PO Symposium

1,350

Department of Finance

2003

IPA

Fee for preparation and presentation of session on quality assurance for ORAC (Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioners)

1,210

Department of Finance

2003

Core International

On site installation of Numbers Extraction Program (NEP) application plus extract files

1,041

Department of Finance

2003

Core International

On-site copying of data to CMOD test payroll database

995

Department of Finance

2003

Core International

Pay Scales Load

895

Department of Finance

2003

Core International

On site Oracle installation

611

Department of Finance

2003

CreativeAd

Design of cover for Social inclusion Co ordinating Mechanisms

610

Department of Finance

2003

Corporate Graphics

Design Family Friendly Day leaflet

593

Department of Finance

2003

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

16,462

Office of Public Works

2003

Goodbody

Evaluation of business plans

10,285

Office of Public Works

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Professional services

4,764

Office of Public Works

2003

Cap Gemini

Property management project

3,734

Office of Public Works

2003

PA Consulting Group

Strategic Analysis

27,052

Ombudsman

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Audit Services

9,858

Ombudsman

2003

Accenture, 1 Harbourmaster Pl. D.1

Software development and day to day maintenance and support for Integrated Taxation systems.

6,420,109

Revenue

2003

Accenture, 1 Harbourmaster Pl. D.1

Additional Funding for Enhancements for the Revenue SAS Budget model.

413,500

Revenue

2003

Bull Information Systems Irl. D.2

Enhancement of Eskort risk analysis software

108,022

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2003

20/20 Vision Ltd., Design Consultants

Design and production of Equality & Ethics Brochures and H.R. Manual

32,459

Revenue

2003

Luminari Solutions

Proof of concept and technical support for new technologies (LDAP eClient) in Revenue’s Integrated Business Intelligence facility

26,853

Revenue

2003

John A.M.Rice, Co. Limerick

Consultancy regarding Energy Cost Reduction Programme.

22,441

Revenue

2003

Gartner Group Ireland Ltd

Assistance in the process of tendering for expert external support for the continued development of Integrated Taxation Services

20,207

Revenue

2003

Mr Arthur Nowlan

Independent valuation of seized goods which were the subject of criminal proceedings, valuation of classic cars etc.

13,136

Revenue

2003

Computer Associates Plc

Development of Intranet/Revnet

11,979

Revenue

2003

Creative AD Design Consultants,

Art Work on restructuring

11,045

Revenue

2003

Peoplesoft UK ltd.,

Technical review of HRMS operations

10,859

Revenue

2003

Bearingpoint Ireland Ltd.

Professional support for HRMS

10,781

Revenue

2003

Computer Associates

Technical support for new software deployed in Revenue’s Corporate Information Facility and RevNet portal

10,648

Revenue

2003

Gerard O’Leary,

Fees for Valuation of Classic Cars

10,555

Revenue

2003

Innovative Systems Inc

Enhancements to the name/address search algorithm for UNIX

10,119

Revenue

2003

Professor John Ward,

Analytical review of “Transfer-of-Assets” legislation.

10,000

Revenue

2003

Mr Sean McCormack

IT Support

8,840

Revenue

2003

Ballycotton Marine Services Cork

Marine consultancy

7,890

Revenue

2003

P.Michael O’Connor,

Expert in relation to patents and level of royalties

6,156

Revenue

2003

ADV Org. & Mgt. Dev. Ltd,

Management consultancy in connection with Organisation restructuring

4,538

Revenue

2003

Bennis Design

Annual Report Artwork/design and Customs Drugs Watch Design

3,969

Revenue

2003

Ireland Human Resources, D’laoire

Specialist’s HR Consultancy Services

3,937

Revenue

2003

Group 1 Software Europe Ltd.,

Technical support for the customisation and development of new archival software

3,920

Revenue

2003

Enterprise Ireland

Tariff Classification of electronic goods

2,831

Revenue

2003

IBM Ireland Ltd

SQL database consultancy

2,490

Revenue

2003

Daniel Luthi,

To attend as an expert witness on OECD Model Convention in relation to an Irish court case

2,303

Revenue

2003

John Dowling

Personnell consultancy

2,178

Revenue

2003

De Veres, Art Auctions

Valuation of Heritage Items to be donated under TCA 1997

1,815

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2003

Corporate Graphics Ltd,

Statement of Strategy — Irish Language design

1,755

Revenue

2003

Business & Market Research Ltd

Consultancy for Customer Service Survey (PAYE)

1,755

Revenue

2003

Ryan Glesson & Company,

Financial Advice — Revenue Customs Cutter Project

1,452

Revenue

2003

Ptk F.Treacy & Co. Solicitors

Signature of affidavits for use in court proceedings

697

Revenue

2003

Achilles Procurement Services

Specialised training in relation to procurement

605

Revenue

2003

Red Dog Design Consultants

Statement of Strategy advice

484

Revenue

2003

Environmental Publications, D.2

Statement of Strategy advice

484

Revenue

2003

James Adam, Fine Art Auctioneers/Valuers

Valuation of Heritage Items to be donated under TCA 1997

424

Revenue

2003

Dr. Ciarán Ó hógartaigh,

Accounting advice

405

Revenue

2003

Eurotext Translation Services

Translation of Dutch Text

260

Revenue

2003

Mr Edward Fleury, Cork

Valuation of seized goods — subject of criminal proceedings

75

Revenue

2003

Cedar Software

Management Information Framework

16,500

Valuation Office

2004

Institute of Public Administration

Support for establishing new office

6,400

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2004

Colouringbox

Website Consultancy

5,772

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2004

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Value for Money Evaluations

22,899

Comptroller & Auditor General

2004

Advances Organisation & Management Development

Strategy Statement of the C&AG

16,638

Comptroller & Auditor General

2004

Deloitte & Touche

Risk Management & Financial Audit Quality Review in the Office of the C&AG

13,545

Comptroller & Auditor General

2004

Mentoring Connection

Value for Money Evaluations

7,744

Comptroller & Auditor General

2004

National Audit Office

Value for Money Evaluations

4,132

Comptroller & Auditor General

2004

A&L Goodbody

To develop standard conditions of contract for civil engineering works projects and associated outline guidance

557,556

Department of Finance

2004

Codec Ltd.

Development of an E-Estimates pilot System with a call-off arrangement for additional days to support a parallel implementation and other department planning systems as per the Request for Tender

403,700

Department of Finance

2004

Curtin Communications (later merged with and became Grayling)

Provision of publicity services for NDP/CSF.

255,700

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2004

Deloitte and Touche

Research on Public Sector Benchmark and Value for Money Comparison

143,990

Department of Finance

2004

FTC (UK) Ltd

Training course preparation for Management Information Framework

112,310

Department of Finance

2004

Millstream

New contract for management, maintenance and development of the etenders website

102,582

Department of Finance

2004

Q4 PR Consultants

Provision of advice and detailed management of informal ECOFIN meeting

83,500

Department of Finance

2004

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

Secondment of a solicitor to assist with legal and related issues.

78,000

Department of Finance

2004

Accenture

Overall review and study of HR management system and implementation arrangement

71,725

Department of Finance

2004

European Institute of Public Administration

Report to the Directors General Responsible for Public Administration in the European Union — Ethics in the Public Services of the Member States of the European Union

66,975

Department of Finance

2004

European Institute of Public Administration

Report to the Directors General Responsible for Public Administration in the European Union — Assessing the Implications of Demographic Changes on Public Sector Pensions

59,840

Department of Finance

2004

A&L Goodbody

To develop standard conditions of contract for civil engineering works projects and associated outline guidance

55,524

Department of Finance

2004

Committee for Public Management Research

Contribution towards the cost of research work.

50,800

Department of Finance

2004

Deloitte & Touche

Financial assessment of Decentralisation costs and savings

48,400

Department of Finance

2004

Webfactory

Web design/development, of EU Structural Funds website Annual maintenance and hosting

37,226

Department of Finance

2004

Mandraki

Electricity Market Analysis and Tender evaluation process

37,056

Department of Finance

2004

Accenture

E-Government policy preparation

24,200

Department of Finance

2004

Drury Communications Research

Public awareness research on National Development Plan (NDP)/Community Support Framework (CSF) 2000-2006.

18,479

Department of Finance

2004

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Assessment of Railway Procurement Agency business case for Metro line to Dublin

16,940

Department of Finance

2004

IPA — Institute of Public Administration

Training for the Expenditure Review Initiative

14,520

Department of Finance

2004

Bearing Point

Developing Human Resource Management System (HRMS) capability to interface with other systems.

13,842

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2004

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Electricity Contract Terms & Conditions

12,233

Department of Finance

2004

Brook Hill

E-Government policy preparation on identity management.

11,979

Department of Finance

2004

KMCS

Monitoring agent for EEA funded project in Cork

11,253

Department of Finance

2004

KPMG

Review of the Central Applications Facility resource centre

11,023

Department of Finance

2004

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Payroll Age Pointing Upgrade

9,275

Department of Finance

2004

IPA

Review of the Internal Audit unit of the Department of Finance.

9,000

Department of Finance

2004

Gartner Ireland Ltd.

Subscription to Gartner Research

8,863

Department of Finance

2004

Ms. Siobhan Phillips

Evaluation Services -Statistical for Evaluation of the in Company training Measures Under the NDP/csf 2000- 2006

8,567

Department of Finance

2004

Morehampton Consultancy Services Ltd.

Fee for preparation of report — Professional Management Skills

7,700

Department of Finance

2004

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Death Event Publication System (DEPS) software development, report modification and modification to DEPS load

7,163

Department of Finance

2004

Goldsmith Fitzgerald

Departmental Training Unit Consultancy study

7,078

Department of Finance

2004

Core International

Provide payroll module for Extract and Upload of Pay Rates

4,842

Department of Finance

2004

Fusio

Development and maintenance of procurement Signpost portal

4,060

Department of Finance

2004

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Payroll payscales frontload delivery

3,582

Department of Finance

2004

DCU Language Services

Translation into Irish of D/Finance Progress Report 2003

2,999

Department of Finance

2004

Hay Management Consultants

Evaluation of Chief Executive posts in Shannon and Cork Airport Authorities

2,662

Department of Finance

2004

Denis Kelleher BL

Drafting of Statutory Instrument.

2,178

Department of Finance

2004

Loman Cusack Design

Design & printing of Work Life Balance Day leaflet

2,100

Department of Finance

2004

Propylon Ltd.

Open Source Research

1,996

Department of Finance

2004

Bearing Point

Technical support on HRMS System.

1,888

Department of Finance

2004

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Add union file to Disk Exchange Payroll Module

1,791

Department of Finance

2004

Brian Kelly Design Associates

Design the EAO 2003 Annual Report and information leaflet.

1,271

Department of Finance

2004

Dr. Richard Boyle, IPA

Independent Evaluation Expert work on the Charitable Lotteries Scheme Expenditure Review

1,200

Department of Finance

2004

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Load from Finance to Oracle 8. This involved downloading data from a live server for testing purposes.

1,089

Department of Finance

2004

Ms. Isobel Butler

Provision of group training on family law to EAO Network

1,000

Department of Finance

2004

Ms. Isobel Butler

Provision of group training on family law to Employee Assistance Officer network.

1,000

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2004

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Investigate and spec payment of equality claim settlement to Clerical Assistants

926

Department of Finance

2004

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Core Pay Oracle9i installation

915

Department of Finance

2004

Irish Hospice Foundation

Provision of group training in bereavement counselling to EAO Network

750

Department of Finance

2004

St. John of God Hospital

Provision of seminar on mental health to EAO Network

700

Department of Finance

2004

Mr. William Power

Advice in relation to pensions legislation

571

Department of Finance

2004

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Remove date value from Change All screen

448

Department of Finance

2004

Annesley Resourse Partnership Ltd.

Completion of questionnaire for Expenditure Review Central Steering Committee

121

Department of Finance

2004

Epsilon

Completion of survey questionnaire as part a survey for Expenditure Review Central Steering Committee

121

Department of Finance

2004

Mr. Raymond Bourke

Completion of questionnaire for Expenditure Review Central

121

Department of Finance

2004

Petrus Consulting Limited

Completion of questionnaire for Expenditure Review Central Steering Committee

121

Department of Finance

2004

Prof. Brendan Walsh

Fee for serving as an independent member of the Expenditure Review Central Steering Committee

121

Department of Finance

2004

IPA — Institute of Public Administration

Completion of questionnaire for Expenditure Review Central

100

Department of Finance

2004

PriceWaterhouse Cooper

Risk assessment workshops

87,834

Office of Public Works

2004

Farrell Grant Sparks

Value for money review

18,210

Office of Public Works

2004

Beauchamps

Legal services

16,797

Office of Public Works

2004

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

12,087

Office of Public Works

2004

Dept. Of the Environment

Admin. Transfer following Departmental re-structuring

7,603

Office of Public Works

2004

The Reward Partnership

Consultancy services

6,279

Office of Public Works

2004

Russell Brennan Keane

Audit services

16,455

Ombudsman

2004

Software Resources Ltd

IT Consultancy

6,699

Ombudsman

2004

PA Consulting Group

Strategic Analysis

5,357

Ombudsman

2004

Deloitte & Touche

Audit services

1,952

Ombudsman

2004

Accenture, 1 Harbourmaster Place, D.1

Softward development and day to day maintenance and support for Integrated Taxation systems (including PAYE and ROS)

12,744,756

Revenue

2004

Gartner Group Ireland Ltd.

Management briefings on strategic issues and emerging technologies.

114,603

Revenue

2004

Luminary Solutions

Provision of OpenRoad expertise to facilitate testing of new features.

81,873

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2004

Bull Information Systems

Support for formalising rules in the Eskort Risk Analysis system

61,479

Revenue

2004

Rochford Thompson Equip

Consultants employed to develop solutions to handle post-dated cheques.

51,703

Revenue

2004

Accenture Finance Dept. Dublin 1

Data capture project — Forms 11 and CT1 and interface with ROS

38,055

Revenue

2004

J.A. Nagle Consulting

Assist on tendering process in relation to ROS

26,620

Revenue

2004

Strata 3 Pearse St. Dublin 2

Ongoing design with web campaigns on revenue.ie

25,229

Revenue

2004

Bennis Design, Whitehall, D.9

Design and Production of “CUSTAIM” logo for Cutter, RIB, Jeeps etc.,

25,124

Revenue

2004

Computer Associates Plc

Assist in building an Executive Information System

24,981

Revenue

2004

Organisation Design Consultants Ltd.

Review of operational management in relation to customer service

24,957

Revenue

2004

Bennis Design,

Revenue Annual Report for 2003

22,310

Revenue

2004

Business & Market research

Independent, professional pilot survey among customers of PAYE LoCall 1890 service.

21,381

Revenue

2004

Cedardata Software Ltd.,

Contract for upgrading the e-financials system

21,363

Revenue

2004

Onecard Solutions, Waterford

Consultancy in relation to Special Compliance Project

21,266

Revenue

2004

Advanced Organisation & Management Development Ltd., Rathgar, Dub. 6

Consultancy regarding Organisational restructuring

15,125

Revenue

2004

Ballycotton Marine Service, Co. Cork

Pre delivery engineering advice for Revenue Cutter Project

14,814

Revenue

2004

Andrew Nowlan, Blackrock,

Expert valuation of seized goods.

13,935

Revenue

2004

Bearingpoint Irl., Ltd.,

General technical support of Human Resources Management System (HRMS)

13,177

Revenue

2004

Hummingbird Comm.

Assist in deploying a new web based reporting tool

12,538

Revenue

2004

20-20 Vision Ltd.

Printing consultancy

11,563

Revenue

2004

Advance Organisation & Management Development Ltd.,

management consultancy

10,187

Revenue

2004

Organisation Design Consultants,

management consultancy

10,023

Revenue

2004

OBC Development,

SQL Database Administrator work for Time and Attendance system

9,741

Revenue

2004

Ernst & Young,

Fee in respect of Security Review for ROS

9,378

Revenue

2004

IBM Irl., Ltd.,

SQL Database Administrator work for Time and Attendance system

9,060

Revenue

2004

Gerard O’Leary, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Automotive consultancy services to the Central Vehicle Office, regarding OMSP etc.

8,325

Revenue

2004

SAS Institute Ltd., Ballsbridge, D.4

Assist in Data Mining pilot project

7,260

Revenue

2004

John AM Rice, “Glenmore”, Co. Limerick

Special advice re. Energy saving in Sarsfield House, Limerick

7,018

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2004

Great Place to Work, Inst. Irl., Swords

Management consultancy

5,082

Revenue

2004

Group 1 Software Europe Ltd., Watford WD1 8SH, England

Ongoing technical support for the customisation and development of printing and archiving

4,812

Revenue

2004

Michael O’Connor,

Expert in relation to patents and level of royalties paid

3,580

Revenue

2004

Martin Murray, Pembroke Rd., Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Professional architect

2,571

Revenue

2004

De Veres, Art Auctions, Dublin 2

For valuation of Heritage Items to be donated under S.1003 TCA 1997

2,118

Revenue

2004

Ballycotton Marin Serv. Co. Cork

Expert engineers.

1,977

Revenue

2004

Certification Europe Ltd., Thomas St. Dublin 8

ROS consultancy

1,527

Revenue

2004

Open Objects Software Ltd., Cambridge

Supplies web search design

1,513

Revenue

2004

Philip J. O’Doherty, Sth. Douglas Rd., Cork

Expert engineers.

1,452

Revenue

2004

Creative AD Design Consultants, D.2

Graphic design of Customer Service Charter

1,408

Revenue

2004

Achilles Procurement Services

Specialised training in relation to Procurement

1,361

Revenue

2004

SPSS Ireland, Old Kilmainham, Dublin 8

Analysis of Internal Communications Survey carried out by the Revenue Commissioners

1,210

Revenue

2004

Ms Marie Armah Kwantreng, Rathfarnham, Dublin 6

Converting text of Capital Acquisition Tax Notes for Guidance from PDF to word.

968

Revenue

2004

Horizon Open Systems, Lisburn, Co. Antrim

Configuring ROS servers

787

Revenue

2004

James Adam, Fine Art Auctioneers/Valuers, Dublin 2

For valuation of Heritage Items to be donated under S.1003 TCA 1997

605

Revenue

2004

Neill Doyle 21 Glendown Grove, Templeogue, Dublin 6W

HR Advice

600

Revenue

2004

Edward Fleury,Monkstown, Cork

Expert valuation to determine value of wine for a prosecution case in Cork

90

Revenue

2004

Mentec

Computer Software maintenance/enhancements

58,000

State Lab

2004

Petrus

Expenditure Review

24,000

State Lab

2004

Clare O’Meara

Carrying out Internal Audit

8,000

State Lab

2004

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Expenditure Review of the Valuation Office

20,010

Valuation Office

2004

BCT Communications

Consultancy on Ratepayers Charter

5,039

Valuation Office

2005

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Legal Advice

65,896

Commission for Public Service Appointments

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2005

Mary Southwell Byrne

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

37,389

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Colouringbox

Website Consultancy

18,872

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Institute of Public Administration

Support for establishing new office

14,250

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Tierney & Associates

Accounting Services

11,344

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Liz Early

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

8,400

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Symbiant Consultancy Services Ltd

Database Development

6,655

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Mentec

Financial/IT Consultancy

3,449

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Europus

Translation Services

1,032

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Dominic B O’Suilleabháin

Translation Services

562

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Nóirín Rowsome

Translation Services

562

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Red Dog Design Consultants

Graphic Design

484

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2005

Brookhill Ltd

Value for Money Evaluations

33,275

Comptroller & Auditor General

2005

Petrus Consulting

Expenditure Review of Contracting Audits

23,232

Comptroller & Auditor General

2005

Trinity College Dublin

Value for Money Evaluations

13,600

Comptroller & Auditor General

2005

Hamilton Osborne King

Value for Money Evaluations

3,025

Comptroller & Auditor General

2005

Bearing Point

Upgrade and roll out of HR Management System to all Government Departments & Offices with a central database which will be hosted and managed by a third party.

1,462,817

Department of Finance

2005

Indecon International Economic Consultants

Review of Certain Property-Based Tax Incentive Schemes.

162,626

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2005

A&L Goodbody

Legal Advisors to compile a compendium of PPP terms and conditions of contract.

151,148

Department of Finance

2005

Curtin Communications (later merged with and became Grayling)

Provision of publicity services for NDP/CSF.

138,682

Department of Finance

2005

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Review of Area- Based Tax Incentive Renewal Schemes.

125,356

Department of Finance

2005

Consortium comprising The Media Group (lead company), Elucidate and Ogilvy & Mather

Marketing campaign, including advertising and (PR) in relation to National Public Procurement Website.

115,769

Department of Finance

2005

Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

Ex-Ante Evaluation of the Investment Priorities for NDP 2007-2013

106,707

Department of Finance

2005

McCann Fitzgerald

To draft conditions of engagement for construction related services and a price variation clause for construction contracts based on a proven cost basis

85,184

Department of Finance

2005

Core International

Developments to CorePay: HRMS-CorePay Interface

51,059

Department of Finance

2005

Fitzpatrick Associates

Advice on securing the maximum benefit for local communities from Decentralisation.

49,489

Department of Finance

2005

Fusio

Web design and maintenance of new, combined NDP and EU Structural Funds websites.

45,050

Department of Finance

2005

Philip Lee Solicitors

To draft price variation clause for construction contracts based on a formula fluctuation basis

24,869

Department of Finance

2005

Paul L. Cassidy & Maura Cassidy

Survey of clients regarding the role of the Civil Service Training Centre in a decentralised environment.

22,990

Department of Finance

2005

KMCS

Monitoring agent for EEA funded project in Cork

22,506

Department of Finance

2005

AMAS Ltd.

Research on Content and Presentation of Forms.

14,276

Department of Finance

2005

iQ Content

Accessibility audit of eTenders website.

12,632

Department of Finance

2005

European Institute of Public Administration

Development of EUPAN Website.

8,110

Department of Finance

2005

Mr R Boyle (IPA)

Provided four days training for ERI.

7,620

Department of Finance

2005

IPA — Institute of Public Administration

For membership of Expenditure Review Central Steering Cttee

5,000

Department of Finance

2005

IPA — Institute of Public Administration

Training for the Expenditure Review Initiative

4,356

Department of Finance

2005

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Created new tables, indexes, views and business area for NEP HSE reports.

4,253

Department of Finance

2005

Webfactory

Web design/development, of EU Structural Funds website Annual maintenance and hosting

3,838

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2005

Michael Purser

Expert opinion on cryptography approach being used in a particular identity management solution

3,750

Department of Finance

2005

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Provision of Status and Absence Code List from each Department.

3,582

Department of Finance

2005

Core International

Developments to CorePay: worksharing software to cater for 1st January falling on Saturday or Sunday.

3,207

Department of Finance

2005

eTraining International

Translation into Irish of Department of Finance Progress Report, 2004.

2,845

Department of Finance

2005

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Provision of list of Corepay reference codes used for location and employee status from each Department.

2,777

Department of Finance

2005

Core International

Developments to CorePay: HRMS -CorePay Comparison (file per department).

2,686

Department of Finance

2005

Mr Neil Doyle

Review of delegations of responsibility within the Department and related work.

2,475

Department of Finance

2005

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Miscellaneous Developments including Workshare Calendar Enquiry & Children’s Allowance.

2,239

Department of Finance

2005

Fitzpatrick Associates

Presentation to Expenditure Reviewers’ Network on 9th June 2005

1,573

Department of Finance

2005

Petrus Consulting Limited

External Evaluation Report — on the Expenditure Review of the Grant in Aid to the IPA by the Department of Finance.

1,452

Department of Finance

2005

Petrus Consulting Limited

External Evaluation Report — on the Expenditure Review of the Change Management Fund by the Department of Finance.

1,452

Department of Finance

2005

Core International

Developments to CorePay: Modifications to union file.

1,343

Department of Finance

2005

Creative Ad

Design of cover for Water Services Evaluation / update Evaluation of Community Support Frame work for Ireland.

913

Department of Finance

2005

Freastal.ie

Translation into Irish of D/Finance Statement of Strategy 2005-2007.

809

Department of Finance

2005

Creative Ad

Design of Cover for Up Date Evaluation

423

Department of Finance

2005

Epsilon

Presentation to Expenditure Reviewers’ Network.

150

Department of Finance

2005

Prof. Helen O’Neill

Completion of questionaire for ERCSC.

100

Department of Finance

2005

Helm Corporation Limited

MIF — project management services

28,434

Office of Public Works

2005

DEGW

Professional services

13,290

Office of Public Works

2005

Chase Inernational

Crystal reports consultancy

10,288

Office of Public Works

2005

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

6,534

Office of Public Works

2005

Michael Shiel

Seminars on decentralisation

3,625

Office of Public Works

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2005

TerminalFour Solutions Ltd

Website Development

59,540

Ombudsman

2005

Social & Market Research

Market Research

36,231

Ombudsman

2005

Russell Brennan Keane

Audit services

27,588

Ombudsman

2005

Raymond Burke

Review of Office reports

1,815

Ombudsman

2005

Software Resources Ltd

IT Consultancy

1,307

Ombudsman

2005

Pricewaterhousecoopers

Specialist Service Recruitment Services

54,587

Public Appointments Service

2005

Lansdowne Market Research Ltd

Research Services

44,740

Public Appointments Service

2005

Catalysto Limited

Publication Services

40,985

Public Appointments Service

2005

Calyx Software Ltd (formerly Mentec Int Ltd)

IT Services

22,998

Public Appointments Service

2005

Tierney & Associates

Auditing Services

22,500

Public Appointments Service

2005

SHL (Ireland) Ltd

Testing Services

15,710

Public Appointments Service

2005

London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority

Interview Services

11,023

Public Appointments Service

2005

Mori Ireland

Research Services

10,285

Public Appointments Service

2005

Paul Allen & Associates

Public Relation Services

7,388

Public Appointments Service

2005

Animo

Interview and Training Services

7,381

Public Appointments Service

2005

Investec

Recruitment Services

7,290

Public Appointments Service

2005

Graphics IT

IT Services

5,959

Public Appointments Service

2005

John Stanley Associates

Specialist Recruitment Services

4,598

Public Appointments Service

2005

Carwil Management & Associates

Interview Services

2,904

Public Appointments Service

2005

Frank Murray

Specialist Service to PAS Board

2,689

Public Appointments Service

2005

Unit 4 Agresso Security Solutions

IT Services

2,299

Public Appointments Service

2005

National Standards Authority of Ireland

Auditing Services

2,039

Public Appointments Service

2005

McGrath Associates

Human Resources Services

1,850

Public Appointments Service

2005

QMS Software Ltd

IT Services

1,150

Public Appointments Service

2005

Core International

IT Services

1,119

Public Appointments Service

2005

Mr Vincent Bradley

Interview Services

1,053

Public Appointments Service

2005

Dorothy Butler Scally

Interview Services

400

Public Appointments Service

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2005

Accenture, 1 Harbourmaster Place, D.1

PAYE Redevelopment and day to day maintenance and support for Integrated Taxation Systems

17,369,194

Revenue

2005

HM Customs & Excise, London, England

Consultant engaged to develop computer audit skills among Revenue staff.

96,277

Revenue

2005

Gartner Group Irl.ltd

IT Strategy + Technology briefings on strategic issues and emerging technologies.

78,127

Revenue

2005

Hummingbird Comm UK Ltd., Wokingham

Provide consultancy, support and skills transfer to implement and configure web reporting.

48,449

Revenue

2005

Peter Mitchell, Foxrock, D.18

Radiation emission specifications for X-ray Scanner tenders

38,400

Revenue

2005

Bull Info. Systems Irl., St. William St. D.2

Support for formalising rules in the Eskort Risk Analysis system

38,076

Revenue

2005

Computer Assoc.Plc, Parnell Sq. D.1

Implementation and upgrade of Unicenter software

31,090

Revenue

2005

Bennis Design, 101 Iveragh Rd., Whitehall, D.9

Design of Annual Report

23,941

Revenue

2005

SAS Institute, Marlow, Bucks, England

Provide consultancy, support and skills transfer for miscellaneous data mining pilots.

23,075

Revenue

2005

Innovative Systems Incorp, Woking, Surrey, Eng.

ITConsultancy

19,254

Revenue

2005

Arthur Nowlan, Ardagh Cresc., Blackrock, Dublin

Valuation of Seized Goods for Court Evidential Purposes

18,728

Revenue

2005

Life Strategies Ltd., Mount St. D.4

Actuarial Consultancy for Life Assurance Special Investigation

18,150

Revenue

2005

Alchemy Films Pty Ltd. PO Box 158 Victoria 3232 Australia

Providing expert evaluation on film budgets for the purposes of section 481 TCA 1997 (Relief for investment in films)

16,956

Revenue

2005

Language, 28 Great Strand St., Dub 1

Advice on design, content presentation and management, production and distribution of Revenue information leaflets/booklets.

16,686

Revenue

2005

Philip Lee (Sol), Wilton Place, D.2

EU Procurement contracts compliance checks for X-Ray Scanner

13,535

Revenue

2005

G.O’Leary, 36 Westcourt, Ballincollig, Cork

The provision of necessary automotive consultancy services to the Central Vehicle Office, Rosslare Harbour.

9,295

Revenue

2005

Conlon Crotty Murray & Co., Elm Hse, Leopardstown, D. 18

Providing advice in relation to audit procedures for the purposes of section 481 TCA 1997 (Relief for investment in films)

7,623

Revenue

2005

Ballycotton Marine Services, Ballycotton, Cork

Advice relating to Customs Cutter.

7,303

Revenue

2005

James Adam, Fine Art Auctioneers & Valuers, St. Stephens Gn. D.2

For valuation of Heritage Items to be donated under section 1003 TCA 1997

7,260

Revenue

2005

Darcy Smyth & Associates

Management consultancy

7,260

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2005

Ms Marie Armah Kwantreng, Rathfarnham, D. 6

Typesetting/editing service

6,595

Revenue

2005

Rational Commerce, Tyrwhit Rd., London

IT Training + Database Tuning

6,227

Revenue

2005

John A.M.Rice, Glenmore, Co. Limerick

Investigation of the HVAC system in operation in Setanta Centre

5,081

Revenue

2005

Ryan Glennon & Co., Ranelagh, D.6

Tendering advice

4,840

Revenue

2005

Enterprise Irl, Finance Dept. Glasnevin D.11

To provide technical advice on the classification of electronic products.

4,762

Revenue

2005

OBC Development, Manor St. D.7

SQL Database administration

3,086

Revenue

2005

Bennis Design Ltd., Iveragh Rd., Whitehall, D.9

Design and production of the Customer Charter Posters.

2,632

Revenue

2005

Paddy Wallace, Glanmire, Co. Cork

Oil Expert for evidential purposes at Court Cases

2,503

Revenue

2005

John M.Allen Architect, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary

Site Survey at Government Offices, Nenagh,

2,420

Revenue

2005

Psychological Consultancy Serv. Ltd. Dalkey, Co. Dublin

Referral from the Chief Medical Officer

2,239

Revenue

2005

Evolve, Castle Ave. Clontarf, D.3

To provide specific training to staff in the Collector General’s Call Centre.

2,120

Revenue

2005

De Veres Art Auctions, 35 Kildare St. D.2

For Valuation of Heritage items to be donated under section 1003 TCA 1997

2,118

Revenue

2005

C. Moore Assoc. Rathfarnham, D.14

Expert evaluation of ERI Report as required by Dept. of Finance

2,087

Revenue

2005

Enterprise Irl, Sandyford Office Pk, Dublin 18

To provide technical advice on the classification of electronic products

1,888

Revenue

2005

Cedardata Software Ltd., Portsmouth Rd., Surrey

IT Accounting Advice

1,555

Revenue

2005

P.Michael Connor, Hampton Ct. Rd., Surrey

To examine applications for Revenue Determinations under section 141 TCA 1997

1,452

Revenue

2005

Strata 3 Pearse St. D.2

Changes to Revenue website

1,422

Revenue

2005

Doyles Solicitors, West Gate, Wexford

HR Consultancy

1,089

Revenue

2005

Ciaran Feighery, Main St. Blanchardstown, D.15

Fee in respect of swearing of affidavits

601

Revenue

2005

Bearingpoint Irl. Ltd., Adelaide Rd., D.2

Peoplesoft HRMS database administration

599

Revenue

2005

Mealys, Chatsworth St. Castlecomber, Co.Kilkenny

Valuation of Heritage items to be donated under section 1003 TCA 1997

424

Revenue

2005

Creative AD Design Consultants, D.2

Design of Budget 05 Leaflet

369

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2005

Lucan Veterinary Hospital, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Veterinary Treatment for Revenue Drugs Detector Dog

348

Revenue

2005

Achilles Procurement Services, Greenmount Office Pk

Procurement Best Practice Training

303

Revenue

2005

Nutgrove Veterinary Hospital, Rathfarnham, D.14

Veterinary Treatment for Revenue Drugs Detector Dog

226

Revenue

2005

David Dennison Fine Wines, The Gallops, D.18

Valuation of Seized Goods for Court Evidential Purposes

100

Revenue

2005

Mentec

Computer Software maintenance/enhancements

29,000

State Lab

2005

Clare O’Meara

Carrying out Internal Audit

11,000

State Lab

2005

HR Benchmarking

HR Consultancy

7,000

State Lab

2005

PKF Glennon

Review of Expenditure Review

6,000

State Lab

2005

Mercer HR

Design Consultancy report

1,000

State Lab

2005

Polaris

Staff Mediation

1,000

State Lab

2005

Epsilon Consulting

Review of Internal Financial Controls and Procedures

14,000

Valuation Office

2005

Curley Smith

Production of Cost Schedule for Revaluation Projects

8,615

Valuation Office

2005

Media Group

Media Consultancy for Revaluation

7,886

Valuation Office

2005

Most Consultants

Recruitment Competency Consulatancy

3,619

Valuation Office

2005

Redacteurs

Assistance with preparation for Revaluation Publication

1,210

Valuation Office

2006

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Legal Advice

63,407

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Mary Southwell Byrne

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

31,218

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Valerie Judge

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

26,136

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Liz Early

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

19,500

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Symbiant Consultancy Services Ltd

Database Support

12,251

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Noel Ryan & Associates

Internal Auditor

9,160

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Institute of Public Administration

Internal Audit Support

4,050

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Europus

Translation Services

2,665

Commission for Public Service Appointments

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2006

Brian O’Cleirigh

Translation Services

2,569

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Mentec

Financial/IT Consultancy

1,283

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Jennifer Armstrong

Editorial Consultancy Services

968

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2006

Ernst & Young

Value for Money Evaluations

154,094

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Lisney Limited

Value for Money Evaluations

39,210

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Brookhill Ltd

Value for Money Evaluations

33,396

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Golden & Associates

Value for Money Evaluations

27,225

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

University of Glasgow

Value for Money Evaluations

16,135

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Epsilon Consulting

Value for Money Evaluations

13,025

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Cornwell Management Consultants

Value for Money Evaluations

7,260

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Institute of Public Administration

Expenditure Review of Contracting Audits

2,904

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Legal consultancy

2,542

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Petrus Consulting

Expenditure Review of Contracting Audits

968

Comptroller & Auditor General

2006

Hay Job Evaluation Project (senior posts in the Irish public service)

Hay Group Ireland

262,166

Department of Finance

2006

Ex-Ante Evaluation of the Investment Priorities for the National Development 2007-2013

Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

248,984

Department of Finance

2006

PSBB surveys of public service and private sector companies

Hay Group (Ireland) Ltd.

175,029

Department of Finance

2006

PSBB surveys of public service and private sector companies

Mercer Human Resource Consulting

143,748

Department of Finance

2006

Review of remuneration of CEOs of commercial State bodies

Hay Management Consultants

143,385

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2006

Internal Advisor role to the PSBB

Derek Burn (DLA Piper Rudnick)

125,539

Department of Finance

2006

PSBB surveys of public service and private sector companies

Jenny Smyth & Associates

103,691

Department of Finance

2006

Possible application of performance-related awards (Research consultancy on the systems in place in other countries in relation to the application of performance awards).

Mercer Human Resource Consulting

46,464

Department of Finance

2006

Visibility Europe

MIF — interface with property maintenace system

68,670

Office of Public Works

2006

Helm Corporation Limited

MIF — project management services

27,253

Office of Public Works

2006

Fujitsu Services

Review of Office of Public Works websites and preparation of rft

15,985

Office of Public Works

2006

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

9,269

Office of Public Works

2006

Complete Network Technology

Farmleigh

7,035

Office of Public Works

2006

RITS

Wireless scan and report

6,897

Office of Public Works

2006

Version 1

Hydrol system server upgrade

4,598

Office of Public Works

2006

Maureen Caufield

Interview services

1,500

Office of Public Works

2006

Lan Communications

Security Audit

1,210

Office of Public Works

2006

Prospectus

Strategic Analysis

11,828

Ombudsman

2006

XML Workshop Ltd

IT Consultancy

11,713

Ombudsman

2006

Russell Brennan Keane

Audit services

9,800

Ombudsman

2006

Delve Research

Market Research

1,885

Ombudsman

2006

TerminalFour Solutions

Website Development

1,815

Ombudsman

2006

Social & Market Research

Market Research

850

Ombudsman

2006

Nifast

Ergonomic assessment

514

Ombudsman

2006

Pricewaterhousecoopers

Specialist Recruitment Services

134,916

Public Appointments Service

2006

Catalysto Limited

Publication Services

49,195

Public Appointments Service

2006

Animo

Interview and Training Services

28,623

Public Appointments Service

2006

Agtel the media element

Specialist Testing Services

27,097

Public Appointments Service

2006

Cassin-Scott Associates

Specialist Testing Services

24,260

Public Appointments Service

2006

Institute for Employment Studies

Specialist Interview Services

23,293

Public Appointments Service

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2006

Lansdowne Market Research Ltd

Research Services

14,913

Public Appointments Service

2006

Graphics IT

IT Services

12,421

Public Appointments Service

2006

Eirtrade Services Ltd

IT Services

10,500

Public Appointments Service

2006

Empower Solutions

Testing Services

8,954

Public Appointments Service

2006

DRS Data Services Ltd

Printing Services

8,364

Public Appointments Service

2006

Calyx Software Ltd (formerly Mentec Int Ltd)

IT Services

8,180

Public Appointments Service

2006

Advanced Organisation & Management Development Ltd

Interview Services

5,440

Public Appointments Service

2006

Sureskills.Com

IT Services

5,344

Public Appointments Service

2006

Tierney & Associates

Auditing Services

5,303

Public Appointments Service

2006

Paul Allen & Associates

Public Relation Services

3,842

Public Appointments Service

2006

Communiqué International

Auditing Services

2,874

Public Appointments Service

2006

Crowleys DFK

Auditing Services

2,817

Public Appointments Service

2006

IPMA-HR

HR Services

2,426

Public Appointments Service

2006

Artemis Consulting Ltd

Interview Services

2,178

Public Appointments Service

2006

Ingrebourne Limited

Interview Services

1,800

Public Appointments Service

2006

Major C B Holden

Interview Services

1,485

Public Appointments Service

2006

Cara Data Processing Ltd

IT Services

1,452

Public Appointments Service

2006

Dell Computer (Ireland)

IT Services

1,240

Public Appointments Service

2006

Diarmaid Mc Guinness SC

Interview Services

1,210

Public Appointments Service

2006

Nifast

HR Services

1,029

Public Appointments Service

2006

Accenture, 1 Harbourmaster Place, D.1

New development work for PAYE and AEP, and day to day maintenance and support for Revenues Integrated Taxation Systems

22,308,412

Revenue

2006

Accenture, 1 Harbourmaster Place, D.1

ROS development work and day-to-day maintenance and support for ROS.

4,477,597

Revenue

2006

Bearing Point

Bearing Point Managed Services & Help Desk Fees for HRMS

223,922

Revenue

2006

Gartner Group Irl. Ltd.

IT procurement best practise, IT Strategy & Technology briefings on strategic issues and emerging technologies.

117,742

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2006

Alchemy Films ltd

Expert evaluation

56,874

Revenue

2006

Royal Irish Academy

Scientific evaluation

56,645

Revenue

2006

H.M. Revenue & Customs

To assist Revenue staff in acquiring expertise in Computer Assisted Audit Techniques.

52,024

Revenue

2006

Migration Solutions, Surrey, England

Generation of Irish Revenue Data Centre study.

50,518

Revenue

2006

Costello Commercials & Chartered Evaluation Surveyors, 33 Raglan Road, Dublin4

Professional evaluation and report in respect of the value of an estate and property.

42,350

Revenue

2006

Innovative Systems Incorp, Woking, Surrey, England

Maintenance of name and address software for business intelligence project.

41,688

Revenue

2006

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Economic Analysis on proposals for VAT on Property Review Project

39,000

Revenue

2006

Gamma Ltd, 4 Inns Court, Winetavern Street, Dublin 8

IT Advice

24,170

Revenue

2006

Bennis Design, 101 Iveragh Rd., Whitehall, D.9

Design of Annual Report

23,928

Revenue

2006

Goodbody Stockbrokers, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Economic assessment of the effects of the proposed changes to VAT on Property

18,150

Revenue

2006

AMAS Ltd, Dublin 2

IT Advice

13,152

Revenue

2006

Trutz Haase, 17 Templeogue Road,Terenure,Dublin 6w.

Study on the Use of Area-based Census Data for Data Validation and Risk Assessment

12,100

Revenue

2006

Luminary Solutions, Leeds, England

Design of reports for MIF system.

10,749

Revenue

2006

Bennis Design, Whitehall, Dublin 9

IT Advice

9,313

Revenue

2006

Niamh Brodie, Berkley House, Pembroke Rd, Dublin 4

Professional evaluation and report in respect of the value of certain shares.

8,700

Revenue

2006

Computer Associates, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

Specialist IT work on helpdesk software for new helpdesk system.

7,623

Revenue

2006

Arthur Nowlan

Various valuations

7,435

Revenue

2006

Gerard O’Leary, Ballincollig,Co Cork

Automotive consultancy services to the Central Vehicle Office, regarding OMSP etc

7,267

Revenue

2006

Devlin Editing

Typesetting/editing

6,837

Revenue

2006

20:20 Vision

Artwork

6,679

Revenue

2006

Luminary Solutions, Leeds, England

Technical Consultancy services for PAYE online project.

6,105

Revenue

2006

Tony Fitzpatrick

Expert advice re CAT High Court Appeal;

6,000

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2006

Rational Commerce, London

Consultancy for specialised database.

5,881

Revenue

2006

C. Moore & Associates, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14

Expert Evaluation of ERI Report as required by Dept. of Finance

5,009

Revenue

2006

James Adam, Fine Art Auctions

valuation of heritage items

4,840

Revenue

2006

Sysnet Ltd, Knocklyon, Dublin 16

IT Data Security consultancy

4,023

Revenue

2006

DeBurca rare Books

Valuation of heritage items

3,630

Revenue

2006

Cedardata Software Ltd., Portsmouth Rd., Surrey

Consultancy services

3,185

Revenue

2006

Douglas Bennet

Valuation of items

3,000

Revenue

2006

Sean Mc Cormack, Commercial Property Consultant & Chartered Surveryors, 42 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2

Professional evaluation and report in respect of the value of a property.

1,815

Revenue

2006

Media Market, Unit 19, Docklands Innovation Park, 123-130 East Wall Road, Dublin 3

Analysis of taxpayer information publicity campaign

1,815

Revenue

2006

Conlon Crotty Murray & Co

Consultancy re R&D tax credit

1,815

Revenue

2006

Gerard O’Leary, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

Consultancy services

1,760

Revenue

2006

Michael McGrath BCL

Legal technical Advice

1,425

Revenue

2006

Liam O’hAodha

Translation to Irish

939

Revenue

2006

SHRC Ltd. Sandyford, Dublin 18

Evaluation of IBI interface design and report.

908

Revenue

2006

DeVeres Art Auctions

valuation of heritage items

847

Revenue

2006

Ciaran Feighery, Main St. Blanchardstown, D.15

Fee in respect of swearing of affidavits and exhibits

761

Revenue

2006

Culturewise

Cultural Awareness Course

603

Revenue

2006

Bennis Design

Long Service Awards Artwork

598

Revenue

2006

Mentec

Computer Software maintenance/enhancements

22,000

State Lab

2006

Clare O’Meara

Carrying out Internal Audit

13,000

State Lab

2006

Willis Risk

Preparation of Safety Statement/Risk Assessment

6,000

State Lab

2006

Nifast

Health & Safely advice

3,000

State Lab

2006

Hays IT

Software Programming Consultancy

49,044

Valuation Office

2006

Redacteurs

Assistance with preparation for Revaluation Publication

9,680

Valuation Office

2006

Most Consultants

Recruitment Competency Consulatancy

6,729

Valuation Office

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2006

Halley and Associates

Team Building

6,400

Valuation Office

2006

Institute of Public Administration

Chair to Audit Committee

2,250

Valuation Office

2007

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Legal Advice

129,844

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2007

Mary Southwell Byrne

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

40,414

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2007

Valerie Judge

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

22,688

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2007

Cassin Scott Associates Ltd

Audit Methodology Review

13,500

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2007

Noel Ryan & Associates

Internal Auditor

8,034

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2007

Liz Early

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

8,000

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2007

Institute of Public Administration

Internal Audit Support

2,250

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2007

Mentec

Financial/IT Consultancy

1,963

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2007

Ernst & Young

Value for Money Evaluations

89,589

Comptroller & Auditor General

2007

University of Glasgow

Value for Money Evaluations

28,523

Comptroller & Auditor General

2007

Norcontel

C&AG ICT System

22,385

Comptroller & Auditor General

2007

Epsilon Consulting

Value for Money Evaluations

14,600

Comptroller & Auditor General

2007

Golden & Associates

Value for Money Evaluations

9,075

Comptroller & Auditor General

2007

Brookhill Ltd

Value for Money Evaluations

5,808

Comptroller & Auditor General

2007

Hay Group Ireland, Mount Street, Dublin 2

A job evaluation of approximately one hundred senior posts in the Irish public sector by reference to jobs of a similar weight in the private sector in Ireland.

190,249.19

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2007

Mercer Consulting

PSBB surveys of public service and private sector companies

349,301

Department of Finance

2007

Hay

Hay Job Evaluation Project (Job Evaluation Exercise)

262,166

Department of Finance

2007

Hay Group (Ireland) Ltd.

PSBB surveys of public service and private sector companies

206,956

Department of Finance

2007

The Reward Partnership

Parallel Benchmarking (Examination of pay of craft workers in the Health and Local Authority sectors).

151,554

Department of Finance

2007

Jenny Smyth & Associates

PSBB surveys of public service and private sector companies

104,863

Department of Finance

2007

Derek Burn (DLA Piper Rudnick)

Internal Advisor role to the PSBB (Contract for the role as advisor during the deliberative phase of the work of the PSBB).

93,926

Department of Finance

2007

Indecon International Economic Consultants

Review of Section 481 Film Relief Scheme

92,112

Department of Finance

2007

Life Strategies Ltd.

Pensions Study (PSBB and Review Body)

87,726

Department of Finance

2007

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Review of exemption from taxation of royalties or income derived from patents.

59,532

Department of Finance

2007

Ernst & Young

Econometric Study of CSO National Employment Survey, 2003

56,657

Department of Finance

2007

PWC (PriceWaterhouseCoopers)

Risk Evaluation — Accountant’s Branch/PMGs

49,624

Department of Finance

2007

Accuvest Investment Advisors

Internal Advisor on Pensions (PSBB and Review Body)

48,400

Department of Finance

2007

Hay Management Consultants

Review of remuneration of CEOs of commercial State bodies

47,795

Department of Finance

2007

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Study of Potential Effects of commencing S110 FA 2007

43,651

Department of Finance

2007

Indecon (Ireland)

Update of review of scheme of tax relief for residential units associated with nursing homes.

42,592

Department of Finance

2007

Nifast

Hazards and Risks Assessment (to provide a hazards and risk assessment and safety statements for the Department’s Dublin Offices).

22,750

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2007

Value for Money Review of Ordnance Ireland (with respect to the the Grant-in-Aid provided to the Ordnace Survey Ireland which is used to part fund the OSI).

Horwath Consulting Ireland Ltd. Petrus Consulting Ltd performed an External Evaluation of Horwath Consulting Ltd. report.

19,201

Department of Finance

2007

Work Station Review in Tullamore

Cornamona Health and Safety

7,800

Department of Finance

2007

Health and Safety audit of Tullamore offices

Safety Solutions Limited

2,420

Department of Finance

2007

Sogeti

ICT Strategy Review

120,758

Office of Public Works

2007

Terminal 4

Analysis, redesign and development of 9 Office of Public Works websites

48,763

Office of Public Works

2007

Grant Thornton

Cash Handling review

42,354

Office of Public Works

2007

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

15,445

Office of Public Works

2007

Escat

Security Audit

10,648

Office of Public Works

2007

Helm Corporation Limited

MIF — project management services

6,352

Office of Public Works

2007

McGarry Ni Eanaigh

Interview services

5,763

Office of Public Works

2007

Professional Solutions Ltd.

Consultancy services

3,912

Office of Public Works

2007

Maureen Caufield

Interview services

2,850

Office of Public Works

2007

Anne Butler

Interview services

1,543

Office of Public Works

2007

Wilson Hartnell Public Relations

Public Relations Consultancy

22,938

Ombudsman

2007

Ita Mangan

Communication Audit

10,285

Ombudsman

2007

Crowleys DFK

Audit services

7,593

Ombudsman

2007

Delve Research

Market Research

2,994

Ombudsman

2007

Social & Market Research

Market Research

2,982

Ombudsman

2007

Cassin-Scott Associates

Specialist Testing Services

117,857

Public Appointments Service

2007

Calyx Software Ltd (formerly Mentec Int Ltd)

IT Services

18,828

Public Appointments Service

2007

The Performance Partnership

Specialist Testing Services

18,531

Public Appointments Service

2007

Crowleys DFK

Auditing Services

18,270

Public Appointments Service

2007

Catalysto Limited

Publication Services

13,941

Public Appointments Service

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2007

DalRiada

Specialist Recruitment Services

10,890

Public Appointments Service

2007

Graphics IT

IT Services

10,128

Public Appointments Service

2007

Agtel the media element

Specialist Testing Services

9,612

Public Appointments Service

2007

SHL (Ireland) Ltd

Testing Services

6,050

Public Appointments Service

2007

Dell Computer (Ireland)

IT Services

2,166

Public Appointments Service

2007

IT Force Ltd

IT Services

1,162

Public Appointments Service

2007

Unit 4 Agresso Security Solutions

IT Services

1,150

Public Appointments Service

2007

Animo

Interview and Training Services

908

Public Appointments Service

2007

JLS Technology

Specialist Testing Services

620

Public Appointments Service

2007

Prof. J. Heywood

Research Services

600

Public Appointments Service

2007

Deloitte consultants.

VFM Review of IT External Resources expenditure in 2006.

118,580

Revenue

2007

Frontend

Revenue website accessibility-audit and advice on redesign strategy.

23,450

Revenue

2007

Costello Commercial

Valution Advice

20,328

Revenue

2007

Bull Inform. Systems Irl.

Services in relation to Risk Evaluation and Profiling (REAP) System

18,072

Revenue

2007

Niamh Brodie

Valution Advice

16,500

Revenue

2007

IQ Content Ltd.

Review and report upon the Revenue website.

14,641

Revenue

2007

Polaris HR Ltd.

HR Consultancy

13,315

Revenue

2007

Ms. Marie Armah Kwantreng

Advice on Typesetting & Editing

9,638

Revenue

2007

Gerry O’Leary

Valuation Advice

8,205

Revenue

2007

Bennis Design

Desk Top Publishing

7,611

Revenue

2007

Dublin University

Advice regarding R&D credit entitlements

7,260

Revenue

2007

Gerry McMahon

Valuation Advice

7,099

Revenue

2007

Achilles Procurement Serv.

Procurement Advice

6,256

Revenue

2007

Alchemy Films PTY Ltd.

Technical advice re Film

5,808

Revenue

2007

DeBurca Rare Books

Valution Advice

5,445

Revenue

2007

Mealys

Valuation Advice

5,082

Revenue

2007

Ballycotton Marine Serv.

Professional Fees Re “Suirbheir” — The Revenue Cutter

4,091

Revenue

2007

Catalysto Ltd.

Design/Interface of electronic Employers PAYE Guide

3,896

Revenue

2007

Interactive Innovation Ltd.

Advice on research & development activities.

3,630

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2007

Arthur Nowlan

Valuation Advice

3,199

Revenue

2007

C. Moore & Associates

Independent Quality Assessment of the VFM Review of IT External Resources expenditure in 2006.

2,677

Revenue

2007

Carlisle Advisory Services

Fees for Advisory Services/Research

2,420

Revenue

2007

Enterprise Ireland

Technical advice on tariff classification

2,360

Revenue

2007

Creative A.D.

Desktop Publishing

2,305

Revenue

2007

20:20 Vision Ltd.

Desk Top Publishing

998

Revenue

2007

James Nash

Advice on document analysis

847

Revenue

2007

Whyte & Sons Auctioneers

Professional fee valuation of a heritage object.

726

Revenue

2007

Psychological Consultancy Services Ltd.

HR Consultancy

726

Revenue

2007

DeVeres

Valution Advice

605

Revenue

2007

Copper Reed Studio Ltd.

Setup for print and Print Management Form design

483

Revenue

2007

Actons Solicitors

Professional Solicitors Fee

372

Revenue

2007

Pat Firth

Staff Mediation

48,000

State Lab

2007

Polaris

Staff Mediation

29,000

State Lab

2007

Clare O’Meara

Carrying out Internal Audit

13,000

State Lab

2007

Most Consultants

Recruitment Competency Consulatancy

32,616

Valuation Office

2007

Amarach Consulting

Survey on Customer Charter — Independent validation

18,876

Valuation Office

2007

Media Group

Communications Advice

9,494

Valuation Office

2007

Curley Smith

Consultant advice on schedule of costs

4,235

Valuation Office

2007

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Independent validation of Performance Indicator

2,420

Valuation Office

2008

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Legal Advice

71,885

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2008

Mary Southwell Byrne

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

52,756

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2008

Liz Early

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

13,200

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2008

Noel Ryan & Associates

Internal Auditor

8,748

Commission for Public Service Appointments

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2008

Cassin Scott Associates Ltd

Audit Methodology Review

7,736

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2008

Tierney & Associates

Accounting Services

3,920

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2008

Brendan O’Callaghan

HR Consultancy

2,400

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2008

Valerie Judge

HR Consultant — Recruitment Auditing

1,440

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2008

Anthony Kerr BL

Legal Advice

605

Commission for Public Service Appointments

2008

Institute of Public Administration

Quality Review of VFM Published Reports

47,493

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Golden & Associates

Value for Money Evaluations

42,471

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Mazers Risk Management

Value for Money Evaluations

29,706

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Matthew Harman & Partners

Value for Money Evaluations

28,938

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Lifestrategies

Value for Money Evaluations

27,007

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Collier Broaderick

Value for Money Evaluations

21,151

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Ernst & Young

Value for Money Evaluations

12,825

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Norcontel

C&AG ICT System

8,167

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Ita Mangan B.L

Value for Money Evaluations

2,420

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

OSC Consulting

Value for Money Evaluations

2,299

Comptroller & Auditor General

2008

Millstream Associates

Development, maintenance and management of the National e-tendering website, www.etenders.gov.ie

668,211

Department of Finance

2008

A consortium headed by Bearing Point and including BT.

Provision of a common HR IT solution consolidated in a central location and managed by an application service provider which will support the delivery of a modern strategic HRM model across the civil service. Further work on providing integrated solutions for pensions, PMDS and payroll also included.

521,660

Department of Finance

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2008

Hay Group Ireland, Lr. Mount Street, Dublin 2

Job evaluation of senior posts in the Public Sector

114,344

Department of Finance

2008

Ernst & Young

Study on the economic and budgetary implications of a CCCTB

96,600

Department of Finance

2008

A&L Goodbody

To develop standard conditions of contract for civil engineering and building works projects and associated outline guidance; and draft legal changes resulting from consultation process and training .

57,396

Department of Finance

2008

IPA — Institute of Public Administration

Review of the Capacity of the Dept of Finance

50,000

Department of Finance

2008

McCann Fitzgerald

To draft conditions of engagement for construction related services and a price variation clause for construction contracts based on a proven cost basis; and draft legal changes resulting from consultation process and training.

48,400

Department of Finance

2008

MRPA Kinman Communications

Provision of Publicity Services for NDP/CSF to support delivery of NDP Communications Strategy particularly at local level

38,720

Department of Finance

2008

Petrus Consulting

Evaluation of value for money and policy review on construction procurement reform initiative

4,114

Department of Finance

2008

Brooker Consulting

Quality management system

20,476

Office of Public Works

2008

Beauchamps

Legal services

1,972

Office of Public Works

2008

Helm Corporation Limited

MIF — project management services

1,698

Office of Public Works

2008

Open Interface

Website Accessibility Audit

12,705

Ombudsman

2008

Institute of Public Administration

Risk Management

11,400

Ombudsman

2008

Crowleys DFK

Audit services

5,074

Ombudsman

2008

Jim Hehir

Audit services

852

Ombudsman

2008

Michael P Lyons & Assoc

Fire Consultancy Services

545

Ombudsman

2008

Ballard Consultancy

Architectural services

424

Ombudsman

2008

CPL Solutions Limited

Specialist Recruitment Services

43,560

Public Appointments Service

2008

SHL (Ireland) Ltd

Testing Services

31,798

Public Appointments Service

2008

Yeaton & Associates

Specialist Recruitment Services

30,250

Public Appointments Service

2008

WRC Social & Economic Consultants Ltd

Research Services

30,000

Public Appointments Service

2008

SHL Group Limited

Testing Services

25,963

Public Appointments Service

2008

DalRiada

Specialist Recruitment Services

22,899

Public Appointments Service

2008

Crowleys DFK

Auditing Services

22,199

Public Appointments Service

2008

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

Legal Services

17,158

Public Appointments Service

2008

Catalysto Limited

Publication Services

15,071

Public Appointments Service

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2008

The Performance Partnership

Specialist Testing Services

9,972

Public Appointments Service

2008

Catalyst Consulting

HR Services

9,680

Public Appointments Service

2008

Cubiks Ltd

Specialist Testing Services

9,067

Public Appointments Service

2008

Caveon Llc

Specialist Testing Services

8,609

Public Appointments Service

2008

Micaela McGinley

Interview Services

8,152

Public Appointments Service

2008

Dilucid Limited Consultancy

Research Services

7,260

Public Appointments Service

2008

Armstrong Craven Limited

Specialist Recruitment Services

6,000

Public Appointments Service

2008

Ms Dorothy Scally

Interview Services

5,736

Public Appointments Service

2008

Dell Computer (Ireland)

IT Services

5,445

Public Appointments Service

2008

Graphics IT

IT Services

4,997

Public Appointments Service

2008

Ergometrics & Applied Personnel Research Inc

Research Services

4,310

Public Appointments Service

2008

Sandip Gaheer

Specialist Testing Services

3,790

Public Appointments Service

2008

Data Entry Bureau

IT Services

3,379

Public Appointments Service

2008

Lan Communications

IT Services

3,065

Public Appointments Service

2008

Sureskills.Com

IT Services

3,013

Public Appointments Service

2008

O Herlihy Access Consultancy

HR Services

908

Public Appointments Service

2008

Edward Delany & Associates

HR Services

847

Public Appointments Service

2008

Prof. J. Heywood

Research Services

700

Public Appointments Service

2008

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

HR Services

157

Public Appointments Service

2008

Arekibo Communications

Website Development and Design

45,024

Revenue

2008

Costello Commercial

Valuations

42,500

Revenue

2008

Performance Partnership

Strategic Excerise for PO Comp.

28,701

Revenue

2008

Market Research Bureau Ltd

Research Project Illegal cigarettes

24,845

Revenue

2008

Bennis Design

Design Production

23,821

Revenue

2008

Geraldine Garland

Design Revenue Museum

20,352

Revenue

2008

Gerard O Leary

Valuation

12,816

Revenue

2008

Peter I Mitchell Phd Cphys

Radiation Protection Advisor

12,000

Revenue

2008

Renaissance Cont. Servs Ltd

Business Continuity

9,500

Revenue

2008

Niamh Brodie

Valuation opinion

8,100

Revenue

Year

Contractor

Purpose of contract

Payment

Office

2008

Prof. Tim Mcgloughlin

R&D Tax Credit

7,966

Revenue

2008

Bull Inform. Systems Irl

IT related

6,921

Revenue

2008

Dr Joseph Kiniry

R&D Tax Credit

6,103

Revenue

2008

Ms Marie Armah Kwantreng

Typesetting and editing service

5,000

Revenue

2008

Arthur Nowlan.

Valuation

4,560

Revenue

2008

Achilles Procurement Serv

Legal Service Consultany

4,524

Revenue

2008

James Adam

Valuations

3,000

Revenue

2008

Professor Thomas Brazil

R&D Tax Credit

3,000

Revenue

2008

Polaris Hr Ltd

HR Consultancy

2,763

Revenue

2008

Catalysto Ltd

IT Design

2,400

Revenue

2008

Cruickshank

Technical Advice

2,370

Revenue

2008

Philip & Clare Perry Part

R&D technical evaluation

2,250

Revenue

2008

Humphrey A Moynihan

R&D Tax Credit

2,043

Revenue

2008

De Veres

Valuations

2,000

Revenue

2008

Whyte & Sons Auctioneers

Valutions

1,500

Revenue

2008

Miscellaneous Small consultancies

HR Related Reports

1,370

Revenue

2008

McMahon & Williams

Legal Affidavits

830

Revenue

2008

Ballycotton Marine Serv

Maritime feasibility study

700

Revenue

2008

Gerry Mcmahon

Tech Consultany on tariff classification

663

Revenue

2008

O Herlihy Access Consult.

Design

450

Revenue

2008

Darlington Consulting

Ergonomic Assessment

436

Revenue

2008

Atkins Faithful & Gould

Review of Facilities Management contract

9,000

State Lab

2008

Clare O’Meara

Carrying out Internal Audit

8,000

State Lab

2008

Polaris

Staff Mediation

5,000

State Lab

2008

Conal Devine & Associates

Staff Mediation

2,000

State Lab

2008

Amarach Consulting

Independent validation of customer charter

12,584

Valuation Office

2008

Valuation Office Agency

Consultancy advice on quarries

12,349

Valuation Office

2008

Media Group

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Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

185 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the general requirements on PAYE workers to make tax returns. [41193/08]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that PAYE workers generally fall into two categories—

(a) those who do not have any income other than their PAYE income; and

(b) those who have income, or a source of income, in addition to their PAYE income.

(a) Taxpayers with PAYE Income only

Where PAYE income is an individual's only source of income, that individual is required to make a tax return when he or she is requested to do by notice in writing by an inspector of taxes. However, where

i. such individual or such individual's spouse is a proprietary director of a company; that individual is obliged to submit a tax return without being requested to do so by an inspector of taxes; or

ii. such individual has opened, either directly or indirectly, a foreign bank account, then he or she is obliged to submit a tax return without being requested to do so by an inspector of taxes for the tax years in which such account was opened.

A proprietary director is a director of a company who is the beneficial owner of, or is able either directly or indirectly to control, more than 15% of the ordinary share capital of the company.

(b) Taxpayers with income, or a source of income, in addition to PAYE Income

An individual who has non-PAYE income is obliged to submit, under the self-assessment system, a tax return even if not requested to do by an inspector of taxes.

Notwithstanding this, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that, for administrative ease, where a PAYE taxpayer

(i) has gross non-PAYE income of less than €50,000 which results in net taxable income of less than €3,174 in a tax year; and

(ii) the tax due on that non-PAYE income is collected by reducing the individual's tax credits, that individual need only submit a tax return when requested to do by notice in writing by an inspector of taxes.

The €50,000 limit applies to gross income from all sources and not from each separate source.

David Stanton

Question:

186 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the impact of the cap on tax reliefs on charitable and philanthropic donations; if excluding such donations from the tax relief cap would channel more resources to areas of need; if estimates have been undertaken regarding the result of such change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41652/08]

After the introduction of the restriction of tax reliefs measure was announced in Budget 2006, my predecessor received a number of representations regarding the inclusion of the donations scheme in the list of reliefs to which the restriction would apply. The arguments put forward were considered very carefully at the time. The question was also discussed in the Dáil in some detail during Committee Stage of the 2006 Finance Bill. In the event, my predecessor decided that, on balance, the donations scheme should remain on the list.

Removing the donations scheme from the list of specified reliefs would weaken the intended effect of the restriction, which is to increase to 20% at least, in any one year, the effective tax rate of those on high incomes who avail of such reliefs. Given that the proportion, even of high income individuals, who are affected by the restriction is relatively small, it is expected that the socio-economic objectives of the donations scheme will still be met. In addition, it should be noted that where relief under the donations scheme has not been allowed in any one year as a result of the restriction, it can be carried forward to the next year and indeed, following years, if necessary.

It would be difficult to make any accurate assessment or estimate of the kind suggested by the Deputy.

Food Labelling.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

187 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she has taken to request the EU Commission to reform the food labelling laws regarding country of origin and lightly processed foods; when the expected changes in EU labelling laws will be made to clarify country of origin and country of processing; and if she has proposed that the country of origin of meat products be made mandatory rather than in cases in which information is potentially misleading. [40614/08]

General labelling is currently governed by Directive 2000/13/EC, which makes compulsory the indication of particulars of the place of origin or provenance only where failure to give such particulars might mislead the consumer to a material degree as to the true origin or provenance of the foodstuff. Under Article 18 of the Directive, national provisions can only be justified on grounds of the protection of public health, the prevention of fraud or unfair competition, and protection of property rights and indications of provenance. The member state, when attempting to introduce regulations in this area, must then receive a positive opinion from the European Commission.

In the Commission's proposal on the provision of food information to the consumer, issued in January 2008, a similar provision is made. In addition, however, allowance is made for a voluntary national measure, with mandatory requirements. Where a Food Business Operator chooses to use country of origin labelling, Article 35 of the proposal states that "where the country of origin or the place of provenance of the food is not the same as the one of its primary ingredient(s), the country of origin or place of provenance of those ingredient(s) shall also be given”. It adds that, “for meat, other than beef and veal, the indication on the country of origin or place of provenance may be given as a single place only where animals have been born, reared and slaughtered in the same country or place. In other cases information on each of the different places of birth, rearing and slaughter shall be given.”

Ireland submitted its position paper on the Food Information proposal on 5 November 2008. In this proposal, Ireland pressed for mandatory country of origin labelling for all foodstuffs. Ireland suggested that, for meat, information be also given regarding the country of birth, rearing and slaughter (where different from the country of origin). Department of Health and Children will continue to pursue this issue through the EU Working Group charged with developing the proposal. It is expected that the proposal will not be finalised until at least late 2009.

Nursing Home Subventions.

James Bannon

Question:

188 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who had been given the family home, legally signed over to them, should have to pay 15% of the value of that property under the fair deal nursing home charges, as the person in care no longer owns the property and the onus should not be on the new owner to pay this levy when the relative concerned dies, as 80% of the patients own income has already been paid for such care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40658/08]

Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, a person will pay a contribution towards their care costs of up to 80% of assessable income and up to 5% of the value of any assets in excess of the asset disregard per annum. In the case of the principal private residence, the contributions payable will be capped at 15%, i.e. after three years of care a person will not be liable for any further contribution based on the principal private residence.

Contributions based on Irish land-based assets may be deferred for the duration of a person's lifetime and repaid from their estate. However, this deferred contribution element of the scheme is voluntary. Individuals may choose to pay as they go in which case no money would be repayable from their estate.

As is the case with the current Nursing Home Subvention Scheme, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill contains an anti-avoidance provision whereby assets and income transferred within the five years prior to an application for State support are to be taken into account during the course of the financial assessment. Notwithstanding this, the Bill does provide for a right of appeal to have assets and income which were transferred prior to 9 October 2008 excluded from the financial assessment where their inclusion would result in undue hardship for the person, their spouse or partner, or their child under the age of 21.

Finally, it should be noted that no existing resident in a nursing home will be made worse off as a result of the new scheme. Existing residents in public nursing homes can continue to pay in-patient charges while existing residents in private nursing homes can either transfer to the new scheme or remain in receipt of nursing home subvention.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Michael Ring

Question:

189 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a hospital (details supplied) in County Mayo is not sending on outpatient referrals to the National Treatment Purchase Fund in respect of ear, nose and throat treatment; and the reason these patients not being let go by the Health Service Executive and the hospital for referral to the NTPF when they are more than six months on the waiting list and could avail of out-patient department appointments in private hospitals under the NTPF. [40589/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

190 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the out-patient appointment list in a hospital (details supplied) in County Mayo for ear, nose and throat treatment; the number of those people waiting for more than six months for their appointment; and the waiting list for an OPD ENT appointment at this hospital. [40590/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.

The management of hospital services generally, including out-patient waiting lists, is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the individual hospitals concerned. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the issues investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Mary Upton

Question:

191 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a couple, both over 70 years, who have savings of slightly more than €70,000 will lose their entitlement to their medical cards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40591/08]

The Government recently announced the withdrawal of automatic entitlement to the medical card from people aged 70 years and over and the introduction of new income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over of €700 (gross) per week for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week for a couple with effect from 1st January, 2009.

As part of the means test, any savings up to €36,000 (single)/€72,000 (couple) will be disregarded and only interest from savings above these figures will be considered as income for means testing purposes. Where a person's means are in excess of the income thresholds, the HSE may issue a medical card on a discretionary basis, if the applicant would otherwise be caused undue hardship in providing general medical and surgical services for himself/herself and any dependants.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Joan Burton

Question:

192 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the establishment of a private co-located hospital on the grounds of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40635/08]

The Board of the Health Service Executive (HSE) has approved preferred bidder status for the development of co-located hospitals at Beaumont, Cork University, Limerick Regional, St. James's, Waterford Regional and Sligo General Hospitals.

Connolly Hospital and Tallaght Hospital, which are also participating in the co-location initiative, are at an earlier stage of the procurement process. A tender in respect of Connolly Hospital has been received and is under consideration.

Hospital Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

193 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans that exist for the expansion and upgrading of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40636/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

194 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children when it is expected that Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown will have an MRI scanner on site; the provision that has been made for the acquisition of such a scanner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40637/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

195 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the ward closures or other service cutbacks scheduled for 2009 in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown; the services to be scaled down or discontinued in the hospital as a result of budgetary cutbacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40638/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

196 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the complement of staff, broken down by function, at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown as at year end 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 projected and 2009 projected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40639/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

197 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget allocation and budget surplus or deficit at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown for the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 projected, 2009 projected and 2010 projected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40640/08]

Joan Burton

Question:

200 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients attending Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 as in-patients, out-patients and accident and emergency patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40643/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 to 197, inclusive, and 200 together.

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

Hospital Services Funding.

Joan Burton

Question:

198 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which hospitals here can and do engage in multi-annual budgeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40641/08]

The hospitals which are directly managed by the HSE and voluntary hospitals which are funded by the HSE are allocated budgets annually by the Executive in accordance with the National Service Plan, which the Executive must submit each year to me for my approval following the publication by the Government of the Estimates for the Public Services. As the HSE has its own Vote expenditure on the plan must be in line with the Estimates by the Government for that year for the HSE Vote.

The service plan must be drawn up in accordance with a wide range of criteria, including having regard to the Executive's 3 year corporate plan which sets out its key objectives and the strategies to achieve and measure the implementation of these objectives.

Voluntary hospitals are funded in accordance with Section 38 of the Act which provides that the Executive may enter into an arrangement with service providers. Before entering into an arrangement the Executive must determine, in respect of a financial year of the Executive, the maximum amount of funding that it proposes to make available in that year under the arrangement and the level of service it expects to be provided for that funding.

The 2004 Act, through the provisions for the corporate plan, provides for a multi-annual planning framework. However, in line with the Constitutional requirements regarding the sanctioning of Votes by the Dail, the Act does provide for budgets to be determined annually, within the context of the 3 year corporate plan and having regard to the resources made available to the HSE.

Specifically in relation to Capital Expenditure, the HSE submits a 5 year plan multi-annual Capital Plan. This Plan is in line with the annual figures for Capital Expenditure indicated in the Public Capital Programme. This Capital Plan is approved by me. Actual expenditure by the HSE in any one year must be within the overall limits Voted by the Dail on an annual basis.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Joan Burton

Question:

199 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of expenditure allocated and utilised by the National Treatment Purchase Fund for procedures originating in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 projected, 2009 projected and 2010 projected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40642/08]

As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.

Question No. 200 answered with Question No. 193.

Hospital Charges.

Joan Burton

Question:

201 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of hospital or accident and emergency charges which went unpaid in each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; the hospitals’ procedures for recovering such unpaid charges; the number of cases of such unpaid charges; the total sum that was referred to an external agency, organisation or other authority for the purposes of debt collection; the details of such external agency, organisation or other authority; the number of cases of such unpaid charges that resulted in litigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40644/08]

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.

Joan Burton

Question:

202 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who benefited from home care packages and the cost, for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 projected; the amount budgeted for home care packages for 2009 and the estimated number of people who will benefit; if this information will be broken down by local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40645/08]

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

Joan Burton

Question:

203 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who benefitted from the home help service; the number of home help hours that were provided and the cost, for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 projected; the amount budgeted for home help hours for 2009; the number of home help hours Budget 2009 will allow for; the estimated number of people who will benefit; the number of people who experienced a reduction in their number of home help hours to date in 2008; the number of people who are expected to experience a reduction in their number of home help hours during 2009; if this information will be broken down by local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40646/08]

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

Joan Burton

Question:

204 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people who benefited from a day and respite care place and the cost for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 projected; the amount budgeted for day and respite care for 2009; the estimated number of people who will benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40647/08]

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

Medical Cards.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

205 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will continue the provision of medical cards for the over 70s without means testing (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40654/08]

With effect from the 1st January 2009, new income thresholds will apply for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over. The thresholds are €700 (gross) per week for a single person and €1400 (gross) per week for a couple. It is expected that 95% of those aged 70 or over (about 330,000 out of 353,000) will get a medical card under the new arrangements announced by the Government.

Over 1.3 million people in the State currently have a medical card. The objective of the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme is to ensure that the medical card benefit is available to those who are unable without undue hardship, to meet the cost of health services for themselves and their dependants. I am satisfied that the Government decision to remove the automatic eligibility to a medical card for persons aged 70 or over with effect from 1st January 2009 is an effective measure to ensure that public health funding is used to help those most in need.

General Practitioner Co-operatives.

Finian McGrath

Question:

206 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [40667/08]

Out of hours co-operatives allow general practitioners to put in place arrangements to provide services to their patients, while their surgeries are closed in the evenings, on weekends and bank holidays. The development of GP co-operatives is in line with the overall health service policy of strengthening primary care services and ensuring that to the greatest extent possible, people's care needs are met in the primary care setting.

Out of hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. In 2007, the HSE Vote included almost €37 million in baseline funding for these services and the Executive has advised that this figure is available again in 2008. This figure does not include the fees of the participating doctors.

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for this service, it is the appropriate body to provide the information sought 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.

Foreign Adoptions.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

207 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on recent negotiations regarding the five year bilateral agreement between Ireland and Vietnam which ends on 1 May 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40672/08]

Officials from my Office and the Adoption Board travelled to Vietnam last week to commence discussions on the negotiation of a new bilateral agreement with Vietnam in light of the expiration of the current agreement in May 2009. Officials also met with other embassies on the ground regarding the operation of similar bilateral agreements with those other jurisdictions. A report on the visit is being prepared for my consideration.

Hospital Staff.

James Bannon

Question:

208 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses who graduated here in 2008; the number of these who are employed in public hospitals, first, on a permanent basis and second, with short-term contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40679/08]

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.

James Bannon

Question:

209 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of non-EU nurses given permits to practise nursing here who are employed in a permanent capacity in public hospitals; the numbers employed on contract in the public hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40680/08]

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.

James Bannon

Question:

210 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that when existing contracts expire for non-EU nurses, who were employed to fill a temporary shortfall, their contracts will not be renewed, in order that Irish trained nurses can take up vacancies on completion of training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40681/08]

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.

Hospice Care.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

211 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason two separate medical departments in a hospice centre (details supplied) are being closed with immediate effect until January 2009; if contingency plans will be made to halt the closure of these two units; and if failing that she will give her assurances that the two departments in question will be reopened in accordance with the information supplied by her Department. [40684/08]

This issue was addressed by my colleague Deputy Wallace in an adjournment debate on the 5th November when it was indicated that the HSE were working closely with the Hospice to ensure that, not withstanding existing budgetary pressures overall at the Hospice, the infusion treatment currently being provided for rheumatology patients at Harold's Cross will continue to be provided.

As the Deputy will be aware, 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 issues raised at this time 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.

Patient Safety.

Seán Barrett

Question:

212 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the actions taken to implement the recommendations of the joint sub-committee on the adverse side-effects of pharmaceuticals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40688/08]

Following the publication by a Sub-Committee of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children of its Report on the Adverse Side Effects of Pharmaceuticals in April 2007, the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) initiated a process to carefully examine the various items raised. This process involved the appointment of independent external consultants and experts in the field of pharmacovigilance and drug safety who have conducted a robust assessment of the proposals. This assessment was completed in November 2007.

I am advised that the proposals concerning conduct of clinical trials and post authorisation studies are already provided for in legislation and are the subject of a range of initiatives. One such initiative is a European Medicines Agency project to establish a European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (ENCePP) to look at ways of establishing studies in the various member states and enhancing the sharing of study data across the EU. The IMB's intensive involvement with the Agency and European medicines regulation ensures our full engagement with this initiative and access to all resultant patient safety information.

Regarding Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting, a number of items highlighted in the Sub-Committee's report reflected submissions made by the IMB and the consultant's assessment drew attention to the following opportunities which are currently being progressed by the IMB—

further development of stakeholder education strategy to include safety issues across the organisation,

expanding the current IMB adverse reaction education and awareness programme to a wider healthcare professional base, members of the public and to enhance the profile of the topic in the media,

targeted campaign focused on improving awareness of adverse reaction reporting among health professionals and the public,

the publication of high level adverse reaction data.

The Sub-Committee's report referred to the need to increase the reporting of ADRs. In response to this, the IMB has developed a website which has the capacity to take on-line reporting of adverse reaction reports. This system has been fully operational in 2008 and reports are being taken from both health care professionals and patients. The website can be accessed at;

http://www.imb.ie/EN/Safety--Quality/Online-Forms/Human-Medicine-Adverse-Drug-Reaction.aspx

With regard to the establishment of a patient safety agency as recommended by the Sub-Committee, in January 2007, I established a Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure that quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the healthcare system.

The Commission's Report — ‘Building a Culture of Patient Safety' was published on 7th August 2008. The report contains 134 recommendations spanning across almost every area of the health service including a number relating to the reporting, managing and learning from adverse events in the health system generally. It also made recommendations in the area of medication safety which are being addressed by the Irish Medicines Board and other bodies with a stake in the medication sector.

I will be submitting proposals to Government in the near future arising from the report of the Commission.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Finian McGrath

Question:

213 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [40720/08]

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.

Child Care Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

214 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason community child care facilities need to be incorporated; if her attention has been drawn to the legal implications this has for voluntary groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40726/08]

Under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006 (EOCP) and its successor Programme, the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), community-based childcare services can apply for capital and support grant aid. One of the conditions of funding under both Programmes is that successful applicants operate high standards of governance. Included in these standards is the requirement that they must have the appropriate legal status to enable them to operate properly. When a group is incorporated as a company, it has a legal identity or status. It can carry out activities in its own name e.g. employ people, borrow money, buy or lease property, take or defend legal proceedings. This means that members are protected from being personally liable for the activities or debts of the company.

It is accepted that the procedures that must be taken in order to become incorporated require the services of a solicitor or an accountant and, therefore, are likely to involve expense. Any such costs incurred are eligible expenses and, as such, can be recouped by the applicant under the Programmes.

Health Service Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

215 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason contracts of employment have not been given, as promised, to home help workers working in County Kildare; and if she will ensure that this matter is dealt with as a matter of priority. [40728/08]

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 the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Health Service Allowances.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

216 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review an application for mobility allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [40729/08]

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

Medical Cards.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

217 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the number of a specific item (details supplied) approved to date in 2008; the categories of people to which they were approved and the quantities in respect of same. [40730/08]

Details of the number of medical card holders are supplied to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive. The figures are provided on a net basis showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a persons circumstances. The number of net new medical card holders in 2008 has increased by 62,083 between 1st January 2008 and 1st October 2008. The following table shows the number of persons with a medical card categorised by age as at 1st October, 2008.

Age Groups

Number of persons with a medical card

0-4 years

92,341

5-11 years

136,362

12-15 years

66,299

16-24 years

112,012

25-34 years

127,817

35-44 years

131,942

45-54 years

114,547

55-66 years

132,254

65-69 years

71,250

70-74 years

124,038

75 years and over

229,399

Total

1,338,261

In addition, as at 1st October 2008, 84,053 persons held a GP visit card.

Health Services.

Damien English

Question:

218 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Meath who applied in June 2008, will have a hearing test carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40734/08]

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.

Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

219 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans to include Crohn’s disease under the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40759/08]

Under the 1970 Health Act, the Health Service Executive may arrange for the supply, without charge, of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances to people with a specified condition, for the treatment of that condition, through the Long Term Illness Scheme (LTI). The LTI does not cover GP fees or hospital co-payments. The conditions are: mental handicap, mental illness (for people under 16 only), phenylketonuria, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, haemophilia, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophies, parkinsonism, conditions arising from thalidomide and acute leukaemia. There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions.

Products which are necessary for the management of the specified illness are available to LTI patients. Other products are available according to the patient's eligibility.

People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

Non-medical card holders and people whose illness is not covered by the LTI can use the Drug Payment Scheme, which protects against excessive medicines costs. Under this scheme, no individual or family unit pays more than €90 per calendar month (€100 from 1 January 2009) towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, non-reimbursed medical expenses above a set threshold may be offset against tax.

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

220 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40760/08]

Entitlement to public health services in Ireland is primarily based on residency and means. Any person, regardless of nationality, who is accepted by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as being ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled to either full eligibility (Category 1, i.e. medical card holders) or limited eligibility (Category 2) for health services. Persons in Category 1 are entitled to a full range of services including, inter alia, all in-patient public hospital services in public wards including consultant services and all out-patient public hospital services including consultant services. Persons in Category 2 are also entitled, inter alia, to these services, but subject to statutory charges.

However, where a patient opts for private treatment, they have moved outside the public system and any fees charged are a private contractual arrangement between the patient and the care provider(s).

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have the particular case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

221 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if she will clarify the reason assistance was refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40766/08]

When a person is authorised to receive treatment abroad under Regulation (EC) 1408/71, Form E112 is issued by the HSE and is confirmation that the HSE will bear the cost of the treatment. There is no entitlement for a patient who receives treatment abroad under these arrangements to receive a reimbursement of their travel expenses. It is at the discretion of the HSE to reimburse any individual for their travel expenses incurred while getting treatment abroad.

Therefore, the HSE is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issue directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Joe Costello

Question:

222 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 has to wait until February 2009 for an operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40768/08]

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.

Youth Services.

Alan Shatter

Question:

223 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if the National Children’s Advisory Council survey of existing youth cafés has been completed; if the council has reported to her on the development of a youth café model; if she proposes to publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the proposal for the development of youth cafés and other facilities for young people to congregate and engage in social activities. [40863/08]

The launch of the National Recreation Policy in September 2007 highlighted Government's commitment to the development of youth cafés.

As the Deputy will be aware there are already a number of youth cafés in operation around the country. Funding for these existing initiatives is often provided through the local City/County Council and the Health Service Executive. In addition the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs operates a number of relevant funding programmes aimed at supporting community development, locally based community and voluntary groups as well as programmes aimed specifically at supporting projects for disadvantaged youth.

At this stage, the focus of my Office is to bring greater coherence to the approach taken to date, retaining the strong inter-agency element and identifying appropriate models for the future development of youth cafés. Since September 2007 my Office has undertaken a small survey of some of the existing cafés looking at mission/objectives, management and organisation, service levels and the role of young people. Following that survey the National Children's Advisory Council (NCAC) was requested to advise on the development of a youth café model. Research was carried out by the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) and a draft report has been forwarded to me recently for my consideration. This work will ensure that funding is targeted and co-ordinated most effectively on a model or models of youth cafés which meet the needs of young people themselves. It will also ensure that any funding that may be available will augment without displacing existing inter-agency resources. The NUIG has also been requested to prepare a toolkit and guide to support groups setting up youth cafés. This will be a "how to" guide which will deal with issues such as guiding principles, practical operational matters and provide advice and tips on the day to day management and ongoing development of a café as well as setting up cafes.

I intend to bring forward a proposal to Cabinet regarding the development of a youth cafe programme before the end of the year based on the work to date. I intend publishing both the NCAC report and the Guide as part of advancing the youth cafe programme. Preparatory work on the publication of the NCAC report is already underway.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

224 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by her Department. [40874/08]

Since the establishment of the Health Service Executive, the role of my Department has changed to a stronger policy and performance evaluation role. The Department's role is focused on ensuring that health services are delivered in accordance with Government policy, and thus involves more direct interaction with agencies and other service providers than with the general public.

However, benchmarking has provided impetus to a broad process of modernisation in my Department, which is still ongoing. Staff have committed to flexibility and to stable industrial relations.

Central to the modernisation process is a need to become more focussed on results. Our Business Plans already include clearly itemised objectives, along with delivery dates and Key Performance Indicators. We are working to refine this process to increase the clarity of delivery dates, and to improve the level and clarity of prioritisation, including the identification of a smaller number of core priorities, which should facilitate rapid and accurate response in terms of reports for senior management and for me as Minister. These changes are being applied to Business Plans from 2009. We have bedded in our Risk Management system, including a live Risk Register. Crucially, we have integrated the Risk Management system with our Business Planning system, so that risk becomes one of the factors that defines priority within Business Plans.

In addition to our "full" format Business Plans, we have continued for 2008 with the production and publication of a Corporate Business Plan, which sets out in a clearly, easily digestible fashion the Department's Mission and Role, along with a tabular statement of Key Outputs and Performance Indicators.

We have implemented an updated Correspondence Tracking system, which will allow the tracing of relevant correspondence received in the Department, and the path that it takes internally thereafter.

We have identified Staff Training as a critical element in building our capacity to discharge our remit, and as a way of driving change and further elements of modernisation.

Staff have already, and are continuing to, co-operate fully with and support the above range of modernisation measures. I would stress that modernisation is not something that I envisage ever being finished, or stopping, but is rather an ongoing process which is critical if any organisation is to maintain its responsiveness and its ability to meet the needs of those it services.

The Department has supported me in implementing a demanding legislation programme. Additional proposed legislation has already been announced.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

225 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a response has not been received from the Health Service Executive on an issue (details supplied). [40986/08]

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 the Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. 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 these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

226 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a hospital (details supplied) in County Cork. [40995/08]

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

Care of the Elderly.

Michael McGrath

Question:

227 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a public nursing home bed will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [41000/08]

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

Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

228 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the income guidelines that will apply in 2009 in assessing the entitlement of a person over 70 to a general practitioner visit card. [41005/08]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

229 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects to be in a position to know if the income guidelines set for medical card applicants who are over 70 years have met the target of allowing 95% of over-70s qualify; if a review process has been set up to establish the percentage qualifying; and her intentions to raise the income guidelines when this review is complete. [41006/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 and 229 together.

The Government's proposal, to be effected in legislation, is that, with effect from 1st January 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to a medical card for those aged 70 and over will be €700 (gross) per week for a single person and €1,400 (gross) per week for a couple. The thresholds were selected on the basis of EU-SILC income distribution tables, updated to the present year. These tables have been made available to Opposition parties. It is expected that 95% (or 19 out of 20) of those aged 70 or over will continue to hold a medical card under the new arrangements announced by the Government.

The income thresholds for the over 70s medical card will be reviewed annually to take account of the increases in average industrial earning over the lifetime of this Government and it is expected that 19 out of 20 persons aged 70 and over will continue to qualify for medical cards into the future.

In addition, the Health Service Executive (HSE) provide figures to my Department each month on the number of persons with medical cards and GP visit cards. My Department monitors these figures on an ongoing basis and will continue to keep the position under review.

Where a person aged 70 and over does not qualify for a medical card after 1st January 2009 by virtue of their gross income being over the thresholds mentioned above, the HSE may grant a medical card or a G.P. visit card under the existing net income thresholds of €302 per week for a single person and €447 per week for a couple after mortgage/rent, medical, nursing and other expenses are taken into account. This is to allow for the possibility that a person's net income may yet qualify them for a medical card or G.P. visit card even though their gross income is above the proposed new limits. The Government considers it important that this option should be available to persons aged 70 and over.

Foster Care.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

230 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the rates for foster payments that will apply in 2009. [41007/08]

Decisions in relation to the foster care rates for 2009 have yet to be taken. My Office is currently liaising with the Department of Finance regarding the rates of the Foster Care Allowance to apply.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Michael McGrath

Question:

231 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Cork City will be given an out-patient appointment at Cork University Hospital. [41010/08]

The management of waiting lists generally, including out-patient waiting lists, is a matter for the Health Service Executive and the individual hospitals concerned. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the case investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.

Mortality Levels.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

232 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the latest international comparisons of levels of mortality amenable to health care per 100,000 people for Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and Greece. [41011/08]

Data on mortality are compiled by the Central Statistics Office and submitted to Eurostat, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for the purposes of standard international indicators. Comparable health information at international level is essential in monitoring and prioritising health issues and in measuring our performance. My Department is actively involved in a number of initiatives at EU and international level to improve the range and comparability of indicators across the health sector.

International mortality data allows detailed comparison by cause of death, age, sex etc. Over the past decade, these data show very dramatic reductions in mortality in Europe but especially in Ireland. Between 1997 and 2005, mortality rates here fell by 27% compared with a 13% average reduction across the EU. The decline in deaths from diseases of the circulatory system has been particularly dramatic with falls of 40% for both ischaemic heart disease and stroke compared with an EU average of 20% for both conditions. These improvements are reflected in very considerable gains in life expectancy which have seen Ireland go from more than 2 years below average EU life expectancy in 1997 to more than a year above it in 2005. Total life expectancy for men and women combined has now reached 80 years of age.

In referring to amenable causes of death, I presume the Deputy is alluding to research carried out by Drs. Ellen Nolte and Martin McKee in 2003 and updated earlier this year. This attempts to identify causes of death which may be particularly amenable to health service intervention. The earlier work refers to data for 1997/8 while the update refers to data for 2002/3. The research shows the potential value of the methodology but also highlights a number of difficulties in interpretation of results. The concept of amenable causes has not been adopted by international organisations as a basis for international comparisons. Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out that while Ireland was in the lower ranking group of countries along with Denmark, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Portugal, it showed the highest rate of improvement (23%) in mortality from amenable causes of all OECD countries between 1997 and 2002. There is no doubt that more recent data (as indicated above) will confirm this trend.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Jack Wall

Question:

233 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance available to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare with an autistic child; when this child will receive a further assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41012/08]

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

Health Services.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

234 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the case of an area (details supplied) in County Westmeath in which dental services from young children have been withdrawn. [41017/08]

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

Hospital Procedures.

James Reilly

Question:

235 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene to ensure that young children with crania facial difficulties are treated urgently; if the necessary resources are available at the national unit at Temple Street, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41019/08]

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

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

236 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of proposals to reopen the Grove Hospital in Tuam, County Galway as a health care facility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41028/08]

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

237 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [41035/08]

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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

238 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will estimate the savings that would be made by suspending incremental pay increases in 2009 with regard to her Department and agencies within the remit of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41041/08]

It is not possible to estimate the saving that would be made by suspending incremental pay increases. Any additional cost would be offset by reductions in costs associated with staff on higher scales being replaced by staff on lower scales. This would come about through staff movements, retirements and resignations.

The administration of incremental pay increases in the agencies under the remit of my Department is a day-to-day matter for the agencies concerned. My Department has no role or function in this process and does not provide funding for these costs.

Medical Cards.

Michael Ring

Question:

239 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond in full to a previous question (details supplied). [41057/08]

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues 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 Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

240 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the average number of sick days taken by her departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long-term illness cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41072/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Year

Average number of sick days

Average number of sick days excluding long-term sick leave

2006

15.51

10.62

2007

14.81

10.07

2008

13.36

8.69

The figures for 2006 and 2007 are based on the actual numbers of days lost to sick leave in each of those years, based on the wholetime equivalent figure, less staff seconded into my Department, at year end. The 2008 figure is a projection for the entire year, based on actual data for Quarters 1 to 3 and a wholetime equivalent figure at 30th September 2008. For the purposes of this reply long-term sick leave has been defined as any continuous absence (whether within a year or spanning years) of six months or more.

The following table details the percentage of days lost due to sick leave for the same years, based on a wholetime equivalent figure, including staff seconded into my Department.

Year

% days lost due to sick leave

2006

6.01

2007

5.66

2008

5.15

Child Care Services.

Joe Carey

Question:

241 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for funding that were made to his Department under the national childcare investment programme on a county basis for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; the number of applications that received grant assistance on a county basis for the same years outlining individual awards made to each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41085/08]

Joe Carey

Question:

242 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget that was made available to each county under the national childcare investment programme for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41086/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.

As the Deputy is aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP), which will invest €575 million, with €358 million of this in capital grant aid for childcare services and €217 million is in respect of current funding.

In response to the Deputy's questions seeking information on a county basis in regard to grant applications under the NCIP 2006-2008, this information is provided in the following Tables. Table 1 gives details of applications approved for funding. Table 2 lists the numbers of applications received and Table 3 shows the total value of the funding approved.

Table 1: National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP)

Approved Applications by County: 2006

Applicant Name

Applicant Type

County

Funding Type

Date Approved

Amount Approved

Pending

Carlow:

Brownshill Day Care

SE

Carlow

Capital

10/05/2006

100,000

Step by Step Montessori Preschool

SE

Carlow

Capital

25/09/2006

22,500

Hillview Early Learning Centre

SE

Carlow

Capital

15/12/2006

60,750

Applications Approved: 3

Total Funding Approved:

183,250

Cavan:

The Childrens House

SE

Cavan

Capital

24/03/2006

73,127

Little Folks World

SE

Cavan

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Angela Deighan’s Montessori School

SE

Cavan

Capital

25/09/2006

30,000

Happy Days Mullagh

SE

Cavan

Capital

25/09/2006

15,173

Scribbles Playschool

SE

Cavan

Capital

25/09/2006

35,179

Small World Creche

SE

Cavan

Capital

23/10/2006

100,000

Ballymachugh Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Cavan

Capital

15/12/2006

750,000

Ballymachugh Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Cavan

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

MacNean Community Resources Limited

CB

Cavan

Capital

15/12/2006

14,000

Martina McGovern

SE

Cavan

Capital

15/12/2006

50,780

Playdays Playgroup and Daycare

SE

Cavan

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 11

Total Funding Approved:

1,368,259

Clare:

Ennis Montessori School

SE

Clare

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Josie’s Montessori

SE

Clare

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Edel O’ Callaghan

SE

Clare

Capital

23/10/2006

100,000

Ladybird Lane Creche

SE

Clare

Capital

23/10/2006

45,000

Maghera Gardens

SE

Clare

Capital

23/10/2006

100,000

Clare Family Resource Centre

CB

Clare

Capital

15/12/2006

1,000,000

Lisdoonvarna Failte Ltd

CB

Clare

Capital

15/12/2006

994,605

Applications Approved: 7

Total Funding Approved:

2,439,605

Cork City:

Cheeky Cherubs

SE

Cork City

Capital

10/05/2006

100,000

City Council Creche

SE

Cork City

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Rockboro Pre-school

SE

Cork City

Capital

25/09/2006

60,000

Little Imps Childcare Limited

SE

Cork City

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Maria Assumpta Preschool

BOM

Cork City

Capital

15/12/2006

8,750

Applications Approved: 5

Total Funding Approved:

368,750

Cork County:

Bright Sparks Montessori School

SE

Cork County

Capital

24/03/2006

9,369

Little Rascals

SE

Cork County

Capital

10/05/2006

83,494

Mammy Day Care

SE

Cork County

Capital

15/06/2006

10,137

Geraldine Kelleher Childminding Service

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/07/2006

45,000

Step by Step

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/07/2006

32,901

Claire Devaney Childcare Centre Ltd

SE

Cork County

Capital

11/08/2006

16,500

Clever Kids

SE

Cork County

Capital

11/08/2006

45,000

Giggles Childcare Service

SE

Cork County

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Louise Hallissey

SE

Cork County

Capital

11/08/2006

37,500

Singing in the Rain, Midleton College Pre-school & Afterschool

SE

Cork County

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Sunnyside Creche Ltd t/a Coachford Childcare Centre

SE

Cork County

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

The Wendy House Montessori School

SE

Cork County

Capital

11/08/2006

25,272

Babytalk Creche

SE

Cork County

Capital

25/09/2006

97,155

Douglas ABC Childcare Ltd

SE

Cork County

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Little Einstein’s Daycare Centre Ltd

SE

Cork County

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Old School House Creche

SE

Cork County

Capital

25/09/2006

99,908

Tir na nOg Pre-School

SE

Cork County

Capital

25/09/2006

7,500

Glanmire Childcare

SE

Cork County

Capital

23/10/2006

100,000

Little Rascals Montessori & Day Care Centre

SE

Cork County

Capital

23/10/2006

100,000

Highcare Childcare Ltd.

SE

Cork County

Capital

15/12/2006

62,330

Applications Approved: 20

Total Funding Approved:

1,272,066

Donegal:

Shelly’s Childminding Service

SE

Donegal

Capital

24/03/2006

13,500

Bright Sparks Daycare

SE

Donegal

Capital

11/08/2006

74,250

Errigal Montessori School & Creche

SE

Donegal

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Sharon Graham

SE

Donegal

Capital

11/08/2006

8,200

The Wonder Years Creche

SE

Donegal

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Bocan Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Capital

15/12/2006

465,000

Ionad Curam Paisti an Clochan Liath

CB

Donegal

Capital

15/12/2006

1,000,000

Comhlacht Forbartha an Tearmainn

CB

Donegal

Capital

15/12/2006

944,745

Lucia Dunleavey

SE

Donegal

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Sinead Reddin Mooney

SE

Donegal

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Udaras na Gaeltachta

CB

Donegal

Capital

15/12/2006

1,000,000

Applications Approved: 11

Total Funding Approved:

3,905,695

Dublin City:

Appletree Creche & Montessori

SE

Dublin City

Capital

24/03/2006

100,000

First Steps Pre-school / Creche

SE

Dublin City

Capital

24/03/2006

78,965

Bizzy B’s Creche

SE

Dublin City

Capital

10/05/2006

38,531

Babes In The Wood Creche Ltd

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/07/2006

30,820

Ladybug Childcare Limited

SE

Dublin City

Capital

11/08/2006

83,753

Little Blossom’s Creche

SE

Dublin City

Capital

11/08/2006

75,000

Nurture Childcare Ltd

SE

Dublin City

Capital

11/08/2006

48,750

St. Lawrence Montessori School

SE

Dublin City

Capital

11/08/2006

54,132

Liliput Childcare

SE

Dublin City

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Tir na nOg

SE

Dublin City

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Carousel Day Nursery

SE

Dublin City

Capital

23/10/2006

93,750

Ruaile Buaile Ltd

SE

Dublin City

Capital

23/10/2006

34,394

The Playroom Too!

SE

Dublin City

Capital

23/10/2006

45,000

Dublin City Council

CB

Dublin City

Capital

15/12/2006

325,552

Carmelite Father Whitefriars

CB

Dublin City

Capital

15/12/2006

15,000

Finglas Childcare Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Capital

15/12/2006

56,525

New Life Centre

CB

Dublin City

Capital

15/12/2006

75,000

Pobal Gael Bhaile Munna Teoranta / Naionra Glor Na nGael

CB

Dublin City

Capital

15/12/2006

31,233

The Toddler Inn Limited

SE

Dublin City

Capital

15/12/2006

50,000

Applications Approved: 19

Total Funding Approved:

1,436,405

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown:

Daisy Chain Montessori & Childcare Ltd

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Mount Merrion Afterschool Centre

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

11/08/2006

24,160

Star Tots

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

11/08/2006

22,500

The Park Academy

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Ena Downey

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Koala Childcare

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 6

Total Funding Approved:

446,660

Fingal:

Treehouse Childcare Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

24/03/2006

48,471

Treehouse Childcare Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

24/03/2006

60,239

Clever Clogs

SE

Fingal

Capital

11/08/2006

9,750

Links Creche and Montessori School Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

ABC Montessori

SE

Fingal

Capital

25/09/2006

43,500

Collegefort Montessori Limited t/a Discovery Montessori School

SE

Fingal

Capital

25/09/2006

13,069

Little Apples Pre-school

SE

Fingal

Capital

25/09/2006

69,000

Mary Doyle

SE

Fingal

Capital

25/09/2006

54,750

Jonix Educational Services Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

15/12/2006

54,977

The Nest

SE

Fingal

Capital

15/12/2006

50,000

Applications Approved: 10

Total Funding Approved:

503,756

Galway City:

Little Wonders Creche & Montessori

SE

Galway City

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Naionra Iognaid

SE

Galway City

Capital

07/07/2006

66,431

St. Nicholas Preschool / Afterschool Service

SE

Galway City

Capital

07/07/2006

50,117

Alexandra Monaghan

SE

Galway City

Capital

15/12/2006

50,000

Carlie Healy

SE

Galway City

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Coiste Naionra Scoil Caitriona

CB

Galway City

Capital

15/12/2006

8,000

Sinead Ni Cheannaigh

SE

Galway City

Capital

15/12/2006

27,750

Stephen O’Riordan

SE

Galway City

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 8

Total Funding Approved:

502,298

Galway County:

Tir na nOg

SE

Galway County

Capital

24/03/2006

30,000

Busy Bees

SE

Galway County

Capital

24/03/2006

20,925

Sticky Fingers

SE

Galway County

Capital

10/05/2006

33,477

Tracey Hurney

SE

Galway County

Capital

07/07/2006

62,226

Claran Development Association

SE

Galway County

Capital

11/08/2006

60,000

Little Learners

SE

Galway County

Capital

11/08/2006

8,100

Declan Gardiner

SE

Galway County

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

First Friends Créche & Montessori

SE

Galway County

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Oran Schools Out Club

SE

Galway County

Capital

25/09/2006

27,750

Tir na nOg

SE

Galway County

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Castle Ellen Montessori School

SE

Galway County

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Fiona Kelly

SE

Galway County

Capital

15/12/2006

22,875

Grainne Holleran

SE

Galway County

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 13

Total Funding Approved:

765,353

Kerry:

Airc na Leannai

SE

Kerry

Capital

24/03/2006

25,605

Little Treasures

SE

Kerry

Capital

24/03/2006

18,245

Smartys Montessori

SE

Kerry

Capital

24/03/2006

41,868

Mounthawk Montessori

SE

Kerry

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Sunflowers Childcare

SE

Kerry

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Toni’s Childcare Service

SE

Kerry

Capital

23/10/2006

97,500

Deirdre O’Shea

SE

Kerry

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Holy Cross

CB

Kerry

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Kate O’Sullivan & Ashleigh Galvin

SE

Kerry

Capital

15/12/2006

45,000

Killorglin Family Resource Centre Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Capital

15/12/2006

426,500

Moyderwell Mercy Primary School Board of Management

CB

Kerry

Capital

15/12/2006

40,000

Tiny Tots

SE

Kerry

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 12

Total Funding Approved:

1,194,718

Kildare:

Ardreigh Montessori & Childcare Centre

SE

Kildare

Capital

24/03/2006

52,500

Paul & Mary Burke (Busy Fingers)

SE

Kildare

Capital

24/03/2006

100,000

Lots of Tots

SE

Kildare

Capital

10/05/2006

43,526

Sharon O’ Neill

SE

Kildare

Capital

15/06/2006

100,000

Happy Faces Early Learning Centre Limited

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Little Folk Pre-school Playgroup

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Little Toppers Creche & Montessori School

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Ryevale Montessori & Day Care

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/07/2006

45,000

Blossoms Pre-school

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

30,000

Bright Beginnings Limited

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Buzy Bees Playschool

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

49,257

Early Days Creche & Daycare Centre

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

First Steps

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

16,210

Happy Days Montessori & Afterschool

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

39,750

Happy Steps Ryebridge Ltd

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

72,266

Naas Childcare Ltd. T/A Tir na nOg

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

60,000

Primrose Hill Playgroup

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

14,080

Tir na nOg

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

33,750

Tots Creche & Daycare Nursery

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Treehouse Childcare Ltd

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Wise Owl Montessori Maynooth

SE

Kildare

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

The Purple Penguin Creche

SE

Kildare

Capital

15/12/2006

98,100

Applications Approved: 22

Total Funding Approved:

1,554,439

Kilkenny:

Talbot Gate Creche

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Pixie Park Day Care Centre

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

25/09/2006

60,000

Sandra Nichol & Becky Ashmore

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Hop Scotch Day Nursery

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

23/10/2006

100,000

Helen Step by Step Creche

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 5

Total Funding Approved:

460,000

Laois:

Just 4 Kids

SE

Laois

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

The Orchard Childminding Service

SE

Laois

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

St. Abban’s Community Association Ltd.

CB

Laois

Capital

15/12/2006

265,000

Tiddlywinks

SE

Laois

Capital

18/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 4

Total Funding Approved:

565,000

Leitrim:

First Steps Creche Limited

SE

Leitrim

Capital

07/07/2006

40,800

Caroline McCormack

SE

Leitrim

Capital

18/12/2006

100,000

County Leitrim Partnership / Carrick-on-Shannon Traveller DWG

CB

Leitrim

Capital

18/12/2006

600,000

Applications Approved: 3

Total Funding Approved:

740,800

Limerick City:

Starting Small Standing Tall Ltd

SE

Limerick City

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Tic Toc Nursery Limited

SE

Limerick City

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Adelaide Studio

SE

Limerick City

Capital

15/12/2006

90,000

Pebbled Pathways

SE

Limerick City

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 4

Total Funding Approved:

390,000

Limerick County:

Caherelly Kids

SE

Limerick County

Capital

24/03/2006

80,848

Lynn Shanahan

SE

Limerick County

Capital

10/05/2006

75,000

Beechwood Montessori School

SE

Limerick County

Capital

15/06/2006

4,765

All About Kids Ltd

SE

Limerick County

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Briceens Childcare

SE

Limerick County

Capital

25/09/2006

90,000

Mega Kids Montessori School & Playschool

SE

Limerick County

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Teddy’s Community Playgroup

CB

Limerick County

Capital

15/12/2006

299,535

Tree-Tops Playschool

SE

Limerick County

Capital

15/12/2006

15,000

Applications Approved: 8

Total Funding Approved:

765,148

Longford:

Dun Darrach Day Nursery(Mary Harvey)

SE

Longford

Capital

24/03/2006

100,000

Step-by-Step

SE

Longford

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Teach Leanbh

SE

Longford

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Minard Day Nursery

SE

Longford

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Zippizi Do Care

SE

Longford

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Bernie McLoughlin & Ann Igoe

SE

Longford

Capital

15/12/2006

37,500

Josephine Belton

SE

Longford

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Veronica Conaty

SE

Longford

Capital

15/12/2006

30,000

Applications Approved: 8

Total Funding Approved:

667,500

Louth:

Tots and Co. Playgroup

SE

Louth

Capital

10/05/2006

80,606

Peter Pan Creche & Montessori School

SE

Louth

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Pebble Beach

SE

Louth

Capital

11/08/2006

43,025

Ryan-Nol Creche Ltd(T/A Daisychain Montessori & Creche)

SE

Louth

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Tiny Tots Nursery

SE

Louth

Capital

25/09/2006

11,250

Tumble Tots Créche

SE

Louth

Capital

25/09/2006

5,250

Applications Approved: 6

Total Funding Approved:

340,131

Mayo:

Olive Jordan Sunflowers Creche

SE

Mayo

Capital

11/08/2006

95,512

Lollly’s & Robin’s Montessori School

SE

Mayo

Capital

25/09/2006

72,456

Sunny Days Creche

SE

Mayo

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Bernadette Frazer

SE

Mayo

Capital

15/12/2006

18,750

Roundfort Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Capital

15/12/2006

500,000

Applications Approved: 5

Total Funding Approved:

786,718

Meath:

Scallywags Playgroup & Afterschool Service

SE

Meath

Capital

24/03/2006

35,111

Kidz of the Manor

SE

Meath

Capital

10/05/2006

58,650

Oasis Childcare Centre

SE

Meath

Capital

10/05/2006

51,736

The Schoolhouse Montessori

SE

Meath

Capital

10/05/2006

37,331

The Glebe Creche Limited

SE

Meath

Capital

15/06/2006

47,072

Alison Hickey

SE

Meath

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Coole Montessori School

SE

Meath

Capital

07/07/2006

33,750

The Belfry Creche & Montessori

SE

Meath

Capital

07/07/2006

29,361

Mammy Day Care

SE

Meath

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Stamullen Academy of Childcare Ltd

SE

Meath

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

The Kilberry School of Montessori

SE

Meath

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Forever Friends

SE

Meath

Capital

25/09/2006

1,175

Geri’s Montessori

SE

Meath

Capital

25/09/2006

3,750

Lisa Mallan

SE

Meath

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Rainbow Lane Limited

SE

Meath

Capital

25/09/2006

69,919

Tom & Anne O’Gorman

SE

Meath

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Vickette Ltd.

SE

Meath

Capital

23/10/2006

40,000

Marion Guckian

SE

Meath

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Pear Tree Cottage

SE

Meath

Capital

15/12/2006

26,250

Tir na Nog Highscope

SE

Meath

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Seagrave Montessori

SE

Meath

Capital

18/12/2006

9,750

Applications Approved: 21

Total Funding Approved:

1,243,855

Monaghan:

Little Scholars Montessori Pre-School & Afterschools

SE

Monaghan

Capital

24/03/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 1

Total Funding Approved:

100,000

Offaly:

Little Stars

SE

Offaly

Capital

24/03/2006

24,569

Applications Approved: 1

Total Funding Approved:

24,569

Roscommon:

Cuddles and Care

SE

Roscommon

Capital

10/05/2006

100,000

Sean Carroll

SE

Roscommon

Capital

15/06/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 2

Total Funding Approved:

200,000

Sligo:

Scooters

SE

Sligo

Capital

10/05/2006

26,250

Hopes & Dreams

SE

Sligo

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Toddlers Den Creche

SE

Sligo

Capital

25/09/2006

40,264

St. Brendan’s Afterschool Care Limited

CB

Sligo

Capital

15/12/2006

180,000

Applications Approved: 4

Total Funding Approved:

346,514

South Dublin County:

Happy Days

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

07/07/2006

59,544

Care & Cuddles

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

11/08/2006

4,688

Little Penguins

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

11/08/2006

63,000

Montessori Matters

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

11/08/2006

17,181

The Village Day Care Centre & Montessori School Ltd

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

23/10/2006

100,000

Celine D’Arcy

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

15/12/2006

38,073

Kathy B’s

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Stepping Stones

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 8

Total Funding Approved:

482,486

Tipperary North:

Little Learners Day Care & Montessori

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

10/05/2006

100,000

Fifi’s Tots

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

07/07/2006

48,750

Frances Playschool

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

11/08/2006

6,000

Little Tots Academy

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Sugradh Childminding & Sessional Service

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Newport Kids Club Ltd.

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Thurles Community Social Services

CB

Tipperary North

Capital

15/12/2006

75,000

Applications Approved: 7

Total Funding Approved:

529,750

Tipperary South:

Wonder Years Playschool

SE

Tipperary South

Capital

15/06/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 1

Total Funding Approved:

100,000

Waterford City:

Jigsaw Day Nursery Ltd

SE

Waterford City

Capital

25/09/2006

39,750

Waterford Childcare Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Capital

15/12/2006

1,000,000

Applications Approved: 2

Total Funding Approved:

1,039,750

Waterford County:

Ladybird Preshool & Creche

SE

Waterford County

Capital

15/06/2006

60,712

Cecelia Lawless

SE

Waterford County

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Ard na Ghleanna Community Group (Respond!)

CB

Waterford County

Capital

15/12/2006

26,281

Dunhill Community Childcare Group

CB

Waterford County

Capital

15/12/2006

28,000

Yvonne Kelly

SE

Waterford County

Capital

15/12/2006

24,750

Applications Approved: 5

Total Funding Approved:

239,743

Westmeath:

Grovelands Childcare Ltd.

SE

Westmeath

Capital

15/06/2006

100,000

Annie Apples Ltd

SE

Westmeath

Capital

07/07/2006

94,425

First Class Montessori

SE

Westmeath

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Madeline O’Neill

SE

Westmeath

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Treasure Island Pre-school

SE

Westmeath

Capital

11/08/2006

75,000

Waddlers & Toddlers

SE

Westmeath

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Head Start

SE

Westmeath

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Adrienne Kelly

SE

Westmeath

Capital

15/12/2006

73,727

Applications Approved: 8

Total Funding Approved:

743,152

Wexford:

Carrig Briste Childcare Services

SE

Wexford

Capital

07/07/2006

74,656

Faylinn Education Limited

SE

Wexford

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Mary Murphy Eager Beavers Montessori

SE

Wexford

Capital

07/07/2006

90,000

Adelia’s Montessori School

SE

Wexford

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Daddy Day Care & Melwood After School Care

SE

Wexford

Capital

11/08/2006

91,485

Puddle Lane

SE

Wexford

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Wiz Kids

SE

Wexford

Capital

11/08/2006

15,492

Annagh Tots Childcare Centre / After Tots Care Centre

SE

Wexford

Capital

25/09/2006

55,165

Brigid Doyle

SE

Wexford

Capital

15/12/2006

8,000

Taghmon Integrated Local Development Team Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Capital

15/12/2006

868,439

Applications Approved: 10

Total Funding Approved:

1,503,237

Wicklow:

Enniskerry Montesssori School

SE

Wicklow

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Liscolman Childcare Services

SE

Wicklow

Capital

07/07/2006

100,000

Deepdales Montessori

SE

Wicklow

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Footprints

SE

Wicklow

Capital

11/08/2006

100,000

Sonasamh

SE

Wicklow

Capital

11/08/2006

26,250

The Village Montessori & Daycare

SE

Wicklow

Capital

11/08/2006

31,500

Bam Bam Play & Learn Ltd

SE

Wicklow

Capital

25/09/2006

44,403

Rainbow Pre-school & Montessori

SE

Wicklow

Capital

25/09/2006

60,000

Saran Wood Creche Montessori & Afterschool

SE

Wicklow

Capital

25/09/2006

17,994

The Abbey Pre-School

SE

Wicklow

Capital

25/09/2006

67,890

The Park Academy

SE

Wicklow

Capital

25/09/2006

100,000

Ashvale Creche

SE

Wicklow

Capital

15/12/2006

98,142

Briarwood Montessori

SE

Wicklow

Capital

15/12/2006

12,023

Sinéad Dawson

SE

Wicklow

Capital

15/12/2006

100,000

Applications Approved: 14

Total Funding Approved:

958,202

KEY

CB: Community Based Provider

SE: Private Povider

Table 2: National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP)

2006

Received Applications

Capital

Current*

Total

Carlow

6

0

6

Cavan

18

0

18

Clare

15

0

15

Cork City

13

0

13

Cork County

30

1

31

Donegal

18

0

18

Dublin City

44

0

44

Dublin South County

13

0

13

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

15

0

15

Fingal

17

0

17

Galway City

12

0

12

Galway County

26

0

26

Kerry

22

0

22

Kildare

34

0

34

Kilkenny

10

0

10

Laois

8

0

8

Leitrim

2

0

2

Limerick City

3

0

3

Limerick County

13

0

13

Longford

14

0

14

Louth

18

0

18

Mayo

12

1

13

Meath

25

0

25

Monaghan

3

0

3

Offaly

3

0

3

Roscommon

2

0

2

Sligo

6

2

8

Tipperary North

11

1

12

Tipperary South

6

0

6

Waterford City

2

0

2

Waterford County

6

0

6

Westmeath

12

0

12

Wexford

15

1

16

Wicklow

18

1

19

National Totals:

472

7

479

*Majority of ‘current' application in 2006 made under the EOCP.

Table 1: National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP)

Approved Applications by County: 2007

Applicant Name

Applicant Type

County

Funding Type

Date Approved

Amount Approved

Pending

Carlow:

Forward Steps Resource Centre Limited

CB

Carlow

Capital

07/03/2007

35,000

Patty AMond

SE

Carlow

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Kildavin Afterschool Facility

CB

Carlow

Capital

24/07/2007

57,906

Borris Community Playschool Ltd

CB

Carlow

Capital

24/07/2007

48,000

Tullow Childcare Association Ltd t/a Tots to Teens

CB

Carlow

Current

14/09/2007

32,600

Askea Community Service Limited

CB

Carlow

Current

21/11/2007

60,375

Leighlinbridge Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

22/11/2007

37,375

Respond Ltd (Slaney View Drive Playgroup After School Service)

CB

Carlow

Current

03/12/2007

36,514

Carlow V.E.C. Childcare Centre

CB

Carlow

Current

05/12/2007

42,070

Rathoe Community Afterschool Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

05/12/2007

25,875

Ballon/Rathoe Development Association Ltd.

CB

Carlow

Current

17/12/2007

60,375

Applications Approved: 11

Total Funding Approved:

536,090

Cavan:

Cootehill Community Resource House Project

CB

Cavan

Capital

07/03/2007

850,000

Amanda Kelly

SE

Cavan

Capital

07/03/2007

22,370

Ballyconnell Den Development Ltd

CB

Cavan

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Paula Donohue

SE

Cavan

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Bailieborough Community Resource House Ltd

CB

Cavan

Capital

24/04/2007

800,000

Arvagh Area Childcare Limited

CB

Cavan

Capital

26/04/2007

955,000

Mark Abu

SE

Cavan

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Peter Pan Playgroup

SE

Cavan

Capital

26/04/2007

75,000

Peter Pan Playgroup

SE

Cavan

Capital

14/09/2007

25,000

Ballinamoney Childcare Project Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

24/07/2007

31,200

Ballyhaise Community Playschool

CB

Cavan

Current

16/11/2007

9,000

Tir na nOg Community Playgroup

CB

Cavan

Current

16/11/2007

9,762

Dowra Community Playgroup

CB

Cavan

Current

19/11/2007

31,928

Little Stars Community Playgroup and Afterschool Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

20/11/2007

20,199

Drumgoon Community Centre Co-op Society Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

21/11/2007

9,248

Bailieborough Development Association Ltd (BDA)

CB

Cavan

Current

22/11/2007

18,252

Drumlane Community Partnership Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

22/11/2007

37,375

Ballyconnell Den Development Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

29/11/2007

33,650

Ballinamoney Childcare Project Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

03/12/2007

37,375

Laragh Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

03/12/2007

21,472

The Denn Toddlers Playgroup

CB

Cavan

Current

03/12/2007

8,723

Bailieborough Community Resource House Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

05/12/2007

25,885

Cootehill Community Resource House Project

CB

Cavan

Current

05/12/2007

37,375

Happy Hours Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Cavan

Current

05/12/2007

18,250

Shercock Child Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

05/12/2007

25,875

Killeshandra Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

12/12/2007

13,778

Arvagh Area Childcare Limited

CB

Cavan

Current

17/12/2007

42,258

Happy Days Childcare Services Limited

CB

Cavan

Current

17/12/2007

23,511

MacNean Community Resources Limited

CB

Cavan

Current

17/12/2007

21,903

Stepping Stones HighScope Preschool

CB

Cavan

Current

17/12/2007

18,385

Applications Approved: 30

Total Funding Approved:

3,522,774

Clare:

Mountshannnon Community Council

CB

Clare

Capital

07/03/2007

1,000,000

Brigits Mantle Initiatives Ltd

CB

Clare

Capital

07/03/2007

616,000

Kildysart Community Focus

CB

Clare

Capital

07/03/2007

1,000,000

Liscannor Childcare Service

CB

Clare

Capital

07/03/2007

426,809

Midlands School of Childcare Ltd

SE

Clare

Capital

07/03/2007

39,750

West Clare Early Years Care and Education Services Limited

CB

Clare

Capital

07/03/2007

913,590

Board of Management of Holy Family Junior School

BOM

Clare

Capital

26/04/2007

369,440

Hurler’s Cross Playschool & Afterschool

SE

Clare

Capital

26/04/2007

75,000

Sixmilebridge and District Community Complex Society Ltd

CB

Clare

Capital

26/04/2007

1,100,000

West Clare Early Years Care and Education Services Limited

CB

Clare

Capital

26/04/2007

990,000

County Clare VEC

CB

Clare

Capital

01/08/2007

636,000

CLASS Ltd

CB

Clare

Current

14/09/2007

18,700

Inagh Development Company Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

22/11/2007

31,750

Kilmaley Preschool Childcare Playgroup

CB

Clare

Current

22/11/2007

37,376

Loughgraney Kids Corner Limited

CB

Clare

Current

22/11/2007

32,872

CLASS Ltd

CB

Clare

Current

27/11/2007

37,375

Stone Court Residents Association / Childcare Sub-Committee

CB

Clare

Current

29/11/2007

33,000

Adult and Community Education Centre

CB

Clare

Current

05/12/2007

48,686

Naionra Dun Beg

CB

Clare

Current

05/12/2007

10,158

Clare Family Resource Centre

CB

Clare

Current

07/12/2007

43,136

Cooleenbridge Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

07/12/2007

21,378

Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

07/12/2007

63,536

West Clare Early Years Care and Education Services Limited

CB

Clare

Current

12/12/2007

154,543

Applications Approved: 22

Total Funding Approved:

7,699,099

Cork City:

Lilliput Montessori School

SE

Cork City

Capital

07/03/2007

66,387

Newbury House Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Capital

07/03/2007

45,000

St. Brendan’s Girl’s School

CB

Cork City

Capital

07/03/2007

25,000

City of Cork VEC (Colaiste Stiofan Naofa)

CB

Cork City

Capital

24/04/2007

771,995

Cork Institute of Technology

NFP

Cork City

Capital

24/04/2007

700,000

St. Joseph’s (Mayfield) Community Association

CB

Cork City

Capital

24/04/2007

116,000

Young Women’s Group (A constituent member of Cork Anti-Poverty Resource Network Ltd)

CB

Cork City

Capital

24/04/2007

284,000

Gaelscoil Mhachan

BOM

Cork City

Capital

26/04/2007

300,000

St Patrick’s Boys National School

BOM

Cork City

Capital

26/04/2007

650,000

CADA T/A CADA PRODUCTIONS

SE

Cork City

Capital

26/04/2007

22,500

Cushing Road Childcare Steering Group

CB

Cork City

Capital

26/04/2007

150,000

Togher Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Capital

26/04/2007

67,000

Ciara Horgan

SE

Cork City

Capital

01/08/2007

26,250

St. Brendan’s Girl’s School

CB

Cork City

Current

24/07/2007

21,600

Cushing Road Childcare Steering Group

CB

Cork City

Current

14/09/2007

7,800

Gaelscoil Mhachan

BOM

Cork City

Current

14/09/2007

9,013

Cork Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten

CB

Cork City

Current

16/11/2007

18,252

Farranree Childcare Unit

CB

Cork City

Current

16/11/2007

24,879

Greenmount Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Cork City

Current

16/11/2007

24,343

St. Anne’s Day Nursery Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

16/11/2007

58,414

Turners Cross Community Playgroup

CB

Cork City

Current

16/11/2007

23,164

Cro na nOg

CB

Cork City

Current

19/11/2007

19,644

An Bord Bainistiochta Scoil Therese

CB

Cork City

Current

20/11/2007

18,257

Ballyphehane/Togher Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

20/11/2007

30,415

Holy Cross Creche /Drop in centre

CB

Cork City

Current

21/11/2007

11,500

Scoil Ursula Creche

CB

Cork City

Current

21/11/2007

11,500

Hollyhill/Knocknaheeny Family Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

22/11/2007

46,350

Mahon CDP Community Creche

CB

Cork City

Current

22/11/2007

36,514

Mahon Family Resource Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

22/11/2007

37,375

Naionra Lus na Meala

CB

Cork City

Current

22/11/2007

22,999

Silversprings Community Playschool

CB

Cork City

Current

22/11/2007

22,500

Cuddles Creche

CB

Cork City

Current

26/11/2007

24,343

Mahon Community Preschool & Child Development Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

26/11/2007

36,514

Togher Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

26/11/2007

58,414

Togher Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

26/11/2007

25,906

Togher Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

26/11/2007

25,875

Coiste Naionra an Teaghlaigh Naofa

CB

Cork City

Current

27/11/2007

18,407

Gaelscoil Mhachan

BOM

Cork City

Current

27/11/2007

18,026

Bishopstown Community Playgroup

CB

Cork City

Current

29/11/2007

13,585

Community Women’s Education Initiatives Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

29/11/2007

29,203

Little Lullaby Nursery

CB

Cork City

Current

29/11/2007

29,204

The Glen Community Creche Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

29/11/2007

36,514

Before 5 Nursery & Family Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

03/12/2007

69,128

Glenfields Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

03/12/2007

31,750

Mayfield Integrated Community Development Project Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

03/12/2007

23,785

Northside Community Enterprise Ltd./ N.C.E. Outreach Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

03/12/2007

58,414

Roseville House Family Resourse Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

03/12/2007

24,631

Lotamore Family Resource Centre Group

CB

Cork City

Current

05/12/2007

18,400

Playland

CB

Cork City

Current

05/12/2007

14,400

Traveller Visibility Group Limited

CB

Cork City

Current

05/12/2007

31,875

Vernon House Resource Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

05/12/2007

28,750

Barnardos- Republic of Ireland Limited

CB

Cork City

Current

17/12/2007

48,875

Newbury House Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

17/12/2007

37,393

St. Patrick’s Pre-school & After School Services Limited

BOM

Cork City

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Applications Approved: 54

Total Funding Approved:

4,397,918

Cork County:

Beehive Childcare

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Caheragh Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

599,569

Cobh Youth Services Ltd

CB

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

150,000

Kildinan Montessori School

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

9,000

Kindercare

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Scribbles Playschool

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

85,407

Sleaveen Montessori School

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

30,523

Teresa Malone

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

75,000

The Children’s House Montessori School

SE

Cork County

Capital

07/03/2007

60,000

Youthreach Mallow Childcare Committee

CB

Cork County

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

Castletownbere Community Pre School and Day Nursery Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Capital

24/04/2007

1,284,153

Le Cheile — Family Resource Centre (Mallow) Ltd

CB

Cork County

Capital

24/04/2007

1,200,000

Coiste Tithiochta Uibh Laoghaire

CB

Cork County

Capital

26/04/2007

580,000

Comhaltas Cosanta Gaeltachta Chuil Aodha Teo.

CB

Cork County

Capital

26/04/2007

600,000

Pathways Childcare

SE

Cork County

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

The Haven Montessori School

SE

Cork County

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Ballygarvan ‘Tiny Tots’ Community Pre-school Ltd

CB

Cork County

Capital

08/06/2007

250,000

Blackwater Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

24/07/2007

31,200

Liscarroll Community Care Group

CB

Cork County

Current

24/07/2007

3,400

Naionra Beanntrai

CB

Cork County

Current

24/07/2007

24,700

Cobh Youth Services Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

14/09/2007

12,300

Carrigtwohill Family Resource Centre

CB

Cork County

Current

16/11/2007

22,184

Muintir Bhaire Community Playschool

CB

Cork County

Current

16/11/2007

17,871

Youghal Family Centre

CB

Cork County

Current

19/11/2007

37,375

Rosscarbery Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

20/11/2007

6,000

Anchor Playschool Meelin Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

21/11/2007

10,671

Ballyhass Community Childcare Facility

CB

Cork County

Current

21/11/2007

60,375

Cobh Youth Services Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

21/11/2007

18,400

Community Childcare Bantry Ltd. — Rainbow Childcare

CB

Cork County

Current

21/11/2007

36,514

Innishmore Family Centre Limited

CB

Cork County

Current

21/11/2007

29,657

The Trustees of Macroom Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

21/11/2007

48,875

Clonakilty Kindergarten Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

22/11/2007

7,575

Cobh Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

22/11/2007

25,875

Aghada Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

26/11/2007

18,880

Aughadown Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

26/11/2007

18,257

Charleville & District Community Enterprise Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

26/11/2007

60,375

Kinsale Community Playschool

CB

Cork County

Current

26/11/2007

18,400

Naiolann Chleire

CB

Cork County

Current

26/11/2007

18,400

Banteer Community Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

29/11/2007

48,900

Blackwater Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

29/11/2007

37,375

Dromina Community Council Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

29/11/2007

37,500

Le Cheile — Family Resource Centre (Mallow) Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

29/11/2007

36,386

Liscarroll Community Care Group

CB

Cork County

Current

29/11/2007

5,100

Ballydehob Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

03/12/2007

18,400

Ballyhea Childcare Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

03/12/2007

16,864

Goleen Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

03/12/2007

18,400

Respond Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

03/12/2007

18,399

Bere Island Community Childcare Group Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

05/12/2007

34,393

Midleton Community Forum

CB

Cork County

Current

05/12/2007

37,375

Oakfield Close Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

05/12/2007

18,400

Clondrohid Community Playschool

CB

Cork County

Current

12/12/2007

25,778

Fermoy Community Pre School Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

17/12/2007

11,502

Jack & Jill Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Little Treasures Childcare Limited

CB

Cork County

Current

17/12/2007

55,286

Conna Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

19/12/2007

74,750

Applications Approved: 55

Total Funding Approved:

7,371,619

Donegal:

Malin Head Community Association Ltd

CB

Donegal

Capital

07/03/2007

500,000

Bomany Nursery & Montessori School

SE

Donegal

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Diana McInerney

SE

Donegal

Capital

07/03/2007

88,492

Kerry Ferris

SE

Donegal

Capital

07/03/2007

19,500

Rosses CDP

CB

Donegal

Capital

07/03/2007

20,122

Sli an Eolais

SE

Donegal

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Claire Gallager

SE

Donegal

Capital

26/04/2007

37,780

Pauline Doherty

SE

Donegal

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Quigley’s Point Community Centre Ltd

CB

Donegal

Capital

26/04/2007

309,799

South West Donegal Communities Partnership Ltd

CB

Donegal

Capital

26/04/2007

505,000

T.T. Childcare Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

24/07/2007

25,000

Convoy Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

14/09/2007

6,270

Ardara Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Donegal

Current

16/11/2007

25,885

Carndonagh Integrated Early Years Provision

CB

Donegal

Current

16/11/2007

12,214

Donegal Kiddies Corner Limited

CB

Donegal

Current

16/11/2007

18,400

Inver Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

16/11/2007

7,607

Letterkenny Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Naionra an Fhalcarrach

CB

Donegal

Current

16/11/2007

9,150

Naionra an Tearmann

CB

Donegal

Current

16/11/2007

10,157

Newtowncunningham Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

16/11/2007

23,400

Naionra Ceann Caslach

CB

Donegal

Current

19/11/2007

6,900

T.T. Childcare Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

19/11/2007

37,500

B.A.S.I.C. Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

20/11/2007

37,375

Manorcunningham Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Donegal

Current

20/11/2007

29,769

Pettigo Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

20/11/2007

20,143

Rosses CDP

CB

Donegal

Current

22/11/2007

18,600

Naionra Aodh Mhic Breicne

CB

Donegal

Current

26/11/2007

10,062

Naionra Duibhlinn Riabhach

CB

Donegal

Current

29/11/2007

10,468

Naiscoil agus Culturlann Bhunncranncha

CB

Donegal

Current

29/11/2007

25,875

Quigley’s Point Community Centre Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

29/11/2007

5,712

Naionra Gleann Cholmcille

CB

Donegal

Current

03/12/2007

14,152

Donegal Playgroup Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

05/12/2007

25,875

Letterkenny Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Donegal

Current

07/12/2007

22,500

Naionra an Clochain Liath

CB

Donegal

Current

07/12/2007

7,307

Saimer Community Childcare Group ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

12/12/2007

25,875

Glenties Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

13/12/2007

27,707

Church Hill Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

17/12/2007

22,500

Donegal Travellers Project ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

17/12/2007

48,685

Mountcharles Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

17/12/2007

18,407

Raphoe Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

17/12/2007

11,000

Applications Approved: 40

Total Funding Approved:

2,382,563

Dublin City:

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

45,137

ABC Daycare

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

45,000

Anne Davy

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Cabra Multiplex Crèche

CB

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

237,200

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

38,744

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

44,479

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

37,917

Kiddies Korner

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

37,500

KLEAR Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

25,000

Louise Clever Cloggs Creche Limited

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

33,750

Maywood Montessori Ltd

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

67,875

McDuff Enterprises TA Kidzink

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

PJ’s Pre-school Limited

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

18,750

Primary Shapes

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

17,479

SAOL Project Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

44,000

The Montessori Circle

SE

Dublin City

Capital

07/03/2007

18,750

Rathgar Creche and Montessori Ltd TA Cranford Creche and Montessori

SE

Dublin City

Capital

16/03/2007

100,000

Dublin 12 Childcare Consortium

CB

Dublin City

Capital

24/04/2007

1,400,000

Cherry Orchard Childcare Project

CB

Dublin City

Capital

24/04/2007

2,000,000

Finglas Childcare Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Capital

26/04/2007

1,500,000

Merrion Montessori

SE

Dublin City

Capital

26/04/2007

41,250

Tracey Kendellen

SE

Dublin City

Capital

26/04/2007

67,500

Connolly Childrens Centre Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Capital

26/04/2007

101,444

First Steps (Carleton Hall)

SE

Dublin City

Capital

26/04/2007

25,124

Seafield Montessori School

SE

Dublin City

Capital

26/04/2007

27,750

St. Raphael’s Pre-school & Afterschool Project

BOM

Dublin City

Capital

26/04/2007

155,000

Rathmines Community Partnership Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Capital

08/06/2007

1,400,000

Born Free Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Capital

24/07/2007

40,000

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Capital

01/08/2007

267,386

Naionra Lios na nOg

CB

Dublin City

Capital

14/09/2007

175,500

Overcomers Community Project Ltd. GFM Day Care

CB

Dublin City

Current

24/07/2007

40,700

Ranelagh Multi-Denominational School Association (RMDSA)

CB

Dublin City

Current

09/11/2007

7,800

Ballyfermot Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

50,790

Bunratty Community Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

19,620

Carmelite Father Whitefriars

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

36,514

Childcare Community Business Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

36,514

Community and Family Training Agency Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

36,514

Exchange House Travellers’ Youth Service

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

20,000

Kilbarrack Community Childcare Services Ltd TA Lir Childcare Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

32,500

Kilmore West Community Development Project

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

18,257

KLEAR Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

37,370

Larkin Unemployed Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

58,414

St Francis Community Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

12,414

Stanhope Street Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

11,500

Target Creche

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/11/2007

17,133

Little Learners

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/11/2007

30,879

Mellow Spring Childcare Development Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/11/2007

73,312

St. Vincent’s Trust

CB

Dublin City

Current

20/11/2007

25,886

Rialto Community Network Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

26/11/2007

20,142

Ard Sunflower Creche Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/11/2007

37,375

Doras Bui a parents alone resource centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/11/2007

72,857

Hardwicke St Childcare and Educational Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/11/2007

42,392

Lourdes Youth & Community Services(First Steps Creche)

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/11/2007

87,894

Kent Playgroup Ltd TA Rainbow Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

03/12/2007

25,875

Kilbarrack Childrens Community Project

CB

Dublin City

Current

03/12/2007

28,007

Little Treasures Community Creche

CB

Dublin City

Current

03/12/2007

36,514

Markiewicz Community Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

03/12/2007

39,493

New Life Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

03/12/2007

29,229

St. Andrew’s Resource Centre Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

03/12/2007

58,414

St. Finbarr’s Community Playschool

CB

Dublin City

Current

03/12/2007

25,457

Ballyfermot V.E.C. Childcare

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

25,000

Cherry Orchard Equine Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

36,505

Darndale/ Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

86,250

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

14,700

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

6,900

Lourdes C. E. Management Limited (Tiny Tots Creche)

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

18,400

Rialto Community Network Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

20,125

Ringsend & Irishtown Community Playgroup/Creche

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

44,115

St. Joseph’s Training Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

05/12/2007

25,628

Ela Og Child Care Centre Company Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

32,500

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

6,900

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

6,900

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

6,900

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

6,900

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

6,900

Kilmore West Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

22,500

Pearse College Community Nursery Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

36,515

School St. & Thomas Court Bawn Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

50,228

St. Raphael’s Pre-school & Afterschool Project

BOM

Dublin City

Current

07/12/2007

16,050

Finglas Childcare Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/12/2007

36,514

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/12/2007

14,700

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/12/2007

14,700

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/12/2007

14,700

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/12/2007

14,700

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/12/2007

47,739

Inchicore Community Drug Team Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/12/2007

37,370

Rialto Development Association Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/12/2007

18,400

Ringsend Action Project Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/12/2007

25,875

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Labre Park Children’s Services)

CB

Dublin City

Current

17/12/2007

25,564

Congregation of Dominican Sisters Cabra

CB

Dublin City

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Connolly Childrens Centre Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Current

17/12/2007

57,771

Oblate Community Employment Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

17/12/2007

37,375

Cherry Orchard School Development(St Ultans Integrated School Project)

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/12/2007

488,250

Donore Education Network Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

21/12/2007

20,125

Applications Approved: 94

Total Funding Approved:

10,631,875

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown:

Carmel Grace

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

07/03/2007

10,326

Oatlands Primary School

BOM

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

07/03/2007

200,000

Ballyogan Community Development Management Committee Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

24/04/2007

1,600,000

Mountwood Fitzgerald Community Development Company Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

UCD Creche

NFP

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

Dalkey Community Pre-school Playgroup Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

26/04/2007

40,000

Nurture Childcare Ltd

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

11/09/2007

100,000

Dominican Montessori Preschool Ltd.

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

16/11/2007

8,636

Childplay Holy Child Community School

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

22/11/2007

18,257

Shanganagh Park House Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

22/11/2007

32,500

Dalkey Community Pre-school Playgroup Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

29/11/2007

14,400

Coiste Naionra Naithi

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

05/12/2007

18,407

Mountwood Fitzgerald Community Development Company Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

12/12/2007

33,922

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Barnardos Family Centre, Loughlinstown)

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Barnardo’s — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Centre, Dun Laoghaire)

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (The Cottage Childcare Project)

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

17/12/2007

36,515

County Dublin Vocational Education Committee

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

17/12/2007

28,175

Applications Approved: 17

Total Funding Approved:

4,192,888

Fingal:

Joel Nudi

SE

Fingal

Capital

07/03/2007

24,864

Marian Keegan

SE

Fingal

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Corduff Childcare Service Limited

CB

Fingal

Capital

26/04/2007

1,100,000

Orla Matthews

SE

Fingal

Capital

26/04/2007

85,219

Busy Lizzies

SE

Fingal

Capital

26/04/2007

3,748

Cathy Fitzmaurice

SE

Fingal

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Fun2see Learning & Activity Centre Limited

SE

Fingal

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Little Apples Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Susan Branagan

SE

Fingal

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Teresa Teresa Horan & Michael Horan

SE

Fingal

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Blakestown & Mountview N Y P Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

16/11/2007

20,021

Blanchardstown Home-start Limited

CB

Fingal

Current

16/11/2007

25,900

Rush Community Council Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

16/11/2007

37,388

Blakestown Resource Centre Childcare Service

CB

Fingal

Current

22/11/2007

18,400

Rush Youthreach/Co. Dublin V.E.C.

CB

Fingal

Current

22/11/2007

28,745

Huntstown Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

29/11/2007

25,875

Mountview Community Creche

CB

Fingal

Current

29/11/2007

30,666

Anchor Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

03/12/2007

34,093

Corduff Childcare Service Limited

CB

Fingal

Current

05/12/2007

36,505

Mulhuddart Community Centre Ltd t/a Kidzone Childcare

CB

Fingal

Current

05/12/2007

25,875

Parlickstown Childcare Facility Ltd t/a Little Learners Creche

CB

Fingal

Current

07/12/2007

37,375

Skerries Community Playgroup

CB

Fingal

Current

13/12/2007

22,500

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Support Project — Roselawn, Blachardstown)

CB

Fingal

Current

17/12/2007

22,500

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Traveller Education and Support Options)

CB

Fingal

Current

17/12/2007

25,575

Applications Approved: 24

Total Funding Approved:

2,205,249

Galway City:

Patrick Faherty

SE

Galway City

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Phyllis Reddington

SE

Galway City

Capital

07/03/2007

15,000

St Columbas Credit Union Enterprises Ltd

CB

Galway City

Capital

08/06/2007

1,220,000

Coiste Naionra Scoil Caitriona

CB

Galway City

Current

16/11/2007

20,206

Scoil Caitriona Senior After School Service

CB

Galway City

Current

16/11/2007

25,875

Sunny Meadow Playschool

CB

Galway City

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Galway City & County Childcare Committee

CCC

Galway City

Current

20/11/2007

57,225

After School Together

CB

Galway City

Current

21/11/2007

13,760

Ballybane Community Resource Centre t/a Ballybane Community Centre Ltd.

CB

Galway City

Current

26/11/2007

37,375

Ballybane Mervue CDP

CB

Galway City

Current

26/11/2007

25,875

Teach Athais Childcare Centre Limited

CB

Galway City

Current

26/11/2007

48,728

Wonderland Community Preschool

CB

Galway City

Current

03/12/2007

18,400

Rahoon Family Centre

CB

Galway City

Current

05/12/2007

19,307

Sli-Burca Childcare Voluntary Management Committee

CB

Galway City

Current

05/12/2007

31,625

Sunflowers Creche & Playschool

CB

Galway City

Current

07/12/2007

37,375

Coiste Naionra Ghaelscoil Dara & Curam Iarscoile “Gliondara”

CB

Galway City

Current

13/12/2007

25,875

Waterside Child Care Unit

CB

Galway City

Current

17/12/2007

16,671

Applications Approved: 17

Total Funding Approved:

1,750,672

Galway County:

Michael Malone

SE

Galway County

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

The Village Creche

SE

Galway County

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Comharchumann Forbartha Inis Mor Teo.

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

800,000

Cathy Quine & Audrey Hogan

SE

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

56,250

Coiste Naionra Na Minna

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

8,000

Corrandulla Community Resource Centre Ltd. (formerly Corrundulla Community Playgroup)

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

700,000

Glinsk Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

1,000,000

Grace Mitchell

SE

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

52,500

Ionad Tacaoichta Teaghlaigh Teoranta

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

1,000,000

Kilcoona Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

825,000

Kilcoona Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

175,000

Kinvara Community Council Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

1,400,000

Little Treasures

SE

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Mountbellew Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Galway County

Capital

26/04/2007

1,000,000

Coiste Ionad Curam Leanai i gCarna

CB

Galway County

Capital

08/06/2007

600,000

Renvyle Childcare Company Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Capital

08/06/2007

600,000

Naionra Inis Oirr

CB

Galway County

Capital

01/08/2007

10,000

Portumna Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

14/09/2007

62,599

Ahascragh Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

8,743

Clifden Community Childcare Committee

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

25,875

Comhar Chuigeal Teo

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Cortoon/Lavally Community Development Company Limited

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Inishbofin Development Co. Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

11,357

Kilkerrin Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

6,000

Mountbellew Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

17,700

Naionra Montessori de hIde Uaran Mor

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

18,257

Tuam Community Development Resource Centre Limited

CB

Galway County

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Busy Little Bees Community Creche

CB

Galway County

Current

20/11/2007

32,500

Naionra Cill Allachtain

CB

Galway County

Current

20/11/2007

24,840

Ionad Curam Leanai An Spideal Teo Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

21/11/2007

10,100

Ballygar Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

26/11/2007

25,875

Kinvara Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

26/11/2007

20,936

Moylough Community Playschool Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

26/11/2007

11,507

Naionra Cloch na Ron

CB

Galway County

Current

26/11/2007

10,550

Naionra Dhuiche Sheoigeach

CB

Galway County

Current

29/11/2007

9,488

The Little Gems Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

29/11/2007

6,900

Muintearas na nOilean Teoranta

CB

Galway County

Current

03/12/2007

39,100

Ballyconneely Parish Hall Association Ltd

CB

Galway County

Current

05/12/2007

37,375

Ballinderreen Playgroup Ltd

CB

Galway County

Current

07/12/2007

37,393

Coiste Naionra Tigh an Si

CB

Galway County

Current

07/12/2007

7,307

Ballinasloe Social Services Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

12/12/2007

18,686

Caltra Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

12/12/2007

17,100

Portumna Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

12/12/2007

93,899

Applications Approved: 43

Total Funding Approved:

9,192,962

Kerry:

Maria Flavin

SE

Kerry

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Beaufort Special Needs Project Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Capital

07/03/2007

855,000

Child’s Play

SE

Kerry

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Deirdre Cahill

SE

Kerry

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Majella Stack

SE

Kerry

Capital

07/03/2007

60,000

Marilyn Duffy

SE

Kerry

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Orna O’Connell

SE

Kerry

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Martina Tarrant

SE

Kerry

Capital

24/04/2007

60,000

Maryanne Stack

SE

Kerry

Capital

26/04/2007

78,176

Ballyduff Family & Community Support Forum Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Capital

26/04/2007

1,000,000

Ballyspillane Community & Family Resource Centre Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Capital

26/04/2007

1,000,000

Eleanor Foley

SE

Kerry

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Listowel Family Resource Centre Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Capital

26/04/2007

1,000,000

Nai Ionad Na Cille Limited

CB

Kerry

Capital

26/04/2007

714,830

Susan Enright

SE

Kerry

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Comhlacht Oige Lispoil Teo

CB

Kerry

Capital

08/06/2007

505,000

Ballybunion Community Centre Childcare Committee

CB

Kerry

Current

24/07/2007

25,000

Holy Cross

CB

Kerry

Current

24/07/2007

21,600

Moyderwell Mercy Primary School Board of Management

CB

Kerry

Current

24/07/2007

21,600

IRD Waterville Ltd. (Integrated Resource Development)

CB

Kerry

Current

16/11/2007

37,392

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service — Tralee

CB

Kerry

Current

16/11/2007

48,878

Kiddies Paradise Cahirciveen Community Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Current

16/11/2007

18,400

Ardfert Community Council Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

19/11/2007

27,750

Cumann Iosaef Teo

CB

Kerry

Current

19/11/2007

26,464

Rathmore Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

19/11/2007

36,512

Kilgarvan Childcare Action Group Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

20/11/2007

32,571

Shanakill Family Resource Centre

CB

Kerry

Current

20/11/2007

60,375

Camp Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Current

21/11/2007

36,505

Nai Ionad Na Cille Limited

CB

Kerry

Current

22/11/2007

47,464

Causeway Community Economic Social and Development Committee

CB

Kerry

Current

03/12/2007

30,428

Firies Community Pre-school

CB

Kerry

Current

03/12/2007

26,178

Glenbeigh Community Preschool (Rainbows)

CB

Kerry

Current

03/12/2007

10,971

Listowel Family Resource Centre Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Current

03/12/2007

48,878

Raheen Community Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Current

03/12/2007

23,244

Scartaglen Community Pre-school Association Limited

CB

Kerry

Current

03/12/2007

30,428

St. Brigid’s Community Centre

CB

Kerry

Current

03/12/2007

48,875

Coiste Tir na hOige

CB

Kerry

Current

05/12/2007

42,075

Cumann Tithiochta na Dromoda Teo

CB

Kerry

Current

05/12/2007

36,504

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service — Killarney

CB

Kerry

Current

05/12/2007

48,686

St. Oliver’s Pre-school

CB

Kerry

Current

05/12/2007

18,257

Ballybunion Community Centre Childcare Committee

CB

Kerry

Current

07/12/2007

37,500

Milltown Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

07/12/2007

37,392

Blennerville Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Current

12/12/2007

21,059

Comharcumann Forbatha an Leith Triuigh

CB

Kerry

Current

12/12/2007

18,412

Kerryhead/Ballyheigue Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

12/12/2007

13,885

Tralee Community Development Project Co Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

12/12/2007

36,058

Daisychains Preschool

CB

Kerry

Current

17/12/2007

18,400

Fossa Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Current

17/12/2007

12,193

Holy Cross

CB

Kerry

Current

17/12/2007

25,920

Naionra Gaelscoil Aogain

BOM

Kerry

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Castlemaine Family Resource Centre

CB

Kerry

Current

29/12/2007

37,375

Listry Community Council Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

29/12/2007

37,500

Applications Approved:

Total Funding Approved:

7,099,610

Kildare:

Colaiste Lorcain

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/03/2007

7,387

Respond! (Flinters Estate Community Group)

CB

Kildare

Capital

07/03/2007

106,801

Athy Travellers Support Group Ltd

CB

Kildare

Capital

07/03/2007

174,456

Bernie Moore

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Deirdre Clever Cat’s Childcare Centre

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Gerald & Shauna Kehoe

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Giggles Playgroup

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/03/2007

59,025

Olive Mitchell

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Celbridge Community Centre Ltd

CB

Kildare

Capital

26/04/2007

34,530

Green Lane Montessori

SE

Kildare

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Tir na Nog Day Nursery

SE

Kildare

Capital

26/04/2007

20,720

Valerie Seery

SE

Kildare

Capital

26/04/2007

7,350

Blossoms Pre-school

SE

Kildare

Capital

24/07/2007

14,250

Athy Travellers Support Group Ltd

CB

Kildare

Current

20/11/2007

25,564

Respond! (Flinters Estate Community Group)

CB

Kildare

Current

03/12/2007

19,012

Athy Community Development Project Ltd t/a Happy Days Childcare Service

CB

Kildare

Current

05/12/2007

37,375

Applications Approved: 16

Total Funding Approved:

1,006,470

Kilkenny:

Ann Marie Fitzgerald

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Little Acorns

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Marble Creche & Montessori

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Freshford District and Childcare Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Capital

26/04/2007

800,000

From Home to Home

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Freshford District and Childcare Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Capital

24/07/2007

275,000

Kells Resource Centre Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Current

14/09/2007

25,000

Kilkenny Community Early Years Project Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

16/11/2007

36,514

Ballyragget Community Playgroup

CB

Kilkenny

Current

22/11/2007

25,875

Loughboy Area Resource Centre Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Current

26/11/2007

37,370

Conahy Community Playgroup

CB

Kilkenny

Current

29/11/2007

23,742

Johnstown Community Concern Playgroup

CB

Kilkenny

Current

29/11/2007

15,343

Naionra Osrai

CB

Kilkenny

Current

03/12/2007

25,262

Kells Resource Centre Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Current

05/12/2007

37,375

Muckalee Community Project Ltd T/A Muckalee Community Playgroup

CB

Kilkenny

Current

05/12/2007

18,356

Respond TA Millennium Court Childcare Service

CB

Kilkenny

Current

05/12/2007

18,240

St. John’s Community Play School

CB

Kilkenny

Current

05/12/2007

18,204

Ballyhall Kindergarten Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Applications Approved: 18

Total Funding Approved:

1,782,156

Laois:

Killadooley Childcare Group

CB

Laois

Capital

07/03/2007

1,000,000

First Steps Creche and Playschool

SE

Laois

Capital

07/03/2007

94,876

Ballacolla Pre-school Group

CB

Laois

Capital

24/07/2007

56,000

Mountmellick Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Laois

Current

16/11/2007

60,375

Portarlington Community Development Association

CB

Laois

Current

16/11/2007

22,500

Portlaoise Community Action Project (PCAP)

CB

Laois

Current

16/11/2007

24,093

Durrow Community Playgroup

CB

Laois

Current

20/11/2007

7,628

Graiguecullen Parish Childcare Services

CB

Laois

Current

20/11/2007

26,036

Mountmellick Youth Development Centre

CB

Laois

Current

20/11/2007

13,500

Portarlington Childcare Committee Ltd (Na Paisti)

CB

Laois

Current

20/11/2007

43,700

Abbeyleix Womens Development

CB

Laois

Current

21/11/2007

34,821

O’Moore Place Childcare

CB

Laois

Current

05/12/2007

36,514

Spink Community Development Association Ltd

CB

Laois

Current

07/12/2007

18,400

Killeshin Community Development Ltd

CB

Laois

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Applications Approved: 14

Total Funding Approved:

1,464,318

Leitrim:

Malachy Guckian

SE

Leitrim

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Manorhamilton Childcare Services Limited

CB

Leitrim

Capital

26/04/2007

247,000

Mohill Resources Limited

CB

Leitrim

Capital

26/04/2007

700,000

Ballinamore Childcare Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

16/11/2007

40,523

Drumshanbo All Day Childcare Facility

CB

Leitrim

Current

16/11/2007

47,464

Little Learners Limited

CB

Leitrim

Current

20/11/2007

22,400

Drumkeerin Highscope Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

21/11/2007

30,420

Tullaghan Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

21/11/2007

18,402

Kiltyclogher Community Playgroup LTD

CB

Leitrim

Current

22/11/2007

10,972

Breffni Community Development Company Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

29/11/2007

48,685

Cloone Aughavas Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

29/11/2007

22,007

Kiltubrid Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

29/11/2007

16,608

The County Leitrim Partnership Company Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

03/12/2007

31,736

Dromahair Community Playschool Limited

CB

Leitrim

Current

05/12/2007

18,252

Kinlough Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Applications Approved: 15

Total Funding Approved:

1,380,344

Limerick City:

Kings Island Community Creche

CB

Limerick City

Capital

26/04/2007

103,288

St. John’s Girls and Infant Boys School

CB

Limerick City

Capital

01/08/2007

440,000

Childworld Creche — Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group

CB

Limerick City

Current

16/11/2007

60,375

Kings Island Community Creche

CB

Limerick City

Current

16/11/2007

36,515

Southhill Development Co-operative Society Ltd (Southill Children’s Nursey)

CB

Limerick City

Current

16/11/2007

48,894

Presentation Preschool (Limerick)

CB

Limerick City

Current

20/11/2007

31,704

Corpus Christi Pre-school Committee

BOM

Limerick City

Current

21/11/2007

16,007

Ballynanty Pre-school Management Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/11/2007

32,508

Distillery View Residents Association — Childcare Sub-Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/11/2007

37,393

Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership Ltd

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/11/2007

52,500

Respond Housing Association

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/11/2007

16,008

Conradh na Gaeilge

CB

Limerick City

Current

03/12/2007

6,000

Moyross Community Enterprise Centre Ltd / Moyross Community Creche

CB

Limerick City

Current

03/12/2007

78,414

St. Munchins Family Resource Centre Limited

CB

Limerick City

Current

03/12/2007

60,386

St. Patricks / St. Brigid’s Community Pre-school Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

03/12/2007

6,428

Southill Pre-school Management Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

05/12/2007

22,500

Limerick Social Service Council

CB

Limerick City

Current

17/12/2007

58,414

Applications Approved: 17

Total Funding Approved:

1,107,334

Limerick County:

Stepping Stones

CB

Limerick County

Capital

07/03/2007

1,000,000

Happy Faces

SE

Limerick County

Capital

07/03/2007

58,122

ACM Community Development Society Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Capital

26/04/2007

466,191

ACM Community Development Society Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Capital

26/04/2007

31,736

Agatha Corbett

SE

Limerick County

Capital

26/04/2007

9,455

Audame Ltd t/a Gymboree Play and Music

SE

Limerick County

Capital

26/04/2007

29,824

Karibu Montessori & Playschool

SE

Limerick County

Capital

26/04/2007

52,774

Kilmallock Community Childcare Service Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Capital

26/04/2007

22,789

Suzi Ryan

SE

Limerick County

Capital

26/04/2007

20,444

Tiny Tots

SE

Limerick County

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

ACM Community Development Society Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

14/09/2007

5,700

Desmond Ability Resource Complex Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

14/09/2007

32,600

Kilmallock Community Childcare Service Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

14/09/2007

5,200

Rathkeale Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

16/11/2007

36,514

Banogue Community Creche Limited

CB

Limerick County

Current

19/11/2007

32,500

The Wellcome Club Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

19/11/2007

17,293

Galbally Community Council Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

21/11/2007

25,000

Hospital Family Resource Centre Limited- Kids Klub Committee

CB

Limerick County

Current

21/11/2007

25,875

Patrickswell Community Playschool Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

26/11/2007

21,850

St. Colman’s Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

29/11/2007

48,875

Abbeyfeale Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Limerick County

Current

03/12/2007

10,800

Sunflowers Community Preschool Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

07/12/2007

24,035

Board of Management, Gealscoil O Doghair, All Irish Medium Primary School

BOM

Limerick County

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Croom Community Playgroup

CB

Limerick County

Current

17/12/2007

15,714

Broadford Voluntary Housing Association

CB

Limerick County

Current

19/12/2007

74,750

Applications Approved: 25

Total Funding Approved:

2,193,916

Longford:

Club Ardagh Ltd

CB

Longford

Capital

07/03/2007

400,000

Teach na Leanaí

SE

Longford

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Yvonne Kiernan

SE

Longford

Capital

07/03/2007

53,200

Lanesborough/Ballyleague Community Childcare Service Ltd.

CB

Longford

Capital

26/04/2007

380,000

Our Lady of the Wayside — Longford Traveller Preschool

CB

Longford

Capital

26/04/2007

15,000

Dromard Childcare Community Group Limited

CB

Longford

Current

16/11/2007

37,393

Harmony House Community Centre Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

16/11/2007

22,500

Kenagh Community Co-operative Society Ltd.

CB

Longford

Current

16/11/2007

36,514

Ballymahon Community Group Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

19/11/2007

37,393

McEoin Park Residence Association Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

19/11/2007

25,875

Longford Women’s Link Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

21/11/2007

48,878

Granard Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

22/11/2007

36,514

Whizzkids Drumlish Community Childcare Limited

CB

Longford

Current

29/11/2007

37,375

Lanesborough/Ballyleague Community Childcare Service Ltd.

CB

Longford

Current

03/12/2007

18,407

Legan Community Childcare Limited

CB

Longford

Current

05/12/2007

37,375

Springlawn Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

05/12/2007

31,632

Harmony House Community Centre Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

19/12/2007

14,880

McEoin Park Residence Association Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

19/12/2007

14,880

Applications Approved: 18

Total Funding Approved:

1,347,816

Louth:

Little Scholars

CB

Louth

Capital

07/03/2007

1,000,000

Redeemer Creche and Playgroup

CB

Louth

Capital

07/03/2007

1,000,000

Aedamar McGahon

SE

Louth

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Drogheda Women’s & Childrens Refuge Centre Ltd

CB

Louth

Capital

07/03/2007

130,200

Dundalk I.C.T.U. Centre Ltd

CB

Louth

Capital

07/03/2007

800,000

Lucia Sullivan

SE

Louth

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Muirhevnamor Community Youth Project Ltd

CB

Louth

Capital

07/03/2007

250,000

Termonfeckin Development Group

CB

Louth

Capital

07/03/2007

399,630

Bright Beginnings

SE

Louth

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Kilcurry Community Development Co Ltd.

CB

Louth

Capital

26/04/2007

1,000,000

Laura Kerr & Joan Durnin

SE

Louth

Capital

26/04/2007

77,920

Women’s Aid Dundalk Ltd.

CB

Louth

Capital

26/04/2007

61,626

Kilcurry Community Development Co Ltd.

CB

Louth

Current

14/09/2007

29,129

Dundalk I.C.T.U. Centre Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Lios na nOg

CB

Louth

Current

16/11/2007

57,236

Respond Housing Association

CB

Louth

Current

16/11/2007

18,300

Rowan Heights Playschool & Afterschool

CB

Louth

Current

19/11/2007

29,207

Kilcurry Community Development Co Ltd.

CB

Louth

Current

20/11/2007

43,693

Childcare Resource Centre & Little Partners Creche

CB

Louth

Current

29/11/2007

57,000

Moneymore Community House Ltd.

CB

Louth

Current

03/12/2007

60,375

Lifestyle Development Group Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

17/12/2007

48,875

Applications Approved: 21

Total Funding Approved:

5,400,566

Mayo:

Kilmaine Scribbles Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Capital

07/03/2007

300,000

Angela Alder

SE

Mayo

Capital

07/03/2007

42,000

Anthony & Denise Moran

SE

Mayo

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Ballyglass Preschool Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Capital

07/03/2007

980,000

Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta

CB

Mayo

Capital

07/03/2007

25,000

Robeen Community Playschool Ltd

CB

Mayo

Capital

07/03/2007

575,000

Attymass Community Childcare Committee

CB

Mayo

Capital

26/04/2007

221,100

Margaret Cresham

SE

Mayo

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Tracey Keohane

SE

Mayo

Capital

26/04/2007

7,500

Aghamore Community Development Co. Ltd

CB

Mayo

Capital

26/04/2007

488,000

Newport Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

08/06/2007

8,400

Ballintubber Community Pre-school & Afterschool Service Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

24/07/2007

3,000

Ballyheane Community Sports Club Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

24/07/2007

31,200

Charlestown Community Childcare

CB

Mayo

Current

24/07/2007

31,200

B.C. Kiddies korner Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

16/11/2007

18,257

Ballyglass Preschool Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

16/11/2007

15,762

Coiste Naionra Beal an Mhuirthead

CB

Mayo

Current

16/11/2007

9,064

Knockmore Rathduff Childcare Group

CB

Mayo

Current

16/11/2007

18,400

Tots 2 Teens (formerly Tooreen Community Playgroup)

CB

Mayo

Current

16/11/2007

25,875

The Little Acorns Childrens Centre Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

20/11/2007

43,700

Foxford Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

21/11/2007

12,650

Charlestown Community Childcare

CB

Mayo

Current

22/11/2007

37,440

Mulrany Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

03/12/2007

37,434

Nead na nOg an Naionra

CB

Mayo

Current

03/12/2007

18,400

Comharcumann Naionra Cois Fharraige Teoranta

CB

Mayo

Current

07/12/2007

20,450

Louisburgh Childcare Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

12/12/2007

18,400

Comharchumann Naionra, Beal n’Atha Teoranta

CB

Mayo

Current

17/12/2007

21,922

Killawalla Community Council Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

17/12/2007

15,948

Little Angels Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

17/12/2007

14,945

Naionra Dhun Chaochain

CB

Mayo

Current

17/12/2007

18,407

Naionra Gleann na Muaidhe

CB

Mayo

Current

17/12/2007

14,464

Newport Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

17/12/2007

12,600

Society of St Vincent de paul (formerly Mayo Womens Support Services)

CB

Mayo

Current

17/12/2007

18,400

Parkside Community Development Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

21/12/2007

86,250

St. Tiernan’s Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

21/12/2007

18,400

Applications Approved: 35

Total Funding Approved:

3,409,568

Meath:

Karen McGovern

SE

Meath

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Lagore Road Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

Navan Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Meath

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

Aideen Newport

SE

Meath

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Simonstown Childcare Facility Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

24/07/2007

35,500

KC Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

14/09/2007

25,000

Athboy Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

19/11/2007

18,690

KC Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

03/12/2007

37,375

Baconstown Community Playgroup

CB

Meath

Current

05/12/2007

18,300

Ballivor Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

05/12/2007

34,500

Simonstown Childcare Facility Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

05/12/2007

42,500

Applications Approved: 11

Total Funding Approved:

2,411,865

Monaghan:

Clever Cloggs Full Daycare Nursery Ltd

SE

Monaghan

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Mol an Oige Community Childcare Limited

CB

Monaghan

Capital

07/03/2007

650,000

Clones Community Childcare

CB

Monaghan

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

Monaghan Community Development Committee

CB

Monaghan

Capital

24/04/2007

1,600,000

Tydavnet Tots to Teens

CB

Monaghan

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

Art Mooney Childcare Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Capital

26/04/2007

600,000

Art Mooney Childcare Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Capital

26/04/2007

50,000

Edenbeag Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Capital

26/04/2007

650,000

Joann Phillips

SE

Monaghan

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Joanne McCabe

SE

Monaghan

Capital

26/04/2007

16,000

Ballybay Community Creche Committee Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

24/07/2007

31,200

Drum Village Development Association Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

14/09/2007

7,150

Clones Community Childcare

CB

Monaghan

Current

16/11/2007

26,036

Latton Social Services & Development Ltd (Fingers & Toes Community Playgroup)

CB

Monaghan

Current

16/11/2007

48,875

Magherarney Community Childcare Service

CB

Monaghan

Current

16/11/2007

25,886

Riverbank Childcare Service / Emyvale Development Association

CB

Monaghan

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Tru Beginnings Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Monaghan

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Tydavnet Tots to Teens

CB

Monaghan

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Farney Community Creche

CB

Monaghan

Current

19/11/2007

36,514

Bright Sparks

CB

Monaghan

Current

20/11/2007

25,875

Edenbeag Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

21/11/2007

18,257

Paisti Eois

CB

Monaghan

Current

21/11/2007

18,400

The Aghabog Early Years Community Playgroup

CB

Monaghan

Current

21/11/2007

6,243

Threemilehouse Community Playgroup

CB

Monaghan

Current

21/11/2007

14,684

Knockatallon Community Playschool

CB

Monaghan

Current

22/11/2007

7,938

Rockcorry Community Playgroup

CB

Monaghan

Current

22/11/2007

37,375

Ballybay Community Creche Committee Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

29/11/2007

37,375

Castleblayney Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

29/11/2007

37,392

Glaslough Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

29/11/2007

8,625

Respond Housing Association -Tailte a Chlochair Childcare Centre

CB

Monaghan

Current

07/12/2007

37,375

Drum Village Development Association Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

19/12/2007

5,070

Applications Approved: 31

Total Funding Approved:

6,308,395

Offaly:

Ballycommon Organisation for Local Development Limited

CB

Offaly

Capital

07/03/2007

87,426

Caroline O’Donoghue

SE

Offaly

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Children In Need

CB

Offaly

Capital

07/03/2007

6,000

Skippy’s Creche & Preschool

SE

Offaly

Capital

26/04/2007

7,650

Chesterfield Close Community Centre Committee

CB

Offaly

Current

24/07/2007

21,600

Respond Ltd (Tara Crescent Tenant Management Board)

CB

Offaly

Current

19/11/2007

36,505

BLC Developments Ltd

CB

Offaly

Current

29/11/2007

25,875

Fairgreen Childcare Committee

CB

Offaly

Current

29/11/2007

22,500

Pullough Community Playschool

CB

Offaly

Current

29/11/2007

7,764

Chesterfield Close Community Centre Committee

CB

Offaly

Current

05/12/2007

25,875

Kilcormac Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Offaly

Current

05/12/2007

28,100

Ferbane Community Childcare Group (Bright Beginnings)

CB

Offaly

Current

07/12/2007

30,421

Kinnitty Community Playschool

CB

Offaly

Current

07/12/2007

11,500

Clara Community Childcare Services T/A Clara Tots 2 Teens Ltd.

CB

Offaly

Current

19/12/2007

74,750

Applications Approved: 14

Total Funding Approved:

485,966

Roscommon:

Linda Madden

SE

Roscommon

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Marion Colgan

SE

Roscommon

Capital

07/03/2007

93,000

Cam Community Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Capital

26/04/2007

520,000

Chatterland Playschool & Creche

SE

Roscommon

Capital

26/04/2007

22,500

Holly Hocks Creche

SE

Roscommon

Capital

26/04/2007

30,000

Mary J. Cuddy

SE

Roscommon

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Jack & Jill Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Capital

01/08/2007

8,247

Croghan Fairy Bush Limited

CB

Roscommon

Current

24/07/2007

31,200

Frenchpark and District Childcare Ltd (formerly Frenchpark Community Playschool)

CB

Roscommon

Current

16/11/2007

60,375

Tulsk Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

16/11/2007

17,807

Castlerea Community Playschool Ltd.

CB

Roscommon

Current

19/11/2007

12,500

Hopes & Dreams Limited

CB

Roscommon

Current

19/11/2007

11,036

Loughglynn Parish Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

19/11/2007

25,875

Bright Sparks Playgroup (Lisacul Childcare Ltd)

CB

Roscommon

Current

20/11/2007

11,499

Cloonfad Pre-school-Nursery Thymes Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Current

20/11/2007

11,874

Jack & Jill Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Current

20/11/2007

11,807

Lisnamult Residents Association ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

20/11/2007

37,375

Ardcarne Community Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Current

22/11/2007

25,875

Roscommon Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

03/12/2007

21,921

Kilronan Parent & Toddler Playschool Group

CB

Roscommon

Current

05/12/2007

18,400

Strokestown Community Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Current

05/12/2007

18,489

Ballaghaderreen Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

12/12/2007

37,375

Elphin Preschool Community Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Current

17/12/2007

18,400

Applications Approved: 23

Total Funding Approved:

1,245,555

Sligo:

Little Meadows

SE

Sligo

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Collette Carter

SE

Sligo

Capital

26/04/2007

86,085

Ballyrush Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

24/07/2007

21,667

Castlepark Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

24/07/2007

8,300

Ballymote Youth Steering Group Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

16/11/2007

18,257

Cosy Cats

CB

Sligo

Current

16/11/2007

34,531

Jollytots Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

16/11/2007

37,393

Little Buddies Community Playgroup

CB

Sligo

Current

16/11/2007

25,876

Sligo Social Service Council Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

16/11/2007

17,983

Cherryswan Ltd T/ATir Na nOg Childcare

CB

Sligo

Current

20/11/2007

33,800

Morning Star Kindergarten Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

20/11/2007

25,875

Sligo Family Support Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

20/11/2007

36,514

MCR Community Centre Limited

CB

Sligo

Current

29/11/2007

29,708

Sligo Social Service Council Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

03/12/2007

29,278

Sligo Northside Community Partnership Ltd.

CB

Sligo

Current

05/12/2007

36,514

Sligo Springboard Company Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

12/12/2007

10,150

Merville Youth & Community Centre Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

17/12/2007

32,500

Applications Approved: 17

Total Funding Approved:

584,431

South Dublin County:

Starlight Playgroup

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

07/03/2007

3,750

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Support Project, Millbrook, Tallaght)

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

24/04/2007

1,200,000

Tallaght Tots

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

Fettercairn Community Childcare Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

14/09/2007

25,000

Limetree Community Childcare Centre Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

16/11/2007

36,500

St. Maelruan’s Conference at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

CB

South Dublin County

Current

16/11/2007

18,600

St. Ronan’s Playschool Deansrath

CB

South Dublin County

Current

16/11/2007

32,150

Killinarden Childcare Management Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

16/11/2007

26,250

Fettercairn Little Ones Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

20/11/2007

36,500

Tallaght Childcare Company Ltd.

CB

South Dublin County

Current

20/11/2007

58,300

Loreto Playgroup Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

21/11/2007

18,400

Ronanstown Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

21/11/2007

45,350

Spring Hall (Steiner Waldorf) Early Learning Centre Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

21/11/2007

31,650

Bawnogue Women’s Development Company Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

22/11/2007

12,050

County Dublin VEC (Basic Education Service Centre)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

22/11/2007

16,000

Quarryvale Community Resource Centre Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

22/11/2007

36,500

St. Kevin’s Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

29/11/2007

20,150

Respond! Ard Mor Court Childcare Centre

CB

South Dublin County

Current

03/12/2007

14,400

Ballyboden Children’s Centre

CB

South Dublin County

Current

05/12/2007

73,250

Clondalkin Afterschool Childcare Company Ltd. (Kozy Kids)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

05/12/2007

37,375

Jobstown Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/12/2007

75,000

Naionra Chaitlin Maude

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/12/2007

25,875

Ronanstown Womans Community Development Project Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/12/2007

21,050

Rowlagh Womens Group Ltd.

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/12/2007

29,250

South County Co-Operative Housing Society Ltd (Brookview Childcare Service)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/12/2007

31,500

Youth Horizons Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/12/2007

22,400

South County Co-Operative Housing Society Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

12/12/2007

25,586

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Support Project, Millbrook, Tallaght)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

17/12/2007

18,400

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Le Cheile Afterschool Service)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

17/12/2007

18,400

Applications Approved: 29

Total Funding Approved:

3,009,636

Tipperary North:

Cloughjordan Community Development Programme

CB

Tipperary North

Capital

07/03/2007

400,000

Carol Thompson

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Upperchurch Childcare Group

CB

Tipperary North

Capital

24/04/2007

848,900

Upperchurch Childcare Group

CB

Tipperary North

Capital

14/09/2007

351,100

St. Sheelan’s Community Childcare Services Limited

CB

Tipperary North

Current

24/07/2007

16,300

North Tipperary Community Services

CB

Tipperary North

Current

16/11/2007

10,768

North Tipperary Community Services

CB

Tipperary North

Current

16/11/2007

10,768

Roscrea 2000 Ltd.

CB

Tipperary North

Current

16/11/2007

62,057

Templetuohy Community Playgroup

CB

Tipperary North

Current

16/11/2007

8,625

Gaile Pre-school

BOM

Tipperary North

Current

26/11/2007

25,875

Littleton Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Tipperary North

Current

29/11/2007

10,971

Nenagh Childcare Centre Ltd (formerly Nenagh Interagency Childcare Service)

CB

Tipperary North

Current

29/11/2007

60,375

St. Sheelan’s Community Childcare Services Limited

CB

Tipperary North

Current

29/11/2007

48,875

Upperchurch Childcare Group

CB

Tipperary North

Current

29/11/2007

19,053

Templemore Community Services Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary North

Current

03/12/2007

25,875

St. Joseph’s Parents Association

CB

Tipperary North

Current

05/12/2007

14,379

Barnardos Centre Thurles

CB

Tipperary North

Current

17/12/2007

37,375

Applications Approved: 17

Total Funding Approved:

2,051,296

Tipperary South:

Ardfinnan Childcare Committee Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Capital

07/03/2007

150,000

Clonmel Childcare Ltd.

SE

Tipperary South

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Happy Dayz

SE

Tipperary South

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Marthas Montessori

SE

Tipperary South

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Ballyporeen Childcare Committee

CB

Tipperary South

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

Respond! (Comeragh Court Community Group)

CB

Tipperary South

Capital

24/04/2007

29,114

Donohill Preschool/Afterschool

CB

Tipperary South

Capital

26/04/2007

50,000

Spafield Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Capital

26/04/2007

600,000

Donohill Preschool/Afterschool

CB

Tipperary South

Current

14/09/2007

3,600

Elm Park Area Childcare Committee Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

14/09/2007

25,250

Cahir Development Association Limited

CB

Tipperary South

Current

16/11/2007

37,400

Naionra Chaisleain Nua

CB

Tipperary South

Current

16/11/2007

37,500

Clonmel Community Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

03/12/2007

28,912

Respond Ltd (Hilltop Community Childcare Service)

CB

Tipperary South

Current

03/12/2007

35,550

Respond! (Comeragh Court Community Group)

CB

Tipperary South

Current

03/12/2007

37,375

Treasure Island Playschool Limited

CB

Tipperary South

Current

03/12/2007

37,375

Oakland Drive Community Child Services

CB

Tipperary South

Current

05/12/2007

35,422

Respond! (Glenview After Schools Club)

CB

Tipperary South

Current

05/12/2007

12,500

Spafield Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

07/12/2007

59,716

Annacarty Childcare Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Applications Approved: 20

Total Funding Approved:

2,505,589

Waterford City:

Sacred Heart Community Childcare Project Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Capital

24/04/2007

1,000,000

St. Joseph’s Childcare and Community Centre

CB

Waterford City

Current

16/11/2007

42,500

Waterford Womens Resource Centre (Access 2000 Ltd)657a

CB

Waterford City

Current

16/11/2007

66,175

Ballybeg Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Waterford City

Current

20/11/2007

85,960

Focus Ireland Limited

CB

Waterford City

Current

03/12/2007

85,313

Larchville Lisduggan Childcare Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Current

03/12/2007

18,396

Respond Ltd (Killure Grove After School Club)

CB

Waterford City

Current

12/12/2007

18,400

Applications Approved: 7

Total Funding Approved:

1,316,744

Waterford County:

Respond Ltd (Marquis Drive Community Centre)

CB

Waterford County

Capital

26/04/2007

240,890

Ard na Ghleanna Community Group (Respond!)

CB

Waterford County

Current

24/07/2007

25,850

Coscursp Teoranta

CB

Waterford County

Current

24/07/2007

15,000

Seirbhis Iar-Schoile

CB

Waterford County

Current

14/09/2007

9,000

Passage East Childcare Initiative Limited

CB

Waterford County

Current

16/11/2007

25,875

Dunhill, Fenor,Boatstrand,Annestown Community Enterprise LTD (DFBA)

BOM

Waterford County

Current

29/11/2007

25,875

Naionra Choill Mhic Thomaisin

CB

Waterford County

Current

29/11/2007

15,814

Respond Ltd (Marquis Drive Community Centre)

CB

Waterford County

Current

03/12/2007

22,511

Cappoquin Community Development Co. Ltd

CB

Waterford County

Current

05/12/2007

37,375

Respond Housing Association — Beechmount

CB

Waterford County

Current

05/12/2007

36,508

Applications Approved: 10

Total Funding Approved:

454,698

Westmeath:

Mellowes Childcare Services

SE

Westmeath

Capital

07/03/2007

100,000

Athlone Community Services Council Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Capital

24/04/2007

1,400,000

Ballymore Community Childcare Facility Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Capital

08/06/2007

380,000

ATK Community Centre Limited

CB

Westmeath

Current

14/09/2007

17,250

Ballymore Community Childcare Facility Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

16/11/2007

9,535

Athlone Community Taskforce

CB

Westmeath

Current

20/11/2007

46,266

Ennell Community House

CB

Westmeath

Current

21/11/2007

37,374

Dalton Community House

CB

Westmeath

Current

29/11/2007

38,200

Killucan Care Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

29/11/2007

36,514

Womens Community Projects (Mullingar) Association

CB

Westmeath

Current

29/11/2007

58,650

Athlone Community Services Council Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

03/12/2007

18,408

Athlone Community Services Council Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

03/12/2007

11,500

ATK Community Centre Limited

CB

Westmeath

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Ballynacargy Community Childcare Services Limited

CB

Westmeath

Current

17/12/2007

37,406

Harmony Community Development Programme

CB

Westmeath

Current

17/12/2007

25,550

Kinnegad Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

17/12/2007

37,393

St Peter’s Primary School

BOM

Westmeath

Current

17/12/2007

25,875

Applications Approved: 17

Total Funding Approved:

2,305,796

Wexford:

Crossabeg Community Childcare Group

CB

Wexford

Capital

07/03/2007

998,000

Craanford Monaseed Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Capital

07/03/2007

371,000

Hilary & Emmanuel Lantzos

SE

Wexford

Capital

07/03/2007

75,000

Murrintown Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Wexford

Capital

07/03/2007

1,000,000

St. Brigid’s Community Playgroup

CB

Wexford

Capital

24/04/2007

835,082

Sarah Egans & Annerose Schichhold

SE

Wexford

Capital

24/04/2007

100,000

Gorey Youth Needs Group Ltd

CB

Wexford

Capital

26/04/2007

1,100,000

Fethard on Sea Community Playgroup trading as First Steps Community Playgroup (Footsteps)

CB

Wexford

Current

24/07/2007

3,000

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service Ltd

CB

Wexford

Current

16/11/2007

36,514

Teach na bPaisti Limited

CB

Wexford

Current

16/11/2007

37,375

Wolfe Tone Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

16/11/2007

25,875

Curracloe Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

21/11/2007

10,080

Horeswood Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Wexford

Current

21/11/2007

25,875

Craanford Monaseed Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

26/11/2007

25,886

Daphne View Community Hall

CB

Wexford

Current

03/12/2007

26,764

Setanta

CB

Wexford

Current

03/12/2007

25,564

Shel-Bar Ltd

CB

Wexford

Current

03/12/2007

11,502

Respond Ltd (Westlands’ Childcare Centre)

CB

Wexford

Current

05/12/2007

36,514

St. Francis’ Playgroup

CB

Wexford

Current

05/12/2007

25,300

Board of Management, Tagoat N.S.(Tir na nOg)

BOM

Wexford

Current

07/12/2007

37,430

Templeshannon Community Development Project Limited

CB

Wexford

Current

12/12/2007

48,875

FAB Coolcotts Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

17/12/2007

48,875

Raheen Community Development Group Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

17/12/2007

36,514

South West Wexford Community Development Group

CB

Wexford

Current

17/12/2007

59,528

Rosslare Community Development Association Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

29/12/2007

37,375

St. Mogues Childcare Centre Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

29/12/2007

37,375

Applications Approved: 26

Total Funding Approved:

5,075,303

Wicklow:

Donard/Glen Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Capital

07/03/2007

999,970

Joel Nudi

SE

Wicklow

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Jason & Michelle Forde

SE

Wicklow

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Little Ladybirds Playgroup & Childminding

SE

Wicklow

Capital

26/04/2007

100,000

Stratford Grangecon Development Association Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

24/07/2007

21,600

Dunlavin Community Playgroup

CB

Wicklow

Current

29/11/2007

16,000

Little Bray Family Resource Centre

CB

Wicklow

Current

29/11/2007

37,375

St. Fergals Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

29/11/2007

18,271

Marian Preschool & Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Wicklow

Current

07/12/2007

58,414

Carnew Community Playschool Ltd TA Little Acorns

CB

Wicklow

Current

12/12/2007

11,250

Bray Community Playgroup

CB

Wicklow

Current

17/12/2007

18,300

Bray Women’s Refuge Housing Association Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

17/12/2007

37,375

Donard/Glen Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

17/12/2007

20,000

Newtownmountkennedy Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Wicklow

Current

21/12/2007

21,200

Applications Approved: 14

Total Funding Approved:

1,559,755

KEY

CB: Community Based Provider

SE: Private Povider

Table 2: National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP)

2007

Received Applications

Capital

Current

Total

Carlow

12

14

26

Cavan

20

29

49

Clare

18

18

36

Cork City

23

53

76

Cork County

26

52

78

Donegal

15

44

59

Dublin City

39

111

150

Dublin South County

20

37

57

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

19

16

35

Fingal

25

17

42

Galway City

3

20

23

Galway County

31

46

77

Kerry

29

51

80

Kildare

18

6

24

Kilkenny

12

23

35

Laois

6

12

18

Leitrim

8

21

29

Limerick City

8

24

32

Limerick County

18

23

41

Longford

6

15

21

Louth

13

19

32

Mayo

11

55

66

Meath

19

14

33

Monaghan

15

25

40

Offaly

7

14

21

Roscommon

11

28

39

Sligo

3

24

27

Tipperary North

11

15

26

Tipperary South

11

21

32

Waterford City

5

8

13

Waterford County

0

16

16

Westmeath

6

18

24

Wexford

10

28

38

Wicklow

16

16

32

National Totals:

494

933

1,427

Table 1: National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP)

Approved Applications by County: 2008

Applicant Name

Applicant Type

County

Funding Type

Date Approved

Amount Approved

Pending

Carlow:

Garryhundon Childminding Service

SE

Carlow

Capital

18/10/2008

4,814

Dolmen Nursery & Montessori School

SE

Carlow

Capital

04/02/2008

16,144

Sandra Salter

SE

Carlow

Capital

18/10/2008

22,500

Fun Time Creche / Realtai Geala Montessori and Afterschool

SE

Carlow

Capital

18/10/2008

25,000

Tir na Nog

SE

Carlow

Capital

18/10/2008

25,000

Brenda Fitzgerald & Catriona Moran

SE

Carlow

Capital

04/02/2008

52,500

Valerie Coulahan & Absolute Beginners Creche & Montessori School Limited

SE

Carlow

Capital

04/02/2008

66,000

Scallywags

SE

Carlow

Capital

18/10/2008

99,750

Burton Hall Childcare Centre

SE

Carlow

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Carlow V.E.C. Childcare Centre

CB

Carlow

Capital

04/02/2008

345,700

Askea Community Service Limited

CB

Carlow

Capital

04/02/2008

450,000

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre Limited(Stepping Stones Childcare Centre)

CB

Carlow

Capital

04/02/2008

1,200,000

Rathoe Community Afterschool Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

24/04/2008

0

Pending

Carlow Regional Youth Services Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

18/10/2008

0

Pending

Carlow Regional Youth Services Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

18/10/2008

0

Pending

Kildavin Afterschool Facility

CB

Carlow

Current

14/07/2008

5,200

Carlow Regional Youth Services Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

14/10/2008

6,500

Borris Community Playschool Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

30/04/2008

16,432

Pied Piper Community Preschool

CB

Carlow

Current

02/05/2008

16,567

Borris Community Playschool Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

15/01/2008

18,257

Pied Piper Community Preschool

CB

Carlow

Current

04/01/2008

18,407

Rathoe Community Afterschool Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

20/05/2008

25,805

Leighlinbridge Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

13/06/2008

33,638

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre Limited(Stepping Stones Childcare Centre)

CB

Carlow

Current

15/01/2008

37,370

Forward Steps Resource Centre Limited

CB

Carlow

Current

25/02/2008

37,375

Respond Ltd (Slaney View Drive Playgroup After School Service)

CB

Carlow

Current

09/06/2008

40,576

Bagenalstown Family Resource Centre Limited(Stepping Stones Childcare Centre)

CB

Carlow

Current

19/05/2008

41,189

Tullow Childcare Association Ltd t/a Tots to Teens

CB

Carlow

Current

13/06/2008

43,988

Tullow Childcare Association Ltd t/a Tots to Teens

CB

Carlow

Current

08/01/2008

48,875

St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

04/01/2008

54,000

Ballon/Rathoe Development Association Ltd.

CB

Carlow

Current

12/05/2008

54,338

Forward Steps Resource Centre Limited

CB

Carlow

Current

22/05/2008

71,869

Askea Community Service Limited

CB

Carlow

Current

23/06/2008

79,170

St. Catherine’s Community Services Centre Ltd

CB

Carlow

Current

19/05/2008

98,735

Carlow V.E.C. Childcare Centre

CB

Carlow

Current

19/05/2008

119,470

Applications Approved: 35

Total Funding Approved:

3,275,169

Cavan:

MacNean Community Resources Limited

CB

Cavan

Capital

08/08/2008

20,000

Puddle Lane Montessori

SE

Cavan

Capital

04/02/2008

20,750

Christelle Gilles

SE

Cavan

Capital

15/10/2008

30,000

Mini Me’s

SE

Cavan

Capital

04/02/2008

45,000

Meghaland Ltd

SE

Cavan

Capital

15/10/2008

50,000

Whitetree Montessori & Creche Ltd

SE

Cavan

Capital

15/10/2008

55,125

Caroline Donnelly

SE

Cavan

Capital

04/02/2008

80,000

Philomena Philomena Sheils

SE

Cavan

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Margaret McCabe

SE

Cavan

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Maura Comiskey

SE

Cavan

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Teresa Leddy

SE

Cavan

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Blacklion Childcare Committee

CB

Cavan

Capital

15/10/2008

104,281

Bailieborough Community Resource House Ltd

CB

Cavan

Capital

07/05/2008

347,332

Blacklion Childcare Committee

CB

Cavan

Capital

04/02/2008

480,000

Drumgoon Community Centre Co-op Society Ltd

CB

Cavan

Capital

08/08/2008

480,000

Ballyjamesduff Community Council

CB

Cavan

Capital

04/02/2008

1,200,000

Rainbow Kids (formerly Kill Community Playgroup)

CB

Cavan

Current

15/01/2008

9,000

Drumgoon Community Centre Co-op Society Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Glaslough Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

The Denn Toddlers Playgroup

CB

Cavan

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Ballyhaise Community Playschool

CB

Cavan

Current

21/05/2008

10,000

Rainbow Kids (formerly Kill Community Playgroup)

CB

Cavan

Current

21/05/2008

10,000

Tir na nOg Community Playgroup

CB

Cavan

Current

21/05/2008

10,000

Cavan Partnership Co. Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

25/06/2008

11,428

Bunnoe Childcare Group

CB

Cavan

Current

12/05/2008

11,475

Naionra Bhreifne

CB

Cavan

Current

14/05/2008

11,570

Naionra Bhreifne

CB

Cavan

Current

25/02/2008

12,193

Killeshandra Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

08/05/2008

12,401

Cavan Partnership Co. Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

04/03/2008

12,698

Bunnoe Childcare Group

CB

Cavan

Current

15/01/2008

12,750

Happy Hours Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Cavan

Current

30/04/2008

16,425

Bailieborough Development Association Ltd (BDA)

CB

Cavan

Current

29/05/2008

16,428

Stepping Stones HighScope Preschool

CB

Cavan

Current

08/05/2008

16,547

Little Stars Community Playgroup and Afterschool Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

29/05/2008

18,179

MacNean Community Resources Limited

CB

Cavan

Current

14/05/2008

19,713

Laragh Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

14/05/2008

21,190

Shercock Child Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

12/05/2008

23,288

Munterconnaught Community Development Association Ltd.

CB

Cavan

Current

13/06/2008

23,288

Happy Days Childcare Services Limited

CB

Cavan

Current

19/05/2008

25,825

Munterconnaught Community Development Association Ltd.

CB

Cavan

Current

28/04/2008

25,875

Dowra Community Playgroup

CB

Cavan

Current

22/05/2008

28,736

Ballyconnell Den Development Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

08/05/2008

30,285

Ballinamoney Childcare Project Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Cootehill Community Resource House Project

CB

Cavan

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Tullacmongan Resource Centre

CB

Cavan

Current

14/03/2008

35,004

Drumlane Community Partnership Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

14/05/2008

36,877

Arvagh Area Childcare Limited

CB

Cavan

Current

14/05/2008

38,350

Bailieborough Community Resource House Ltd

CB

Cavan

Current

19/05/2008

52,000

Tullacmongan Resource Centre

CB

Cavan

Current

09/06/2008

55,250

Applications Approved: 49

Total Funding Approved:

4,016,539

Clare:

Siobhan Marie Rynne

SE

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

9,718

Catherine Clancy

SE

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

20,000

Claire Mahoney

SE

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

25,000

Noreen O’Doherty

SE

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

25,000

Patricia & Joe Mulcahy

SE

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

55,451

Lisdoonvarna Failte Ltd

CB

Clare

Capital

08/08/2008

66,114

Deirdre Grimes

SE

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

87,229

County Clare VEC

CB

Clare

Capital

08/08/2008

95,957

Aileen Molohan

SE

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Mary Kennedy

SE

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Sixmilebridge and District Community Complex Society Ltd

CB

Clare

Capital

07/05/2008

100,000

Clare Family Resource Centre

CB

Clare

Capital

07/05/2008

200,000

Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd.

CB

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

720,000

West Clare Early Years Care and Education Services Limited

CB

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

1,179,000

Killaloe Community Development Co Ltd

CB

Clare

Capital

04/02/2008

1,200,000

Killaloe Community Development Co Ltd

CB

Clare

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Scoil Mhainchin

CB

Clare

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Little Acorns PreSchool/Montessori

CB

Clare

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Little Acorns PreSchool/Montessori

CB

Clare

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Clarecastle Community Playgroup

CB

Clare

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Clougheigh Community Playgroup

CB

Clare

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

County Clare VEC

CB

Clare

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Ennis West Partners

PCG

Clare

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Liscannor Childcare Service

CB

Clare

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Inagh Development Company Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

04/01/2008

6,600

Naionra Dun Beg

CB

Clare

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Sixmilebridge and District Community Complex Society Ltd

CB

Clare

Current

26/05/2008

11,250

Sixmilebridge and District Community Complex Society Ltd

CB

Clare

Current

14/03/2008

12,500

CLASS Ltd

CB

Clare

Current

22/05/2008

14,938

Burren Sonas Group

CB

Clare

Current

13/06/2008

16,560

Burren Sonas Group

CB

Clare

Current

15/01/2008

18,400

Cooleenbridge Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

02/05/2008

19,241

Lisdoonvarna Failte Ltd

CB

Clare

Current

14/07/2008

23,000

Inagh Development Company Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

12/05/2008

28,575

Ruan Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

02/05/2008

31,741

Stone Court Residents Association / Childcare Sub-Committee

CB

Clare

Current

19/05/2008

31,785

Ennistymon Family Resource Centre

CB

Clare

Current

02/05/2008

32,863

Kilmaley Preschool Childcare Playgroup

CB

Clare

Current

14/05/2008

33,636

Ruan Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

25/02/2008

35,267

Ennistymon Family Resource Centre

CB

Clare

Current

15/01/2008

36,514

Clare Haven Childcare Service

CB

Clare

Current

14/07/2008

48,500

Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd.

CB

Clare

Current

16/05/2008

61,144

Loughgraney Kids Corner Limited

CB

Clare

Current

22/05/2008

75,530

Adult and Community Education Centre

CB

Clare

Current

29/05/2008

87,620

Spraoi Miltown Malbay-District Community Playgroup

CB

Clare

Current

14/07/2008

97,000

Clare Family Resource Centre

CB

Clare

Current

16/05/2008

122,374

West Clare Early Years Care and Education Services Limited

CB

Clare

Current

23/05/2008

139,089

Applications Approved: 47

Total Funding Approved:

4,977,596

Cork City:

St. Joseph’s (Mayfield) Community Association

CB

Cork City

Capital

04/02/2008

10,000

Naionra Lus na Meala

CB

Cork City

Capital

04/02/2008

18,843

Teresa Honan

SE

Cork City

Capital

04/02/2008

25,000

Lilliput Montessori School

SE

Cork City

Capital

14/07/2008

27,363

Pea Pods Childcare Limited

SE

Cork City

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Young Women’s Group (A constituent member of Cork Anti-Poverty Resource Network Ltd)

CB

Cork City

Capital

04/02/2008

237,785

Scoil Ursula BOM

CB

Cork City

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Shooting Stars Preschool Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

14/10/2008

5,200

Glenfields Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

04/01/2008

5,625

Gaelscoil Mhachan

BOM

Cork City

Current

12/05/2008

7,211

Cushing Road Childcare Steering Group

CB

Cork City

Current

14/03/2008

15,600

Blarney Street & Surrounding Areas Community Association

CB

Cork City

Current

12/05/2008

16,427

Cork Steiner Waldorf Kindergarten

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

16,427

Lotamore Family Resource Centre Group

CB

Cork City

Current

08/05/2008

16,560

Coiste Naionra an Teaghlaigh Naofa

CB

Cork City

Current

14/05/2008

16,567

Scoil Ursula Creche

CB

Cork City

Current

15/05/2008

17,325

Cro na nOg

CB

Cork City

Current

12/05/2008

17,680

Blarney Street & Surrounding Areas Community Association

CB

Cork City

Current

18/01/2008

18,252

Scoil Maria Assumpta Senior School

BOM

Cork City

Current

04/01/2008

18,390

Playland

CB

Cork City

Current

14/05/2008

19,955

Holy Cross Creche /Drop in centre

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

20,077

Naionra Lus na Meala

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

20,700

Turners Cross Community Playgroup

CB

Cork City

Current

07/03/2008

20,848

Magnet Community Group Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

08/05/2008

20,858

Mayfield Integrated Community Development Project Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

14/05/2008

21,407

Roseville House Family Resourse Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

12/05/2008

22,169

Farranree Childcare Unit

CB

Cork City

Current

30/04/2008

22,391

Silversprings Community Playschool

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

22,815

Magnet Community Group Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

11/02/2008

23,175

Togher Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

26/05/2008

23,288

St. Brendan’s Girl’s School

CB

Cork City

Current

13/06/2008

23,288

Togher Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

14/05/2008

23,316

Scoil Maria Assumpta Senior School

BOM

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

25,264

Greenmount Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Cork City

Current

16/05/2008

25,415

Maria Assumpta Preschool

BOM

Cork City

Current

04/01/2008

25,875

St. Brendan’s Girl’s School

CB

Cork City

Current

11/02/2008

25,875

Community Women’s Education Initiatives Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

08/05/2008

26,284

Little Lullaby Nursery

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

26,284

Maria Assumpta Preschool

BOM

Cork City

Current

09/06/2008

26,845

Traveller Visibility Group Limited

CB

Cork City

Current

29/05/2008

28,688

Cushing Road Childcare Steering Group

CB

Cork City

Current

09/06/2008

28,717

Mahon Family Resource Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

29,257

Ballyphehane/Togher Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

14/05/2008

32,357

Bessborough Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

30/04/2008

32,863

Vernon House Resource Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

33,124

Newbury House Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

12/05/2008

33,654

City of Cork VEC (Colaiste Stiofan Naofa)

CB

Cork City

Current

15/01/2008

36,514

Bessborough Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

24/01/2008

36,514

Cuddles Creche

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

41,492

St. Patrick’s Pre-school & After School Services Limited

BOM

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

44,005

Mahon Community Preschool & Child Development Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

45,716

Mahon CDP Community Creche

CB

Cork City

Current

15/05/2008

51,922

Togher Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

14/05/2008

52,573

Wallaroo Playschool Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

22/05/2008

52,573

City of Cork VEC (Colaiste Stiofan Naofa)

CB

Cork City

Current

19/05/2008

54,522

The Glen Community Creche Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

14/05/2008

56,810

Wallaroo Playschool Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

04/01/2008

58,414

St. Anne’s Day Nursery Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

16/05/2008

59,410

Northside Community Enterprise Ltd./ N.C.E. Outreach Ltd.

CB

Cork City

Current

16/05/2008

61,230

Before 5 Nursery & Family Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

20/05/2008

88,834

Hollyhill/Knocknaheeny Family Centre

CB

Cork City

Current

14/05/2008

93,340

Farranree Development Company Ltd

CB

Cork City

Current

04/01/2008

97,750

Barnardos- Republic of Ireland Limited

CB

Cork City

Current

27/05/2008

102,657

Applications Approved: 63

Total Funding Approved:

2,309,320

Cork County:

Patricia Treacy (Tir Na nOg Montessori School)

SE

Cork County

Capital

04/02/2008

18,901

Ballygarvan ‘Tiny Tots’ Community Pre-school Ltd

CB

Cork County

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Niamh Towey

SE

Cork County

Capital

04/02/2008

49,970

Ballyhass Community Childcare Facility

CB

Cork County

Capital

07/05/2008

61,845

Mary McShortall

SE

Cork County

Capital

04/02/2008

80,000

Carrigtwohill Creche & Playschool

SE

Cork County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Panda Paws Limited

SE

Cork County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

An Naionra Charraig Ui Leighin

CB

Cork County

Capital

04/02/2008

583,157

Liscarroll Community Council

CB

Cork County

Capital

04/02/2008

604,000

Freemount Community Preschool

CB

Cork County

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Schull Community Preschool

CB

Cork County

Current

11/02/2008

6,918

Allihies Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

18/01/2008

8,625

Lyre Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

15/01/2008

9,628

Allihies Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Liscarroll Community Care Group

CB

Cork County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Lyre Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Rosscarbery Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Schull Community Preschool

CB

Cork County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Anchor Playschool Meelin Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

21/05/2008

10,000

Clonakilty Kindergarten Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

15/05/2008

13,223

Ballyhea Childcare Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

08/05/2008

15,178

Bishopstown Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

15,795

Muintir Bhaire Community Playschool

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

16,084

An Bord Bainistiochta Scoil Therese

CB

Cork County

Current

08/05/2008

16,432

Aughadown Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

22/05/2008

16,432

Coomhola Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

22/05/2008

16,432

Goleen Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

01/05/2008

16,560

Kinsale Community Playschool

CB

Cork County

Current

12/05/2008

16,560

Naiolann Chleire

CB

Cork County

Current

13/06/2008

16,560

Aghada Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

08/05/2008

16,992

Coomhola Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

11/02/2008

18,257

Cork County VEC

CB

Cork County

Current

28/02/2008

20,892

Clondrohid Community Playschool

CB

Cork County

Current

12/05/2008

23,201

IRD Duhallow Limited

CB

Cork County

Current

08/05/2008

23,288

Cobh Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

14/05/2008

23,868

IRD Duhallow Limited

CB

Cork County

Current

04/01/2008

25,875

Ballincollig Family Resource Centre

CB

Cork County

Current

08/05/2008

26,625

Naionra Beanntrai

CB

Cork County

Current

14/05/2008

26,828

Jack & Jill Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

27,073

Cobh Youth Services Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

27,105

Carrigtwohill Family Resource Centre

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

27,300

Ballincollig Family Resource Centre

CB

Cork County

Current

04/01/2008

29,583

Naionra Beanntrai

CB

Cork County

Current

25/02/2008

29,808

Fermoy Community Pre School Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

14/05/2008

30,593

Ballydehob Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

22/05/2008

30,854

Bere Island Community Childcare Group Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

14/05/2008

30,954

Castletownbere Community Pre School and Day Nursery Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

13/06/2008

32,965

Community Childcare Bantry Ltd. — Rainbow Childcare

CB

Cork County

Current

14/05/2008

33,081

Youghal Family Centre

CB

Cork County

Current

12/05/2008

33,637

Dromina Community Council Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

33,750

Le Cheile — Family Resource Centre (Mallow) Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

14/05/2008

34,069

Oakfield Close Community Playgroup

CB

Cork County

Current

29/05/2008

34,455

Castletownbere Community Pre School and Day Nursery Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

25/02/2008

36,628

Respond Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

29/05/2008

40,404

Blackwater Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

42,250

The Trustees of Macroom Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

08/05/2008

43,988

Tir na nOg Ballydesmond Limited

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

43,988

Banteer Community Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

12/05/2008

44,010

Boherbue Educare Centre Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

02/05/2008

45,743

Tir na nOg Ballydesmond Limited

CB

Cork County

Current

15/01/2008

48,875

Boherbue Educare Centre Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

24/01/2008

50,825

Glenfields Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Cork County

Current

29/05/2008

52,676

Ballyhass Community Childcare Facility

CB

Cork County

Current

22/05/2008

54,338

Innishmore Family Centre Limited

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

54,340

Charleville & District Community Enterprise Ltd.

CB

Cork County

Current

22/05/2008

57,850

Midleton Community Forum

CB

Cork County

Current

29/05/2008

58,240

Cork County VEC

CB

Cork County

Current

23/05/2008

68,120

Little Treasures Childcare Limited

CB

Cork County

Current

19/05/2008

85,194

Applications Approved: 68

Total Funding Approved:

3,350,822

Donegal:

St. Oran’s Pre-school

CB

Donegal

Capital

04/02/2008

18,000

Scoil Naomh Fiachra

CB

Donegal

Capital

04/02/2008

20,000

Naionra Leitir Ceanainn

CB

Donegal

Capital

04/02/2008

20,000

Michelle’s Childcare

SE

Donegal

Capital

04/02/2008

23,437

Donegal Playgroup Ltd

CB

Donegal

Capital

07/05/2008

70,000

Ardara Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Donegal

Capital

07/05/2008

86,704

Comhlacht Forbartha an Tearmainn

CB

Donegal

Capital

15/10/2008

96,548

Sally O Donnell

SE

Donegal

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Bocan Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Capital

08/08/2008

100,000

South West Donegal Communities Partnership Ltd

CB

Donegal

Capital

07/05/2008

350,000

Convoy Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Capital

04/02/2008

500,000

Stepping Stones Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Drumkeen Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

18/01/2008

6,500

Cloughaneely Busy Bees Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

15/01/2008

9,150

Naionra Ceann Caslach

CB

Donegal

Current

07/03/2008

10,000

Drumkeen Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Naionra an Fhalcarrach

CB

Donegal

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Naionra Aodh Mhic Breicne

CB

Donegal

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Naionra an Tearmann

CB

Donegal

Current

15/05/2008

10,000

Inver Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

21/05/2008

10,000

Naionra Mhuire

CB

Donegal

Current

09/06/2008

10,000

Naionra Mhuire

CB

Donegal

Current

11/04/2008

10,063

Saimer Community Childcare Group ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

08/08/2008

10,289

Carndonagh Integrated Early Years Provision

CB

Donegal

Current

13/06/2008

10,993

Naionra an Clochain Liath

CB

Donegal

Current

16/05/2008

11,180

Ardara Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Donegal

Current

20/02/2008

11,489

Bocan Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

15/01/2008

11,906

Quigley’s Point Community Centre Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

29/05/2008

12,177

Naionra na nDunaibh

CB

Donegal

Current

26/05/2008

12,555

Naionra Gleann Cholmcille

CB

Donegal

Current

08/05/2008

12,737

Naionra Duibhlinn Riabhach

CB

Donegal

Current

19/05/2008

13,390

Naionra na nDunaibh

CB

Donegal

Current

28/03/2008

13,950

Raphoe Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

13/06/2008

14,256

Mountcharles Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

14/05/2008

16,567

Cloughaneely Busy Bees Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

19/05/2008

16,705

Donegal Kiddies Corner Limited

CB

Donegal

Current

19/05/2008

17,095

Lifford/Clonleigh Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

04/01/2008

17,186

Rosses CDP

CB

Donegal

Current

09/06/2008

18,395

Crossroads & Killygordon Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Donegal

Current

14/07/2008

19,000

Church Hill Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

12/05/2008

20,250

Pettigo Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

14/05/2008

20,345

Newtowncunningham Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

07/03/2008

21,060

Dunfanaghy Community Playhouse

CB

Donegal

Current

24/01/2008

21,995

Saimer Community Childcare Group ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

14/05/2008

23,314

Bocan Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

22/05/2008

23,595

Donegal Playgroup Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

29/05/2008

23,595

Glenties Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

30/04/2008

24,937

Drumkeen Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

08/08/2008

24,937

Naiscoil agus Culturlann Bhunncranncha

CB

Donegal

Current

29/05/2008

26,520

Manorcunningham Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Donegal

Current

08/05/2008

26,792

Lifford/Clonleigh Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

22/05/2008

27,590

Creeslough Community Childcare Service Limited

CB

Donegal

Current

13/06/2008

29,250

Dunfanaghy Community Playhouse

CB

Donegal

Current

19/05/2008

32,110

Creeslough Community Childcare Service Limited

CB

Donegal

Current

04/01/2008

32,500

Ardara Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Donegal

Current

14/05/2008

33,633

Naiolann Ghaoth Dobhair

CB

Donegal

Current

08/05/2008

33,638

Castlefin Community Childcare Services

CB

Donegal

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

B.A.S.I.C. Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

14/05/2008

33,638

Letterkenny Community Playgroup

CB

Donegal

Current

14/05/2008

33,638

Letterkenny Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Donegal

Current

14/05/2008

36,491

Castlefin Community Childcare Services

CB

Donegal

Current

28/02/2008

37,375

Naiolann Ghaoth Dobhair

CB

Donegal

Current

04/03/2008

37,375

T.T. Childcare Ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

14/05/2008

44,642

Donegal Travellers Project ltd

CB

Donegal

Current

19/05/2008

79,950

Applications Approved: 64

Total Funding Approved:

2,503,080

Dublin City:

Nutrition and Fun 4 Kids Limited

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

18,500

Riverside Montessori School

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

36,000

Whitefriar Street Creche

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Brendan Rafferty

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

45,000

Ann Doyle

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

50,000

Mellow Spring Childcare Development Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

50,000

Jo Chrobak

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

67,500

Lourdes Youth & Community Services(First Steps Creche)

CB

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

69,000

Denise Little Sponges Montessori

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

75,000

Baby Steps

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

89,665

Baron’s Playschool

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

99,750

Able Infants Montessori

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Gilford Road Montessori and Afterschool

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Blackhorse Childcare Ltd

SE

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

St Michael’s Primary School

CB

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

The Paddocks Development Project Limited

CB

Dublin City

Capital

14/07/2008

100,000

First Steps Trust Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

192,000

Harold’s Cross National School

CB

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

231,000

Sean O’Casey Community Centre

CB

Dublin City

Capital

04/02/2008

1,200,000

Naionra an tSeachtar Laoch

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Aisling Project

CB

Dublin City

Current

18/10/2008

0

Pending

Dublin City Council

CB

Dublin City

Current

18/10/2008

0

Pending

Harold’s Cross National School

CB

Dublin City

Current

18/10/2008

0

Pending

Sophia Housing Association Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

18/10/2008

0

Pending

Open Heart House

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/07/2008

6,000

Griffith Area Association Childcare Sub Committee

CB

Dublin City

Current

26/02/2008

6,430

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/04/2008

7,500

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/04/2008

7,500

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/04/2008

7,500

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/05/2008

7,500

Freshford District and Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

30/04/2008

10,352

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Tir na nOg for Travelling Children

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/02/2008

10,757

St Francis Community Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

12,870

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

08/05/2008

13,230

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

13,230

Abbey Day Nursery

CB

Dublin City

Current

18/01/2008

13,307

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

13,320

Finglas Community Playgroup Association

CB

Dublin City

Current

09/06/2008

14,479

Naionra Lios na nOg

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/05/2008

15,275

Target Creche

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/05/2008

15,420

Ranelagh Multi-Denominational School Association (RMDSA)

CB

Dublin City

Current

24/01/2008

15,600

Ranelagh Multi-Denominational School Association (RMDSA)

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

15,990

Buttons Community Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/05/2008

16,432

Georges Hill Community Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/06/2008

16,432

Lourdes C. E. Management Limited (Tiny Tots Creche)

CB

Dublin City

Current

30/05/2008

16,560

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/05/2008

16,575

Naionra Lios na nOg

CB

Dublin City

Current

25/02/2008

16,971

Warrenmount Community Education & Development Centre Ltd (Little Acorns)

CB

Dublin City

Current

08/05/2008

18,113

Donnybrook Community Playschool

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/06/2008

18,113

Buttons Community Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/01/2008

18,257

Fountain Resource Group Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/01/2008

18,257

Fountain Resource Group Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/01/2008

18,400

Sophia Housing Association Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/06/2008

19,949

Cherish Ltd. TA One Family

CB

Dublin City

Current

04/01/2008

20,125

Warrenmount Community Education & Development Centre Ltd (Little Acorns)

CB

Dublin City

Current

04/01/2008

20,125

Donnybrook Community Playschool

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/03/2008

20,125

Kilmore West Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/05/2008

20,250

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

20,995

Bunratty Community Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

21,082

Sophia Housing Association Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

25/02/2008

22,165

Exchange House Travellers’ Youth Service

CB

Dublin City

Current

25/06/2008

22,685

South Inner City Community Development Association (SICCDA)

CB

Dublin City

Current

26/05/2008

23,008

South County Co-Operative Housing Society Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

08/05/2008

23,027

Kent Playgroup Ltd TA Rainbow Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

02/05/2008

23,288

O’Hearchain Ent Teoranta

CB

Dublin City

Current

08/05/2008

23,288

St. Finbarr’s Community Playschool

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

23,725

Afterschool Education and Support Programme Ltd TA ASESP

CB

Dublin City

Current

04/01/2008

24,337

Kilmore West Community Development Project

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/05/2008

25,025

Abbey Day Nursery

CB

Dublin City

Current

26/05/2008

25,177

South Inner City Community Development Association (SICCDA)

CB

Dublin City

Current

28/02/2008

25,564

O’Hearchain Ent Teoranta

CB

Dublin City

Current

18/01/2008

25,875

Fatima Regeneration Board Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

25/07/2008

25,875

Rathmines Community Partnership Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

18/01/2008

25,886

New Life Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/05/2008

26,306

Rialto Development Association Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

26,312

Rialto Community Network Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/05/2008

26,585

Rathmines Community Partnership Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

23/05/2008

26,585

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Labre Park Children’s Services)

CB

Dublin City

Current

27/05/2008

27,257

Little Learners

CB

Dublin City

Current

30/04/2008

27,791

Stanhope Street Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

28,990

Ela Og Child Care Centre Company Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

30/04/2008

29,250

O’Devaney Gardens & Montpelier Community Group

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

29,250

Blackhall Parade Childrens Project

CB

Dublin City

Current

10/07/2008

29,978

Fountain Resource Group Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

31,915

Small Wonders Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

06/08/2008

31,915

O’Devaney Gardens & Montpelier Community Group

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/01/2008

32,500

Blackhall Parade Childrens Project

CB

Dublin City

Current

04/06/2008

32,500

Ballymun Arts & Community Resource Centre Ltd T/A Axis Creche

CB

Dublin City

Current

30/04/2008

32,855

Pitter Patter Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

26/05/2008

32,855

Community and Family Training Agency Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/03/2008

32,863

Childcare Community Business Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/05/2008

32,863

Pobal Gael Bhaile Munna Teoranta / Naionra Glor Na nGael

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

32,863

Focus Ireland Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/06/2008

32,863

Naionra Bharra

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/06/2008

32,863

Fountain Resource Group Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/05/2008

33,345

KLEAR Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/03/2008

33,633

Daughters of Charity Child and Family Services

CB

Dublin City

Current

30/04/2008

33,750

Ringsend Action Project Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/05/2008

33,930

Ard Sunflower Creche Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

36,097

Ballymun Arts & Community Resource Centre Ltd T/A Axis Creche

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/01/2008

36,505

Pitter Patter Playgroup

CB

Dublin City

Current

26/02/2008

36,505

Focus Ireland Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

04/01/2008

36,514

Born Free Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/01/2008

36,514

Pobal Gael Bhaile Munna Teoranta / Naionra Glor Na nGael

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/01/2008

36,514

Ballymun Womens Resource Centre Ltd TA Aunt Sally Nursery

CB

Dublin City

Current

24/01/2008

36,514

Ballymun East Community Centre Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

11/02/2008

36,514

City of Dublin VEC (Colaiste Eanna)

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/02/2008

36,514

Naionra Bharra

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/02/2008

36,514

Born Free Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

36,790

Ballyfermot S.T.A.R. Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

24/01/2008

37,375

Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Ozanam House Resource Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/02/2008

37,375

Daughters of Charity Child and Family Services

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/01/2008

37,500

City of Dublin VEC (Colaiste Eanna)

CB

Dublin City

Current

09/06/2008

39,130

Ringsend & Irishtown Community Playgroup/Creche

CB

Dublin City

Current

02/05/2008

39,704

Kilbarrack Community Childcare Services Ltd TA Lir Childcare Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

40,950

Afterschool Education and Support Programme Ltd TA ASESP

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/05/2008

41,730

Inchicore Community Drug Team Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

42,500

Family Resource Centre Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/03/2008

42,583

Oblate Community Employment Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/06/2008

42,900

Finglas Childcare Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

42,965

South County Co-Operative Housing Society Ltd (Brookview Childcare Service)

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

43,680

St. Joseph’s Training Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

43,680

Rialto Community Network Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

09/06/2008

43,758

St. Kevin’s Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

44,330

Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Ozanam House Resource Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

09/06/2008

44,616

Donore Education Network Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/06/2008

45,890

St. Raphael’s Pre-school & Afterschool Project

BOM

Dublin City

Current

22/05/2008

47,242

Overcomers Community Project Ltd. GFM Day Care

CB

Dublin City

Current

11/02/2008

48,875

Ballyfermot V.E.C. Childcare

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/05/2008

49,010

Hardwicke St Childcare and Educational Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

49,920

Cherish Ltd. TA One Family

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

49,972

Cherry Orchard Equine Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

51,090

Finglas Childcare Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/05/2008

52,520

Fatima Groups United Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

13/06/2008

52,573

Carmelite Father Whitefriars

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/05/2008

53,105

St. Vincent’s Trust

CB

Dublin City

Current

12/05/2008

56,992

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul Tir na nOg for Travelling Children

CB

Dublin City

Current

09/06/2008

58,370

Fatima Groups United Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

28/02/2008

58,414

St. Vincent de Paul

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/03/2008

58,414

Ballymun Womens Resource Centre Ltd TA Aunt Sally Nursery

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

59,150

Connolly Childrens Centre Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

62,140

Ballyfermot Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/04/2008

63,180

Little Treasures Community Creche

CB

Dublin City

Current

15/05/2008

63,570

Overcomers Community Project Ltd. GFM Day Care

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

68,328

Enable Ireland Disability Services Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

08/08/2008

69,377

St. Andrew’s Resource Centre Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

09/06/2008

70,244

School St. & Thomas Court Bawn Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/05/2008

72,280

Larkin Unemployed Centre

CB

Dublin City

Current

16/05/2008

74,404

Markiewicz Community Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

20/05/2008

76,830

Kilbarrack Childrens Community Project

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

78,325

Lourdes Youth & Community Services(First Steps Creche)

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

79,105

Family Resource Centre Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

09/06/2008

80,860

Mercy Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Current

28/01/2008

86,250

St. Vincent de Paul

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

87,880

Ballyfermot Youth Centre and Childcare Facility Ltd T/AS The Base

CB

Dublin City

Current

07/05/2008

88,500

Mercy Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Dublin City

Current

23/05/2008

100,594

Doras Bui a parents alone resource centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

29/05/2008

102,050

Ballyfermot S.T.A.R. Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

107,640

Mellow Spring Childcare Development Centre Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

14/05/2008

108,160

Pearse College Community Nursery Ltd

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

127,227

Ballymun East Community Centre Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

27/05/2008

151,580

Darndale/ Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Limited

CB

Dublin City

Current

19/05/2008

204,698

Applications Approved: 162

Total Funding Approved:

8,278,208

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown:

Narnia Nursery School

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

04/02/2008

29,263

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

07/05/2008

40,000

Absorbent Minds Limited

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

04/02/2008

64,462

Bright Horizons Early Childhood Care & Education Centre

SE

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Urban Junction

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

18/10/2008

0

Pending

Dalkey Community Pre-school Playgroup Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

30/04/2008

12,960

Choices Local Enterprises/Co. Dublin V.E.C.

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

04/01/2008

16,000

Childplay Holy Child Community School

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

12/05/2008

16,432

Coiste Naionra Naithi

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

12/05/2008

16,567

Ballyogan Community Development Management Committee Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

13/06/2008

18,288

Choices Local Enterprises/Co. Dublin V.E.C.

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

19/05/2008

18,330

Ballyogan Community Development Management Committee Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

04/03/2008

20,320

Hillview Community Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

15/01/2008

22,500

Barnardo’s — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Centre, Dun Laoghaire)

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

27/05/2008

23,288

Congregation of Dominican Sisters Cabra

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

29/05/2008

24,674

County Dublin Vocational Education Committee

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

30/04/2008

25,358

Dominican Montessori Preschool Ltd.

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

13/06/2008

25,480

Shanganagh Park House Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

02/05/2008

29,250

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Barnardos Family Centre, Loughlinstown)

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

27/05/2008

32,591

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (The Cottage Childcare Project)

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

27/05/2008

32,864

Mountwood Fitzgerald Community Development Company Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

19/05/2008

38,329

Naionra Pobail Seanchill

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

07/05/2008

48,500

Hillview Community Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Dunlaoghaire Rathdown

Current

29/05/2008

53,560

Applications Approved: 24

Total Funding Approved:

749,016

Fingal:

Lisa Smith

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

2,913

Flower Tots Pre-school

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

5,930

Gillian O’Regan

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

7,647

Rush Youthreach/Co. Dublin V.E.C.

CB

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

8,111

Brenda Lattimore & Olive Power

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

13,361

School Kids Aloud Limited

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

18,500

Emma & Austin Broderick

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

33,332

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Tree Tops Day Nursery Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

43,875

Respond Housing Association(Mulhuddart Community Afterschool Club)

CB

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

52,086

Swords Montessori School & Creche Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

56,076

Sophia Housing Association Limited

CB

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

57,000

One World Institue Ltd TA Little Footsteps

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

73,925

Fiona Lyons

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

75,000

Mary Simons Cassin

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

75,000

Amanda Harford

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

87,860

Rachel Prouse

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Tadpoles Childcare

SE

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Corduff Childcare Service Limited

CB

Fingal

Capital

07/05/2008

100,000

Karen McGovern

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

100,000

Rainbow Childcare

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

100,000

Rebecca Hemeryck

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

100,000

Rian Coise

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

100,000

Links Creche and Montessori School Ltd

SE

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

100,000

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Support Project — Roselawn, Blachardstown)

CB

Fingal

Capital

08/08/2008

325,000

Edenmore Community Playgroup

CB

Fingal

Capital

04/02/2008

670,000

Balbriggan Community Childcare Group

CB

Fingal

Capital

07/05/2008

1,008,000

Blakestown Resource Centre Childcare Service

CB

Fingal

Current

12/05/2008

16,560

Skerries Community Playgroup

CB

Fingal

Current

12/05/2008

20,250

Mourne Estate Childcare Committee

CB

Fingal

Current

25/07/2008

22,648

Blakestown & Mountview N Y P Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

19/05/2008

22,924

Huntstown Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

30/04/2008

23,288

Mulhuddart Community Centre Ltd t/a Kidzone Childcare

CB

Fingal

Current

12/05/2008

23,288

Mourne Estate Childcare Committee

CB

Fingal

Current

28/05/2008

25,164

Rush Youthreach/Co. Dublin V.E.C.

CB

Fingal

Current

02/05/2008

25,871

Mountview Blakestown Community Drugs Team Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

11/04/2008

25,875

Mountview Blakestown Community Drugs Team Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

22/05/2008

26,000

Blanchardstown Home-start Limited

CB

Fingal

Current

29/05/2008

26,390

Mountview Community Creche

CB

Fingal

Current

19/05/2008

27,600

Anchor Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

22/05/2008

30,684

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Support Project — Roselawn, Blachardstown)

CB

Fingal

Current

27/05/2008

32,717

Rush Community Council Ltd

CB

Fingal

Current

14/05/2008

33,649

Corduff Childcare Service Limited

CB

Fingal

Current

20/05/2008

43,225

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Traveller Education and Support Options)

CB

Fingal

Current

27/05/2008

46,519

Parlickstown Childcare Facility Ltd t/a Little Learners Creche

CB

Fingal

Current

09/06/2008

58,890

Applications Approved: 45

Total Funding Approved:

3,985,158

Galway City:

The Oaktree Ltd

SE

Galway City

Capital

15/10/2008

6,750

Bohermore Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Galway City

Current

12/05/2008

16,432

Wonderland Community Preschool

CB

Galway City

Current

14/05/2008

17,680

Bohermore Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Galway City

Current

18/01/2008

18,257

Coiste Naionra Scoil Caitriona

CB

Galway City

Current

16/05/2008

21,190

St. Francis Afterschool Committee

CB

Galway City

Current

04/01/2008

22,500

Scoil Caitriona Senior After School Service

CB

Galway City

Current

02/05/2008

23,288

The Trinity Den

CB

Galway City

Current

15/01/2008

23,319

Waterside Child Care Unit

CB

Galway City

Current

22/05/2008

23,400

Bohermore Youth Development Project

CB

Galway City

Current

04/01/2008

25,564

The Trinity Den

CB

Galway City

Current

19/05/2008

26,412

Ballybane Mervue CDP

CB

Galway City

Current

29/05/2008

31,356

Rahoon Family Centre

CB

Galway City

Current

19/05/2008

33,324

Sunny Meadow Playschool

CB

Galway City

Current

14/05/2008

33,638

St. Francis Afterschool Committee

CB

Galway City

Current

29/05/2008

34,099

Bohermore Youth Development Project

CB

Galway City

Current

26/05/2008

37,137

Mervue Community Childcare Group

CB

Galway City

Current

14/07/2008

44,000

Galway City & County Childcare Committee

CCC

Galway City

Current

19/05/2008

51,503

Ballybane Community Resource Centre t/a Ballybane Community Centre Ltd.

CB

Galway City

Current

09/06/2008

55,514

Teach Athais Childcare Centre Limited

CB

Galway City

Current

09/06/2008

56,680

Sunflowers Creche & Playschool

CB

Galway City

Current

29/05/2008

66,820

Applications Approved: 21

Total Funding Approved:

668,863

Galway County:

Little Rascals Creche

SE

Galway County

Capital

15/10/2008

2,781

Young at Art Playschool

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

3,375

Busy Bees

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

4,500

Sticky Fingers Playgroup

SE

Galway County

Capital

15/10/2008

4,688

Agnes McEvilly

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

6,038

Kathy Garvey Tír na nóg

SE

Galway County

Capital

15/10/2008

6,750

Claran Afterschool Service

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

9,375

Cortoon/Lavally Community Development Company Limited

CB

Galway County

Capital

08/08/2008

30,494

Cathy Quine & Audrey Hogan

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

44,625

Teddy Bears Lodge

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

48,750

Elaine Stanford

SE

Galway County

Capital

15/10/2008

48,750

Ionad Curam Leanai An Spideal Teo Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Capital

07/05/2008

73,128

Northampton Pre School & Afterschool Service

CB

Galway County

Capital

15/10/2008

82,636

Naionra Cill Allachtain

CB

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

90,000

Corofin Creche

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

The Beez Kneez

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Newtown Kids Club Ltd

SE

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

An Teach Spraoi

CB

Galway County

Capital

15/10/2008

101,500

Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Galway County

Capital

08/08/2008

160,000

Kilcoona Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Galway County

Capital

15/10/2008

200,000

Comharchumann Forbartha Inis Mor Teo.

CB

Galway County

Capital

15/10/2008

205,913

Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Galway County

Capital

04/02/2008

840,000

An Teach Spraoi

CB

Galway County

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

St. Mary’s Preschool for Traveller Children

CB

Galway County

Current

14/03/2008

6,069

Ionad Curam Leanai An Spideal Teo Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

07/03/2008

10,000

Kilkerrin Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

07/03/2008

10,000

Loughrea Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

14/03/2008

10,000

Ahascragh Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Coiste Naionra Tigh an Si

CB

Galway County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Naionra Cloch na Ron

CB

Galway County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Naionra Dhuiche Sheoigeach

CB

Galway County

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Little Feet Community Childcare Centre Limited

CB

Galway County

Current

09/06/2008

10,000

The Little Gems Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

09/06/2008

10,000

Naionra Inis Oirr

CB

Galway County

Current

24/06/2008

10,000

Moylough Community Playschool Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

12/05/2008

10,357

Little Feet Community Childcare Centre Limited

CB

Galway County

Current

16/05/2008

10,500

Inishbofin Development Co. Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

19/05/2008

10,920

Corrandulla Community Resource Centre Ltd. (formerly Corrundulla Community Playgroup)

CB

Galway County

Current

04/01/2008

11,500

Ballymoe Childcare Development Group

CB

Galway County

Current

26/05/2008

12,936

Loughrea Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

09/06/2008

13,065

Ionad Curam Leanai An Spideal Teo Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

20/02/2008

13,637

Ballymoe Childcare Development Group

CB

Galway County

Current

28/03/2008

14,373

Caltra Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

19/05/2008

15,390

St. Mary’s Preschool for Traveller Children

CB

Galway County

Current

09/06/2008

15,795

Mountbellew Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

19/05/2008

15,930

Comharchumann Forbartha Inis Mor Teo.

CB

Galway County

Current

28/08/2008

16,426

Naionra Montessori de hIde Uaran Mor

CB

Galway County

Current

07/03/2008

16,432

Kilcoona Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Galway County

Current

12/05/2008

16,560

Kinvara Community Council Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

26/05/2008

16,560

Comharchumann Forbartha Inis Mor Teo.

CB

Galway County

Current

15/07/2008

18,251

Kilcoona Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Galway County

Current

15/01/2008

18,400

Kinvara Community Council Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

28/02/2008

18,400

After School Together

CB

Galway County

Current

19/05/2008

18,785

Kinvara Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

12/05/2008

18,843

Naionra Cill Allachtain

CB

Galway County

Current

19/05/2008

22,356

Mountbellew Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Galway County

Current

14/07/2008

23,000

Sticky Fingers Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

12/05/2008

23,008

Clifden Community Childcare Committee

CB

Galway County

Current

07/03/2008

23,288

Ballygar Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

08/05/2008

23,288

Corrandulla Community Resource Centre Ltd. (formerly Corrundulla Community Playgroup)

CB

Galway County

Current

12/05/2008

23,300

Sticky Fingers Community Playgroup

CB

Galway County

Current

15/01/2008

25,565

Corrandulla Community Resource Centre Ltd. (formerly Corrundulla Community Playgroup)

CB

Galway County

Current

24/01/2008

25,889

Ionad Curam Leanai An Spideal Teo Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

14/10/2008

26,000

Sli-Burca Childcare Voluntary Management Committee

CB

Galway County

Current

12/05/2008

28,463

Ballinasloe Social Services Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

19/05/2008

29,315

Cortoon/Lavally Community Development Company Limited

CB

Galway County

Current

07/03/2008

33,638

Ballyconneely Parish Hall Association Ltd

CB

Galway County

Current

30/04/2008

33,638

Tuam Community Development Resource Centre Limited

CB

Galway County

Current

14/05/2008

33,638

Ballinderreen Playgroup Ltd

CB

Galway County

Current

30/04/2008

33,654

Connemara West Plc

CB

Galway County

Current

14/07/2008

44,000

Busy Little Bees Community Creche

CB

Galway County

Current

20/05/2008

44,460

Coiste Naionra Ghaelscoil Dara & Curam Iarscoile “Gliondara”

CB

Galway County

Current

19/05/2008

46,735

Comhar Chuigeal Teo

CB

Galway County

Current

16/05/2008

55,424

Muintearas na nOilean Teoranta

CB

Galway County

Current

09/06/2008

60,788

Portumna Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Galway County

Current

14/05/2008

84,508

Applications Approved: 75

Total Funding Approved:

3,416,387

Kerry:

Louise Foley

SE

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

9,403

Beate Wunderlich & Vincent Doyle

SE

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

10,000

Cordal Community Pre-school Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

14,907

Firies Community Pre-school

CB

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

50,000

Muire Gan Smal School Age Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

70,000

Causeway Community Economic Social and Development Committee

CB

Kerry

Capital

15/10/2008

86,000

Brendan & Amanda Mannix

SE

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Marguerite O’Sullivan

SE

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Mary Stepney

SE

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Patricia Stewart & Batt Healy

SE

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Rath Oraigh Community Childcare

CB

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Ann O’Dowd

SE

Kerry

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Listry Community Council Ltd

CB

Kerry

Capital

07/05/2008

127,000

Ballyduff Family & Community Support Forum Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Capital

07/05/2008

200,000

Scoil Íde Curranes Childcare Committee

BOM

Kerry

Current

14/10/2008

4,000

Glenbeigh Community Preschool (Rainbows)

CB

Kerry

Current

02/05/2008

10,000

Cumann Iosaef Teo

CB

Kerry

Current

04/01/2008

10,911

Fossa Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Current

12/05/2008

10,974

Kerryhead/Ballyheigue Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

15/05/2008

12,497

Brothers of Charity Southern Service

CB

Kerry

Current

26/05/2008

16,432

Brothers of Charity Services

CB

Kerry

Current

13/06/2008

16,432

Daisychains Preschool

CB

Kerry

Current

12/05/2008

16,560

Kiddies Paradise Cahirciveen Community Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Current

16/07/2008

16,560

Cromane Community Pre-school Group

CB

Kerry

Current

12/05/2008

17,245

Comharcumann Forbatha an Leith Triuigh

CB

Kerry

Current

16/05/2008

18,244

Brothers of Charity Southern Service

CB

Kerry

Current

28/03/2008

18,257

Brothers of Charity Services

CB

Kerry

Current

18/04/2008

18,257

Blennerville Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Current

08/05/2008

18,953

Cromane Community Pre-school Group

CB

Kerry

Current

15/01/2008

19,161

Raheen Community Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Current

02/05/2008

20,920

Sneem Community Development Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

19/05/2008

23,272

Tigh Roisin Afterschools Club

CB

Kerry

Current

08/05/2008

23,288

Cordal Community Pre-school Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Current

12/05/2008

23,288

Moyderwell Mercy Primary School Board of Management

CB

Kerry

Current

08/05/2008

23,328

Firies Community Pre-school

CB

Kerry

Current

12/05/2008

23,561

St. Oliver’s Pre-school

CB

Kerry

Current

19/05/2008

23,595

Dromtacker Creche Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

14/10/2008

25,000

Cordal Community Pre-school Playgroup

CB

Kerry

Current

15/01/2008

25,875

Tigh Roisin Afterschools Club

CB

Kerry

Current

15/01/2008

25,875

Moyderwell Mercy Primary School Board of Management

CB

Kerry

Current

24/01/2008

25,920

Scartaglen Community Pre-school Association Limited

CB

Kerry

Current

15/05/2008

27,385

Causeway Community Economic Social and Development Committee

CB

Kerry

Current

14/05/2008

27,386

Kilgarvan Childcare Action Group Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

19/05/2008

31,330

Valentia Island Resource & Childcare Centre

CB

Kerry

Current

14/05/2008

32,092

Cumann Tithiochta na Dromoda Teo

CB

Kerry

Current

12/05/2008

32,854

Camp Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Current

14/05/2008

32,855

Rathmore Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

02/05/2008

32,862

Castlemaine Family Resource Centre

CB

Kerry

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

IRD Waterville Ltd. (Integrated Resource Development)

CB

Kerry

Current

08/05/2008

33,654

Listry Community Council Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

30/04/2008

33,750

Ballybunion Community Centre Childcare Committee

CB

Kerry

Current

26/06/2008

33,750

Valentia Island Resource & Childcare Centre

CB

Kerry

Current

15/01/2008

35,657

Milltown Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

26/06/2008

36,665

Killorglin Community Childcare Centre Ltd t/a Scamps & Scholars

CB

Kerry

Current

02/05/2008

36,700

Coiste Tuismitheoiri Naionra an Ghleann

CB

Kerry

Current

28/08/2008

37,260

Muire Gan Smal School Age Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

04/01/2008

37,375

Holy Cross

CB

Kerry

Current

09/06/2008

37,700

Coiste Tir na hOige

CB

Kerry

Current

14/05/2008

37,868

Sneem Community Development Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

07/05/2008

39,000

Killorglin Community Childcare Centre Ltd t/a Scamps & Scholars

CB

Kerry

Current

04/01/2008

40,778

Naionra Gaelscoil Aogain

BOM

Kerry

Current

19/05/2008

40,820

Coiste Tuismitheoiri Naionra an Ghleann

CB

Kerry

Current

25/06/2008

41,400

Nai Ionad Na Cille Limited

CB

Kerry

Current

19/05/2008

42,718

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service — Killarney

CB

Kerry

Current

12/05/2008

43,817

Tralee Community Development Project Co Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

16/05/2008

45,110

Ardfert Community Council Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

19/05/2008

57,330

Cumann Iosaef Teo

CB

Kerry

Current

13/06/2008

61,321

Muire Gan Smal School Age Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Kerry

Current

09/06/2008

61,880

Kerry Diocesan Youth Service — Tralee

CB

Kerry

Current

19/05/2008

65,390

Listowel Family Resource Centre Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Current

09/06/2008

74,880

Ballyduff Family & Community Support Forum Ltd.

CB

Kerry

Current

14/10/2008

75,000

Shanakill Family Resource Centre

CB

Kerry

Current

20/05/2008

81,753

St. Brigid’s Community Centre

CB

Kerry

Current

22/05/2008

109,304

Applications Approved: 73

Total Funding Approved:

3,146,997

Kildare:

Paula Mullally

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

12,850

Giggles Playgroup

SE

Kildare

Capital

07/05/2008

17,691

St Conleth’s NS

CB

Kildare

Capital

08/08/2008

26,473

KidCo

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

27,963

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Sharon Byrne

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

68,783

Respond Housing Association (Easton Drive)

CB

Kildare

Capital

07/05/2008

80,000

Magic Years Ltd

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Child’s Play Early Education Company Ltd

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Happy Steps Ryebridge Ltd

SE

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Athy Community Development Project Ltd t/a Happy Days Childcare Service

CB

Kildare

Capital

18/10/2008

168,000

Teach Tearmainn Housing Association Ltd (Women’s Refuge)

CB

Kildare

Capital

07/05/2008

245,000

Naomh Bride Community Playgroup

CB

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

648,800

Athy Community Development Project Ltd t/a Happy Days Childcare Service

CB

Kildare

Capital

04/02/2008

936,000

Respond Housing Association (Easton Drive)

CB

Kildare

Current

14/10/2008

10,833

Respond! (Flinters Estate Community Group)

CB

Kildare

Current

29/05/2008

22,425

Athy Community Development Project Ltd t/a Happy Days Childcare Service

CB

Kildare

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Allenwood Community Development Association Ltd t/a Bright Sparks

CB

Kildare

Current

19/05/2008

33,638

Athy Travellers Support Group Ltd

CB

Kildare

Current

16/05/2008

36,790

Newbridge Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Kildare

Current

26/05/2008

37,206

Allenwood Community Development Association Ltd t/a Bright Sparks

CB

Kildare

Current

04/01/2008

37,375

Newbridge Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Kildare

Current

04/01/2008

60,386

Applications Approved: 24

Total Funding Approved:

2,923,851

Kilkenny:

Green Acres Creche & After School Club

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

04/02/2008

10,000

Carmel Everard

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

04/02/2008

22,500

Pixie Park Day Care Centre

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

07/05/2008

40,000

Hey Diddle Diddle

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

04/02/2008

63,000

Kinderland Creche

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

07/05/2008

90,000

Ballyhale Montessori

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Beenstalk

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Pam Drennan

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Toads Hall

SE

Kilkenny

Capital

18/10/2008

100,000

Danesfort Childcare Facility Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Capital

04/02/2008

800,000

Thomastown Community Kindergarten

CB

Kilkenny

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Freshford District and Childcare Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Current

25/02/2008

11,502

Johnstown Community Concern Playgroup

CB

Kilkenny

Current

12/05/2008

13,809

St. John’s Community Play School

CB

Kilkenny

Current

08/05/2008

16,384

Muckalee Community Project Ltd T/A Muckalee Community Playgroup

CB

Kilkenny

Current

14/05/2008

16,520

Clara Community Development Committee

CB

Kilkenny

Current

08/08/2008

18,200

Conahy Community Playgroup

CB

Kilkenny

Current

12/05/2008

21,368

Naionra Osrai

CB

Kilkenny

Current

14/05/2008

22,736

Ballyhall Kindergarten Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Current

30/04/2008

23,288

Ballyragget Community Playgroup

CB

Kilkenny

Current

08/05/2008

23,288

Respond TA Millennium Court Childcare Service

CB

Kilkenny

Current

19/05/2008

23,595

Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement Ltd.

CB

Kilkenny

Current

04/01/2008

25,875

Castlecomer District Community Development Network (CDCD Network) Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

26/02/2008

25,875

Castlecomer District Community Development Network (CDCD Network) Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

09/06/2008

28,470

Danesfort Childcare Facility Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

14/10/2008

31,223

Kells Resource Centre Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Callan Community Network Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

26/05/2008

33,638

Urlingford On The Move Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

07/05/2008

35,750

Callan Community Network Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

25/02/2008

37,375

Kilkenny Community Early Years Project Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

19/05/2008

39,113

Kilkenny Traveller Community Movement Ltd.

CB

Kilkenny

Current

14/05/2008

39,676

Loughboy Area Resource Centre Limited

CB

Kilkenny

Current

13/06/2008

45,370

Newpark Close Community Development Ltd.

CB

Kilkenny

Current

22/05/2008

52,573

Newpark Close Community Development Ltd.

CB

Kilkenny

Current

16/01/2008

58,414

St. Canice’s Community Action Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

14/03/2008

58,414

St. Canice’s Community Action Ltd

CB

Kilkenny

Current

09/06/2008

95,329

Applications Approved: 36

Total Funding Approved:

2,256,923

Laois:

Audrey Moran, Abilities Montessori & Childcare

SE

Laois

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Kevin & Niamh Coleman

SE

Laois

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Knockmay Community & Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Laois

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

St. Abban’s Community Association Ltd.

CB

Laois

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Durrow Community Playgroup

CB

Laois

Current

20/02/2008

10,235

Clonaslee Community Development Association Ltd.

CB

Laois

Current

08/05/2008

10,350

Clonaslee Community Development Association Ltd.

CB

Laois

Current

04/01/2008

11,500

Durrow Community Playgroup

CB

Laois

Current

13/06/2008

16,077

Spink Community Development Association Ltd

CB

Laois

Current

12/05/2008

16,560

Portarlington Childcare Committee Ltd (Na Paisti)

CB

Laois

Current

22/08/2008

22,474

Mountmellick Youth Development Centre

CB

Laois

Current

19/05/2008

33,501

Portarlington Community Development Association

CB

Laois

Current

16/05/2008

37,115

Killeshin Community Development Ltd

CB

Laois

Current

20/05/2008

40,084

Graiguecullen Parish Childcare Services

CB

Laois

Current

19/05/2008

49,942

Abbeyleix Womens Development

CB

Laois

Current

19/05/2008

53,647

Mountmellick Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Laois

Current

14/05/2008

54,338

Portlaoise Community Action Project (PCAP)

CB

Laois

Current

16/05/2008

54,795

O’Moore Place Childcare

CB

Laois

Current

23/05/2008

58,201

Applications Approved: 18

Total Funding Approved:

668,819

Leitrim:

County Leitrim Partnership / Carrick-on-Shannon Traveller DWG

CB

Leitrim

Capital

07/05/2008

40,000

Paul Maye

SE

Leitrim

Capital

15/10/2008

70,000

Doodles

SE

Leitrim

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Little Stars Nursery

SE

Leitrim

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Mohill Resources Limited

CB

Leitrim

Capital

04/02/2008

500,000

Childhood Days for Children with Learning Disabilities Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Kiltyclogher Community Playgroup LTD

CB

Leitrim

Current

15/05/2008

10,000

Annaduff Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

08/05/2008

10,357

Annaduff Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

15/01/2008

11,507

Aughnasheelin Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

30/04/2008

12,938

Gortletteragh Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

22/05/2008

12,941

Fenagh Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

30/04/2008

13,255

Aughnasheelin Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

15/01/2008

14,375

Gortletteragh Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

15/01/2008

14,378

Fenagh Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

18/01/2008

14,727

Kiltubrid Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

12/05/2008

14,947

Mohill Resources Limited

CB

Leitrim

Current

22/05/2008

15,525

Dromahair Community Playschool Limited

CB

Leitrim

Current

19/05/2008

16,428

Tullaghan Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

19/05/2008

16,563

Mohill Resources Limited

CB

Leitrim

Current

24/04/2008

17,250

Cloone Aughavas Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

12/05/2008

19,807

Little Learners Limited

CB

Leitrim

Current

14/05/2008

20,160

Kinlough Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

12/05/2008

23,288

Drumkeerin Highscope Community Playgroup

CB

Leitrim

Current

19/05/2008

27,379

The County Leitrim Partnership Company Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

26/05/2008

28,563

Carrigallen Childcare Facility Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

14/05/2008

29,250

County Leitrim Partnership / Carrick-on-Shannon Traveller DWG

CB

Leitrim

Current

15/01/2008

31,307

Carrigallen Childcare Facility Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

18/01/2008

32,500

Manorhamilton Childcare Services Limited

CB

Leitrim

Current

08/05/2008

33,750

Ballinamore Childcare Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

14/05/2008

36,471

Manorhamilton Childcare Services Limited

CB

Leitrim

Current

15/01/2008

37,500

Drumshanbo All Day Childcare Facility

CB

Leitrim

Current

14/05/2008

42,718

Breffni Community Development Company Ltd

CB

Leitrim

Current

12/05/2008

43,817

County Leitrim Partnership / Carrick-on-Shannon Traveller DWG

CB

Leitrim

Current

29/05/2008

54,158

Applications Approved: 34

Total Funding Approved:

1,465,859

Limerick City:

St. Mary’s Pre-school Committee

CB

Limerick City

Capital

04/02/2008

80,000

Southill Afterschools Club

CB

Limerick City

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Our Lady Queen of Peace Community Pre Schoool Ltd

CB

Limerick City

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

St. Mary’s Pre-school Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

15/01/2008

11,250

St.Senan’s Pre-school Management Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

15/01/2008

11,250

St. Patricks / St. Brigid’s Community Pre-school Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/05/2008

11,830

Conradh na Gaeilge

CB

Limerick City

Current

15/05/2008

12,285

Southill Family Resource Centre

CB

Limerick City

Current

04/01/2008

12,361

St. Mary’s Pre-school Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

20/05/2008

12,778

Corpus Christi Pre-school Committee

BOM

Limerick City

Current

14/05/2008

14,407

St. Lelia’s Pre-school Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/05/2008

14,407

St.Senan’s Pre-school Management Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

14/05/2008

14,885

St. Lelia’s Pre-school Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

15/01/2008

16,007

Respond Housing Association

CB

Limerick City

Current

19/05/2008

16,185

St. Mary’s Boys School Board of Management

CB

Limerick City

Current

15/01/2008

17,443

Southill Pre-school Management Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

15/05/2008

22,800

Southill Afterschools Club

CB

Limerick City

Current

11/02/2008

25,564

St. John’s Girls and Infant Boys School

CB

Limerick City

Current

15/01/2008

25,875

St. Mary’s Boys School Board of Management

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/05/2008

31,434

Ballynanty Pre-school Management Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

14/05/2008

34,580

Southill Family Resource Centre

CB

Limerick City

Current

04/01/2008

36,514

ADAPT

CB

Limerick City

Current

16/01/2008

37,370

Southill Afterschools Club

CB

Limerick City

Current

09/06/2008

44,395

Distillery View Residents Association — Childcare Sub-Committee

CB

Limerick City

Current

19/05/2008

44,980

Kings Island Community Creche

CB

Limerick City

Current

16/05/2008

46,020

Presentation Preschool (Limerick)

CB

Limerick City

Current

19/05/2008

50,960

St. John’s Girls and Infant Boys School

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/05/2008

57,655

Limerick Enterprise Development Partnership Ltd

CB

Limerick City

Current

16/05/2008

59,237

Southill Family Resource Centre

CB

Limerick City

Current

13/06/2008

65,130

Childworld Creche — Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group

CB

Limerick City

Current

15/05/2008

65,602

Limerick Social Service Council

CB

Limerick City

Current

19/05/2008

71,890

Southhill Development Co-operative Society Ltd (Southill Children’s Nursey)

CB

Limerick City

Current

13/06/2008

77,307

St. Munchins Family Resource Centre Limited

CB

Limerick City

Current

19/05/2008

80,665

ADAPT

CB

Limerick City

Current

22/05/2008

114,400

Moyross Community Enterprise Centre Ltd / Moyross Community Creche

CB

Limerick City

Current

29/05/2008

115,744

Applications Approved: 35

Total Funding Approved:

1,453,210

Limerick County:

Tir na nOg

SE

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

5,144

Caroline Dee

SE

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

16,434

Yvonne Collings

SE

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

18,076

Clare Mullane

SE

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

25,000

Moira Callanan

SE

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

39,691

Lynn Shanahan

SE

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

61,814

Con & Teresa Nash

SE

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Little Stars Creche Ltd.

SE

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Herbertstown Community Childcare Committee

CB

Limerick County

Capital

04/02/2008

397,980

Teddy’s Community Playgroup

CB

Limerick County

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Kilmallock Community Childcare Service Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

11/04/2008

7,800

ACM Community Development Society Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

16/05/2008

8,550

Kilmallock Community Childcare Service Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

09/06/2008

10,000

ACM Community Development Society Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

13/06/2008

10,000

Abbeyfeale Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Limerick County

Current

19/05/2008

13,195

Croom Community Playgroup

CB

Limerick County

Current

19/05/2008

14,143

Scoil Iosaf Pre-school

CB

Limerick County

Current

02/05/2008

14,407

The Wellcome Club Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

12/05/2008

15,564

Scoil Iosaf Pre-school

CB

Limerick County

Current

04/01/2008

16,008

Shanagolden Education Resource Centre Creche

CB

Limerick County

Current

08/05/2008

16,560

Shanagolden Education Resource Centre Creche

CB

Limerick County

Current

11/02/2008

18,400

Patrickswell Community Playschool Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

02/05/2008

19,665

Kilmallock Preschool Ltd.

CB

Limerick County

Current

17/04/2008

22,500

Kilmallock Preschool Ltd.

CB

Limerick County

Current

09/06/2008

27,625

Banogue Community Creche Limited

CB

Limerick County

Current

12/05/2008

29,250

Sunflowers Community Preschool Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

15/05/2008

29,640

Hospital Family Resource Centre Limited- Kids Klub Committee

CB

Limerick County

Current

07/03/2008

32,370

Galbally Community Council Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

19/05/2008

32,630

Rathkeale Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

07/03/2008

32,863

Desmond Ability Resource Complex Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

30/04/2008

43,988

St. Colman’s Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

19/05/2008

43,988

Board of Management, Gealscoil O Doghair, All Irish Medium Primary School

BOM

Limerick County

Current

19/05/2008

46,085

Desmond Ability Resource Complex Ltd

CB

Limerick County

Current

16/01/2008

48,875

Applications Approved: 33

Total Funding Approved:

1,318,245

Longford:

Bluebells Montessori Nursery School

SE

Longford

Capital

04/02/2008

12,750

Longford Women’s Link Ltd

CB

Longford

Capital

04/02/2008

50,000

Collette Brennan

SE

Longford

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Lanesborough/Ballyleague Community Childcare Service Ltd.

CB

Longford

Current

02/05/2008

16,567

Granard Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

30/04/2008

32,863

Kenagh Community Co-operative Society Ltd.

CB

Longford

Current

14/05/2008

32,863

Legan Community Childcare Limited

CB

Longford

Current

08/05/2008

33,638

Dromard Childcare Community Group Limited

CB

Longford

Current

19/05/2008

33,654

Springlawn Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

19/05/2008

35,685

Harmony House Community Centre Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

13/06/2008

38,090

St. Marys Childcare Campus Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

01/05/2008

46,930

St. Marys Childcare Campus Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

25/02/2008

48,875

Whizzkids Drumlish Community Childcare Limited

CB

Longford

Current

19/05/2008

52,174

Ballymahon Community Group Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

19/05/2008

53,994

McEoin Park Residence Association Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

14/05/2008

61,295

Longford Women’s Link Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

19/05/2008

69,290

Longford Community Resources Ltd

CB

Longford

Current

14/03/2008

90,000

Applications Approved: 17

Total Funding Approved:

808,668

Louth:

Kidz Academy Ltd

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

22,700

Peek A Boo

SE

Louth

Capital

04/02/2008

27,558

Melissa Doogan

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

33,690

Knockbridge Childcare

SE

Louth

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Ivy Cottage

SE

Louth

Capital

04/02/2008

43,792

Wheaton Montessori Academy

SE

Louth

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Kool Kidz

SE

Louth

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Jenny Kerley

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Maebh Walsh

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Mary Kinsella

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Maura Englishby

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Paul Waters & Alice Connelly

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Pugwash Bay Montessori Preschool & Creche

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Woddlers & Toddlers

SE

Louth

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Termonfeckin Development Group

CB

Louth

Capital

04/02/2008

112,934

Muirhevnamor Community Youth Project Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

14/05/2008

16,432

Moneymore Afterschool Project

CB

Louth

Current

13/06/2008

16,432

Drogheda Resource Centre for the Unemployed Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

09/06/2008

17,845

Muirhevnamor Community Youth Project Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

04/01/2008

18,257

Drogheda Resource Centre for the Unemployed Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

14/03/2008

18,257

Moneymore Afterschool Project

CB

Louth

Current

28/03/2008

18,257

Rowan Heights Playschool & Afterschool

CB

Louth

Current

22/05/2008

26,287

Respond Housing Association

CB

Louth

Current

16/05/2008

30,485

Drogheda Area Women’s Network

CB

Louth

Current

30/04/2008

31,860

Cox’s Demense Youth & Community Project Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

18/01/2008

32,143

Togher Community Project Group Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

08/05/2008

33,638

Cooley Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Dundalk I.C.T.U. Centre Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Drogheda Area Women’s Network

CB

Louth

Current

11/02/2008

35,400

Cooley Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

15/01/2008

37,375

Togher Community Project Group Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

25/02/2008

37,375

Kilcurry Community Development Co Ltd.

CB

Louth

Current

02/05/2008

39,324

Redeemer Creche and Playgroup

CB

Louth

Current

15/01/2008

42,500

Cox’s Demense Youth & Community Project Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

19/05/2008

45,960

Moneymore Community House Ltd.

CB

Louth

Current

14/05/2008

55,250

Childcare Resource Centre & Little Partners Creche

CB

Louth

Current

19/05/2008

57,200

Holy Family Community Creche Ltd.

CB

Louth

Current

04/01/2008

58,414

Redeemer Creche and Playgroup

CB

Louth

Current

19/05/2008

61,100

Holy Family Community Creche Ltd.

CB

Louth

Current

19/05/2008

71,544

Lifestyle Development Group Ltd

CB

Louth

Current

15/05/2008

88,790

Lios na nOg

CB

Louth

Current

20/05/2008

105,257

Applications Approved: 41

Total Funding Approved:

2,243,332

Mayo:

Christine Finn Shraheens Preschool

SE

Mayo

Capital

15/10/2008

4,609

Bernie Walsh Snugboro Playschool

SE

Mayo

Capital

15/10/2008

6,981

Noreen Timothy

SE

Mayo

Capital

15/10/2008

27,525

Killeen Childcare Limited

CB

Mayo

Capital

04/02/2008

32,500

Geraldine Maloney

SE

Mayo

Capital

15/10/2008

35,780

Taugheen Playgroup Limited

CB

Mayo

Capital

08/08/2008

37,500

Daria’s Daycare

CB

Mayo

Capital

15/10/2008

83,240

The Little Acorns Childrens Centre Limited

CB

Mayo

Capital

15/10/2008

87,254

Claremount Creche & Playschool Limited

SE

Mayo

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

John McGowan

SE

Mayo

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Cathal and Catherine Herron

SE

Mayo

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

The Neale Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Capital

04/02/2008

594,000

Louisburgh Childcare Ltd

CB

Mayo

Capital

04/02/2008

718,851

Clar IRD

CB

Mayo

Capital

04/02/2008

1,200,000

Barnacarrol Barnacarrol Community Playgroup & Afterschool

CB

Mayo

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

K.P. Childcare Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Roundfort Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

St. Colman’s Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Taugheen Playgroup Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

The Neale Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Ballintubber Community Pre-school & Afterschool Service Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

15/01/2008

4,500

Daria’s Daycare

CB

Mayo

Current

14/10/2008

4,800

Ballintubber Community Pre-school & Afterschool Service Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

20/02/2008

5,500

Aghagower Community Preschool Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

14/03/2008

6,325

Carracastle Community Childcare Co Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

11/02/2008

9,375

Ballintubber Community Pre-school & Afterschool Service Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Naionra Thuar Mhic Eadaigh

CB

Mayo

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Killeen Childcare Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

15/05/2008

10,000

Aghagower Community Preschool Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

09/06/2008

10,000

Naionra Thuar Mhic Eadaigh

CB

Mayo

Current

24/01/2008

10,224

Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

26/05/2008

10,299

Ballinrobe Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

12/05/2008

10,350

Killeen Childcare Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

04/01/2008

11,086

Newport Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

29/05/2008

11,340

Foxford Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

19/05/2008

11,385

Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

28/02/2008

11,443

Ballinrobe Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

04/01/2008

11,500

Coiste Naionra Beal an Mhuirthead

CB

Mayo

Current

07/03/2008

12,480

Southwest Mayo Development Company

CB

Mayo

Current

24/01/2008

12,836

Kilkelly and District Development Co. Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

30/04/2008

12,938

Little Angels Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

12/05/2008

13,451

Bilberries Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

30/04/2008

13,500

Ballyglass Preschool Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

19/05/2008

14,186

Killawalla Community Council Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

08/05/2008

14,354

Kilkelly and District Development Co. Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

15/01/2008

14,376

Comharcumann Naionra Cois Fharraige Teoranta

CB

Mayo

Current

16/05/2008

14,604

Naionra Gleann na Muaidhe

CB

Mayo

Current

09/06/2008

14,885

Bilberries Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

15/01/2008

15,000

Happy Hours Pre-School

CB

Mayo

Current

26/05/2008

16,387

Cliara Development Company Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

20/05/2008

16,425

B.C. Kiddies korner Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

19/05/2008

16,432

Carracastle Community Childcare Co Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

11/02/2008

16,500

Playgroup Committee Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

02/05/2008

16,556

Nead na nOg an Naionra

CB

Mayo

Current

14/05/2008

16,560

St. Tiernan’s Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

14/05/2008

16,560

McConville Park Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

22/05/2008

16,560

Louisburgh Childcare Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

13/06/2008

16,560

Happy Hours Pre-School

CB

Mayo

Current

28/02/2008

18,208

Cliara Development Company Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

28/03/2008

18,250

Playgroup Committee Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

24/01/2008

18,395

McConville Park Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

04/01/2008

18,400

Castlebar Social Service Group/New Beginnings

CB

Mayo

Current

15/01/2008

18,638

Sharkey Hill Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

28/03/2008

18,750

Aghamore Childcare Company Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

14/07/2008

19,000

Robeen Community Playschool Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

02/05/2008

19,125

Kilmaine Scribbles Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

02/05/2008

19,170

Carracastle Community Childcare Co Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

22/05/2008

19,630

Comharchumann Naionra, Beal n’Atha Teoranta

CB

Mayo

Current

12/05/2008

19,730

Killala Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

08/05/2008

19,820

Sharkey Hill Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

09/06/2008

20,488

Coiste Naionra Naomh Seosaimh

CB

Mayo

Current

28/02/2008

21,172

Robeen Community Playschool Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

15/01/2008

21,250

Kilmaine Scribbles Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

04/01/2008

21,300

Naionra Dhun Chaochain

CB

Mayo

Current

19/05/2008

21,385

Castlebar Social Service Group/New Beginnings

CB

Mayo

Current

16/05/2008

21,450

Killala Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

24/01/2008

22,022

Bangor Childrens Centre Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

30/04/2008

23,288

Tots 2 Teens (formerly Tooreen Community Playgroup)

CB

Mayo

Current

14/05/2008

23,288

Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta

CB

Mayo

Current

22/05/2008

23,288

Knockmore Rathduff Childcare Group

CB

Mayo

Current

19/05/2008

23,578

Bangor Childrens Centre Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

04/01/2008

25,875

Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta

CB

Mayo

Current

04/01/2008

25,875

Southwest Mayo Development Company

CB

Mayo

Current

26/05/2008

26,130

Coillte Playgroup Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

26/05/2008

26,404

Coiste Naionra Naomh Seosaimh

CB

Mayo

Current

29/05/2008

27,214

Coillte Playgroup Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

28/02/2008

29,337

Mayo Abbey Parish Community Development Company Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

08/05/2008

32,555

Keel Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

12/05/2008

32,855

Meitheal Mhaigheo Teo (Ballina)

CB

Mayo

Current

13/06/2008

32,863

Meitheal Mhaigheo Teo

CB

Mayo

Current

13/06/2008

32,864

Mulrany Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

14/05/2008

33,690

Charlestown Community Childcare

CB

Mayo

Current

22/05/2008

33,696

Ballyheane Community Sports Club Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

13/06/2008

33,696

The Little Acorns Childrens Centre Limited

CB

Mayo

Current

13/06/2008

33,712

Mayo Abbey Parish Community Development Company Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

11/02/2008

36,172

Society of St Vincent de paul (formerly Mayo Womens Support Services)

CB

Mayo

Current

22/05/2008

36,200

Keel Community Playgroup

CB

Mayo

Current

04/01/2008

36,505

Meitheal Mhaigheo Teo (Ballina)

CB

Mayo

Current

08/05/2008

36,514

Meitheal Mhaigheo Teo

CB

Mayo

Current

08/05/2008

36,515

Ballyhaunis FRC

CB

Mayo

Current

12/05/2008

36,935

Ballyheane Community Sports Club Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

17/04/2008

37,440

Greenhills Community Development Ltd

CB

Mayo

Current

14/07/2008

41,000

Ballyhaunis FRC

CB

Mayo

Current

18/01/2008

41,039

Parkside Community Development Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

13/06/2008

117,312

Parkside Community Development Ltd.

CB

Mayo

Current

21/04/2008

129,012

Applications Approved: 105

Total Funding Approved:

5,068,552

Meath:

Care Bears Playgroup

SE

Meath

Capital

18/10/2008

11,388

Duleek Community Playgroup

CB

Meath

Capital

18/10/2008

15,000

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Karen Keane

SE

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

45,000

Pixies Community Preschool

CB

Meath

Capital

08/08/2008

48,690

Navan Travellers Workshop Ltd

CB

Meath

Capital

18/10/2008

72,000

Nicola Maguire

SE

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

90,000

Fiona Tierney

SE

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Gortwella Creche

SE

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Hilltop Creche & Montessori

SE

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Hopscotch Creche and Montessori Limited

SE

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Sunshine Community Childcare Limited

CB

Meath

Capital

14/07/2008

100,000

ACE Childcare Ltd

SE

Meath

Capital

18/10/2008

100,000

Kids Klubs

SE

Meath

Capital

18/10/2008

100,000

Little Acorns

SE

Meath

Capital

18/10/2008

100,000

Lagore Road Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

200,000

Navan Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Meath

Capital

14/07/2008

200,000

Sunshine Community Childcare Limited

CB

Meath

Capital

04/02/2008

1,100,000

Navan Travellers Workshop Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Pixies Community Preschool

CB

Meath

Current

26/05/2008

13,230

Pixies Community Preschool

CB

Meath

Current

14/03/2008

14,700

Baconstown Community Playgroup

CB

Meath

Current

08/05/2008

16,470

Athboy Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

19/05/2008

23,010

County Meath V.E.C Childcare Group

CB

Meath

Current

26/05/2008

23,310

Trim Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

26/02/2008

25,600

County Meath V.E.C Childcare Group

CB

Meath

Current

25/02/2008

25,900

Navan School Completion Programme

CB

Meath

Current

16/01/2008

31,743

KC Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

02/05/2008

33,638

Ballivor Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

29/05/2008

34,407

Simonstown Childcare Facility Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

29/05/2008

38,250

Summerhill Community Childcare Ltd (The Hive)

CB

Meath

Current

13/06/2008

39,180

Summerhill Community Childcare Ltd (The Hive)

CB

Meath

Current

14/03/2008

43,500

Trim Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Meath

Current

23/05/2008

54,000

Navan School Completion Programme

CB

Meath

Current

29/05/2008

54,241

Applications Approved: 34

Total Funding Approved:

3,093,257

Mongahan:

Glen Park Montessori School & After School Care

SE

Monaghan

Capital

15/10/2008

11,250

Willow House Day Nursery

SE

Monaghan

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Daisychain Childcare

SE

Monaghan

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Susan Farrelly

SE

Monaghan

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Clever Cloggs Full Daycare Nursery Ltd

SE

Monaghan

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Doohamlet Childcare

CB

Monaghan

Capital

04/02/2008

303,000

Acorn Pre-school Service

CB

Monaghan

Capital

04/02/2008

710,000

Farney Community Creche

CB

Monaghan

Capital

15/10/2008

977,882

Magherarney Community Childcare Service

CB

Monaghan

Capital

04/02/2008

1,170,064

Drum Village Development Association Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

07/05/2008

4,030

The Aghabog Early Years Community Playgroup

CB

Monaghan

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Knockatallon Community Playschool

CB

Monaghan

Current

21/05/2008

10,000

Threemilehouse Community Playgroup

CB

Monaghan

Current

12/05/2008

13,215

Acorn Pre-school Service

CB

Monaghan

Current

08/05/2008

13,804

Acorn Pre-school Service

CB

Monaghan

Current

04/01/2008

15,338

Edenbeag Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

12/05/2008

16,432

Paisti Eois

CB

Monaghan

Current

02/05/2008

16,560

Cairde na Gaelscoilaíochta

CB

Monaghan

Current

14/10/2008

17,400

Carrick Community Playschool

CB

Monaghan

Current

08/01/2008

18,400

Magherarney Community Childcare Service

CB

Monaghan

Current

12/05/2008

23,297

Little Scholars Community Childcare

CB

Monaghan

Current

24/01/2008

23,550

Carrick Community Playschool

CB

Monaghan

Current

19/05/2008

23,595

Little Scholars Community Childcare

CB

Monaghan

Current

14/05/2008

25,957

Bright Sparks

CB

Monaghan

Current

19/05/2008

28,015

Clones Community Childcare

CB

Monaghan

Current

14/05/2008

28,427

Ballybay Community Creche Committee Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Riverbank Childcare Service / Emyvale Development Association

CB

Monaghan

Current

14/05/2008

33,638

Tru Beginnings Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Monaghan

Current

14/05/2008

33,638

Respond Housing Association -Tailte a Chlochair Childcare Centre

CB

Monaghan

Current

19/05/2008

33,638

Rockcorry Community Playgroup

CB

Monaghan

Current

29/05/2008

42,120

Farney Community Creche

CB

Monaghan

Current

29/05/2008

44,143

Mullaghmatt/Cortolvin Community Development Company Ltd.

CB

Monaghan

Current

11/02/2008

47,507

Tydavnet Tots to Teens

CB

Monaghan

Current

15/05/2008

53,604

Castleblayney Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Monaghan

Current

19/05/2008

68,684

Mullaghmatt/Cortolvin Community Development Company Ltd.

CB

Monaghan

Current

23/05/2008

116,766

Latton Social Services & Development Ltd (Fingers & Toes Community Playgroup)

CB

Monaghan

Current

29/05/2008

132,990

Applications Approved: 38

Total Funding Approved:

4,500,582

Offaly:

Little Acorns

SE

Offaly

Capital

04/02/2008

48,473

The Cottage Playgroup

SE

Offaly

Capital

04/02/2008

60,000

Children In Need

CB

Offaly

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Children In Need

CB

Offaly

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Daingean Community Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Offaly

Current

14/07/2008

5,618

Pullough Community Playschool

CB

Offaly

Current

19/05/2008

10,184

Kinnitty Community Playschool

CB

Offaly

Current

16/05/2008

12,935

Ballycommon Organisation for Local Development Limited

CB

Offaly

Current

02/05/2008

16,560

Ballycommon Organisation for Local Development Limited

CB

Offaly

Current

15/01/2008

18,400

Clonbullogue Community Preschool

CB

Offaly

Current

12/05/2008

23,288

Chesterfield Close Community Centre Committee

CB

Offaly

Current

14/05/2008

23,288

Tullamore Traveller’s Movement Ltd

CB

Offaly

Current

14/05/2008

23,288

BLC Developments Ltd

CB

Offaly

Current

19/05/2008

24,115

Kilcormac Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Offaly

Current

02/05/2008

25,290

Tullamore Traveller’s Movement Ltd

CB

Offaly

Current

24/01/2008

25,875

Clonbullogue Community Preschool

CB

Offaly

Current

11/02/2008

25,875

Rhode Community Preschool

CB

Offaly

Current

11/09/2008

25,885

Ferbane Community Childcare Group (Bright Beginnings)

CB

Offaly

Current

12/05/2008

27,379

Daingean Community Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Offaly

Current

04/01/2008

31,757

Fairgreen Childcare Committee

CB

Offaly

Current

19/05/2008

36,509

Respond Ltd (Tara Crescent Tenant Management Board)

CB

Offaly

Current

29/05/2008

41,067

Daingean Community Childcare Services Ltd

CB

Offaly

Current

09/06/2008

48,958

Applications Approved: 22

Total Funding Approved:

554,744

Roscommon:

Teresa Singleton

SE

Roscommon

Capital

08/08/2008

48,750

Arigna Community Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Capital

08/08/2008

60,000

Step by Step All Day Care Centre

SE

Roscommon

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Wonderyears Preschool

SE

Roscommon

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Nurture’s Best

SE

Roscommon

Capital

07/05/2008

100,000

County Roscommon V.E.C.

CB

Roscommon

Capital

04/02/2008

130,000

St. John’s National School Pre School Service

CB

Roscommon

Capital

04/02/2008

175,000

County Roscommon V.E.C.

CB

Roscommon

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Buttercups Tarmonbarry/Clondra Community Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Current

18/01/2008

5,000

Cam Community Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Current

01/05/2008

7,772

Cam Community Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Current

15/01/2008

8,636

Hopes & Dreams Limited

CB

Roscommon

Current

01/05/2008

10,000

Bright Sparks Playgroup (Lisacul Childcare Ltd)

CB

Roscommon

Current

12/05/2008

10,349

Jack & Jill Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Current

12/05/2008

10,627

Cloonfad Pre-school-Nursery Thymes Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Current

12/05/2008

10,686

Buttercups Tarmonbarry/Clondra Community Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Current

23/06/2008

12,324

Tulsk Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

14/07/2008

13,099

Arigna Community Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Current

30/04/2008

13,644

Arigna Community Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Current

25/02/2008

15,160

Castlerea Community Playschool Ltd.

CB

Roscommon

Current

20/05/2008

15,479

Tulsk Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

29/02/2008

16,027

Elphin Preschool Community Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Current

30/04/2008

16,560

Kilronan Parent & Toddler Playschool Group

CB

Roscommon

Current

12/05/2008

16,560

Strokestown Community Playschool

CB

Roscommon

Current

08/05/2008

16,640

Roscommon Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

02/05/2008

19,729

Loughglynn Parish Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

08/05/2008

23,288

Ardcarne Community Playgroup

CB

Roscommon

Current

29/05/2008

23,288

Ballaghaderreen Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

08/05/2008

33,638

Croghan Fairy Bush Limited

CB

Roscommon

Current

17/09/2008

33,638

Croghan Fairy Bush Limited

CB

Roscommon

Current

18/06/2008

37,375

Lisnamult Residents Association ltd

CB

Roscommon

Current

20/05/2008

42,207

Four-Mile House Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Roscommon

Current

12/05/2008

47,684

Four-Mile House Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Roscommon

Current

04/01/2008

52,982

Frenchpark and District Childcare Ltd (formerly Frenchpark Community Playschool)

CB

Roscommon

Current

14/05/2008

54,338

Applications Approved: 34

Total Funding Approved:

1,280,480

Sligo:

Busy Bees Daycare & Family Centre Limited

CB

Sligo

Capital

08/08/2008

10,000

Sligo Social Service Council Ltd

CB

Sligo

Capital

08/08/2008

12,487

Little Buddies Community Playgroup

CB

Sligo

Capital

07/05/2008

48,673

Ballyrush Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Sligo

Capital

07/05/2008

74,000

Coolaney Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Capital

07/05/2008

1,200,000

Sligo Traveller Support Group Ltd.

CB

Sligo

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

Sligo Family Resource Centre Ltd.

CB

Sligo

Current

17/07/2008

0

Pending

Coolaney Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Kilmacowen Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Sligo

Current

13/06/2008

13,346

Kilmacowen Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Sligo

Current

14/03/2008

14,829

First Friends Geevagh Community Playgroup ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

12/05/2008

16,249

Ballymote Youth Steering Group Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

12/05/2008

16,432

Tubbercurry Family and Childcare Resource House Project co Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

08/05/2008

16,560

First Friends Geevagh Community Playgroup ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

25/02/2008

18,054

Tubbercurry Family and Childcare Resource House Project co Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

04/01/2008

18,400

Dromore West Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

30/04/2008

20,260

St. Brendan’s Afterschool Care Limited

CB

Sligo

Current

12/05/2008

21,222

Castlepark Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

12/05/2008

22,410

Dromore West Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

15/01/2008

22,511

Little Buddies Community Playgroup

CB

Sligo

Current

07/03/2008

23,288

Morning Star Kindergarten Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

13/06/2008

23,288

St. Brendan’s Afterschool Care Limited

CB

Sligo

Current

15/01/2008

23,580

Castlepark Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

14/03/2008

24,900

Sligo Social Service Council Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

12/05/2008

26,350

Merville Youth & Community Centre Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

30/04/2008

29,250

Ballyrush Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

29/05/2008

29,250

MCR Community Centre Limited

CB

Sligo

Current

19/05/2008

30,992

Ballyrush Community Childcare Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

14/03/2008

32,500

Sligo Northside Community Partnership Ltd.

CB

Sligo

Current

02/05/2008

32,863

Sligo Family Support Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

12/05/2008

32,863

Ballymote Community Childcare Co Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

30/04/2008

33,638

Aclare Community Childcare & Family Centre Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

13/06/2008

33,638

Jollytots Playgroup Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

07/03/2008

33,654

Busy Bees Daycare & Family Centre Limited

CB

Sligo

Current

02/05/2008

33,654

Ballymote Community Childcare Co Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

15/01/2008

37,375

Aclare Community Childcare & Family Centre Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

11/04/2008

37,375

Busy Bees Daycare & Family Centre Limited

CB

Sligo

Current

15/01/2008

37,393

Sligo Social Service Council Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

25/06/2008

46,930

Cosy Cats

CB

Sligo

Current

15/05/2008

47,190

Sligo Springboard Company Ltd

CB

Sligo

Current

15/05/2008

54,687

Applications Approved: 40

Total Funding Approved:

2,250,091

South Dublin County:

Grainne Harris

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

19,134

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Giraffe Childcare Ltd

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

40,000

Little Saints Limited

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

42,170

Lisa Walsh

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

49,003

Tania O’Hanlon

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

08/08/2008

60,000

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

64,000

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

87,000

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

89,000

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

08/08/2008

96,500

Cocoon Childcare Limited

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Jean McGovern

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

The Lodge Group t/a Knocklyon Creche & Monstessor

SE

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Support Project, Millbrook, Tallaght)

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

08/08/2008

168,200

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Support Project, Millbrook, Tallaght)

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

08/08/2008

168,800

St Basil’s Senior Training Centre

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

318,164

South County Co-Operative Housing Society Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

382,219

St. Mary’s Community Playgroup

CB

South Dublin County

Capital

04/02/2008

450,000

St Muirin’s House Company Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

18/10/2008

0

Pending

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

04/03/2008

7,300

Bawnogue Women’s Development Company Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

30/05/2008

10,845

Respond! Ard Mor Court Childcare Centre

CB

South Dublin County

Current

02/05/2008

12,960

County Dublin VEC (Basic Education Service Centre)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/03/2008

14,400

St. Mary’s Community Playgroup

CB

South Dublin County

Current

28/05/2008

18,400

Ronanstown Womans Community Development Project Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

02/05/2008

18,945

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Le Cheile Afterschool Service)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

27/05/2008

22,815

Loreto Playgroup Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/03/2008

23,682

St. Mary’s Community Playgroup

CB

South Dublin County

Current

30/10/2008

26,091

Rowlagh Womens Group Ltd.

CB

South Dublin County

Current

12/05/2008

26,325

Youth Horizons Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

09/06/2008

27,950

Spring Hall (Steiner Waldorf) Early Learning Centre Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

14/05/2008

28,485

St. Ronan’s Playschool Deansrath

CB

South Dublin County

Current

12/05/2008

28,935

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

09/06/2008

29,185

Naionra Chaitlin Maude

CB

South Dublin County

Current

16/05/2008

30,659

St. Maelruan’s Conference at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul

CB

South Dublin County

Current

19/05/2008

31,355

Fettercairn Little Ones Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

30/04/2008

32,850

Quarryvale Community Resource Centre Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

30/04/2008

32,850

Killinarden Childcare Management Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

09/05/2008

34,060

Clondalkin Afterschool Childcare Company Ltd. (Kozy Kids)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

14/05/2008

34,299

Limetree Community Childcare Centre Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

14/05/2008

34,450

First Steps Rowlagh Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

24/01/2008

36,500

Fettercairn Community Childcare Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

18/03/2008

37,375

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/05/2008

39,000

First Steps Rowlagh Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

19/05/2008

40,300

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/05/2008

45,500

The Shanty Educational Project Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

07/05/2008

46,250

Barnardos — Republic of Ireland Ltd (Family Support Project, Millbrook, Tallaght)

CB

South Dublin County

Current

27/05/2008

49,244

JADD Project Ltd JADD Project Limited

CB

South Dublin County

Current

14/07/2008

52,000

Tallaght Childcare Company Ltd.

CB

South Dublin County

Current

16/05/2008

54,210

Ronanstown Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

15/05/2008

56,030

Ballyboden Children’s Centre

CB

South Dublin County

Current

29/05/2008

65,925

Fettercairn Community Childcare Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

09/06/2008

66,394

Jobstown Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

South Dublin County

Current

16/05/2008

132,210

Applications Approved: 53

Total Funding Approved:

3,621,969

Tipperary North:

Regina Ryan

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

04/02/2008

22,304

Catherine Beverley

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

04/02/2008

92,250

Boolagelagh Montessori School

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Oliver & Concepta Quigley

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Clareen Country Creche

SE

Tipperary North

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Holycross Community Childcare Centre

CB

Tipperary North

Capital

04/02/2008

1,200,000

North Tipperary Community Services

CB

Tipperary North

Current

14/05/2008

9,691

North Tipperary Community Services

CB

Tipperary North

Current

13/06/2008

9,691

Drangan & Cloneen Community Playschool

CB

Tipperary North

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Templetuohy Community Playgroup

CB

Tipperary North

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

Littleton Community Preschool Playgroup

CB

Tipperary North

Current

15/05/2008

10,000

St. Joseph’s Parents Association

CB

Tipperary North

Current

02/05/2008

12,941

Upperchurch Childcare Group

CB

Tipperary North

Current

12/05/2008

17,148

The Commons Community Playschool

CB

Tipperary North

Current

14/05/2008

18,113

Millennium Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary North

Current

11/02/2008

18,696

Gaile Pre-school

BOM

Tipperary North

Current

30/04/2008

23,288

Templemore Community Services Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary North

Current

12/05/2008

23,288

Millennium Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary North

Current

22/05/2008

24,765

Barnardos Centre Thurles

CB

Tipperary North

Current

27/05/2008

33,638

St. Sheelan’s Community Childcare Services Limited

CB

Tipperary North

Current

14/05/2008

43,988

Roscrea 2000 Ltd.

CB

Tipperary North

Current

15/05/2008

64,740

Nenagh Childcare Centre Ltd (formerly Nenagh Interagency Childcare Service)

CB

Tipperary North

Current

19/05/2008

66,416

Applications Approved: 22

Total Funding Approved:

2,010,957

Tipperary South:

Donohill Preschool/Afterschool

CB

Tipperary South

Capital

08/08/2008

30,000

Anne Comerford

SE

Tipperary South

Capital

15/10/2008

44,925

Breda O’Meara

SE

Tipperary South

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Fiona Byrne

SE

Tipperary South

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Sugradh

SE

Tipperary South

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Ballingarry Community Council Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Capital

04/02/2008

660,641

Lisvernane Community Childcare Committee

CB

Tipperary South

Capital

04/02/2008

739,880

Drangan & Cloneen Community Playschool

CB

Tipperary South

Current

24/01/2008

6,900

Ardfinnan Childcare Committee Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

11/02/2008

6,900

Ardfinnan Childcare Committee Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

21/05/2008

10,000

Donohill Preschool/Afterschool

CB

Tipperary South

Current

14/10/2008

10,040

Fethard Community Playgroup

CB

Tipperary South

Current

13/06/2008

10,569

Fethard Community Playgroup

CB

Tipperary South

Current

14/03/2008

11,743

Management Committee Canon Hayes Recreation Centre

CB

Tipperary South

Current

13/06/2008

16,562

Management Committee Canon Hayes Recreation Centre

CB

Tipperary South

Current

11/02/2008

18,402

The Commons Community Playschool

CB

Tipperary South

Current

25/02/2008

20,125

Annacarty Childcare Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

12/05/2008

23,288

Respond Ltd (Hilltop Community Childcare Service)

CB

Tipperary South

Current

30/04/2008

31,995

Respond! (Glenview After Schools Club)

CB

Tipperary South

Current

02/05/2008

31,995

Respond! (Comeragh Court Community Group)

CB

Tipperary South

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Cahir Development Association Limited

CB

Tipperary South

Current

06/06/2008

33,660

Naionra Chaisleain Nua

CB

Tipperary South

Current

07/03/2008

33,750

Clonmel Community Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

14/05/2008

34,416

Oakland Drive Community Child Services

CB

Tipperary South

Current

19/05/2008

40,430

Spafield Family Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

12/05/2008

53,745

Elm Park Area Childcare Committee Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

13/06/2008

54,338

Elm Park Area Childcare Committee Ltd

CB

Tipperary South

Current

28/03/2008

60,375

Knockanrawley Resource Centre

CB

Tipperary South

Current

15/01/2008

74,764

Treasure Island Playschool Limited

CB

Tipperary South

Current

15/05/2008

76,744

Knockanrawley Resource Centre

CB

Tipperary South

Current

14/05/2008

83,460

Applications Approved: 30

Total Funding Approved:

2,553,285

Waterford City:

The Butler Community Centre Playschool

SE

Waterford City

Capital

15/10/2008

15,000

Focus Ireland Limited

CB

Waterford City

Capital

04/02/2008

57,000

Denise Foley

SE

Waterford City

Capital

15/10/2008

67,054

Mount Sion Preschool/Playschool

CB

Waterford City

Capital

15/10/2008

68,426

Olivia Hogan & Sean Dowling

SE

Waterford City

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Rebekah Donnelly

SE

Waterford City

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Waterford Childcare Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Capital

15/10/2008

200,000

Williamstown Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Current

08/08/2008

6,575

St. Brigid’s Family & Community Centre

CB

Waterford City

Current

15/01/2008

17,250

St. Brigid’s Family & Community Centre

CB

Waterford City

Current

19/05/2008

25,285

Respond Ltd (Killure Grove After School Club)

CB

Waterford City

Current

19/05/2008

29,315

Larchville Lisduggan Childcare Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Current

19/05/2008

30,615

Waterford Area Partnership

CB

Waterford City

Current

14/07/2008

32,000

Williamstown Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Current

15/01/2008

37,200

St. Brigid’s Family & Community Centre

CB

Waterford City

Current

08/08/2008

39,629

Larchville Lisduggan Childcare Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Current

08/08/2008

39,987

Williamstown Community Childcare Centre Ltd

CB

Waterford City

Current

22/05/2008

44,070

Waterford Womens Resource Centre (Access 2000 Ltd)657a

CB

Waterford City

Current

13/05/2008

59,558

Focus Ireland Limited

CB

Waterford City

Current

29/05/2008

76,782

St. Joseph’s Childcare and Community Centre

CB

Waterford City

Current

16/05/2008

91,260

Ballybeg Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Waterford City

Current

16/05/2008

137,696

Applications Approved: 21

Total Funding Approved:

1,274,702

Waterford County:

County Waterford Community Childcare Facility Company Limited

CB

Waterford County

Capital

08/08/2008

62,251

Respond (Closnaomh Mochua Community Building)

CB

Waterford County

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Seirbhis Iar-Schoile

CB

Waterford County

Current

13/06/2008

10,555

Seirbhis Iar-Schoile

CB

Waterford County

Current

14/03/2008

13,950

Ard na Ghleanna Community Group (Respond!)

CB

Waterford County

Current

22/07/2008

14,100

Naionra Choill Mhic Thomaisin

CB

Waterford County

Current

14/05/2008

14,233

Coscursp Teoranta

CB

Waterford County

Current

13/06/2008

20,250

Respond Ltd (Marquis Drive Community Centre)

CB

Waterford County

Current

02/05/2008

20,260

Coscursp Teoranta

CB

Waterford County

Current

25/02/2008

22,500

Dunhill, Fenor,Boatstrand,Annestown Community Enterprise LTD (DFBA)

BOM

Waterford County

Current

30/04/2008

23,288

Passage East Childcare Initiative Limited

CB

Waterford County

Current

02/05/2008

23,288

Tramore Development Trust Limited

CB

Waterford County

Current

11/02/2008

25,875

Naionra Gharbhain

CB

Waterford County

Current

11/09/2008

25,886

Cappoquin Community Development Co. Ltd

CB

Waterford County

Current

12/05/2008

33,638

Lismore Community Childcare Centre Ltd.

CB

Waterford County

Current

07/05/2008

37,750

Respond Housing Association — Beechmount

CB

Waterford County

Current

09/06/2008

38,155

Tramore Development Trust Limited

CB

Waterford County

Current

09/06/2008

51,610

County Waterford Community Childcare Facility Company Limited

CB

Waterford County

Current

08/08/2008

81,800

Applications Approved: 18

Total Funding Approved:

519,389

Westmeath:

Kidz Aloud

SE

Westmeath

Capital

04/02/2008

77,000

Windtown

SE

Westmeath

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Anne Reynolds

SE

Westmeath

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Multyfarnham Childcare Services

CB

Westmeath

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Grange Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

14/07/2008

9,000

Ballymore Community Childcare Facility Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

07/03/2008

12,415

Rathowen Community Development Co Ltd

CB

Westmeath

Current

14/03/2008

12,496

Killucan Care Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

12/05/2008

32,863

Ennell Community House

CB

Westmeath

Current

19/05/2008

33,637

Ballynacargy Community Childcare Services Limited

CB

Westmeath

Current

14/05/2008

33,666

Dalton Community House

CB

Westmeath

Current

19/05/2008

34,380

St Peter’s Primary School

BOM

Westmeath

Current

19/05/2008

47,515

Rathowen Community Development Co Ltd

CB

Westmeath

Current

09/06/2008

49,725

Kinnegad Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

19/05/2008

56,204

Athlone Community Services Council Ltd.

CB

Westmeath

Current

29/05/2008

60,645

Westmeath Community Development

CB

Westmeath

Current

19/05/2008

82,810

ATK Community Centre Limited

CB

Westmeath

Current

27/05/2008

86,255

Harmony Community Development Programme

CB

Westmeath

Current

29/05/2008

124,540

Womens Community Projects (Mullingar) Association

CB

Westmeath

Current

19/05/2008

146,614

Applications Approved: 19

Total Funding Approved:

1,099,765

Wexford:

Craanford Monaseed Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Capital

15/10/2008

5,000

Galbally Playschool

CB

Wexford

Capital

15/10/2008

7,000

Brigid Doyle

SE

Wexford

Capital

15/10/2008

11,775

Maud Hayes

SE

Wexford

Capital

04/02/2008

29,059

Michele’s Creche

SE

Wexford

Capital

15/10/2008

38,175

Aude Bates

SE

Wexford

Capital

04/02/2008

45,000

Joanne Earley

SE

Wexford

Capital

04/02/2008

84,375

Sandra Nichol & Becky Ashmore

SE

Wexford

Capital

15/10/2008

100,000

Co. Wexford Community Workshop (New Ross) Ltd

CB

Wexford

Capital

08/08/2008

177,940

Bree Community Development Group

CB

Wexford

Capital

04/02/2008

792,000

Kilmuckridge Family Resource Centre

CB

Wexford

Capital

04/02/2008

985,000

Michael Street Pre School Committee

CB

Wexford

Current

14/07/2008

0

Pending

New Ross Community Playschool Committee

CB

Wexford

Current

16/10/2008

0

Pending

Fethard on Sea Community Playgroup trading as First Steps Community Playgroup (Footsteps)

CB

Wexford

Current

15/01/2008

4,500

Galbally Playschool

CB

Wexford

Current

08/08/2008

8,043

Curracloe Community Playgroup Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

29/04/2008

10,000

An Breacadh Nua

CB

Wexford

Current

13/06/2008

14,378

Fethard on Sea Community Playgroup trading as First Steps Community Playgroup (Footsteps)

CB

Wexford

Current

19/05/2008

14,560

An Breacadh Nua

CB

Wexford

Current

16/05/2008

15,975

Sr. Clemen’s Community Care Playschool

CB

Wexford

Current

15/01/2008

17,250

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service Ltd (Coolcotts)

CB

Wexford

Current

14/03/2008

18,257

Horeswood Community Childcare Group Ltd

CB

Wexford

Current

30/04/2008

23,288

Craanford Monaseed Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

12/05/2008

23,297

Daphne View Community Hall

CB

Wexford

Current

19/05/2008

24,310

Shel-Bar Ltd

CB

Wexford

Current

19/05/2008

25,719

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service Ltd (Coolcotts)

CB

Wexford

Current

09/06/2008

29,250

St. Brigid’s Community Playgroup

CB

Wexford

Current

18/01/2008

30,000

Sr. Clemen’s Community Care Playschool

CB

Wexford

Current

14/05/2008

30,204

St. Francis’ Playgroup

CB

Wexford

Current

29/05/2008

30,615

Raheen Community Development Group Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

02/05/2008

32,863

Respond Ltd (Westlands’ Childcare Centre)

CB

Wexford

Current

08/05/2008

32,863

St. Mogues Childcare Centre Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

19/05/2008

32,890

Askamore Community Development Association Limited

CB

Wexford

Current

14/05/2008

33,638

St. Brigid’s Community Playgroup

CB

Wexford

Current

09/06/2008

34,580

Teach na bPaisti Limited

CB

Wexford

Current

26/06/2008

35,750

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service Ltd (Wonderland)

CB

Wexford

Current

14/03/2008

36,418

Askamore Community Development Association Limited

CB

Wexford

Current

15/01/2008

37,375

Wolfe Tone Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

16/05/2008

46,475

Rosslare Community Development Association Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

19/05/2008

49,530

Board of Management, Tagoat N.S.(Tir na nOg)

BOM

Wexford

Current

16/05/2008

53,647

South West Wexford Community Development Group

CB

Wexford

Current

15/05/2008

53,690

Templeshannon Community Development Project Limited

CB

Wexford

Current

23/05/2008

53,690

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service Ltd (Wonderland)

CB

Wexford

Current

09/06/2008

54,470

Setanta

CB

Wexford

Current

29/05/2008

71,175

FAB Coolcotts Community Development Project Ltd.

CB

Wexford

Current

19/05/2008

83,504

Ferns Diocesan Youth Service Ltd

CB

Wexford

Current

19/05/2008

103,610

Applications Approved: 46

Total Funding Approved:

3,441,138

Wicklow:

Briarwood Montessori

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

4,781

Colleen Morris

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

5,214

Bubbles Pre-School

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

18,572

Pixies Creche & Prechool

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

25,884

Niamh’s Montessori School

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

39,000

Adele O’Neill

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

40,653

Charlesland Childcare Limited

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

67,979

Little Flowers

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

96,226

Scallywags Childcare

SE

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

100,000

Kids Aloud Limited

CB

Wicklow

Capital

31/10/2008

800,000

Tinahely Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Capital

04/02/2008

1,200,000

Tinkerbell Ltd t/a Kiltegan Community Playgroup

CB

Wicklow

Current

09/06/2008

10,000

Tinkerbell Ltd t/a Kiltegan Community Playgroup

CB

Wicklow

Current

04/03/2008

10,150

Carnew Community Playschool Ltd TA Little Acorns

CB

Wicklow

Current

16/05/2008

13,897

Dunlavin Community Playgroup

CB

Wicklow

Current

30/04/2008

14,400

Kids Aloud Limited

CB

Wicklow

Current

08/05/2008

16,560

Donard/Glen Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

12/05/2008

18,000

Kids Aloud Limited

CB

Wicklow

Current

15/01/2008

18,400

Newtownmountkennedy Community Playgroup Limited

CB

Wicklow

Current

13/06/2008

19,080

Ark Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

15/01/2008

21,100

Stratford Grangecon Development Association Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

22/05/2008

23,288

County Wicklow V.E.C.

CB

Wicklow

Current

25/07/2008

23,288

Ark Community Playgroup Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

29/05/2008

25,439

County Wicklow V.E.C.

CB

Wicklow

Current

15/01/2008

25,875

Stratford Grangecon Development Association Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

25/02/2008

25,875

Ballywaltrim Community Centre

CB

Wicklow

Current

15/01/2008

32,400

County Wicklow V.E.C.

CB

Wicklow

Current

15/01/2008

37,375

County Wicklow V.E.C.

CB

Wicklow

Current

29/05/2008

38,732

Bray Women’s Refuge Housing Association Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

23/06/2008

39,000

St. Fergals Resource Centre Ltd

CB

Wicklow

Current

20/05/2008

45,544

Little Bray Family Resource Centre

CB

Wicklow

Current

14/05/2008

49,075

Marian Preschool & Family Centre Ltd.

CB

Wicklow

Current

23/05/2008

130,754

Applications Approved: 32

Total Funding Approved:

3,036,541

KEY

CB: Community Based Provider

SE: Private Povider

Table 2: National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP)

2008

Received Applications

Capital

Current

Total

Carlow

11

29

40

Cavan

20

27

47

Clare

12

28

40

Cork City

14

47

61

Cork County

45

53

98

Donegal

30

43

73

Dublin City

46

198

244

Dublin South County

26

64

90

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

14

28

42

Fingal

33

33

66

Galway City

3

18

21

Galway County

38

48

86

Kerry

13

51

64

Kildare

25

13

38

Kilkenny

8

38

46

Laois

8

16

24

Leitrim

15

21

36

Limerick City

4

25

29

Limerick County

10

21

31

Longford

15

15

30

Louth

18

19

37

Mayo

26

62

88

Meath

33

25

58

Monaghan

11

26

37

Offaly

10

16

26

Roscommon

23

23

46

Sligo

13

25

38

Tipperary North

9

15

24

Tipperary South

7

17

24

Waterford City

7

14

21

Waterford County

8

14

22

Westmeath

7

16

23

Wexford

11

33

44

Wicklow

29

28

57

National Totals:

602

1,149

1,751

Table 3: National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP)

Approved per County:

2006

2007

2008

Capital & Current

Capital & Current

Capital*

Current

Carlow

183,250

536,090

1,500,000

867,761

Cavan

1,368,259

3,522,774

1,600,000

704,051

Clare

2,439,605

7,699,099

1,500,000

994,127

Cork City

368,750

4,397,918

2,800,000

1,890,329

Cork County

1,272,066

7,371,619

12,000,000

1,712,949

Donegal

3,905,695

2,382,563

3,700,000

1,118,391

Dublin City

1,436,405

10,631,875

14,600,000

5,514,793

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

446,660

4,192,888

6,800,000

475,291

Fingal

503,756

2,205,249

10,200,000

531,542

Galway City**

502,298

1,750,672

5,400,000

662,113

Galway County**

765,353

9,192,962

1,153,084

Kerry

1,194,718

7,099,610

1,500,000

1,979,687

Kildare

1,554,439

1,006,470

9,200,000

272,291

Kilkenny

460,000

1,782,156

1,800,000

831,423

Laois

565,000

1,464,318

2,300,000

468,819

Leitrim

740,800

1,380,344

1,500,000

655,859

Limerick City

390,000

1,107,334

1,500,000

1,273,210

Limerick County

765,148

2,193,916

2,400,000

554,106

Longford

667,500

1,347,816

1,500,000

645,918

Louth

340,131

5,400,566

2,800,000

1,062,658

Mayo

786,718

3,409,568

3,300,000

1,940,312

Meath

1,243,855

2,411,865

5,800,000

471,179

Mongahan

100,000

6,308,395

1,500,000

928,386

Offaly

24,569

485,966

3,000,000

446,271

Roscommon

200,000

1,245,555

1,500,000

566,730

Sligo

346,514

584,431

1,500,000

904,931

South Dublin County

482,486

3,009,636

10,300,000

1,247,779

Tipperary North

529,750

2,051,296

1,500,000

396,403

Tipperary South

100,000

2,505,589

1,700,000

777,839

Waterford City

1,039,750

1,316,744

1,500,000

667,222

Waterford County

239,743

454,698

1,800,000

457,138

Westmeath

743,152

2,305,796

1,500,000

822,765

Wexford

1,503,237

5,075,303

2,600,000

1,165,814

Wicklow

958,202

1,559,755

5,900,000

638,232

National Totals:

28,167,809

109,390,836

128,000,000

34,799,403

*Indicative Capital Budget for 2008 only.

**A cumulative capital budget was provided for Galway City & County for 2008.

Joe Carey

Question:

243 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications in respect of the national childcare investment programme that were received by his Department from County Clare in 2008; the names and locations of each group; the numbers of children to be catered for in each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41087/08]

Joe Carey

Question:

244 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children the numbers of children to be catered for in each individual project seeking assistance under the national childcare investment programme in County Clare in 2008; the value for money of each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41092/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 244 together.

As the Deputy is aware, I am responsible for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP), which is the successor programme to the Equal Opportunities Programme (EOCP) which concluded at the end of 2007. The NCIP has an allocation of €575 million, and is designed to deliver 50,000 additional childcare places.

The information requested is listed in the following table. There were 40 applications for funding in 2008 under the NCIP from applicants in County Clare. The number of places to be provided, based on funding approved, is broken down into part-time, full-time and sessional places. Funding is based on places to be provided rather than the number of children using the service. More than one child may avail of a childcare place due to the sessional and part-time nature of some childcare services. The level of funding is determined by the number of places the group proposes to provide and criteria based on local need and sustainability of the project.

National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP)

Applications Received: Clare — 2008

Applicant Name/ Facility Name:

Applicant Type:

Funding Type:

Staus of Application:

Approved (if applicable):

Places (Projected):

Sessional

Part-time

Full-time

Clare Family Resource Centre/ NCIP Clare Family Resource Centre

CB

Capital

Approved

200,000.00

30

27

40

Current

Approved

122,374.00

Naionra Dun Beg / NCIP Naionra Dun Beg

CB

Current

Approved

10,000.00

26

0

0

West Clare Early Years Care and Education Services Limited / NCIP West Clare Early Years Care and Education Service (6 services)

CB

Current

Approved

139,089.00

127

56

78

Kilmaley Preschool Childcare Playgroup / NCIP Kilmaley Preschool Childcare Playgroup

CB

Current

Approved

33,636.00

20

14

20

Ennis West Partners/ NCIP Ennis Traveller Afterschool Club

CB

Current

Approved (Indicatively)

Pending

35

0

0

Tiny Tots Limited/ NCIP Tiny Tots Creche

CB

Current

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

15

15

0

Stone Court Residents Association / Childcare Sub-Committee / NCIP Stone Court Residents Association / Childcare Sub-Committee

CB

Current

Approved

31,785.00

0

40

0

Burren Sonas Group / NCIP Burren Sonas Group

CB

Current

Approved

16,560.00

20

0

0

Madeline Rouine/ NCIP Réaltaí Beaga

SE

Capital

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

15

3

5

Loughgraney Kids Corner Limited / NCIP Lough Graney Community Playgroup

CB

Current

Approved

75,530.00

30

20

16

Sixmilebridge and District Community Complex Society Ltd / NCIP Sixmilebridge and District Community Complex Society Ltd

CB

Current

Approved

11,250.00

20

23

51

Applicant Name/ Facility Name:

Applicant Type:

Funding Type:

Staus of Application:

Approved (if applicable):

Places (Projected):

Sessional

Part-time

Full-time

Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd. / NCIP Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd.

CB

Current

Approved

61,144.00

16

46

42

CLASS Ltd / NCIP CLASS Ltd

CB

Current

Approved

33,638.00

0

40

60

County Clare VEC/ NCIP Kilrush Creche — Adult Education Centre

CB

Current

Approved (Indicatively)

Pending

0

20

35

Capital

Approved

95,957.00

Capital

Declined

0.00

Lisdoonvarna Failte Ltd/ NCIP Lisdoonvarna Community Creche

CB

Capital

Approved

66,114.00

0

15

35

Current

Approved

23,000.00

Midlands School of Childcare Ltd/ NCIP Woodhaven Montessori & Childcare Academy

SE

Capital

Declined

0.00

40

26

27

Liscannor Childcare Service/ NCIP Liscannor Childcare Service

CB

Current

Approved (Indicatively)

Pending

20

20

0

Cooleenbridge Ltd. / NCIP Raheen Wood Childcare Project

CB

Current

Approved

19,241.00

18

36

36

Capital

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

Killaloe Community Development Co Ltd/ NCIP An Sean Scoil

CB

Current

Approved (Indicatively)

Pending

0

15

35

Scoil Mhainchin/ NCIP Scoil Mhainchin

CB

Current

Approved (Indicatively)

Pending

24

0

0

Clare Haven Childcare Service/ NCIP Clare Haven Childcare Service

CB

Current

Approved

48,500.00

32

0

0

Little Acorns PreSchool/Montessori/ NCIP Little Acorns PreSchool/Montessori (St. Senan’s)

CB

Current

Approved

0.00

40

0

0

Current

Approved

0.00

Applicant Name/ Facility Name:

Applicant Type:

Funding Type:

Staus of Application:

Approved (if applicable):

Places (Projected):

Sessional

Part-time

Full-time

Helen Moore Christine Shanahan/ NCIP Smart Start Childcare

SE

Capital

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

10

0

14

SeanCahir/ NCIP Tir na Nog

SE

Capital

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

0

6

14

TinaO’Brien/ NCIP Free Spirits

SE

Capital

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

0

16

0

Footsteps Childcare Ltd./ NCIP Footsteps Childcare Ltd.

SE

Capital

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

0

20

39

Rachel Killeen/ NCIP Rachel Killeen

SE

Capital

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

10

10

0

Clougheigh Community Playgroup/ NCIP Clougheigh Community Playgroup

CB

Current

Approved (Indicatively)

Pending

40

0

0

Clarecastle Community Playgroup/ NCIP Clarecastle Community Playgroup

CB

Current

Approved (Indicatively)

Pending

12

24

0

Adult and Community Education Centre / NCIP Cuain Aire Creche

CB

Current

Approved

87,620.00

0

10

40

Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí Teoranta Before and After School Care/ NCIP Mol an Óige agus Tiocfaidh Sí Teoranta Before and After School Care

CB

Current

Awaiting Notification of Final Decision

0.00

0

25

0

Ennistymon Family Resource Centre / NCIP Ennistymon Family Resource Centre

CB

Current

Approved

32,863.00

8

0

26

Ruan Community Childcare Ltd. / NCIP Ruan Community Childcare Ltd.

CB

Current

Approved

31,741.00

25

10

5

Inagh Development Company Ltd. / NCIP Inagh Development Company Ltd

CB

Current

Approved

28,575.00

0

20

42

633

557

660

Key:

CB: 1 Community Based Provider.

SE: Private Provider.

Approved (Indicatively): Application approved in principle but yet to complete pre-contract process.

Sessional: A place available up to and including 3.5 hours per day.

Part-time: 1 A place available from 3 hours 31 minutes up to and including 5 hours per day.

Full-time: A place available for more than 5 hours per day in a facility notified as full-time by the HSE.

Medical Cards.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

245 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of a medical card for persons (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41172/08]

As the Health Service Executive has the operational and funding responsibility for the medical card benefit, 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.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

246 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money paid to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41183/08]

The information requested is set out in the following document, a copy of which has issued directly to the Deputy.

2000

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

1

Alpha Consulting

Review of the Organisational Structures of the ERHA

7,682.00

2

Anne Colgan and Associates

Consultation Process for the National Children’s Strategy

54,734.00

3

Astutec

Consultancy on best management practices for IT maintenance and support contracts

16,593.00

4

Carr Communications

Alcohol Awareness Campaign (2000-2003)

470,100.00

5

DCU and University of Leeds

Report Nurses’ and Midwives Understanding and Experiences of Empowerment in Ireland. Report Empowerment Narratives. Final Report of the Empowerment of Nurses and Midwives Steering Group: An Agenda for Change

23,320.00

6

Deloitte and Touche

Value for Money Audit of the Health Services

616,035.00

7

Department of Nursing Studies University College Cork — National University of Ireland Cork

National Study of Turnover in Nursing and Midwifery

70,000.00

8

Dillon Consultants

Sexual Health Awareness Campaign

165,000.00

9

Dr Mary Codd

Acute Hospital Bed Capacity Review

268,470.00

10

Dr Peter Bacon & Associates

Preparation of a report on the current and future supply and demand conditions in the labour market for physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists

38,092.00

11

ESRI

Critique of earlier Health Strategy “Shaping a Healthier Future”

21,469.00

12

Grayling Gilmore

PR services + project management on National Awareness Campaigns (2000-2002)

94,500.00

13

Information Consultants Pty

FOI Training

2,327.00

14

Institute of Public Administration

Consultancy assistance for work plan of newly established change management team

19,390.00

15

IPA/RCSI

Consumer Survey of Radiotherapy services in Ireland

21,707.00

16

Joint North South Project

All Ireland Public Health and Nursing Steering Group — A Nursing Vision of Public Health. From Vision to Action. Strengthening the Nursing Contribution to Public Health. Nursing for Public Health: Realising the Vision

27,027.00

17

Marsh Ireland Ltd

Review of Professor Bonner’s Report on Births in Portiuncula Hospital

1,921.00

18

Mercer Consultants

Development of a high level strategic HR policy for the Department.

11,350.00

19

Maureen Lynott

Review of the Organisation and Management of “An Board Uchtála”

20,895.00

20

National Nutrition Surveillance Centre

Providing DoHC with an independent source of data, information and advice relating to nutrition and health.

342,000.00

21

Prospectus

Introduction of Business Planning in DOHC

15,212.00

2000 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

22

Public Communication Centre

Heart Health Awareness Raising Activities (2000)

70,000.00

23

QMP Publicis

Advertising services: National Awareness Campaign on Smoking (2000-2002)

735,438.00

24

RGC Technologies

Research and production of specification for delivery of NDP management computer software application.

24,242.00

25

Siobhan Parkinson

Writing of children’s version of the National Children’s Strategy

6,349.00

26

System Dynamics

Consultancy for the Information Management Unit to provide a strategy for data management

35,489.00

27

Walsh Public Relations

Launch and publicity for the National Children’s Strategy

16,110.00

28

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

Feasibility Study relating to implementation of Case-Mix based Risk Equalisation.

173,456.00

29

Institute of Public Health

Report of the Working Group on National Anti-Poverty Strategy and Health (including research, extensive public consultation and publication)

190,000.00

Total

3,558,908.00

2001

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

1

Arcline Ltd.

RMU: Records Management consultancy

13,440.00

2

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

Provision of consultancy support in relation to the appraisal of international health information/ICT framework strategies in the context of the development of the National Health Information Strategy

50,128.00

3

Carr Communications Ltd.

Promotion and launch of National Health Strategy

100,724.00

4

Centre for Social and Educational Research

Evaluation of the Teen Parents Support Initiative. Final Evaluation Report of the Teen Parents Support Initiative. Policy Paper 1: ‘The Invisible Student’ Young Parents in Education’. Policy Paper 2: ‘I Hadn’t A Penny’. A Review of State Income Supports Available to Young Parents. Cost of Consultancy on database for extracting files to aid research

43,126.00

5

Children’s Research Centre

The Educational and Social Support Experiences of Young People in Long-Term Foster Care

96,000.00

6

Circa Healthcare Consulting

Provision of medical indemnity advice, provision of Clinical Indemnity Scheme Helpline on behalf of State Claims Agency, STARS implementation, negotiations with MDU

952,439.00

2001 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

7

Colgan & Associates

Designing, planning, implementing and reporting on the external consultation programme in the preparation of the 2001 Health Strategy

124,980.00

8

Community & Voluntary Pillar

Consultation on Health Strategy

8,740.00

9

Corporate Graphics

Design work for suite of Health Strategy documents and related materials

102,440.00

10

Davy Corporate Finance Ltd / William Fry Solicitors

Report on the Strategic Options for the Voluntary Health Insurance Board

553,493.00

11

Department of Public Health Medicine UCD

Consultancy support in relation to international approaches to the collection and analyses of health information in the context of the development of the National Health Information Strategy

25,192.00

12

European Health Management Association

Input to report on the Regulation of the Practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

6,095.00

13

Information Consultants Pty

FOI Training

2,286.00

14

Institute of Public Administration

Organisation of consultation for DoHC staff on National Health Strategy

8,126.00

15

Institute of Public Administration

Preparation of a report on the Regulation of the Practitioners of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

6,857.00

16

Irish Marketing Surveys Ltd

Market research for the Department on the public’s attitude to health matters

99,040.00

17

IT Force

Information Technology, e-Government Strategy for the Internal Systems and GRO Review

6,909.00

18

IT Force

Information Technology

93,965.00

19

James Doran & Associates Ltd

Consultation with chiropody bodies re membership of committee established to determine criteria to apply to chiropodists wishing to practise in the public health service

6,095.00

20

James Doran and Associates

Working Group on Patient Escorts

15,125.00

21

Jerry O’Dwyer

Preparation of a new Medical Practitioners Act

9,122.00

22

Jonathan Drennan, Med, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Report — National Evaluation of the Role of the Clinical Placement Co-ordinator.

25,359.00

23

Marsh Consulting

Enterprise Liability Project Professional Fees

679,977.00

24

Marsh Ireland Ltd

Review of Potential Liabilities of Portiuncula Hospital

28,188.00

25

Michael Bruton Professional Solutions

Review of Dáil na nÓg 2001

8,533.00

26

Miriam Owens

Forum on Fluoridation

66,928.00

27

Mr Gerry Donnellan

Preparation of the heads of the Health and Social Care Professionals Bill

4,448.00

2001 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

28

Mr Paul Gardiner, Senior Counsel

Report on the steps open to the State to instigate an effective inquiry into the role of the international pharmaceutical companies into the infection with HIV and Hepatitis C of persons with haemophilia.

103,000.00

29

QMP D’Arcy

Forum on Fluoridation

93,829.00

30

Red Dog/Brunswick Press

Design and Printing of Progress report on implementation of the Strategy Statement 1998-2001

22,674.00

31

Seamus O’Hickey

Forum on Fluoridation

514.00

32

Social Information Systems Ltd.

Final Report on Options for System Development and Implementation

74,154.00

33

The Mazars Group

Implementation of new payroll system

102,046.00

34

Walsh Public Relations

PR and event management Dáil na nÓg 2001

19,401.00

Total

3,553,373.00

2002

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

1

Anne Colgan

National Children’s Advisory Council — Facilitation for Young People and Report on Young People’s Participation on the Council

14,509.00

2

Bark

Forum on Fluoridation

4,247.00

3

Brid Mc Grath

Review of the Library and Information service in Department of Health and Children

9,375.00

4

Carr Communications

Advice on the Report of the Independent Review Panel to the Minister for Health and Children concerning the birth of Baby Bronagh Livingstone on 11 December 2002.

3,448.00

5

Carr Communications

Communications Consultancy in respect of BCG vaccine

5,445.00

6

Carr Communications

PR and event management for Dáil na nÓg 2002

23,255.00

7

Carr Communications

Public launch and communication of Forum on Fluoridation Report

16,973.00

8

Carr Communications Ltd.

Communications support in relation to (1) The organisation of the first annual National Consultative Forum in 2002 to report on progress in the implementation of the National Health Strategy, (2) The launch of the Health Service Reform Programme

24,405.00

2002 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

9

Centre for HP Studies, NUI Galway

Develop and rollout NHLS (SLAN) Analysis and publication of data — Phase 2: 2004

860,000.00

10

Children’s Research Centre

Childline Review

45,000.00

11

David Hanly

Chairman — National Task Force on Medical Staffing

211,935.00

12

Dell Computer Corporation

Windows 2000 Upgrade Consultancy

31,006.00

13

Deloitte

The Evaluation of ‘Cancer Services in Ireland’: A National Strategy 1996

106,398.00

14

Deloitte

Review of Governance and Accountability in the General Medical Service

130,584.00

15

Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University College Dublin

Standardised Framework for Domestic Adoption

28,314.00

16

Dr. Daniel O’Hare

Chairing of National Health Strategy Consultative Forum

2,269.00

17

ESRI and RCSI

Scoping Study for a Survey of Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours

20,000.00

18

Farrell — Grant- Sparks

Facilitate Management Advisory Committee in relation to the restructuring of the DOH&C

2,299.00

19

Hosca Consultants

Staff Attitudinal/Climate Survey

22,990.00

20

Indecon International Economic Consultants

Ex-ante Review of Proposed Regulatory Models for the Pharmacy Sector

83,902.00

21

Indecon International Economic Consultants

Ex-post Assessment of the 1996 Pharmacy Regulations

65,400.00

22

Information Consultants Pty

FOI Training

2,500.00

23

KPMG

Review of funding for sheltered workshops- this review arose from the commitment in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to undertake a review of funding of sheltered workshops.

106,840.00

24

Lynne Peyton

National Children’s Advisory Council-Report on the Implementation of Children First and Vetting

9,809.00

25

Madeline Clarke

Consultation on the Development of a Family Support Strategy. Preparatory work prior to the Review of Family Support Services

1,500.00

26

Marcus Geoghegan

Review of Active Directory installation and assistance with implementation of a high end data availability project

2,178.00

27

Marcus Geoghegan

Review of Active Directory installation and assistance with implementation of a high end data availability project

3,146.00

2002 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

28

Maureen Lynott

Report to the Minister for Health and Children: Independent Examination related to the Medical Council and the South Eastern Health Board (Lynott Report — in relation to Dr John Harding-Price)

7,770.00

29

Maureen Lynott

Report of the Independent Review Panel to the Minister for Health and Children concerning the birth of Baby Bronagh Livingstone on 11 December 2002.

7,841.00

30

Mr George Birmingham

Preliminary Inquiry into Handling of Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse relating to the Diocese of Ferns

195,133.00

31

Ms Helen Boyle

Preliminary Inquiry into Handling of Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse relating to the Diocese of Ferns

124,704.00

32

Mr Kevin Bonner

Report of Mr. Kevin Bonner on Monaghan General Hospital

43,584.00

33

Ms Pauline McKeever Conference Organisers Ltd

Assistance with organisation of conference on “What Works Best with Troubled Children”

6,398.00

34

NYCI Marian Brattman

National Children’s Advisory Council — Report on the Voice of the Child

3,200.00

35

Ogilvy/Wilson Hartnell PR

National Drugs Awareness Campaign (2002-2005)

314,200.00

36

Professor Hugh McKenna, Sinead Keeney, and Felicity Hasson, University of Ulster

Evaluation of the Irish National Pilot Programme for the Education of Health Care Assistants.

76,000.00

37

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

Audit of Structures and Functions in the Health System to make recommendations which would ensure clear accountability and communication between each part of the health system, no overlap or duplication between organisations, and a proper alignment of the structure as a whole with the vision and objectives outlined in the National Health Strategy.

533,131.00

38

Research Team, UCD

Paediatric Palliative Care Needs Assessment — ‘A Needs Asessment for Children’

71,943.46

39

Slick Fish Design

Forum on Fluoridation

20,382.45

40

Social Information Systems Ltd.

Report on Social Work Workload Management

30,000.00

41

Western Health Board/NUI Galway Child and Family Research and Policy Unit

A Research Project on the identification, analysis and dissemination of examples of good practice in Child and Family Care Services in the Republic of Ireland resulting in the following publication “Working for Children and Families Exploring Good Practice”

35,186.00

Total

3,307,199.91

2003

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

1

Carr Communications Ltd

Media advice and support for the launch of: (1) Report on the Evaluation of ‘Cancer Services in Ireland’: A National Cancer Strategy 1996. (2) The Report of the Expert Group on the Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland

25,622.00

2

National Youth Council of Ireland

Organisation, Management and Follow-up of Dáil na nÓg 2003

114,884.00

3

Addiction Research Centre, TCD

Literature Review commissioned by the Working Group on treatment of under 18 year olds presenting to treatment services with serious drug problems.

10,249.00

4

Allwrite

Data Sources on Children

4,840.00

5

Anna Gunning

Facilitating Student Council Working Group

700.00

6

Anna Gunning

Management of project on involvement of children in the appointment of the Ombudsman for Children

9,000.00

7

BFHI National Co-ordinator

Contributions to drafting and proofing the Interim Report of the National Committee on Breastfeeding

3,000.00

8

Capita Consulting Ltd.

Review of the Guardian ad Litem Service

96,331.00

9

Carr Communications Ltd.

Consultancy services to provide information to the Public on the SARS alert

23,667.00

10

Corporate Graphics/ Brunswick Press/Lensmen/Mr Sean De Freine

Design, translation and printing of Statement of Strategy 2003 — 2005

17,254.00

11

Deloitte and Touche

Report — Rostered Year Replacement Ratio Project (Nursing Degree Students)

133,161.00

12

Deloitte and Touche

The engagement of professional business consultancy to provide assistance in respect of two project headings: Review of internal controls in the Department of Health and Children with a view to implementing the recommendations of the Mullarkey Report; and consultancy assistance with respect to the structure of the Management Information Framework (MIF) in the Department.

70,731.00

13

Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University College Dublin

Standardised Framework for Domestic Adoption

47,976.00

14

Dr Hannah McGee, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland

Survey and report on “Public Perceptions of Biomedical Research”

120,000.00

2003 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

15

Dr J R Pinkerton, School of Social Work, Queens University, Belfast

The following piece of work was commissioned in order to provide a knowledge based working definition of family support to help in the work of the Review: Family Support in Ireland Definition and Strategic Intent — A Paper for the Department of Health and Children

7,074.00

16

Dr Ursula Kilkenny, Faculty of Law, U.C.C

Guide to the Children Act 2001

10,029.00

17

Gibney Communications

Public Relations- Hanly Report

39,840.00

18

Grayling Gilmore

PR services and project management on National Awareness Campaigns (2003-2005)

893,000.00

19

Information Consultants Pty

FOI Training

3,750.00

20

Institute of Public Administration

To report on regulation issues

10,000.00

21

Irish Heart Foundation

To provide assistance and advice to the Department of Health and Children on nutrition (2003-2006)

159,000.00

22

ISPCC/CRA

Organisation of involvement of children in the appointment of the Ombudsman for Children

33,690.00

23

Jim Halley Consultants

Adoption Legislation Consultation

26,661.00

24

Mr Geoffrey Shannon

Adoption Legislation Consultation

5,000.00

25

Kieran McKeown Ltd.

Men and Domestic Violence: What research tells us

66,000.00

26

Kieran McKeown et al

This work entailed a detailed review of Family Support Services and was carried out to help map out a national policy and plan for the future development of family support services by the HSE in line with Action 27 of the Health Strategy and is essential to the development of a Family Support Policy. The following research documents resulted from this Review: Promoting the Well-Being of Families and Children: A Study of Family Support Services in the Health Sector in Ireland; A Census of Family Support in Ireland: Results of a Census of Family Support Services which were funded by Health Boards in 2002.

207,869.00

27

Lynne Peyton

National Children’s Advisory Council — Report on Alcohol Use/Misuse by Young People

12,404.00

28

Maria Corbett

Observer/evaluator-Student Council Working Group

600.00

29

Ms Brid McGrath

Review of Library and Information service of DoHC

9,375.00

30

National University of Ireland

Children’s Understanding of Well — Being

16,625.00

2003 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

31

Ovation

Organisation of Pompidou Group Ministerial Conference

5,240.00

32

PMI Software Limited

Project management of software development and cost of INSPIRE Brochure

233,911.00

33

QMP Publicis

Advertising services; National Awareness Campaigns (2003-2005)

1,286,761.00

34

RGC Technologies

Project management of software development and cost of INSPIRE Brochure

96,921.00

35

Siobhan Parkinson

To provide the text for the children’s version of the National Standards for Foster Care

3,300.00

36

Slickfish

Design of the report ‘Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland’

5,717.00

37

Slickfish

Design of the report ‘The Evaluation of Cancer Services in Ireland: A National Strategy 1996’

4,005.00

38

Tony Murphy

Observation/Evaluation of Student Council Working Group

20,873.00

39

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd.

Provision of continuous expert advice and information in relation to the Irish Health Insurance Market, in particular to the maintenance of a community rated market.

348,082.00

Total

4,183,142.00

2004

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

1

Jeremy Neathey

National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland Commissioning Process — International Expertise

26,384.00

2

Anna Gunning

Establishment of Youth Forum and other youth participation projects for the National Children’s Office

49,809.00

3

Business 2 Enterprise

Clean up of HR data before transfer to new system and selection of an interim solution.

12,063.00

4

Capita

Evaluation of Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Register

64,100.00

2004 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

5

Capita

Evaluation of Heartwatch

81,700.00

6

Carmel Corrigan

The Development and Implementation of Child Impact Statements

27,430.00

7

Carr Communications/Irish Advocacy Network

Expert Group on Mental Health Policy (cost of the public consultation process and the publication of two reports on that process)

152,542.00

8

Centre for Social and Educational Research

Play and Technology

49,367.00

9

Children’s Research Centre

The process of Youth Homelessness: A Qualitative Longitudinal Cohort Study

44,505.00

10

Children’s Research Centre TCD

Research on Second Level Student Councils

41,600.00

11

Children’s Research Centre, TCD

To review current practice and methods used to consult with children with disabilities

7,000.00

12

Children’s Rights Alliance

Work on “Young Voices — Guidelines on how to involve children and young people in your work”

17,498.00

13

Cork Institute of Technology

Young People’s Views about Opportunities, Barriers and Supports to Recreation and Leisure in Ireland. Component of the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland

45,325.00

14

David Cawte

Rostering for medical staff as part of preparations for the implementation of the European Working Time Directive

7,987.00

15

David Hanly

Chairman — Acute Hospital Review Group

40,580.00

16

Department of Social Studies (Trinity College)

Research project on integration of health and social services

6,050.00

17

Dr Fiona Keogh

Project worker for the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

62,341.00

18

Dr. Satya Brink

National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland Commissioning Process — International Expertise

24,775.00

19

Dublin City University

Giving Children a Voice

27,294.00

20

Eamon O’Shea, UCG

Consultancy work for the Working Group on the Review of the Nursing Home Subvention Scheme

1,300.00

2004 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

21

First Impression

Design and printing of Departmental Annual Report 2003

20,700.00

22

Hay Group (Ireland Limited)

Consultancy Services re organisation and design of restructured department

49,247.00

23

Hay Group Ltd

Personnel Management — Workshop on Performance-Related Awards for CEOs of Health Boards — 22 January 2004

2,662.00

24

Mercer HR

Health Insurance Actuarial and Related Advice

88,118.49

25

Lynne Peyton

National Children’s Advisory Council — End of Term Report

3,713.00

26

McGrath Associates

Consultancy for Health Service Reform Programme National Steering Committee (including sub-group on devolution of functions)

30,885.00

27

Mr George Nixon, Nixon Consulting

To prepare and facilitate a workshop on clinical placements in OT, Physiotherapy and SLT

2,437.00

28

Mr John Travers

Report on DoHC and Long Stay Charges

93,150.00

29

Mr Michael Bruton, Professional Solutions Ltd

To produce a study on Clinical Placements in OT, Physiotherapy and SLT

4,719.00

30

Murray Consultants

Public Relations — Hanly Report

75,456.00

31

National Youth Council of Ireland

Organisation,Management and Follow up of Dáil na nÓg 2005

142,131.00

32

PMI Software Limited

Hosting of INSPIRE

9,438.00

33

Professor Ann Sanson

National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland Commissioning Process — International Expertise

17,596.00

34

Programme of Action for Children

Kidscreen

49,215.00

35

Purchasing Solutions

National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland Commissioning Process — Process Auditor

28,137.00

36

PWC

Specification of tender for due diligence examination of MDU

25,844.00

37

Quantum EMB

Provision of actuarial advice

226,537.00

38

RGC Technologies

Administration Contract to assess co-ordinate, assign and resolve help desk queries in relation to INSPIRE

3,630.00

2004 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

39

Secta Consulting Ltd.

Development of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Strategy for Primary Care. This work involved determining at a strategic level, the nature of the ICT systems which would be required in order to support and facilitate the delivery of integrated multi-disciplinary primary care.

44,287.00

40

Slattery Communications

Consultancy services in respect of the UN Day for Older People on 1st October 2004.

16,455.00

41

Social Information Systems Ltd.

Project management of social work workload pilots

90,127.00

42

Sopra, Newell& Budge formerly Celare

Security advice and assistance

40,177.00

43

Tillinghast Towers Perrin

Specification of tender for due diligence examination of MDU

15,488.00

44

Tony Murphy

Review of the Structures and support needs of Comhairle na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg

26,611.00

45

University College Cork

The Voice of the Child Within the Health Setting

49,118.00

46

University College Dublin

A Feasibility Study of the Inclusion of Blood and Tissue Data as a Component of the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland

75,504.00

47

Waterford Institute of Technology

Investigating the Impact on Children of Witnessing Domestic Violence:Nature and Adequacy of Child-Centred Services

46,518.00

48

The Children’s Research Centre, University of Dublin, Trinity College

Inter-country Adoption Research Project

231,290.50

Total

2,298,840.99

2005

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

1

Carr Communications

Media Advisor — [Launch of the Report of the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction]

5,515.00

2

Catalysto

Design and printing of Strategy Statement

18,310.00

3

Business 2 Enterprise

Clean up of HR data before transfer to new system and selection of an interim solution.

44,881.00

4

Curriculum Development Unit of City of Dublin VEC

Development of a teaching/learning resource on giving children and young people a voice

154,000.00

5

Dr Eilish Mc Auliffe

Facilitation of regional input workshops and the production of a feedback Report on the implementation of a Statutory Complaints Process under Part 9 of the Health Act, 2004.

16,750.00

6

Dr. John Bowman

Work in relation to the organisation (including the chairing) of the National Health Consultative Forum 2005

6,050.00

7

Eneclann Ltd

RMU: Evaluation of CRAFTS

2,856.00

8

First Impression

Design and printing of Departmental Annual Report 2004

22,480.00

9

First Impression

Design and printing of Quality Customer Service Action Plan 2005-2007

21,800.00

10

Hay Group Ltd

Personnel Management — Job sizing of post of CEO of HIQA

9,680.00

11

Indecon Economic Consultants

Economics Analysis of Childcare Policy Options

101,821.00

12

Information Consultants Pty

FOI Training

2,700.00

13

IPPA and Súgradh

Contract for the establishment and management of the National Play Resource Centre

62,500.00

14

Liz Harper

Evaluation of the work of the Children/Young People’s forum of the OMC

17,740.00

15

Lynne Peyton

National Children’s Advisory Council — Mid Term Review of the National Children’s Strategy

57,500.00

16

Mercer HR

Health Insurance Actuarial and Related Advice

83,025.15

2005 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

17

McGrath Associates

Chair of transition steering group

16,335.00

18

Mr David Hanly

Consultancy for Health Service Reform Programme — sub group on devolution of functions

7,260.00

19

Mr David Hanly

Participation of Transition Steering Group

7,260.00

20

Ms. Suzanne Campbell

To undertake a research project to assist the work of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists

19,100.00

21

National Youth Council of Ireland

Organisation, Management and Follow-up of Dáil na nÓg 2006-2008

219,484.00

22

Ovation

Organisation of Traveller Health Conference

4,810.00

23

PBAS

Review of catering facilities at Department’s headquarters

5,140.00

24

Pricewaterhouse

Implementation of a risk management programme

45,746.00

25

Prospectus

Consultancy to provide advice on the criteria and conditions relevant to the development of private hospitals on public hospital sites

29,403.00

26

Renaissance Contingency Services

Business Continuity — Technology Recovery Planning

31,702.00

27

S McGrory & H Newman, c/o Health Promotion, Training & Support Services

Review of existing Health Promotion Training and Identification of Future Needs

36,379.00

28

Peter Cassells Consultants Ltd

Chairing Sustaining Progress Working Group on Alcohol Misuse

9,075.00

29

Rita Burtenshaw & Associates

Report from the Evaluation of the National Health Promotion Information Project

13,600.00

30

Sandra Roe

Analysis of Responses to Public Consultation on the Development of a Recreation Policy for Young People in Ireland and to produce a report on the outcome of the Public Consultation

26,600.00

Total

1,099,502.15

2006

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

1

Byrne Safety Services

To provide advice and assistance in the drafting of a Health and Safety Statement for the GRO

800.00

2

Business 2 Enterprise

Clean up of HR data for before transfer to new system and selection of an interim solution.

62,920.00

3

Catalysto

Design and printing of HR Handbook

18,704.00

4

Catalysto

Design and Translation of Annual Report 2005

16,507.00

5

Children’s Research Centre, TCD

Research commissioned on: A Follow up Study on the Educational and Social Support Experiences of Young People in Long Term Foster Care

14,250.00

6

Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland

Keynote speaker for the National Health Consultative Forum 2006

31,142.00

7

Dr Helen Buckley

Advise on Child Welfare and Protection issues

5,400.00

8

Dr. John Bowman

Work in relation to the organisation (including the chairing) of the National Health Consultative Forum 2006

6,050.00

9

Dublin Institute of Technology

Research commissioned on:Services and Supports for Children on Remand in Ireland

29,787.00

10

Farrell Grant Sparks/Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College

National Children’s Advisory Council-Research Report on Youth Volunteering in Ireland

47,389.00

11

Fitzpatricks Associates Economic Consultants

Value for Money Review of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006

45,665.40

12

Information Consultants Pty

FOI Training

2,700.00

13

Mercer HR

Health Insurance Actuarial and Related Advice

176,939.21

14

Maire Ni Shuilleabháin

Drafting of Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations

425.00

15

Máire Ni Shuilleabhain

Drafting of European Communities (Control of Drug Precursors) Regulations 2005

3,910.00

16

National Youth Council of Ireland

Consultation with young people on the issues to be considered by the Minister for Children when examining the age of consent for sexual activity

61,498.00

17

Prof John Pinkerton

To develop a National Children’s Policy for the OMC .

3,750.00

2006 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

18

Professor Jonathan Bradshaw, University of York

Evaluation by an international panel of experts of applications for funding under the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme for Children

3,637.00

19

Professor Marjorie Smith, University of London

Evaluation by an international panel of experts of applications for funding under the Prevention and Early Intervention Programme for Children

4,223.00

20

RCSI Consortium

National Health and Lifestyle Survey — Slán 06

847,568.00

21

School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College Dublin

Research Commissioned on: A Study of Parent-Child Agreements and Arrangements based on Court Records

9,268.00

22

Slickfish

Design of ‘A Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland 2006’

3,165.00

23

The Centre for Bioethical Research and Analysis(COBRA), National University of Ireland, Galway

Research commissioned on:Ethics Committees and Ethics Approval for Children’s Research in Ireland

14,389.00

24

The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin

Research Commissioned on: Child Protection Services in Ireland: An Evaluation

19,348.00

25

The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin

Research commissioned on: Perspectives on Parenting Styles and Discipline

6,800.00

26

The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College Dublin

Research commissioned on:Public Library Services for Children and Young People in Ireland

22,746.00

27

Unique Group

Event management services for holding of National Health Consultative Forum

51,072.00

28

University College Cork

Attitudes towards Removable Partial Dentures — a comparative study of patients and dentists in the North and South of Ireland

48,400.00

29

William Fry Solicitors

To provide legal services to the Oversight Committee. (This Committee was appointed by the Tánaiste to provide an independent input into the repayments scheme for long stay charges)

50,802.00

Total

1,609,254.61

2007

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

1

Childrens Research Centre, Trinity College

A Study of Intercountry Adoption Outcomes in Ireland.

188,194.00

2

Collier Broderick Management Consultation Ltd

Engaged to carry out analysis of staff survey 2007 and report on the findings.

10,000.00

3

Life Strategies Ltd

Provision of Financial and Legal Advice

203,250.00

4

Mercer HR

Health Insurance Actuarial and Related Advice

109,936.57

5

School of Public Health and Population Science, UCD

To conduct an All-Ireland Traveller Health Study.

349,000.00

6

Carr Communications

To develop and implement a communications strategy for the announcement of a new initiative on Long Term Care for Older People.

48,400 (incl. VAT)

7

Colm Rapple, Economist and financial journalist.

To facilitate a one-day round table meeting on the financial abuse of older people.

3,000.00

8

Peter Cassells Consultants Ltd

Chairing Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body

18,150.00

9

Peter Cassells Consultants Ltd.

Chairing Sustaining Progress Implementation Group on Alcohol Misuse

18,150.00

10

Dr Mark Morgan

To complete the Irish portion of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD)

48,400.00

11

SLAN 07 Consortium

To undertake National Health and Lifestyle Survey (SLAN 07)

755,233.00

12

NUI, Galway

To undertake Health Behaviours of School-Aged Children (HBSC) Study

91,299.50

13

Independent Review Group

Independent Clinical Review of Symptomatic Breast Care Services at Barrington’s Hospital, Limerick

137,474.48 between Sept 2007 and March 2008

14

Dublin Institute of Technology

Research commissioned on : The Physical Chastisement of Children by Parents

76,033.98

15

The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College

Research commissioned on: A follow up study on the educational and Social Support experiences of Young People in Long Term Foster Care

19,000.00

16

The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College

Research commissioned on: Public Library Services for Children and Young People in Ireland

34,118.40

17

The Centre for Bioethical Research and Analysis (COBRA), National University of Ireland, Galway

Research commissioned on: Ethics Committees and Ethics Approval for Children’s Research in Ireland

21,583.80

2007 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

18

School of Social Work and Social Policy, Trinity College

Research commissioned on: A Study of Parent-Child Agreements and Arrangements based on Court Records

21,626.00

19

The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College

Research commissioned on: Child Protection Services in Ireland: An Evaluation

45,145.00

20

Dublin Institute of Technology

Research commissioned on: Services and Supports for Children on Remand in Ireland

29,986.67

21

The School of Psychology and The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity Collegeand The Dublin Institute of Technology

Research commissioned on : Children’s Perspectives on Parenting Styles and Discipline

10,200.00

22

Economic and Social Research Instituteand Children’s Research CentreTrinity College

Research Commissioned on : National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI)

4,825,290.21

23

Dr. Satya Brink,DirectorHuman Resources Development Canada

International expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland Steering Group

12,496.10

24

Professor Ann SansonNetwork CoordinatorAustralian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, Melbourne

International expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland Steering Group

6,220.26

25

Child and Family Research Centre, NUIG

Report on Youth Café Provision

31,511.42

26

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

Provision of Change Management Support for the National Children’s Strategy Implementation Group and Children’s Services Committees.

57,500.00

27

Cnag ar an Doras Consultancy and Life Coaching

Service to evaluate and facilitate the Children and Young People’s Forum

12,152.00

28

Cnag ar an Doras Consultancy and Life Coaching

Project management of consultations on alcohol misuse including preparation of the report.

30,093.00

29

Cnag ar an Doras Consultancy and Life Coaching

Evaluate the Comhairle na nOG Development Fund programmes and submit periodic reports to OMC Communications and Participation Team Management.

9,680.00

30

Liz Harper

Evaluation of Children and Young People’s Forum 2005 — 2007.

12,000.00

31

Liz Harper

Evaluation of Dáil na nÓg Council.

5,000.00

2007 —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expenditure (incl VAT)

32

National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI)

Service to manage operate and develop Dáil na nÓg and Dáil na nÓg Council including report of event.

311,173.00

33

IPPA

To operate and manage the National Play Resource Centre

72,734.58

34

Professor John Pinkerton, Queens University BelfastDr Pat Dolan, Dr John Canavan, NUI Galway

The consultants were requested to produce a concise and clear children’s policy for the Office of the Minister for Children — The Agenda for Children’s Services

11,946.00

35

Dr Helen Buckley, Dept. of Social Studies, TCD

Dr Buckley was engaged by the OMC in 2006 to provide ongoing advice relating to child protection issues

1,500.00

36

Fitzpatricks Associates, Economic Consultants

Value for Money Review of the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme

30,443.00

37

Raymond Burke Consulting

Quality Assessment of the Value for Money Review

2,995.00

38

Teri Garvey

Facilitator engaged to manage work days for complementary therapist organisations and to produce a short report for the Department

14,000.00

39

Bearing Point

Ongoing assistance to Department with operational services of the CMOD PeopleSoft HRMS system

26,252.00

40

Halley and Associates

Provision of Management, Training and Mentoring Services

53,671.63

Total

7,764,839.53

2008*

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expected Cost in 2008

1

Mercer HR

Actuarial Advisory Services/Health Insurance

250,000.00

2

School of Public Health and Population Science, UCD

Travellers Health Study

593,000.00

3

Dr Mark Morgan

European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD)

24,151.00

4

Mr Peter Cassells Consulting Ltd

Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body

18,150.00

5

Accenture

Knowledge Strategy on Children’s Services

84,700.00

6

Tom Considine

Study on HSE Accounting Practices — Tom Considine

54,450.00

7

Tender process underway

Review of the Nursing Degree Programme

Nil

8

Professor Brendan McCormack

Review and Analysis of Initiatives and Literature in relation to Practice Development in the Irish Healthcare setting

15,000.00

9

National University of Ireland

Children as Carers — A study of the extent to which children undertake inappropriate care roles

43,390.00

10

Tender process underway

Evaluation of Home Care Packages

Nil

11

PA Consulting Group

Analysis for Regulatory impact Assessment on Nursing Home Standards

80,000.00

12

Collier Broderick Management Consultants

External Stakeholders Survey, 2008

24,199.50

13

Dublin Institute of Technology

Research commissioned on: the Physical chastisement of children by parents

50,689.00

14

The Children’s Research Centre, Trinity College, Dublin

Research commissioned on: A follow up study on the educational and social support experiences of young people in long term foster care

14,250.00

15

Economic and Social Research Institute

Research commissioned on: National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI)

5,109,227.00

*Information relating to 2008 is the expected spend in each consultancy for this year, based on figures supplied up to the end of September, 2008.

2008* —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expected Cost in 2008

16

Dr Satya Brink, HR Development Canada

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI)

Value of contract is fixed at a per diem rate and overall cost is dependent on the extent of the service requested and provided

17

Professor Ann Sanson, Network coordinator, Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth, Melbourne

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI)

Value of contract is fixed at a per diem rate and overall cost is dependent on the extent of the service requested and provided

18

Mr Jeremy Neathey, Associate Director of Research Economic and Social Research Council, UK

International Expertise provided to the National Longitudinal Study of Children in Ireland (NLSCI)

Value of contract is fixed at a per diem rate and overall cost is dependent on the extent of the service requested and provided

19

Child and Family Research Centre, NUIG

Report on Youth Café Provision

26,043.00

20

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

Provision of Change Management Support for the National Childrens Strategy Implementation group and Children’s Services Committees

86,250.00

21

Cnag ar an doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

Service to evaluate and facilitate the Children and Young Peoples Forum. Reports of evaluation submitted to OMC Communications and Participation Team Management

12,804.00

22

Cnag ar an doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

Service to evaluate OMCYA Inclusion Programme to include provision of reports

15,307.00

23

Cnag ar an doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

Project Management of consultation on teenage mental health issues including preparation of report

36,935.00

24

Cnag ar an doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

Evaluate the Development Fund programmes and submit periodic reports to OMC Communications

19,602.00

25

Liz Harper

Evaluation of Dail na nOg Council

€7,500 estimated expected amount in 2008 (incl. €3,250 paid to date)

*Information relating to 2008 is the expected spend in each consultancy for this year, based on figures supplied up to the end of September, 2008.

2008* —continued

Count

Consultant

Contract Details

Expected Cost in 2008

26

Liz Harper

Facilitation of OMC Inclusion Programme.

€6,000 to date in 2008

27

National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI)

Service to manage, operate and develop Dail na nOg and Dail na nOg Council incl. report of event

€363,513 total expected amount to spend in 2008 (incl. of €101,173 paid to date in 2008)

28

IPPA

To operate and manage the National Play Resource Centre

116,666.00

29

Anna Gunning

Facilitation at OMCYA Children and Young Peoples Forum

500.00

30

Bearing Point

Ongoing assistance to Department with operational services of the SMOD PeopleSoft HRMS system

25,628.32

31

Halley and Associates

Provision of Management Support, Training, Facilitation and Mentoring Services

12,750.00

32

Queen’s University, Belfast

Economic analysis in the context of developing a National Oral Health Policy

25,000.00

33

Tender process to commence shortly

ICT analysis of DTBS and DTSS systems in the context of developing a National Oral Health Policy

15,000.00

34

York Health Economics Consortium

Commission to establish a 35 hour week for nurses and midwives

137,895.00

Total

7,268,600.00

*Information relating to 2008 is the expected spend in each consultancy for this year, based on figures supplied up to the end of September, 2008.

Mental Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

247 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if moneys raised from the sale of psychiatric hospital buildings and lands are being ring-fenced for the development of mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41202/08]

James Reilly

Question:

248 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details of the sale of psychiatric hospital buildings and lands for each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; the moneys raised from the sale of these assets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41203/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.

‘A Vision for Change', the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy has been accepted by Government as the basis for the future development of our mental health services. The Report recommends inter alia that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented and that the resources released by these closures should be protected for reinvestment in the mental health service. It is understood that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has disposed of a small number of assets since the launch of the Report in January 2006.

As the HSE has primary responsibility for implementing this recommendation, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. Therefore, 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 Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

249 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid in annual pension and retirement lump sum to each retiring member of staff in her Department over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41210/08]

Under the terms of the Civil Service Pension Schemes, all retiring Civil Servants are normally entitled to an annual pension and a retirement lump sum based on the final salary and years of service. The pension arrangements, including calculations and payment of same, are a matter for the Department of Finance. The provision of the information requested by the Deputy could lead to the identification of particular individuals as defined within the context of the Data Protection Acts. Accordingly, the amounts granted to staff retiring from my Department under these entitlements in each of the past three years are detailed in the following table.

Year

Number of Staff

Annual Pension Paid at Retirement

Gross Lump Sum Paid at Retirement

Total

2006

11

270,550.23

858,237.29

1,128,787.52

2007

9

208,799.50

643,939.49

852,711.99

2008 to date

5

220,698.87

680,583.47

901,282.34

Vaccination Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

250 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will reconsider her decision to postpone the introduction of vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer in view of the fact that the amount of funding involved is relatively small in comparison to the potential benefits of that amount of expenditure having particular regard to the annual number of incidents of cervical cancer ending in death in many cases; if her attention has been drawn to the dismay, anxiety and erosion of confidence that her actions to defer the treatment has caused; if she will seek advice from health professionals with a view to allowing the scheme to proceed as planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41644/08]

Because of the need to prioritise the use of public resources in very challenging economic circumstances, I have had to make difficult decisions in the context of competing health priorities. In relation to cervical cancer specifically, my immediate responsibility is to women in Ireland who have already been exposed to HPV and who may already have precancerous changes or undetected cervical cancer. Vaccination is a long term investment which will only be offset by improved health outcomes and treatment savings in 15 to 30 years in the future. All of the clinical advice available to me suggests that investment in the national roll-out of the cervical screening programme should be my number one priority. The National Cervical Screening Programme, CervicalCheck is being fully implemented this year at a full year cost of €35m.

I am fully committed to keeping the introduction of a HPV vaccination programme under active review in future funding decisions as we proceed to implement the National Cancer Programme.

HIV Infection.

David Stanton

Question:

251 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 302 of 2 April 2008 if the three sub-reports from the Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships which was compromised by her Department and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency have been published; if so the main findings and the actions she will take as a result; the numbers of new cases of HIV reported in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41658/08]

The following three sub-reports of the Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships were published on the 11 April 2008:

1. Sub Report One: Learning about sex and first sexual experiences;

2. Sub Report Two: Sexual health challenges and related service provision;

3. Sub Report Three: Sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviours-a further analysis.

The reports provide a very detailed analysis of the research data, including the following findings:

Nearly one third of men and a fifth of women, aged 18 to 24, had sex before they were 17: these young people were more likely to report that they regretted this decision when compared to those who waited until they were older.

Men and women who may have left school early were more likely to experience first sex before age 17. Men with secondary-level qualifications are three times more likely than those with a third-level qualification to report experience of first sex before age 17.

There were no differences in use of alcohol or drugs between those who had sex before 17 and those who had sex after 17.

Those who had sex before 17 were approximately half as likely to use contraception at first sex, compared to those waited until they were older.

The findings of the reports have been used to inform policy development and service delivery within the Department of Health and Children, the Health Service Executive and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency, as follows:

In June of this year the Department of Health and Children and the Education and Prevention Sub-Committee of the National Aids Strategy Committee published a HIV and AIDS Education and Prevention Plan for the period 2008-2012.

The Crisis Pregnancy Agency is currently devising a campaign targeting young people with a central theme of delaying first sex. This campaign will build on the extensive work programme of the Crisis Pregnancy Agency in this area and will be launched in 2009.

Finally, 362 new HIV infections were diagnosed during 2007 and reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

Driving Schools.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

252 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if regulations exist to control the use of residential estates by driving schools to instruct drivers especially drivers of HGVs; the limitations that apply to noise levels and times in regard to such activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40758/08]

There are no prohibitions or restrictions applied under road traffic legislation relating to where vehicles may be used in the course of driving instruction.

Permissible sound levels and exhaust systems for motor vehicles are set out in Directive 70/157/EEC, as amended, in relation to the registration and entry into service of new motor vehicles in the European Union.

Vehicle in-service standards are specified in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 which require vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device to reduce to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine. Article 85 of these Regulations prohibits the use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise.

Harbours and Piers.

Martin Ferris

Question:

253 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Transport the status of implementing the aspect of the ports policy statement regarding transfer of harbours, particularly Arklow Harbour, to the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40856/08]

There are nine regional harbours, which are State assets managed under the Harbours Act 1946 by a harbour authority composed of commissioners whose duties include the management, control, maintenance and operation of the harbour.

Policy in relation to the regional harbours, as published in the Ports Policy Statement in 2005, is that their continued operation under the outdated provisions of the Harbours Act 1946 is unsustainable on the grounds of good governance and that most of these harbours would best achieve their potential through their transfer to local authority ownership. Where it is not possible to reach agreement on transfer to local authorities, the option of sale of the harbours will be considered. In harbours where significant commercial traffic exists, consideration will be given to bringing such harbours under the control of a port company.

Four harbour authorities (Annagassan, Dingle, Sligo and River Moy) have already ceased to exist in accordance with the above policy and the harbours concerned have been transferred to relevant local authorities. In addition, Dingle has been designated as a Fisheries Harbour Centre.

For over three years now, my Department has been funding remedial works at the regional harbours, including Arklow, at an average cost of approximately €4m per annum pending the transfer of the harbours to local control.

As there is no longer any significant commercial traffic at Arklow Harbour, it is scheduled for transfer to local authority control in due course.

Rural Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the number and location of rural transport initiatives assisted by his Department; his plans for further expansion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41218/08]

Pobal administers the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) on behalf of my Department and is working with 37 individual rural transport groups around the country to expand it on a phased basis in response to local public transport service needs and having regard to the availability of resources. A list of RTP groups is available on the Pobal website at www.pobal.ie.

The RTP is being expanded with a goal of achieving nation-wide coverage in due course in line with Government policy. It is planned that by end-2008, RTP groups will be operational in every county and will be working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas.

Noise Pollution.

Phil Hogan

Question:

255 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport his responsibilities under section 77 of the Roads Act 1993; if this section has been superseded by the Environment Noise Regulations 2006; if so, the powers and responsibilities he has to require road authorities of the National Roads Authority to carry out works or take such other measures as are necessary to mitigate the effects of road traffic noise in respect of such types of public road constructed or improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40583/08]

The position is that no regulations have been made under Section 77 of the Roads Act 1993 in relation to road traffic noise. This provision of the 1993 Act has effectively been replaced by the Environmental Noise Regulations 2006, which were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government giving effect to EU Directive 2002/49/EC. Under the Regulations, noise mapping and action planning in relation to noise generated by roads is a matter for local authorities.

I understand that the Environmental Protection Agency is the designated national authority and that it exercises general supervision over local authorities in the performance of their functions under the 2006 Regulations.

Rail Network.

Joan Burton

Question:

256 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport if he expects the Dunboyne commuter rail line to open in early, mid or late 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40606/08]

I understand from Iarnród Éireann that they intend to open the Dunboyne rail line in mid 2010.

Road Signage.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

257 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the regulations governing the use of Irish in road signs; if he will review the road signage guidelines to give parity to the Irish and English languages on road signage here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40721/08]

The Minister for Transport may, under section 95 of the Road Traffic Act 1961, give general or particular directions to the road authorities in relation to traffic signs.

Directions are contained in the manual "Traffic Signs Manual 1996" in relation to the use of Irish and English on traffic signs. I am satisfied with these directions and I do not intend to make any amendment.

Road Network.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

258 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of revenue which is expected to be generated from road tolling over the next five years; the amount that will accrue to the State from road tolling schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40722/08]

Issues relating to tolls on national roads are in the first instance a matter for the NRA. 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 NRA under Part V of the Roads Act, 1993 (as amended by the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Roads Act 2007).

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

259 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the progress made as part of the national transport policy in implementing the sustainable rail and coach based transport system within the proposed Meath master plan which modifies the M3 project and which will reduce CO2 emissions and significantly improve quality of life for people in County Meath, particularly in view of the recent Environmental Protection Agency warning that based on current policy, the transport sector’s contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions total here is expected to rise to 22% by 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40755/08]

I am aware of the privately produced document to which the Deputy refers. All such documents are, of course, considered in the development of transport proposals.

In the Meath and surrounding areas, Transport 21, the Government's ten-year financial framework for investment in transport infrastructure, provides for a number of important projects, including the M3 and the Navan rail line, which will enhance the public transport options for people travelling to or from the county.

The M3 motorway from Clonee to North of Kells is currently under construction and due for completion in 2010. Construction of phase one of the Navan rail line from Clonsilla to Pace is now underway and has a target completion date of 2010 also. Iarnród Éireann is currently studying route options in respect of the second phase which will extend the line from Pace to Navan.

My Department is also in the process of completing a Sustainable Transport and Travel Action Plan that will, among other things, address the measures necessary to reduce carbon emissions in the transport sector.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

260 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Transport the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40878/08]

The benchmarking process agreed under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness in 2000 provides for public service jobs to be compared with their counterparts in the private sector. The process would take account of the level of services offered to the general public which have improved as a consequence of the public service modernisation programme.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

261 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long-term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41076/08]

The average number of sick days taken by staff in my Department over the last 3 years is as follows: 2006 — 15 days; 2007 — 22 days; 2008 (to date) — 9 days.

Excluding long-term illness, the figures read as follows: 2006 — 11 days; 2007 — 14 days; 2008 (to date) — 7 days.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

262 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41187/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Garda Equipment.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

263 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the operational capabilities of each of the different types of fixed and mobile speed cameras that are in use by An Garda Síochána; if the LTI 20-20 Ultralyte speed guns can be used in wet or other inclement weather; if he is reviewing the operation of this specific type of speed gun; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40611/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all fixed and mobile speed cameras operated by An Garda Síochána can be used in wet and inclement weather. In severe rainfall, heavy fog or snow, when visibility is poor, the operating range may be reduced.

I am also informed that when the LTI 20-20 Ultralyte handheld speed detection device is being used offending motorists must be stopped by the detecting Garda as this device does not capture or retain an image of offending vehicles. In severe weather conditions operation of this speed detection device may not be safe for Garda personnel and motorists because of the extended vehicle stopping distances necessary due to road conditions associated with severe rainfall, heavy fog or snow.

Citizenship Applications.

Tom Hayes

Question:

264 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for citizenship on behalf of persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [40626/08]

Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that there is no record of applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question.

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are that the applicant must—

be of full age;

be of good character;

have had a period of one year's continuous residency in the State immediately before the date of the application and, during the eight years immediately preceding that period, have had a total residence in the State amounting to four years;

intend in good faith to continue to reside in the State after naturalisation; and

have made, either before a Judge of the District Court in open court or in such a manner as the Minister, for special reasons allows, a declaration in the prescribed manner, of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State.

In the context of naturalisation, certain periods of residence in the State are excluded. These include—

periods of residence in respect of which an applicant does not have permission to remain in the State;

periods granted for the purposes of study; and

periods granted for the purposes of seeking recognition as a refugee within the meaning of the Refugee Act, 1996.

It is open to the persons concerned to lodge applications for certificates of naturalisation if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory requirements applicable at that time.

Courts Service.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

265 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the improvements in the collection of the fines management system which have taken place since the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report on value for money; the figures quoted by the Comptroller and Auditor General in respect of on-the-spot fines, court proceedings and the percentage of fines collected and cases taken; the comparative figures for 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40653/08]

I am informed that in response to the Comptroller and Auditor General's report the Courts Service has implemented a number of key initiatives which address issues raised in it. These initiatives include the nationwide deployment of the Criminal Case Tracking System (CCTS) to all District Court offices in 2004. This System, which records the history of criminal cases from date of first court hearing to finalisation, facilitates the collection and production of improved management information in relation to the fines process. The Courts Accounting System (CAS), which processes fine receipts, was piloted in 2007, and by end of 2008 it will have been deployed in 28 District Court Offices including all major urban centres. The system will be fully deployed by mid 2009. It provides a facility for payment of fines on line which has proven to be very successful and is increasing compliance.

There have been significant benefits from these two strategic systems, including better management information on the collection of fines, more payment options, including the online payment facility, and more timely issue of fines notices and reminders.

In 2007 the Comptroller and Auditor General issued a follow up report on fines collection and found that the payment rate had increased from 55% to 66%. I am confident that the above initiatives, some of which were not in place at the time of the Comptroller and Auditor General's original report, will further contribute to an increase in the payment rate.

I am further informed that as part of the latest upgrade to the Garda Pulse system applications for summonses by the Gardaí will be electronically routed to CCTS, which will issue summonses and electronically notify the Gardaí through Pulse of the court date and the outcome in due course. This will result in savings to both organisations as well as enhancements to the accuracy of the Garda criminal records system.

The Fixed Charge Processing System (FCPS) now covers the most significant offences in terms of road safety. These include speeding, driving without insurance, non-wearing of safety belts, careless driving and using a mobile phone while driving. In April 2006, the system was integrated with the Pulse system, enabling the linking of offences so that applications for a single summons for a number of offences can be generated. FCPS has significantly enhanced management information and consequently the ability to monitor performance by reference to targets, timeliness and enforcement. Fixed charge notices are being issued in a timely fashion with a file of newly recorded incidents being sent electronically on a daily basis to an external service provider who prints and issues notices the same day. As a result of these developments, monitoring of the operation of FCPS has been much improved, thereby enabling An Garda Síochána to agree efficiency indicator targets including spoilage rates, the timeliness of the issue of notices and follow up to non-payment.

I am also informed that it is intended, following a call for expressions of interest, to outsource the collection of overdue court imposed fines with an option to extend this to fixed charge notices at a later date. A detailed Request for Tender will issue to the candidates shortlisted in the near future.

I intend to seek Government approval for a Fines Bill which will provide for the payment of fines by instalment and an improved means of assessing the capacity of a person to pay a fine. These proposals would result in an increased level of payment of fines.

Gangland Killings.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

266 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the specific Garda resources, legislative and other measures that will be put in place immediately to tackle the gangland crime crisis in Limerick in view of the murder of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40683/08]

The Garda Commissioner has assured me that all resources which are required to bring the investigation into the murder of the person referred to by the Deputy to a successful conclusion are available to it.

Considerable resources within Limerick Garda Division are targeted at intercepting and disrupting the criminal activities of the various crime groupings, with intelligence gathering an essential part of the policing strategies put in place by local Garda management.

The Regional Support Unit commenced operations on 3 September, 2008 in the Limerick Division. When not participating in specific intelligence led operations, the Unit carries out armed patrols in the city and its environs concentrating on targeted areas of the city.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 626 Gardaí are attached to Limerick Division, with 488 or 78% of the Divisional personnel based in the two Garda Districts. In the last year alone, there has been a 12% increase in Garda numbers in Limerick city, and a 40% increase since 2003.

As well as a high and unceasing level of policing activity, community policing is a very important part of the Garda response and such units have been increased in strength in Limerick. Since January 2006, Community Policing Units throughout the city have been increased by two Inspectors, five Sergeants and 60 Gardaí. Community policing plays an important high visibility role in policing all areas of the city, including the areas where those suspected of involvement in criminal activity reside.

All available resources within Limerick City, supplemented by personnel and expert support from the units within National Support Services including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau, are being utilised to target organised crime groups and in particular the investigation into the murder referred to. The Emergency Response Unit has also been deployed to Limerick Division.

The work of An Garda Síochána is underpinned by an extensive range of legislation and I would mention specifically in this context the proposals which I am bringing forward in relation to covert surveillance.

Visa Applications.

Pat Breen

Question:

267 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40690/08]

My Department has no record of receipt of correspondence in respect of the person in question. The reference number provided refers only to the person's wife. However, if the Deputy can supply details of the application, or the basis upon which it was made, I will arrange for the relevant officials in my Department to look into the matter.

Inquiries into Garda Activities.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

268 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a report from Coolock Garda station has not been submitted to the Criminal Injuries Office in respect of an incident that took place on 14 January 2007 (details supplied). [40694/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the report requested by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal was completed and submitted to the Tribunal by the relevant District Officer on 17 October, 2008.

Weapons in Prisons.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

269 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of dangerous weapons seized in prison in each of the past three years and in each prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40723/08]

The information requested is set out in the following table. For the purpose of this question a dangerous weapon has been taken to mean any implement that could inflict harm on another person. In many instances these were "home-made" improvised weapons fashioned from materials such as Perspex, broken crockery, toothbrushes and razor blades.

Prison

2005

2006

2007

Arbour Hill

0

0

0

Castlerea

31

23

41

Cloverhill

Not available

Not available

5

Cork

7

15

21

Dóchas

0

0

0

Limerick

20

24

21

Loughan

0

0

0

Midlands

5

11

6

Mountjoy

Not available

40

96

Portlaoise

6

9

10

Shelton Abbey

0

1

1

St. Patrick’s

120

125

120

Training Unit

0

0

0

Wheatfield

25

29

43

The rise in the number of weapons seized in 2007 can be attributed to:

increased random searching of cells and their occupants;

stricter searching of all persons committed to custody and prisoners returning from court, temporary release, after visits or on receipt of intelligence; and

the use of modern cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult to examine areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, under floor boards and other cavities.

The roll out of enhanced security measures has made it more difficult for prisoners to secrete improvised weapons. Furthermore, prisoners identified as exerting undue influence or pressure over other prisoners receive close and continued attention and targeted searching from the now Operational Support Group units.

I can advise the Deputy that local intelligence indicates that there has been a considerable reduction in the number of improvised weapons now in the possession of prisoners.

Deportation Orders.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

270 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the decision to deport persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40727/08]

The applicant arrived in the State on 24 April 2005 with her three children and claimed asylum. Her application was refused and she was informed of this decision by registered post on 21 March 2006. Deportation orders were made on 26 March, 2008.

The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 22 April 2008 challenging the Deportation orders made in respect of her and her children and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.

Liquor Licensing Laws.

Jack Wall

Question:

271 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a review is to be undertaken in respect of the licensing laws governing off-licences; if the proposal to segregate such premises from the general premises is to be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40750/08]

Section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides for the structural separation of alcohol from other goods in mixed trading premises, e.g. supermarkets and convenience stores. However, during the parliamentary discussions leading up to enactment of the legislation and in response to submissions from organisations representing the mixed trading sector, I gave an undertaking that if the objectives of structural separation could be achieved by means of a voluntary Code of Practice, and provided that implementation of any such Code would be subject to independent audit and verification, I would be prepared to defer implementation of section 9. However, if the process of independent audit and verification indicated that those objectives were not being achieved, I would have no hesitation in commencing section 9.

Details of a Code of Practice and its implementation have been the subject of consultations between the organisations representing the mixed trading sector and both my Department and the Department of Health and Children and I expect to be in a position to announce details of the Code and the arrangements for its implementation in the near future.

Garda Recruitment.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

272 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he proposes to carry out a further recruitment campaign for An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40770/08]

Recruitment will continue in line with Government policy and over the next twelve months some 400 recruits are expected to join An Garda Síochána. Any person wishing to join An Garda Síochána should register their interest with the Public Appointments Service who organise recruitment competitions on behalf of the Commissioner. The Public Appointments Service can be contacted on line at www.publicjobs.ie, by telephone at Lo-Call 1890 — 449999 or by post at Chapter House, Abbey Street, Dublin 1.

Prison Service.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

273 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he plans to carry out a further recruitment campaign for the Irish Prison Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40771/08]

I am glad to inform the Deputy that a competition for the post of Recruit Prison Officer was recently advertised by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Irish Prison Service. The closing date for receipt of applications was 9 October 2008 and 3,534 candidates applied. Candidates who pass Stage 1 (Aptitude Test) will be placed on a panel in order of merit. As vacancies arise for the post of Recruit Prison Officer, they will be filled by candidates who are successful at all stages of the competition.

Citizenship Applications.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

274 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will make a decision on an application for naturalisation from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40781/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have recently approved the application for a Certificate of Naturalisation from the person in question. A letter requesting further documentation to finalise this application was issued on 12 November 2008 to the applicant's legal representative. A Certificate of Naturalisation will issue once the documentation requested has been received.

Mobile Telephony.

Mary Upton

Question:

275 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent letter from the Garda Commissioner to mobile phone operators instructing them to retain the Internet browsing of their customers; his views on whether this infringes on a citizen’s civil liberties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40782/08]

Section 63 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005 provides that the Garda Commissioner may request providers of fixed or mobile telecommunications services to retain traffic and/or location data relating to communications for the purposes of the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of crime or the safeguarding of the security of the State. Section 64 of the Act makes provision for access to such data which has been retained. The Deputy should be aware that these provisions of the Act do not refer to the content of communications. The Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment in detail on any such arrangements which may have been put in place.

Prisoner Numbers.

Mary Upton

Question:

276 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners incarcerated here; the number of prison drug treatment places available; the number of prisoners enrolled in education programmes; the number of prisoners incarcerated for sexual offences; the number of places available for rehabilitation of sexual offenders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40783/08]

I can advise the Deputy that on 17th November, 2008 there were 3,672 persons in custody. The Irish Prison Service continues to work to implement its Drugs Policy & Strategy, entitled Keeping Drugs Out of Prisons, which was launched in May 2006. Working to fulfil the commitments contained in the Policy and Strategy involves the implementation of stringent measures to prevent drugs from getting into prisons while, at the same time, continuing to invest in services within prisons to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the prisoner population as well as meeting prisoners' treatment and rehabilitative needs.

Currently, any person entering prison giving a history of opiate use and testing positive for opioids on committal is offered a medically assisted symptomatic detoxification for operational reasons. Patients can, as part of the assessment process, discuss with health care staff other treatment options which may include stabilisation on methadone maintenance for persons who wish to continue on maintenance while in prison and when they return to the community on release. Methadone maintenance is available in 8 of the 14 places of detention accounting for over 80% of the prison population. Details of the number of prisoners treated with drug related problems since 2003 are set out in the following table.

Number of Prisoners Treated

Prison

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Cloverhill

591

528

571

678

710

Dochas

257

211

228

216

225

Limerick

15

3

4

8

10

Midlands

6

6

19

90

Mountjoy

592

394

590

464

594

Portlaoise

30

6

2

2

3

St.Patrick’s

43

3

1

8

15

Wheatfield

226

158

162

184

193

Totals

1,754

1,309

1,564

1,579

1,840

The Medical Unit in Mountjoy Prison has spaces specifically allocated for a dedicated drug detoxification programme. Each multidisciplinary programme has a duration of 6 weeks and the programme has a capacity of 9 prisoners at a time. The programme involves both prison based staff and external agencies and is aimed at assisting prisoners who have indicated a desire to move from either a situation of current drug use or existing substitution programme to drug free status.

Education in prisons is delivered by way of partnership between the Irish Prison Service and a range of educational agencies from the community. Vocational Education Committees (VECs) and Public Library Services make the largest contribution to, and are the mainstay of, the Prison Education Service. The Department of Education and Science provided an allocation of 220 whole-time teacher equivalents to the prisons through the VECs in the academic year 2007/08.

It is estimated that 50% of all prisoners were involved in some education during 2007. Of the total prison population 25% were intensively involved, i.e. for more than 10 hours per week. This level of involvement in education whilst in prison is high by international standards.

On 17th November, 2008 there were 299 persons in custody serving sentences for sexual offences. The question of treatment for sex offenders in custody is not straightforward. While the weight of opinion is that cognitive-behavioural approaches to the treatment of sexual offenders show the most promise, not all offenders are amenable to such treatment and unless an offender is properly motivated the chances of success are limited. Even if it were legally possible, there is no gain in forcing offenders to attend such treatment against their will.

A Group involving my Department, the Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service has been established to review the existing arrangements for the management of sex offenders. That review will include the question of treatment and supervision.

Three main forms of direct therapeutic intervention for sex offenders currently operate within the Irish prison system. These are as follows:

Group programmes, an intensive version of which has been in operation since 1994 and is currently under review,

Individual counselling from the Irish Prison Service's Psychology Service and from the Probation Service, and

One-to-one interventions by visiting psychiatrists who provide support to prisoners.

The intensive programme has catered for eight offenders at a time, taking eleven months to complete. Although delivered in Arbour Hill Prison, it has been available to sex offenders in other prisons. A total of 136 sex offenders have completed the sex offender programme to date. The most recent group completed the programme in July 2008.

As I have advised the House before, the number of suitably motivated offenders applying for participation on the programme has declined significantly in recent years and this has been a matter of increasing concern. Therefore in an attempt to engage more sex offenders in appropriate interventions, the Irish Prison Service has initiated a review of interventions currently available. The review will be completed by the end of the year, with new enhanced models of intervention being introduced in January 2009. The Irish Prison Service is also finalising a new Sex Offender Management Policy which examines the sentence management and resettlement of imprisoned sex offenders.

One-to-one counselling is a critical method of working with offenders in relation to their sexual offending. In response to such counselling many offenders, who initially might deny responsibility for their crime or deny any need for treatment, are motivated towards some process of change. The Probation Service also engages with prisoners on a one-to-one basis. Every effort continues to be made to assist sex offenders in custody who are willing to participate at any level in rehabilitation and relapse prevention. Staff levels in the Psychology Service have doubled since 2004 and are now at an all-time high. Further expansion is taking place, with recruitment of one Psychologist and three Psychology Assistants under way.

Mary Upton

Question:

277 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average cost to the State per year for each prisoner incarcerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40784/08]

The average cost of keeping a prisoner in custody during the calendar year 2007 was €97,700. The average cost is calculated by dividing the annual running costs of the Irish Prison Service by the average daily number of offenders incarcerated during the year. These costs include certain items which are fixed regardless of the number of offenders in custody, e.g. staffing numbers, utilities. In general, capital expenditure is excluded from the calculation in the interests of facilitating comparison between individual institutions. However, certain building projects under the heading ‘small works and environmental projects' are included.

Garda Stations.

Alan Shatter

Question:

278 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the necessary works will be undertaken to ensure that there is adequate car parking facilities for members of the general public visiting Rathfarnham Garda station; if steps will be taken in conjunction with An Garda Síochána to ensure that vehicles do not illegally park outside the Garda station and cause danger to either pedestrians or road users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40862/08]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that Garda management, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, are exploring options to extending the facilities available to both members of An Garda Síochána and the public attending Rathfarnham Garda Station. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that, where vehicles are found to be illegally parked or causing an obstruction to pedestrians or other road users, appropriate Garda action is taken which may take the form of advice, caution, fixed charge penalty notice or the initiation of criminal proceedings.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

279 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40875/08]

The Public Service Benchmarking Body was established under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF). The first Report was issued in June 2002 and a second Report was issued in December 2007. The pay recommendations were based on an evaluation and comparison of the jobs and pay of public servants with jobs of comparable responsibility in the private sector. Under its terms of reference, the Body was required, when reaching its recommendations, to have regard to the need to ensure ongoing modernisation of the public service.

The first phase of the Benchmarking increases was implemented retrospectively with effect from 1 December 2001, in accordance with the December 2000 Pay Adjustment to the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF). Under the terms of the Social Partnership Agreement 2003-2005 Sustaining Progress, the payment of the final two phases of the Benchmarking increases were dependent on verification of satisfactory progress in regard to co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, satisfactory implementation of the agenda for modernisation set out in the Agreement, and maintenance of stable industrial relations.

The Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the Sustaining Progress Partnership Agreement and the current Partnership Agreement Towards 2016, have all provided for improvements with respect to the more efficient use of financial, staff and I.T. resources, enhanced customer service, better staff training and development, further development of partnership, regulatory reform and commitments in the area of equality of opportunity. Comprehensive details of the achievements which have been made in the modernisation programme can be found at www.cspvg.gov.ie.

These achievements and their underlying principles have been carried through in the modernisation and change agenda in my Department and its associated offices with consequential benefits for the improvement of services provided to the general public including — (i) Increased accountability and reform of the Garda Síochána through the implementation of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the establishment of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, Garda Inspectorate and joint policing committees at local level. The number of full and part time civilian staff assigned to An Garda Síochána as at 31 March 2008 has increased to 2,461, thereby releasing further Gardaí to visible front-line policing duties in the community. (ii) The development of a Financial Shared Services Centre in the Department involving new organisation structures, payment systems, business processes and information technology enabling payroll and other payment services to be provided for other Government Departments. My Department provides the full range of back-office financial services for the Department of Tourism and Sport, Department of the Taoiseach, the National Library, the National Museum and the National Gallery, as well as the Justice Sector. (iii) The establishment of the Irish Youth Justice Service and the publication of a National Youth Justice Strategy aimed at improving co-ordination and strategic linkage of services, especially at local level, to deliver services for children in trouble with the law. (iv) Continued modernisation and reform of the Irish Prison Service (IPS) through the improvement of physical infrastructure, prison procedures and work processes. (v) Re-organisation of the Probation Service towards more focussed delivery of services involving assessment and management of offenders in the community thereby helping to increase public safety. (vi) The volume of business conducted by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) has grown significantly in recent years with a dramatic change from illegal to legal migration. For example, the number of Visa applications has risen from about 50,000 in 2000 to about 150,000 last year. A change management process is in place which involves restructuring of the organisation and redistribution of resources. This is aimed at ensuring that the Immigration Residence and Protection Bill can be implemented effectively once enacted, that major IT projects currently underway are delivered within budget and on time and that service provision is enhanced across the organisation including improved opening hours and provision of visa application services on-line. (vii) Over the period in question my Department has established a number of dedicated executive offices/ organisations to improve policy co-ordination and service delivery in a number of important areas such as Cosc (the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence), a dedicated Executive Office dealing with the issue of Anti Human -Trafficking and the Private Security Authority.

Further details of my Department's Modernisation Action Plans, drawn up under the terms of the social partnership agreements, and the reports of the Civil Service Performance Verification Group (CSPVG) are available at www.cspvg.gov.ie . The role of the CSPVG is to verify progress at sectoral, organisational and grade level in the Civil Service in accordance with the procedures outlined in Section 33 of Towards 2016.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

280 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number in respect of sections 71 to 73 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, of prosecutions that have taken place under each section; the number of successful convictions that have taken place under each section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40899/08]

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

281 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions initiated to date under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006; the number of convictions secured; the number of cases pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40902/08]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

282 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 has been commenced; the number of prosecutions that have taken place under this section; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40923/08]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

283 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who have been brought before the courts under Part 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 since its enactment; the number of convictions under this Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40924/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 280 to 283, inclusive, together.

The provisions in question commenced on the 1st August, 2006. Following the submission to me in 2004 of a report and recommendations by an expert group on crime statistics, I decided that the compilation and publication of crime statistics should be taken over by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, from the Garda Síochána. The Garda Síochána Act, 2005 consequently makes provision for this and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. Following the setting up of the necessary technical systems and auditing of the data from which the statistics are compiled, I am pleased to note that the CSO is now compiling and publishing criminal statistics and has published provisional headline crime statistics for the third and fourth quarters of 2006. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003. I understand that the CSO are examining how the crime statistics published might be expanded and made more comprehensive. I have requested the CSO to provide the information sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

284 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded, proceedings commenced and convictions in which a firearm was used annually for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40925/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 58 of 13 November, 2008 on the matter.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

285 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded, proceedings commenced and convictions in which a knife or sharp instrument was used annually for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40926/08]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

286 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of murders recorded here, proceedings commenced and convictions annually for the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40927/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.

A detailed breakdown of the kind sought by the Deputy is being compiled and when the information is to hand I will communicate further with him.

Garda Communications.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

287 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when digital radio for An Garda Síochána is projected to be rolled out nationally; the extent of its coverage in Dublin and in the rest of the country at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40928/08]

The selected service provider for the National Digital Radio Service, TETRA Ireland Ltd., is currently putting in place the requisite infrastructure for the service to be available to the Garda Síochána and other emergency services.

The infrastructure is being put in place on a regional basis over a two year period from March, 2009 in accordance with agreed plans. The Garda authorities advise that they are working with the service provider so that rollout of the service to members of the Force will closely follow the provision of this infrastructure. Accordingly, the rollout is planned to commence in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in April 2009 with full coverage for Dublin in place by August 2009. The Eastern Region is expected to be completed by December 2009 and rollout to the other Garda Regions will take place in line with the agreed infrastructure plans.

Garda Equipment.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

288 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when all gardaí will be equipped with pepper spray; the way it will be rolled out and to what extent initially; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40929/08]

Following consultation with my cabinet colleagues, I recently approved the Garda Commissioner's proposal to issue incapacitant spray to all operational members of the Garda Síochána. I have been advised by the Garda authorities that the spray will be procured in accordance with EU and National Procurement guidelines. It is anticipated that the spray will then be rolled out to the organisation on a Garda Divisional basis in conjunction with the requisite training programme.

The timeline for the programme is currently being developed with a view to completing full rollout, subject to the procurement process, by the end of 2009. The initial phase of the rollout will focus on those Garda Divisions identified as having high instances of assault and obstruction against Gardaí.

Garda Stations.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

289 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations; the number which have e-mail access; the number that have the PULSE system in operation; the dates on which both e-mail and the PULSE system were introduced into each Garda station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40930/08]

I have requested the information sought from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

290 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda stations that have access to a permanently sited Garda vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40931/08]

I have requested the detailed information from the Garda authorities, and I will contact the Deputy when it is to hand.

Garda Equipment.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

291 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if all gardaí are wearing anti-stab vests; the percentage of personnel that are wearing these vests; the Garda districts in which they are not being worn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40932/08]

The detailed allocation of Garda resources, including equipment, is a matter for the Garda Commissioner to be decided on the basis of his identified operational needs. I am advised by the Garda authorities that the roll-out of anti-stab/ballistic vests to all operational members of An Garda Síochána has been completed. A total of 13,180 members or 92% of the organisation have been issued with the vests which are being worn in all Garda Districts. The provision of vests to personnel assigned to administrative duties and members returning from long term leave such as maternity leave, career breaks etc. is continuing.

Garda Training.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

292 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals in respect of tactical training facilities in Templemore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40933/08]

I am advised by the Garda Authorities that as a result of accelerated recruitment, a new academic centre was constructed at the Garda College on the site of the Tactical Training Facility. I am advised by the Garda Authorities that a number of venues were utilised around the country for the delivery of tactical training and a premises has now been leased in the vicinity of the Garda College to provide an element of tactical training pending the development of more long term facilities at the proposed Dromard Site. In addition, the Garda Síochána have three Firearms Training Systems available to them. These are portable computer software generated virtual systems which uses real live specially adapted firearms and are currently in use by the Firearms Training Units attached to the Garda College and Garda Headquarters and at scheduled venues throughout the country.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

293 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his proposals to upgrade the firing range in the Phoenix Park for An Garda Síochána; when the firing range will be reopened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40934/08]

There has been considerable investment in training facilities over the past two years including the provision of two Prefabricated Modular Firearms ranges at the Garda College and in the Dublin Metropolitan region. These prefabricated ranges are newly designed products that facilitate live fire shooting for up to four persons in a carefully contained environment which adheres to all range safety requirements. I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are sufficient resources and infrastructures in place to provide training for members of the Garda Síochána who are authorised to carry Firearms Authorisation Cards.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that a feasibility study into the measures required to bring the firearms range located at Garda Headquarters up to the highest international standard has been carried out. This study is currently under consideration by the Garda Accommodation Programme Board in the context of the overall Garda accommodation strategy and priorities.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

294 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who have received firearms training; the number who hold a licence to operate firearms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40935/08]

I have requested the latest available statistics from the Commissioner and I will be in touch with the Deputy shortly.

Garda Vehicles.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

295 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedures to ensure that Garda cars are roadworthy; if there are plans to apply the national car test to Garda vehicles; the reason Garda cars are not subject to the NCT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40936/08]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that all Garda vehicles are maintained in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. An official driver is allocated to each vehicle and it is their duty to ensure that routine maintenance is carried out at the appropriate intervals. I am further advised by the Garda authorities that under Section 3.(5) (d) of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2003, (S.I. No 405 of 2003), the Garda Síochána is exempt from the National Car Test (NCT). In January 2008, the Garda Síochána adopted a policy of voluntarily submitting Garda vehicles which are 4 years and over to a condition check which is carried out by NCT staff. Thereafter, these vehicles will be conditionally checked every 2 years from the date of the first test.

Public Order Offences.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

296 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of on-the-spot fines that gardaí have issued when persons are found to have been engaging in anti-social behaviour as defined in legislation annually since the enactment of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40937/08]

The Criminal Justice Act 2006, as amended by the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, provides for the issue of fixed charge notices for the offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place, which are offences under sections 4 and 5 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. To date there have been 44 fixed charge notices issued for offences under sections 4 and 5 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

297 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour orders issued to persons annually since the enactment of the legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40938/08]

John Cregan

Question:

308 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of anti-social behaviour warnings that have been served in the County Limerick district in each division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41027/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 308 together.

Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act relating to anti-social behaviour by children was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. With regard to children, these range from a warning from a member of An Garda Síochána, to a good behaviour contract involving the child and his or her parents or guardian, to referral to the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme and to the making of a behaviour order by the Children's Court.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that up to 31 October, 2008, 907 behaviour warnings to adults and 548 behaviour warnings to children were issued. There have also been two formal good behaviour contracts, which are used only in the case of children, agreed.

I am further informed that up to 30 September, 2008 there have been six applications made to the Courts for civil orders (adult) and behaviour orders (child) by members of An Garda Síochána. Three of these applications were successful resulting in two behaviour orders and one civil order being issued. During the period 1 January, 2007 to 31 October, 2008 the Limerick Garda Division issued 41 behaviour warnings to adults and 31 behaviour warnings, three good behaviour contracts and two behaviour orders to children. I am informed by the Garda authorities that it would require a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to provide the information requested at Garda District level.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

298 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has proposals to make it an offence to sell spray paints to persons under 18 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40939/08]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the use of spray paints in respect of graffiti offences.

In this regard, I am informed by the Garda authorities that section 2(1) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991 creates a simple offence of damaging property without lawful excuse. Section 4 of the Act creates the offence of having custody or control of anything with intent to cause damage to property. Both of these offences are punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding €1,270 and/or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months. Following conviction on indictment these offences are punishable by a fine not exceeding €12,697 and /or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years.

Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 provides that where a Garda, who is in a public place or any other place under a power of entry authorised by law or to which he or she was expressly or implicitly invited or permitted to be, finds or comes into possession of anything he or she has reasonable grounds for believing that it is evidence of , or relating to, the commission of an arrestable offence, he or she may seize and retain it for use as evidence in any criminal proceedings for such a period from the date of seizure as is reasonable or, if proceedings are commenced in which it is required for use in evidence, until the conclusion of the proceedings. This section gives Gardaí a power to seize spray cans from young people found in possession of them as the offences listed, contrary to sections 2 and 4 of the Criminal Damage Act, 1991 are arrestable offences.

Given that a wide range of material is used to make graffiti, including lipstick, biros, pens and markers, so it is not just paint which can be the problem, I have no proposal to ban the sale of spray paint as the Deputy has suggested.

Garda Deployment.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

299 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new Garda rostering proposals; the general feedback from piloted new rostering schedules in Cork, Limerick and Waterford; the proposals to roll it out nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40940/08]

I have requested the Garda Inspectorate to examine and report on how the allocation of Garda resources can be improved. This will include an examination of all current resource allocation systems for members of An Garda Síochána, including rostering, to see how well resources are made available to match demand for services and other operational requirements. The Inspectorate is currently undertaking its examination and I am advised that they expect to report in the new year.

Garda Communications.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

300 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to upgrade the PULSE system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40941/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that a new release of PULSE was deployed on the 15 November 2008. This release includes the upgrading of PULSE to the latest technology platform. It also provides for electronic integration with the Courts Service whereby applications for summonses by the Gardaí will be electronically routed to the Courts Criminal Case Tracking System, which will in return issue the summons and electronically notify the Gardaí through PULSE of the court date and outcome in due course. There are efficiency savings for both the Garda and Courts organisations and it will result in increased Garda visibility through minimising court related administrative work.

The functionality of the Garda Information System which incorporates both PULSE and the Fixed Charge Processing System is continually upgraded and enhanced to accommodate new business requirements, policies and procedures as well as updates to reflect new legislation. Also, as with any major IT system, upgrades of the hardware and software are carried out from time to time.

Garda Deployment.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

301 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, in tabular format, of juvenile liaison officers nationally and annually for each of the past ten years; the number of referrals by the Garda of minors to juvenile liaison officers annually for the past ten years; the number of juveniles referred for supervision in respect of alcohol related offences annually for the past ten years; the number of juveniles referred for supervision in respect of anti social behaviour annually for the same period; the number of juveniles referred for supervision in respect of aggressive or violent behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40942/08]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

302 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí allocated to the Garda youth diversion projects annually for the past ten years; the number of youths participating in the projects annually for the past ten years; the number of projects nationwide; the funding provided for these programmes; the format these programmes take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40943/08]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

303 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí allocated to the Garda juvenile diversion programme annually since it was established; the number of youths participating in the projects annually since its establishment; the number of projects nationwide; the format of these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40944/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 to 303, inclusive, together.

The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme is an initiative first introduced in 1963 to divert juvenile offenders from criminal activity. It is operated by Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers and it has proven to be highly successful in diverting young persons away from crime by offering guidance and support to juveniles and their families. It enables referral to the Garda Youth Diversion Projects which are community-based, multi-agency crime prevention initiatives operating separately from the Programme. It should be noted that the Diversion Programme was placed on a statutory footing under the Children Act 2001 and separate annual reports related to its operation for the years 2001 onwards are also published annually.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí operating as Juvenile Liaison Officers on 30 September 2008 was 105. The Commissioner has approved the appointment of 7 additional Juvenile Liaison Officers each year up to 2010. As records of the numbers of JLO's prior to 2005 were in manual format the provision of the requested information is not readily available. The number of Garda Juvenile Liaison Officers as at 31st December for the remaining years were as follows:

2005: 95;

2006: 93;

2007: 93.

The statistics in relation to the operation of the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme as requested by the Deputy are available as follows: Statistics for 1999 to 2005 are available in An Garda Síochána's Annual Reports on the Garda Website. Statistics for 2006 are available on the Central Statistics Office's Website. Statistics for 2007 are not yet published. Statistics are not provided for the specific number of juveniles referred for aggressive or violent behaviour. Statistics based on the incidence of principal offences in respect of which referrals were made is recorded annually.

The Garda Youth Diversion Projects, which are funded by the Irish Youth Justice Service, work in tandem with the Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme. They are a crime prevention initiative designed to engage with young people aged 12-17 years of age who have been identified as being at risk of involvement in criminal or anti-social behaviour. Each project is managed by a multi-agency and community based committee, which is responsible for the strategic direction of the project. Garda Youth Diversion Projects were first introduced in 1991 and there are currently 100 Garda Youth Diversion Projects operating in various locations throughout the country. Current year funding for these projects is €11,909 million.

The projects undertake a series of programmes and activities which are aimed at changing behaviours, attitudes and lifestyles of project participants to bring about positive change and learning outcomes. The programmes offer opportunities for education, employment training, sport, and other activities while providing a structured environment to add stability and support to a young person's life. This work is primarily carried out by a project coordinator/youth worker, who operates under the guidance of a project/management committee. While some gardaí work with the projects as part of their day to day activity, the deployment of Gardaí to these projects is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.These projects are managed by committees comprising representatives for An Garda Síochána, representatives from other relevant bodies, for example, Health Services Executive, Probation Service, local school, etc. In addition to the JLO and Community Gardaí, other local Gardaí, including, where appropriate, Gardaí from specialist units, also get involved in the work of GYDPs. The Garda Community Relations Section (GCRS) of the Garda National Juvenile Office based in Harcourt Street coordinates the administration of these projects.

Statistics in relation to number of participants in the projects for each of the years that the Deputy has requested are not readily available but, in general, each project works with approximately 36 young people annually. Some projects work with greater numbers and work on a less structured basis while others work intensively with fewer participants.

Juvenile Offenders.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

304 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department has commenced the evaluation of the effectiveness of existing Garda youth diversion projects as committed to by the Minister of State with responsibility for children; when it will be completed; the aspects of best practice he will be examining in his evaluation of the programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40945/08]

The Irish Youth Justice Service has commenced an evaluation of the effectiveness of existing Garda Youth Diversion Projects in accordance with High Level Goal 2 in the National Youth Justice Strategy 2008-2010 which is, to work to reduce offending by diverting young people from offending behaviour. In doing so, it is intended to identify where good practice exists and promote best practice in the delivery of programmes, which aim to reduce offending, under the Garda Youth Diversion Projects.

As a first step, an audit of existing Garda Youth Diversion Projects has just been completed and its recommendations will be considered by the IYJS and the Garda authorities as soon as possible.

Courts Service.

Joe Costello

Question:

305 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will amend the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1940 with a view to finding alternatives to imprisonment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40969/08]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 292 of 29 October, 2008.

Garda Deployment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

306 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a request for an increase in Garda patrols in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 3, due to a high level of anti-social behaviour including cars being set on fire, car tyres and mirrors being damaged, and congregation of gangs outside Church Road; and if this request will be granted. [40985/08]

The area referred to by the Deputy falls into the Dublin North Central Garda Division. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the personnel strength of the Dublin North Central Garda Division as at 30 September 2008, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 712.

Local Garda management is aware of the issues raised by the Deputy in the area referred to by him and additional patrols by uniformed and plain clothes personnel, supplemented by Divisional and District Detective and Drug Units, Community Policing and Garda Mountain Bike Units, Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel have been directed to the area. Four members of the local Community Policing Unit are allocated specifically to the area and these members attend meetings with various Residents' Groups attended also by Local Authority and public representatives. These meetings are also regularly attended by local Senior Garda management and the Assistant Commissioner with responsibility for the Region.

A specific initiative, targeting public disorder and other anti-social type behaviour has been commenced by local Garda management in this area. It incorporates additional patrols being carried out by the Divisional Public Order Unit, particularly between Thursdays and Sundays.

Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences. Community policing is a central feature and core value of policing policy and current policing strategies are predicated on the prevention of crime, public order offences and anti-social behaviour. The aim is to bring about an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life for residents in the Community. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.

It is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner to allocate personnel throughout the Force. In doing this he takes into account all relevant factors, including factors such as population, crime rates and trends as well as operational priorities.

The situation will be kept under review and when additional personnel next become available the needs of the area referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered by the Commissioner with the overall context of the needs of Garda stations throughout the country.

Garda Operations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

307 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of forged Irish passports seized at ports and airports here in 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41015/08]

I have been informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that they have requested the information sought from the Garda Authorities. The Immigration Division will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Question No. 308 answered with Question No. 297.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

309 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will estimate the savings that would be made by suspending incremental pay increases in 2009 with regard to his Department and agencies within the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41042/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question 158 in this regard on 23 October 2008.

The Deputy will be aware that pay policy is a matter for the Minister for Finance.

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

310 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department will continue to fund Justice for the Forgotten in its efforts to assist the survivors and the bereaved of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of May 1974, the Dublin bombings of 1972 and 1973 and other fatal incidents in this jurisdiction arising from the conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41045/08]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

311 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the arrangements in place to provide for the long-term medical needs of persons who availed of the Remembrance Commission Fund which was dissolved on 31 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41046/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.

The Remembrance Commission was established in October 2003. The Commission administers the Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance to Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. Under the Scheme, the Commission makes payments to persons injured, or to the survivors of persons fatally injured, since 1969 as a direct result of the conflict in Northern Ireland, where the injury or death occurred in this jurisdiction or where the victim was normally resident in this jurisdiction at the time of their injury or death. In addition the Commission makes payments to victim support groups for the purpose of meeting the counselling needs of victims or members of surviving families in this jurisdiction as a direct result of the conflict. It also assists the provision of memorials and other forms of commemoration.

The Remembrance Commission's terms of appointment formally came to an end on 31 October 2008. In its five years of existence it has dispersed over 6.5 million euros to victims and their families in this jurisdiction, including payments to support groups and the provision of memorials.

It is my intention that the long term medical expenses of survivors of such incidents will continue to be provided for. Consideration is being finalised as to what arrangements should be put in place in relation to other functions exercised by the Remembrance Commission, which included making payments to Justice for the Forgotten.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

312 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41073/08]

The number of sick days taken by staff in my Department on average, in each of the past three years is set out in the table. This is not to suggest that each member of staff took the average number of sick days. Furthermore, the Deputy should note that all sick leave absences lasting longer than two consecutive days must be certified by a Medical Doctor.

The Deputy should also be aware that where an absence on sick leave straddles a weekend, the weekend days are counted. The average number of sick days is accordingly higher than the number of actual working days lost.

Year

Average number of sick days

Average number of sick days (excluding long term* illness cases)

2005

10.1

9.3

2006

13.7

12.2

2007

9.3

8.0

*Greater than 1 year.

Garda Vehicles.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

313 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41141/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

314 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41142/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

315 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41143/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

316 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41144/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

317 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41145/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

318 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41146/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

319 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41147/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

320 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41148/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

321 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41149/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

322 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41150/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

323 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41151/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

324 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41152/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

325 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41153/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

326 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41154/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

327 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41155/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

328 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41156/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

329 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41157/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

330 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41158/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

331 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41159/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

332 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41160/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

333 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41161/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

334 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41162/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

335 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41163/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

336 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41164/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

337 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41165/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

338 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda patrol vehicles and Garda motorbikes and bicycles in a Garda station (details supplied) in County Wexford in all months of 2007 and all months to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41166/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 313 to 338, inclusive, together.

I have requested the detailed information from the Garda authorities, to the extent that it is reasonably available, and I will contact the Deputy when it is to hand.

Garda Deployment.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

339 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí belonging to the emergency response unit based in Limerick City each month in 2008. [41167/08]

For operational and security reasons it is not Garda policy to disclose the number of Gardaí detailed for specific duties over any specific period of time. I have been assured by the Commissioner that all the necessary policing resources are available to him to allow him deal with the situation in Limerick. The Regional Response Unit for the Southern Region is also available to local Garda Management in the region as and when required.

Garda Operations.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

340 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of sex offenders being monitored by gardaí in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41168/08]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that 1,090 persons were subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001, as of 13 November, 2008. I am further informed that, for operational reasons, it is not the policy of An Garda Síochána to provide a break down of persons subject to the requirements of the Act.

Legislation Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

341 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the Judicial Conduct Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41169/08]

The Government Legislation Programme indicates that proposals, in the form of heads, for a Judicial Council Bill are in the course of preparation in my Department. I expect the work on the proposals to be completed shortly, taking into account necessary consultations.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

342 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41184/08]

The total spend by year in relation to expenditure on consultancy by my Department for 2000 — 2008 was as follows:

Year

Cost

€m

2000

0.8

2001

1.6

2002

3.0

2003

2.5

2004

2.5

2005

3.1

2006

2.8

2007

1.6

2008

1.3

Details of individual consultancies and the work they carried out is as follows.

Consultancy

Description of Consultancy Work

3G Identification

Consultancy for expert services in the field of figerprinting

Abacus Transportation

Oberstown Speed Surveys

Accenture

Development of an Information Management and Information Technology Strategy

Accenture

Development of GNIB information systems

Accenture

Review of the Time and Motion Project

Accenture

Risk Management & Performance Improvement

Adare HRM

Review and Development of HR policy in National Disability Authority

Adele Murphy

Background Paper On Positive Actions — Equality Authority

Alexander Barrett

Implications for Classification of future technological developments

AMAS Ltd

Guidelines for ICT Accessibility Project

Anne Cross Consultancy

Development of National Standards for Disability Services in Ireland

ANV Technology Ltd

Report on provision of Youth Justice Services

Archimedia

Advice to independent Examination of Stardust Committee

Awn Consulting

Air Quality Consultancy

B Galvin

Library Service

Barbara Nugent

National Parental Survey

Barrett Mahony

Feasability Report — Irish Youth Justice

Beauchamps

Legal Consulttancy

Bellane

Public Relations

Bernadette Kiely

HR Consultancy

Bloom Advertising

Awareness Campaign

Booz Allen Hamilton

Accessibility Of Public Services

Brendan Sheils

Capital Appraisal Reports — Irish Youth Justice

Brendan Shiels

Value for Money Policy reviews

Brian Barry

Preparation of Submission for Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission

Brian Harvey

Briefing on Oireachtas and European Union Matters

Brown Atlantic

Ireland’s National Action Plan to Combat Racism

Byrne O’Clerigh

Consutancy Service on safety re storage of explosives

Cadwell Consulting and Training Ltd

Organisational Climate Survey in Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner

Candy Murphy & Associate

Position paper on transfer of 3% target under Disability Act 2005

Capita

Equality Proofing Template

Capita Business Services

Evaluation of Equality for Women Measures

Carmel Corrigan & Tracy O’Brien

Development of Equality Proofing and Integrated Proofing

Carr Communications

Consultation on National Disability Strategy

Carr Communications

PR for Equality Tribunal

Carr Communications

PR on 6 Sectoral Plans under Disability Act 2005

Catherine Maunsell

Revision of National Directory of Services

Cathryn Costello

Potential for Positive Action Under the Equal Status Act 2000

Central Services Agency

Labour Market Experiences of Older People

Centre for Corporate Community

Strategic Plan for the National Steering Committee on Violence Against Women

Centre for Corporate Community

Report on Traveller Monitoring Committee

Centre for Gender Studies, TCD

Background Paper on Diversity for Women

Centre for Gender Studies, TCD

Gender Equality Issues in the marketing and design of goods for children

Centre for Gender Studies, TCD

International Comparison of Family Friendly policies in 4 EU States

Centre for Gender Studies, TCD

Report on work-life balance research

CERT

Evaluation of Tenders

Chartered Institute of Logistics

Evaluation of Tenders

Chartered Institute of Transport in Ireland

Evaluation of Transport Tenders

Christina Burke

Ireland and International and Comparative Disability Law Reform

Clarian Consulting

Development of Project Management System and Organisational training scheme

CM Advice

Monitoring Committee Workshop

Colgan & Associates

Facilitation Services

Colm O’Cinneide

Expert Paper on Implications of Multi-Party Agreement

Communications Consultants

Plan Communications Strategy

Community Legal Resource

Integrated Proofing Model to include poverty, gender and the wider equality agenda

Community Legal Resources

Guidelines for Equal Status Policies

Community Workers Cooperative

Manual to support community sector participation in Equality Proofing

Conal Devine and Associates

Industrial Relations Consutlancy Services

Configure

Access Audits of the Built Environment

Consult Hyperion

Accessibility Guidelines

Corporate Community

Technical Assistance to the National Framework Committee for Equal Opportunities

Curriculum Development Unit — CDVEC

Guidance on including an Equality Dimension in School Development

Cyril Connolly

Statistics Consultancy and advice on design of management information reports

David Forrestal

Accessibility Guidelines for Educational Establishments

DCU

Research on Homophobic Bullying in Schools

Debbie Ging

Reseach on Women in Advertising

Deirdre Phelan

Advice & Contribution to Syllabus

Deloitte & Touche

Review of Forensic Science Laboratory

Deloitte & Touche

Review of Principal Officer Forum

University College, Dublin

Research in relation to the Review of the Coroner Service

Domestic Violence Responses

Evaluation of Intervention Programme in Ireland

Dr Evelyn Mahon

Options for National Study on People with Disabilities

Dr Guy Cumberbatch

Specialist Research Consultancy

Dr Jane Pillinger

Experience and Situation of Migrant Women Workers (Equality Authority)

Dr Jane Pillinger, Sheila Quinn, Ursula Barry

Pilot Gender Auditing Initiative

Dr Jane Pillinger

A Guide to Disability Commitments in the City/Council

Dr Jane Pillinger

Equal Status Review — North Western Health Board

Dr Jane Pillinger

Paper on Health and Equality

Dr Jane Pillinger

Implementation of EU Social Policy Agenda through an Irish National Plan

Dr Jane Pillinger

Development of a new insert for the Equality/Diversity Support Pack

Dr Katherine Zappone

Conceptualising Equality Strategies

Dr Katherine Zappone

Co-Ordination for & respect on Issues of Multiple Identity

Dr Marie Keenan

Consultative Service for Dublin Archdiocese Commission

Dr Maurice Devlin

Background Report on Negative Stereotyping of Young People

Dr Noelle Ann O’Sullivan

International Comparative Research

Dr. Yvonne Gilligan, UCC

Development of mechanisms to monitor progress in achieving Gender Equality

DTZ Peida Consulting

Review of Employment and training Service provision for People with Disabilites

DTZ Pieda Consulting

Study of Gender Pay gap at Sectoral Level

DTZ Pieda Consulting

Consultancy Research on Information gaps on the role of women in Agriculture

DTZ Pieda Consulting

Fact Sheets on Gender Equality — covering 19 Policy Areas

Dublin City University

National Adolescent Attitude Survey

Edelman

Communications Strategy 2003-2005

Edelmans Public Relations

Public Relations

Eileen Flynn

Legal Consultancy input into the preparation of statutory reports

Eircom

Consultancy Services

Eithne Boland Consultancy

Audit of Probation Operations in Ireland

Emer McEvoy

Specialist Cinema Advice

Equality Stratagies Ltd

Review of Learning Phase of the Working Group on Equality Proofing

Equality Strategies

NDP Review

Equality Strategies Ltd

Equal Opportunities Framework Support Project (2003 — 2005) — Equality Authority

Equality Strategies Ltd

Peer Review for National Disability Authority Accesability Rewards

Equality Strategies Ltd

Review of Learning Phase of the Working Group on Equality Proofing

Equality Studies Centre UCD

Background Paper on Education and Equality

Equality Studies Centre UCD

Paper on Links between poverty and Equality

ESRI

Aging and Labour Market Participation

ESRI

Equality & Discrimination Research Project

ESRI

Equality Authority Research — Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities

ESRI

Equality Authority Research Project “Equality at Work”

ESRI

Getting out of the House — Women returning to Employment, Education and Training

ESRI

Research Consultancy for Fear of Crime project

ESRI

Research into Gender Pay Gap

ESRI

Research Programme on Equality and Discrimination

ESRI

Time Use Survey

Estha Pugh

Background Material for Report on School Age Children

ETCI

Development of National Standards for Disability Services

E-Training International

Attitudinal Survey of the Role of women on the Farm

E-Training International

Gender Statistics

E-Training Internationl

Business and Entrepreneur Research

Eustace Patterson Ltd

Evaluation of 4 Adult Residences for the Probation Service

Excellence Ireland Quality Assurance

Improving Performance Structure of Probation and Welfare Service

Executive Security

Operational Protocols for Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission

Executive Security

Consultancy Services for Private Security Authority

F. McDonnell & Associates

Technical Support for Loan Parent Initiative

Farrell Grant Sparks

Evaluation of the National Domestic Violence Intervention Agency Pilot Project

Farrell Grant Sparks Consulting

Report on Sexual Harrassment in the Workplace in EU Member States

Farrell, Grant Sparks

Change Management

FÁS

Project on Employment Services

FGS

Organisational review

Finbar Flood Consultancy

Industrial Relations Facilitator

Fionnula Rogerson Architects

The Effectiveness of Part M of the Building Regulations 2000

Fitzpatric Associates

Consultancy Fee for Databank of Gender Statistics

Fitzpatrick Associates

Equality Data Collection and Indicators

Fitzpatrick Associates

Equality Studies Unit Technical Assistance — Equality Authority

Fitzpatrick Associates

Development of Mechanisms to Monitor Progress in achieving Gender Equality

Fitzpatrick Associates

Produce Mid-Term Evaluation Review

Fitzpatrick Associates

Research Project looking at Funding Needs of Minority Ethnic Groups

Fleishman Hilliard Saunders

Public Relations

Frontend

Evaluations of Sections of the NDA Accessibility Assessment Tool

Frontend usability Engineering Ltd

IT Accessibility Guidelines

Ftizpatrick Associates

Develop Mechanism to Monitor Progress in achieving Gender Equality

Fujitsu Services Ltd

IT Project Management Services

Gartner Group Ireland Ltd

IT Advisory Services and access to Research material and briefings

Gemini Consulting

Review of Victim Support Organisation

Genesis Europe

Aspirations collected for consultation on National Action Plan for women

Golder Associates

Consultancy Advice Tuam Community Centre

Goldsmith Fitzgearld Partnership

Performance Management Development System

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Analysing Social Inclusion & Equality Commitments in the NDP

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Assessing the Impact of Decentralisation on the Equality Authority

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Customer Service Action Plan

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Disability Legislation Consultancy

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Evaluation of European Refugee Fund

GoodBody Economic Consultants

Presentation at Conference for Reception and Integration Agency

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Review of the Labour Market Data

Goodbody Economic Consulting

Research on approaches to Statutory Bodies

Grainne Connolly

Facilitation for the Partnership

Graphite HRM Ltd

HR Consultancy

Halley & Associates

HR Services for Legal Aid Board

Hay Consultants

Organisational Survey

Hay Management

HR Consultancy

Healy Kelly Turner Townsend

Evaluations of the National Disability Authority Accessibility Assessment Tool

Hegarty/Mc Nally

Support Project for the Framework Development of Equal Opportunity Policy

Helm Corporation

Consultancy for Systems Maintenance and Development

Helm Corporation

Establishment of Financial Shared Services Centre

Helm Corporation

External Review of Internal Audit

HELM Corporation

Financial Procedures Review

Helm Corporation Ltd

Review of Governance in the Equality Authority

Helm Corporation Ltd.

Corporate Risk Registry

Heneghan PR

Public Relations

Hewlett Packard Ireland Ltd

Evaluation of Tenders for the provision of telecommunication services

Hibernian Consulting

Guidance Sheets on incorporating Gender Equality into the NDP

Hibernian Consulting

Mid-term Review on gender equality outcomes of certain NDP Measures

Hibernian Consulting

Review of European Year of Equal Opportunities

Holohan Architects

Feasibility Study in respect of Oberstown Pool Project

HR Consultancy

Review & Develop Roles and Job Descriptions

HR Training and Support Services Ltd

Equality Initiatives

HRA Management and Training Consultants

Preparation of Customer Charter and Customer Service Action Plan

IBI Group

Consultancy on Road Safety

IBM Ireland Ltd

Project Management Consultancy

Indecom Economic Consultants

Developing sectoral strategies to address Gender Pay Gap

INDECON

Cost Of Disability Study

Insight Consultants

PR Consultancy Services

Institute of Public Administration

Access Tendors For Evaluation Service

Institute of Public Administration

Consultancy in Relation to Risk Assessment and Business Planning

Institute of Public Administration

Introduction of Risk Management in Legal Aid Board

Institute of Public Administration

Study on Traveller Interagency Work

Instutute of Public Health

Background Paper on Health and Equality

International Institute for Education Leadership

Equal Status Review

International Labour Office

Anti — Racism Guidelines

IPC

Developing a resource for Employer’s Trade Unions on the Provision of Training

IPD

Development of a Training Programme on Family Friendly Work Practices

Irish Centres for Migration Studies

Mapping Anti-Racist Organisations and Activities in Ireland

Irish International

Plan, Design Advertising Campaign on Diversity Issues

Irish Recruitment Consultants

HR Consultancy

Ita Mangan

Equality Issues Relating to Older People

James Smyth Architects

Services for Feasibility Study Oberstown & Finglas Centres

Centre for health Promotion Studies, UCG

Consultancy on Research Proposal

Jenny Smyth & Associates

HR Consultancy

Joe Boyle MCIPD

Review of Recruitment in Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission

John Burrows

Assessment of Grant Funding Scheme

John Wylie

Legal Consultancy

Johnny Connolly

Study of Crime/Drug Misuse in North Inner City

Kate Bowe

Public Relations Services

Keating and Associates

Public Relations Advice

Kerrigan Sheanon Newman

Quantity Surveying Services re Feasibility Study Oberstown & Finglas Centres

KW Research and Associates

Project Management of Agricultural Research

Lansdowne Market Research

National Parental Survey for Film Censor’s Office

Lansdowne Market Research

Public Awareness Survey

Lisa Fingleton

Review of County Development Board Strategy Plans

Madeline Clarke

Development of Strategic Plan National Disability Authority

Marc McDonald

Consultant for Commission on Liquor Licensing

Marcus Burke

Consultancy on Bill(s) to codify Land and Conveyancing Law

Margaret O’Driscoll

Advice in relation to Garda Siochana Act 2005

Maria Crawley & Louise O’Meara

Handbook on Developing a Gender Equality Policy

Maria Gilsenan & Co. Ltd

Consultancy for Sunbeam House Services

Maria Pierce

Consultancy on Minority Ethnic People with Disabilities

Marian Hanrahan-Cahuzak

Providing Guidelines and awareness manuscripts

Marie Crawley & Louise O’Meara

Produce fact sheets in Policy Areas

Marie Mulholland

Equal Opportunities for Gays/Lesbians/Bisexuals in Education

Mark Bradley

Advice & Consultation on Setting up Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission

Criminal Prosecutions.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

343 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions brought and convictions secured for an offence under section 9 of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 in each year since its enactment; the number of such prosecutions that related to terrorist and to other serious crimes; if there are proposals to amend the law in order to keep the section as part of the permanent criminal law rather than as an extraordinary provision requiring annual renewal by both Houses of the Oireachtas; if there are proposals to remove the exclusion of offences of a sexual nature from the range of offences covered by the provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41198/08]

Although enacted in response to exceptional events, the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 is not extraordinary legislation but forms an important element of the criminal law targeting the ongoing threat of terrorism. There no plans at present to change these provisions; however, they are kept under constant review as to their necessity and effectiveness. As I have indicated to the House previously, ideally we would not like to have legislation such as this but the prevailing circumstances are not ideal.

I am awaiting a report from the Garda Síochána in relation to the statistical information sought by the Deputy and will communicate further with him when I have received this.

Garda Operations.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

344 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the arrest of a person (details supplied), gardaí are aware that Irish citizens, including naturalised Irish citizens, are not required to carry proof of their citizenship; and the way he will ensure in the future that Irish citizens of immigrant origin are not targeted and arrested on suspicion of immigration violations simply because they are not carrying proof of their Irish citizenship. [41200/08]

Members of An Garda Síochána are, of course, aware that Irish citizens are not required to carry proof of their citizenship. Section 12 of the Immigration Act 2004 allows members of An Garda Síochána to require a non-national to produce on demand a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality. Members of An Garda Síochána may on occasion need to carry out certain checks in order to confirm a person's identity and citizenship.

The Garda Customer Charter outlines the Garda Síochána's commitment to respecting customers and their needs, protecting human rights, and ensuring a caring service approach.

Departmental Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

345 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount paid in annual pension and retirement lump sum to each retiring member of staff in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41211/08]

For all pensionable staff, assuming they have 40 years reckonable service, the amount of their pension, whether combined with a Social Welfare pension or not, will in general amount to half the rate of pay they were receiving at the time of their retirement. Lump sum benefits, again assuming 40 years reckonable service, would be one and a half times the rate of pay at the time of retirement.

Most Civil Service pensions are paid by the Paymaster General's Office under the aegis of the Department of Finance.

Gangland Crime.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

346 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide details in tabular format of the number of criminal incidents (details supplied) which were gangland related annually from 1994 to 1998 and from 2004 to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41270/08]

It is not possible, without the expenditure of an inordinate amount of time and resources, to provide statistics on specific crimes attributable to gangland activity in the manner requested by the Deputy.

The figures for headline offences recorded for each Garda Division from 1994 to 2002 are available in the Garda Annual Reports for those years, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. In addition, it has compiled and published a series of quarterly and annual statistics for the period starting with the first quarter of 2003, copies of which are available on the website of the CSO, www.cso.ie.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

347 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (detail supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41645/08]

The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 March, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned was informed by letter dated 22 September, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended, namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a deportation order or to submit, within 15 working days, representations to the Minister, in writing, setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 as amended, and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 on the Prohibition of Refoulement. Consideration was given to representations received on his behalf from his legal representatives for temporary leave to remain in the State. On 10 December 2004, the then Minister refused temporary leave to remain in the State and signed a deportation order in respect of him. Notice of this order was served by registered post requiring him to present to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, on 20 January 2005, in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The person concerned failed to present as requested and was classified as evading his deportation.

On 28 August 2007, the legal representative of the person concerned lodged an application for Subsidiary Protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 — Statutory Instrument No. 518 of 2006. The legal representative of the person concerned was invited to make an application under Regulation 4(2) of the aforesaid Regulations setting out any new facts or circumstances relevant to the person concerned or his country of origin which has arisen since the original decision to deport was made and which related to a possible entitlement to Subsidiary Protection. The said application is currently under consideration within my Department.

The enforcement of the Deportation remains an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

348 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which an application for naturalisation has been progressed in the cases of persons (detail supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41646/08]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the first person mentioned in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in March 2005.

Officials in that Section inform me that processing of the application has commenced and the file will be forwarded to me for a decision in the coming months.

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Section of my Department in March 2005 and I decided to refuse the application. A letter informing the applicant of this was issued on 27 June 2008.

It is open to the individual concerned to lodge a new application at any time. In doing so however she should bear in mind the reason for refusal of her previous application.

Travel Documentation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

349 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a travel document will issue to a person (detail supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41647/08]

I am informed by the Immigration Division of my Department that the person in question's son was issued with a Travel Document on 19 July 2008. The Travel Document is valid until 18 July 2009.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

350 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for residency or citizenship in the case of persons (detail supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41648/08]

Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

351 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for subsidiary protection will be forwarded to a person (detail supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41649/08]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 197 of Tuesday, 14 October 2008, in this matter.

As stated in that Reply, the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 7 February 2008, of his entitlement to apply, within a prescribed time period, for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned did not submit an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State within the prescribed time period.

As stated in my earlier Reply, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, now falls to be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this consideration has been completed, the file is passed to me for decision.

Restorative Justice.

David Stanton

Question:

352 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the National Commission on Restorative Justice published on 21 May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41651/08]

The Interim Report of the National Commission on Restorative Justice was published on the 21st May, 2008 and the interim recommendations are currently being examined by Officials in my Department. I expect to receive the final report from the National Commission by June, 2009.The work done to date on examining the issues surrounding the interim recommendations will feed into the decision making process when considering the Commission's final recommendations on the concept of Restorative Justice. I look forward to receiving the Commission's final report which will inform future policy on how we might be able to make greater use of this concept.

Irish Prisoners Abroad.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

353 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress made in the implementation of the key recommendations contained within the Flood Report on Irish Prisoners abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40696/08]

The Flood Report, which was commissioned by my predecessor, is a seminal study into the needs of Irish Prisoners overseas. It will serve as the template for future Government action in this area for many years to come. On 21 October in the Seanad, I outlined some of the measures we have already taken to implement its key recommendations.

One of the principal elements in the Report was the need to quantify the number of Irish prisoners overseas and to establish an up to date register of those Irish imprisoned abroad. The Flood Report also recommended that prisoners overseas should have a visit once a year and more often than that, if circumstances required. Those recommendations have been accepted and the Department has recently begun work to install the appropriate equipment in the Department's IT system. This new software system will allow the Department to compile an electronic register of Irish prisoners overseas and monitor their status.

The Report also recommended the establishment of a hardship fund to assist prisoners and their families in cases of particular difficulty. Earlier this year, I provided €30,000 to the Irish Commission for Prisoners Overseas to assist in this respect. This is in addition to the €222,000 provided in core funding for the ICPO.

The recommendation that Irish Embassies and Consulates have available lists of English speaking lawyers and provide advice on local legal systems to prisoners and their families has already been implemented.

In addition, as recommended in the Flood Report, the Irish Government has recently appointed Honorary Consuls in places where there is no permanent official Irish diplomatic representation, including Agadir in Morocco, Harare in Zimbabwe, Tbilisi in Georgia, Cancun in Mexico, as well as the re-opening of Honorary Consulates Jakarta in Indonesia and Sao Paolo in Brazil.

Other issues were also examined by the report, including "miscarriages of justice" and the recommendation that the Government "seek to block forced repatriation to Ireland". Earlier this year, I agreed to the provision of a financial contribution to the Miscarriages of Justice Organisation (MOJO), headed by Paddy Hill, one of the former Birmingham Six. In 2007, an Agreement was concluded between the Irish and British Governments that removes the threat of forced expulsion of Irish prisoners from Britain, something which had caused considerable unease among Irish families settled in Britain.

Finally the Flood Report measured the Irish Consular system in this area against other comparable countries and I am pleased to report that we stood up very well in comparison.

International Agreements.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

354 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in relation to the UN financing for a development meeting in Doha in November 2008, his views on supporting a proposal tabled by the Norwegian Government, in the matter of the negotiations of the text for the UN FFD outcome document, which refers to the legitimacy of debts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40739/08]

I look forward to representing the Government at the Doha International Conference on Financing for Development, which takes place from 29 November to 2 December 2008. The Conference will review the implementation of commitments made at the UN Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey in 2002. Under the Monterrey Consensus, developing countries agreed to introduce sound economic and social policies, improve governance, eradicate corruption and create a domestic regulatory environment aimed at the development of the private business sector. For their part, the industrialised countries committed to increasing the levels of overseas development assistance, improving market access for developing country exports, using technology transfer to improve the impact of foreign direct investment, and relieving the heavy burden of debt on developing countries.

The challenge at Doha will be to build on the international consensus on development against the background of the current international economic downturn. Ireland is playing its part in the preparation of the conference, and of the draft outcome document. Among the issues under discussion is the debt burden. Norway has proposed that, in establishing predictable debt resolution procedures, the international community needs to learn from the past by looking at the legitimacy of existing claims, based on how loans were given. We are discussing this proposal with Norway and our other colleagues at the United Nations in New York.

In general, the Government supports the development of an international consensus on responsible lending and borrowing procedures and I welcome the dialogue which the World Bank has opened with civil society groups and others on the complex issues involved.

Ireland has strongly supported initiatives to ease or cancel the debt burden on developing countries. Importantly, Ireland's bilateral assistance to the developing world is exclusively in the form of grants rather than loans. The Government has also provided very significant resources for the two main international instruments to address the problem, the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) and the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The MDRI came into effect on 1 July 2006, and provides for cancellation of eligible debt from the World Bank, the African Development bank and the International Monetary Fund for many of the world's poorest and most indebted countries. Ireland's share of the total cost of debt relief provided by the World Bank under MDRI is €58.64 million. The Government contributed this amount in full in 2006. Ireland has also contributed over €20 million to the HIPC initiative, which is implemented by the World Bank and the IMF, with the objective of reducing the debt burden of qualifying countries to sustainable levels.

At Doha, Ireland will work with our partners to ensure that lessons are learned from these efforts to relieve and cancel the debt burden on developing countries, in order to free up resources for the alleviation of poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. It is essential that the successes to date are not undermined by further irresponsible lending or borrowing.

Overseas Development Assistance.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

355 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the assistance being given to African countries in respect of AIDS and HIV; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40835/08]

I believe that the fight against HIV and AIDS in Africa and beyond is fundamental to poverty reduction. We spend over €100 million annually on combating HIV and other diseases of poverty. Our assistance is targeted at those countries most affected by the pandemic including Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia and Malawi.

The Government is investing in programmes that are benefiting those most in need, delivering anti-retroviral treatment in the countries most affected and providing support to children made vulnerable by AIDS. We also invest in empowering women and girls to protect themselves from infection.

In partnership with the Clinton Foundation, Ireland has increased its funding to the Governments of Mozambique and Lesotho to improve the accessibility of HIV treatment in rural areas and in particular to women and children. As a result of our work in Mozambique, over 78,000 people are now on HIV treatment, up from less than 2,000 people at the end of 2002. In Lesotho, following one year of operation, 4 health facilities have been refurbished and over 2,500 people are accessing HIV treatment including 100 children.

Significant progress has been made in a number of countries in reducing the prevalence of HIV and AIDS. For example, Uganda has succeeded in reducing the rates of infection from 18.3% in 1992 to 6.4% today. This is an enormous achievement. Ireland has played its part in this improvement.

Ireland has contributed over €80 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM) over the period 2002-2008. Almost 60% of Global Fund resources are allocated to sub-Saharan Africa and to date over 1.4 million men, women and children are accessing HIV treatment and many more are accessing essential HIV prevention and care services.

We are committed to continuing our work to address HIV and AIDS and other communicable diseases in Africa and to ensuring that men, women and children get access to quality health and HIV services.

Human Rights Issues.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

356 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding his contacts in respect of the need to support human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40836/08]

I remain deeply concerned at the situation in Zimbabwe. Over the last number of years, but especially in recent months, ordinary Zimbabweans have suffered from state violence, economic chaos and the collapse of basic social services such as health and education. Now, as a result of drought, the disruption caused by violence, and a lack of basic inputs such as seeds and fertilisers which farmers can no longer afford, many Zimbabweans are facing into a season of hunger. The UN believes that numbers dependent on food aid will reach 5 million people in January 2009. The European Commission has allocated an additional €10 million in relief assistance for people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, while Irish aid to the affected people for the period 2006 to 2008 (to date) amounts to approx €25m.

Substantial political change is urgently needed to bring Zimbabwe back onto a path to stability, peace and economic growth. Despite the appalling violence against MDC supporters since the relatively free elections of March 2008, Morgan Tsvangirai had expressed his willingness to work with Zanu-PF in a unity government. However, the MDC can only represent the Zimbabwean people's interests effectively in government if Zanu-PF honours its commitments under the 15 September power-sharing agreement. The fact that Zanu-PF is not prepared to allow the MDC to take on the two Ministries — Finance and Interior — which are most crucial for reform is a clear demonstration of bad faith on the part of Robert Mugabe. I am frankly disappointed at the outcome of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Pretoria on 9 November, when regional leaders did not press Mugabe to do what it takes to make a unity government workable.

The Government has engaged at EU level in the discussion of the current crisis in Zimbabwe and actively contributed to the preparation of the Conclusions adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in October. After that meeting, EU Foreign Ministers stated that the EU stands ready to support a transitional government which is taking steps to restore democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. That commitment still stands. The situation in Zimbabwe was also discussed at the GAERC of 10 November.

Ireland has also conveyed our concerns directly to our partner countries in Africa. We have encouraged the countries of the Southern Africa region and organizations such as SADC and the African Union to continue to press the two sides to come to a workable agreement, and to respect the democratic verdict of the Zimbabwean people. Most recently, earlier this month I instructed our Ambassadors in SADC countries once again to convey our concerns to the authorities in our partner countries in southern Africa, in advance of the 9 November SADC Summit. The Irish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, who is based in Pretoria, has had contact with Zimbabwean Ambassador there, and the Zimbabwean authorities can be in no doubt about our strong views. My Department has also had contacts with African Embassies based in Dublin on this issue.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

357 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40873/08]

The Public Service Benchmarking Body, whose report was published on 21 December 2007, carried out a detailed evaluation of the pay and jobs of 109 grades in the public service in accordance with its terms of reference.

While there is not a specific link between benchmarking and services to the public, "Sustaining Progress" and its successor "Towards 2016", the ten-year Social Partnership Agreement, set out an extensive agreed programme of measures designed to achieve improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.

Examples of the above, which involve services provided to the general public by the Department of Foreign Affairs would include the following:

A new on-line passport application tracking system was launched on 18 December 2006. Since then any customer, who has applied for an Irish passport, can check the current status of his or her application on-line.

The Passport Office commenced the issue of the new ePassport, including the incorporation of biometrics data in passports, on 16 October 2006. This represented a major development in identity verification and security for Irish passports.

Earlier this year, my Department launched an on-line registration service on the website for Irish citizens travelling or living overseas. The information submitted is used solely for the purpose of contacting the person in exceptional or emergency situations such as a natural disaster, civil unrest or a family crisis while travelling/resident abroad.

The Department's Consular Section in Dublin provides support in a wide range of areas, including comprehensive advice on travel to particular countries or regions, and assistance in situations of difficulty or distress. In 2007, for example, the Department dealt with the deaths of over 130 Irish people abroad and provided assistance to our citizens in other difficult and distressing situations, including repatriation, hospitalisation, victims of crime and detention abroad.

A dedicated Consular Crisis Centre was opened in January 2007 to enable the Department to respond effectively to a major crisis or emergency overseas affecting Irish citizens. The Centre can be activated within minutes during normal work times and within an hour over weekends or overnight.

The Passport Express service has, over the last number of years, greatly facilitated the issuing of passports to the public and guarantees that a properly completed application will be processed in 10 working days. Some 600,000 passports were issued in 2007.

Earlier this year the Irish Aid Volunteering and Information Centre was opened on O'Connell Street in Dublin. The Centre is a first port-of-call for those seeking information on the personal contribution they can make to overseas development, including volunteering opportunities.

The foregoing are just a few examples of the range and quality of the services offered to the public by my Department. I can assure the Deputy that we will be availing of every opportunity to improve these services still further in the period ahead.

Passport Fraud.

Denis Naughten

Question:

358 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish passports which were reported lost or stolen here and outside the country in 2007 and to date in 2008; the number in each category which have subsequently turned up as forged passports which were presented at Irish entry points or abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41016/08]

The figures for Irish passports reported as lost or stolen for 2007 and from 1 January to 13 November 2008 are:

Year

Total passports issued

Lost or mislaid

Stolen

Total lost, mislaid or stolen

% of total issued

2007

600,000

32,156

5,425

37,581

6.3%

1 January to 13 November 2008

539,000

28,624

4,458

33,082

6.1%

These figures are in line with other comparable countries. Stolen passports represent less than 1% of the total issued.

Since 2006, all passports reported lost or stolen are notified through An Garda Síochána to Interpol. This procedure is designed to reduce the risk of travel on forged documents.

Applicants, who report a previous passport as lost or stolen, are advised not to travel on such a passport if it is subsequently recovered. Wording to this effect is incorporated into the passport application form. Nevertheless, a small number of individuals mistakenly use a passport previously reported as lost or stolen.

In 2007, 27 Irish citizens were delayed at international border controls because they were travelling on passports which had been reported as lost or stolen. In each case, Interpol contacted the Passport Office to verify the identity of the travellers. None of these cases involved forged passports.

Over the period 1 January to 13 November 2008, some 68 citizens have been delayed for the same reason. Again, n one of these cases involved forged documents.

However, in 2006, shortly after Ireland commenced providing Interpol with details of lost and stolen passports, three persons were detected travelling on forged Irish passports that had previously been reported lost or stolen. One of these cases was detected by the Garda National Immigration Bureau at Dublin Airport while the other two arose in the UK.

The new and more secure Irish Passport was introduced on a phased basis from December 2004. In addition to extensive traditional print security features, the laser engraved polycarbonate datapage ensures that the Irish passport is a highly fraud-resistant document. The security features are easily authenticated by the relevant authorities, including border agencies.

The introduction of the biometric or e-passport on 16 October 2006 further enhanced these security features. The presence of a microchip, containing a digital image of the holder, has meant that any photo substitution can now be more readily and easily detected. These improvements mean that it has become very difficult for a forger to alter a lost or stolen passport.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

359 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long-term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41071/08]

The following tables set out the average number of sick days per head of staff in my Department in each of the years specified.

It is not possible to provide the average number of sick days excluding long-term illnesses for 2006 as our records for that year, and the years prior to that, do not distinguish between short- and long-term illnesses.

The figure for the total number of employees does not include 300 administrative and support staff, who are employed locally by our Missions outside the State.

Sick Leave details 2006 Both long- and short-term illnesses

Year

Total number of employees

Total number of sick days

Average number of sick days per employee

2006

1,130

7,871.5

6.97

Sick Leave details 2007 and 2008 Including long-term sick leave

Year

Total number of employees

Total number of sick days

Average number of sick days per employee

2007

1,210

12,793

10.57

2008*

1,208

9,349

7.73

Sick Leave details 2007 and 2008 Excluding long-term sick leave (over 90 days)

Year

Total number of employees

Total number of sick days

Average number of sick days per employee

2007

1,210

7,453.5

6.16

2008*

1,208

5,877

4.87

*Figures given for 2008 are up to and including 12 November.

Citizenship Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

360 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a request to his Department regarding a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41171/08]

The person in question was born in Scotland to an Irish-born parent. He was therefore automatically an Irish citizen at birth.

In the year 2000, he renounced his Irish citizenship by lodging a declaration of alienage with the Irish Embassy in Berlin and surrendered his passport.

Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts, a person born in the island of Ireland who has renounced Irish citizenship by making a declaration of alienage will remain entitled to be an Irish citizen. His or her Irish citizenship may be resumed by making a declaration of citizenship, in a form required by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

However, under these Acts this option is available only in cases where a person was born in the island of Ireland. Where, as in this case, a person is born outside of the island of Ireland, citizenship may be regained only through naturalisation.

The person in question submitted a declaration of citizenship to the Irish Embassy in Berlin in 2004 to regain his citizenship. The Embassy advised that he could not regain citizenship through the declaration because he was not born on the island of Ireland and suggested that he explore the option of naturalisation.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has sole responsibility for legislative and policy matters regarding the granting of citizenship through naturalisation. The person in question may obtain further information regarding naturalisation from the Citizenship Division of that Department.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

361 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41182/08]

The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for two Votes — Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs) and Vote 29 (International Cooperation). I have set out in the following tables the names of the consultants engaged by my Department together with an indication of the work carried out and the amounts paid to each consultant for each of the years 2000 to 2008 (to date) under both Votes.

I am very conscious of the need to achieve value for money on such expenditure. The Department commissions external advisory services only where specialised knowledge and/or skills are not available within the Department and, particularly in the case of Irish Aid (Ireland's official development assistance programme), where ongoing independent evaluation of programmes and projects is required. Given the overall scale of the Irish Aid Programme, I am satisfied that this level of monitoring, review and evaluation is both prudent and proportionate.

I should add that, in accordance with the Government's decision, the budgetary provision for consultancies in my Department will be reduced by 50% in 2009.

Department of Foreign Affairs Foreign Affairs (Vote 28)

(Vote 28) Consultancies — 2000

Company

Service Provided

Cost

Padraig White

To advise the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition on broad issues of strategy with particular reference to economic development.

15,240

Prof. Gerard Quinn

Compulsory State Report required for the submission under the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities

6,348

ECA International

Review of Foreign Services Allowances

775

Raphael Siev

Legal Consultancy Services

495

Eugene Downes

Cultural Programme Coordinator

24,685

Noel Dorr

Intergovernmental Conference Representative

3,809

(Vote 28) Consultancies — 2001

Company

Service Provided

Cost

RITS

Review of firewall design

3,750

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Report on the viability of the Irish Centre at Digbeth, Birmingham

St£19,387

Padraig White

To advise the Garvaghy Roads Residents Coalition on broad issues of strategy with particular reference to economic issues

17,526

Farrell, Grant Sparks

Procurement and Tendering advice regarding the proposed Automated Passport Production System (APS)

42,250

Dr Tom Hardiman

Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)

18,812

Mazaars Consulting Ltd

Implementation of a new payroll system

148,498

Eugene Downes

Cultural Programme Coordinator

50,494

Noel Dorr

Intergovernmental Conference Representative

40,227

Fiach MacChongail

Programme Manager, Irish Cultural Centre Paris

39,519

(Vote 28) Consultancies — 2002

Company

Service Provided

Cost

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

Consultancy in respect of the development of the Department’s ICT Strategy

155,101

Cara

Review of Global Network Services

27,553

Crannog

Technical services to assist upgrade of e-mail system

20,534

D.S.S

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure and provision of resources for ICT Helpdesk services

147,818

Octogon

EU Scrutiny Website development

9,876

RITS

ICT Security services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes

15,395

Padraig White

To advise the Garvaghy Roads Residents Coalition on broad issues of strategy with particular reference to economic development

7,683

Price Waterhouse Coopers

Cross border mobility study

47,870

Indecon

Review of “Encounter” organisation

31,097

Farrell, Grant Sparks

Procurement and Tendering advice regarding the proposed Automated Passport Production System (APS)

44,130

Clifford Associates

Project Management Advice — APS

14,240

Bearingpoint

Main Contractor in the development of the delivery of the Automated Passport System (APS)

4,390,760

Mason Hayes and Curran

Contract and Legal Advice — APS

268,600

Dr Tom Hardiman

Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)

43,464

Declan Ryan Consultancy

Consultation on beverage provisions (incl. procuring, discounts and stocking)

4,000

William Schabas

Representation of Ireland at meetings of the Council of Europe’s Special Committee on the Legal Status of NGOs

1,370

Anglia Polytechnic

Study of the existing sources of information/analysis about Irish emigrants and Irish communities abroad.

58,041

McCann Fitzgerald

Review of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ practices in the payments of Foreign Service allowances and entitlements to staff serving abroad in the context of existing equality and employment legislation.

15,427

Drury Communications

Advice on a comprehensive communications strategy aimed at improving the transmission of information about the EU to the Irish public.

62,999

Eugene Downes

Cultural Programme Coordinator

33,478

Fiach MacChongail

Programme Manager, Irish Cultural Centre Paris

52,306

Geraldine Skinner

Legal Consultancy Services

3,990

Noel Dorr

Intergovernmental Conference Representative

5,079

Vote 28 Consultancies — 2003

Company

Service Provided

Cost

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

Consultancy in respect of the development of the Department’s ICT Strategy

22,732

Cara

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure

333,773

Crannog

Technical services to assist upgrade of e-mail system

41,143

D.S.S

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure and provision of resources for ICT Helpdesk services

643,470

Hewlett Packard

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure

45,980

Microsoft

Technical design of ICT Infrastructure

30,461

RITS

ICT Security services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes

300,359

Centre for Cross Border Studies

Cross border mobility study

19,440

Cornwell (formerly Clifford Associates)

(1) Project Management Advice — APS

(1) 106,000

(2) Technical advice on the technical architecture for APS

(2) 137,764

Bearingpoint

Main Contractor in the development of the delivery of the APS

14,936,500

Mason Hayes and Curran

Contract and Legal Advice — APS

9,500

Dr Tom Hardiman

Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)

39,687

Front Line

Study on possible EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders

25,000

Eugene Downes

Cultural Programme Coordinator

20,470

Fiach MacChongail

Programme Manager, Irish Cultrural Centre Paris

103

Michael Barsanti

Text for international Joyce exhibition

1,000

Labyrinth

Design of Ireland’s EU Presidency Website

257,889

Amas

Design of Youth section of Presidency website and search engine optimisation

53,280

Red Dog Design

Design of the EU Presidency logo, the branding of the Presidency and other project management costs for campaigns to promote regional awareness of the Presidency and to promote the Presidency website. Also includes ancillary production charges relating to costs incurred on technical issues such as printing, display units and backdrops etc.

49,419

Vote 28 Consultancies — 2004

Company

Service Provided

Cost

Cara

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure and provision of resources for ICT Helpdesk services from October 2004

827,394

Crannog

Technical services to assist upgrade of e-mail system

53,542

D.S.S

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure and provision of resources for ICT Helpdesk services up to October 2004

1,234,630

Hewlett Packard

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure

39,023

Microsoft

Technical design of ICT Infrastructure

9,044

RITS

ICT Security services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes

321,164

Will Taylor

Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes

190,904

Cornwell (formerly Clifford Associates)

(1) Project Management Advice — APS(2) Technical advice on the technical architecture for APS

(1) 314,000(2) 229,546

Bearingpoint

Main Contractor in the development of the delivery of the APS

14,358,000

Mason Hayes and Curran

Contract and Legal Advice — APS

9,971

Dr Tom Hardiman

Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)

31,694

Declan Ryan Consultancy

Consultation on beverage provisions for EU Presidency

2,500

Deirdre Donohue

Organisation of December 2004 DFA/NGO Human Rights Forum

1,292

Labyrinth

Design of Ireland’s EU Presidency Website

245,829

Amas

Design of Youth section of Presidency website and search engine optimisation

81,340

Fusio

Upgrade of Departmental Website

11,188

Red Dog Design

Design of the EU Presidency logo, the branding of the Presidency and other project management costs for campaigns to promote regional awareness of the Presidency and to promote the Presidency website. Also includes ancillary production charges relating to costs incurred on technical issues such as printing, display units and backdrops etc.

251,363

Balcombe Helicopters

Provision of technical advice regarding helicopter transport for the EU Enlargement Day events in Dublin, 1 May, 2004

4,235

Melt design

Design and type setting of publication entitled “Growth, Jobs and Social Cohesion: What Europe is Doing for You”

1,940

A&L Goodbody

Expenditure Review Report on the Department’s EU Accession Training Programmes

4,878

Eugene Downes

Cultural Programme Coordinator

24,126

Dr Renata Dwan

Research in relation to the link between civilian crisis management and development assistance

15,000

Declan Kiberd

Editorial Advice on international Joyce exhibition and Beckett-related project work

900

Laura Weldon

Beckett-related project work

1,750

Vote 28 Consultancies — 2005

Company

Service Provided

Cost

Cara

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure and provision of resources for ICT Helpdesk services

1,466,897

D.S.S

Technical resources to assist upgrade of ICT infrastructure

725,237

RITS

ICT Security services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes

258,021

Version1

Technical resources to assist delivery of ICT Programmes

288,807

Cornwell (formerly Clifford Associates)

(1) Project Manager and Acceptance Testing — APS

(1) 87,060

(2) Technical advice on the preparation of request for tenders for a new Automated Visa System

(2) 45,323

(3) Performance review of APS

(3) 43,763

Bearingpoint

Main Contractor in the development of the delivery of the APS

497,300

Mason Hayes and Curran

Contract and Legal Advice — APS

20,780

Dr Tom Hardiman

Ireland’s Representative on the Board of Governors of the Asia Europe Foundation (ASEF)

40,698

Ronan Daly Jermyn, Solicitors

Legal Advice in connection with contracts

3,025

Declan O’Neill

Evaluation of e-payments solution for the Department

4,000

ECA International

Examination of the structure of foreign service allowances and other entitlements available to officers serving overseas

3,418

Eugene Downes

Cultural Programme Coordinator

25,029

Declan Kiberd

Editorial Advice on international Joyce exhibition and Beckett-related project work

1,250

Ronan McDonald

Beckett-related project work

2,000

Padraig White

To advise the Garvaghy Road Residents Coalition on broad issues of strategy with particular reference to economic development

22,282

Vote 28 Consultancies 2006

Company

Service Provided

Cost

Bearingpoint

Development of the Department’s Automated Passport System

300,974

Cornwell

Technical services to assist delivery of ICT Programmes

26,464

Dr. Tom Hardiman

Services in relation to Asia-Europe Foundation

63,602

Eugene Downes

Cultural Programme Coordinator

11,394

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Value For Money and Policy Review of the Support for Irish Emigrant Groups Programmes

19,360

Mason Hayes and Curran

Contract and legal advice in relation to the Automated Passport System

49,403

Microsoft

Technical design of ICT Infrastructure

45,027

Rits

ICT Security Services and advice

70,694

Tim Dalton

Procurement audit for Biometrics project

730

Vote 28 Consultancies 2007

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

Bianconi Research Limited (trading as RITS)

Technical advice on the maintenance and development of the Department’s ICT security infrastructure.

151,250

Sysnet Ltd.,

ICT Security Review

28,133

Cornwell Management Consultants Ireland Limited

Development of technical specifications and tender documents for the support and maintenance contract for the Automated Passport System.

19,965

Goodbody Economic Consultants

Value for Money and Policy Review of the Support for Irish Emigrant Groups Programmes

25,894

Annesley Resource Partnership

Quality Assurance Assessment of the Value for Money and Policy Review of the Support for Irish Emigrants Groups Programmes

3,751

BCT Communications Limited

Evaluation of the capacity building programmes provided by the Institute of Public Administration in 2006 to the Bulgarian Institute of Public Administration and the Romanian National Institute of Administration.

20,469

Version 1 Software Limited

Software Programming for Secure Document Repository

1,481

(i) Mr. Eugene Downes (to 28 May 2007)

Cultural Events Coordination and Advisory Services for State and Official Visits

9,883

(ii) Long Road Productions Ltd. (from 18 September 2007)

14,520

Mr. Peter Brown

Taxation advice provided to the Irish Embassy, London.

3,835

Mr. Richard Townsend

Assist with a review of the mandate and structures of the Irish United Nations Association (IUNA)

3,993

Vote 28 Consultancies 2008 (to date)

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

Cornwell Consultants

Procurement advice in relation to support and maintenance contract for the Automated Passport System (APS)

12,251

Farrell Grant Sparks

Management consultancy services in connection with the Department’s Organisational Review

24,200

Long Road Productions Limited

Cultural Co-ordination services

22,264

PA Consulting

ICT consultancy services, for development of grant management system.

1,815

RITS

ICT Security consultancy services

125,890

Millward Brown IMS

Research survey on the outcome of the EU Reform Treaty Referendum

138,061

Sysnet

Testing/scheduling of Automated Passport System

1,149

John Hynes/Eoin O’ Shea

To assist with the Review of North/south Bodies and Areas of Co-Operation arising from the St. Andrews Agreement

27,408

Department of Foreign Affairs — International Cooperation (Vote 29)

(Vote 29) — Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2000

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

Centre for Adult and Community Education

Fellowship Policy Fellowship Policy guidelines & Application / Selection Criteria

2,475.00

Timothy O’Dempsey

Participation in Roll Back Malaria Meeting, WHO Geneva

2,350.50

John Kevany

Appraisal of International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) Proposal

10,221.39

Desiree Dietvorst

Presentation at Like-minded meeting on SWAPs Dublin

3,573.09

The Economic & Social Research Institute

DAC Capacity Network meeting Dublin April 2000

3,313.18

Moss McCormack

Programme Document for Ireland Aid Assistance to Health Sector, Lesotho

3,739.7

Robert Smith

Appraisal of Ireland Aid Support to Jimma University, Ethiopia

8,033.61

Vivienne Forsythe

Appraisal of Ireland Aid Support to Jimma University, Ethiopia

11,265.04

Mary Jennings

Review of Save the Children Micro Credit Project, Palestine, March 2000

6,162.85

John Grindle

Attendance at Expert Group Meeting on Economic Vulnerability, Paris

1,168.12

Jim Kinsella

Bethel Evaluation, Lesotho, March 2000

6,911.12

Educational Research Centre

Assessing Quality of Teaching in Primary Schools, Kibale District, Uganda, March 2000

6,012.59

Centre for Adult and Community Education

Report on meeting of like minded Donors on SWAPS — March 2000

3,174.35

Ruairi Brugha

Joint Ministry of Health/ Partners Review of Health Plan of Action, Tanzania March 2000

7,445.78

Ann Bourke Garcia

Preparation of Programme of support in Health Sector for Ireland Aid Tanzania

12,804.9

Cathy Gaynor

Preparation of Report for the World Conference on Education for All, Dakar, Finalisation of Education Guidelines, Attendance at Regional Advisers’ Workshop on Education March – September 2000

15,236.86

Monica Gorman

Seminar on AEnvironmental Best Practice in Development Programmes@ Report, 23 March 2000

571.38

Deloitte & Touche

Review of Ireland Aid Procurement Procedures, March- June 2000

57,083.09

IAAC/ Prof. John Jackson

Attendance at the United Nations Commission on Population and Development

5,743.41

Dr Timothy O’Dempsey

Participation in Operational Research Workshop, Ethiopia, Phase 1, March 2000

2,539.22

Peit Jan Zijlstra/ CDP Consultants

Evaluation of Area-Based Programmes, Dublin March April 2000

60,176.48

Orlaith McCaul

Evaluation of Area Based Programmes, Dublin March-April 2000

5,889.93

Swithun Goodbody

Attendance at IFPRI Workshop in Malawi — March-April 2000

4,646.8

Andrew O’Connell

Strategy and Guidelines for Ireland Aid support to Health Component in the District Development Programmes-April 2000

5,715.46

Nick Chisholm

Preparation of Ireland Aid Policy & Guidelines on Agriculture

12,597.59

Peadar Cremin

Curriculum Development and Implementation for Palestinian Ministry of Education: April 2000

5,401.44

David O’Grady

Curriculum Development and Implementation for Palestinian Ministry of Education: April 2000

5,291.99

Eamonn Brehony

Feasibility Study on the proposed Mungwi Council Sugar Cane Out-Growers Scheme, Zambia, April-May 2000.

4,826.12

Nick Chisholm

Attendance at the Preliminary Appraisal Committee and the pre-Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group Meetings April 2000 — March 2001

4,441.07

Noel Whelan

Attendance at the Preliminary Appraisal Committee and the pre-Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group Meetings April 2000 – March 2001

6,148.22

Mike FitzGibbon

Desk Study re Accounting Database in District Development Programmes, Tanzania

1,976.26

David McKevitt

Programme Aid Seminar May 2000

1,100.01

Bannock Consulting

Programme Aid Seminar May 2000

1100.81

Vivienne Forsythe

Strategy and Sector Guidelines in Emergency Humanitarian Assistance, Emergency Preparedness and Post Emergency Rehabilitation

3,656.85

Conor Ward

Support to the Bethlehem 2000 Palestinian Heritage Centre at Bethlehem University — May 2000

3,669.85

Nils Boesen, AS Denmark

Review of NGO Block Grant Muiti-annual Funding — May – June 2000

27,297.43

Swithun Goodbody

Evaluation of Ireland Aid support to IFAD and CGIAR — May – June 2000

18,143.38

Colin O’Sullivan

Member of CSC Interview Board for IT Specialist, DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION DIVISION

1,269.74

Terence George Baker

Development of the Curriculum for a Diploma course in Medlab Science

13,764.94

John Kevany

Attendance at EU HIV/AIDS Vaccine Task Team Meeting: Brussels May 2000

1,608.24

Andrew Burke

Review of Education Support to Northern Province, South Africa

8,063.1

REPIM Ltd

Programme Aid Seminar May 2000

2,296.74

Cathal Higgins

Review of Education Support to Northern Province, South Africa

8,122.53

Tom Dolan, ODT Development Consultancy

Reviewing Plans and Programme to Reform the Justice Cluster in South Africa

6,557.52

John Grindle

Background Paper on Political and Economic Developments, SA in preparation for Country Strategy Review — June 2000

4,357.7

Lars P Christensen

Evaluation of Ireland Aid Contributions to UNDP, UNICEF & UNFPA June-Sept 2000

11,500.3

Nedworc Foundation

Evaluation of Ireland Aid Contributions to UNDP, UNICEF & UNFPA June-Sept 2000

2,765.59

Piet Jan Zijlstra / CDP Consultants

Evaluation of Area-based Programmes, Ethiopia/Tanzania/Mozambique/Tanzania: Phase 11 — June/July & Sept 2000

10,602.85

Orlaith McCaul/ Development Studies Centre

Evaluation of Area-Based Programmes-Phase 2 — Tanzania/ Amsterdam/Tanzania

23,365.61

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Mid-term Review of the Reproductive Health Services Project, Northern Province, Zambia June 2000

14,972.15

Brenda Corcoran

Review of the National Tuberculosis Programme, Tanzania June 2000

9,208.14

Matthew Jowett

Attendance at WHO meeting on partnership in Health and Poverty, Geneva 12-14 June 2000

2,353.45

Thomas Kellaghan

Issues Paper for Attendance at International working Group on Education — Florence, June 2000

2,623.37

Nick Chisholm

DAC Environmental Meeting June 2000

1,091.59

Mike Scott

Member of Civil Service Commission Interview Board for D C D Accountant, June 2000

1,269.4

David Lovegrove

Foreign Investment Advisory Mission to Laos

8,610.78

John Kevany

EU Health Aids Population Experts Meeting Brussels

1,404.75

Sean Courtney

Increase Management Capacity of the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania, July – October 2000

15,236.86

Bernard Mc Loughlin

Appraisal of Inception Report on the Establishment of an ED-SDP Pooled Fund, Tanzania

444.41

Seamus McGuinness

Mid-term Review/ Evaluation of the Whole School Development in Tanzania July/August 2000

3300.05

Bernadette Crawford

Participation In Ireland Aid Education Seminar Aug 2000

2,631.16

Iain Atack

Review of 3-year Programme 1998-2000 on Human Rights, Democratisation and Good Governance — August 2000

2,365.84

Mary Jennings

Participation in Regional HIV/AIDS Workshop, Uganda, Sept 00

5,845.73

Vivienne Forsythe

Review of CHAL-RHDP Project Lesotho Sept 00

7,552.73

Mike Ratcliffe (HRDC)

Evaluation of Trocaire Block Grant Projects in Central America Aug 00

19,141.92

Grant Thornton

Review of DCO Administration Budgets and Budgeting Procedures -Aug-Oct 2000

23,568.74

Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales

Review of Agriculture Programme in Ethiopia, Aug- Sept00

19,166.29

UCD (Dept. of Agribusiness Extension & RD)

Sokoine Extension Programme Tanzania, Sept 00

8,226.84

John Grindle

Evaluation of Tanga Coastal Zone Programme — Phase II

12,315.25

Bernadette Crawford

Strategic Approach to Health and Education SWAps in the Priority Countries — Sep-Nov 00

2,285.53

Moss McCormack

Attendance at WHO Seminar on Quality Improvement Strategies for Middle & Low Income Countries September 2000

963.67

Nick Chisholm

DAC Environmental Conference — Amsterdam

2,130.51

John Kevany

Inter Agency Group Meeting on SWAPs Geneva

2,478.35

John Kevany

Ireland Aid Health Policy/ Programme Development: September – December 2000

13,558.01

Sean Courtney

Increase Management Capacity of the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania

16,760.54

Iain Atack

To attend SIDA Workshop APromoting a Human Rights Approach in Development Cooperation@ Stockholm October 2000

2,632.76

Nick Chisholm

To attend CGIAR Annual Centres Week Washington, October 2000

3,330.76

Therese Dooley

Review of Primary Schools Construction & Bursary Project for Participation of Education Sector Support Programme for Lesotho October Nov 2000

6,610.88

Roger Avenstrup

Review of Primary Schools Construction & Bursary Project for Preparation of Education Sector Support programme for Lesotho Nov-Dec 2000 & Jan 01

15,505.05

Roger Avenstrup

Ethiopia ESDP Mid-term Review 10 February — 4 March 2001

18,658.66

Dr. Shane Allwright

Appraise the desirability of Ireland Aid support for the Mwanza Intervention Trial, Tanzania

3,718.39

Moss McCormack

Health Sector Review Lesotho November 2000

3,889.00

Bernadette Crawford

Health Sector Consultation November 2000

406.91

Vivienne Forsythe

Health Sector Consultation November 2000

540.38

Dr Maura Connolly

Health Sector Consultation November 2000

903.98

Dr Bert Schreuder

Health Sector Consultation November 2000

1,223.19

Philip Ryan / Precept consulting

Management Review, Maputo

15,465.52

Kim Forss /Andante Consultants AB

Participation in Health SWAP Meeting Amsterdam, November 2000

4,295.12

Diarmuid McClean

Technical Support to UNICEF, Ghana, re Ireland Aid supported HIV/Aids programme: Nov-Dec 2000

5,947.77

Moss McCormack

Mid term Review of Medlabs Project Zambia December 2000

(paid in 2002)

Edward O’Loughlin

Production of an Ireland Aid Administrative procedures and Operations manual(s) December – June 2001

14,220.17

Deloitte & Touche

Quality Review of the Evaluation and Audit Unit. Dec 2000-Feb 01

40,966.58

COWI

Evaluation of Ireland Aid Contributions to the UN

45,858.94

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2001

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

Aidan Pender/PA Consulting Group

Facilitator to the Ireland Aid Review Committee

31452.35

Andrew Burke

Co-ordination of study visit to Ireland by Education officials from Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia Mozambique and S A (Nov 2001)

9885.68

Bernard McLoughlin

Sidama Area Based Programme Evaluation: Ethiopia (March 2001)

12914.90

Bernard McLoughlin

Review of Financial Control Capacities and Elaboration of Programme Expansion Proposals (June, 2001)

13093.88

Brian Barr

Roads Consultancy for Ireland Aid — Ethiopia Programme

11381.32

Cathal Higgins

Participation in ongoing monitoring and review of Ireland Aid Education Programmes (Jan-Dec 2001)

46659.36

CDP Consultants

Participation of Mr. Taco Kooistra in the evaluation of NGO Block Grant Scheme: Bangladesh and India (Feb & Mar 2001)

22431.20

CDP Consultants

Participation in Sidama Area-based Programme Evaluation — Ethiopia (Feb-Apr 2001)

24966.46

CDP Consultants

Souther Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State ( SNNPRS) Needs Assessment- Ethiopia (Nov 2001)

5249.76

Centre for Arid Zone Studies (CAZS)

Support to Review of IFSP and Preparation of Position Paper — Ethiopia (Sep 2001)

14525.14

CHL Consulting Group

Ex-Post Evaluation of Hotel and Tourism Training — Zambia (Oct – Nov 2001)

13123.09

COWI

Evaluation of Ireland Aid Contributions to UNHCR and OHCHR (Sep – Nov 2001)

7488.00

Deloitte & Touche

Study to Develop a Risk Management Process in Ireland Aid.

33492.16

Development Studies Centre

Participation of Ms Orlaith McCaul in the Sidama Area-based Programme Evaluation — Ethiopia (Feb -Apr 2001)

16297.33

Diarmuid McClean

Participation in ongoing support to Ireland Aid in the Health Sector (Feb -Jul 2001)

4072.93

Diarmuid McClean

Health — Programme Support and Development (Oct 01 – Mar 02)

2886.63

Dr. Albert de Groot/ Netherlands Economic Institute

Macro-economic Support to Mozambique (Mar – Apr 01)

13717.13

Dr. Ian Robinson — Centre for Arid Zone Studies, University of Wales, Bangor

Participate in workshop in Dublin re. developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture

1851.88

Dr. Jim Phelan

Attendance at Agriculture Workshop — Tanzania (May 2001)

2744.86

Dr. Timothy O Dempsey

Participation in Operational Research Workshop (Ethiopia); March 2001

939.06

Edward O Loughlin

Production of an Ireland Aid Administrative procedures and Operations manual(s) December – June 2001

20320.00

Eric Woods

Review of Teacher Education in the Context of the Education Sector Development Programme — Ethiopia, November 2001

3657.60

Gavin Olney

Assessment of Microfinance Sector in Kibale, Kiboga, and Kumi — Uganda

10203.51

HELM Corporation Ltd

Review of Current Practice in Lesson Learning from Evaluations at Country Level. October -November 2001

24126.76

Horwath Bastow Charlton

Review of Financial Management Systems of NGOs

40327.97

IG Harmond Associates

Review of Ireland Aid Support to the Rural Access Sector — Lesotho (Aug-Sep 2001)

12617.28

John Grindle

Participation in workshop on developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture: Agriculture Conference, Dublin (10-11 January 2001)

6,200.14

John Grindle

Assistance to the Czech and Lithuanian Foreign Ministries (April – June 2001)

9,106.70

John Grindle

On-going review of Ireland Aid’s policy on debt (May 2001 – April 2002)

17,207.23

John Grindle

Review of the Ireland Aid Country Programme-Lesotho (Oct-Nov 2001)

2000.25

John McKinnon

Seminar on proposal to provide General Budget Support to Uganda — Dublin (4 April 2001)

689.71

John Telford / EMMA Ltd.

Review of NGO activities in Gujarat, India (April-June 2001)

7,297.51

Kevin Carroll

Support to IA’s Health Advisers (Sep 01-Aug 02)

8,336.57

Kevin Carroll

Preparation of Discussion Paper on Governance/ Civil Society for Programme Officers Meeting (Nov. 2001)

1,905.00

Kevin Carroll

Workshop on Sector Wide Approaches (SWAPs)-Lesotho (Oct 2001)

4,493.95

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Participation of Ms Monica Burns in Mid-term Review of the HSDP — Ethiopia (February – March 2001)

30,081.70

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Participation of Mr Peter Petit in Mid-term Review of the HSDP Ethiopia (February – March 2001)

21,836.14

London School of Hygeine and Tropical Medicine

Participation of Dr. Ruairi Brugha in Joint Ministry of Health/Partners Review of Health Plan of Action — Tanzania (March 2001)

15,580.01

Mary Oduka

Member of Ireland Aid Interview Board for Programme Officer (October 2001)

1,270.00

Michael Kelly

Participation in facilitation of workshop on HIV/AIDS and presentation of paper on HIV/AIDS (February – March 2001)

2,698.98

Michael Scott

Assessment of the operations of AMSCO (April – June 2001)

5,043.63

Monica Burns, LATH

Annual Review Meeting of HSDP — Ethiopia (June 2001)

12,265.60

NEDWORC

Participation of Mr Henk Mutsaers at the Agriculture Conference Workshop on Developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture: Dublin (11-12 January 2001)

3,140.20

Niall McDermott, Barry International Consulting Engineers

Mozambique Road Sector Analysis (June 2001)

20,550.60

Nick Chisholm

Attendance at the Preliminary Appraisal Committee and the pre-Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group Meetings( April 2000 – March 2001)

6,020.69

Nick Chisholm

Participation in workshop on developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture: Agriculture Conference, Dublin (10-11 January 2001)

977.09

Nick Chisholm

Ongoing Attendance at Meetings of DAC Working Party on Environment (March 2001 to March 2002)

3,993.39

Nick Chisholm

Seminar on proposal to provide General Budget Support to Uganda — Dublin (4 April 2001)

563.25

Nick Chisholm

Agriculture Position Paper in preparation for the Country Strategy Paper, Ethiopia ( August 2001)

9,096.92

Noel Molony

Review of Current Support to Rwanda -Phase 1 (December 2001)

1,143.00

Olga McDonagh

Administrative arrangements between Ireland Aid and ICOS (March-April 2001)

4,445.00

Overseas Development Institute, London

Participation of Mr. Mick Foster in Joint Donor Budget Support Mission (PRSC) — Uganda (January 2001)

21,689.77

Philip Ryan

Member of Ireland Aid Interview Board for Human Resources and Outsourcing Manager (October 2001)

2,743.20

Philip Ryan / Precept Consulting

Consultancy report to DCD for the Ireland Aid Review April (July 2001)

13,716.00

Prof. John Kevany

Health — Intermittent Specialist Support (October 2001- March 2002)

4,014.56

Prof. John Kevany

Participation in ongoing monitoring on draw-down basis of Ireland Aid support to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative — IAVI (2001-2002)

8,840.69

Prof. John Kevany

Global Health Initiatives Stockholm

2,123.94

Pyramid Consulting Ltd.

Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and Development (1-16/2/2001)

5,715.00

Seamus O hUllachain

Facilitator for Study Visit to Ireland (Nov 2001)

3,810.00

Sean Courtney

Increase management capacity of the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania (17 January – 16 March 2001)

11,582.40

Sean Courtney

Support to the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania (April – July 2001)

16,154.40

Sean Courtney

Support to the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania (Aug-Oct 2001)

15,240.00

Sean Courtney

Support to the Ireland Aid Country Programme, Tanzania (01 November 2001-31 January 2002)

4,572.00

Sorcha Corcoran

Production of the Ireland Aid Annual Report

8,628.38

Susan Bragdon CGIAR/IPGRI

Speak at a workshop on Genetic Resources for Agriculture Dublin (8-9 Jan 2001)

833.63

Swithin Goodbody

Participation in Agriculture Conference Workshop on developing an Ireland Aid Policy and Guidelines for Agriculture (Dublin); 11&12/1/2001 (classified as an extension of contract for Evaluation of Ireland Aid support to IFAD and CGIAR (May – June 2000)

1,263.56

T & B Consult

Review of Ireland Aid’s support to the Development Studies Centre, Kimmage Manor (Sep-Nov 2001)

6,229.35

Therese Dooley

Participation in the Facilitation of workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation (February-March 2001)

1,524.00

Therese Dooley

EU Water Experts Meeting Stockholm (23-24 April 2001)

2,325.19

Therese Dooley

Water & Sanitation sector, SA & Zambia (June-July 2001)

16,360.08

Therese Dooley

Global Health Fund Meeting Geneva (Jun 01). Global Fund for AIDS & Health Brussels (Jul 01)

4,103.50

Therese Dooley

Preparation for Formulation of CSP-Ethiopia, Water Sector (Sep-Oct 2001)

11,986.73

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2002

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

Avenstrup, Roger

Review of IA support to Education Sector — Lesotho (Dec 2001)

8,956.05

McGuinness, Seamus

Mid-term review/evaluation of Whole School Development — Tanzania (Jul-Aug 2000)

10,681.75

Courtney, Sean

Support to the IA Country Programme — Tanzania (Nov 01 to Jan 02)

10,668.00

Sugrue, Ciaran

Joint External Appraisal of MoE Strat Plan — Zambia (Jul-02)

5,522.71

Long, Jean

Evaluation of the Copperbelt Maternity Clinics & the Northern Province Reproductive Health Projects — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)

9,776.42

Crawford, Bernie

Development of a Sector Strategy Paper for Urban Development (POCMUS) — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)

8,740.96

McDowell, Moore

Preparation in the GoZ /WB workshop on ”DeepingEconomic Diversification in Zambia” — Zambia (Jun-02)

9,710.38

McCormack, Moss

Mid-term review of the Medlabs Project — Zambia (Jul-02)

6,800.00

Riverine Consulting

Good Governance Northern Province Needs Assessment — Zambia (Jul-Aug 02)

3,291.00

Mtonga, V

Review of the Cooperbelt Reproductive Health — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)

1,524.00

Milimo, J

Water Northern Province KAP Survey — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)

5,515.00

RuralNet HIV/AIDS

Capacity Needs Assessment OVC Programme Copperbelt — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)

4,010.00

Sikwibele, A

Northern Province Education BTL Review — Zambia (Jul-Aug-02)

4,995.00

Burke, Andrew

Review of IA support to Primary Education Reform Programme — Uganda (Jul-Aug-02)

15,031.98

Dolan, Tom

Justice Law & Order Sector Review — Uganda (April-May 01)

13,205.54

Dolan, Tom

Preparation of PAEG Documents (2001)

2,795.82

Dolan, Tom

Justice Law & Order Sector & Anti Corruption — Uganda (May-Jun 01)

33,023.43

Dolan, Tom

Visit of Uganda CRC to Ireland, Preparatory Work (Jan-02)

1,766.84

Dolan, Tom

Justice Law & Order Sector Review- Uganda (Nov 01)

12,457.06

O’Sullivan, Margo

Review of IA support to Primary Education Reform Programme — Uganda (Jul-Aug-02)

10,059.00

Avenstrup, Roger

Review Teacher Education — Ethiopia (Nov-01)

15,658.8

Avenstrup, Roger

ESDP Annual Review — Ethiopia (April-02)

8,379.2

CDP Consultants

SNNPRS Needs Assessment — Ethiopia (Feb-Apr)

15,108.45

CDP Consultants

SNNPRS Needs Assessment Phase II — Ethiopia (May-02)

11,808.87

Higgins, Cathal

Assessment of Teacher Education — Ethiopia (2001)

5,731.00

Phelan, Jim

Technical Needs Assessment for ORCB Project — Ethiopia (Sep-02)

7,465.07

Woods, Eric

Provision of Technical support to Joint Task Force on teacher Education — Ethiopia (Jan-Jun-02)

22,914.78

Woods, Eric

Review of Teacher Education in the context of ESDP (Nov-2001)

9,694.21

Gaynor, Cathy

Training Assignment — Ethiopia (October-02)

11,094.11

CDP Consultants

SNNP Regional Integrated Plan — Ethiopia (September 02)

31,005.68

Dolan, Tom

Appraisal of E-justice Programme — South Africa (Oct-2001)

13,535.48

Dolan, Tom

IA support to Good Governance, Democracy & Human Rights — South Africa (Jul-Sep-02)

7,854.00

Gordon, Adele

Bursary Support Evaluation — South Africa

1,553.18

Corbett Development Service

Technical Assistance to oversee Water Project’s Implementation — South Africa

8,516.88

Khulisa Man. Serv.

Id current & future funding in Education Sector in Limpopo Prov. — South Africa

28,588.30

Int. Org. Develop.

Support for NGOs working in HIV/AIDS — South Africa

10,335.86

Int. Org. Develop.

Assistance in Organisational restructuring of DoE, Limpopo Province (Phase 1) — South Africa

3,924.08

Chisholm, Nick

PAC & Pre-PAEG Meeting Jan/Mar/April 02

4,079.45

Chisholm, Nick

Ongoing Attendance at DAC Working Party on the Envir. Meetings

2,380.48

Chisholm, Nick

PAC & Pre-PAEG Meetings (May-Dec 02)

4,183.90

Core Financial Systems

Annual Support/Maintenance/Product Licence for Sunsystems for seven missions

22,149.64

Core Financial Systems

Various on-site consultancies

6,897.20

Core Financial Systems

On-site Development of Sun to reflect changes to Subheads in 7 Embassies (Mar-Apr-02)

23,958.00

Grant Thornton

Preparation of Financial Statements Refugee Agency (2001-02)

4,800.00

Jackson, John

Member of the IA Interview Board for Principal & Senior Development Specialists, Dublin (Sep-Oct-02)

6,215.68

Ainscow, Robert

Member of the IA Interview Board for Principal & Senior Development Specialists, Dublin (Sep-Oct-02)

14,018.56

Fell, Art

Member of the IA Interview Board for Principal & Senior Development Specialists, Dublin (Sep-Oct-02)

7,748.34

Ryan, Philip

IA Review of IAAC & NCDE (2001)

6,856.58

Saville & Holdsworth Ltd

Interviewing for IO & Edu. Specialist (Nov & Dec-2001)

7,867.93

S&H Ltd

Feedback to M. O’Connor & T.Dignan

772.2

S&H Ltd

Compentencies & Application Form Design (Mar-02)

2,395.8

Sheils, John

External support in compilation of Job Descriptions for IA

5,793.6

T&B Consult

Review of IA’s support to the DSC Kimmage (2001)

16,877.82

Whelan, Noel

Pre-PAEG Meetings Jan 01-Jan-02

11,084.31

Whelan, Noel

Pre-PAEG Meetings Feb-Dec 02

6,750.78

Grindle, John

Debt: Ongoing Review of IA’s policy on Debt (01-02)

7,554.97

Grindle, John

Debt: Ongoing Review of IA’s policy on Debt (May 02-Apr 03)

7,178.39

Grindle, John

Multi-annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) — (Apr-Dec-02)

13,000.00

Jennings, Mary

Multi-annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) — (Apr-Dec-02)

14,346.00

Gaynor, Cathy

Multi-annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) — (Apr-Dec-02)

13,580.00

Grindle, John

Assessment & expert input to Eastern Europe Aid Committee (Feb-Dec-02)

8,500.00

Carroll, Kevin

Evaluation of in-country micro-projects, Phase I

15881.49

Carroll, Kevin

Eval micro-projects (Phase II) Nigeria

10487.67

Carroll, Justin

Evaluation of in-country micro-projects, Phase I

27,566.00

Carroll, Justin

Eval micro-projects (Phase II)

10,503.00

CDP Consultants

Evaluation of NGO Block Grant Scheme in Kenya, Uganda & Malawi (Jun-2001)

12,162.24

COWI

Evaluation of IA contributions to UNHCR & OHCHR (Sep-Nov 2001)

33,469.52

Deloitte & Touche

Study to develop a Risk Management Process for IA (2Sep-Nov 2001)

5,762.02

Deloitte & Touche

Risk Management Pilot Phase — Zambia (Jun-02)

40,999.22

Grindle, John

Review — Ethiopia (Aug-Sep-02)

10,484.82

HELM Corporation Ltd

Review of current practice in Lesson Learning from evaluations at country level (expenses 2001)

737.00

Horwath Bastow Charleton

Review of Financial Management Systems of 5 NGOs (Sep-Dec 2001)

9,680.00

Molony, Noel

Review of current support to Rwanda Phase 2 (Jan-02)

7,357.59

Molony, Noel

Review of current support to Rwanda Phase 1 (Dec-2001)

2,987.24

Mullan, Mark

Review of current support to Rwanda Phase 1(Dec-2001)

2,987.24

Mullan, Mark

Review of current support to Rwanda Phase 2 (Jan-02)

6,350.00

Shannon Development

Review of FIAS (Apr-May-02)

11,313.50

Deloitte & Touche

Role out of Risk Management to 6 Missions (Oct 02 – Jan 03)

65,200.81

Scott, Mike

Support to EAU (Feb-May-02)

14,685.00

Carr, Bronagh

Assessment of Proposals under EHAF/EPPR Scheme — (Apr-Dec 02)

11,324.40

Molony, Noel

Assessment of Proposals under EHAF/EPPR Scheme — (Apr-Dec 02)

7,260.00

Telford, John

Assessment of Proposals under EHAF/EPPR Scheme — (Apr-Dec 02)

15,000.00

Michelson Institute

Review of IA’s Human Rights & Democratisation Scheme — (May-Aug 02)

79,356.70

Carr, Bronagh

Develop new instruments for channelling of funds to Irish NGOs for HIV/AIDS Programme- (Jan-Mar-02)

15,240.00

Carr, Bronagh

Assist IA in managing NGO-HAPS — (Apr-Dec 02)

13,831.50

McClean, Diarmuid

Ongoing support HIV/AIDS: SA & Mozambique (2001)

7,046.91

McClean, Diarmuid

Health Prog Support & Development: HIV Strategy — Tanzania

14,305.00

Crawford, Bernie

Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS (Apr-Dec 02)

5,488.90

Hogan, Mark

Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS (Apr-Dec 02)

6,135.00

Manchester, Joanne

Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS (Apr-Dec 02)

4050.00

McMullan, Pat

Ongoing support to IA funding of IFAD (Jan-Dec-02)

29,827.10

Lee, Carol

Photographic assignments — Advance on fees (2001-02)

11,062.85

Red Dog Graphics

Publications: Design IA Annual Report 01

10,000.00

Bourke-Garcia, Ann

Attendance at the XIV AIDS Conference — Barcelona (July-02)

4,909.79

Carroll, Kevin

Programming Support to IA Edu. & Health Advisers — (Sep-01 to Aug 02)

10,596.61

Carroll, Kevin

Programming Support to Health & Edu Advisers — (Mar-Jul 02)

6,480.97

Cremin, Peter

Co-ordination of study visit to Ireland by Education Officials from Uganda (Nov-2001)

6,497.18

Dooley, Teresa

Intermittant Specialist Support to Water & Sanitation Sector (2001-02)

23,496.15

Grindle, John

Review of IA Country Programme — Lesotho (Oc-Nov 2001)

6,067.73

Kevany, John

On-going monitoring of IA support to IAVI (01-02)

9,113.94

Kevany, John

Intermittent Specialist Support to the Health Sector — (Oct-01 to Mar-02)

13,227.99

Kevany, John

Intermittent Specialist Support to the Health Sector — (Jun to Dec 02)

12,655.55

London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Attendance at Dep. For Intern’ Medical Research Council Meeting London — (Feb-02)

1,300.00

McClean, Diarmuid

Ongoing support: SA April 01& Ethiopia Jul-01

15,066.57

McClean, Diarmuid

Health Programme Support & Development (Mar-Aug-02)

23,841.51

Ni Duibhir, Denise

Preparation of Edu Fact Sheets & Guidelines Desk Study (2001-02)

2,785.73

O’Donovan, Diarmuid

Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative

8,233.19

St. Patricks Educational Centre

Technical Support to Ugandan National Examinations Board (UNEB) for their National Conference (Feb-Mar-02)

5,852.14

Dundalk Institute of Technology

On-going participation in the Intern’ Working Group & Formulation on policy & incentives for the ASEM Initiative on Lifelong Learning (Nov 2001- Sep 02)

62,296.35

IMCL

Country Financial Accountability Assessment, Ethiopia (Sep-Oct 02)

44,840.53

LSHTM

Tracking Study for Global Fund for AIDS, TB & Malaria (end 02- mid 04)

55,570.08

Heneveld, Ward

Facilitator for Seminar on Monitoring Education Quality, Dublin Oct 02

5,207.23

Gaynor, Cathy

Monitoring and Evaluation Consultancy, Ethiopia Oct-Nov 02

11,094.11

Kelly, Michael J.

Facilitator for Seminar on Monitoring Education Quality, Dublin

2,981.36

Carroll, Kevin

Facilitate the Development of an interim CSP for East Timor, Nov 02

7,044.56

Fraser, Susan

Identify the most appropriate funding strategies that could be considered by IA for Palestine in 2003, Oct 02

5,053.86

Cremin, Peadar

Assessment of Ministry of Education Proposal for Technical Assistance to Teacher Training Curriculum Reform, Ethiopia, Oct-Nov 02

7,006.25

Crawford, Bernie

Strategic Approach to Health & Education SWAps in the Priority Programmes, Sep-Nov 02

7,618.42

Scott, Mike

Participation in the Risk Management Process, Uganda Nov 02

3,582.13

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2003

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

ECORYS

Teacher Education Unit Costings Study, Jan-Feb 03

24,063.54

T&B Consult

Public Expenditure Review — Mozambique Jan-Feb 03

27,365.01

Carroll, Kevin

HIV/AIDS Review Tanzania — Review of the Mema Kwa Vijana Project, Feb-Mar 03

16,640.26

T&B Consult

Review of Ireland Aid support to Gender Equality, Jan-Apr 03

77,902.02

Wirak, Anders

2002 Joint Review Mission ESDP, Ethiopia, Feb-Mar 03

23,378.68

Arekibo

Website Redesign and Build, Jan – Apr 03

60,633.00

McClean, Diarmuid

HIV/AIDS Review Tanzania -Review of the Mema Kwa Vijana Project

16,808.90

O’Donovan, Diarmuid

Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Jan-Dec 03

8,793.97

Carroll, Kevin

Assistance in Programming Support to the Education and Health/HIV/AIDS Advisers, Jan-Dec 03

30,644.56

Carr, Bronagh

Support to the Emergency and Rehabilitation Unit, Mar-Dec 03

22,797.30

CATZ (University of Wales, Bangor)

Technical Assistance for a Programme of Operational Research and Capacity Building for Food Security & Sustainable Livelihoods (Ethiopia), Apr 03 – 04

366,158.71

Sugrue, Ciaran

Finalize the Teacher Development and Management Plan (TDMP) Phase II, Uganda

22,862.19

Grindle, John

Attendance at the United Nations Commission on Population and Development, New York, Mar-Apr 03

6,595.64

Grindle, John

Assessment of Proposals submitted under the Eastern European Fund, Mar-Dec 03

8,366.92

Carr, Bronagh

Provision of Technical Support to Ireland Aid in the management of the HIV/AIDS Partnership Scheme for NGOs, March to December 2003

11,033.79

Chisholm, Nick

Participation in the PAEG Meetings, Mar-Dec 03

6,030.80

Whelan, Noel

Participation in the PAEG Meetings, Mar –Dec 03

6,130.00

Leen, Maura

Participation in the PAEG Meetings, Mar-Dec 03

3,600.00

CDP Consultants

Review of the Government of Ireland-Government of South Africa Development Cooperation, Mar-May 03

40,864.25

IMCL

Re-Modeling of Area-Based Programmes, Ethiopia Apr-May 03

32,947.22

CDP

Review District Development Programmes (2000-03), Tanzania

42,624.96

Grindle, John

Tanga Coastal Zone Conservation & Development Programme, Tanzania

4,000.00

Mulkeen,Aidan

ICT in Education Study in Uganda

11,760.34

Hurley,John

Feasibility Study and Project Formulation for Hospice Uganda Pilot Project

8,650.00

O’Sullivan,Margo

TDMS — Evaluation of CCT Performance, Uganda

17,585.77

Heneveld,Ward

Education Quality Review, Uganda

34,244.49

Cremin,Peader

Assessment of MoE Proposal for TA to Teacher Training Curriculum Reform, Ethiopia (undertaken in 2002)

7,006.25

CDP

SNNPRS Needs Assessment — Phase III/IV, Ethiopia

18,307.66

DECO — Wirak, Anders

2002 Joint Review Mission ESDP, Ethiopia

23,378.68

Woods, Eric

Technical Support to Steering Committee of Task Force for Teacher Development, Ethiopia (Oct 02-Sep 03)

30,380.22

DECO — Wirak, Anders

Education Joint Review Mission (JRM) 2003, Ethiopia

21,625.69

Durkan, Joseph

Preparation of a paper examining the most appropriate means to encourage and support an enterprise culture within the Ireland Aid Programme in South Africa, May 2003

16,096.37

Moore, Kevin

Briefing for the Office of the President on promoting Private Sector Development in Timor-Leste

10,241.15

Chisholm, Nick

Attendance at DAC Meetings (2002-04)

5,151.72

PAI

Management Needs Analysis

92,757.70

Crawford, Bernie

Appraisal of Fellowships

945.00

Jackson, John

Interview Board Member

2,712.05

O’Donnell, B

Interview Board Member

1085.00

Uwakwe. Pamela

Review and Update of Financial Policies, Guidelines and Procedures

26,620.00

Carroll,Kevin

Evaluation of In-country Microprojects Scheme (expenses)

919.60

McClean, Diarmuid

Mid-term Review of IA Support to HIV/AIDS Activities in Zimbabwe & Zambia, (Oct-Nov 02)

9,178.44

Deloitte & Touche

Rollout of Risk Management System to Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Tanzania, Lesotho and South Africa Programmes, and Production of a Risk Management Booklet (2002-03)

15,914.94

Boyle, Richard

ERI — Quality Review of IA Reports

2,420.00

Annesley Resource Partnership

ERI — Quality Review of IA Reports

1,815.00

Carr, Bronagh

Malawi — Evaluate Emergency Response (2002-03)

21,457.76

Hall, Nick

Review the Financial Procedures in NGO Partners during the 2002 to 2003 Emergency Response in Malawi, November 2000

9256.50

Salephera Consulting Ltd.

Team Member to Evaluate the 2002 to 2003 Emergency Response in Malawi, November 2003

6,000.00

BDO Simpson Xavier

Financial Management Systems Review of GOAL under MAPS Funding, Dublin — November 2003

18,634.00

Mokoro

Evaluation of the Uganda Country Programme 2000-2003

95,339.26

Grindle, John

Evaluation of DCI (Balkans & CIS) Desk Top Study 2003-04

10,000.00

Ni Duibhir, Denise

Preparation of Edu Fact Sheets & Guidelines Desk Study Advance (2001-2002)

6,573.41

Dooley, Teresa

Intermittent Specialist Support to Water & Sanitation Sector (2001-2002)

23,496.15

McClean, Diarmuid

Health Programme Support & Development (March-Dec 02)

7,158.27

Carroll, Kevin

Support to IA Health/Education Advisers (2002)

5,398.25

Regan, Colm (80:20)

Civic Education Zambia (2002)

12,875.34

Kevany, John

Intermittent Specialist Support to the Health Sector — Jan-Dec 03

7,985.63

McClean, Diarmuid

Provision of Technical Support in Health to the Technical Support Unit, Dublin — April 03 to March 2004

60,143.59

O’Donovan, Diarmuid

Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Jan-Dec 03

8,793.97

Phelan, Jim

Uganda Field visit (Membership of the Taskforce on Private Sector & Agriculture)

2,890.22

ODI

Prep. Strategy on ICT & Development

24,980.12

Cremin, Peader

Attendance at Europe-wide Global Education Conference (Nov 02)

2,232.04

Brugha, Ruairi (LSHTM)

Attendance at ‘A Confidential Briefing on the Results of the MKV Project’ Meeting

1,573.00

Peberdy, Max

Facilitator for a three day Workshop on the Technical Section’s Strategic Plan — Dublin

3,834.49

Kinsella, Jim (UDC)

Attendance at DAC PovNet Meeting, Florence, Oct 03

3,568.94

O’Dwyer, Jerry

Support to Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria, Oct-Dec 03

8,589.72

Crawford, Bernie

Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS

2,296.00

Hogan, Mark

Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS

4,070.00

Manchester, Joanne

Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS

1,089.00

Gaynor, Cathy

Provision of Advice on the Development of a Monitoring Framework for Civil Society Section

1,350.00

Jennings, Mary

Multi-Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) (2002)

758.00

Grindle,John

Multi-Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS) (2002)

2,500.00

Jennings, Mary

Goal Strategy Planning/MAPS Development

750.00

Grindle, John

Evaluation of Bothar Projects (2003-04)

7000.00

Carr, Bronagh

Provision of Technical Support to Ireland Aid in the management of the HIV/AIDS Partnership Scheme for NGOs, March to December (2002)

3,800.00

LSHTM

Tracking Study for Global Fund for AIDS, TB & Malaria

55,570.08

Honan,Annette

DEVED Grants Committee Member

Mollaghan,Mary

Production of a Guide to Teaching Resources for DevED

2,970.00

Grindle, John

Assessment of Proposals submitted under the Eastern European Fund (2003-04)

8,000.00

Hayes, Mahon

Constitutional Expert for the Palestinian Authority

5,876.29

Scott,Mike

Ireland Aid-AMSCO Partnership Review

9147.39

McMullan, Pat

Support to IA funding of IFAD (2002)

4,145.52

McMullan, Pat

Support to IA funding of IFAD (2003-04)

15,893.76

Carr, Bronagh

Identify most appropriate funding strategies for Ethiopia (Nov-Dec 2002)

5,152.03

Telford, John

Support to the Emergency and Rehabilitation Unit

13,794.00

Smillie,Ian

Background Paper on and Mission to Sierra Leone

23,882.52

Grindle, John

Ongoing Review & Analysis of IA’s Policy on Debt, 2002-03

10,366.92

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2004

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

Gaynor, Cathy

Facilitation of Strategic Planning CSP 2005-07

8,450.53

Jennings, Mary

Facilitation of Strategic Planning CSP 2005-07

8,481.43

Grindle, John

Tanga Coastal Zone Conservation & Development Programme

6,372.33

McClean, Diarmuid

Development of Stat Plan on HIV/AIDS 04-06

15,672.56

Phelan, Jim

Task Force No 3 on Agricultural Services Agricultural Sector Development Programme — Preparation Mission, Tanzania — February 2004

10,159.07

Ockelford, Jeremy

Evaluation of Northern Province Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Programme 2000-2002, Zambia — March to April 2004

23,975.99

LATH

Review of the Northern Province Reproductive Health Programme and Ex Post Evaluation

65,382.96

Hurley, John

Feasibility Study and Project Formulation for Hospice Uganda Pilot Project

9,689.50

Heneveld, Ward

Education Quality Review

15,215.04

Heneveld, Ward

Education Quality Review Phase II

20,950.19

HSLP

Finalise a Strategic Framework for Uganda AIDS Commission Secretariat (UACS), Uganda

65,442.86

Roedde, Gretchen

Mid-term review of the National Primary Health Care Programme, Uganda — September to October 2004

18,475.57

Mulkeen, Aidan

Development of Operational Plan for the integration of ICT in Teacher Education Pilot Project in Rwenzori, Uganda (July to December 2004)

9,467.07

Mulkeen, Aidan

ICT & EDU Follow up visit

4,403.14

Cronin,Patricia

Uganda Law Reform Commission Consultancy

7,000.00

Gaynor, Cathy

Strengthening mainstreaming HIV/AIDS

9,938.29

Jennings, Mary

Strengthening mainstreaming HIV/AIDS

9,971.44

CATZ, Bangor

Technical Assistance for a Programme of Operational Research and Capacity Building for Food Security & Sustainable Liveelihoods (Ethiopia)

235,669.32

Hockley, Tom

Relief to Development in Ethiopia, March-April 2004

17,686.34

Polhemus, James

Review of the Centre for Study of Violence and Reconciliation, South Africa — November to December 2004

14,520.00

PAI

Management Needs Analysis

50,057.70

Whelan, Noel

Participation in the PAEG Meetings

1,021.54

Uwakwe, Pamela

Review and Update of Financial Policies, Guidelines and Procedures

20,916.27

Chisholm, Nick

Participation in the PAEG Meetings

2,718.50

Leen, Maura

Participation in the PAEG Meetings

1,900.00

Whelan, Noel

Participation in the PAEG Meetings

2,120.00

Fell,Arthur

Participation in the PAEG Meetings

8,884.26

McKeown, Mary

Participation in the PAEG Meetings

5,770.81

Leen, Maura

Participation in the PAEG Meetings

4,250.00

Crawford, Bernie

External Member of Fellowships Selection Committee, May-June 2004

2,582.95

O’Regan, Johnny

Evaluation of Internal Financial Controls, September to December 2004

12,100.00

Hall, Nick

Review the Financial Procedures in NGO Partners during the 2002 to 2003 Emergency Response in Malawi, November 2003

12,132.82

Salephera Consulting Ltd.

Team Member to Evaluate the 2002 to 2003 Emergency Response in Malawi, November 2003

13,812.15

Grindle, John

Evaluation of DCI (Balkans & CIS) Desk Top Study

5,000.00

Cosgrave, J

PER — Support to Afghanistan

24,154.62

Deloitte & Touche

Facilitation of Risk Management Workshops

12,826.00

O’Regan, Johnny

Audit Support to the E&A Unit (March-May)

28,283.02

O’Regan, Johnny

Audit Support to the E&A Unit (June-August)

38,478.00

ECORYS-NEI

Evaluation of Phase 3 of the Debt Sustainability Capacity Building Programme for HIPCs

245,523.85

Woods, Eric

Desk Study for Development Cooperation Ireland of Support to the Education Sector in Zambia and Uganda 2000-2003, April to June 2004

23,398.29

Agulhas

An Assessment of the Lesotho Country Programme 199-2004, May – July 2004

60,527.82

Uwakwe, Pamela

Provision of Audit Management Support to Evaluation and Audit Unit, June to August 2004

16,940.00

ETC East Africa

Evaluation of the Kilosa District Programme and a Community Level Evaluation of the Kilosa District Programme,Tanzania

64,255.84

CDP

Evaluation of the Area Based Programme in Niassa Province, Mozambique — June to July 2004

44,154.96

Bannock Consulting

Value for Money Study and Transaction Audit, August – November 2004

65,395.99

Petrus Consulting

Expenditure Review Initiative — Quality Review of Development Cooperation Ireland Report (Review of DCI Support to Afghanistan), November 2004

3,176.26

Mokoro

Evaluation of the ETH Country Strategy Paper

71,889.15

McLoughlin, Bernard

Financial Capacity Assessment for Programme Support — Lesotho, October 2004

9,191.68

BDO Simpson Xavier

Goal Assignment

1,089.00

McCormack, Moss

Mid-term review of the Medlabs Project,Zambia

6,863.30

O’Donovan, Diarmuid

Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative

8,369.66

T&B Consult

Review of IA Support to Gender Equality

54,749.17

Kinsella, Jim (UDC)

Attendance at DAC PovNet Meeting, Florence, Oct 03

1,416.00

O’Dwyer, Jerry

Support to Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria, Oct-Dec 03

4,277.50

O’Dwyer, Jerry

Support to Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria, Oct-Dec 03

30,542.45

Shine, Tara

Support on Climate Change

39,738.56

McClean, Diarmuid

Support to Technical Section — Health

5,667.87

Moore, Kevin

Review of Ugandan Investment Authority (UIA)

5,036.21

Brugha, Ruairi

Attendance at Confidential Briefing on Results of MKV Project

1,573.00

Chisholm, Nick

Attendance at DAC Meetings (Working Party on Environment)

4,450.68

Cremin, Peadar

541.84

Gaynor, Cathy

Report Writing for EFA Global Report Launch 2/4/04

369.00

Jennings, Mary

Report Writing for EFA Global Report Launch 2/4/04

401.55

O’Brien, William

The Private Sector and Agriculture Study, Dublin — February 2004

6,665.75

Kinsella, Jim (UDC)

Technical Support for follow up of PovNet Working Group on Agriculture, March to December 2004

5,085.17

Brugha, Ruairi (LSHTM)

Attendance at’ Combating Diseases associated with Poverty: Financing Strategies for Product Development and the Potential Role of Public-Private Partnerships’, London — 15 to 16 April 2004

3,932.50

McClean, Diarmuid

Participation in Consultative Meeting on Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS in Montreux, Switzerland, 3-4 May 2004

6,432.50

Shine, Tara

Development of an Environment Policy for Development Cooperation Ireland — July to November 2004

25,751.49

Fitzgerald, Margaret

Attendance at Meeting ‘Programme Coordination Board Meeting of the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Geneva — June 2004

2,637.96

Leen, Maura

Provision of technical Support in Trade Policy and Capacity Building, July-October 2004

8,750.00

Gaynor, Cathy

Support for the Development of Education Policy Revision Process, September to December 2004

14,000.00

John Snow

Review of DCI’s Regional HIV/AIDS Programme

28,000.92

Scott, Mike

Assistance with the work of the Private Sector Forum, Sept to Dec ’04

12,776.11

McClean, Diarmuid

Provision of Technical Support in Health and HIV/AIDS to the Technical Support Unit, September to December 2004

15,087.62

Cremin, Peadar

Engagement with Educational Institutions in Ireland regarding Education for All (EFA) including Representation of DCI at a UNESCO Conference in Paris, November – December 2004

5,000.00

Wirak, Anders (DECO)

Background paper on DCI engagement with UNESCO, November 2004

5,505.50

Manchester, Joanne

Member of the Approvals Committee of the NGO-HAPS

4,356.00

Grindle, John

Evaluation of Bothar Projects

5,804.47

Santos Marinho, G

Participation in Evaluation of ADRA Projects

5,967.07

Alves Maia, Maria L

Participation in Evaluation of ADRA Projects

5,950.09

Jennings, Mary

Team leader for the Evaluation of ADRA Projects

10,705.80

Anderson, Ian

Evaluation of Refugee Trust Projects

12,105.58

Jennings, Mary

MAPS monitoring visit by DCI to GOAL’s programme in Angola, September 2004; and an Assessment of GOAL’s performance in relation to agreed benchmarks, September to December 2004

17,805.63

Smith, Marie

Appraisal and Monitoring Support for Civil Society and Assistant Desk Officers, August to December 2004

8,147.45

Costigan, Aine

Assist DCI in appraising and approving proposals under the HAPS Supplementary Grant, September 2004

2,000.00

Crawford, Bernie

Assist DCI in appraising and approving proposals under the HAPS Supplementary Grant, September 2004

3,000.00

Farrell, Deirdre

Member of the Development Education Grants Committee, March to September 2004

5,000.00

Grindle, John

External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CIS, January to December 2004

2,000.00

Grindle, John

External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CIS, January to December 2004

12,500.00

Annesley Resource Partnership

Real-time Evaluation of IPA Training Programme

10,890.00

Whelan, Noel

Member of Eastern European Aid Committee Feb-Dec 2002

5,005.23

Grindle, John

Evaluation of DC in the Balkans & CIS — Desk Top Study

8,000.00

Brunel University

Policy Study on Good Practice in Child Care in Eastern Europe and the Russian Federation

31,629.95

Scott, Mike

Ireland Aid-AMSCO Partnership Review

2,910.82

McMullan, Pat

Support to IA funding of IFAD

20,000.00

Enterplan

Limited Review of Projects Supported by AMSCO/Stichting, April-July 2004

30,925.20

Scott, Mike

Private Sector Resource Specialist, April to December 2004

21,260.31

OPM (Anne Thomson)

Review of DCI Support to IFAD

21,711.43

Goodbody, Swithun

Review of DCI Support to CGIAR

10,000.00

Godden, Kate

Independent Consultants for the EHAF-EPPR Funding Committee

1,210.00

Mokoro

Preparation of Country Strategy for Palestine 2004-2007, November 2003 to January 04

50,628.14

Telford, John

Support to Emergency Section

10,373.15

ODI

External Facilitator at the HAC Meeting, Dublin March 2004

23,021.10

Ngunyi, Mutahi

Monitoring of DCI Recovery Programme, Kenya Mar-Dec 04

10,648.00

Conroy, Anne

Monitoring of DCI Recovery Programme, Malawi Mar-Dec 04

10,648.00

Cosgrave, John

Independent Consultants for the EHAF-EPPR Funding Committee

302.50

Blewitt, Richard

External Facilitator at the HAC Meeting, Dublin March 2004

2,324.37

Telford, John

External Facilitator at the HAC Meeting, Dublin March 2004

7,289.75

Telford, John

Independent Consultants for the EHAF-EPPR Funding Committee

8,388.93

ODI

Good Humanitarian Donorship and the European Union — A study on good practice and recent initiatives, June to October 2004

36,126.97

Corbett, Mary

Independent Consultants for the EHAF/EPPR Funding Committee, June 2004 – December 2005

740.00

Madsen, Camilla

Independent Consultants for the EHAF/EPPR Funding Committee, June 2004 – December 2005

1,270.50

Willitts-King, Barnaby

Support on Development of DCI Humanitarian Policy, October 2004 – early January 2005

13,132.86

Grindle, John

Attendance at Global Bio-Technology Forum

9,317.57

Jackson, John

10 Year Review of ICDP, New York

4,551.31

Grindle, John

Attendance at Crime Commission & IDB Meetings

10,823.11

Meenan, Nahor

Attendance at the UNCTAD International Policy Dialogue in Konigswinter, Germany, 25-26 February 2004

3,387.30

Hayes, Mahon

Attendance at United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) Conference on Palestine, Geneva — June 7-8 2004

3,159.89

Dr. John Cassidy/Roland Berger Strategy Consultants

Survey of the leading European transnational corporations (TNCs) and their strategies in the area of off-shoring of services

25,000

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2005

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

LATH

Review of the Northern Province Reproductive Health Programme and Ex Post Evaluation

59,829.51

Cassidy, Paul

Assessment of the current staffing levels and future requirements at Development Cooperation Ireland Headquarters

42,433.36

Courtney, Sean

Temporary Assignment as Programme Coordinator of Development Cooperation Ireland Development Assistance Activities in Northern Province, Zambia — December 2004 to March 2005

69,115.00

Hurley, John

Feasibility Study and Project Formulation for Hospice Uganda Pilot Project

7,892.65

Cronin, Patricia

Uganda Law Reform Commission Consultancy

5,906.31

Gaynor, Cathy

Workshop on Strengthening Capacity to mainstream within the DCI Programme Uganda, February 2005

30670.87

Jennings, Mary

Workshop on Strengthening Capacity to mainstream within the DCI Programme Uganda, February 2005

14329.62

Mokoro

Study to identify Financing Options to Support ESDP, Ethiopia — January to February 2005

40,593.93

Mokoro

Provision of input into Poverty Reduction Support Credit/Direct Budget Support Workshop

34755.28

Polhemus, James

Review of the Centre for Study of Violence and Reconciliation, South Africa — November to December 2004

23,687.94

Marsh, Carolyn

East Timor 3-year Training Strategy Capacity Development Co-ordination Unit Feb-Apr 2005

44,797.83

Higgins, Cathal

Review of Timor-Leste Education Sector

8,439.11

PAI

Management Needs Analysis

50,285.42

McKeown, Mary

Participation in the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group Meetings

4925.68

O’Regan, Johnny

Evaluation of Internal Financial Controls,September to December 2004

16,656.00

RMI

Preparation & Presentation for Heads of Missions meeting Dec ’04

1,210.00

Brindley Advertising

Advertising Costs to update Register of Consultants

11,542.27

Petrus Consulting

Expenditure Review Initiative — Quality Review of Development Cooperation Ireland Report (Review of DCI Support to Afghanistan), November 2004

1,312.50

ETC East Africa

Evaluation of Kilosa District Development Programme — ext. to contract for Workshop in Dublin

9,278.68

INTRAC

Evaluation of DCI’s Multi-Annual Programme Scheme 2003-2005, January to x 2005

309,113.00

ARP (John Shiels)

Quality Review of DCI Report

13086.15

Cosgrave, John

Evaluation Workshop on Afghanistan & Malawi

22049.07

CDP

Workshop on Area-based Programmes in Dublin 10-11 Feb ’05

3,809.21

Agulhas

Reimbursement of Withholding Tax

108.90

CDP

Evaluation of Operational Research and Capacity Building for Food Security and Sustainable Livelihoods Programme in Ethiopia, February to April 2005

27,653.34

Oxford Policy Management

Evaluation of DCI’s Zambia Country Programme 2000-2004

77,302.67

O’Dwyer, Jerry

Support to Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria,

23,005.00

Brugha, Ruairi (LSHTM)

Attendance at’ Combating Diseases associated with Poverty: Financing Strategies for Product Development and the Potential Role of Public-Private Partnerships’, London — 15 to 16 April 2004

3,932.50

McClean, Diarmuid

Participation in Consultative Meeting on Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS in Montreux, Switzerland, 3-4 May 2004

3,932.50

Shine, Tara*

Support to Environment May05- May06

20,000.00

Shine, Tara

Development of an Environment Policy for Development Cooperation Ireland — July to November 2004

9,250.02

Gaynor, Cathy

Support for the Development of Education Policy Revision Process, September to December 2004

9,863.20

Scott, Mike

Assistance with the work of the Private Sector Forum, Sept to Dec ’04

11,303.58

Cremin, Peadar

Engagement with Educational Institutions in Ireland regarding Education for All (EFA) including Representation of DCI at a UNESCO Conference in Paris, November – December 2004

8713.44

Jennings, Mary

Reporting on EU Development Transport Experts Meeting, 30 November – 2 December 2004

4,411.45

Brugha, Ruairi (LSHTM)

Review of DCI engagement with Global Health Partnerships (GHPs), November 2004 – January 2005

12,740.50

Wirak, Anders

Background paper on DCI engagement with UNESCO, November 2004

3,250.00

Higgins, Cathal

Rapporteur for Education Meeting at DCD, 10-13 January 2005

3,390.00

Broadreach Healthcare

Facilitator DCI meeting Mozambique Nov ’04

1,708.39

Jennings, Mary

Preparation of an “overview paper on poverty impact orientation and target settings for InfraPoor”, January – April 2005

13,300.00

Anderson, Ian

Evaluation of Refugee Trust Projects

6,879.99

Smith, Marie

Appraisal and Monitoring Support for Civil Society and Assistant Desk Officers, August to December 2004

2961.45

Crawford, Bernie

Assist DCI in appraising and approving proposals under the HAPS Supplementary Grant, September 2004

3,051.00

Crowley, Tom

Scoping Mission to Central America

9,955.00

Smith, Marie*

Appraisal and Monitoring Support for Civil Society and Assistant Desk Officers, August to December 2005

16,166.80

Grindle, John

Internship Feasibility Study, February 2005

2,500.00

Farrell, Deirdre

Member of the Development Education Grants Committee, March to September 2004

5,000.00

Grindle, John

External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CIS, January to December 2004

6,000.00

Brunel University

Policy study on good practice in child care in Eastern Europe and the Russian Federation

38,272.24

Horgan, Geraldine

Production of a Report on National Structures for the Support, Funding and Coordination of Development/Global Education in Ireland

4,300.00

Grindle, John*

External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CIS, January to December 2005

16,500.00

ARP (John Shiels)*

External Evaluator for DCI Organisational Development Grant Scheme, January to December 2005

4,083.75

McMullan, Pat

Support to IA funding of Intl. Fund for Agricult. Devl.

10,400.00

Scott, Mike

Private Sector Resource Specialist

25056.24

Goodbody, Swithun

Review of DCI Support to Consultative Group Intl. Agricult. Research

1898.17

Ngunyi, Mutahi

Monitoring of DCI Recovery Programme, Kenya Mar-Dec 04

18,121.00

Conroy, Anne

Monitoring of DCI Recovery Programme, Malawi Mar-Dec 04

7,453.60

Telford, John

Independent Consultants for the EmergencyHumanitarian Assist.Fund/Emerge. Preparedness and Post Emerg. Rehabilit- EHAF/EPPRFunding Committee

13410.07

ODI

Good Humanitarian Donorship and the European Union — A study on good practice and recent initiatives, June to October 2004

29,050.65

Willitts-King, Barnaby

Support on Development of DCI Humanitarian Policy, October 2004 – early January 2005

9,787.61

Willitts-King, Barnaby

Support on Development and Implementation of Humanitarian & Recovery Policy

16,937

Holmes, Anne

Provision of Technical Support for Emergency and Recovery Section; Consultant Specialist for Tsunami Follow-up, March 2005 to March 2006

36,591.00

Jackson, John

Attendance at and Participation in the International Conference on Population and Development, New York — April 2005

5,880.00

Tara Shine

Support E & R Unit

9620.37

Bannock Consulting

Evaluation of MAPS

12124.20

Conor Brady

Facilitator for White paper Conf on Dev. Co-operation

8564.56

Aine Costigan

Support on HIV AIDS

40,000.00

Johnny O’ Regan

Provision of Audit Management Support

10164.00

Una Murray

Support Implementation of Gender Equality

10734.50

Mary Mollaghan

Production of Guide to Development Education Resources

3960.00

John Snow International

Provision of Technical Support for HIV/AIDS

19,349.00

HELM Corporation

Provision of Audit Management Support

34750

ECORYS

Training in Public Finance Management

15726.92

Achilles Procurement Services

Provision of Procurement Services 2005/2006

48000.00

Fell, Arthur

Project Appraisal and evaluation Group Meetings May04- Dec 05

5,270.00

International . Dev. Ireland

Private Sector Devl. Mission — Uganda

44,200.00

Mary Jennings

Draft of Memo of Understanding between DCI and Dochas Apr 05

7,000.00

Development Co-operation Consultancy Costs 2006

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

KPMG

Provision of Recruitment Service

5,383

Achilles Procurement Services

Secondment of Procurement Specialist

50.535

Agenda Consulting

Rwanda Assessment

6,444

Annesley Resource Partnership

Review of Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme

33,529

DAI/Bannock

Tigray Regional Support Evaluation

123,235

Marlou Bijlsma

Attendance at WHO/Global Fund Meeting

3,492

Brunel University

Policy Study of Good Practice

25,969

Catherine A Butcher

Technical Support on HIV/AIDS

38,787

Centre for Global Health

Provision of Technical Support on Health

19,315

Nicholas Chisholm

Consultancy Work for Civil Society Section

4,573

Anne Conroy

Monitoring Recovery Programme in Malawi

14,707

Áine Costigan

Technical Support on HIV/AIDS

78,496

Bernie Crawford

Fellowship Training Programme

3.639

Thomas Crowley

Technical Consultant to Civil Society

8,145

Susan Enfield

Joint review of HIV/AIDS

45,700

Deirdre Farrell

Development Aid Grants Committee

5,000

Arthur M. Fell

Attendance at PAEG meetings

16,950

Cathy Gaynor

Gender Equality Consultant

27,776

Cathy Gaynor

Mainstreaming Consultant

34,059

Margaret Gaynor

Consultant on Rapid Response Initiative

15,560

Getinet W Giorgis

Joint Donor Evaluation — UNICEF

11.552

Clodagh Harris

DAC Meeting London

1,474

The Helm Corporation Ltd

DAC Reporting Assignment

7,714

Cathal Higgins

Participation IN Zambia Joint Assessment

27,555

Anne Holmes

Tsunami Follow Up

90,400

Inst of Public Administration

Central America Regional Strategy

43,009

Interworks Europe Ltd

Tsunami Evaluation

944

Mary Jennings

Mainstreaming Strategy

38,935

Maura Leen

PAEG Meetings

2,774

Imelda Torres Lopez

Central America Consultant

13,460

Donatella Magliani

Joint Donor Evaluation — Unicef

14,420

Joanne Manchester

Consultant for HAPS Review

26,186

Joanee Manchester

Technical Support on HIV/AIDS

1,372

Mary Immaculate College

Technical Support on Education

8,214

Mary McCann Sanchez

Central America Consultant

27,264

Owen McCarthy

Consultant re Teaching Resources

14,850

Diarmuid McClean

Technical Support to Health Sector

134,360

Brid McGrath

Public Information Consultant

49,280

Mary McKeown

Consultant re Civil Society Funding Proposals

36,918

Rev. Michael Joseph Kelly

UNAIDS Symposium on HIV and AIDS

1,500

Mokoro

Review of Country Programme

111,729

Kevin Moore

Private Sector Development

86,342

Patrick Murphy

Consultant re Education for All Programme

9,563

Una MurratT/A Nua Consulting

Gender Equality Policy

3,801

Mary Myaya

Join Review of HAPS

18,849

Godfrey Mutahi Ngunyi

Consultant Re Kenya Recovery Programme

10,193

Jerry O’Dwyer

Global Fund to Fight Aids

33,988

Helen O’Neill

Irish Aid Mentoring Programme

11,750

Johnny O’Regan

Provision of Audit and Evaluation Support

74,597

Pádraig Ó Ruairc

Pre-positioning of Humanitarian Supplies

24,828

Oxford Policy Managment

Consultant re UN funding

15,972

Rural Development Unit — UCD

Working Group on Agriculture

12,958

Rothwell Performance Consultin

Consultant re Internal internship programme

47,687

Rothwell Perfrmance Consulting

Facilitation of UNV Internships

87,097

Tara Shine

Environment and Emergency and Recovery Consultant

64,163

Marie Smith

Civil Societ Funding Schemes

13,605

Sulley Gariba

Join Donor Evaluation of UNICEF

34,407

Richard Townsend

Review of Staffing Needs

37,343

University of Glasgow

Consultancy re Multi- Annual Programme Scheme

9,232

Barnaby Willits/ John Telford

Support for Emergency and Recovery Work

16,493

Mr. B. Abd/Ms S Willitts — King

Development and Implementation of Humanitarian Relief Policy

18,984

Development Cooperation Directorate Consultancy Costs 2007

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

Achilles Procurement Services Ltd.

Provision of procurement expertise

86,656

Aidan Pender

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

11,375

Aine Costigan

Technical Support on HIV/AIDs

27,453

Aisling Swaine

Technical Advice on Gender Equality

112,797

Andre Barsony

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

10,523

Ann Nolan

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS

104,023

Ann Pesic

Independent Consultant for the Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia Funding Committee

2,294

Anne Conroy

Monitoring of Irish Aid Recovery Programme, Malawi

20,328

Anne Holmes

Technical Support Tsunami

69,579

Annesley Resource Partnership

Quality Review of Irish Aid Report re. Tsunami

2,723

John Shiels

Independent Consultant for the Partnership Programme for Europe and Central Asia Funding Committee

6,579

Annesley Resource Partnership

Review of the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme

34,388

Aodh O’Connor

Technical Consultants to the Civil Society Section Funding Schemes

9,800

Aodh O’Connor

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

7,974

Arthur Fell

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

21,086

Ross Golden Bannon

Hunger Task Force- Media Consultant

5,082

Barnaby Wilitts-King

Technical Consultant supporting the work of the Emergency & Recovery Section of Irish Aid

21,326

Ben Siddle

Provision of Technical Support for Emergency and Recovery Section, Rapid Response Initiative

41,393

Bernard McLoughlin

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

7,800

Bernard Wood

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

27,137

Bernadette Crawford

External Member of Fellowships Selection Committee Meetings

3,712

Bernadette Crawford

Final Monitoring of the NGO HIV/AIDS Partnership Scheme (HAPS)

5,384

Brid McGrath

Assistant Public Information Officer

31,196

Cathal Higgins

Support to the Zambia/Ireland Teacher Education Initiative

33,895

Cathal Higgins

Provision of Technical Support for Education for All

28,615

Kate Butcher

Techincal Consultant for the Multi-Annual Programme Scheme

4,369

Catherine Gaynor

Mainstreaming; Building Strategy and Practice within Irish Aid

20,110

Catherine Gaynor

Technical Consultant for the Multi-Annual Programme Scheme

20,429

Catherine Gaynor

Provision of Technical Support for Education for All

32,658

Daire Higgins

Irish Aid Centre Public Relations and Outreach Consultant

24,750

Dalberg Global Development Ad.

Evaluation of Learning and Training Programme for Development Workers (Dtalk)

26,245

Dalberg Global Development Ad.

Mapping of Irish Aid Approval Processes

55,358

Daniel Rowan

Temporary Communications Specialist

43,774

Debbie Thomas

Production of publication material for communication about Irish Aid’s health programming

10,000

Deirdre Farrell

Member of the Development Education Grants Committee

5,000

Diarmuid McClean

Provision of Technical Support on Health and HIV/AIDS in area of R&D for new drugs, vaccines and microbicides

148,450

Diarmuid O’Donovan

Technical Consultant to the Board of the European Malaria Vaccine Initiative

5,101

Eamonn O’Reilly

Facilitation of Irish Aid funded internship Programmes (General Level)

6,750

Ecorys Research and Consulting

Evaluation of the Mozambique Country Programmes 2001-2006

93,191

Eleanor O’Gorman

Consultant to Conflict Resolution Unit

65,285

Farrell Grant Sparks

Provision of Consultancy Services for Irish Aid Management Review

92,767

Geraldine McDonald

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

16,586

Helen Newman

Development Education Strategy

18,150

Helen O’Neill

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

12,350

Hunter McGill

Participation in the Projects Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG) Meetings

10,888

Imelda Torres Lopez

Programme Consultant in Central America

3,049

Institute of Public Administration

Quality Assessment of Mozambique CSP Evaluation

2,904

Intrac

Public Expenditure Review of the Irish Govenments Support to Tsunami affected countries

31,181

Intrac

Review of the Irish Missionary Resource Service (IMRS)

66,105

James H. Polhemus, Phd

Consultancy on Good Governance

58,430

Jim Sheehan

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

12,233

Jane Salvage

Support to the AMAR Health Rehabilitation Project for the Marsh Arabs of Southern Iraq

12,135

Jerry O’Dwyer

Support to Irish Aid on the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB & Malaria

40,690

Jill Nesbitt

Irish Aid Centre Content Consultant

10,000

Jim Kinsella

Irish Aid Seminar- Presentation on OECD/DAC agriculture Task Team

300

Jim Kinsella

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

3,264

Joanne Manchester

Provision of Technical Support on HIV/AIDS

2,751

John Grindle

External Evaluator for Development Cooperation Ireland Project Proposals for the Balkans and CISs

8,500

John Grindle

Support to Review of the Staffing Needs of the Diplomatic Missions in Programme Countries, Sierra Leone and South Africa

15,426

John Telford

Technical Consultant supporting the work of the Emergency & Recovery Section of Irish Aid

10,176

John O’Regan

Provision of Audit Management Support to the Evaluation and Audit Unit

78,035

Kate Dyer

Support to the revision of Irish Aids Country Strategy Planning (CSP) Guidelines and Procedures

29,371

Kevin Moore

Support for Private Sector Development

105,086

KPMG

Value for Money Review of the Passport Service

35,406

Luis Enrique Bran Reyes

Interim Programme Consultant for the Central America Programme

33,064

Maeve Martin

Evaluation of the Development and Intercultural Education (DICE) Project

15,000

Margaret Fitzgerald

Provision of Technical Support on Health and HIV/AIDS, October to December 2006

31,807

Margaret Fitzgerald

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

9055

Mags Gaynor

Provision of Technical Support for Emergency and Recovery Section: Rapid Response Initiative

14,058

Mags Gaynor

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

7,939

Mags Gaynor

Support Irish Aid in the Areas of Vulnerability and Infrastructure

44,828

Margo O’Sullivan

Review of Primary Teacher Education (PTE) Curriculum

145

Marie Smith

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

11,081

Mary Immaculate College

Provision of Technical Support for Education for All

4,868

Mary Jennings

Mainstreaming Building Strategy and Practice within Irish Aid

3,020

Mary Jennings

Technical Consultant for the Multi-Annual Programme Scheme

31,433

Mary McCann

Interim Programme Consultant for the Central America Programme

45,330

Mary McKeown

Technical Consultant for the Multi-Annual Programme Scheme

4,727

Mary McKeown

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

5,227

Mary McKeown

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

25,129

Maura Leen

Irish Aid Representative on the Appraisal Panel for the Programme of Strategic Cooperation between Irish Aid and Higher Education and Research Institutes

4,750

Maura Leen

To inform and advise the work of the Project Appraisal and Evaluation Group (PAEG), providing independent and objective advice and external examination and appraisal of projects and programmes, as part of the overall approval mechanisms in Irish Aid.

5,371

Michael Scott

Participation at Mekong Private Sector Development Facility Planning and Review Meeting, and Vietnam Business Forum, December 2006

6,357

Morina O’Neill

Irish Aid Centre Content Consultant

5,000

Morina O’Neill

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

6,708

Technical Consultants to the Civil Society Section Funding Schemes

1,500

Dr. Nick Chisholm

Consultancy Support to the Irish Aid Hunger Task Force

22,268

Owen McCarthy

Dissemination of an Irish Aid Teaching Resource entitled “Our World, Our Future”

9,065

Oxford Policy Management

Strategic review of Irish Aid engagement with the United Nations funds and programmes

61,316

Oxford Policy Management

Consultancy support to Irish Aid Hunger Task Force

5,283

Pat McMullan

On-going Support to Ireland Aid Funding of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)

24,783

Patrick D Murphy

Provision of Technical Support for Education for All

8,774

Philip Regan

Facilitation of Irish Aid funded Internship Programmes (Senior Level)

11,875

Reginald Terrence Allsop

Support to the Zambia/Ireland Teacher Education Initiative

21,960

Roberto ED. Martinez

Contract No: 10 — Maintenance of DCI Spanish Language website in Central America & Promotion of the Website

2,186

Richard Townsend

Report on staffing needs of missions in Irish Aid Programme Countries

8,556

Richard Townsend

Irish Aid Representative on the Appraisal Panel for the Programme of Strategic Cooperation between Irish Aid and Higher Education and Research Institutes

2,811

Karen Rothwell

Facilitation of DCI funded UNV internship programme

45,590

Karen Rothwell

Facilitation of Irish Aid funded Internship Programmes (Senior Level)

29,887

Karen Rothwell

Piloting of Organisational Assessment Guidelines

24,421

Rowan Oberman

Irish Aid Centre Groups’ Programme Consultant

5,250

Ruairi Brugha

Provision of Technical Support on Health and HIV/AIDS

8,450

Sean Drysdale

Provision of Public Health Specialist Support

84,294

Siobhan Mullally

Independent/External Mid-term Evaluation of the Justice System Programme in Timor Leste

5,197

Steve Packer

Evaluation of the Irish Aid World Bank Education Trust Fund

23,001

Tara Shine

Provision of Technical Support on Environmentally Sustainable Development

79,347

Tara Shine

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

5,072

Tom Crowley

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

16,889

Una Murray

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Fund

9,413

Una Murray

Completing and handing over work on mainstreaming gender through business plans and facilitating action planning on gender based violence with joint consortium gender based violence

3,721

University of Glasgow

MAPS II,: Technical Consultants to the Civil Society Section Funding Schemes

5,748

Grosso & Maldonado

Legal Advice regarding the establishment and operation of the Rapid Response Initiative

2080

James Saunderson

Rapid Response Initiative — Manager of Standby Register

520

Irish Aid Advisory Board Consultancy Costs 2007

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

Theta Eta Advisors Limited

Preparation of a report entitled: Best Practice in the Governance of Aid Programmes

6,050

Oxford Policy Management

Research study entitled: “Measuring Impact: The Global and Irish Aid Programme Context”

42,258

Mr Tony Killick

(i) Preparation of a report entitled: “Selectivity in Action: Choosing Irish Aid’s Tenth Programme Country”

25,410

(ii) Editorial Work on Research Findings Volume 1 Governance Trade and Aid Effectiveness.

Achilles Procurement Services Limited

Public Procurement Advice on establishment of Framework Agreements for Research

1,270

North South Institute

Provision of external reader services to ABIA research programme

2,542

Overseas Development Institute

Research study entitled: “Good Governance, Aid Modalities & Poverty reduction”

141,284

Development Co-operation Consultancy Costs — 2008 (to date)

Consultant

Service Provided

Cost

FGS

Consultants re Management Review

157,300

SHL Ireland

Recruitment Consultants

156,665

James + Michele Polhemus

Good Governance Consultant

170,213

ITAD Ltd

Join Evaluation of Timor Leste

129,711

Copenhagen DC A/S

Primary Education Evaluation

108,397

Ann Nolan

HIV/AIDS Technical Support

100,981

Farrell Grant Sparks

HIV/AIDS Value for Money Project

78,351

Margaret Gaynor

Infrastructure and Vulnerabilities Consultant

72,765

Kevin Moore

Private Sector Development

67,858

Tara Shine

Environment Consultant

65,032

Diarmuid McClean

Technical Support to Health Programme

125,849

Martina Collins

Assessment of Civil Society Funding Applications

56,260

Jim Cannon

Assessment of Civil Society Funding Applications

56,114

Fitzpatrick Associates

Report on support for Kimmage Development Studies

50,820

Johnny O Regan

Civil Society Programme Consultant

49,481

Patrick D Murphy

Evaluation of GeSCI Programme

45,189

Renee Muriel Visser Valfrey

Technical Support on HIV/AIDS

44,978

Aisling Swaine Consultancy Ltd

Gender Consultant

83,340

Oxford Policy Mgt.

Hunger Task Force

39,613

Catherine A Butcher

Development of Guidelines for HAPS

39,030

Kate Dyer

39,023

Luis Enrique Bran Reyes

Central America Consultant

35,696

Economics for the Enviornment

Consultant re Irish Aid Strategic Partnerships

34,647

Mary McCann Sanchez

Central America Consultant

34,574

Fitzpatrick Associates

Evaluation of Traidlinks

34,091

KPMG

Value for Money report ON Irish Passport Service

32,089

Kate Dyer

Consultant re Irish Aid Country Strategy Paper Guidelines

31,788

Daire Higgins

PR and Outreach Consultant

31,778

Rothwell Cons. Civil Society

Consultants re Internship Programmes

29,807

Sean Drysdale

Consultant in Public Health

28,501

Philip Regan

Consultant re Irish Aid funded Internship Programmes

27,657

INTRAC

Technical Support of MAPS 11

26,689

Martin Dwan

Civil Society Fund and Micro Projects Consultant

26,415

Cathy Gaynor

Consultant re CSP Guidelines and Procedures

69,707

Kevin Moore

Private Sector Development

25,678

Liverpool Association in tropical Health

Programme Planning — Sierra Leone

25,298

Moirna O’Neill

Consultant re Irish Aid Centre

24,000

Dalberg

Consultant re Training

23,753

McMullin Pat

Consultant re CGIAR

43.728

Sean F Drysdale

Consultant re Sierra Leone Health Sector

23,189

McEvoy Peter

Consultant re MAPS 11

23,171

Achillles Procurement

Provision of Temporary Procurement Expertise

82,869

Hunter McGill

Attendance at PAEG Meetings

21,950

Annesley Resource Partnership

Review of Fellowship Training

20,458

Mary Jennings

Consultants re MAPS

48,816

James Sheehan

Civil Society Funds and Micro Project Financing

18,433

Andre Barsony

PAEG Consultant

18,270

Bernard Wood + Assosiates Ltd

PAEG Consultant

16,947

Nick Chisholm

Hunger Task Force Consultant

16,872

Catherine Butcher

Technical Support for MAPS

16,338

Patrick D Murphy

“Education for All” Programme Consultant

16,000

Orla Duke

4th Global Partner Forum Consultant

15,946

John Shiels

PPECA Consultant

15,352

Jennifer Black

Provision of Services to Irish Aid Centre

15,000

Eleanor O’Gorman

Specialist Support to Conflict Resolution Unit

14,974

Rowan Oberman

Provision of Specialist Services to Irish Aid Centre.

14,700

Barry Ryan

Review of OSCE and PPECA

12,551

Dr. Diarmuid O Donovan

Consultant re European Malaria Vaccine

12,388

Niall Roche

Technical support for Emergency and Recovery Unit

12,000

Wardick Siobhan

Provision of Services to Irish Aid Centre

11,475

Frank Murray

Management Review of Irish Aid

11,252

Jim Kinsella

PAEG Consultant

11,104

Paul Isenman

Technical support of Accra Agenda on Aid Effectiveness

10,677

Maragret Curtin

Technical support for Civil Society Fund and Micro Project Financing

10,626

Dalberg Global Development Ad

Mapping of Approval Processes

10,465

NUI Galway

Technical Support Health, HIV/AIDS

10,349

Centre for Global Health

Technical Support Health, HIV/AIDS

10,285

Siobhan Mullally

Evaluation and UNDP Support Programme

10,115

Mary McKeown

Technical support for Civil Society Fund and Micro Project Financing

10,063

Deirdre Farrell

Specialist Support for Development Education Grants Committee

10,000

Brian McCarthy

PPECA Consultant

9,555

Amy Rose Mc Govern

Provision of Services to Irish Aid Centre

9,525

Anna Matveeva

PPECA Consultant

9,296

Vincent McCarthy

Provision of specialist support to Mozambique

9,241

Morina O’Neill

Technical support for Civil Society Fund and Micro Project Financing

9,218

Mary McKeown

Technical support to Evaluation and Audit Section

9,038

Debbie Thomas — 0394

Child beneficiary Case Study Specialist

8,896

M Fitzgerald

PAEG Consultant

8,467

Mags Gaynor

Infrastructure Development Support

7,720

Una Murray

Technical support for Civil Society Fund and Micro Project Financing

7,592

Maura Leen

PAEG Consultant

7,485

Fitzpatrick Associates

Consultant on lessons from the Celtic Tiger

7,260

Rosemary McCreery

PAEG Consultant

7,216

Bernard McLoughlin

PAEG Consultant

7,150

Marie Smith

Technical support for Civil Society and MAPS

6,517

Prof Helen O’Neill

PAEG Consultant

6,500

Dr David Weakliam

Technical Support to Health Sector

6,350

Richard Townsend

Technical Support for Education and Research

4,096

Frank Murray

Management Review of Irish Aid

3,720

John Grindle

Interview Board — Recruitment Competition

3,000

Helen O Neill

Irish Aid Mentoring Programme

2,750

Geraghty Consulting

Report Write and Recorder Service

2,723

Gail Varian

Specialist support for Irish Aid Centre

2,700

Sorley McCaughey

Governance and Local Development Support

2,700

International Summits.

Billy Timmins

Question:

362 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a youth delegate will be included in the Irish delegation to the 2009 United Nations General Assembly from the National Youth Council of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41188/08]

I refer the Deputy to my response to question number 182 posed by Deputy O'Caoláin on Thursday 13th November 2008:

In May 2008, the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) wrote to my Department requesting the inclusion of a youth delegate in Ireland's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in 2009.

My Department is considering the NYCI's proposal which, however, gives rise to a number of administrative and budgetary issues. Our UN Mission in New York has also been in contact with those of other Member States regarding the inclusion of youth delegates in their General Assembly delegations. In this regard, I understand that only some eighteen Member States out of a total of one hundred and ninety two have youth delegates in their delegations.

A reply will issue to the NYCI as soon as consideration of all the practical and financial issues arising is completed by my Department.

Diplomatic Representation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

363 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the death of a person (details supplied) while on holiday in Orlando, Florida on 26 August 2008; the assistance given to their spouse by the Irish consulate; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that their spouse believes they were not given adequate assistance by the consulate, in particular with regard to the return flights that had to be re-arranged; if he will contact their spouse to discuss the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41199/08]

My Department is fully aware of the tragic death of the person referred to in the Deputy's question. My deepest sympathies go out to the family of the deceased.

With regard to the assistance provided by the Irish Consulate General, New York to the family, I am satisfied that all possible measures were taken to assist the family at this very sad time. This included liaison with the Medical Examiner's office (the equivalent of our Coroner's office), facilitating the engagement of a funeral service to handle the removal of the remains and ongoing contact with that funeral service to ensure the timely return of the remains to Ireland.

Our Consulate contacted the duty officer of an airline carrier and sought to facilitate the family's return flights to Ireland on the same day as the remains were being flown home. Unfortunately, this was not possible as the family's tickets, which were booked with another airline company, were non-transferrable without payment of the full economic rate.

Our Consular Division, telephone 01 4082308, will be very happy to be contacted by the family if they wish to have any further clarification.

Departmental Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

364 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount paid in annual pension and retirement lump sum to each retiring member of staff in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41209/08]

The calculation of the pension benefits payable to retired members of my Department, including the appropriate lump sum due, is a matter for the Department of Finance.

Tax Yield.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

365 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the estimated increase in income accruing to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund arising from the increase in the betting tax to 2% in budget 2009. [40622/08]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

366 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reduction in the income to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund which resulted from the decrease in betting tax from 2% to 1%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40623/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.

The Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund was established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001 for the purpose of giving support to both racing industries. Under the provisions of the Act, the Fund receives a guaranteed level of finance based on excise duty on off-course betting in the preceding year, subject to a minimum level based on the year 2000 amount adjusted for inflation, subject to the limit on the total aggregate amount of the Fund. Any shortfall in the amount generated by the excise duty is made up by direct Exchequer subvention. Therefore, increases or decreases in betting tax receipts do not affect the income to the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. For 2009 an amount of €69.719m has been provided for the Fund in my Department's annual estimates.

In accordance with the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act 2001, 80% and 20% of the moneys paid into the Fund each year are distributed between Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Bord na gCon respectively.

Since 2001, income from the Fund has been used by both bodies towards increasing prize money levels, meeting administration and integrity costs alongside a programme of capital investment, which has underpinned a growth in both sectors.

In 2004, the Government put in place regulations to increase the limit of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund from €254m to €550m to continue the Fund for a further four years to 2008.

A review of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund is currently underway. Any increase of the Fund limit will require the approval of the Government and the Oireachtas (the level of the Fund is increased by Regulations made by the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Finance).

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

367 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40865/08]

Under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the social partners agreed that ‘benchmarking' would be an appropriate way of determining public service pay rates in the future. The process allowed for the evaluation, by an independent body, of public service jobs and pay by reference to comparable jobs in the private sector.

The report of the first benchmarking exercise was published in June 2002 and recommended varying levels of pay increases for the grades examined. It also recommended that, apart from the first quarter of the award, the payment of the recommended pay increases should be dependent upon real and verifiable outputs from modernisation, flexibility and change. This approach was endorsed by the social partners in Sustaining Progress. The pay increases provided for in Towards 2016 are also predicated on co-operation with change and modernisation initiatives and on improvements in productivity.

Critically, a mechanism was established for the verification of progress at sectoral, organisational and grade level in the public service. In the case of the Civil Service, the Civil Service Performance Verification Group (CSPVG) was agreed by the social partners under Sustaining Progress, and the Group continues to function under Towards 2016.

The Department has been co-operating fully with the CSPVG in its work of verifying or otherwise sufficient progress at organisational and grade level to warrant the award of the phased pay increases. In this regard, the Department's Action Plan and Progress Reports to the CSPVG are publicly available on the CSPVG's website at www.cspvg.gov.ie. In addition, since the commencement of Sustaining Progress, the actions to progress modernisation, flexibility and productivity within the Department have been incorporated into its business planning processes, including in its successive statements of strategy, annual business plans and annual reports, which are publicly available on the Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie.

The most significant of the many benefits accruing from the benchmarking process in the Department include:

the development of a more performance-oriented culture at both an organisational and individual level, with business planning initiatives to increase the focus on performance and accountability;

the preparation of Annual Output Statements which are submitted to the Oireachtas along with the annual estimate aimed at clearly linking resources with outputs and outcomes;

the development of a more customer-focused ethos involving the setting of demanding quality customer service commitments in the Department's successive customer charters and customer service action plans; the achievement of increased efficiencies and effectiveness in the Department's core business functions, in particular, in the administration of grant schemes in the areas of arts, culture and sport.

the introduction of a performance management and development system which integrates the system of performance assessment of individuals with the award of increments and eligibility to apply for promotion;

the greatly increased proportion of promotions (almost 100%) made on an exclusively competitive basis;

the more direct responsibility and accountability for the management of staff by the Secretary General underpinned by legislative changes and, in turn, by line managers in the Department; and

the realisation of economies of scale by shared approaches to common infrastructures, systems and services between the Department and other public sector organisations in the areas of finance, information systems and procurement.

In this regard, I would reference the response of the CSPVG to the Department's fourth progress report under Towards 2016, in which the Group states that ‘the implementation of the modernisation agenda to date has resulted in real improvements in public services as well as in the management of civil service organisations both in terms of improved efficiency and effectiveness'. The Group goes on to note in particular ‘the progress in the area of competitive merit-based promotion and the continued emphasis by organisations on the importance of the improvement of customer service generally'.

Sports Capital Programme.

Tony Gregory

Question:

368 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason for the ongoing delay which is holding up a €200,000 grant to a community development centre (details supplied); and when he will have the matter expedited. [40970/08]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The aim of the Programme is to maximise participation in sport through the provision of modern high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities and sports equipment. The provision of such facilities allows for increased numbers to participate in sport.

A grant of €140,000 was provisionally allocated to the project in question under the 2006 Sports Capital Programme. The grant allocation was subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which included the execution of a deed of covenant and charge.

A deed of covenant and charge provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department's legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor's Office — CSSO — deals with the grantee's solicitor in executing this deed. I understand that the CSSO recently received documentation regarding the case from the solicitors representing the organisation. The documentation submitted has been examined by the CSSO, who last week wrote to the grantee's solicitor requesting further documentation to execute the deed.

The position yesterday (17 November) remained that while the CSSO has received a further response from the solicitors representing the organisation, it still awaits the submission of further outstanding legal documentation.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

369 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41063/08]

The average sick absences in the Department, including the National Archives, over the last two years are as follows:

2006: 6.75 days;

2007: 9.88 days.

The calculations include a small number of long-term sick absences that serve to inflate the figures somewhat.

The data in respect of the previous three years is not readily available due to major restructuring of the Department in May 2005 which resulted in the establishment of the National Library and the National Museum as separate statutory organisations which retain the details of its staff members.

In revising the figures to take account of long-term sick leave, absences beyond four weeks have been counted as a long-term absence.

The average sick absences in the Department, including the National Archives, over the last two years, excluding long term illness cases, are as follows:

2006, 4.32 days; and

2007, 4.78 days.

Sports Capital Programme.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

370 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the individual score achieved by a club (details supplied) in County Wexford in consideration of the project for which it received grant aid under the 2008 sports capital programme. [41077/08]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

371 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the individual score achieved by a club (details supplied) in County Wexford in consideration of the project for which it received grant aid under the 2008 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41078/08]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

372 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the individual score achieved by a club (details supplied) in County Wexford in consideration of the project for which it received grant aid under the 2008 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41079/08]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

373 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the individual score achieved by a club (details supplied) in County Wexford in consideration of the project for which it received grant aid under the 2008 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41080/08]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

374 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the individual score achieved by a club (details supplied) in County Wexford in consideration of the project for which it received grant aid under the 2008 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41081/08]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

375 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the individual score achieved by a club (details supplied) in County Wexford in consideration of the project for which it received grant aid under the 2008 sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41082/08]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

376 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the reason a different points system operates in County Wexford for projects for consideration under the sports capital programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41083/08]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

377 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the basis on which the decision was made to allocate County Wexford €2,607,500 in funding in 2007 under the sports capital programme and almost €1.5 million less, that is €1,133,500 in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41084/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 370 to 377, inclusive, 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. Since 1998, over €725 million has been allocated to over 7,400 projects across the country.

Some 1,453 applications were received in 2008 seeking €296m. The Department assesses all applications received. For local projects, the level of funding to each county, including Wexford, is on the basis of a pro-rata distribution of the available funding on the basis of the population as set out in the 2006 census of population conducted by the Central Statistics Office, subject to the number, nature and quality of applications received for each county. The level of allocations therefore to successful local applicants in each county in 2007 and 2008 was primarily determined by the overall level of allocations available under the programme in those years for local clubs and the population of the county.

All applications from an individual county are assessed by one member of staff to ensure a consistent approach to applications from the county concerned. These assessments are then subject to quality proofing by more senior officers to the officer which conducted the initial assessment. Applications which meet the basic qualifying conditions each receive a score, which decides their order of priority within their own county. This system applies in each county.

The following table sets out, by reference to the relevant parliamentary question number, the scores of individual clubs sought by the Deputy:

Question Number

Score

41077/08

67

41078/08

70

41079/08

80

41080/08

71

41081/08

63

41082/08

81

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

378 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41174/08]

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to this Department, since its establishment in June 2002 is set out hereunder:

Consultancy

Purpose

Year

Expenditure

Jenny Haughton

Co-ordination of Irish Participation at the Venice Artist Biennale, 2002

2002

8,000

Mr G. D Bye

Review of News plan Microfilming Unit, National Library of Ireland

2002

4,000

Marketing Edge Ltd.

Evaluation of service offered to the public by the National Archives (survey).Compilation of Safety Statement and production of report, National Archives

2002

2,220

Ergo Consultancy Ltd.

Compilation of Safety Statement and production of report

2002

2,381

Aidan Walsh

National Museum of Ireland (N.M.I) Business Planning advice and assistance

2002

10,732

Alf Longhurst

Security assessment and recommendations in relation to N.M.I’s collections

2002

1,812

James Cavanaugh

Fire safety inspections, advice and training, N.M.I.

2002-2003

5,173

Achilles Procurement Services

Advice on procurement of security services, N.M.I.

2002-2003

4,663

Mahon O’Neill

Project Management Services for events programme (including Museum Outdoors event)

2002-2003

33,635

Newmarket Solutions

Provision of advice and assistance in implementing FMS Financial Management System, National Museum of Ireland (N.M.I.)

2002-2004

Awarded on per diem rates as service required

Richard Wakeley

Commissioner for the Irish Festival of Arts and Culture in China 2004

2002-2004

115,500 plus extension 51,334

Drury Communications

Market Research, N.M.I.

2002-2004

114,825

Fiach MacConghail

Arts Advisor to the Department

2002-2005

Per diem rate linked to Principal Officer scale

Kern European Affairs

To assist in staging the “Creative Financing and Music” Seminar

2002-2005

59,760

Eugene Downes

Advice on Framing new international Arts and Cultural Policy

2003

18,000

Peter Sirr

Curator of Irish Literature Exhibition in Brussels

2003

10,000

Jenny Haughton

Co- ordination of Irish Participation at the Venice Artist Biennale, 2003

2003

9,930

Eugene Downes

Consultancy for the draft Cultural Relations Committee on the International Arts

2003

2,000

Higher Education Digitisation Service, University of Hertfordshire

Review of Digitisation, National Library of Ireland

2003

10,500

Colman McLaughlin

Enhancement of the National Archives website

2003

5,000

Mahon O’Neill

Media relations in support launch of “Counties in Time” CD, National Archives.

2003

5,506

Elaine Shields

Report and advice on access by disabled to N.M.I,

2003

4,250

Consultancy

Purpose

Year

Expenditure

Sutton Vane

Survey and recommendations on flight levels in the Natural History Museum

2003

12,300

Compas Informatics Ltd

Report with recommendations on the generation and storage of both graphical and digital data, N.M.I.

2003

5,000

Gar Holohan

Assessment of the Feasibility and cost , including the ongoing running costs , of the Morton Athletic Stadium

2003

12,000

Raymond Burke Consulting

External Evaluation of Sports Capital Programme Expenditure Review Report

2003

4,060

Menyma Public Relations

PR for relaunch of Afterdark Programme and for 2 specific Afterdark events, N.M.I.

2003

5,000

Capita

Financial Management System V3 Assessment

2003

5,748

Wendy Williams Design

Graphic Design Consultant Military History Exhibition, NMI

2003

195,752

Janice Mc Adam

EU Presidency CulturalProgramme Manager

2003-2004

37,494

Siobhán Colgan

EU Presidency Cultural ProgrammePublic Relations Management Services

2003-2004

26,143

Event Ireland Ltd

EU Presidency Cultural ProgrammeProvision of Exhibition Design and Management Services

2003-2004

73,200

Donal Shiels

Irish Festival in ChinaFestival Manager

2003-2004

62,500 plus extension 25,000

Red Dog Design Consultants

Irish Festival in ChinaProvision of Graphic Design Services

2003-2004

73,000

Kate Bowe PR Limited

Irish Festival in ChinaProvision of Public Relations Management Services

2003-2004

72,834

Eamon Fox

Irish Festival in ChinaProvision of Production and Technical Services

2003-2004

40,000

Fiach MacConghail

EU Presidency Cultural ProgrammeCommissioner for the EU Cultural Programme

2003-2004

49,964

Deloitte

Financial Management System Specification & selection

2003-2004

75,293

Laura Weldon

National Co-ordinator of ReJoyce 2004

2003-2004

69,322 fee plus operational expenses of 56,417

Murray Consultants

PR Consultants for Department

2003 — 2006

223,661

Mr John Travers

Chair of the Tourism Policy Review Group and Tourism Action Plan Implementation Group and the Tourism Strategy Implementation Group

2003-2008

142,870

Consultancy

Purpose

Year

Expenditure

Sheenagh Gillen

Relations Management Services for Irish China Festival

2004

7,000

Féilte Dhuibh Linne Teo

EU Presidency Cultural ProgrammeDevelopment and organisation of Presidency Events

2004

82,000

Mahon O’Neill

PR work in relation to the launch of the online exhibition entitled “Views of Four Presidencies”, National Archives.

2004

7,792

Audrey Behan

Press Assistant Services

2004

3,200

Red Dog Design Consultants

Advertising and Marketing Day of Welcomes

2004

150,000

CHL Consulting

Review of Irish Manuscripts Commission

2004

44,165

Marie Claire Sweeney

Funding Raising Services ReJoyce 2004

2004

15,000

Red Dog Design Consultants

Design & advertising ReJoyce 2004

2004

120,000

Big Top Multimedia

Web design ReJoyce 2004

2004

20,000

Kate Bowe

PR services ReJoyce

2004

5,000

Fleishman Hilliard Saunders

PR services ReJoyce

2004

125,000

Jenny Haughton

Co-ordination of Irish Participation at the Sao Paolo Artist Biennale, 2004

2004

8,000

Coyle Hamilton

Insurance Consultancy, National Library of Ireland

2004

7,500

Paul Boksberger Advisory Service

Consultancy Services in relation to new Coffee Shop, National Library of Ireland

2004

3,000

Colman McLaughlin

Enhancement of National Archives website, National Archives.

2004

7,500

Leonard Pole

Assessing/reporting on the documentation of the Ethnographical collection, N.M.I.

2004

4,108

Lisney

Property Valuation Report

2004

4,235

Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM)

List all public and private sector swimming pool facilities in Ireland

2004

6,050

Sarah Glennie

Irish Commissioner and Curator of Venice Artist Biennale 2005

2004-2005

25,000

HELM Corporation

Provision of financial/accounting services in N.M.I.

2004-2005

62,668

Anne Gallagher

Evaluation of an aspect of the Education and Outreach programme-N.M.I.

2004-2005

15,000

SMT Consultants

To prepare risk assessments of N.M.I. sites and provide assistance in drawing up N.M.I safety statement and generally advice on safety issues.

2004-2005

11,889

Consultancy

Purpose

Year

Expenditure

PriceWaterhouse Cooper

External advisor on Steering Committee for Irish Film Board Expenditure Review

2004-2005

16,940

Deloitte

Audit Work for 1994 –1999 Tourism Operational Programme

2004-2005

321,677

Magahy & Co

Project Management Services for Military History Exhibition, NMI

2004-2005

90,000

G.P. O’Briain

Projects under Section 481 (Films)

2002-2005

11,729

Tony Sheehan

Arts Advisor to the Department

2005

Per diem rate linked to Principal Officer scale

CHL Consulting

Review of the Viability of the James Joyce Centre

2005

18,150

Red Dog Design Consultants

Provision of Graphic Design services for Culture Ireland

2005

9,680

Richard Wakely

Exploring Co-operation between Hong Kong-Singapore and Ireland in field of Culture

2005

8,417

Baker Tully O’Hare

Provision of specialised advice in relation to certain financial issues associated with the establishment of the NLI Board

2005

11,821

Fitzpatrick Associates

Evaluation of Local Sports Partnership Programme

2005

54,450

Webfactory

Feasibility, costs and challenges involved in developing a composite calendar of events to facilitate the joint marketing of activities and events by agencies and bodies under the aegis of the Department

2005

6,563

Theta ETA Advisors

Advice to NMI on Corporate Governance in the context of impending NMI autonomy

2005

4,937

Coyle Hamilton Willis

Advice on post-autonomy insurance requirements of NMI

2005

12,000

Magahy & Co.

Project Management Services for Temporary Exhibitions (Shackleton & Philip Tracey Hats) NMI

2005

13,000

Mahon O’Neill

PR work in relation to James Joyce and Yeats exhibitions and other special events.

2005

65,289

Indecon (Ireland)

To provided advice in relation to the National Conference Centre project (following a Government Decision)

2005

12,342

Laura Barnes

Coordinator of the Beckett Centenary

2006

45,496 fee and 47,332 Festival operation expenses

John Grenham

Church Records Framework Survey

2006

7,623

Consultancy

Purpose

Year

Expenditure

Tim Dalton

Report on certain matters affecting Bord na gCon

2006

37,667

Red Dog Design Consultants

Provision of graphic design services in respect of the nomination form and Guidelines for the National Awards to Volunteers in Irish Sport

2006

2,565

Shane Holland Design

Design and Manufacture of awards for the National Volunteers in Irish Sport

2006

1,200

Petrus Consulting Ltd

Quality Assessment of Expenditure Review on Irish Film Board

2006

2,057

Russell Brennan Keane

Report on effect of possible tax changes on Section 481 (Film Relief Scheme)

2006

9,438

Dowling Consultancy Services

Chairing Implementation Group for Horse Sport Ireland

2006

6,050

Raymund Burke Consulting,

Independent evaluation of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme Expenditure Review

2006-2007

3,354

O’Herlihy Communications

PR Consultancy for the Department

2006-2007

111,795

Systems Dynamics Solutions Ltd,

To set up a database to record the results of a public swimming pool usage survey.

2007

6,776

Séan Cromien

Review of operation of the Heritage Fund Leading to revised updating legislation

2007

8,800

Q4PR

PR /Media services for Culture Ireland in the US

2007

15,246

CHL Consulting

Review of The James Joyce Centre

2007

17,000

Indecon International Economic Consultants

To research and prepare an economic evaluation of the benefits to Ireland arising from the proximity of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

2007

113,848

Q4PR

PR and Communications for Culture Ireland

2007-2008

72,000

Charlie Pike The Pacello Group (Europe) Ltd

Website maintenance for Culture Ireland

2007-2008

9,982

Holohan Leisure

To provide consultancy advice in relation to an analysis of sports facility provision in the development of a strategy for sports facilities

2007-2008

113,740

DKM Economic Consultants

Update of the Cost Benefit Analysis for the National Museum at Collins Barracks

2008

3,146

The expenditure outlined in the table includes costs in respect of the National Museum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland up to May 2005, at which time they became autonomous statutory bodies under the National Cultural Institutions Act, 1997. Any expenditure since that date by these bodies falls within their own budgets and is a matter for the bodies themselves.

This Department observes the Department of Finance Guidelines for Engagement of Consultants in the Civil Service. Consultants are only employed by the Department in circumstances where specialised knowledge or expertise, which is not available in the Department or elsewhere in the public service, is required for a temporary period or a specialist study/project must be completed within a very short time scale.

Sports Capital Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

379 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when application forms for grants (details supplied) will be available; if the grants will be allocated at a later stage in 2009; if the application process will be delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41190/08]

The Deputy will be aware that allocations under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme were announced in July last. No decision has yet been made about the timing of further rounds of the Programme. Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by the Department, funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. The aim of the Programme is to maximise participation in sport through the provision of modern high quality, safe, well-designed and sustainable facilities and sports equipment. The provision of such facilities allows for increased numbers to participate in sport.

Since 1998 the Programme has allocated over €725 million to over 7,400 projects. This investment has transformed the sporting landscape of Ireland and has allowed the development of sports facilities across the length and breadth of the country. These facilities have dramatically increased the opportunities for all people to engage in a wide variety of sports.

Question No. 380 answered with Question No. 122.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Question:

381 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is funding available for a road (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if there is an active application on file for this road. [40593/08]

The access road the Deputy refers to was examined under Scéim na mBóithre Áise by an official of my Department on 11 July 2002 and again on 14 November 2003. As there was no dwelling house on the road, it was deemed to be ineligible under the terms of the scheme.

Question No. 382 answered with Question No. 91.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

383 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40867/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, benchmarking is carried out by an independent Benchmarking Body whose function it is to review and compare work practices, jobs and pay rates across the economy. The last review carried out by the Public Service Benchmarking Body was in 2007, and it examined the work, pay, benefits and conditions of employment of employees in the public service and the private sector. The findings of that review can be accessed at the Department of Finance website www.finance.gov.ie.

In relation to my Department's modernisation programme and the actions carried out by my Department under its Towards 2016 Action Plan and the benefits accruing to the general public, I refer the Deputy to the Civil Service Performance Verification Group website www.cspvg.gov.ie, where details of my Department's progress in implementing its modernisation programme and the benefits accruing to the general public can be accessed.

Question No. 384 answered with Question No. 120.

Teangacha Oifigiúla.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

385 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cén plean, ar son chur chun cinn na teanga a chuir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann faoina bhráid le haghaidh an €3 mhilliún a fuarthas ó Chiste na Gaeilge sa Cháinaisnéis is déanaí; an raibh deis ag eagraíochtaí Gaeilge eile cur isteach ar an maoiniú céanna; cén obair Ghaeilge go díreach a gcaithfear an t-airgead sin uirthi; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [40886/08]

Mar is eol don Teachta, is go príomha ar mhaithe le heagraíochtaí deonacha, coistí pobail agus a leithéidí a chuirtear cúnamh ar fáil ó Chiste na Gaeilge chun a chumasú dóibh an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn agus chun a gclár oibre a chur i gcrích. Tá Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann ar cheann de na eagraíochtaí sin a mhaoinítear go bliantúil tríd an Chiste, eagraíocht atá go láidir as son na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn taobh istigh den eagraíocht féin agus tríd na himeachtaí a eagraíonn sí. Is i gcomhthéacs Plean Forbartha Réigiúnach an Chomhaltais atá an t-airgead sonrach a luann an Teachta á chur ar fáil.

Bíonn ar eagraíochtaí a mhaoinítear faoin gCiste gcoinníollacha áirithe a chomhlíonadh — ina measc, plean gnó agus airgeadais bliantúil agus cuntais iniúchta bhliantúla a chur ar fáil do mo Roinnse. Déantar cinneadh maidir leis an soláthair airgid a chuirtear ar fáil d'aon eagraíocht i gcomhthéacs phlean gnó na heagraíochta don bhliain sin agus do bhlianta dá éis, na héilimh éagsúla a fhaightear, tosaíochtaí an Rialtais maidir le cur chun cinn na teanga agus go háirithe i gcomhthéacs an tsoláthair airgid atá ar fáil faoin gCiste chun freastal ar na héilimh éagsúla sin.

Community Development.

David Stanton

Question:

386 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the role his Department has in the promotion and support of the use of school facilities by community groups as outlined in the Agreed Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40976/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Education has the lead role in the promotion and support of the use of school facilities by community groups as outlined in the Agreed Programme for Government. The Government recognises the opportunity in appropriate cases where school premises could be made available to the wider community.

I should also mention that improved use of school facilities at evenings and weekends was a recommendation of the taskforce on active citizenship. The recommendations of the Taskforce have been accepted by Government and are now being advanced. To promote and support this approach, the Gaeltacht Improvement Scheme operated by my Department can provide assistance towards the development of certain school facilities for use by community groups in the Gaeltacht and on the islands. In providing such assistance, as well as enhancing school facilities, it would be the aim of my Department to develop the culture, heritage and the social infrastructure of the Gaeltacht and the islands and to support the Irish language.

In addition, the Steering Group overseeing the development of the new National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 are considering the development of facilities for the general youth population and those most "at-risk" through increased access to community, sports and school facilities. My Department has been actively pursuing the promotion and support of the use of school facilities by community groups through the National Assessment Committee of the Young People's Facilities and Services Fund. In addition, funding from Dormant Accounts has been made available to support a number of sports halls and facilities in schools.

Irish Language.

David Stanton

Question:

387 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the actions taken to date by the senior officials group, consisting of representatives from the Department of Education and Science and his Department, to enhance the actions of both Departments and their agencies in addressing challenges in supporting the Irish language including strengthening the teaching of Irish throughout the education system under the Agreed Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40983/08]

A high-level group has been established at Secretary General level between my Department and the Department of Education and Science and meets periodically to consider matters of common interest in the context of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. Joint actions arising from the work of the group are advanced through regular engagement at Assistant Secretary level between the two Departments, as well as interaction with relevant agencies, including Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta and An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta. Recent work has focused on issues considered in meetings with the CEOs of those agencies and on matters arising in the context of the Report on the Linguistic Study on the Use of Irish in the Gaeltacht.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

388 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will estimate the savings that would be made by suspending incremental pay increases in 2009 with regard to his Department and agencies within the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41043/08]

The cost of providing incremental pay increases in respect of staff at my Department in 2009 is estimated to be in the order of €112,000. This amount includes provision for departmental staff seconded to the National Drugs Strategy Team, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, the Office of the Commissioners for Charitable Donations and Bequests and Oifig An Coimisinéir Teanga.

In relation to bodies that come within the ambit of my Department, I am advised that the cost of providing incremental pay increases in 2009 is estimated as follows:

Western Development Commission

1,625.00

Údarás na Gaeltachta

91,842.00

Foras na Gaeilge

30,000.00

Tha Boord o Ulster Scotch

1,000.00

Waterways Ireland

37,861.24

It should be noted that An Foras Teanga, comprising Foras na Gaeilge and Tha Boord O Ulster Scotch, and Waterways Ireland are jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in Northern Ireland. For completeness, I should advise the Deputy that the Dormant Accounts Board does not employ full-time staff.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

389 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41065/08]

The average number of sick days annually per head of staff in my Department, based on the total amount of sick leave taken for the period 2006 to 2008 (to date), is as follows:

Year

Average Days

2006

9.17

2007

9.35

2008 to date

8.48

The average number of sick days annually per head of staff in my Department, excluding long-term illness cases where an individual has taken in excess of six months sick leave for the period 2006 to 2008 (to date), is as follows:

Year

Average Days

2006

7.94

2007

7.65

2008 to date

7.48

These figures are in respect of the staff at my Department, as well as staff seconded from my Department to the National Drugs Strategy Team, the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, An Coimisinéir Teanga and the Office of the Commissioners for Charitable Donations and Bequests.

It may be noted that although the calculations are based on staff that are currently on my Department's payroll, sick leave incurred by staff while working in other Departments (due to the general movement of staff, particularly under the Decentralisation Programme) may also be included.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

390 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41176/08]

My Department was established in June 2002 and details regarding consultancies since that date to the end of last month are published on our website, excluding those of minor value (i.e. less that €5,000, excl VAT). The relevant link is:

www.pobail.ie/en/CorporateSupportServices/Finance/Consultancies.

I am arranging for details relating to such consultancies to be forwarded directly to the Deputy.

CLÁR Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to reconstitute the CLÁR programme with a view to identifying the way strategic support could be realigned to respond more rapidly to emerging social or economic problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41217/08]

The CLÁR Programme was set up as an innovative programme to deal with the infrastructure deficits in the most peripheral communities in Ireland, to qualify under the CLÁR Programme, an area had to have lost since 1926 an average of 35% of population. Poor infrastructure is one of the major challenges faced in such areas. For this reason, the CLÁR Programme has focused on those elements of infrastructure, social and economic, that most affect the lives of local communities. One of the strengths of the CLÁR Programme has always been its ability to focus on priority needs in CLÁR areas.

As Minister, I believe that we need to be constantly addressing the new challenges faced by small rural communities and that the programme must be continuously refocused to deal with the most urgent infrastructural deficits especially in the current economic climate. My Department will continue to review the entire programme and the individual measures within it to ensure its continued relevance. My Department officials are in discussions with various Government Departments, State Agencies and other interested parties in relation to new and existing measures on an ongoing basis. The development of CLÁR will be kept under review in this context.

Question No. 392 answered with Question No. 100.

Community Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

393 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if it is intended to expand, revise or reconfigure the RAPID programme with particular reference to increased demands arising from changed economic and social circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41220/08]

The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 46 designated RAPID areas. The Programme is managed on behalf of the Department by Pobal.

The Government has given a commitment to continue to prioritise investment in the existing RAPID areas and no area currently included in the Programme will lose its eligibility for priority treatment. My attention at present is focused on an analysis of recent Census data with a view to ensuring that the boundaries of existing RAPID areas are appropriate. A key concern will be to ensure that the effectiveness of the RAPID Programme is not diluted and that Government action continues to prioritise and target communities with the greatest needs.

I initiated the RAPID leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas.

These schemes are subject to ongoing review to ensure that they remain responsive to the demands of the RAPID communities. Where opportunities arise, the eligibility of individual schemes can be extended to reflect emerging needs identified by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas.

The 2006 evaluation of the RAPID Programme indicated that the experience of the Programme has been very positive in many areas and that it has made substantial progress in identifying the needs of disadvantaged communities and in implementing important local projects in response to those needs. The evaluation recommended that a future Programme should be developed under a number of key Strategic Themes. These were Community Safety & Anti-social Behaviour, Family, Youth, Physical Environment, Education, Health and Employment/Training.

A national framework for the development of these strategic themes is now in place. Each Department/Agency with responsibility for the strategic themes has prepared guidance for the Area Implementation Team that includes objectives, performance indicators and targets. These will be further developed within the AIT in each RAPID area. I launched the Health, Family and Community Safety and Anti-social Behaviour themes on 30th January 2008. In September 2008 I launched the RAPID Education Theme and the Physical Environment Theme. Responsibility for the development of each strategic theme rests with the lead Department or Agency. I expect to launch the remaining Themes shortly.

Questions Nos. 394 and 395 answered with Question No. 100.

Departmental Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

396 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the sources of funding available to his Department in each of the past five years excluding that of the Dormant Accounts Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41223/08]

Funding for my Department is provided in the main by the Exchequer, with specific allocations from the Dormant Accounts Fund. In addition, EU funding has been received in the form of Appropriations-in-Aid as follows:

Source of Funding

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

(€000s)

(€000s)

(€000s)

(€000s)

(€000s)

EU

6,118

22,649

13,233

25,298

24,280

National Lottery funding is also available to my Department and it part-funds specific subheads within my Department's Vote. The total expenditure to which this part-funding relates in the period in question is set out below:

Table: Expenditure which is part-funded from the National Lottery

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

(€000s)

(€000s)

(€000s)

(€000s)

(€000s)

30,541

32,705

30,853

34,724

43,756

Dormant Accounts Fund.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

397 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding made available to the Dormant Accounts Fund in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41224/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

398 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding available to his Department from the Dormant Accounts Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41225/08]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

399 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the disbursement from the Dormant Accounts Fund in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41226/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 397 to 399, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that under the legislation, credit institutions and insurance undertakings are required, each April, to transfer to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), all moneys falling dormant in the previous year. Under the Dormant Accounts Acts, disbursement of unclaimed dormant accounts are used for the purposes of assisting three broad categories of persons — those affected by economic and social disadvantage, those affected by educational disadvantage and persons with a disability.

The amount of funding transferred from financial institutions to the Dormant Accounts Fund since 2003 is as follows:

Funds Transferred to the Dormant Accounts Fund

Year

Amount

2003

196,209,141

2004

56,024,667

2005

40,815,461

2006

80,149,281

2007

66,293,795

2008 to end October

31,738,970

Total

471,231,315

Of the funds transferred, some 163 million has been reclaimed by the account holders at the end of October 2008.

In relation to the funding available to my own Department, and subject to a Supplementary Estimate for my Department, the level of expenditure in 2008 on projects supported by the Dormant Accounts Fund will amount to 12m. A similar level of funding has been provided in respect of such projects in 2009.

The disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund by the NTMA in each of the past five years to the end of October 2008 are summarised in the table below:

Value of Disbursements from the Dormant Accounts Fund

Year

Amount

2004

14,000,000

2005

14,400,000

2006

33,250,000

2007

45,511,412

2008 to end October

45,604,437

Total

152,765,849

Information on transfers into, allocations from and actual disbursements from the fund are posted on my Department's website and regularly updated.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

400 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will investigate the reason an allowance has been withdrawn from persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will arrange for the appeal to be considered. [40601/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which is administered on behalf of the department by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of rent supplement to eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs.

Rent supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.

The Executive has advised rent supplement has not been withdrawn from the persons concerned. They are in receipt of their full entitlement to rent supplement based on their income from jobseekers benefit and disability benefit having regard to the fact that they are required to contribute additional assessable means of €56.50 which they have over and above the basic SWA rate appropriate to their circumstances. The Executive has further advised that there is no record of an appeal from the persons concerned. It is open to the persons concerned to appeal against the decision of the community welfare officer to the Executive's designated Appeals Office.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

401 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will amend the funding standard. [39553/08]

The Pensions Act provides for a Funding Standard which must be met on an ongoing basis by all defined benefit pension schemes. The Funding Standard requires that schemes maintain sufficient assets to enable them to discharge accrued liabilities in the event of a scheme winding up. Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding.

The overall operation of the Funding Standard is discussed in the Green Paper on pensions and any changes proposed will be announced in the context of the framework for pensions which the Government has indicated it will announce by the end of the year.

However, in considering any amendments to the funding standard a balance must be struck between the long-term nature of pension savings and the need to, as far as we can, ensure the short-term security of the benefits already accrued by employees in a scheme.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Dan Neville

Question:

402 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the request of residents of Newcastle West, who had their homes and businesses damaged by the severe flooding of 31 July and 1 August 2008, for compensation as per previous responses to such disasters; her further views on whether such damage could not be anticipated by the residents and that the State has a duty to respond to the financial implications arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40790/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which is administered by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive (HSE), is designed to provide immediate and flexible assistance for those in need who do not qualify for payment under other State schemes. Under the legislation governing the scheme, the HSE may make a single payment to meet an exceptional need to people on social welfare or health board payments. This is a once-off payment to meet an unforeseen or special need that cannot be met from a person's basic income.

Assistance in the form of an Urgent Needs Payment (UNP) can be also made to persons who would not normally be entitled to SWA, to assist, for example in cases of flood damage with immediate needs, such as food, clothing, fuel, household goods and shelter. Assistance can be provided to people affected in cash or in kind.

There is no automatic entitlement to these payments. Each application is determined on the particular circumstances of the case. In assessing income, consideration is given as to whether a person is in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment or to the gross household income with allowance made as appropriate under normal SWA means assessments.

Over the past few months, flooding has been experienced in a number of areas of the country. The Department's role in response to the recent flooding primarily involves supporting the community welfare service in the provision of ENP and UNP funding in the short term and other supports where applicable to cater for the long term effects of the flooding. Any support given relates to damage to a person's home or loss of essential items. It does not extend to business or commercial losses. Some 24 payments were made in response to the flooding incident to which the Deputy refers. In addition, 5 households have been paid rent supplement.

Local community welfare officers are available to provide assistance on an individual basis where that is warranted. If any person is experiencing hardship as a result of the recent flooding, they should contact their local community welfare officer in the first instance.

Michael McGrath

Question:

403 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to an application for supplementary welfare allowance by persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [41024/08]

Under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department 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.

The Executive has advised that the persons concerned were awarded an exceptional needs payment of €1,727.50 on 10 November 2008. If they are unhappy with the amount of the exceptional needs payment it is open to them to appeal against the decision of the community welfare officer to the Executive's designated Appeals Office. If there has been any change in the circumstances of the persons concerned, they should contact their local Community Welfare Officer.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Dan Neville

Question:

404 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position with regard to the appeal of a decision to refuse unemployment assistance to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in view of the fact that they have had no income since they ceased working on 20 June 2008. [40585/08]

The person concerned claimed jobseeker's allowance from 23 June 2008. To qualify for this payment, a person must satisfy the conditions as to means and in this case the claim was disallowed by a Deciding Officer on the grounds that his means exceeded the weekly rate payable. He was assessed with weekly means of €1,492 derived from self-employment.

He appealed this decision and following a review his means were adjusted downwards and he was given a Nil means assessment. Generally in the case of self-employed persons their income in the past twelve months is taken as a reflection of their likely income over the next twelve months. However, each case is treated on its merits and in relation to the person concerned it was accepted, during the review, that his income for the past twelve months is not an accurate reflection of his likely income over the next twelve months and the decision was revised accordingly. He now qualifies for full payment of jobseekers allowance from the date of his claim.

Human Rights Issues.

Mary White

Question:

405 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the State recognises the self chosen gender of transgendered people; if not, her plans to change this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40624/08]

This issue was the subject of a High Court judgement concerning the rights of a person, who has undergone gender reassignment surgery, to recognition of her acquired gender. On foot of a High Court judgement, delivered on 19 October 2007, the judge made a declaration, pursuant to Section 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, that Sections 25, 63 and 64 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 are incompatible with the obligations of the State under the European Convention on Human Rights. The reason for the declaration was the failure of the State to respect the private life of the Applicant, as required by Article 8 of the Convention, in that there are no provisions which would enable the acquired gender identity of the Applicant to be legally recognised in this jurisdiction.

This is the first time that the High Court has made a declaration of incompatibility with the European Convention on Human Rights in respect of a provision of Irish law. As such, the High Court judgement is very significant and raises complex and far-reaching issues, not merely for this case but for future cases under the European Convention on Human Rights Act. The judgment has implications for a wide range of legislative and policy areas including taxation, social welfare, pensions, family law, criminal law, equality, employment, sport, financial services, health, education and so on. In that context, it is essential to obtain the confirmation of the Supreme Court that the judgement was warranted and to seek clarity on all its implications.

As the judgment is the subject of an appeal to the Supreme Court, it is not considered appropriate for me to comment further at this time.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

406 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average waiting time for decisions on appeals of applications for social welfare payments; the average waiting time on same for the same period in 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40629/08]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that during 2007 the average time taken to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 22 weeks. However, if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to just over 14 weeks. Processing times for 2008 are not yet available but are expected to be at least of the same order having regard to a 25% increase in appeals received so far this year.

The processing time for appeals covers all phases of the appeal process including the submission by the Department of its comments on the grounds for the appeal, further examination by the Department's Medical Assessors in certain illness related cases and further investigation by Social Welfare Inspectors where required. Circumstances may also arise, normally outside of the control of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, which have the effect of unduly prolonging the time taken to process appeals. For example, delays can occur where the appellant submits new information or evidence, often at an advanced stage in the proceedings. In some cases adjournments may be sought by the appellant or his/her representative.

I am advised that the social welfare appeals system is a quasi- judicial one and that the procedures in place for determining appeals are designed to ensure that each case receives full and satisfactory consideration. While improving processing times remains a major objective of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, it is necessary at all times to ensure that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which is not in conflict with the demands of justice and the requirement that every appeal be fully investigated and examined on all its merits.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

407 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a disability allowance payment will commence for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo following a successful appeal. [40670/08]

Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under age 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both medical assessment and a means test.

The person concerned made application for disability allowance on 13 November 2007. She was refused disability allowance on the grounds that she was deemed by a Medical Assessor to be not medically suitable for disability allowance. She subsequently appealed this decision. At a second medical examination, a Medical Assessor found her also to be not medically suitable for disability allowance. Following an oral hearing by the Social Welfare Appeals Office, her appeal was allowed and she was deemed to be medically suitable for disability allowance.

Her file has been re-referred to the Social Welfare Inspector for an up to date means assessment. A final decision will be given on this person's application for Disability Allowance upon receipt of the Social Welfare Inspector's report. She will be notified directly of the outcome.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

408 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in making a decision on a jobseekers allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when a decision will be reached on this appeal. [40713/08]

The claim for jobseeker's allowance by the person concerned was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 24 August 2008 on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit.

An appeal was opened on 17 September 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal, as a result of which the Department has referred the case to a Social Welfare Inspector for further investigation.

On receipt of the Departments response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John Perry

Question:

409 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the social welfare entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will be given for the full eight years rather than the five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40715/08]

Special arrangements have been in place to protect the social welfare rights of Volunteer Development Workers (VDWs) since 1983. VDWs can qualify for credited contributions in respect of a period spent working in a developing country and any preparatory period before hand. These credited contributions enable the workers to qualify for short-term benefits on their return from their overseas development work and support their accrued entitlement towards long-term benefits.

In order to qualify for the credited contributions, a volunteer development worker must satisfy the following criteria:

be over 16 years of age,

be resident in the State immediately prior to taking up the employment overseas, and

be employed under conditions of remuneration similar to those applied in the developing country.

Although the individual in question has worked overseas for a period of eight years the maximum number of years for which any individual can claim VDW credits is five. The maximum amount of 260 VDW credits has been added to the individual's contribution record. There are no plans to extend the scheme beyond the current five year duration.

Community Development.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

410 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of the sanctioning of the application by Galway City Partnership for funding for the provision of a family resource centre in Ballinfoyle, Galway City; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40775/08]

I am committed to supporting families and value the role that the Family Resource Centres play in communities all over the country. Funding from the Family Support Agency helps with staffing and equipping these centres. By the end of 2007, the number of Family Resource Centres had expanded from an original 10 to 106 nationwide. The funding for the Programme increased from €317,000 in 1994 to nearly €19 million in 2007.

In the context of the National Development Plan, it was intended to expand the number of Family Resource Centres by up to 6 centres this year and to provide some existing ones with additional staff. The organisation referred to by the Deputy is one of the projects that have applied for inclusion in the Family Resource Centre Programme and that meet the criteria. However, as part of the Government's collective approach to controlling short-term expenditure in the interests of Ireland's future prosperity, with the exception of a new centre in Killeshandra that was approved earlier this year, no new Family Resource Centres will open in 2008. It will also not be possible to increase the staffing complement of the existing centres.

Government support for family services will however remain strong. Last year, additional staff were funded for 40 Family Resource Centres. It should also be noted that in June I approved counselling grants of almost €11 million to 600 voluntary and community groups supporting families nationwide.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

411 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress to date on the appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny on their carer’s allowance claim. [40777/08]

The claim for carer's allowance by the person concerned was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 16 July 2008 on the grounds that she was not providing full-time care to the caree. An appeal was opened on 28 July 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. These are now to hand and have been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jack Wall

Question:

412 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has been refused supplementary welfare allowance in view of the fact that the person has been placed on lay off; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40860/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Executive has advised that it has no record of an application for supplementary welfare allowance from the person concerned. He should contact his local community welfare officer directly in order to make an application for supplementary welfare allowance.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

413 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by her Department. [40876/08]

The terms of reference of the Public Service Benchmarking Body requires it to have regard, in reaching its recommendations, to the need to support ongoing modernisation of the public service. In this context, under successive public service pay agreements, most recently under Towards 2016 , there is a requirement on public bodies to develop modernisation action plans and to report in advance of all phases of the pay agreement increases, on the progress made on these plans. In line with this obligation, the Department of Social and Family Affairs developed, and is implementing, a detailed modernisation action plan. The objective of the plan is to reflect the ongoing nature of the work of modernisation within the Department in order to meet its present needs and future requirements, particularly with regard to the services provided to the public.

The modernisation action plan builds on the programme of change and modernisation which the Department undertook under the previous agreement Sustaining Progress. It contains over 60 actions and was agreed with staff and union representatives through the Department's partnership structures. Under its change programme, the Department has implemented a wide range of modernisation initiatives including the development of major new computer systems, the achievement of substantial productivity gains through work process re-engineering and the provision of new customer focused service delivery initiatives.

Payment of the public service pay increase provisions of Towards 2016 is dependent on the verification of co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, including co-operation with the implementation of the initiatives under the modernisation action plan. In assessing progress in this regard, the Public Service Performance Verification Group (CSPVG) has particular regard to the progress made in front-line service delivery. The Department has submitted four progress reports under Towards 2016 and on each occasion has satisfied the CSPVG on the progress made in achieving its modernisation objectives particularly with respect to service delivery.

In addition, the Department has an ongoing programme of customer consultation and has undertaken a number of customer surveys in recent years in order to obtain feedback on the level of services provided. In general, customers have indicated that they are satisfied with the service they receive from the Department. The Department has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to developing and enhancing its services to the public over many years and I am satisfied it will continue to do so in order to meet the needs of its increasing customer base.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

414 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for reassessment in respect of their disability allowance claim. [40903/08]

An application for disability allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department following an examination by a Medical Assessor on 10 June 2008 who considered her to be medically unsuitable for the allowance.

She appealed this decision and, in the context of this appeal, she was examined by a second Medical Assessor on 15 August 2008 who also expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for disability allowance.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, she was afforded an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal and to furnish any further medical evidence she wished to submit. Her reply, along with the further medical evidence was sent to the Chief Medical Advisor on 9 September 2008, who expressed the opinion that this evidence did not affect the previous findings by the Medical Assessors.

The case has now been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard Allen

Question:

415 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on the application made for rent allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [41008/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, which is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Division of the Health Service Executive, provides for the payment of rent supplement to eligible people whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned contacted the community welfare officer in August and was advised to complete and return an application form so that his entitlement to rent supplement could be assessed. The Executive has further advised that it has no record of receiving the application for rent supplement from the person concerned.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

416 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average processing time that it takes for a claim for jobseeker’s allowance to be dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41048/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

417 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average processing time that it takes for a claim for jobseeker’s benefit to be dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41049/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

418 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the processing time that it takes for each individual social welfare office to deal with a claim for jobseeker’s benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41050/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

419 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the processing time that it takes for each individual social welfare office to deal with a claim for jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41051/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

420 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the numbers of individuals on a national basis and by local social welfare office awaiting for their application for jobseeker’s benefit to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41052/08]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

421 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the numbers of individuals on a national basis and by local social welfare office awaiting for their application for jobseeker’s allowance to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41053/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 416 to 421, inclusive, together.

The Department delivers a front-line service through a network of 61 Local Offices and 64 Branch Offices countrywide. The main services provided from these offices include jobseekers payment, one-parent family payment and an information service. Branch Offices are operated under a contract for service and decisions on claims taken in Branch Offices are made in its departmental parent Local Office.

There has been a significant increase in the number of people claiming since the beginning of the year. The level of inflows to the Live Register over the period January to October 2008 inclusive was 361,940 as compared with 243,413 over the corresponding period last year representing an increase of over 49%.

In the past few years the Department has coped with increasing demands arising from significant changes to the social welfare code and in the numbers of persons accessing services. Operational procedures and the organisation of work continue to be reviewed and restructured to maximise the benefits of technology and new developments in processing techniques and business information.

The Department is committed to providing a quality customer service to all its customers. This includes ensuring that applications are processed and that decisions on entitlement are issued as expeditiously as possible having regard to the eligibility conditions which apply. These conditions vary between the two jobseeker schemes and involve, among other things, the need to establish the person's social insurance record, establish the person's identity or their place of habitual residence and to assess means where appropriate. In some cases delays arise where the person fails to supply all pertinent information in support of his/her application.

The overall performance in any individual office in processing claims can be adversely affected by a wide variety of factors; including increased inflow of claims, staff vacancies and the duration of such vacancies and the turnover of staff in the office. The number of claims awaiting a decision is given in Table 1.

Because of the increased number of claims for jobseeker payments the Department undertook a review of staffing levels in Local Offices in May and June of this year. This resulted in the assignment of an additional 31 staff to some 15 Local Offices. Following on the most recent review of the staffing levels in Local Offices, an additional 115 staff are to be assigned to some 48 offices.

For claims processed in October 2008 the average processing time was 3 weeks for Jobseekers Benefit and 5 weeks for Jobseekers Allowance. The average processing time in October in each office is given in Table 2.

Table 1: Jobseeker's Benefit and Allowance pending October 2008.

Local Office

Jobseekers Benefit

Jobseekers Allowance

Achill

4

6

Apollo House

313

274

Ardee

103

154

Arklow

205

186

Athlone

205

212

Athy

208

144

Balbriggan

191

221

Ballina

130

202

Ballinasloe

74

114

Ballinrobe

49

70

Ballybofey

42

88

Ballyconnell

89

121

Ballyfermot

126

236

Ballymun

36

84

Ballyshannon

19

31

Baltinglass

89

65

Bandon

82

171

Bantry

52

60

Bantry Co

23

14

Belmullet

29

21

Birr

52

116

Bishop Square

639

499

Blanchardstown

518

656

Boyle

65

78

Bray

344

223

Buncrana

164

294

Cahir

37

33

Cahirciveen

59

45

Carlow

104

213

Carrickmacross

110

115

Carrick-on-Shannon

54

103

Carrick-on-Suir

67

87

Carrigaline

66

126

Cashel

40

40

Castlebar

65

82

Castleblayney

75

96

Castlepollard

85

111

Castlerea

99

119

Cavan

317

500

Claremorris

80

117

Clifden

14

40

Clonakilty

51

103

Clondalkin

534

489

Clones

32

24

Clonmel

68

64

Cobh

31

31

Coolock

137

203

Cork

1,193

1,777

Dingle

45

23

Donegal

32

16

Drogheda

366

710

Dundalk

202

318

Dunfanaghy

46

23

Dungarvan

111

118

Dungloe

53

59

Dun Laoghaire

328

458

Edenderry

129

160

Ennis

190

185

Enniscorthy

137

213

Ennistymon

115

66

Fermoy

127

92

Finglas

183

211

Galway

837

1336

Gorey

143

177

Gort

83

73

Kells

74

220

Kenmare

68

25

Kilbarrack

196

174

Kilkenny

122

306

Killarney

197

139

Killorglin

43

62

Killybegs

23

20

Kilmallock

113

87

Kilrush

41

40

Kinsale

49

106

Letterkenny

210

253

Limerick

619

884

Listowel

221

166

Longford

330

330

Loughrea

129

153

Macroom

159

90

Mallow

141

99

Manorhamilton

34

27

Maynooth

423

501

Midleton

152

224

Monaghan

103

119

Muine Bheag

125

109

Mullingar

201

247

Navan

309

548

Navan Road

213

387

Nenagh

62

47

Newbridge

718

477

Newcastle West

137

89

Newmarket

182

103

New Ross

138

142

Nth Cumberland Street

195

198

Nutgrove

113

94

Portarlington

119

182

Portlaoise

263

247

Rathdowney

47

83

Roscommon

80

72

Roscrea

21

37

Skibbereen

56

75

Sligo

127

199

Swinford

75

95

Swords

131

100

Tallaght

325

322

Thomas Street

167

263

Thomastown

67

72

Thurles

46

61

Tipperary

51

51

Tralee

282

191

Trim

164

253

Tuam

114

222

Tubbercurry

49

25

Tulla

31

37

Tullamore

119

327

Tullow

121

118

Waterford

521

486

Westport

71

66

Wexford

275

284

Wicklow

85

106

Youghal

59

96

19,602

23,632

Table 2: Processing time (in weeks) for Jobseeker's claims decided in October 2008

Local Office

Jobseekers Benefit

Jobseekers Allowance

Achill

0.28

0.49

Apollo House

6.18

5.93

Ardee

2.90

6.92

Arklow

3.28

6.19

Athlone

2.33

5.85

Athy

4.99

5.86

Balbriggan

1.60

5.30

Ballina

2.80

6.34

Ballinasloe

1.35

3.25

Ballinrobe

1.80

6.84

Ballybofey

0.92

2.73

Ballyconnell

4.89

10.96

Ballyfermot

1.78

4.67

Ballymun

2.83

2.22

Ballyshannon

1.01

1.92

Baltinglass

5.55

6.85

Bandon

4.42

7.38

Bantry

1.68

4.57

Bantry(BO)

3.40

6.30

Belmullet

2.41

2.58

Birr

1.23

4.96

Bishop Square

4.06

6.47

Blanchardstown

2.23

7.43

Boyle

3.43

5.80

Bray

3.97

6.34

Buncrana

2.22

3.72

Cahir

1.81

2.18

Cahirciveen

2.28

4.31

Carlow

2.31

7.29

Carrigaline

1.50

7.14

Carrickmacross

1.77

7.41

Carrick-on-Shannon

0.81

3.22

Carrick-on-Suir

2.83

4.49

Cashel

1.39

2.96

Castlebar

1.85

1.94

Castleblaney

1.71

5.03

Castlepollard

2.47

12.26

Castlerea

4.80

9.19

Cavan

3.85

7.66

Claremorris

4.46

7.52

Clifden

0.62

3.25

Clonakilty

5.32

10.70

Clondalkin

3.32

4.75

Clones

1.47

3.56

Clonmel

1.42

3.17

Cobh

1.06

0.96

Coolock

1.96

3.21

Cork

4.42

7.76

Dingle

1.16

2.29

Donegal

1.18

1.38

Drogheda

2.06

7.59

Dun Laoghaire

2.36

6.72

Dundalk

2.04

4.38

Dunfanaghy

1.06

1.40

Dungarvan

2.44

5.71

Dungloe

1.96

2.47

Edenderry

2.65

9.66

Ennis

1.92

3.54

Enniscorthy

2.38

4.14

Ennistymon

3.03

3.56

Fermoy

2.94

3.37

Finglas

2.40

4.12

Galway

5.50

13.72

Gorey

2.04

4.54

Gort

3.55

6.99

Kells

5.39

13.81

Kenmare

1.55

1.84

Kilbarrack

1.81

3.37

Kilkenny

1.39

3.91

Killarney

1.41

2.75

Killorglin

1.56

7.27

Killybegs

0.85

1.52

Kilmallock

1.92

3.79

Kilrush

0.83

2.41

Kinsale

1.70

8.51

Letterkenny

3.67

5.53

Limerick

2.32

5.26

Listowel

5.07

6.12

Longford

3.90

6.46

Loughrea

2.82

8.88

Macroom

3.26

4.37

Mallow

5.34

4.37

Manorhamilton

1.35

1.56

Maynooth

2.85

8.72

Midleton

3.70

8.65

Monaghan

2.61

3.87

Muine Bheag

4.23

6.96

Mullingar

3.17

4.30

Navan

5.90

11.29

Navan Road

2.31

4.62

Nenagh

1.55

2.26

New Ross

1.73

4.32

Newbridge

4.95

7.03

Newcastle West

1.92

4.37

Newmarket

1.03

3.76

Nth Cumberland St.

1.77

2.48

Nutgrove

1.03

2.42

Portarlington

1.45

8.01

Portlaoise

4.18

9.13

Rathdowney

4.26

8.13

Roscommon

3.99

10.24

Roscrea

0.94

2.22

Skibbereen

4.17

5.38

Sligo

1.15

3.07

Swinford

4.63

7.33

Swords

2.22

2.28

Tallaght

1.78

3.00

Thomas Street

2.85

5.41

Thomastown

3.03

10.06

Thurles

1.18

1.65

Tipperary

1.88

2.40

Tralee

1.70

2.74

Trim

6.42

12.22

Tuam

2.29

8.78

Tubbercurry

1.58

3.75

Tulla

1.10

3.11

Tullamore

1.97

9.63

Tullow

4.33

10.92

Waterford

2.96

5.37

Westport

1.52

1.47

Wexford

1.86

3.50

Wicklow

1.84

4.40

Youghal

2.24

6.03

Seymour Crawford

Question:

422 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons receiving farm assist for each of the past five years on a county basis; the number in receipt of same at the present time; if she has satisfied himself that her Department is taking sufficient action to encourage people to apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41054/08]

There has been a steady decline in uptake of the farm assist scheme. This is due to the significant increase in off-farm employment in recent years and the take up of the Rural Social Scheme which is operated by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and which also specifically targets low-income farmers.

The Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of their entitlements and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements in schemes and services as they occur. Information on farm assist is provided through the normal channels including information leaflets and guides and through the Department network of local and branch offices. Each Local Office has officers who are dedicated to providing information and are available to explain supports and services to people. This locally based service is supported by a central Information Unit which operates a LoCall information line (1890 66 22 44) which customers may call for information and guidance on their entitlements.

Staff also attend exhibitions and seminars throughout the country promoting information on social welfare rights and entitlements. A stand was provided at the Ploughing Championships in Cuffesgrange, Co. Kilkenny in September giving information on all schemes and services including Farm Assist.

In addition, information on all our schemes and services is available on the Department's website, www.welfare.ie.

The Citizens Information Board, which comes under the aegis of the Department, also provides information through approximately 260 Citizen Information Centres and other outlets around the country, through a phone service which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and the website www.citizensinformation.ie.

Farm assist has brought about significant worthwhile improvements for low income farmers, particularly for those with children, making a valuable contribution to supporting those who are at the lower end of the farm income spectrum. The Department will continue to promote and publicise the scheme in order to achieve and maintain maximum take up.

A table for the numbers of persons receiving Farm Assist for each of the past 5 years and at present on a county basis is set out below:

County

Dec 03

Dec 04

Dec 05

Jan 07*

Dec 07

Nov 08

Carlow

71

61

57

51

50

52

Cavan

312

307

284

267

250

259

Clare

464

438

420

383

373

389

Cork

599

600

539

528

556

569

Donegal

1,219

1,176

1,115

1,106

1,057

1,058

Dublin

12

12

9

16

19

17

Galway

898

898

857

767

738

743

Kerry

694

656

612

606

591

574

Kildare

49

45

44

32

32

30

Kilkenny

128

128

118

97

101

96

Laois

94

90

86

85

85

81

Leitrim

260

221

213

191

188

210

Limerick

221

209

205

154

155

157

Longford

114

109

96

136

129

127

Louth

65

67

63

59

57

53

Mayo

1,647

1,531

1,449

1,517

1,506

1,506

Meath

60

56

53

31

28

36

Monaghan

408

417

399

401

397

392

Offaly

83

84

73

68

71

68

Roscommon

348

327

302

302

294

295

Sligo

366

344

333

170

192

207

Tipperary

226

222

194

193

190

86

Waterford

49

46

40

46

47

44

Westmeath

89

87

76

88

93

91

Wexford

175

172

151

146

134

135

Wicklow

52

58

50

52

47

48

* Dec '06 figures not available.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

423 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average number of sick days taken by her Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41074/08]

The average level of sick leave in my department for the past 3 years is set out in the following table.

Year

Average No. of working days lost to Sick Leave per Employee

Average No. of working days lost to Sick Leave per Employee when absences in excess of 6 months are excluded

2005

14.79

11.77

2006

14.68

11.06

2007

14.74

11.35

The Department introduced a comprehensive Attendance Management Policy in 2005 which provides for the active management of absenteeism by, among other measures, highlighting the importance to the Department and its services of having the best possible rate of attendance by its employees and clearly setting out the duties and responsibilities of all staff and managers in this area.

The objective of the Attendance Management Policy is to maximise attendance and minimise absenteeism to the greatest extent possible. In this regard measures set out in the Policy reflect best practice across all sectors both nationally and internationally and these are kept under review for the purposes of evaluating and, where necessary, increasing their effectiveness.

The measures include return to work interviews, a comprehensive Health Promotion Policy and supports for staff who are returning to work after a long term illness.

My Department also works closely with the Chief Medical Officer who plays a crucial role in advising the department on employee's fitness for work from a medical perspective.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

424 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the sources and types of income that are exempt from income tax but are taxable under PRSI. [41100/08]

Under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 reckonable income for a self employed contributor is defined, in part, as follows: "reckonable income", in relation to a self-employed contributor or an optional contributor, means the aggregate income (excluding reckonable earnings, reckonable emoluments and any other income that may be prescribed) from all sources for the contribution year as estimated in accordance with the Income Tax Acts, but without regard to— (a) sections 195, 231 and 232 of the Act of 1997, Sections 195, 231 and 232 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, refer respectively to certain earnings of writers, composers and artists; profits or gains from stallion fees; and profits from the occupation of certain woodlands.

Accordingly, income derived from these sources is, in general, exempt from income tax but chargeable to PRSI.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

425 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement; and the average payment. [41102/08]

There are currently 7,057 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement and the average weekly supplement is €92.60.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

426 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of claimants in receipt of jobseekers benefit on 14 October 2008; the number of these that were in receipt of the benefit for less than three months; the number of these that were in receipt of the payment for less than six months; her estimate of the number of these claimants who will be affected by the Budget 2009 changes in relation to the reduction in the duration of jobseekers benefit; and when she will notify each of these claimants about the proposed changes. [41106/08]

On the 17th October, the nearest date to the Budget change for which figures are available, 115,441 people had a claim for jobseekers benefit. 39,606 were in receipt of benefit for less than 3 months. Of this number 20,090 have less than 260 contributions recorded up to the end of the 2007 tax year, the latest year for which the department has contribution details. 75,835 were in receipt of benefit for less than 6 months and of this number 47,996 appear to have less than 260 contributions.

I should point out to the Deputy that some of these people will have stopped claiming jobseekers benefit before their entitlement ceases and others will have commenced claiming. Some of these will also be affected by the changes announced in Budget 2009 in relation to the length of time for which jobseeker's benefit will be paid.

It is envisaged that in 2009 a weekly average of 2,400 people will be affected by the reduction in duration from 312 days to 234 days and 3,860 people in a full year. A weekly average of 6,750 people will be affected by the reduction in duration from 390 days to 312 days and 9,200 people in a full year.

All jobseeker's benefit claimants are notified 3 months in advance of exhausting their benefit. This is to allow sufficient time to undertake a means test where a person wishes to apply for jobseekers allowance. This arrangement will apply to those claimants affected by the changes announced in the budget. The earliest date on which the new conditions as to duration can have an effect is mid April 2009. Consequently, the department will begin contacting persons affected in January.

Some claimants who have less than 260 PRSI contributions recorded may have additional contributions paid in 2008 which would not yet be recorded in the department. These contributions could bring their total to 260 or more and this would extend their entitlement from 234 days (9 months) to 312 days (12 months). Similarly, others could have insurance in another EU member state which could also bring their total contributions to 260 or more.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

427 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of welfare claimants by claim type who have a reduced rate payment arising from having a reckonable level of income that is below that prescribed in the social welfare legislation. [41107/08]

There are currently 4,194 recipients of a graduated rate of jobseeker's benefit and 4,553 recipients of a graduated rate of illness benefit. There are no cases of claimants on a graduated rate of health and safety benefit.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

428 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of rent supplement; the cost to the State of the scheme in 2008; and the projected cost in 2009. [41109/08]

There are currently 70,072 people in receipt of rent supplement. The cost of the rent supplement scheme for 2008 is expected to be €436m. The estimate for 2009 is €461.6m.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

429 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41185/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being compiled within the Department and will be made available to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

430 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded disability allowance; and if this case will be expedited in view of the applicant’s illness. [41191/08]

Disability Allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under age 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both medical assessment and a means test.

The person concerned made application for disability allowance on 22 October 2008. Her file was recently referred to a Social Welfare Inspector for a means assessment. In light of her illness she has arranged to meet with the Inspector at a time convenient to her. A final decision will be given on this person's application for Disability Allowance upon receipt of the Social Welfare Inspector's report. In view of this person's illness, her case will be expedited by the Department. She will be notified directly of the outcome.

Departmental Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

431 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount paid in annual pension and retirement lump sum to each retiring member of staff in her Department over the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41212/08]

The amount of the annual pension paid to staff on retirement is based on final salary and is paid by the Paymaster General's Office. The amount of the retirement lump sum paid to each retiring member of staff in the Department over the last three years is set out in the following tables:

2006

Lump Sum

2006

Lump Sum

Officer 1

17,202.91

Officer 29

122,710.84

Officer 2

75,652.50

Officer 30

119,772.00

Officer 3

80,983.50

Officer 31

105,345.00

Officer 4

87,965.83

Officer 32

77,544.00

Officer 5

14,251.01

Officer 33

65,916.00

Officer 6

151,630.50

Officer 34

36,026.59

Officer 7

30,376.48

Officer 35

68,503.50

Officer 8

27,791.28

Officer 36

6,064.47

Officer 9

105,653.19

Officer 37

26,832.18

Officer 10

84,436.97

Officer 38

31,043.82

Officer 11

80,983.50

Officer 39

60,926.13

Officer 12

22,416.82

Officer 40

12,521.52

Officer 13

59,808.00

Officer 41

3,837.89

Officer 14

7,446.74

Officer 42

32,524.38

Officer 15

47,879.46

Officer 43

61,446.87

Officer 16

5,041.32

Officer 44

65,304.00

Officer 17

51,128.27

Officer 45

73,144.41

Officer 18

9,043.44

Officer 46

16,320.45

Officer 19

25,024.73

Officer 47

38,256.50

Officer 20

30,187.20

Officer 48

22,421.62

Officer 21

75,652.50

Officer 49

123,507.00

Officer 22

39,315.44

Officer 50

14,762.35

Officer 23

29,434.63

Officer 51

14,515.81

Officer 24

50,779.76

Officer 52

27,272.75

Officer 25

29,427.18

Officer 53

25,364.29

Officer 26

41,664.98

Officer 54

10,052.66

Officer 27

59,826.00

Officer 55

20,326.93

Officer 28

123,507.00

Officer 56

26,581.83

Officer 57

25,984.51

2007

Lump Sum

2007

Lump Sum

Officer 1

61,009.18

Officer 35

16,349.02

Officer 2

33,696.30

Officer 36

3,814.01

Officer 3

34,906.29

Officer 37

6,416.20

Officer 4

29,067.06

Officer 38

21,636.24

Officer 5

25,832.69

Officer 39

118,657.02

Officer 6

149,185.50

Officer 40

19,563.45

Officer 7

40,597.59

Officer 41

33,520.20

Officer 8

14,512.35

Officer 42

46,481.13

Officer 9

84,368.21

Officer 43

27,166.59

Officer 10

12,132.81

Officer 44

87,208.50

Officer 11

70,558.50

Officer 45

339,781.01

Officer 12

36,483.20

Officer 46

53,658.78

Officer 13

32,916.91

Officer 47

49,892.53

Officer 14

36,305.43

Officer 48

32,024.36

Officer 15

37,660.40

Officer 49

19,207.36

Officer 16

31,742.84

Officer 50

64,341.60

Officer 17

74,460.44

Officer 51

15,892.74

Officer 18

67,893.00

Officer 52

30,531.59

Officer 19

70,558.50

Officer 53

117,814.50

Officer 20

19,927.96

Officer 54

86,103.39

Officer 21

6,769.99

Officer 55

87,208.50

Officer 22

17,640.93

Officer 56

97,177.19

Officer 23

82,720.50

Officer 57

125,832.00

Officer 24

75,221.08

Officer 58

71,051.41

Officer 25

4,217.24

Officer 59

28,080.23

Officer 26

87,849.35

Officer 60

57,114.43

Officer 27

44,733.10

Officer 61

21,676.22

Officer 28

57,332.73

Officer 62

71,970.00

Officer 29

65,304.00

Officer 63

16,795.86

Officer 30

24,646.28

Officer 64

157,951.16

Officer 31

39,271.50

Officer 65

47,287.76

Officer 32

103,032.00

Officer 66

66,840.58

Officer 33

25,721.99

Officer 67

69,124.40

Officer 34

13,373.66

Officer 68

64,917.93

2008

Lump Sum

2008

Lump Sum

Officer 1

117,467.90

Officer 35

39,392.89

Officer 2

53,658.78

Officer 36

98,022.00

Officer 3

24,751.54

Officer 37

147,373.27

Officer 4

24,556.40

Officer 38

133,000.50

Officer 5

117,930.97

Officer 39

33,288.62

Officer 6

51,992.70

Officer 40

76,946.55

Officer 7

83,298.56

Officer 41

21,772.86

Officer 8

46,894.45

Officer 42

26,264.83

Officer 9

27,722.49

Officer 43

89,388.00

Officer 10

15,147.08

Officer 44

12,051.20

Officer 11

39,117.23

Officer 45

75,615.00

Officer 12

87,420.00

Officer 46

89,828.19

Officer 13

117,096.00

Officer 47

136,326.00

Officer 14

72,088.50

Officer 48

87,595.05

Officer 15

52,675.53

Officer 49

65,014.98

Officer 16

65,403.23

Officer 50

120,024.00

Officer 17

111,685.81

Officer 51

12,987.12

Officer 18

30,182.42

Officer 52

8,501.06

Officer 19

44,676.40

Officer 53

9,717.43

Officer 20

71,447.34

Officer 54

9,566.00

Officer 21

80,876.84

Officer 55

20,600.95

Officer 22

64,104.53

Officer 56

162,579.00

Officer 23

76,048.56

Officer 57

19,980.09

Officer 24

113,523.08

Officer 58

20,824.50

Officer 25

89,388.00

Officer 59

136,326.00

Officer 26

11,461.30

Officer 60

10,349.33

Officer 27

22,353.82

Officer 61

136,326.00

Officer 28

51,716.19

Officer 62

65,375.91

Officer 29

3,867.35

Officer 63

66,172.99

Officer 30

1,237.24

Officer 64

57,235.78

Officer 31

19,363.07

Officer 65

45,517.51

Officer 32

18,063.16

Officer 66

88,645.50

Officer 33

73,770.00

Officer 67

127,034.97

Officer 34

133,000.50

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

432 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when full mortgage support will be granted to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41311/08]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. A mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.

The Executive has advised that a mortgage interest supplement of €660.30 per month has been awarded to the person concerned from the 24 November 2008. The Executive has further advised that the mortgage interest supplement is, as an exceptional measure, being paid at a rate which is higher than that which the person concerned would normally be entitled to receive, because of the particular circumstances that apply in this case at present.

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. A mortgage interest supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.

Mortgage interest supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of SWA appropriate to their family circumstances less a minimum contribution, currently €13, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €13 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic SWA rate towards their accommodation costs.

The first €75 of additional income, that is, income above the standard rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to a person's circumstances, is disregarded for mortgage interest supplement purposes, with any additional income above €75 assessed at 75%. This measure ensures that people have a financial incentive to take up education or training opportunities or return to employment.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned had been awarded a mortgage interest supplement of €466.20 per month from 1 August 2008. She has since been awarded family income supplement of €150 per week from 1 October 2008. When this additional income is taken into account the revised rate of mortgage interest supplement payable is €194.07 per month from 1 October 2008.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

433 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an appeal application will be reviewed in relation to an application for social welfare payment in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41314/08]

Further to my replies to previous PQs in relation to the persons concerned, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeals on the grounds that they are not habitually resident in the state for social welfare purposes.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to these cases that were not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of their appeals, they may be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further consideration.

Additionally, the Chief Appeals Officer has power under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 to revise any decision where it appears to him that the Appeals Officer's decision was erroneous by reason of some mistake having been made in relation to the law or the facts. In making a request for such a review an appellant must set down the reasons why he or she believes a mistake was made having regard to the application of the law or the facts.

The Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 also provides that any person who is dissatisfied with either the decision of the Appeals Officer or the outcome of the review carried out by the Chief Appeals Officer may appeal that decision and/or outcome, as the case may be, to the High Court on any question of law. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Defence Forces Personnel.

John Perry

Question:

434 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Defence if he will facilitate the repatriation of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40714/08]

The military authorities have advised that the person in question served for nine years as a member of the Permanent Defence Force in the Air Corps from 1958 to 1967 and a further three year period with the First Line Reserve.

The question of care provision for former members of the Defence Forces is dealt with by the HSE as part of the provision of services to the public generally. In addition, the organization of ex servicemen and women (ONET) is officially recognized by the Department and is dedicated to looking after the welfare of all former personnel of the Defence Forces.

Finian McGrath

Question:

435 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [40719/08]

The individual concerned was retired, by the President, on the advice of the Government with effect from a date in June, 1969. The retirement was effected pursuant to Section 47(2) of the Defence Act, 1954 and Paragraph 18(1)(f) of Defence Force Regulations A.15, which provide that an officer may be retired "in the interests of the service". The Deputy will appreciate that a decision to retire an officer "in the interests of the service" is only taken for the most compelling reasons. The Government advice to the President in 1969 was on grounds of security. I am satisfied that the matter was handled in an entirely appropriate and proper manner in 1969 and that the decision taken then was taken only after very detailed and due consideration.

The individual initiated proceedings in the High Court in November 1998 in relation to the circumstances of his retirement some 29 years earlier. The High Court found in favour of the State in June 1999 on grounds of inordinate delay in the bringing of the proceedings. The individual appealed to the Supreme Court in September 1999. The Supreme Court refused the appeal in January 2001.

In early July 2002, arising from a newspaper feature article on the case, published on 29th June 2002, the then Minister requested the Judge Advocate General to examine and to review the case.

The Judge Advocate General, a civilian barrister, carried out a detailed examination and review of all the historical documentation relating to the decision to retire the individual concerned, by reference to the entirety of both the Department of Defence and the military files in the matter. Her report was submitted to the then Minister in mid September, 2002 and was published in October, 2002.

In December 2002 the individual applied to the High Court for an order quashing this report by the Judge Advocate General. The High Court found in favour of the applicant for reasons enumerated in the text of the High Court judgement on his application. The High Court judgement of 27th July 2005 related only to the report completed by the civilian Judge Advocate General in September 2002. The presiding judge, Mr. Justice Quirke, held that that report should be quashed because fair procedures had not been applied in the compilation and production of that report and in the timing of the release by the Department of Defence of certain documents to the applicant. Mr. Justice Quirke concluded his judgement by stating that "The decision made in 1969 to recommend the Applicant's retirement from the Defence Forces remains unaffected by any Order made in these proceedings."

It should be emphasized therefore that the High Court judgement in the matter of the report of the Judge Advocate General specifically related to the actual procedures utilized by the Judge Advocate General in the course of her review and examination of this matter in 2002 and to the release by the Department of Defence of certain documents to the individual only after completion of the report. The individual concerned specifically did not seek an Order for mandamus from the High Court and therefore did not request the High Court to remit the matter or to direct a resumption of the Judge Advocate General's original enquiry, or to direct that a new enquiry be held by the Judge Advocate General or by any other person.

The substantive issue, namely the Government decision in 1969 to recommend the retirement of this individual from the Defence Forces by the President, remains unaffected by the judgement of the High Court, a point specifically emphasised within the text of the judgement itself. In the circumstances, I do not propose to take any further action in relation to this matter.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

436 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40868/08]

The Civil Service Performance Verification Group has monitored the performance of my Department with respect to the achievement of modernisation objectives under successive public sector pay agreements.

In this context, my Department has consistently received a positive assessment. There was no requirement to undertake a similar process under Benchmarking, however, in light of the Performance Verification Group assessments and customer service assessments conducted by my Department, I am satisfied with the quality of services provided by my Department's staff.

Defence Forces Equipment.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

437 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence if the Dauphin helicopters, sold in October 2006 for a total of €311,000, had been at the time of their original purpose supplied with digital instrumentation; if not, the reason for same; the steps subsequently taken in this regard and the consequences thereof in terms of weight carrying ability and otherwise; if the helicopters in question were ever fully operationally capable of all-weather, night-time and naval operations; if an enquiry was conducted in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40901/08]

The procurement of the Dauphin helicopters in the 1980's followed from competitive tendering competitions at that time based on specifications drawn up by the Air Corps. The Dauphin helicopters were fitted with a suite of digital instrumentation, having some analogue components, which was the most advanced cockpit fit available for any type of aircraft at the time.

The Dauphin helicopters were fully operational during their lifespan of 20 years in the Air Corps. They were deployed in the Search and Rescue (SAR) day/night role on the west, south and east coasts and, also, performed in the naval support and fisheries patrol role embarked upon the Naval Service vessel, L.E. Eithne.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

438 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Defence the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41066/08]

I have set out in the following table the average number of days absence on sick leave per employee for each of the past 3 years for my Department and its agencies, Coiste an Asgard and the Civil Defence Board. I have also outlined the average number of days when absences in excess of 6 months are excluded (on the basis that ‘long term illness' is defined as an absence in excess of 6 months). My Department adopts a policy of active management of absences through a range of strategies designed to promote the control of sick leave and the elimination of abuse.

Year

Average number of sick days per employee

Average number of sick days per employee when absences in excess of 6 months are excluded

2007

10 days

8

2006

10 days

10

2005

16 days

15

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

439 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41177/08]

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to consultants is set out in the following table.

Year

Name of Consultancy firm

Work Carried Out

Cost

1999 – 04

Brady, Shipman, Martin

Drawing up of an integrated Area Action Plan for Murphy Barracks, Ballincollig, Cork

128,902

1999 – 05

Sir Frederick Snow & Partners Ltd.

Review of policy in relation to Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel

21,938

1999 – 00

Mr. L. Dunbar

Review of the Medical Corps

4,360

1999 – 00

Anti Bullying Centre,Trinity College

To conduct an investigation into an allegation of bullying

6,599

2000

Mr Mike Ginn

To assist and advise with a tender competition for the supply of Medium Lift Helicopters for Search and Rescue

121,682

2000 – 01

Exselan Computer Systems

To facilitate development of Department’sE-Government Strategy Statement

22,093

2000 – 04

Brian Meehan & Associates

Grounds of Appeal on behalf of the Minister relating to Aeronautical Development Planning & Development Control matters adjacent to Casement Aerodrome

20,682

2001

Deloitte & Touche

Study in relation to the introduction of the Management Information Framework in the Department and the Defence Forces*

127,925

2001

Saville & Holdsworth Ltd.

Assist in the conduct of job evaluation for the Defence Forces

44,268

2001

Intercontinental Aviation Consultants

Carry out an Air Operations Safety Audit of the Air Corps

55,442

2001 – 02

Dr. Eileen Doyle

(Chairperson) Report concerning the nature and extent of any harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces

63,000

2001 – 02

Gallagher & Kelly Public Relations

Public relations service

32,048

2001

Margaret Considine

Assist in the selection of advertising agency for a recruitment campaign for the Defence Forces

4,920

2002

Sweeney Communications

Public relations service

12,235

2002

Dr. Eileen Doyle

Chairperson, Monitoring Group to give effect to recommendations of the Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces

20,000

2003

Dr. Eileen Doyle

Chairperson, Monitoring Group to give effect to recommendations of the Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces

97,400

2003

Mr Colm Dunne

Expenditure Review on “Maintenance of Aircraft in the Air Corps”

3,220

2003

Mr. Martin McCoy

Assist in the Department’s preparations to seek ISO 9000 accreditation

10,150

2003

Mr. Dominic McCanny

To conduct an investigation into allegations of bullying

86,029

Year

Name of Consultancy firm

Work Carried Out

Cost

2003

Deloitte & Touche

Assist with specification and selection of Management Information Framework System*

26,740

2004

Dr. Eileen Doyle

Chairperson, Monitoring Group to give effect to recommendations of the Report concerning harassment, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in the Defence Forces

43,859

2004

Goldsmith Fitzgerald Partnership

Climate survey analysis in relation to the performance management and development system (PMDS)

1,800

2005

Occupational Health Consultants

Provision of information sessions for civilian employees in relation to asbestos

35,869

2007

Petrus Consulting

Carried out Quality Assurance of Value for Money Review of Clothing Procurement

2,904

2007

Murray Consultants

Public Information and Awareness Campaign initiated on Emergency Planning

253,300

2008

Murray Consultants

Implemented a Public Information and Awareness Campaign on Emergency Planning. The contract provided for the development of the Emergency Planning website, drafting, publication and distribution of a handbook on Emergency Planning and a media advertisement campaign associated with the launch of the handbook.

1,847,673

2008

Magnum Opus

To provide project support services for the National Emergency Coordination Centre

36,905

2008

Entograph

Carried out a study to review and evaluate options for bracken control in the Glen of Imaal and identify a plan for its control.

30,129

2008

PA Consultant Group

To make recommendations on the best means of meeting the medical requirements of the Defence Forces

60,138

2008

Dr. Eileen Doyle

To act as external expert and to chair the Independent Monitoring Group to review progress made by the PDF since the publication in 2004 of the report ‘Response to the Challenge of a Workplace”.

9,419

2008

McCann Fitzgerald, Solicitors

To provide legal drafting, research and advice services in relation to the drafting of new Rules of Procedure and Court Martial Rules following the enactment of the Defence (Amendment) Act, 2007.

53,845

2008

Mott Mac Donald Ltd

To carry out a review of Safety Policy at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel

37,500

2008

BMT Defence Services, UK

Consultants engaged in relation to the Naval Vessel Replacement Programme

45,643

*The costs of both engagements were reimbursed to this Department by the Department of Finance under the Change Management Fund for consultancy engagements in connection with the roll out of the financial management system.

There is an ongoing capital building programme in my Department designed to modernise the living, training, operational and accommodation facilities available to the Defence Forces, both Permanent and Reserve. There has been an unprecedented level of spending on the programme to date with over €250 million spent since 1999. This year will see a further €26 million invested in the programme.

As a result of this significant increase in the building programme Consultants with appropriate expertise are engaged by the Department as necessary to provide technical services in connection with building and engineering projects. It should be noted that (as per Comptroller and Auditor General, Report on Value for Money "Consultancies in the Civil Service" 1998) such design and engineering consultancies for capital projects are better examined in association with the construction projects to which they relate. The Department spends approximately €2m annually on Construction Consultants Fees. In addition, consultants with appropriate expertise are engaged by the Department as necessary to provide technical services in connection with psychometric testing for Army, Naval Service and Air Corps cadetships and trainee technicians.

Local Authority Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

440 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 226 of 11 November 2008, the number of persons currently availing of the shared ownership scheme who have household incomes of €28,000 or below; when this threshold was last raised; and his views on raising the threshold to reflect current average income levels. [40772/08]

My Department does not collect data in relation to the income of individual applicants under the shared ownership scheme. However, under the scheme, a graded subsidy towards the rental element of the property is available to shared ownership purchasers whose household income in the preceding tax year is €28,000 or less. The number of households availing of this subsidy to date in 2008 is 1,630.

Income bands under the shared ownership scheme were last revised in 2006. The income and loan limits applying in relation to local authority housing loans are currently under review.

Rental Accommodation Scheme.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

441 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of tenants currently housed under the rental accommodation scheme in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40989/08]

Catherine Byrne

Question:

442 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of tenants currently housed under the rental accommodation scheme countrywide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40990/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 441 and 442 together.

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is designed to cater for the accommodation needs of persons in receipt of rent supplement who have a long-term housing need. As indicated in the table which follows, in the period to end-September 2008, over 15,800 households eligible for the scheme were transferred from rent supplement to accommodation provided by local authorities, either to RAS directly or to some other type of social housing. Over 3,600 of these were in the Dublin area.

Social Housing

RAS

Total

Dublin (all four authorities)

1,350

2,278

3,628

Countrywide (including Dublin)

7,495

8,313

15,808

Election Management System.

Richard Bruton

Question:

443 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has sought or received a valuation of the electronic voting machines at the present time. [41791/08]

Richard Bruton

Question:

446 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the spending to date on the evaluation, the acquisition and the storage of electronic voting machines; his estimate of the cost of storing the machines for a further five years; his views on whether this is an expenditure worth incurring; and if a Government decision is required to minimise the loss to the State by offering them for sale. [40600/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 446 together.

The total expenditure on the development and roll-out of the electronic voting system to date is some €51.3 million, the bulk of which has been incurred on the purchase of the voting machines and ancillary equipment.

In addition, based on figures received in my Department from Returning Officers, the total annual costs for storage of the electronic voting equipment (including the cost of insurance, service charges, rates and heating) for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were some €658,000; €696,000; €706,000; and €489,000 respectively. Provisional data from Returning Officers indicate that a total of some €139,000 was expended on storage in the first six months of 2008.

In 2007, over 60% of the electronic voting machines (some 4,762 in total) were moved to a central storage facility located at Gormanston Army Camp. Costs incurred to date in respect of the movement and storage of this equipment are some €328,000.

I am at present considering the next steps to be taken in relation to the electronic voting project. In this, I am taking into account the work of the Commission on Electronic Voting, which has examined the system, relevant experiences and developments internationally, the need to maintain public confidence in the electoral process, as well as the provisions in the Programme for Government relating to electoral reform generally. No valuation exercise has been undertaken along the lines referred to in the questions.

Given the scale of investment in the system to date, and the importance of the issues involved for our electoral system, it is essential that the future of the project be examined objectively and in a thorough and comprehensive manner. It is not possible to make more specific comment at this point on the project itself, or on future storage costs, pending completion of the necessary work and a decision by Government in the matter.

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

444 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the way the proposed levy on non-principal residences, as announced in Budget 2009, will be administered; if it will be paid to the Exchequer or directly into the Local Government Fund; the basis on which the revenue from this levy is to be allocated to local authorities; if this revenue will supplement the allocation to the Local Government Fund, implying a net increase in revenue for local authorities; if local authorities are to be recompensed for collecting this revenue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40578/08]

The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities through the introduction of a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge will be set at €200 per dwelling, and will come into effect in 2009. It will be levied and collected by local authorities, and will be used to support the provision of local services.

I intend to bring forward legislation to implement the proposed charge as soon as possible, and this will set out the detailed measures necessary to give effect to it.

Noise Pollution.

Phil Hogan

Question:

445 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his responsibilities under section 77 of the Roads Act 1993; if this section has been superseded by the Environment Noise Regulations 2006; if so, the powers and responsibilities he has to require road authorities of the National Roads Authority to carry out works or take such other measures as are necessary to mitigate the effects of road traffic noise in respect of such types of public road constructed or improved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40582/08]

I have no functions under the Roads Act, 1993.

The Environmental Noise Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 140 of 2006) gave effect in Ireland to EU Directive 2002/49/EC, relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise. The Environmental Protection Agency is the national authority with overall responsibility for implementing the Environmental Noise Regulations.

The Regulations require the preparation of strategic noise maps by relevant local authorities, Dublin Airport Authority, the National Roads Authority, Iarnród Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency, to assess the numbers of population exposed to various noise levels associated with infrastructure, including major roads, railways, airports and industrial sites. There is also a mapping requirement for large agglomerations which, in the Irish context, comprises the cities of Dublin and Cork.

The regulations require local authorities to produce action plans designed for the purpose of managing noise issues and their effects, including noise reduction, if necessary.

Question No. 446 answered with Question No. 443.

Fire Stations.

Phil Hogan

Question:

447 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is an incident command service in Bray Fire Station, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40602/08]

The provision of a fire service in its functional area is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under Section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003. Incident command is an integral part of fire service operations and is governed by the provisions of Sections 27 and 28 of the Fire Services Act, 1981 and 2003. It is included in all fire officership training provided by the Fire Services Council and at training courses abroad, and is included in fire officer handbooks.

As part of the Safety and Health Enhancement module of the Fire Services Change Programme, an updated National Incident Command System was developed and training was provided across the country.

Regrettably, I understand that SIPTU has instructed its members not to cooperate with the introduction of the National Incident Command System and that the matter is due to be heard by the Labour Court early in December 2008.

Phil Hogan

Question:

448 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a standard operation procedure in risk assessment practice in operation in all fire stations; if his attention has been drawn to the concern that an officer may not act if risk assessment is too onerous; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40603/08]

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, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981. The 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 capital funding.

I assume that the question refers to risk assessment in the context of safety, health and welfare legislation. Risk assessment is used in multiple contexts including major emergency management by fire services. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 sets out statutory requirements for risk assessment. As part of the Safety and Health Enhancement module of the Fire Services Change Programme 2005-2007, a new Ancillary Safety Statement Template was developed, in conjunction with the Health and Safety Authority and stakeholders, which included a risk assessment methodology for fixed work locations such as fire stations. Furthermore, as fire authorities respond to incidents anywhere in their functional area, a dynamic risk assessment process is an integral part of the National Incident Command System.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Phil Hogan

Question:

449 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when funding will be provided for the Royal Oak sewerage scheme, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40628/08]

I have no function in relation to these works which I understand are being carried out and funded by a private residential developer.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Pat Breen

Question:

450 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 192 and 193 of 30 October 2008 and his confirmation by replies to same that the designation of a site as either a special area of conservation or a special protection area may have implications for landowners; his views on whether such affected landowners are individually consulted as well as given appropriate maps of any such proposed designation that might impinge on their property rights and also be afforded an opportunity to make submissions on these matters; if he proposes to instruct all local authorities in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40682/08]

The EU Habitats and Birds Directives require Member States to maintain or restore the favourable conservation status of specified habitats and species. This is done primarily by designating appropriate sites as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Areas (SPA) and by protecting the ecological interests of those sites. Designation of a site may have implications for landowners, as management and use of these lands must have regard to the protection of the habitats and species for which the site is designated.

My Department directly notifies all readily identifiable landowners within the boundaries of sites that are proposed for designation. Individual landowners are notified in writing and are sent information packs on the relevant site which include a map indicating the proposed boundaries and details on the implications of the designation and the process of objecting to the proposed designation. Landowners are given a 3-month period during which they can lodge an objection to a proposal to designate a site for nature conservation.

The names and addresses of affected landowners are sourced from the Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Property Registration Authority and through the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department. A commercially available database is also used to identify landowners in urban and peri-urban locations. Additional measures are taken where there is a possibility that an individual might be missed. In such cases, my Department ensures that proposed designations of SACs and SPAs are advertised in local newspapers and on local radio. Relevant maps are also displayed for public viewing in the local offices of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the local offices of the Department of Social, and Family Affairs, local Teagasc offices, local Garda stations and public libraries.

All planning authorities within whose functional area a site, or any part of a proposed site, is situated are notified with comprehensive data and information when any SAC or SPA designation is proposed.

Planning Issues

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

451 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to extend the period of planning permission fully granted from five to eight years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40741/08]

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 205 and 208 of 13 November 2008. The position is unchanged.

Radon Gas Levels.

Willie Penrose

Question:

452 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken by him to raise the public awareness of radon; if his attention has been drawn to the existence of high radon areas in counties here which could in fact impact on up to 91,000 homes; the approach being pursued by him in implementing measures to ensure the minimisation of the risk from radon to residents in these housing stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40764/08]

The Government, largely through the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII), has, for many years now, worked towards assessing the extent of the radon problem in Ireland. In July 2008 the RPII published the results of a three-year long baseline study on the exposure of the Irish population to ionising radiation, which includes radon. This report, entitled "Radiation Doses Received by the Irish Population", is the most comprehensive assessment of radiation exposure ever undertaken in this country.

The Report found that, as is the case in the majority of other countries, radon is the principal source of radiation exposure in Ireland, representing over 56% of the dose received by the Irish population. In terms of reducing our exposure to radiation, radon is the area where the greatest impact is possible.

Since 1998 the Building Regulations require all new buildings to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. In October 2004 an updated edition of Technical Guidance Document C on Part C of the Building Regulations (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) was published incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. This new guidance document is aimed at ensuring that radon protection measures are carried out more effectively. These radon prevention measures were in advance of building code requirements in many EU Member States.

As regards houses built before 1998, the Government's approach, which is similar to that of the majority of EU member states, is to concentrate on awareness-raising. Householders, particularly those in known High Radon Areas, have been strongly encouraged by the RPII to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake remediation works where necessary. The RPII, in partnership with Local Authorities and the Health Service Executive (HSE), has carried out targeted information campaigns in high radon areas and in some instances where areas of particularly high radon levels have been found they have written directly to householders in these areas. This will continue to be the focus so as to enable and encourage householders to address monitoring and remedial requirements effectively and economically.

If a household is found to have high radon levels remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department called "Radon in Buildings — Corrective Option". The RPII has also issued guidance entitled "Understanding Radon Remediation — A Householders Guide". In addition, the website of the RPII provides a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and can offer specific advice and recommendations.

The Scheme of Housing Aid for Older People is available to assist older people, generally over 60 years, to have necessary repairs or improvements carried out to their homes. Where a suite of works is being grant aided under this scheme, local authorities may also, as part of the package of works, assist with the provision of radon remediation works, where applicable.

A working group involving my Department, local authorities and the RPII has recently been set up to provide clear guidance for local authorities on addressing high radon concentrations in social housing. My Department has already given approval to a number of local authorities to undertake, on a sample basis, radon surveys of their housing stock in high incidence areas. In addition the RPII have directly contacted local authorities with known areas of high radon concentration to encourage them to test local authority housing stock for radon, and where necessary, take remedial action. A number of local authorities are already taking action in this regard and it is intended to build on their, and the RPII's, experience in this area. Members of the public can access information on radon on the RPII website, www.rpii.ie. Publications and information leaflets about radon can be downloaded free of charge. The RPII can also be contacted on Freephone 1800 300 600.

On Thursday, 6 November, 2008 I opened Ireland's Sixth National Radon Forum in the Royal College of Physicians, Dublin. The theme of the Forum was "how agencies can work together to assess, communicate and fix radon problems". The aim of the Forum, in addition to raising public awareness, was to provide the opportunity for those with an interest in radon to meet and discuss issues of mutual interest. These included radon measurement companies, remediation companies, researchers, legislators, representatives of national agencies with responsibility for building standards, health and safety experts as well as members of the public and the national media.

My Department will continue to work closely with the RPII, the HSE, local authorities and other interested agencies to raise public awareness as well as promote radon testing and remediation works. This multi-agency approach to dealing with radon is in line with international best practice, as recommended by the World Health Organisation's International Radon Project, which is co-funded by the Irish Government.

Housing Grants.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

453 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding options available to an approved voluntary housing body, seeking to adapt a rented unit to meet the needs of a disabled tenant, when the house was provided under the capital loan and rental subsidy scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40765/08]

Approved housing bodies are eligible for an annual grant in respect of the operational and maintenance costs associated with accommodation provided under my Department's Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme. In accordance with best practice, approved bodies should provide a sinking fund to deal with operational and maintenance issues, including the undertaking of minor adaptations and refurbishment to meet the needs of tenants.

Approved housing bodies may also apply to the local authority for grant assistance under the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability scheme in respect of necessary adaptations to a dwelling.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

454 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when local authorities and the Health Service Executive will be allocated the necessary funding to pay the many housing repair schemes which have been sanctioned, completed and grants have not been paid in Galway City Council and Galway County Council; and if he will make a statement on the hand over of this responsibility from the HSEs to the local authorities which has not taken place in Galway because of uncertainty of funding to either body. [40774/08]

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. In May 2008, my Department notified Galway County and City Councils of combined capital allocations of €1,820,130 and €1,049,490 respectively for the operation of these Schemes. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the Schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them, and to manage the operation of the Schemes in their area from within this allocation.

On foot of heightened levels of activity experienced locally following the implementation of the revised suite of grant schemes, both Galway County and City Councils each received a supplementary allocation of €300,000 in September 2008.

Notification of individual allocations to local authorities for the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability in 2009 will be made following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009. My Department is in the process of liaising with all local authorities regarding their funding requirements under the schemes in 2009.

The Government decided in February 2006, to transfer the administration of the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme from the HSE to my Department. The Scheme has been funded through a taskforce under the aegis of my Department. Pending the final transfer, the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme was discontinued from 1 August 2008, with applications on hand at that date to be processed by the HSE. My Department provided an initial allocation of €13 million to the HSE earlier this year for the operation of the scheme and I expect to make an additional allocation shortly in respect of the payment of claims on hand. A further allocation, to complete this process, is expected to follow in 2009.

I am conscious of the need to ensure a smooth and seamless transfer of the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme from the HSE to the local authority sector and my Department is engaged on an ongoing basis with the HSE to conclude this process as quickly as possible. Pending full resolution of outstanding issues my Department and the HSE have agreed interim arrangements for action and co-operation at local level as regards the administration of the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme. These arrangements will ensure the best possible outcomes for all applicants under the scheme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

455 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost to the State of all emergency accommodation including hostels, shelters and bed and breakfasts, per year for 2005, 2006 and 2007. [40778/08]

My Department is responsible for funding accommodation and related costs for homeless persons and the Health Services Executive is responsible for funding care related costs.

The information requested in relation to costs of emergency accommodation is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Planning Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

456 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on whether he should recoup a share of the value that is added to urban and rural land which is zoned for development and ensure that this value is returned to the community; and his further views on whether he should ring-fence such revenues for the development of sustainable settlements. [40779/08]

The Green Paper on Local Government, Stronger Local Democracy — Options for Change, published in April 2008, notes that there are already a range of mechanisms in place under the Planning and Development Act 2000 to secure a planning gain for local authorities and communities from decisions taken by planning authorities, including section 48/49 development levy contribution schemes and the provision of land, sites, houses (or payment in lieu) at below market value for social and affordable housing. The Strategic Infrastructure Act 2006 also provides that conditions regarding community facilities can be attached to consent for strategic infrastructure under the Act.

In accordance with the Programme for Government, a new Commission on Taxation was established on 14 February 2008. Among its tasks, the Commission is to consider and make recommendations on options for the future financing of local government. In this context, the Green Paper suggested that consideration could be given to extending the aforementioned betterment concepts as a funding option for local government.

The matter is currently under consideration by the Commission on Taxation, which is due to report by the end of September 2009.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Mary Upton

Question:

457 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views, in view of the failure to achieve a 3% reduction in the carbon emissions here, on whether a 3% reduction is achievable for the forthcoming years; the new initiatives he plans to take to achieve this goal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40786/08]

In my Carbon Budget statement on 15 October 2008, I stated that over the coming year, the Government will be developing further measures to get to grips with the climate challenge, reduce our purchases of carbon credits and bring us on track for the annual average 3% reduction in emissions to which we are committed in the Programme for Government

As was evident in the Emissions Table which I presented with the Carbon Budget, the Kyoto Protocol target, which we will achieve, is a lower and more demanding target than the 3% commitment in the Programme for Government.

I am not happy that the purchase of carbon credits will be part of our response to our Kyoto target. However, the type of domestic measures required to meet the target without credits cannot be implemented in the short term and credits are needed.

I believe that the challenge we face in terms of the extent of national greenhouse gas emission reductions required for Kyoto Protocol compliance purposes and beyond demands an all-party approach on targets and objectives. I hope that agreement on this can be achieved through the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

458 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40871/08]

The aim of the benchmarking exercises carried out by the Public Service Benchmarking Body, first established under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, has been to carry out detailed examination in relation to the jobs, pay and conditions of public servants and compare these with jobs of equal size in the private sector using representative comparative data on pay and conditions. In undertaking this work, the aim has been to move away from the traditional approach to determining pay based on relativities.

The two benchmarking exercises conducted to date have been undertaken with regard to a broad range of considerations, including public service modernisation. Co-operation with modernisation and change, and an increased focused on performance and accountability, are continuing requirements of a modern public service.

In terms of public service modernisation in general, and provisions set out under successive social partnership agreements in particular, my Department has been engaged in an extensive programme of modernisation and change in recent years.

The Department plays a pivotal role in framing policies and overseeing implementation of a wide range of programmes that impact on people's lives. Major programmes are delivered for the most part through the local government sector, but the Department plays a critical role in delivering on key measures. In particular, our leadership of the climate change agenda; our performance in tackling environmental management and protection issues in relation to waste and water; our outcomes in supporting quality housing in sustainable communities and in promoting balanced regional development that safeguards natural and historical assets, have a profound impact on quality of life throughout the country. Given the breadth of my Department's mandate, and the need to address environmental, economic and social issues that are both complex and changing, it is critical that it continues to develop as a responsive and agile organisation. In this context, achievements under the modernisation and change agenda, in recent years, have included:

extensive policy development, particularly in relation to climate change, waste management, housing;

major capital investment and programmes in areas such as water, waste recycling and housing infrastructure;

modernisation of the regulatory framework in, for example, planning, local government and environmental protection;

the development of enhanced financial management procedures, and use of ICT systems, to improve both internal administrative processes and to provide enhanced services to our customers;

improvements in forecast accuracy and automation of service delivery in Met Éireann;

an increased focus on performance and accountability both at the organisational and individual levels, in particular through the introduction of Annual Output Statements, value for money assessment frameworks, and the linkage of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) with HR processes.

Under the current social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, verification of co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, co-operation with satisfactory implementation of the modernisation agenda, and maintenance of stable industrial relations, is undertaken by the Civil Service Performance Verification Group (CSPVG). Full details regarding progress made by my Department over the course of Towards 2016 in relation to modernisation and change, and the resultant improvements in delivery, can be found on the CSPVG's website — www.cspvg.gov.ie.

Emergency Planning.

Dan Neville

Question:

459 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the Principal Response Agency’s controller of operations inspected on site the damage being caused to property and the risk of life during the course of the storm which took place in Newcastle West on 31 July and 1 August 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40889/08]

Dan Neville

Question:

460 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason the major emergency plan was not activated on 31 July and 1 August 2008 during the storm which caused serious damage and danger to life in Newcastle West; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40890/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 459 and 560 together.

The process for declaring a major emergency by a principal response agency is set out in the document "A Framework for Major Emergency Management" and in the local authorities' major emergency plans. If a local authority is the principal response agency, it is a matter for the appropriate local authority personnel in accordance with the authority's major emergency plan to declare and manage the major emergency involved and I have no function in the matter.

Turbary Rights.

Pat Breen

Question:

461 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1431 of 24 September 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. [40896/08]

I understand that this land purchase closed on 3 November.

Pat Breen

Question:

462 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1429 of 24 September 2008, the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40965/08]

I understand that contracts in this case have been executed. The Office of the Chief State Solicitor received closing documentation from the vendor's solicitor on 20 October 2008 and the case is expected to be closed shortly.

Hare Coursing.

Tony Gregory

Question:

463 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the reports from wildlife officers at coursing meetings will be made available to a group (details supplied) and other interested bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40972/08]

I am arranging to have reports of hare coursing meetings attended by wildlife rangers of the National Parks and Wildlife Service placed on my Department's National Parks and Wildlife website.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Michael Ring

Question:

464 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason his Department requested the gathering of sheep in an area (details supplied), under full supervision in view of the labour intensiveness of the process and the costs of the exercise, including the cost of the helicopters and so on. [40987/08]

The Twelve Bens/Garraun Complex and Maumturk Mountains Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) contain valuable wildlife habitats that the State is obliged to protect under EU law. Sheep stocking in these areas is currently too high to be compatible with the preservation of these habitats and agreement has been reached with farmers and their representative groups to return stocking rates.

In order to achieve this, my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I have implemented new grazing arrangements in these SACs. To determine the required level of destocking at commonage and farm level, it was necessary to count the number of sheep on the SACs. To this end, farmers brought their sheep down from the mountains and any sheep remaining on the hills were monitored by staff of the two Departments during two overflights by helicopter, which was deemed the most cost effective and practical means of counting sheep over a large geographical area.

The cost of hiring both helicopters was just under €14,450 including VAT. No other costs additional to normal staff time were incurred. Farmers in the areas concerned and their representatives were fully consulted and were notified in advance of the exercise.

Building Regulations.

Michael Ring

Question:

465 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action which will be taken against the owners of existing buildings of any class after 1 January 2009 if they do not possess a building energy rating certificate due to the delay in the roll out of the national certification examination which enables people to gain certification as BER assessors. [41025/08]

I refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 538, 539, 540 and 541 of 11 November 2008.

The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings was transposed into Irish law in the form of the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006.

In accordance with Article 7 of these Regulations a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate will be required for existing buildings of any class, offered for sale or letting on or after 1 January 2009, unless otherwise exempted — for example, in the case of a national monument or protected structure. The person who offers the building for sale or letting, or any agent acting on their behalf, is required to produce a printed copy of the Building Energy Rating certificate to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or taking a letting in the building. A person who contravenes these requirements commits an offence and is liable, on prosecution by the Building Control Authority in whose functional area the building is situated, to be fined a sum not exceeding €5,000. It is reasonable to expect however that the law agents working for the parties to a contract for sale or letting will ensure that all mandatory requirements attaching to the sale or letting of the property will be fulfilled in a manner sufficient to obviate the need for prosecution.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

466 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will estimate the savings that would be made by suspending incremental pay increases in 2009 with regard to his Department and agencies within the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41044/08]

The estimated cost of incremental pay increases for staff in my Department in 2009 is approximately €900,000. However, the year to year costs of incremental pay increases are normally offset by corresponding reductions in costs associated with retirements and other movements by staff on higher points on the incremental scales and their replacement by staff on lower points. It is not possible therefore to estimate the savings that would be achieved by suspending incremental pay increases in 2009.

Day to day operational matters, including an estimate of the savings that would be made by suspending incremental pay increases in 2009 in the agencies reporting to my Department are matters for the individual agencies concerned.

Departmental Programmes.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

467 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications for funding under the gateways initiative received in 2008; the value of those applications; the number of projects approved; the amount of money which has been paid out or been committed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41061/08]

Proposals have been received from all nine National Spatial Strategy gateways for funding under the competitive €300 million Gateway Innovation Fund (GIF); these proposals sought some €720 million in total funding under the GIF.

Following an examination and prioritisation of capital funding programmes by the Government as part of the estimates process, my Department's estimates do not include funding for the GIF in 2009. Final decisions on projects to be supported under the Fund are not, therefore, envisaged for the present.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

468 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41069/08]

The information requested in relation to the period 2006 to 2008 is set out in the following table:

2006

2007

2008*

DOEHLG Staff

10 days

11 days

7 days

DOEHLG Staff ( Excluding long term illness cases ie those exceeding blocks of 6 weeks absences)

6 days

7 days

4 days

*The 2008 figures include sick leave absences up to the 31/10/08.

Local Authority Housing.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

469 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has directed local authorities to accept money from developers instead of either social or affordable houses under Part V; if he has given local authorities advice or direction in this regard; if so, the advice or direction he has given; if he expects local authorities to have a uniform approach across the State in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41110/08]

The default option for satisfying Part V remains the transfer of a proportion of the land which is the subject of the planning application. Accordingly, agreement of a financial contribution to satisfy the Part V condition is in lieu of a percentage of land and not in lieu of housing.

Where the Part V agreement is to be satisfied by means other than the provision of land on-site, the planning authority must consider a range of factors, including whether it will contribute effectively and efficiently to the achievement of the objectives of the housing strategy, and whether it constitutes the best use of the resources available to the authority to ensure an adequate supply of housing. Therefore, the legal obligation under Part V can be satisfied by way of a financial contribution only if the local authority considers it appropriate.

While the Government's clearly stated preference is for Part V to be satisfied through the delivery of completed homes, circumstances can arise in which a financial contribution may be appropriate. For example, in cases where Part V would yield only a small number of very expensive social and affordable homes, a financial contribution may provide an opportunity to support the delivery of a greater number of homes elsewhere. All monies received by local authorities under Part V must be ring-fenced for reinvestment in the provision of social and affordable housing.

Given that the vast bulk of the significantly increased delivery under Part V is in the form of completed homes or land, I am satisfied that the process is operating effectively.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

470 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41180/08]

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Waste Management.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

471 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the capacity available for mechanical and biological treatment of municipal waste; the expected capacity by 2010, and by 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41195/08]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

472 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the volume of municipal waste being recycled; the percentage of municipal waste this represents; the amount he expects this to increase by 2010 and by 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41196/08]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

473 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the capacity of waste he expects to require thermal treatment by 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41197/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 471 to 473, inclusive, together.

The Programme for Government signalled the development of waste and resource policy in the direction of sustainability and, in particular, to move away from mass burn incineration towards alternative technologies. Arising from a commitment in the Programme, a major international review of waste management strategy is now underway. This will inform the Government's approach to waste prevention and minimisation and to diversion of waste from landfill. This review will examine, in particular, the emergence of new technologies in waste management, particularly those for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste, which can reduce the need for incineration or landfill.

The Government is acutely conscious of the very real and imminent challenge posed for Ireland by the EU Landfill Directive. To meet our obligations under this Directive will require a doubling of the amount of biodegradable waste diverted away from landfill by 2010. It is necessary to accelerate the move away from landfill quite dramatically, to examine all the technologies that can contribute to this and to regulate the sector in a manner which supports optimal environmental performance at minimum cost. The review is not just about technology. Its terms of reference are deliberately broad so as to promote a fundamental review of the legal, institutional and financial approach to waste management.

Inaction is not an option and the approach reflected in the current waste management plans, while facilitating some progress, is not going far enough fast enough. Ireland needs to pursue the most innovative solutions available and applied internationally, so as to move from being an under achiever to world class standard and to a position of leadership rather than struggling to meet EU targets, as at present.

Undue emphasis on incineration as the cornerstone of waste management policy is detrimental to the development of alternative solutions. The review may well indicate some residual role for thermal treatment in our future waste management strategy but I do not envisage it being on anything like the scale that was previously planned.

The National Waste Report, produced annually by the EPA, indicates 36.1% of municipal waste was recycled in 2006. It anticipated that this may rise to 40% in 2010 and 50% in 2016.

Further data available to my Department from the National Waste Report were used to extrapolate that by 2016, and having met EU landfill diversion targets, the volume of waste requiring further treatment could potentially be reduced to some 400,000 tonnes provided that sufficient capacity for the mechanical and biological treatment of waste can be developed in that timeframe.

Planning Issues.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

474 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of planning applications received under the strategic infrastructural deficient category since the activation of the relevant legislation; the number referred to the local authorities for decision; the outcome of the decision in such cases; the number decided by An Bord Pleanála with and without oral hearings; the number granted, refused or pending; the number granted or refused by the board; the number pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41643/08]

I assume that the question refers to planning applications submitted to An Bord Pleanála in respect of development specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006, which came into operation in January 2007, amended the 2000 Act to provide for a streamlined, single-stage consent process for certain classes of nationally important infrastructural development undertaken by statutory bodies and private promoters. These include heavy and light rail and metro, other infrastructure requiring environmental impact assessments such as significant airport or port developments, waste infrastructure, and major energy infrastructure such as electricity transmission lines, strategic upstream and downstream gas pipelines, liquefied natural gas facilities, oil refineries and large onshore wind farms.

Since January 2007 the Board has received 19 applications for development consent in respect of strategic infrastructure projects. Of these 8 have been determined, in each case following an oral hearing. Consent was granted in 6 cases and refused in 1 case; 1 application was withdrawn.

General information on the Board's workload and performance including the number of appeals referred to it and cases determined is available in their 2007 Annual Report, a copy of which is available on their website www.pleanala.ie.

Housing Grants.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

475 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way a person can qualify for the home energy saving scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40615/08]

In March 2008, I launched a new Home Energy Saving Scheme on a pilot basis to encourage homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by installing or upgrading the insulation, glazing and heating controls in their home.

I will be extending this scheme nationally from 2009 and have provided Sustainable Energy Ireland with budget of €20 million for this purpose. The operational details of the Scheme are in the process of being finalised and I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in respect of new applications later this year.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

476 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way a person can qualify for the warmer homes scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40616/08]

Households are eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme if in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, invalidity or disability payment. Other benefits may also qualify depending on location. Applications for the scheme are handled by the nearest community based organisation or, where there is no such organisation operating in the area, via the Eaga Partnership. Full details are provided on Sustainable Energy Ireland's website.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

477 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will qualify for assistance under the warmer homes scheme; the way a person can apply for same scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40617/08]

I am advised by Sustainable Energy Ireland that households are eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme if in receipt of the Fuel Allowance, invalidity or disability payment. Other benefits may also qualify depending on location. Applications for the scheme are handled by the nearest community based organisation or, where there is no such organisation operating in the area, via the Eaga Partnership. Full details are provided on Sustainable Energy Ireland's website.

In the case of the individual named above, contact should be made with Clondalkin Home Improvement Project (CHIP) on 01-4670344.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

478 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to provide grants for households looking to insulate the outside walls of houses built in the early 1960’s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40581/08]

In March 2008, I launched a new Home Energy Saving Scheme on a pilot basis to encourage homeowners to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by installing or upgrading the insulation, glazing and heating controls in their home.

I will be extending this scheme nationally from 2009 and I have provided Sustainable Energy Ireland with budget of €20 million for this purpose. This level of exchequer investment is expected to assist up to 12,000 homeowners in 2009. While the precise details of the scheme have not been finalised, the pilot phase provided assistance of up to 30% of the cost of eligible measures and the national scheme can be expected to provide a similar level of incentive.

Environmental Policy.

Mary Upton

Question:

479 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether the money which will be spent on carbon credits as part of our obligations under the Kyoto Treaty would be better spent on tax breaks for clean energy, a national insulation scheme, the introduction of smart metering across the nation and the provision of more energy sinks such as that currently operating at Turlough Hill County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40787/08]

The Government is committed to making the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy and will be developing further measures to tackle climate challenge, reduce our purchases of carbon credits and reduce emissions.

Fundamental to the Government's climate change agenda is accelerated energy efficiency across the economy and delivery of renewable energy technologies, together with the necessary related investment in the distribution and transmission system. The incentivisation of energy efficiency and renewable energy is therefore a key priority for the Government as reflected in Budget Day announcements.

We introduced a new tax incentive measure under section 46 of the Finance Act 2008 to encourage companies to purchase the most energy efficient plant, machinery and equipment for use within their business.

Existing categories include lighting, lighting controls, motors, variable speed drives and building energy management systems. The Minister for Finance has also signalled his intention to expand the range of technologies covered by the scheme in the forthcoming Finance Bill.

The Home Energy Saving Scheme is a key initiative which was introduced as a pilot scheme this year. The scheme will provide grants to householders to improve the energy performance of their homes. We have provided €20 million in the Budget to roll out the Scheme nationally in 2009.

The rollout of the national smart meter programme is progressing in line with the commitment in the Government's Energy Policy Framework and in the Programme for Government, with the pilot phase launched on 15 September. The Smart Meter programme is a central component of our strategy to significantly enhance management of energy demand and to achieve greater energy efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technology.

The costs of the pilot to year end will be approximately €6m. As part of the preparation for the ‘go live' of the pilot, the Commission for Energy Regulation is currently considering submissions from the ESB on the budget for the entire pilot phase.

My Department, together with ESB and EirGrid has kept the question of additional pumped storage facilities under review. The ground-breaking All Island Grid Study, jointly commissioned by my Department and DETI in Northern Ireland showed, for a level of renewable electricity up to 42% on the system, with the scheduled of the East/West interconnector by 2012, that no further pumped storage is required.

Energy Policy.

Mary Upton

Question:

480 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans to begin a national debate on our energy dependence on foreign oil gas that comes from volatile areas of the globe; if there is a commitment within his Department towards achieving energy independence as much as is feasible; if there are plans to launch a national debate on the merits and dangers surrounding nuclear power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40788/08]

The statistics in relation to Ireland's energy imports underline the imperative need to reduce the national dependence on fossil fuels.

The Government is committed to delivering on ambitious targets for accelerated development of renewable energy, which will progressively, and sustainably, reduce our dependence on imported oil and gas. Installed wind powered electricity generation capacity has now reached 915 megawatts and is set to reach over 1000 megawatts by the end of this year. As wind power penetration increases we are on target for 15% of our electricity to come from renewable resources by 2010. This is set to rise to 40% by 2020, assuming a consistent build rate of the necessary infrastructure.

In parallel with this drive to create a supply of energy from our own sustainable resources, the Government's Energy Policy Framework highlighted the need for longer term strategies to reduce over reliance on gas imports from the UK, from where Ireland currently imports around 95% of gas. Gas in the UK system currently comes from the North Sea, Norway and the Netherlands. I am advised that it is estimated that around 1% of the gas in the UK system is of Russian origin. The actions set out in the Framework include long term strategic planning by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in relation to security of gas supply and working within the European Union to deliver fully integrated regional gas markets for Northern Europe as well as diversification of supply.

In this context, the CER has licensed Marathon Oil to operate 7 billion cubic feet of their depleted Kinsale field as a gas storage facility. Bord Gáis Éireann is contracted to use 5 billion cubic feet of this facility. On foot of the identification in the All Island Energy Market Framework of the need for an All Island approach to increased gas storage, further options are being examined arising from a study jointly commissioned by my Department and the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment in Northern Ireland.

Internationally, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is becoming a key part of strategies to ensure security of gas supply by improving connectivity of individual states to the global gas market. Therefore, another welcome market development is the plan by Shannon LNG — a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of Hess LNG Ltd — to build a terminal near Tarbert on the Shannon estuary.

The Corrib field, when in full production, will significantly reduce our reliance on imports during its lifespan, with 60% of annual and 40% of peak demand estimated to be met for around 6 years from time the supply is expected to start to decline. However, it is thought that significant potential exists for further substantial oil and gas finds in Irish waters. Encouraging further exploration activity in the Irish offshore zone is a key priority.

The robustness of existing and planned gas and electricity interconnection with the UK, and potentially with other European countries, is and will be critical, not only for Ireland's security of energy supply, but also for our future potential as an exporter of renewable energy. The current electricity interconnection capacity with Northern Ireland of 300 megawatts will be doubled with the building of the second north/south electricity interconnector. In addition, EirGrid, is progressing to schedule the building of the 500 megawatt electricity interconnector with the UK. The targeted completion date for both projects is 2012 subject to the necessary planning approvals.

In 2007, the latest year for which figures are available, 63% of Ireland's oil imports were sourced from the UK, with crude accounting for 7% and refined products accounting for 93% of these imports. In the same year Norway accounted for 22% of our oil imports, of which crude accounted for 93% and refined products 7%. The remaining 15% was mostly made up from crude imported from Denmark. The Irish downstream industry is fully privatised, liberalised and deregulated. The strategic review of the security of Ireland's access to commercial oil supplies commissioned by my Department earlier this year, has recently been finalised. I intend to publish the review shortly. My Department has in place contingency arrangements to deal with oil supply disruptions. As a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Ireland would be entitled to its share of available IEA oil stock in the event of a significant oil supply disruption.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

481 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40866/08]

I assume the Deputy's Question relates to the Performance Verification Process that operates as part of the pay increases negotiated in the Towards 2016 National Agreement rather than to the Benchmarking process, which is carried out by the independent Benchmarking Body.

Full details of my Department's Action Plan can be found on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/NR/rdonlyres/909B24F9-B301-437F-B78B-B418D803E6B5/0/DCMNRActionPlanfinal.doc

This Plan was specifically designed to draw all levels of staff into contributing towards the Action Plan's goals and I am happy to report that my Department has consistently received positive evaluations from the Performance Verification Group in terms of our efforts to implement the various strands of our Towards 2016 Action Plan.

Telecommunications Services.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

482 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the situation regarding broadband connection in County Monaghan (details supplied); when people in these areas can expect to receive broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41055/08]

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 providing grant-aid under the now concluded Group Broadband Scheme (GBS) and ongoing investment in Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs).

There are still some parts of the country where the private sector will be unable to justify the commercial provision of broadband services. Accordingly, the procurement process for a National Broadband Scheme (NBS) is nearing completion. The NBS is designed to deliver broadband to areas where the market has failed to provide services. Two bids, from Eircom Limited and Hutchinson 3G Ireland, have been received in response to the NBS invitation to tender and are being evaluated. The preferred bidder is expected to be appointed shortly and the contract is expected to be signed this month.

Subject to agreement with the chosen service provider, rollout of services is expected to begin shortly after the contract is signed. The chosen service provider will be required to complete the roll out of services within 22 months of the contract award. All requests for a broadband service in the areas to be addressed by the NBS, including any unserved areas in County Monaghan, will be met.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

483 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41064/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Number 514 of 21st October 2008, which conveys the information sought by the Deputy insofar as my Department is concerned.

Prospecting Licences.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

484 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the uranium exploration licences granted in County Donegal over 20 years ago are still valid; if there are new applications or renewal applications for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41090/08]

In the late 1970s and in the 1980s licences were granted to companies allowing them to explore for all metals, including uranium, in Donegal and in other parts of Ireland. None of these licences is still valid. There are no new applications currently on hands for prospecting for uranium in Donegal or in any other part of Ireland.

Two applications for new prospecting licences for uranium in Donegal were refused in 2007 and the reasons for such refusal were set out in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 105 of 19 December 2007.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

485 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41175/08]

The identification of records prior to January 2007 cannot be facilitated without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative cost. However, if the Deputy has a question in relation to a specific item I will make appropriate enquiries.

In the following table are details of consultancies for 2007 and to date in 2008. The table contains data on Marine consultancies that were undertaken prior to the transfer of functions to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food during 2007. The data covers both consultancies incurred under subhead A7 of my Department's Vote as well as consultancies associated with Programme spend. Expenditure on consultancies in 2009 will be significantly reduced in line with Government policy.

Consultancy

Consultant

2007

2008

DCENR Audit Committee

Chair & Board of Audit Committee

5,000

5,000

Temporary Head of Internal Audit Unit

Helm Corporation Ltd

27,091

56,218

Provision of Mediation Services

Mason Hayes + Curran

11,494

11,776

Provision of Mediation Services

John O´Dowd

5,445

Provision of Mediation Services

Mc Guinness Killen Partnership Ltd

1,634

Preparation of five FHCF Accounts for 2005

O’Malley & Company

1,162

Financial Adviser to DCMNR

ESB Independent Generation

93,170

16,940

Spot Checks on Capital Investment 2006

DK Crowley

10,748

2005-2006 EAGGF Audit

Deloitte & Touche

2,213

Financial Advisor to the Department

Stephen O’Connor

114,092

165,472

Expert Advice on Health and Safety Audits

Employment and Safety Associates

14,470

Healthy Eating Initiative

Miss Marguerite Brennan — Murphy

4,550

TechReview of the emergency call answering service (ECAS)

Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd

171,858

129,319

Legal Advice on procurement of an ECAS Provider

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

91,143

24,543

Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR)

Eric van Rongen

15,826

Non-Ionizing Radiation (NIR)

Dr. Michael Repacholi

7,190

Drafting of Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007

Marie McGonagle

7,500

Drafting of Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007

Margaret O’Driscoll

28,435

7,865

RTÉ Licence Fee Review

INDECON

171,699

Legal advice against threatened legal actions

Mason Hayes + Curran

38,480

Media Literacy

Media Literacy Education

9,000

Re-Engineering of annual RTÉ Review Process

Price Waterhouse Coopers

102,197

Legal advice on DTT

Mason Hayes + Curran

30,825

Technical Advice on DTT

Gary Tonge

5,446

Review of public sector benefit of postcodes

PA Consulting

54,450

Assistance on draft policy paper on Next Generation Networks

Analysys Mason Limited

23,506

30,849

Legal Advice for BnM — ESOP documentation

A & L Goodbody Solicitors

11,108

26,018

Consultancy

Consultant

2007

2008

Legal Advice for BGE — ESOP

Beauchamp Solicitors

62,267

Legal Advice re post sale of INPC / Whitegate Refinery

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

97,068

8,492

Review of Ireland’s access to commercial Oil Supplies

Purvin & Gertz Inc

271,757

Study on transmission line infrastructure

ECOFYS GMBH

145,052

Study on transmission line infrastructure

Brindley Advertising

22,100

Study on transmission line infrastructure

Golder Associates Ire

3,388

Review of proposed BGE investments

KPMG

181,500

Review of proposed BGE investments

Mason Hayes + Curran

22,578

Legal Advice on Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief

Arthur Cox Solicitor

1,431

Drafting of PSO under Section 39 of Electricity Reg Act 1999

Noel J Travers

9,075

Gas to the Northwest Study

Fingleton White & Co Ltd

141,699

Legal Advice to EU infringement proceedings

Mason Hayes + Curran

68,964

All Island LNG & Gas Storage Study

CSA Group

213,738

DETINI — Review of North South Pipeline

Dept Enterprise Trade & Investment NI

16,195

Single Electricity Market

CAP ITA Resourcing Ltd

35,091

All Island Grid Study

Dept Enterprise Trade & Investment NI

218,608

Legal Advice for ESB — ESOP

Beauchamp Solicitors

18,265

Corporate branding and website design

Dara Design & Print Ltd

6,697

UCD Portal Study

Kepler Consulting Ltd

6,970

Provision of international seabed mapping services

Marine Institute

4,600

Advice on GSI library acquisitions & management 07

Dr. Ralph Horne

5,250

5,670

Advice GSI to link data/outputs to LC Syllabus 07

AG Education Services Ltd

18,150

Archivist Services for Archived Files

Petra Coffey

15,000

14,750

Archivist Services for Archived Files

Eneclann

2,856

EPA Mine Wastes

CDM (Camp Dresser & Mc Kee Irl Ltd)

40,000

Groundwater Protection

Tobin Consulting Engineers

81,675

Consultancy

Consultant

2007

2008

Aggregate Resource Mapping

Mr Michael Philcox

16,093

Geoenvironmental Surveys (Airborne Data Interpreta

Reid Geophysics

2,551

Geoenvironmental Surveys (Airborne Data Interpreta

PetRos Eikom Ltd

4,060

Geoenvironmental Surveys (Airborne Data Interpreta

Natural Environ Research Council

15,058

GeoUrban (Dublin Pilot Project)

Aurum Exploration Ltd

19,152

GeoUrban (Dublin Pilot Project)

Glenbeigh Records Management

2,142

Geoheritage (Geoparks)

DR ROBBIE MEEHAN

20,570

Comparative Study GSI / GSINI

CSA Group

14,338

Corrib Verification Process

KEANE OFFSHORE INTEGRITY LTD

90,077

116,963

Environmental Monitoring Group

Members of EMG

4,981

5,171

Review of Licensing Terms

INDECON

30,710

Strategic Environmental Assessment — Porcupine

ERT (Scotland) Ltd

119,325

Strategic Environmental Assessment — Porcupine

Louise Johnson

1,324

Oil and Gas Industry Support Service

CSA Group

78,652

10,249

Petroleum Engineering Support

David Fox

155,483

Legal Advice on Corrib Pipeline

Arthur Cox Solicitor

42,946

Review of Corrib EIS

AEA Technology

47,204

Geophysical Support

Clare Morgan

54,420

TAG on Corrib

Advantia

22,870

INFOMAR

Grainne O’Shea

2,458

IT Consultancy (Landmark Software)

DMAP Ltd

1,178

Provision of technology briefings and advise on ICT trends and implementation strategies

Gartner Ireland Ltd

38,745

ICT Strategy

Astron / Sonas / RITS

66,066

Expenditure Reviews of MANS and GBS

Petrus Consulting Ltd

3,388

Expenditure Review of EU & Exchequer Support of the Aquaculture Sector

Epsilon Consulting

5,808

Consultancy

Consultant

2007

2008

ICT Project Consultancy

NBI Consulting

854

ICT Project Consultancy

Richard Black Solicitors

32,973

ICT Project Consultancy

Magnum Opus Ltd

1,671,495

1,130,524

ICT Project Consultancy

Norcontel (ire) Ltd

22,267

15,282

ICT Project Consultancy

Arthur Cox Solicitor

114,406

569,580

ICT Project Consultancy

Quantum Equity

12,584

ICT Project Consultancy

KPMG

18,150

ICT Project Consultancy

Eamonn O’hEachach

27,537

Legal Advice — Schools Broadband

Mason Hayes & Curran

9,273

Group Broadband Scheme

Mazars

48,666

NBS Consultancy

Aneta Scieplek

28,942

53,679

NBS Consultancy

Commission for Communications Regulation

157,397

67,517

NBS Consultancy

ESRI Ireland

28,433

39,441

NBS Consultancy

McCann Fitzgerald

572,229

NBS Consultancy

Analysys Mason Ltd

32,670

Make IT Secure

Ireach

20,000

Review of National Digital Research Centre

Various

6,392

Digital Terrestrial Television

John F O’Connor

6,150

Digital Terrestrial Television

Maxtel Communications

14,429

2,414

Digital Terrestrial Television

BT Ireland

7,986

Digital Terrestrial Television

Gary Tonge

3,519

Gas Technical Standards Committee

National Standards Authority of Ireland

41,399

36,000

Energy Research Strategy

Network Resources Ltd

65,050

National Energy Efficiency Campaign

Network Resources Ltd (Dr heather Greer)

3,969

1,415,954

National Energy Efficiency Campaign

Cawley Nea Ltd

4,953,031

Review of Fisheries Act 1959 — 2006

Alan McGurdy

4,966

Consultancy

Consultant

2007

2008

INFOMAR

Sea & Shore Safety Services Ltd

965

INFOMAR

Grainne O’Shea

57,007

46,813

INFOMAR

Ronan O’Toole

13,777

19,305

INFOMAR

Fugro Survey Ltd

1,211

INFOMAR

Woods Hole Oceanic Institute

1,194

INFOMAR

John Deasy

5,400

INFOMAR

PWC Belfast

54,996

Petroleum Engineering Support (sept 07 — aug 08)

David Fox Associates

41,288

17,940

Petroleum Engineering Support (may 06 — june 07)

David Fox Associates

175,879

IT Consultancy (Landmark Software)

DMAP Ltd

1,674

Corporate branding and website design

Dara Design & Print Ltd

19,947

Advisory Services to CSSO re legal case Minister V’s Mogul of Ireland Ltd

BDO Simpson Xavier

4,840

Corporate Recovery Services

BDO Simpson Xavier

3,630

Advice on closure / restoration scheme for new Dolomite Quarry, Co Tipperary

John Barnett & Associates

5,324

Rehabilitation of Clashduff Mine

Hayes Higgins Partnership

1,215

Consultancy

Consultant

2007

2008

Interpretation of Airborne Geophysical Data

PGW Europe Ltd

4,840

Avoca Remedial Study

Camp, Dresser & McKee Irl Ltd

567,874

122,612

Airborne Geophysical Data Release Programme

Scantech Geosceince Ltd

11,519

Examination of planning application for K2 extension to Galmoy Mine

Cantab Consulting Ltd

10,124

Geological Advice

Ben Dhonau

17,995

IGH County Sites Audit

Aaron Sheehan Clarke

16,000

Provision of Interviews for site suitability Assessment Training Programme

Cormac O’Suilleabhain

1,452

1,125

Griffith Geoscience Research Awards

Dr David A Falvey

5,455

Galway Groundwater Vulnerability Maps

Dr David Drew

1,400

EPA Mine Waste

Dr JA Martin

1,736

Consultancy

Consultant

2007

2008

Galway Groundwater Vulnerability Maps

Dr Robbie Meehan

41,019

Gwater Source Prot (Off / Ros / CK)

Dr Robbie Meehan

650

1,815

Wastewater Septic tank Course

Dr Robbie Meehan

1,089

2,068

Wastewater Septic tank Course

Dr Pamela Bartley

4,503

EPA Mine Waste

Dr Vincent Gallagher

54,450

56,821

EU Water Framework Directive

ESRI Ireland

70,852

3,176

Historic Mines Project

Fionnuala Ni Mairtin

14,450

46,858

EPA Mine Waste

GWP Consultants

10,536

EPA Mine Waste

AGB

85

Wastewater Septic tank Course

Laurence Gill

726

Wastewater Septic tank Course

Gerard Murphy

1,091

IGH County Sites Audit

Mr Aaron Clarke

24,000

Irelithos

Mr Jason Bolton

47,094

EPA Mine Waste

Mr Pheilim Lally

43,375

259

Griffith Geoscience Research Awards

Natural Environ Research Council

1,105

Gwater Source Prot (Off / Ros / CK)

Paul Johnston

1,089

Irelithos

Claudia Loesch

3,025

Griffith Geoscience Research Awards

Prof CJ Hawkesworth

3,280

Geourban project — data manipulation

Aurum Exploration

26,813

Consultancy

Consultant

2007

2008

Aggregate Potential Mapping

Mr Pheilim Lally

12,705

64,779

GIS Technician Services — GeoUrban Dublin pilot project

Edel O’Regan

14,888

33,499

National Mapping Programme -

Tobin Consulting Engineers

29,040

247,407

National Aquaifer Report

Geoff Wright

14,625

Landslides Susceptibility Mapping

M/S Mouchel Ireland

28,208

PRISM Models Maintenance

National University Galway

24,000

Coast Protection Strategy Study

National University Galway

30,000

Coast Protection Strategy Study

RPS Consulting Engineers

91,264

Coast Protection Strategy Study

Compass Informatics Ltd

13,256

Coastal Surveys

Blom Aerofilms Ltd

16,220

Coastal Surveys

Simmons Aerofilms

6,738

Coastal Surveys

Ormston Technology Ltd

2,034

Independent Review of Fisheries Control Regime

Martec NI Ltd

202,217

Drafting of SI’s in relation to Sales Notes

Una Mary Tighe

11,193

Tarbet

IGLS Ltd

2,752

Departmental Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

486 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount paid in annual pension and retirement lump sum to each retiring member of staff in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41207/08]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 552 of 11th November 2008, which conveys the information sought by the Deputy.

Harbours and Piers.

Martin Ferris

Question:

487 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will examine the overdue dredging of Arklow Harbour and the plans for the disposal of the materials dredged from the harbour to ensure that it is disposed of safely and in the most environmentally appropriate manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40857/08]

Martin Ferris

Question:

501 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a dredging licence will be issued under the Foreshore Acts in order that the urgent and overdue dredging of Arklow Harbour can begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40855/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 501 together.

Arklow Harbour Commissioners applied in February 2007 for a Dumping at Sea permit to facilitate dredging at Arklow Harbour and the application was circulated to my Department's consultees in the normal way. My Department was advised by the Marine Institute that the results of a chemical analysis of samples from the proposed area to be dredged showed high levels of contamination, principally from Copper and Zinc, and that the material was not suitable for direct disposal at sea.

The Marine Institute has held direct discussions with the consultant engineers acting for Arklow Harbour Commissioners with a view to arriving at a possible solution to the current difficulties. However, the Marine Institute has advised my Department that it continues to have concerns regarding the disposal of contaminated spoil arising from dredging at Arklow Harbour.

At a meeting held on 19 June 2008 between the Harbour Commissioners, the Marine Institute and an official of my Department, the Commissioners agreed to re-examine the proposal to dredge the harbour having regard to the issues raised in relation to the contaminated sediment. This examination will include consideration of appropriate alternative dredging and disposal methods in order to ensure safe disposal of the dredged material. When that examination has been completed, my Department, in conjunction with its specialist advisors, will assess any revised proposal submitted in relation to dredging of the harbour.

It is not possible to say at this stage what the eventual outcome of this application will be and the need to consider disposal options other than by Dumping at Sea cannot be ruled out.

Farm Waste Management.

John Perry

Question:

488 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Sligo who has commenced work on a slatted shed unit prior to submitting an application for grant assistance under the farm waste management scheme will be eligible for grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40586/08]

My Department has no record of an application for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme from the person concerned.

Grant Payments.

Tom Hayes

Question:

489 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary under the REP scheme. [40607/08]

Advance payments of 75% under the EU regulations governing REPS 4 can only issue when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are completed. The balancing 25% payment will follow when all 2008 REPS on-farm inspections have taken place.

Work on the administrative checks is at an advanced stage but cannot be completed until industrial action in a number of my Department's local offices is resolved. I am hopeful for an early resolution of the issues affected the release of REPS 4 payments.

Fisheries Statistics.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

490 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value of fish landed at each of the six national fisheries harbours for each year over the past five years; the value of fish landed at Clogherhead, Greencastle, Burton Port and Union Hall over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40609/08]

Since the establishment of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) on 1 January 2007, the provision of the information requested is a matter for that Authority, which is an independent statutory body. I have asked that body to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Fishing Vessel Licences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

491 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of fishery boats that are licensed to operate in each of the national fishery harbours each year for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40610/08]

Sea Fishing Boat Licences issued by the independent Licensing Authority for Sea Fishing Boats are not area-specific. Any Irish commercial sea-fishing vessel may engage in commercial sea fishing activities in EU non-precluded waters in accordance with the licensing conditions attaching to its sea fishing boat licence and may use the facilities of any one of the 6 Fishery Harbours, or any other harbour in the State, in accordance with the requirements of their individual fishing operations.

There is no licensing condition requiring a vessel to use a specific harbour as a general matter, although certain harbours are designated for the landing of specified quantities of certain species, for control purposes.

The number of Irish registered commercial sea fishing vessels for the years concerned is as follows:

(1) Year 2003: 1,528

(2) Year 2004: 1,438

(3) Year 2005: 1,421

(4) Year 2006: 1,811

(5) Year 2007: 1,935

Installation Aid Scheme.

Pat Breen

Question:

492 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 421 of 29 October 2008, the situation regarding the suspension of the farm installation aid; if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40648/08]

Only fully completed applications made under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and received up to and including 14 October 2008 will be processed by my Department.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

493 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in relation to REP scheme four for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when this person will be granted REP scheme four. [40668/08]

Advance payments of 75% under the EU regulations governing REPS 4 can only issue when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are completed. The balancing 25% payment will follow when all 2008 REPS on-farm inspections have taken place.

Work on the administrative checks is at an advanced stage but cannot be completed until industrial action in a number of my Department's local offices is resolved. I am hopeful for an early resolution of the issues affected the release of REPS 4 payments.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

494 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) did not receive their area aid or single farm payment for the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40717/08]

The Single Payment in Ireland is based on the ‘Historical Model'. This means that the Single Payment Scheme is applicable to farmers who actively farmed during the reference years 2000, 2001 and 2002, who were paid Livestock Premia and/or Arable Aid in one or more of those years and who will continue to farm in 2005 and onwards. The gross Single Payment is based on the average number of animals and/or the average number of hectares (in the case of Arable Aid) on which payments were made in the three reference years. Single Payment entitlements in respect of dairy production are based on the number of litres of milk quota held by the farmer on 31st March 2005.

As the person named only commenced farming on 24 April 2006 he did not establish a Single Payment.

The person named submitted an application under Category B of the 2008 National Reserve that caters for farmers who entered farming for the first time after 31 December 2005. Other criteria that include on farm income, off farm income and educational qualification must also be met. The person named did not submit sufficient documentation to fully process his application and my Department wrote to him on 15 October 2008 requesting additional information. While the person named submitted some of the required documentation he did not submit all the information requested. A further letter was issued to the person named on 4 November 2008 requesting the outstanding information. When this information is received my Department will be in a position to finalise his application.

Forestry Sector.

Shane McEntee

Question:

495 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of acres of forestry the State own; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40745/08]

The National Forest Inventory, undertaken by my Department, found that there are some 397,460 hectares of forests in public ownership, which encompasses all state owned forests. This equates to some 982,000 acres.

Shane McEntee

Question:

496 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the market value of the forestry portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40746/08]

An estimate of the market value of the forestry portfolio is provided. I would emphasise that the results should be treated as indicative only and a more detailed valuation model supported by economic analysis and market research would be required to provide a more robust estimate of market value.

As differing valuation methods were used to arrive at an estimate of market value for each of the main forest categories in the table, it is neither appropriate or correct to simply add these estimates to provide an overall estimate of market value. Rather, each category should be treated as a more or less separate entity. Notwithstanding this proviso, there are strong similarities between how private forest crops planted 1981-2008 and state forests are valued.

Summary Estimate of Market Value for Forests at 31.12.2008

Item

Description

NPV

€ Million

1

State Forests 2008

1,355.16

2

Private Forests 1981-2008 including Premiums

1,574.10

3

Private Forests pre 1981 Conifers

112.17

4

Private Forests pre 1981 Broadleaves

280.74

Shane McEntee

Question:

497 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the annual return to the State from the forestry portfolio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40747/08]

The estimated total value of forestry to the economy in 2007 was €828 m. Preliminary research suggests that if the processing sector is included, the total value to the economy could rise to as much as €1.886 billion.

Shane McEntee

Question:

498 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people employed either full-time or part-time in forestry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40748/08]

Employment in the forestry sector including full-time and part-time workers is estimated at 16,000 persons.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

499 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their REP scheme payment. [40761/08]

Advance payments of 75% under the EU regulations governing REPS 4 can only issue when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the 2008 Single Payment Scheme are completed. The balancing 25% payment will follow when all 2008 REPS on-farm inspections have taken place.

Work on the administrative checks is at an advanced stage but cannot be completed until industrial action in a number of my Department's local offices is resolved. I am hopeful for an early resolution of the issues affected the release of REPS 4 payments.

Food Labelling.

Mary Upton

Question:

500 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is intended to require all meat products here to have country of origin labelling; if this labelling will take account of the issues of substantive transformation; if there is a possibility such a move could be ruled inadmissible by the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40789/08]

The Minister for Health & Children has overall responsibility for the general food labelling legislation. Under the general labelling Directive (2000/13/EC), the place of origin of the foodstuff must be given only if its absence might mislead the consumer to a material degree. The European Commission is currently undertaking a major review of all food labelling legislation.

EU beef labelling legislation requiring country of origin labelling of beef has been in place since September 2000. As this legislation did not cover beef sold by the catering trade my Department collaborated with the Department of Health & Children to have national legislation enacted to require that all beef sold or served in the retail or catering sector is now required to carry an indication of the country of origin. This legislation is enforced by the FSAI.

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

My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children, drafted regulations that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultry and sheepmeat. This was notified to the EU Commission in December 2007 as required by legislation. The Commission was not prepared to adopt the draft regulations in their present format on the grounds that the proposed legislation is not in compliance with EU food labelling regulations. In March, the EU Commission delivered a negative opinion on the regulations but afforded Ireland an opportunity to provide further information in support of them. In the meantime, the Department provided additional details including the current misleading labelling practices and evidence of consumers' desire for country of origin labelling. The EU Commission has considered this additional information in the context of the EU Labelling Directive but considers that it does not justify the introduction of national legislation. At the relevant standing committee meeting on food law on 13th October, the EU Commission outlined its decision not to agree to Ireland's proposed regulations.

The European Commission is currently carrying out an overall review of food labelling legislation. In this context Ireland has proposed that origin labelling for meat products should be mandatory and also raised the issue of substantial transformation.

Question No. 501 answered with Question No. 487.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

502 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40864/08]

The Public Service Benchmarking Body was established as an independent body in July 2000 under the terms of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness to examine public service pay and jobs by comparison with the private sector. The Body reported in June 2002 and recommended varying levels of pay increases for the grades examined. The Benchmarking Body, in their first report, recommended that, apart from the first quarter of the award, the payment of the balance should be dependent on real and verifiable outputs from modernisation, flexibility and change. This was endorsed by the social partners in successive Partnership Agreements. It was also agreed that the final two phases of the benchmarking increases should be conditional on satisfactory implementation of the modernisation agenda and the maintenance of industrial relations stability.

Towards 2016 sets out a mechanism for the verification of progress at sectoral, organisational and grade level in the civil service through the establishment of Civil Service Performance Verification Groups. Under the terms of the agreement, the CSPVG is required to satisfy itself on progress in relation to co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, including co-operation with the satisfactory implementation of the agenda for modernisation set out in the agreement, the maintenance of stable industrial relations and the absence of industrial action in respect of any matters covered by the agreement before recommending the pay increases provided for under the agreement.

My Department is responsible for the development and delivery of a wide range of customer-oriented policy initiatives and services, and all of the improvements made in these areas in recent years are listed in the Actions Plans and Progress Reports that were submitted to the CSPVG under the Partnership Agreements. Copies of the Reports and of the CSPVG responses in respect of my Department are available on their website at www.cspvg.gov.ie.

The benefits arising to my Department from the benchmarking and associated Partnership processes are detailed in those reports. In general, they include the development of a more performance-oriented culture, an improved focus on accountability with closely defined responsibilities, and a better use of ICT with the development of a wider and more customer-oriented range of on-line services.

Aquaculture Licences.

Pat Breen

Question:

503 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 1535 of 24 September 2008, if his Department have made determinations; if not, when an application (details supplied) will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40895/08]

Consideration by my Department of the applications is at a very advanced stage and a determination on the applications is imminent.

Grant Payments.

Joe Carey

Question:

504 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare has not been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40898/08]

The person named applied for an allocation under Category A of the 2007 National Reserve which caters for farmers who inherited, leased or otherwise received free of charge, or for a nominal amount from a farmer who retired or died before 16 May 2005 a holding that was leased out to a third party during the 2000-2002 reference period.

As the person named did not submit sufficient information initially in order to process his application, my Department wrote to him requesting the outstanding documentation. All of the required documentation has now been received from the person named and his case has been finalised.

The person named has been deemed successful for an allocation from the National Reserve and a formal letter outlining the allocation has issued to him. Relevant payments due will issue shortly.

Tuberculosis Incidence.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

505 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the overall cost of the tuberculosis programme to the State including an itemisation on the farmer compensation, livestock buy-out, veterinary administration, farm inspection, agricultural officers’ expenses and badger cull; the level of TB disease reactor occurrence in Ireland, France, Italy and Germany per 100,000 animals; the number of these reactor animals here which test positive at post-mortem level for TB; the benefits of testing the national herd for TB in view of the fact that the produce is deemed safe to enter the food chain in any account; the savings to the Exchequer and for the national herd if Ireland moved to a three-yearly programme instead of the current annual programme in view of the fact that other European countries only test their national herds on a three-year basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40994/08]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in all of the detail requested and, insofar as it is available, 2006 is the most recent year for which detailed information can be provided in the time available.

The total cost of the TB programme in 2006 was approximately €70 million, of which some €33.8 million related to staff costs. A specific figure for the cost of farm inspection, which includes epidemiological investigations as well as visits by agricultural officers, is not available. However, the cost of travel and subsistence, most of which relates to visits to farms by veterinarians and agricultural officers, amounted to €2.6m in 2006. Expenditure on compensation amounted to €16.6m, of which €13.3m related to the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme. Expenditure on the badger removal strategy was €2.6m and the cost of tuberculin testing paid for by the Department amounted to €12.7m.

The number of TB reactors in Ireland in 2006 was 24,173 or 260 per 100,000 animals tested. Approximately 37.7% of reactor cattle slaughtered here had visible lesions observed at post mortem in 2006. In this connection, I should explain that a detailed post-mortem is not conducted on all animals removed as reactor; rather a fitness for human consumption examination in accordance with EU requirements is carried out at the slaughter plant. The position, therefore, is that many cattle exposed to and actually infected with TB are slaughtered as reactors without any visible lesions being observed. This is normal in view of the fact that the development of lesions occurs at the later stages of the disease process and where the examination for TB lesions is done as part of a routine slaughter at commercial "kill" speeds and where tuberculin testing is conducted at an annual frequency. In effect, the sensitivity of this examination is inherently significantly lower than the tuberculin test, which is the definitive TB test.

There is limited information available to me on the TB situation in the other countries in which the Deputy expressed interest. In particular, I have no information on the number of reactors which had visible lesions at slaughter. However, France and Germany and certain parts of Italy are officially free from bovine TB. From the information available to me, only 6 herds were reported in Germany as infected during 2006. There were 104 infected herds reported in France and Italy reported no infected herds in 2006.

The TB eradication programme in Ireland is substantially designed to facilitate trade under the rules of the EU trade Directive 64/432/EEC, which requires Member States where the herd incidence of bovine TB is higher than 1% to test all of the herds in the country annually. Accordingly, since the incidence of TB in Ireland is above 1%, it is not open to us to implement a three yearly testing programme. Most of the other European countries apart from the UK and Spain are free to test less frequently because they have a lower incidence of the disease. I should point out that the annual testing programme is necessary for the continued export of live cattle and the programme has facilitated the growth of the Irish cattle industry over the years by creating and enhancing export opportunities and by improving the productivity of cattle rearing. In effect, our export trade in cattle and beef, which was worth €1.8 billion in 2006, is dependent on the effective implementation of the programme. There are also public health benefits from implementing the programme.

While there has been a significant reduction in the incidence of bovine TB in Ireland over the past 10 years, progress in eradicating the disease in Ireland is severely impeded by the presence of TB infection in wildlife, particularly badgers. The Irish experience in this regard has been consistent with that of other countries, such as South Africa, New Zealand, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, where wildlife vectors also play a critical role in the maintenance of the disease in cattle. Infection in wildlife was not an issue in other EU member states, which have successfully eradicated the disease. The development of a vaccine for badgers is a prerequisite for the eradication of bovine tuberculosis in Ireland. My Department has just commenced a large-scale field trial of BCG to test the efficacy of a vaccine. However, any vaccine will not be available in the immediate future and the existing strategy will remain in place for some time. In the meantime, the existing programme, updated as appropriate in light of developments, will remain in place.

My Department continues to monitor and review the effectiveness and efficiency of the programme on an on-going basis with a view to the eventual eradication of the disease.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

506 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a participant in REP scheme three can claim a top-up payment due to land being designated for the preservation of the hen harrier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41001/08]

Where lands eligible for basic payment at the outset of a REPS contract are designated as a Special Protection Area in the course of the contract, the Natura 2000 payment rates may be claimed from the next anniversary date provided an amended plan is submitted to reflect the new situation.

Michael Ring

Question:

507 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four applicants, on a county basis, that are waiting on their payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41030/08]

The current number of REPS 4 applications, on a county-by-county basis, recorded on my Department's computer system is set out in the following table. Not all of these are due payment in 2008, however. Apart from those whose contracts in REPS 2 ended after that date, other applications received since 15 May, 2008 are due no payment before January 2009.

County

No. of REPS 4 applications

Carlow

107

Cavan

435

Clare

612

Cork

1,213

Donegal

968

Dublin

15

Galway

1,276

Kerry

978

Kildare

121

Kilkenny

102

Laois

259

Leitrim

339

Limerick

543

Longford

354

Louth

221

Mayo

1,331

Meath

195

Monaghan

238

Offaly

291

Roscommon

703

Sligo

445

Tipperary

721

Waterford

498

Westmeath

246

Wexford

328

Wicklow

155

Michael Ring

Question:

508 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REP scheme four will be completed; the percentage of applicants on a county basis who have been fully checked and cleared for the 75% advanced payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41031/08]

Where a valid REPS 4 application has been submitted, advance payments of 75% under the EU regulations governing REPS 4 can issue only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme are completed. The balancing 25% payment will follow when all 2008 REPS on-farm inspections have taken place. Work on the administrative checks is at an advanced stage but cannot be completed until industrial action in a number of my Department's local offices is resolved. I am hopeful for an early resolution of the issues affected the release of REPS 4 payments.

Industrial Relations.

Michael Ring

Question:

509 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will intervene to try and find a resolution to the official dispute by public servants within his Department to ensure that farmers’ payments are not unduly delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41032/08]

Michael Ring

Question:

510 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in relation to the dispute by officials in his Department, he has intervened in this matter to date; the number of farmers affected by delays in their payments due to the dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41033/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 510 together.

Agricultural Officers in DAFF, members of the IMPACT union, commenced an industrial action on 6th October. IMPACT allege that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has acted in breach of ‘Towards 2016' by not informing the Union in advance of changes in work practices. The Department rejects this allegation. IMPACT has instructed its members:

To work to rule;

Not to undertake overtime;

Not to undertake tasks or functions associated with posts which have not been filled;

Not to participate in or cooperate with activities connected to what IMPACT term ‘imposed changes';

Not to attend meetings with sectional management.

The issues involved have now been referred to the Labour Relations Commission by the National Implementation Body, with a view to achieving a swift resolution. A number of meetings have now been held with the Labour Relations Commission and these discussions are ongoing. The Department is also monitoring the effect of the industrial action on the processing of payments under the range of schemes, and is seeking to ensure the prompt delivery of these payments.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

511 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41062/08]

The following table sets out the average number of working days lost per employee in my Department for the past three years:

Year

2005

2006

2007

Average no. of days lost

5.89

5.70

4.64

Average no. of days lost (excl. long term sick leave)*

3.13

2.92

2.69

*Assumes that long term sick leave is defined as an absence of more than fifty days.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

512 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when area eight, disadvantaged three single farm payments will be made to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41093/08]

An application under the Single Payment Scheme/Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on the 15th May 2008. As part of the control procedures under EU legislation governing these Schemes, this application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and cross compliance inspection. The file is currently being examined and the findings will be communicated to the person named on file completion.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

513 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41173/08]

Given the volume of detail requested by the Deputy in his question, it is not possible to supply him with the information at this time. I will arrange to forward it to him directly in the coming days.

Departmental Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

514 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount paid in annual pension and retirement lump sum to each retiring member of staff in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41206/08]

The information requested is set out in the table.

Year

Number of staff

Amount of pension

Amount of lump sum

2006

78

1,837,507.34

5,473,638.00

2007

84

2,310,653.77

6,410,572.89

2008 to date

77

1,861,798.87

5,730,730.48

Departmental Expenditure.

Seán Barrett

Question:

515 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be made available to a centre (details supplied) to assist with the hosting of the seventh quadrennial European Conference of the International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment at Trinity College, Dublin from 5 to 10 July 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40659/08]

A request for funding for the conference has been received and is being examined at present. My officials will be in contact with the centre in question.

Decentralisation Programme.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

516 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the planned decentralisation of a section of his Department to Mullingar. [41201/08]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the Mullingar element of the decentralisation of my Department's Headquarters, which involves approximately 300 posts, will take place when new permanent accommodation is ready for occupation. Full planning permission for this development was received in July 2008. In June 2008, my Department utilised existing available accommodation in its Regional Office in Mullingar to decentralise a section comprising seven posts from Dublin to that location.

Special Educational Needs.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

517 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs teachers employed in the primary school system; the criteria for allocating special needs teaching hours to primary schools; the number of special needs teachers employed in the secondary school system; the criteria for allocating special needs teaching hours to secondary schools; and the number of places available for students in the special needs teachers diploma courses in 2008/2009 here. [40580/08]

There are currently over 5,800 learning support/resource teachers supporting children with special education needs at primary level. In addition, there are over 1,200 teachers in special schools as well as the many hundreds of teachers in special classes for children with different disabilities.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department implemented a general allocation system of learning support/resource teachers to mainstream primary schools in September 2005. The system provides teaching resources to schools to enable them to cater for children with high-incidence special educational needs such as borderline mild general learning disability, mild general learning disability and specific learning disability.

Primary schools enrolling a child with a low incidence special educational need may apply to the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) for additional resource teaching hours. The number of hours is determined by the nature of the special educational need. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

All second level schools in the free education/block grant schemes have an entitlement to an ex-quota teacher allocation in respect of remedial/learning support teaching and guidance provision. Where a pupil with special educational needs enrols in a post primary school, the school may apply to the NCSE for additional teaching support. The number of hours allocated will vary depending on the nature of the special educational need. 2,765 whole time equivalent additional teacher posts are allocated to post primary schools or the 2008/09 school year to support pupils with special educational needs.

The total number of places available on the Special Educational Needs programmes run by the education colleges for the 2008/2009 academic year is 509.

Schools Building Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

518 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that the stage 2A submission for a school (details supplied) in County Cork has been returned to the design team architect by his Department; the reasons for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40584/08]

The Stage 2A submission for the school building project to which the Deputy refers has been returned to the Design Team Architect. Further technical information is needed to make the submission compliant with Departmental standards.

School Staffing.

Michael Ring

Question:

519 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the reduction in the number of teachers in the primary sector in County Mayo that will accrue if he proceeds with the education cutbacks as announced in budget 2009. [40587/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing profiles for all of the individual schools in County Mayo, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Education Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

520 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in County Mayo that availed of the school book grant scheme in 2008 giving details for the primary and secondary sector; the number of these that will lose the book grant scheme, following the education cutbacks as announced in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40588/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available on a county basis and would take an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

School Staffing.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

521 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers at primary and at second level involved in the teaching of English to foreign nationals; the number of teachers with full-time responsibility for the teaching of English as a foreign language; and the training they have received; the number who are mainstream teachers; the number of same who have had training; the number of foreign or newcomer students in the system across primary and second level; the average amount of daily time that mainstream teachers are involved in the teaching of English to foreign nationals at primary and at second level; the feedback he has received from teachers regarding teaching challenges in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40595/08]

The number of full-time posts allocated to primary schools and whole-time equivalent posts allocated to post-primary schools in respect of teaching English language support is 1569 and 545 respectively.

Additional supports are provided for children in primary schools who do not meet the qualifying criteria for the appointment of full-time teachers in the form of grant aids for the employment of part-time language support teachers. Primary schools with between three and eight (inclusive) non-English speaking pupils receive grant assistance of €6,348 while schools with between 9 and 13 such pupils receive grant assistance of €9,523. In the current school year grant assistance has been provided to approximately 415 primary schools.

My Department is providing support and training for teachers of English as an additional language in the current school year. A dedicated team within the Primary Professional Development Service (PPDS) is in place for the provision of support at primary level and the first of days of training is currently ongoing. Design and provision of the second day will take place in early 2009.

At post primary level, the Second Level Support Service (SLSS) have identified members of their team to provide training and support for teachers of English as an additional language. The training has been designed and will be rolled out in early 2009.

The budget for the PPDS in 2008 is €257,000 excluding personnel costs and the budgets for next year have not yet been finalised but I expect they will be in the coming weeks. It is estimated that in the region of 28,000 children in first and second level schools benefited from English language support in the 2007/2008 school year.

The Inspectorate of the Department of Education and Science is evaluating the effectiveness of provision of English as an additional language in a number of primary and post-primary schools. This evaluation is currently underway in a number of primary and post-primary schools and is designed to:

Evaluate the quality of teaching and learning of English as an additional language which students receive in mainstream education and in support contexts

Establish the quality of whole-school planning and school self-review that is undertaken to include students in the school, and to review the extent to which this planning reflects the principles of inclusion and respect for cultural diversity

Review the progress which these students are making in oracy, literacy and numeracy

Identify good practice with regard to EAL provision in schools and seek to disseminate this good practice generally

Identify areas where the work of schools, teachers and the system of supports that the Department of Education and Science administers could be improved.

It is envisaged that the data from the evaluations in the individual schools will be analysed in spring 2009 and a national composite report will be prepared by the Inspectorate. This report will, I hope, provide valuable reflections and analysis about how schools and the Department of Education and Science can improve the quality of EAL provision.

In addition, materials have been provided to schools to raise awareness of cultural diversity and to support all staff in schools in addressing this issue effectively. The Intercultural Guidelines prepared by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment help to ensure that both primary and post-primary schools are equipped to provide a welcoming, inclusive and supporting environment for newcomer children. The assessment of the individual needs of pupils and the regular monitoring of the progress that they are making are key factors in ensuring that the school provides the most appropriate supports to the students. To assist schools in this work, the Department of Education and Science has supplied a language assessment kit for primary level and a post-primary kit is in preparation. The Department is supporting their use through training of teachers. Training is in place at primary level and in-service seminars are currently being delivered across the country.

The Department of Education and Science recognises that we must monitor and review the educational experiences that are provided to newcomer students so that we can improve the quality and effectiveness of our provision and is, therefore, undertaking a range of research to consider the question of integration in schools.

The ESRI will shortly produce a research report on "Managing Diversity", looking at newcomer students in primary and post-primary schools. This research is based on case study interviews and responses to questionnaires from over 1000 primary and post-primary schools.

Ireland is also taking part in an OECD thematic review on migrant education, results from which are expected next year. Together with the other key participants in the study (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria, the Netherlands, and the Flemish Community of Belgium) the review is exploring what are the best education options for our children in an inclusive Ireland.

The Department of Education and Science is also conducting a value for money review of English as an Additional Language in primary and post-primary schools. The review is expected to be completed in 2009.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

522 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange for funding for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 to extend the design and communication graphics course through into fifth year as has been agreed by his Department. [40621/08]

The syllabus for the Leaving Certificate Technical Drawing was revised by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). The name of the subject was changed to Design and Communications Graphics and the new subject was introduced in September 2007, into a number of selected Post-Primary schools, for examination for the first time by the State Exams Commission (SEC) in June 2009.

When schools were initially assessed for the new syllabus, this school did not have a cohort of pupils at Leaving Certificate in September 2007 to whom the new Design and Communications Graphics course could be offered. In these circumstances the school was not considered for the first phase of introduction of the new syllabus.

My Department has very recently received an application from the school in question seeking funding to introduce the new course from September 2009. The extension of this syllabus into further schools, including this school, will be considered for funding early in the new year and the school informed of the outcome as soon as possible thereafter.

The Department is also currently consulting extensively on the development of an intercultural education strategy which is to be finalised in 2009. The research work findings and the responses to the consultation process will provide the evidence based data required to prepare the strategy.

Education Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

523 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the school book grant scheme, following the cutbacks announced in budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40630/08]

Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reductions on the aid for school books scheme which in the case of schools outside of the DEIS scheme will involve savings of approximately €7.5 million on current levels.

Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools for the aid for school books scheme and this fund of €7 million will be made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009.

School Staffing.

Michael Ring

Question:

524 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the effects of Budget 2009 cutbacks on a primary school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40631/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing profiles for the school referred to by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Site Acquisitions.

Joe Costello

Question:

525 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the meetings which have taken place to resolve the difficulty over identifying a site for the construction of a permanent school (details supplied); the reason the Gaelscoil has been left 14 years in unsuitable prefabs; if he has firm proposals for a way forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40632/08]

I wish to advise the Deputy that meetings have recently taken place between my officials and officials from Dublin City Council regarding the potential availability of a permanent site for the Gaelscoil in question. My officials have written to Dublin City Council with a suggested proposal on the issue.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

526 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when, further to his remarks in Dáil Éireann whereby up to 15% of all national schools in the country will lose a teacher from 1 September 2009, he will be in a position to outline those schools which are expected to lose a teacher or teachers; if this information is available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40660/08]

Brian Hayes

Question:

527 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis, further to his claim in Dáil Éireann whereby up to 15% of all national schools in the country will lose a teacher from September 2009, on which he came to this estimate, in view of the fact that not all schools have submitted their enrolment figures to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40661/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 527 together.

My Department's budget for next year has been prepared on the same fundamental basis as any other year by estimating the number of teachers that will be employed under the different categories given the policies in place, for example, mainstream classroom teachers, special needs and language support teachers and allowing for any change in overall demographics. The figures, both for increases and decreases in the estimated number of teaching posts, are related to the possible impact of changes to the staffing schedules and the effectiveness of redeployment as part of the detailed allocation process to individual schools.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place, provision for teachers and pay and pensions has increased by about €300 million to €5.4 billion in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. The preparatory work for the staffing allocations has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall net impact of the budget measures on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation process has been completed.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

528 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department allowed an architect to certify that a building (details supplied) in Dublin 24 had been completed in view of the fact that outstanding work by the construction company concerned in relation to this school building was not completed, and required additional attention to bring it up to standard; the discussion between his Department and the construction company in question to date on the matter; when the outstanding works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40662/08]

An extensive project for the school referred to by the Deputy is nearing completion. As is normal, the school's consultant architect provided certification relating to satisfactory progress at various stages of the works. The architect did not require permission from my Department to issue these certificates. My Department funded the school, who were the party to the contract, on receipt of the certification to enable payments to be made to the contractor as required under the terms of the contract between the school and the contractor.

Officials from my Department met with the school management to discuss the situation which arose and urged the school to comply with the terms of the contract regarding payment due to the contractor. I understand that the school subsequently met with the consultant architect and exchanged correspondence with the contractor regarding the release of money and the completion of works on the project. It is anticipated that the works will be completed shortly.

Language Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

529 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department is spending on training language support teachers in the 2008/2009 school year; if this money will continue to be spent in view of the fact that he intends to remove 500 language support teachers from the primary school system; if the in-service training organised by his Department will continue; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40663/08]

My Department is providing support and training for teachers of English as an additional language in the current school year. A dedicated team within the Primary Professional Development Service (PPDS) is in place for the provision of support at primary level and the first of days of training is currently ongoing. Design and provision of the second day will take place in early 2009.

It is envisaged that there will be over 1,400 language support teachers in our schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.

At post primary level, the Second Level Support Service (SLSS) have identified members of their team to provide training and support for teachers of English as an additional language. The training has been designed and will be rolled out in early 2009.

The budget for the PPDS EAL provision in 2008 is €257,000 exclusive of personnel costs. The budgets for next year have not yet been finalised but I expect they will be in the coming weeks.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe Carey

Question:

530 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve the construction of a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40665/08]

An extension and refurbishment project for the school to which the Deputy refers is 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 in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Higher Education Grants.

Michael Ring

Question:

531 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a decision will be made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for a third level grant. [40673/08]

A reply has issued to the candidate referred to by the Deputy in respect of her appeal from the Higher Education — Equity Of Access Unit of my Department.

School Curriculum.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

532 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he foresees changes to the junior certificate schools programme and the leaving certificate applied programme arising from the Budget 2009 constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40674/08]

There are currently 225 schools/centres offering the Junior Certificate School Programme, and the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is currently offered in some 380 schools and centres and taken by around 6% of students each year. I have no plans for change in the implementation of these programmes at present.

In framing the budget this year, a range of very difficult policy choices had to be faced by the Government across all areas of public expenditure, including in the field of education. While education remains a priority for the Government, it has been necessary to curtail expenditure in some areas. Among the areas affected are the Junior Certificate School Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied where the special grant has been ceased. However, I would like to emphasise that the capitation grant for post-primary schools has been increased by4.3%, representing an increase of €14 per student, to bring it to €345 per student from January 2009.

In addition, voluntary secondary schools will benefit also from an increase in the school services support grant by €8 per student from January 2009. This will mean, for example, that a secondary school with an enrolment of 500 students will receive an additional €11,000 in funding in 2009.

I am confident that the Junior Certificate School Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied will continue to be viable options for students.

Special Educational Needs.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

533 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will assure parents that there will be no reduction in the number of special needs assistants employed in schools and on the hours allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40675/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs. Applications for SNAs may be considered by the NCSE where a pupil has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or to other pupils.

For some pupils, as they mature, their care needs may diminish over time. Pupils may move to a different school or on to a post-primary school. In such circumstances, the NCSE will review and adjust the overall level of SNA support in the school concerned. This may mean that some pupils who had previously been supported by a full time SNA may have their needs met through the shared support of an SNA or perhaps they may have no need for SNA support.

The recent budgetary announcements do not affect the criteria used for the allocation of special needs teaching and care resources for children with special educational needs. The National Council for Special Education continues to operate within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

534 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications received by the Residential Institution Redress Board; the number of cases completed; the number of offers that have been made to victims; the number of those cases under appeal; the number of solicitors acting for the redress board; the amount paid to those solicitors; the number of cases where no award was made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40695/08]

The Redress Board's primary function is to provide financial redress to persons who, as children, were abused while resident in Industrial Schools, Reformatories or other institutions that were subject to State regulation or inspection. The Board was established under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 and the legislation governing its operation is contained therein.

The closing date for receipt of applications was the 15th December 2005 by which time the Board had received 14,513 applications. The Board has received a total of 14,549 applications (including 36 late applications accepted up to 31st December 2007.

The Board has now completed the award process in the case of 12,160 applicants. Of those processed, awards have been made to 11,525 applicants, 32 cases are currently under review and 489 applicants were not entitled to an award. A further 146 applications were withdrawn by the applicants themselves.

The Board has the services of 1 Solicitor and the amount paid to that solicitor in the years 2003 to date is €1,007,311.64, which includes salary and expenses.

Adult Education.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

535 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s expenditure on adult education in 2009; if he will provide this figure as a percentage of GDP and GNP; if he will provide the 2009 figure in a table that outlines the spending on adult education as a percentage of GDP and GNP for the years 2000 to 2008; if he will provide the figure as a percentage of the total expenditure on education; if he will provide the 2009 figure in a table that outlines the spending on adult education as a percentage of total expenditure on education for the years 2000 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40736/08]

There is an overall provision for expenditure of €420,496,861 on further and adult education in 2009. This includes projected expenditure on the pay of teaching staff, participant allowances and other non-pay costs.

The following supplementary table contains the details requested by the Deputy.

Further and Adult Education Spending 2000-2009

Years

Adult Education Spending

Total Expenditure on Education

Gross Domestic Product

Gross National Product

€’000

€’000

€’000

€’000

2000

177,449

4,233,233

104,845,000

89,358,000

2001

205,519

4,791,378

116,989,000

98,014,000

2002

256,800

5,390,451

130,190,000

106,494,000

2003

277,384

5,864,783

139,442,000

117,717,000

2004

308,098

6,597,296

148,975,000

126,096,000

2005

328,349

7,217,797

162,168,000

137,265,000

2006

349,332

7,896,897

177,286,000

152,456,000

2007

392,250

8,704,590

190,603,000

161,210,000

2008*

414,315

9,325,795

187,300,000

158,050,000

2009**

420,497

9,627,557

188,125,000

158,400,000

Adult Education Spending

As a % of Total Expenditure on Education

As a % of Gross Domestic Product

As a % of Gross National Product

€ m

%

%

%

2000

177.45

4.19

0.17

0.20

2001

205.52

4.29

0.18

0.21

2002

256.80

4.76

0.20

0.24

2003

277.38

4.73

0.20

0.24

2004

308.10

4.67

0.21

0.24

2005

328.35

4.55

0.20

0.24

2006

349.33

4.42

0.20

0.23

2007

392.25

4.51

0.21

0.24

2008*

414.31

4.44

0.22

0.26

2009**

420.50

4.37

0.22

0.27

*Estimated Spend.

**Projected Spend.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

536 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his Department’s expenditure on the adult literacy and community education scheme and the special initiatives for disadvantaged adults scheme in 2009; the breakdown of the expenditure under the headings adult literacy and community education; if he will provide the 2009 figure for ALCES with the breakdown for adult literacy and community education in a table that outlines the same for the years 2000 to 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40737/08]

There is an overall provision of €43,658,000 for Special Initiatives in Adult Education, from which funding is provided for Adult Literacy and Community Education (including Special Initiatives for Disadvantaged Adults Scheme (SPIDAS). The allocation of funding from this provision has not yet been determined. The funding provided for Adult Literacy and Community Education (including SPIDAS) from 2000 to 2008 is contained in the following table:

Adult Literacy and Community Education Funding 2000-2009

Year

Adult Literacy

Community Education

(€millions)

(€millions)

2008

30.0 (Estimate)

10.5 (Estimate)

2007

29.8

10.2

2006

23.0

8.9

2005

22.0

9.4

2004

19.2

7.7

2003

17.9

7.8

2002

16.7

5.9

2001

13.6

4.9

2000

10.6

3.7

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

537 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department spent paying the salaries of teachers in private, fee-paying secondary schools in the past three years; the sum his Department expects to spend on these salaries in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40740/08]

The salaries paid to teachers in fee paying schools in the past three school years are as follows: 2007/8 — €100,120,336; 2006/07 — €90,647,969; 2005/06 — €85,986,713.

The cost of salaries is determined by the approved teaching staff allocation for each school. The full information to determine the actual cost of salaries for the 2008/09 school year is not yet available.

Pension Provisions.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

538 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the opinion that the suspension of the early retirement scheme for teachers may leave his Department open to legal challenges, in view of the fact that teachers who may have deferred their early retirement by a year did so in the expectation that the scheme would still operate by the time they retired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40753/08]

It was recently announced that the Early Retirement Scheme for teachers, which had operated on a pilot basis since 1996, has been suspended in all sectors until further notice. The Scheme, which consisted of 3 strands, was a voluntary scheme. Like other programmes under my Department's remit, the continuance of the pilot scheme is subject to available resources and to changes in Government policy. While the scheme has proven to be a useful management tool in the school system in the past, the current budgetary constraints mean that sometimes difficult decisions must be taken in order to meet the economic challenges faced by the country. My Department does not accept that any issue of legitimate expectation arises.

School Transport.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

539 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when the school transport scheme contract is due for renewal; the value of the school transport scheme contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40754/08]

The school transport scheme, which is operated by Bus Éireann on my Department's behalf since the late 1960s, is primarily a rural based scheme that facilitates the transportation of over 134,000 children, including about 9,000 children with special needs, to primary and post-primary schools each day. It is a major logistical operation involving about 42 million journeys over 82 million kilometres on 6,000 routes every school year. As I have no plans to change this arrangement the question of renewing a contract with Bus Éireann does not arise.

However, contracts are agreed annually between Bus Éireann and individual private operators on contract to the company under the terms of the scheme.

The amount paid to Bus Éireann in 2007 was €146.620 million which included €96.445 million towards the cost of employing private contractors.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen

Question:

540 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 727 of 17 June 2008, the status of a school building project at a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40756/08]

As the Deputy will be aware, all applications for capital funding are prioritised and advanced incrementally by my Department. This applies to the progression of all preparatory work leading up to the construction phase.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it.

Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. The project for the school in question carries a Band 2 rating. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department and with the level of activity in the School Building Programme, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time. The Deputy will appreciate that the Department must, in the first instance, manage its resources to ensure that the projects which are in the programme are delivered. My Department will be arranging a site visit for the school in question as and when resources allow and when the project is ready to progress through the programme.

School Staffing.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

541 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of uncertified sick leave lost in primary schools and post primary schools in each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40757/08]

The information requested by the Deputy is provided on a school year basis.

The first school year for which full information is available on the current system for recording teacher absences is the 2007/2008 school year but does not include the VEC sector. The number of days uncertified sick leave taken by primary teachers in the 2007/2008 school year was 60,128 days. Teachers in Secondary, Community and Comprehensive schools took 48,136 days.

In the current school year in the period between the 1st September and mid November primary teachers have taken 12,685 days uncertified sick leave and teachers in Secondary, Community and Comprehensive schools have taken 11,749 days.

School Transport.

Jack Wall

Question:

542 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received a school bus pass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40763/08]

The Transport Liaison Office for County Kildare has confirmed that an application for school transport for the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, was received in May 2008.

The family in question should liaise with the Transport Liaison Office regarding their application.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

543 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the basis on which the classrooms were designed in respect of the generic building design that his Department has established, particularly for expanding areas, in terms of average class size. [40769/08]

The standard size of a classroom being delivered, whether through the generic repeat design (GRD) concept or traditional design, at primary level is 80 sq metres, including wet area, w/c's, storage and cloakroom facilities.

The details are given in Technical Guidance Document 022, available on my Department's website. This has been the standard size for rooms constructed in recent years. It allowed plenty of space for the range of activities carried out under the modern school curriculum in times before the staffing schedule for primary teachers was reduced and therefore will not need to be adjusted in light of the current adjustment in the staffing schedule. 80 sq. metres is considered to be the optimum size of classroom and was determined by studies carried out by my Department and in line with international best practice. Older classrooms may be of a smaller size but may have some of the above activities outside of the classroom.

GRD buildings provide the full range of classroom and ancillary accommodation that is achieved using the traditional design method. GRD buildings facilitate speedier delivery of projects, save on design fees and are designed to allow for easy extension if required at a later stage.

Multi-Denominational Schools.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

544 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the application by Educate Together to be registered as a patron of second level schools based on its track record at primary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40773/08]

I am currently considering a number of issues relating to the patronage of second-level schools and the matter raised by the Deputy will be considered in this context.

Schools Building Projects.

Alan Shatter

Question:

545 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science if, as a consequence of construction costs of already sanctioned projects falling by up to 20% below the original anticipated costings by his Department, he proposes to sanction, within the next three months, the construction of essential permanent school extensions or permanent new school buildings for which sanction has been sought by primary schools in Dublin south; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40780/08]

On 29th September this year I announced details of 25 major school building projects which are to proceed to tender and construction. I would also like to draw the Deputy's attention to my statement on that date that it is my intention to make a further announcement in the first quarter of 2009 on further major primary and post-primary school projects to proceed to construction.

The content of that announcement will take account of the funds available to my Department, the trend in the cost of such projects as well as the relative priority of need for the projects under consideration.

School Staffing.

Alan Shatter

Question:

546 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40794/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

547 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40795/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

548 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40796/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

549 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40797/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

550 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40798/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

551 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action. [40799/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

552 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40800/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

553 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40801/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

554 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40802/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

555 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40803/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

556 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40804/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

557 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40805/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

558 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40806/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

559 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40807/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

560 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40808/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

561 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40809/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

562 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40810/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

563 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40811/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

564 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40812/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

565 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40813/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

566 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40814/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

567 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40815/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

568 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40816/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

569 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40817/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

570 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40818/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

571 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40819/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

572 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40820/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

573 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40821/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

574 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40822/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

575 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 18 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40823/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

576 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40824/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

577 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40825/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

578 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40826/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

579 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40827/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

580 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40828/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

581 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40829/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

582 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40830/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

583 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40831/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

584 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40832/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

585 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40833/08]

Alan Shatter

Question:

586 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14 will lose for the educational year 2009/2010 as a consequence of his announced increase in class sizes; the enquiries he has made regarding the capacity of the school to meet the needs of its pupils as a consequence of his action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40834/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 to 586, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Benchmarking Awards.

Alan Shatter

Question:

587 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the benefits which accrued from benchmarking with regard to the services provided to the general public by his Department. [40869/08]

As the Deputy is aware, the initial benchmarking exercise was undertaken within the context of the provisions on public service modernisation in the PPF. As stated in the programme, the parties were committed to full and ongoing co-operation with change, continued adaptation and flexibility and the delivery of the modernisation programme in the public service. Consequently, the payment of the second, and subsequent phases of the increases recommended by the Public Service Benchmarking Body were dependent, in the case of each Civil Service organisation and grade, on verification, by the Civil Service Performance verification Group (CSPVG), of co-operation with flexibility and ongoing change, satisfactory implementation of the agenda for modernisation, maintenance of stable industrial relations and absence of industrial action in respect of any matters covered by the PPF's successor, Sustaining Progress.

Progress Reports on my Department's Action Plan submitted to the CSPVG are available on the Department of Finance website.

Benefits which have accrued to the general public under my Department's Modernisation Programme include:

The establishment of the State Examinations Commission;

The establishment of the National Council for Special Education;

The establishment of a Regional Office Network within the Department;

The integration of services at Primary and Post-Primary level;

The roll out of the On Line Claims system — the Department's e-Government project;

The transition to Whole School Evaluation as the main form of inspection;

The publication of school inspection reports;

The use of generic designs to streamline the delivery of building projects;

Improved planning — establishment of Area Development Plans;

Establishment of the National Behaviour Support Service (NBSS);

Implementation of the Department's action plan for addressing educational disadvantage — Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS);

Implementing the Department's commitments as outlined in 2005-2008 scheme under Section 11 of the Official Languages Act.

School Transport.

Richard Bruton

Question:

588 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the restrictions that apply in relation to when school transport will be provided for pupils to a school; if there are exceptions to this rule in respect of particular categories of individual, or particular categories of schools; and the exceptions made. [40891/08]

The school transport scheme, which is operated by Bus Éireann on my Department's behalf, is primarily a rural based scheme, in which children who are eligible for transport, under the terms of the scheme, are provided with a transport service subject to sufficient numbers offering for transport from distinct localities.

Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest suitable national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport.

At post primary level, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre, that is, the centre serving the catchment area in which s/he lives.

In the case of transport for children with special needs, pupils are eligible if they are attending the nearest recognised mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit that is or can be resourced to meet the child's special educational needs under my Department's criteria.

If the Deputy requires clarification on any particular aspect of the schemes, my Department will be glad to provide the information.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

589 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when payment will issue in the case of educational tuition sessions undertaken in July 2008 by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40892/08]

The payment to which the Deputy refers has recently been issued by my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe Costello

Question:

590 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science if he or his Department will meet with board of management of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 and the Docklands Development Authority to discuss plans for a new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40966/08]

Tony Gregory

Question:

593 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Education and Science when his Department officials will meet the school authorities from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 1 regarding the proposed new school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40971/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 and 593 together.

The building project for the school to which the Deputies refer is in the early stages of architectural planning. The Department's Professional and Technical staff is currently nearing completion of a review of the Stage One submission for the project. When this review is completed, my officials will be arranging a meeting with the Board of Management and the Dublin Dockland Development Authority.

School Staffing.

Joe Costello

Question:

591 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect of the education cuts on each second level school in the constituency of Dublin central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40967/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

619 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41321/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

620 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41322/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

621 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41323/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

622 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41324/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

623 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41325/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

624 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41326/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

668 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41370/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

671 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41373/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

672 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41374/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

673 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41375/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

674 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41376/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

742 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41444/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

743 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41445/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

744 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41446/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

766 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41468/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

767 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41469/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

769 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41471/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

770 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41472/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

772 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41474/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

773 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41475/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

774 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41476/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

776 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41478/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

777 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41479/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

778 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41480/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

779 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41481/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

780 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41482/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

829 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41531/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

830 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41532/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

831 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41533/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

832 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41534/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

833 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41535/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

834 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41536/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

835 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41537/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

836 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41538/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

843 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41545/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

844 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41546/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

845 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41547/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

846 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41548/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

847 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41549/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

877 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41579/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

883 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41585/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

884 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41586/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

885 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41587/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

886 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41588/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

887 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41589/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

888 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41590/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 591, 619 to 624, inclusive, 668, 671 to 674, inclusive, 742 to 744, inclusive, 766, 767, 769, 770, 772 to 774, inclusive, 776 to 780, inclusive, 829 to 836, inclusive, 843 to 847, inclusive, 877, and 883 to 888, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Joe Costello

Question:

592 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect of the education cuts on each primary school in the constituency of Dublin central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40968/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Question No. 593 answered with Question No. 590.

Schools Refurbishment.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

594 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science when notification will issue to a second level school (details supplied) in Westmeath that has applied for necessary emergency works. [40974/08]

My Department received an application for emergency funding from the school in question. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will be reached very shortly. The school authorities will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Tom Hayes

Question:

595 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount budgeted for emergency funding for school buildings for each of the past ten years; the amount spent for emergency repairs for school buildings for each of the past ten years; the number of projects rejected for this funding each year for the past ten years; the amount budgeted for emergency funding for schools buildings in 2009. [40991/08]

The main purpose of the emergency works scheme is to ensure the availability of funding for urgent works to those schools that are most in need of resources as a result of an unforeseen event of a capital nature that can arise during the course of a school year.

Prior to 2004, applications for works considered urgent were included in the category of small scale projects and, accordingly, the details sought by the Deputy for those years are not available. This category would also have included summer works type projects.

Since 2004 the emergency works grant scheme is one of a number of component elements or sub programmes of the capital allocation. The other elements include Large Scale Building Projects (new school buildings and major extensions/refurbishments); Site Acquisitions; Remediation Programmes (asbestos removal, radon mitigation); Furniture and Equipment; provision of Temporary Accommodation etc. The level of funding allocated to each element of the building programme for 2009, including emergency works, will be decided later in the year.

In the light of the large number of projects seeking funding under this scheme and the competing demands on the budget allocated, it was not possible to provide funding for all applications received this year.

The level of funding approved in the period 2004 to 2007 and the number of projects approved are given in the following tabular statement.

Emergency works

No. of Projects Approved

Estimated cost at time of approval

€m

2004

130

4.531

2005

245

12.295

2006

476

30.474

2007

627

50.607

School Staffing.

Tom Hayes

Question:

596 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget; the grants paid to the schools for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for the schools in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40993/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

735 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41437/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

736 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41438/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

737 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41439/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

738 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41440/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

739 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41441/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

740 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41442/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

741 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41443/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

745 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41447/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

746 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41448/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

747 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41449/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

748 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41450/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

749 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41451/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

750 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41452/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

751 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41453/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

752 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41454/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

753 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41455/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

754 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41456/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

755 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41457/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

756 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41458/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

757 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41459/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

759 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41461/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

760 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41462/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

761 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41463/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 596, 735 to 741, inclusive, 745 to 757, inclusive, and 759 to 761, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Simon Coveney

Question:

597 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers that will be lost in the Cork City and county area in 2009 by schools at both primary and secondary level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41002/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

School Transport.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

598 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal for free transport to a special class; if the application is being considered; if transport will be granted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41009/08]

The National Council for Special Education has responsibility, through its network of Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for the establishment of special education facilities and for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs.

My Department has advised the parent of the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, to liaise, in the first instance, with the local SENO.

The provision of school transport will be considered upon receipt of the SENO's report.

School Staffing.

Tom Hayes

Question:

599 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of schools (details supplied) in County Tipperary following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget; the grants paid to the schools for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for the schools in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41020/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

633 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41335/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

647 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41349/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

648 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41350/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

649 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41351/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

650 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41352/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

651 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41353/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

652 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41354/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 599, 633 and 647 to 652, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

School Enrolments.

Finian McGrath

Question:

600 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [41036/08]

The selection and enrolment of pupils in second-level schools is the responsibility of the school management authorities. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking second level places in an area. However, this may result in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice. As schools may not have a place for every applicant, a selection process may be necessary. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected.

Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

Schools Building Projects.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

601 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress that has been made in providing an extension and improvements to the car park in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41047/08]

The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all major building projects, including this project, from initial design through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

602 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Science when the proposed work on the new school building at the site of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 5 is due to begin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41058/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the building project for the school to which he refers was included in my announcement of 29 September last of projects which have been given the go ahead to proceed to tender. My Department has been in contact with the school authority in this regard.

Schools Refurbishment.

Tom Hayes

Question:

603 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will intervene in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if funding will be provided for this work. [41059/08]

The Management Authority of the school in question applied for funding under the emergency works scheme last August to carry out works to the roof of the old high School Building. In the light of the large number of projects seeking funding under this scheme and the competing demands on the budget allocated, it was not possible to fund the project at this time.

The Management Authority has submitted a further appeal in the matter and this is under consideration at present. The school will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

604 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the average number of sick days taken by his Departmental staff in each of the past three years (details supplied); the equivalent figures excluding long term illness cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41067/08]

The information sought by the Deputy for the period in question is not readily available at my Department.

I have requested officials at the Personnel Unit of my Department to compile the information and forward it to the Deputy in due course.

Site Acquisitions.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

605 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Education and Science the advance that has been made to evaluate a site for the building project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41088/08]

I assume the Deputy is referring to Monreagh National School, Co. Donegal.

My Department has recently received correspondence in relation to a potential site on Church lands at Monreagh, Co. Donegal.

A site investigation will be required to assess the proposed site. On completion of same my officials will revert to the school authorities.

Schools Building Projects.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

606 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date on a centre (details supplied); when it is expected to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41091/08]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the centre in question has started delivering training programmes to educational and allied professionals.

A building project is currently at an advanced design stage and it is expected to go on site during 2009. Preparation for, and modelling of, the learning support and educational assessment services will take place during 2009 with full operational service being achieved in the Spring of 2010 when the proposed building project is completed.

Liz McManus

Question:

607 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied); if it will be included in the next new school building list; if his attention has been drawn to the conditions experienced by the schoolchildren and teachers in this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41095/08]

I recently met a deputation from the school to which the Deputy refers to discuss its building project which is 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 in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Schools Enrolments.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

608 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Education and Science the enrolment at schools (details supplied) in County Kildare; the number of teachers, permanent, temporary or part-time, assigned to these schools, the number of special needs assistants employed at the schools, the details of other staff assigned to these schools and the capitation, grant aid and so on made by his Department to these schools for each of the past three years; if these schools are included in the DEIS programme; the consequent benefits that have accrued to these schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41096/08]

My Department interacts with over 3,200 primary schools on many day to day issues including their staffing allocation and grant payments.

It is not possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy at individual school level given the inordinate amount of time it would take and balanced against the many other competing demands on my Department's resources.

John Cregan

Question:

609 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm the person who sets the criteria that establishes whether a primary school is a feeder school to a nearby secondary school; if there are set criteria which stipulates that a primary school in a particular deanery should be a feeder school for another in that same deanery; if the criteria setting out which schools feed which is fixed by his Department or is set by the individual schools; and the help which would be available to a student who wishes to attend a particular secondary school which is in the same deanery as their primary school and in the same deanery in which the student resides yet they are informed that they cannot be accepted as a student as their school is not a feeder school, yet another primary school, which is situated outside the same deanery, is a feeder school. [41111/08]

In the interest of rational arrangements for the purposes of educational provision, the country generally was divided into geographic districts (catchment areas) each with several primary schools feeding into a post-primary centre with one or more post-primary schools. These areas were drawn up in the late 1960s and were determined following consultation with local educational interests. Parish boundaries, deanery areas etc. would not have been a determining factor in drawing up catchment areas. In major urban areas it is not possible to do a similar exercise as for the rest of the country.

The intention was that these defined districts would facilitate the orderly planning of school provision and accommodation needs. A relatively small number of primary schools are shared between two or more centres. Catchment boundaries may have to be adjusted where, for example, a new post-primary school is established in an area where previously there was none or, conversely, where a "sole provider" school closes due to declining enrolments.

Enrolment in individual post-primary schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools that are not in a position to admit all pupils seeking entry to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act. In this regard a board of management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. It is not unusual for some second-level schools to prioritise named feeder schools in their admissions policies. This often reflects long standing connections between certain schools.

However, in formulating an admissions policy a school must ensure that it is lawful. In particular, it must act in accordance with Section 7 of the Equal Status Act 2000 which, subject to very limited exceptions, prohibits schools from discriminating against people in relation to a number of matters including the admission of a pupil to the school.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

610 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress which has been made during the design process for a new school (details supplied) in County Cork since the appointment of the design team. [41137/08]

As the Deputy will be aware the building project for the school to which he refers has commenced architectural planning. Stage 1 of this process — site suitability, site report and the initial sketch scheme — has been completed and approved by my Department.

The stage 2(a) submission, which is the developed sketch scheme, was subsequently submitted to my Department. However, this has been returned to the Design Team for further information.

When the stage 2(a) submission has been approved by my Department, the further progression of the project through the design stages and on to the construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

611 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve funding for a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41138/08]

The major project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all major building projects, including this project, through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department and with the level of activity in the School Building Programme, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Consultancy Contracts.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

612 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money paid out to consultants in the years 2000 to date in 2008; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41178/08]

The following tables provide information concerning monies paid to consultants by my Department in the years 2003 to the end of October 2008. Information relating to consultancy payments for the years 2000 to 2002 is not readily available and would involve an inordinate amount of administrative time to compile.

Year 2003*

Total Cost: €843,666.50

Name of consultant

Purpose

Accenture

Advice & Assistance in the implementation of a Financial Management System

Ashby Food Safety Associates Ltd

Tendering process for light restaurant equipment

Bruce Shaw Safety Management

Health & Safety Revised Procedures

Cooney Carey

Study of schools transitional difficulties following phasing out of CE Schemes

Datanet Ltd

Feasibility Study on Providing Broadband Connectivity to Schools

Deloitte & Touche/A&L Goodbody

Pilot PPP Education Project (National Maritime College)

Dr Jane Pillinger

For Work on Equality/Diversity booklet

Dr Joe Mc Hugh

Reports on Cork Northside centre for Higher Education

Dr Maeve Martin

Desk study on Montessori teacher qualifications

Eoghan Boyle

Europe at School

Fitzpatrick Associates

Impact Assessment of EU Youth Programme

Giant Accountancy Services

Reading Recovery Study

Indecon Consultants

Interim evaluation of Socrates Programme

IPA

Providing quality service/ Implementation of devolved control

Iseult Mc Carthy

Europe at School

JJ Dwyer & Associates

Review of Partnership in the Department

John Coolahan

Compilation of National Dossier for Eurydice

Josephine O Donnell

Provision of Career Guidance Services to the European Schools

Karen Bacon

Provision of Career Guidance Services to the European Schools

Mazars McIvor

Assessment of staffing requirement of National Adult Learning Council

Michael Collins and Associates

Architectural advice

OECD

Review of Higher Education in Ireland

Precision Marketing Information Ltd

Census of schools — set up and data capture costs

Precision Marketing Information Ltd

Reports from census

Price Waterhouse Cooper

Audit of enrolments and release time scheme in primary schools

Talbot Associates Ltd

Review of supply teacher scheme

Valarie Considine

Accountant in DES

*For the years 2003 — 2006 the figures include some expenditure on contractors categorised as consultancy at the time.

Year 2004*

Total Cost: €981,469.52

Name of consultant

Purpose

Advanced Organisation & Mngt Develop.

Colloquium on Higher Education

Ashby Food Safety Associates Ltd

Catering Services Audit

Butler Group

Evaluation of Project Proposal

Butler Group UK

Ptinum Subscription Service

C Moore & Associates Ltd

Advice re expenditure review initiative on school buildings

Cahill’s Sport Emporium

Preparation of speech material

Carr Communications

Facilitation at official function

Carr Communications

Advice, support & assistance for Your Education System (Y.E.S.) process

Clare Cunningham, Rockfinch Ltd

Council of Europe Report — Language Education Policy Country Profile

Cloncar Consulting International

Election of Teaching Council Members

Coady Partnership Architects

Department of Education & Science Furniture Review

Cynthia Deane — Options Consulting

Preparation of Strategy Statement for NEPS

Datanet Ltd

Assistance to Schools Broadband Steering Group

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Review of the operation of the 2004 Schools Building Programme

Expert Report OECD Study

Attracting, Developing and Retaining Effective Teachers

FarrellGrantSparks/A&L Goodbody

Consultancy Services to achieve contractual and financial close to Cork School of Music PPP Project

FarrellGrantSparks/A&L Goodbody

Value for money assessment for Cork School of Music revised output spec.

Gartner

Evaluation of Project Proposal

Gearoid O Riain

Assist in drafting the Traveller Education Strategy

IPA

Providing quality service/ Implementation of devolved control

John Coolahan

Eurydice Dossier

John Coolahan

OECD Report

Mazars

Finance Unit support

McIver Consultants/Steering Committee

Re-expenditure of ICT Undergraduate Skills Programme

MRBI

Qualitative Depths

MRBI

Postal Survey

MRBI

Customer Service Survey

Polaris Human Resources

Review of Gender Mainstreaming in DES

Precision Marketing Information Ltd

Reports from Census

Softex

Consultancy on Qualitiy Customer Service (QCS) targets

Torlach O Connor

European Year of Education Through Sport

Valarie Considine

Accountant in DES

*For the years 2003 — 2006 the figures include some expenditure on contractors categorised as consultancy at the time.

Year 2005*

Total Cost: €1,135,141.89

Name of consultant

Purpose

A & L Goodbody

Youth Information Provision Review

Advanced Organisation & Mngt Develop.

Colloquium on Higher Education

AMAS

Advice & Guidelines on writing for the web on a restricted website

Archives Consultancy Services Ltd

Record Management Workshops

Barrister-at-Law

Barrister to advise Department

Brid McGrath

Report on the development of a library service in NEPS

Caroline Hussey

Adjudication Panel of Courses

Clare Cunningham, Rockfinch Ltd

Council of Europe Report — Language Education Policy Country Profile

Cloncar Consulting International

Election of Teaching Council Members

Columb Collins

Adjudication Panel of Courses

Cynthia Deane — Options Consulting

Preparation of Strategy Statement for NEPS

Cynthia Deane — Options Consulting

Contracted by the statutory Educational Disadvantage Committee to assist in preparation of its final report

Datanet Ltd

Support & Advice to Schools Broadband Steering Group

Denis Healy

Adjudication Panel of Courses

Dr. Richard Boyle

External Quality Assessor — expenditure review Initiative

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Review of Primary/Post Primary Schools Building Programme 2004

FarrellGrantSparks/A&L Goodbody

Consultancy Service to achieve contractual and financial close to Cork School of Music PPP Project

Insight Statistical Consulting Ltd

Survey Analysis for Primary Inspectorate

Insight Statistical Consulting Ltd

Evaluation of the Impact of ICT on Teaching and Learning in First and Second Level Schools

John Coolahan

UNESCO 11EP Study Visit

John Hayden

Adjudication Panel of Courses

Knowledge Works

Technical Writers to produce Section 15 Reference Manuals

Laurence O Ciarain

NEPS/School Protocol in Grievance Cases

Mazars

Finance Unit Support

Michael Beirne BL

Local Inquiry under Section 105 of VEC Act 1930

McCann Fitzgerald Solicitors

Form of Building Contract for use on Design & Build projects

McIver Consultants

Funding Review of the Youth Sector

McIver Consultants

Market Research for report of Expenditure Review of ICT Undergraduate Skills Programme

MORI Ireland

Customer Survey on behalf of the DES Inspectorate

Theta Eta Advisors Ltd

DES Accounting Review

Torlach O’Connor

Future Objectives National Report

Torlach O’Connor

Local Inquiry under Section 105 of VEC Act 1930

Valarie Considine

Accountant in DES

*For the years 2003 — 2006 the figures include some expenditure on contractors categorised as consultancy at the time.

Year 2006*

Total Cost: €966,094.50

Name of consultant

Purpose

Ms Valarie Considine

Employment of an Accountant

QMP Publicis

Men as Teachers and Educators ad campaign

Indecon International Economic Consultants

Appraisal and Management of Capital Expenditure Proposals in the Public Sector

Mazars

Core Year End & Appropiations Accounts

Farrell Grant Sparks

Cork School of Music PPP project

Arthur Cox & Co

PPP Schools Programme First Bundle

Healy Kelly Turner & Townsend

PPP Schools Programme First Bundle

Columb Collins

Fees re: Adjudication Panel

Caroline Hussey

Fees re: Adjudication Panel

John Hayden

Fees re: Adjudication Panel

St. Patrick’s College Drumcondra

Review of Special Schools and Special Classes

John McBratney Senior Counsel

Recoupment of expenses to carry out an enquiry

Insight Statistical Consulting Limited

Evaluation of ICT Uses in Schools

Brid Mc Grath

Development of a Library Service in NEPS

Clare Mangan

Psychological Assessments in the area of autism

Victor McElfatrick

Care Inspections at Chidren Detention Schools

Marie-Louise Hughes

report re: judicial review on Michael Arnold & Sean Murnane

Pat Ryan

Inquiry under the VEC Acts into performance of a teacher

McDowell Purcell Partnership Solicitors

Fees re: Legal Advice to Pat Ryan

Parthalan O Cealleachair

Fees, T & S re Appeals Committee work

Jim Lyons

Fees, T & S re Appeals Committee work

Elspeth Henderson

Fees, T & S re Appeals Committee work

Dermot Morris

Fees, T & S re Appeals Committee work

Theta Eta Advisors Ltd

Fee re Tom Higgins (external member of Department’s Audit Committee)

A & L Goodbody

Funding Review of the Youth Sector

McIver Consultancy

Youth Information Provision Review

PricewaterhouseCooper

Examination of the application of state funding to MIE for the purpose of Teacher Education nad related services

*For the years 2003 — 2006 the figures include some expenditure on contractors categorised as consultancy at the time.

Year 2007

Total Cost: €517,043.86

Name of consultant

Purpose

System Dynamics Solutions Ltd

Work on Department’s File Registry System

Insight Statistical Consultancy

Analysis of Depart’s Guidance Questionnaire for Senior Cycle Students in Post primary Schools 06/07

Mary Immaculate College

Evaluation of the Regional Curriculum Support Service of the Primary Curriculum Support Programme

Eustace Patterson Ltd

Evaluation of new pilot project re supporting educational needs of students in Youthreach Programme

Phoenix Safety

Risk Assessment & Safety Statement for Marlborough Street complex 20th to 27th Sept 2007 5 days

Horwath Consulting Ireland Ltd

Development of a National English Language Policy & Framework for Legally-Resident adult Immigrants

Indecon

Final Evaluation of the Leonardo and Socrates Programme I

Core International

Upgrading the teacher payroll system

Certification Europe Ltd

Assessment of IT Unit against ISO 27001 — Information Security Management Standard

Deloitte & Touche

Review of the Service Delivery Capacity of the IT Unit

McDowell Purcell Partnership

Legal advice given to consultant carrying out inquiry in accordance with S.105 Vocational Education Act

Eco-Unesco

Research into current Education for Sustainable Development Activities in Ireland and Internationally

OLM Consultancy

Set up Design Safety Management System for Building Unit and advise on new Health & Safety Regulations

Sonas Consulting Ltd

Evaluate traveller education worker employed under School Completion Programme

Road Plan Consulting Limited

Road Safety Audit on schools in Co’s Meath and Limerick

JM Consulting Ltd

Conduct premliminary assessment of submission by Waterford IT re university status

PricewaterhouseCoopers

The Middletown Centre for Autism (joint funded by DES & Dept.of Education NI)

Pat Ryan

Review of the Co-operation Hours Scheme with other institutions which the Dept currently operates

Conor Feeney

Work on Draft Statutory Instrument implementing Professional Qualifications Directive

Maire Uí Mhaicín

Academic review on the ESRU report An Ghaelige sa Bhunscoil

Dr. Nigel Quirke-Bolt

Reading/preparing written report on the ESRU report ICT in Schools; providing oral report to ESRU

Sean McCann

Review of thresholds re award of a higher level of qualification allowance in respect of certain teachers

Professor Iseult McCarthy

Review of thresholds re award of a higher level of qualification allowance in respect of certain teachers

Year 2008 (to end October)

Total Cost: €340,549.90

Name of consultant

Purpose

Professor Iseult McCarthy

Review thresholds re award of higher level qualification allowance for specialist teachers

Sean McCann

Review thresholds re award of higher level qualification allowance for specialist teachers

John McGinty

Review of Co-operation Hours Committee meetings

Patrick Dowling

Review Co-operation hours with other institutions

Insight Statistical Consultancy

Analysis of Dept’s Guidance Questionnaire for Senior Cycle Students in Post primary Schools 2006/2007

Pat Ryan

Review of Co-operation Hours Committee meetings

Arthur O’Hagan Solicitors

Professional fee for Section 105 Inquiry re Peter Gargan 1/01/07 to 25/04/08

Horwath Consulting Ire Ltd

Development of a National English Language Policy & Framework for Legally Resident Adult Immigrants

Eco Unesco

Development of an education for sustainable development strategy

Sean Connolly

Member of Steering Group — Review of Service Delivery Capacity of IT Unit

Deloitte & Touche

Review of the Service Delivery Capacity of the IT Unit

Bearing Point

Learner Database Advisory Project

Centre for Cross Border Studies

Research/report on Southern Postgraduate Students attending NI Higher Ed. Instutions

ESRI

Provide assistance in identifying the geocordinates of a number of outstanding schools

Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd

Programme Evaluator — Schools Broadband Access Programme

Norcontel (Ireland) Ltd

Technical,commercial & financial advice — Schools Broadband Access Programme

Colgan & Associates

Provide research services re set up process for Special Education Appeals Board

Departmental Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

613 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount paid in annual pension and retirement lump sum to each retiring member of staff in his Department over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41208/08]

It is not considered appropriate to supply the names of the retiring staff members as this constitutes personal information within the meaning of the Data Protection Acts, but the pension amounts and lump sums paid to members of staff in my Department who retired in the years 2006, 2007 and to date in 2008 are set out in the following tables.

2006

Officers

Pension

Lump sum

Officer A

38,466.92

115,400.75

Officer B

45,016.44

135,049.32

Officer C

9,670.88

36,532.84

Officer D

22,178.93

59,944.65

Officer E

20,899.95

62,699.84

Officer F

2,279.16

17,093.68

Officer G

44,929.64

134,788.93

Officer H

28,181.51

111,055.85

Officer I

43,511.50

130,534.50

Officer J

43,511.50

130,534.50

Officer K

41,118.50

123,355.50

Officer L

46,870.00

142,984.24

Officer M

53,361.00

160,083.00

Officer N

10,821.30

29,261.71

Officer O

50,543.50

151,630.50

Officer P

7,368.27

22,104.82

Officer Q

22,358.52

67,075.56

Officer R

11,157.25

33,471.45

Officer S

45,940.27

140,101.92

Officer T

12,219.77

36,659.32

Officer U

14,908.00

44,724.00

Officer V

53,361.00

157,878.39

Officer W

1,532.03

11,490.19

Total

670,205.84

2,054,455.38

2007

Officers

Pension

Lump sum

Officer A

53,361.00

160,083.00

Officer B

2,274.95

20,182.14

Officer C

48,437.91

145,313.73

Officer D

3,903.78

29,821.02

Officer E

47,633.81

142,266.55

Officer F

45,713.50

137,140.50

Officer G

37,456.89

112,370.67

Officer H

19,193.04

61,153.65

Officer I

4,118.50

132,837.00

Officer J

4,329.38

12,934.12

Officer K

51,241.06

153,723.18

Officer L

54,428.00

163,284.00

Officer M

3,845.51

22,100.79

Officer N

23,990.00

71,970.00

Officer O

47,681.50

143,044.50

Officer P

29,069.50

87,208.50

Officer Q

8,943.13

26,829.39

Officer R

2,350.93

17,625.70

Total

487,972.39

1,639,888.44

2008

Officers

Pension

Lump sum

Officer A

54,603.67

163,811.01

Officer B

5,374.13

16,122.40

Officer C

47,510.65

142,531.92

Officer D

49,677.08

147,048.83

Officer E

18,491.35

55,474.04

Officer F

41,140.60

123,421.79

Officer G

7,724.95

23,174.85

Officer H

40,051.55

122,928.95

Officer I

5,739.78

23,463.43

Officer J

54,199.31

162,597.93

Officer K

9,093.12

38,608.74

Officer L

10,995.87

43,982.77

Officer M

39,433.69

123,297.07

Officer N

48,028.00

144,084.00

Officer O

45,386.00

136,158.00

Officer P

44,011.00

132,033.00

Officer Q

27,835.00

83,505.00

Officer R

13,444.65

40,333.94

Officer S

25,028.19

86,073.50

Officer T

55,788.50

166,509.57

Officer U

35,767.08

104,533.00

Officer V

37,814.50

113,037.89

Officer W

12,731.75

23,277.82

Officer X

9,244.25

19,446.10

Officer Y

32,782.73

98,348.19

Total

771,897.40

2,333,803.74

School Staffing.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

614 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41316/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

615 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41317/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

616 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41318/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

617 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41319/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

618 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41320/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

625 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41327/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

626 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41328/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

627 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41329/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

628 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41330/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

629 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41331/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

630 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41332/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

631 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41333/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

632 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41334/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

634 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41336/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

635 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41337/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

636 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41338/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

637 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41339/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

638 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41340/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

639 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41341/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

640 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41342/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

641 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41343/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

642 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41344/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

643 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41345/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

644 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41346/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

645 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41347/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 614 to 618, inclusive, 625 to 632, inclusive, and 634 to 645, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Questions Nos. 619 to 624, inclusive, answered with Question No. 591.
Questions Nos. 625 to 632, inclusive, answered with Question No. 614.
Question No. 633 answered with Question No. 599.
Questions Nos. 634 to 645, inclusive, answered with Question No. 614.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

646 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41348/08]

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. While the education sector was protected to a much greater extent than other areas of public expenditure, it is also affected. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget Day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009. That said it should be noted that the recent budgetary announcements do not affect the criteria used for the allocation of teaching resources to the school in question. Likewise, while I appreciate that the abolition of a range of grants may have some impact on funding to the school in question, it should be noted that this school is funded on an annual budget system which is used to meet the costs of expenditure for pay costs in the case of non-teaching staff, and also the day-to-day running costs. The school furnishes my Department with an estimate of its budgetary requirements for the year. The school's budget is determined on the basis of the previous year's spending, taking into account such things as incremental progression and any increases due under national pay agreements in pay expenditure and inflation in relation to non-pay expenditure. This process will commence shortly for the 2009 calendar year. With regard to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, it is not possible to compile this in the time available but I have asked my officials to send this directly to him as soon as possible.

Questions Nos. 647 to 652, inclusive, answered with Question No. 599.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

653 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41355/08]

It is not possible to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy in the time available but I have asked my officials to send this to him directly as soon as possible. However, I can say that the recent budgetary announcements do not affect the criteria used for the allocation of teaching resources to the school in question. Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions were outlined in the Budget day announcements and included the abolition of a number of specialist grants for primary and post-primary schools.

We are committed to investing in education but we have to invest at a level that is consistent with what we can afford and what is sustainable at the moment given economic circumstances. Overall some €20 million has been allocated to improving the capitation and ancillary funding for schools.

While I appreciate that the abolition of a range of grants will make it a challenging year ahead, most of the available funding was used to increase the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level to €200 per pupil. The increases in the enhanced rates for special needs pupils in special classes and special schools brings the top rate up to almost €1,000 per pupil. I clearly will want to improve funding as soon as circumstances permit and I am anxious to make the capitation grant mechanism the single funding channel rather than have disparate grant schemes, thereby giving schools more flexibility and discretion on how to target funding to the school's own priorities based on its knowledge and understanding of the needs of the students it serves. There is the added advantage that administration and accounting can be reduced for schools and my Department. The Budget measures will help ensure that Ireland is well positioned to benefit when the global economy improves and we can start to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

654 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41356/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

655 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41357/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

656 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41358/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

657 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41359/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

658 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41360/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

659 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41361/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

660 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41362/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

661 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41363/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

662 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41364/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

663 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41365/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

664 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41366/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

665 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41367/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

666 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41368/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

667 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41369/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

669 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41371/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

670 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41372/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

675 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41377/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

676 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41378/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

677 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41379/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

678 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41380/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

679 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41381/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

680 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41382/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

681 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41383/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

682 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41384/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

683 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41385/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 654 to 667, inclusive, 669, 670 and 675 to 683, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Question No. 668 answered with Question No. 591.

Questions Nos. 669 and 670 answered with Question No. 654.

Questions Nos. 671 to 674, inclusive, answered with Question No. 591.

Questions Nos. 675 to 683, inclusive, answered with Question No. 654.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

684 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41386/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

685 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41387/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

686 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41388/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

687 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41389/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

688 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41390/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

689 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41391/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

690 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41392/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

691 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41393/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

692 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41394/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

693 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41395/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

694 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41396/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

695 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41397/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

696 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41398/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

697 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41399/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

698 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41400/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

699 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41401/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

700 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41402/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

701 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41403/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

702 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41404/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

703 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41405/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

704 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41406/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

705 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41407/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

706 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41408/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

707 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41409/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

708 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41410/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 684 to 708, inclusive, together.

The 2009 budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. While the education sector was protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, it could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009. My Department will advise individual schools in the normal way of their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009-10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

709 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41411/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

710 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41412/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

711 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41413/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

712 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41414/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

713 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41415/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

714 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41416/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

715 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41417/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

716 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41418/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

717 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41419/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

718 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41420/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

719 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41421/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

720 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41422/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

721 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41423/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

722 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41424/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

723 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41425/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

724 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41426/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

725 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41427/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

726 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41428/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

727 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41429/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

728 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41430/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

729 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41431/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

730 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41432/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

731 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41433/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

732 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41434/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

733 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41435/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

734 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-07 and to date in the school term 2007-08; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-10; the projections for this school in the 2009-10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41436/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 709 to 734, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme. I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Questions Nos. 735 to 741, inclusive, answered with Question No. 596.

Questions Nos. 742 to 744, inclusive, answered with Question No. 591.

Questions Nos. 745 to 757, inclusive, answered with Question No. 596.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

758 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41460/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

762 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41464/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

763 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41465/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

764 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41466/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

765 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41467/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

768 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41470/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

771 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41473/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

775 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41477/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

781 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41483/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

782 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41484/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

784 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41486/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

785 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41487/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

786 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41488/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

787 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41489/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

788 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41490/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

789 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41491/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

790 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41492/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

791 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41493/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

792 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41494/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

793 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41495/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

794 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41496/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

795 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41497/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

796 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41498/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

797 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41499/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

798 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41500/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 758, 762 to 765, inclusive, 768, 771, 775, 781, 782 and 784 to 798, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Questions Nos. 759 to 761, inclusive, answered with Question No. 596.
Questions Nos. 762 to 765, inclusive, answered with Question No. 758.
Questions Nos. 766 and 767 answered with Question No. 591.
Question No. 768 answered with Question No. 758.
Questions Nos. 769 and 770 answered with Question No. 591.
Question No. 771 answered with Question No. 758.
Questions Nos. 772 to 774, inclusive, answered with Question No. 591.
Question No. 775 answered with Question No. 758.
Questions Nos. 776 to 780, inclusive, answered with Question No. 591.
Questions Nos. 781 and 782 answered with Question No. 758.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

783 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the school term 2007-2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009-2010; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41485/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

874 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41576/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 783 and 874 together.

The recent budgetary announcements do not affect the criteria used for the allocation of additional teaching and care resources for children with special educational needs. My Department interacts with more than 3,200 primary schools, including special schools, on many day to day issues including their staffing allocation and grant payments. It is not possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy at individual school level given the inordinate amount of time it would take and balanced against the many other competing demands on my Department's resources.

Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions were outlined in the Budget day announcements and included the abolition of a number of specialist grants for primary and post-primary schools. We are committed to investing in education but we have to invest at a level that is consistent with what we can afford and what is sustainable at the moment given economic circumstances. Overall some €20 million has been allocated to improving the capitation and ancillary funding for schools.

In relation to day-to-day funding for schools, I prioritised the funding for primary schools in particular recognising the submissions made by the management bodies. The Education Budget for 2009 has provided for improvements to the overall level of day to day funding for primary schools which will see funding increase from €167 million in 2008 to almost €190 million in 2009.

While I appreciate that the abolition of a range of grants will make it a challenging year ahead most of the available funding was used to increase the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level to €200 per pupil. The increases in the enhanced rates for special needs pupils in special classes and special schools brings the top rate up to almost €1,000 per pupil. I clearly will want to improve funding as soon as circumstances permit and I am anxious to make the capitation grant mechanism the single funding channel rather than have a plethora of grant schemes, thereby giving schools more flexibility and discretion on how to target funding to the school's own priorities based on its knowledge and understanding of the needs of the students it serves. There is the added advantage that administration and accounting can be reduced for schools and my Department.

The Budget measures will help ensure that Ireland is well positioned to benefit when the global economy improves and we can start to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.

Questions Nos. 784 to 798, inclusive, answered with Question No. 758.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

799 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41501/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

800 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41502/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

801 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41503/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

802 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41504/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

803 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41505/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

804 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41506/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

805 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41507/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

806 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41508/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

807 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41509/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

808 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41510/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

809 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41511/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

810 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41512/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

811 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41513/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

812 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41514/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

813 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41515/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

814 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41516/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

815 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41517/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

817 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41519/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

818 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41520/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

819 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41521/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

820 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, the changes he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006-2007 and to date in the 2007-2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009-2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009-2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41522/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 799 to 815, inclusive, and 817 to 820, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

816 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41518/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

821 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41523/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

822 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41524/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

823 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41525/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

824 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41526/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

825 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41527/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

826 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41528/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

827 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41529/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

828 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41530/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

837 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41539/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

839 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41541/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

840 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41542/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

841 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41543/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

842 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41544/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

848 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41550/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

849 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41551/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

850 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41552/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

851 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41553/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

852 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41554/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

853 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41555/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

854 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41556/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

855 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41557/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

856 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41558/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

857 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41559/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

858 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/07 and to date in the 2007/08 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/10 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/10 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41560/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 816, 821 to 828, inclusive, 837, 839 to 842, inclusive, and 848 to 858, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand. At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Questions Nos. 817 to 820, inclusive, answered with Question No. 799.
Questions Nos. 821 to 828, inclusive, answered with Question No. 816.
Questions Nos. 829 to 836, inclusive, answered with Question No. 591.
Questions No. 837 answered with Question No. 816.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

838 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41540/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

859 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41561/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

860 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41562/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

861 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41563/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

862 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41564/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

863 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41565/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

864 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41566/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

865 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41567/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

866 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41568/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

867 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41569/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

868 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41570/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

869 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41571/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

870 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41572/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

871 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41573/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

872 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41574/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

873 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41575/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

875 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41577/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

876 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 educational budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the 2007/2008 school term; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the 2009/2010 school year; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41578/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

878 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41580/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

879 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41581/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

880 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41582/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

881 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41583/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

882 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41584/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

889 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41591/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

890 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41592/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 838, 859 to 873, inclusive, 875, 876, 878 to 882, inclusive, 889 and 890 together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Questions Nos. 839 to 842, inclusive, answered with Question No. 816.
Questions Nos. 843 to 847, inclusive, answered with Question No. 591.
Questions Nos. 848 to 858, inclusive, answered with Question No. 816.
Questions Nos. 859 to 873, inclusive, answered with Question No. 838.
Question No. 874 answered with Question No. 783.
Questions Nos. 875 and 876 answered with Question No. 838.
Question No. 877 answered with Question No. 591.
Questions Nos. 878 to 882, inclusive, answered with Question No. 838.
Questions Nos. 883 to 888, inclusive, answered with Question No. 591.
Questions Nos. 889 and 890 answered with Question No. 838.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

891 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41593/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

892 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41594/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

893 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41595/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

894 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41596/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

895 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41597/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

896 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41598/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

897 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41599/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

898 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41600/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

899 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41601/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

900 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41602/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

901 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41603/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

902 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41604/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

903 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41605/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

904 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41606/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

905 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41607/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

906 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41608/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

907 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41609/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

908 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41610/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

909 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41611/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

910 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41612/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

911 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41613/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

912 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41614/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

913 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41615/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

914 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41616/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

915 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41617/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 891 to 915, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

916 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41618/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

917 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41619/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

918 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41620/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

919 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41621/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

920 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41622/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

921 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41623/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

922 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41624/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

923 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41625/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

924 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41626/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

925 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41627/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

926 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41628/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

927 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41629/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

928 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41630/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

929 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41631/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

930 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41632/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

931 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41633/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

932 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41634/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

933 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41635/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

934 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41636/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

935 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41637/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

936 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41638/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

937 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41639/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

938 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41640/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

939 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41641/08]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

940 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the changes, following the recently announced changes for the 2009 education budget, he anticipates to the staffing levels of a school (details supplied) in County Cork; the grants paid to this school for the school term 2006/2007 and to date in the school term 2007/2008; the changes in grants and funding he anticipates for the school year 2009/2010; the projections for this school in the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41642/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 916 to 940, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the Budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

My Department will be advising individual schools in the normal way in relation to their staffing and grant allocations. The preparatory work for this has commenced with the processing of enrolment data that has been received from schools. The staffing allocation processes including notification to schools will commence early in the New Year. The allocation process includes appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. In addition to the mainstream classroom teachers my Department also allocates teaching resources to schools for special needs and language support. The final allocation to a school is also a function of the operation of the redeployment panels which provide for the retention of a teacher in an existing school if a new post is not available within the agreed terms of the scheme.

I have no difficulty in setting out for this House or for the public generally the overall changes on aggregate teacher numbers or on grant levels in schools for the 2009/10 school year. I will do this when the allocation processes have been completed. Furthermore the staffing schedule will be published and it is a transparent and clear way of ensuring that schools are treated consistently and fairly and know where they stand.

At this time the priority for my Department within the resources available to it is to carry out those processes in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to compile either historic information or to create staffing or funding profiles for all of the individual schools requested by the Deputy, information which at this time could only be speculative, could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

School Management.

David Stanton

Question:

941 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on schools requesting voluntary contributions from parents in order to fund day to day expenses in the running costs of schools; the amount collected each year, nationally, by way of voluntary contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41653/08]

Voluntary contributions by parents of pupils in recognised primary schools are permissible provided it is made absolutely clear to parents that there is no question of compulsion to pay and that, in making a contribution, they are doing so of their own volition. The manner in which such voluntary contributions are sought and collected is a matter for school management, however their collection should be such as not to create a situation where either parents or pupils could reasonably infer that the contributions take on a compulsory character.

In relation to day to day funding for schools I prioritised funding for primary schools in the recent budget. While I appreciate that the abolition of a range of grants will make it a challenging year ahead most of the available funding was used to increase the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level to €200 per pupil. The increases in the enhanced rates for special needs pupils in special classes and special schools brings the top rate up to almost €1,000 per pupil. While I clearly will want to improve funding as soon as circumstances permit, I am anxious to make the capitation grant mechanism the single funding channel for schools, thereby giving schools more flexibility and discretion on how to target funding to the school's own priorities based on its knowledge and understanding of the needs of the students it serves. There is the added advantage that administration and accounting can be reduced for schools and my Department.

Educational Disadvantage.

David Stanton

Question:

942 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the estimated cost of school books at primary and post primary respectively; the amount his Department plans to make available in the 2008/2009 school year to help families with the cost of school books; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41654/08]

Notwithstanding the increase of €302 million in the Education budget for 2009, which is a real achievement in the current economic climate, a number of tough and difficult decisions had to be taken. These decisions included reductions on the aid for school books scheme which in the case of schools outside of the DEIS scheme will involve savings of approximately €7.5 million on current levels.

Approximately €7 million was made available in 2008 to DEIS schools for the aid for school books scheme and this fund of €7 million will be made available for distribution to schools in the DEIS programme in 2009.

David Stanton

Question:

943 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals that have been developed by the early years education policy unit of his Department in relation to the early education provisions strand of DEIS; the estimated costs of such proposals; the timescales for implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41655/08]

Within DEIS, the commitment given to Early Years education is that "The Department will work in partnership with other departments and agencies to complement and add value to existing childcare programmes in disadvantaged communities, with a view to ensuring that the overall care and education needs of the children concerned are met in an integrated manner." My Department is working with agencies funded through the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to improve the quality of childcare and education in DEIS pre-school areas and to work with these agencies on prioritising disadvantaged areas.

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