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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Mar 2009

Vol. 678 No. 2

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 9 to 43, inclusive resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 44 to 51, inclusive, answered orally.

Sheep Sector.

Michael Noonan

Question:

52 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he plans to take to regenerate the ailing sheep industry in view of the continued reduction in sheep numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11959/09]

Bobby Aylward

Question:

54 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans to support the sheep industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11865/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

55 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will implement the Malone report on the sheep industry in full; his timetable for the implementation of its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37548/08]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 54 and 55 together.

The sheep sector is a valuable part of the overall agri-food sector and its future depends on its ability to meet the needs of the market.

Following on from the recent CAP Health Check, I received a number of submissions regarding possible future support for this sector. One of my primary objectives in the Health Check Negotiations was to obtain access to unspent funds within the EU's agriculture budget for use by Member States with a wide range of discretion. This was achieved in the final deal and, as a result, Ireland will receive additional funds amounting to approximately €7 million in 2009 (from the National Reserve) and €29 million in subsequent years, to fund measures that are targeted at specific sectors in need of assistance.

I announced yesterday my decision to use the €7 million available this year on a new Uplands Sheep Payment. In reaching my decision, I recognised the difficulties and costs, including compliance costs, facing this sector. I also wanted to ensure that this aid would not create any additional administrative burden for hill sheep farmers. Subject to Commission approval, payments will commence on 1 December 2009, the first date that payments can commence under the EU Regulations. Based on the estimated National Reserve funds for 2009 and the eligible area declared by farmers in 2008, approximately 14,000 hill sheep farmers will benefit from this payment. The aid will be payable on mountain type grazing land up to a maximum of 15 hectares and based on the data available for 2008, it is estimated that the level of aid will be €35 per hectare and a maximum payment per farmer of €525. This measure is solely for 2009. A decision on the use of the unspent CAP funds and modulation monies from 2010 onwards, will be made when further information is available on the detailed rules that will apply to these measures. The EU Commission will shortly table its proposals for the detailed rules for the use of the unused funds and it is expected that they will be finalised in May/June of this year. It is important that these funds are used efficiently for the development of Irish agriculture. All sectors, including, in particular, both hill and lowland sheep production, will be considered in this regard.

This new support will complement the action taken on foot of the report of the Sheep Industry Strategy Development Group. That report set the blueprint for the sector's future development. While most of the Group's recommendations are to be implemented by the industry itself, a number of them fall within the remit of my Department and the state agencies under its aegis. The current position regarding the implementation of these recommendations is as follows:

A new company called ‘Sheep Ireland' which will take over the Department's current breed improvement programme has been established to develop a new programme. An interim Sheep Board, comprising representatives of farming organisations and breeders has been established to oversee this process, with the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation (ICBF) providing the technical and professional service required.

My Department secured European Commission approval for a new supplementary measure in REPS 4 promoting mixed grazing of cattle and sheep. Under this supplementary measure a farmer can qualify for an annual payment of up to €1000 in addition to his or her basic REPS payment.

A trial to examine the feasibility of mechanical carcase classification for lamb was conducted last year. The results of this trial are being analysed. It is hoped that the system will allow for the accurate and objective mechanical classification of lamb carcases and will gain universal industry support. This would aid greatly in price transparency, which is a pre-requisite for efforts to improve quality and respond to the needs of the market.

The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established in 2007. This Scheme which is operated by Bord Bia, now has 7000 participants and it is hoped to increase the participation rate during the current year.

Bord Bia has intensified its efforts to promote lamb on home and export markets. Together with its UK and French counterparts it is part of a generic promotion campaign on the important French market.

Teagasc have developed a comprehensive plan to restructure their sheep support services, including a programme for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which include hill and lowland areas. This approach will provide an opportunity to develop a dialogue with sheep farmers about the application of the latest management practices to their enterprises and to identify research and development needs.

The actions being taken by my Department and the state agencies under its aegis are in addition to those being taken by the Industry. While such actions are continuous in nature and do not have a strict timeframe, I remain confident that they will help to underpin a viable future for the sector.

The sheep sector benefits significantly from the main schemes operated by my Department — the Single Farm Payment, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and REPS. In addition, Bord Bia will spend some €1m on the promotion of sheep and lamb at home and abroad in 2009 and Teagasc has allocated around €1.5m for 2009 on sheep research activities.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

53 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a decision has been made on the allocation of additional funds in 2009 and €29 million in subsequent years from the national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12005/09]

I announced yesterday that unused funds available in 2009 from the Single Farm Payment National Reserve would be paid to hill sheep farmers in the form of an Uplands Sheep Payment. The amount in question is approximately €7million in 2009. These funds have become available as a result of a request by myself, supported by a number of my counterparts from other Member States, in the context of the Health Check negotiations, for the facility to use unspent funds from the national Single Farm Payment ceilings to fund measures targeted at specific sectors in need of assistance.

Under the Scheme I announced yesterday and based on the eligible area declared by farmers in 2008, approximately 14,000 hill sheep farmers will benefit from the new payment this year. On the basis of data available for 2008, I estimate that the level of aid will be of the order of €35 per hectare with a maximum payment of €525 per farmer. Payments will commence on 1 December 2009.

In introducing this payment my main objective was to address the difficulties and specific costs, including compliance costs, facing the sheep sector. In reaching my decision I was mindful of the need to ensure that it created no additional burden for farmers and was simple and low cost to administer.

This payment, for which I sought and secured the agreement of the Commission, is for 2009 alone. I will make a decision on the use of unspent CAP funds from 2010 onwards when further information is available on the detailed EU rules that will apply. I understand that the Commission will bring forward its proposals in this regard very shortly and they will be adopted in May/June of this year.

Questions Nos. 54 and 55 answered with Question No. 52.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

56 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of submissions that were received on the proposed usage of the €120 million in additional modulation funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12006/09]

My Department has received thirty eight submissions relating to the proposed usage of €120 million in additional modulation funds. Under the Health Check agreement these modulation funds will be allocated to Ireland's Rural Development Programme over a four year period beginning in 2010. This funding may only be spent on measures addressing the new and ongoing challenges of climate change adaptation and mitigation, renewable energies, water management, biodiversity, innovation measures relating to these areas and the restructuring of the dairy sector. Submissions received cover a broad area including agri environment measures, energy crops, forestry, the dairy sector and environmental projects in rural communities.

I am currently considering how these funds can be used to optimum effect to develop Irish agriculture within the terms laid down in the EU regulations and having regard to the current budgetary constraints. All submissions received will be examined carefully and will be a useful input to the decisions on these matters. Ireland's Rural Development Programme must be revised to incorporate the additional funding and submitted to the EU Commission by the end of June 2009.

Grant Payments.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

57 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delays in REP scheme four payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11984/09]

The total number of applications for REPS 4 received in 2007 and 2008 was 12,292. As of today, REPS 4 payments have been made to 6,194 applicants or just over 50% of the total. These payments amount to some €20.5 million.

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments each year. The first payment, of 75%, could be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme were completed. These included checks on areas and on the plan details. My Department's controls have to satisfy stringent EU regulatory and audit requirements to guarantee the significant EU co-funding for the scheme.

Many REPS 4 plans were prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. The information on these plans is in computerised format and it was necessary to develop an appropriate computer based control system for checking these plans. This was a lengthy process and the system was not available until late autumn. However a substantial minority of plans submitted were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming. An effect of industrial action in my Department's local offices last year was that this process was delayed.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January 2009 to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Joe Costello

Question:

58 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four farmers who have not been paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11987/09]

The total number of applications for REPS 4 received in 2007 and 2008 was 12,292. As of today, REPS 4 payments have been made to 6,194 applicants or just over 50% of the total. These payments amount to some €20.5 million.

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments each year. The first payment, of 75%, could be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme were completed. These included checks on areas and on the plan details and the requirements are far more exhaustive than under previous schemes. My Department's controls have to satisfy stringent EU regulatory and audit requirements.

Many REPS 4 plans were prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. The information on these plans is in computerised format and it was necessary to develop an appropriate computer based control system for checking these plans. This was a lengthy process and the system was not available until late autumn. However a substantial minority of plans submitted were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming. An effect of industrial action in my Department's local offices last year was that this process was delayed.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January 2009 to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Agri-Food Sector.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

59 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the future stability of the agriculture industry in view of the downward trend in the availability of agricultural educational courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter [11923/09]

While the Irish agri-food sector operates in a global market that is currently experiencing unprecedented change, I am optimistic about its long–term future stability. Despite the well documented challenges in the global market, I believe that our indigenous industry has the potential to boost export returns and approach €10 billion in annual export revenues by 2011, as has been targeted by Bord Bia. The strongest growth potential exists in dairy, prepared foods, beef, alcoholic beverages and seafood sectors.

This Government is strongly committed to continued support for the sector to meet the challenges and avail of the opportunities arising from on-going changes and developments in the international economic climate. Action has been taken at all levels of the food supply chain in accordance with the Agri-Vision 2015 Report and the Programme for Government. At primary production level these include:

Major on-farm investment in infrastructure, including waste management;

A new Milk Quota Trading Scheme, which provides a more open market system of quota transfer and will increase the efficiency and competitiveness of milk production;

An Enhanced Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) to promote environmentally friendly agricultural production;

A suckler cow welfare scheme, the first of its type in Europe, to enable the beef sector meet consumer demands for animal welfare friendly beef production;

The Single Farm Payment Scheme, which supports farm incomes, ensures sustainable agricultural production meeting broader societal demands;

Measures to develop a sustainable forestry sector to support rural employment provide an indigenous renewable energy source and help mitigate climate change.

At the food industry Processing Level:

The Dairy Investment Fund, amounting to €100 million exchequer funds, will generate total capital investment in processing of almost €300 million. The Fund reflects the Government's recognition of the need for growth in output and value-added in dairy products particularly in order to exploit the new opportunities presented by EU quota expansion.

Beef and Sheepmeat Investment Fund: A Capital Investment Aid Scheme for the beef and sheepmeat primary processing sectors was launched in April 2007, with the aims of achieving efficiencies in processing and improving market sustainability, competitiveness and added value. The process of examination and evaluation of project proposals under this scheme has been completed and Enterprise Ireland is in contact with companies about the details of awards.

The Prepared Consumer Foods Initiative will provide around €30m over the next five years to progressive companies in the prepared consumer food sector through Enterprise Ireland's R&D and Growth funds.

Supporting Innovation, Marketing and Research and Development: Bord Bia has received increased funding in recent years to support the marketing of Irish foodstuffs and the development of Quality Assurance Schemes. The planned transfer of responsibility for seafood from BIM to Bord Bia will enhance the marketing of seafood under the "Ireland the Sustainable Food Island" banner.

Addressing the industry's capacity to compete successfully at home and overseas has assumed a new urgency and my belief is that a new development plan for the period to 2020 is required to maintain the impetus gained from the Agri-Vision 2015 strategy. My Department has already started the preparatory work on this plan which is focusing on the opportunities arising from growing international food and energy crop markets, the challenges from the global economic downturn, currency fluctuations, climate change and the critical issue of competitiveness.

The provision of education and training in agriculture is, under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988, the responsibility of Teagasc. It is for that organisation to ensure that the educational courses provided are appropriate to the needs of the industry.

Aquaculture Development.

Simon Coveney

Question:

60 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the interpretation of EU directives is posing a threat to the future of mussel fishing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11911/09]

It is part of my role as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to support the sustainable development of the mussel fishing industry which is important to many coastal communities. At all times in my actions as Minister I am bound by national and EU law and in particular by the judgements made by the European Court of Justice.

In December 2007, the European Court of Justice found that Ireland was not in compliance with the Birds Directive in relation to aquaculture developments. This judgement also had similar implications for the wild fisheries. In essence, the judgement was saying that an ‘appropriate assessment' must be undertaken before aquaculture/fishing activities can be undertaken in any site identified as a Natura site under the Birds and Habitats Directives where they are likely to have a significant effect on the site. Over the past year, my Department in cooperation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government have been in negotiations with the European Commission on how we can work towards full compliance. A Roadmap document which I am currently finalising with my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government will be presented to the European Commission in the very near future. I am hopeful that with the Commission's agreement we can adopt an approach that leads to full compliance with the Birds and Habitats Directives while providing for the sustainable development of the fishing and aquaculture industries.

Pigmeat Sector.

Alan Shatter

Question:

61 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on reports that retailers are continuing to demand that suppliers pay them for lost profit arising from the pork dioxin recall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11971/09]

The retail sector played a very important role in the actions taken through the supply chain to restore consumer confidence following the dioxin incident. The main priority was to get product back on the shelves with as little discontinuity as possible and the prompt action of the retail trade in this regard contributed greatly to achieving this.

The primary purpose of the contingency fund established by my Department was to remove and render potentially contaminated product. It was intended to provide financial assistance to processors for loss of product and so ensure continuity of supply. My Department has met with retailers to brief them on the scope of the financial assistance approved for EU state aid purposes which does not cover loss of profit at retail level.

I am disappointed at reports of a small number of retailers seeking to charge suppliers for profits lost during the period. My Department does not have a statutory role in relation to what are effectively contractual relationships between retail buyers and their suppliers but has pointed out the extent of the financial assistance scheme and sought the cooperation of all stakeholders in the food chain including the retailers.

Grant Payments.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

62 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that has been made with regard to REP scheme four applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11936/09]

The total number of applications for REPS 4 received in 2007 and 2008 was 12,292. As of today, REPS 4 payments have been made to 6,194 applicants or just over 50% of the total. These payments amount to some €20.5 million.

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments each year. The first payment, of 75%, could be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme were completed. These included checks on areas and on the plan details. My Department's controls have to satisfy stringent EU regulatory and audit requirements.

Many REPS 4 plans were prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. The information on these plans is in computerised format and it was necessary to develop an appropriate computer based control system for checking these plans. This was a lengthy process and the system was not available until late autumn. However a substantial minority of plans submitted were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming. An effect of industrial action in my Department's local offices last year was that this process was delayed.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January 2009 to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Departmental Expenditure.

Liz McManus

Question:

63 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the grant aid agreed during budget 2009 will be upheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11997/09]

In the light of the deterioration in the public finances, and in the context of the Supplementary Budget scheduled for 7th April 2009, the Government is currently reviewing of all public expenditure and taxation measures, including my Department's budget for the coming year.

The outcome of that review will be reflected in the 2009 Revised Estimates Volume to be published following the Budget.

Dairy Sector.

Johnny Brady

Question:

64 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether further supports to assist the dairy sector here are justified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11870/09]

Ulick Burke

Question:

76 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on his recent meeting with Commissioner Fischer Boel; if he will elaborate on his plans for the future development of the dairy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11900/09]

John Cregan

Question:

82 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the efforts he has made to secure supports for the dairy sector here in view of the dairy market situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11879/09]

Johnny Brady

Question:

110 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will raise the difficulties in the dairy sector here at the forthcoming meeting of the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11869/09]

John Cregan

Question:

112 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the outcome of his recent meeting with Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel in relation to the dairy sector here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11880/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64, 76, 82, 110 and 112 together.

We have an unprecedented situation in the dairy sector at present and the outlook for dairy markets in the short term is poor. Following historically high prices in 2007 and early 2008 a market correction is now taking place and there is the added complication of the credit crunch. These two factors have put an enormous burden on the sector and resulted in a slump in demand.

I have maintained close contact with Commissioner Fischer Boel regarding the need for appropriate action to support the market. The Commission responded initially with the early introduction of Private Storage Aid for butter and with the reintroduction of export refunds in January. In addition the Commissioner gave a commitment to continue intervention for butter and skimmed milk powder under the tendering arrangements once the fixed limits were reached. These were welcome developments and well judged at the time.

I met the Commissioner in Brussels on the 11th of March to discuss developments and explore the options open to us. In particular I had two main issues to press her on. The first was the need to buy butter into intervention at prices close to the fixed price level. The second was to stress the need to export larger quantities of butter and skimmed milk powder to international markets. I am pleased to report very positive progress on both these key points. At last week's management committee meeting it was agreed to purchase a total of 6,665 tonnes of butter into intervention at levels very close to the intervention price. This is a very important development. In addition to this, increased quantities of butter and skimmed milk powder were granted export refunds at the same meeting. In fact, the volumes supported with export refunds last week were almost equivalent to the combined totals of the three previous tenders. This is a very welcome improvement and should help bring stability to the market.

I am encouraged by this progress in the use of EU support measures and I believe we have made some steps towards stabilising the market. However, there is still room for improvement and the Commission's role in managing the market is crucial.

At yesterday's meeting of the Council of Ministers there was a debate about the unprecedented situation in the dairy sector at present and the short term outlook for dairy markets. I informed my colleagues that in Ireland we are entering a period of abundant supplies and the levels at which refunds and intervention function will be critical to the speed at which we emerge from the current slump. While I was encouraged by recent developments in community support, I urged a short sharp utilisation of the market management measures to get the market back to equilibrium as quickly as possible. It is clear to me that the elements that will lead this recovery are competitive refunds that allow the sale of dairy products onto world markets in considerable quantities and the continuation of intervention under the tendering mechanism provided that these arrangements remain relatively attractive.

I expressed the view that there is a long way to go before we can see the market again performing at its optimum level and that achieving this is critical so that our industry at all levels continues to do sustainable business and build for the future. There was a general consensus on the need to utilise all the market supports and I will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Fishing Fleet Modernisation.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

65 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a progress report on the delivery of the EU Commission fisheries fuel aid package agreed in July 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11947/09]

The fisheries fuel aid package referred to is the EU Regulation 744/2008 instituting a temporary specific action aiming to promote the restructuring of the European Community fishing fleets affected by the high fuel prices. This was introduced to mitigate against the impacts that the escalating fuel prices had on the European fishing fleet in 2008.

Recent developments in the global fuel market have resulted in cheaper fuel and a subsequent easing of the pressures on fishermen. The crisis however did highlight areas within our fleet that needed further attention.

Ireland's response to the adoption of the package of emergency measures was to submit a detailed, costed set of proposals to the EU Commission on 12th September 2008. In keeping with our previous and consistent stance on the matter, and supported by the Commission's policy document of 8 July 2008, these proposals sought additional EU funding of €32m to support the restructuring of the fishing fleet in line with the provisions of EU Regulation 744/2008.

We have pursued and continue to actively pursue the case at both Council and Commission level. The Irish Plan was the subject of a lengthy bilateral meeting at official level with the European Commission in Brussels on the 30th September. At that meeting the current situation of the Irish Fishing industry was outlined to the Commission and it was made clear that the Plan cannot be implemented unless the Commission secures and allocates the necessary funding to Ireland.

I have continued to press for Commission proposals to enable the implementation of the plan in Ireland at an early date. The Commission's stated position is for Member States to re-engineer their Fisheries Operational Programmes to give priorities to the new measures catered for in the emergency package. This is not an option for Ireland as we have already committed €32m of our total EFF allocation to the current decommissioning scheme which does not allow for any further flexibility with the remaining measures proposed. We will continue to push Ireland's case at every available forum with a view to the Commission bringing forward firm proposals to provide additional funds that will enable the full implementation of the plan.

Animal Feedstuffs.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

66 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all the pigs and cattle have been removed from those farms that received potentially contaminated feed from the County Carlow recycling plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11883/09]

Movement restrictions were placed on 22 cattle farms to which contaminated feed was supplied. In addition, restrictions were placed on a further 14 farms for further testing. Positive results were found for 4 of these farms. Arising from this, all cattle who had, or were suspected of having, come into contact with the contaminated feed have been slaughtered.

In the case of pigs, movement restrictions were placed on 17 farms. All the pigs on these farms have been slaughtered, with the exception of the pigs remaining on 1 holding. This is due to the fact that under EU transport regulations sows within 2 weeks of farrowing and young piglets cannot be transported for slaughter. It is expected that these remaining animals will be slaughtered over the coming days.

I wish to place on the record my appreciation to the farmers involved for the co-operation afforded to my officials in this regard.

World Trade Negotiations.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

67 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions he has had in relation to future World Trade Organisation agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11913/09]

The current position in regard to the WTO negotiations is that talks are stalled following the failure to reach agreement at the Ministerial meeting last July and the decision to defer indefinitely a second Ministerial meeting planned for last December. The World Economic Forum at Davos in January provided no new momentum for the negotiations and the next key event will be the G20 meeting in London in April.

Against that background I, my officials and my colleagues in Government have continued to pursue Ireland's interests in the negotiations with the Commission and other Member States at every opportunity at co-ordination meetings in Geneva, at the Article 133 Committee in Brussels and at the recent meeting of Trade Ministers. We recently wrote once again to the Commission in relation to the particular difficulties arising from the current market access proposals. My senior officials had a detailed meeting yesterday with the Director General for Agriculture in the Commission to elaborate on these concerns.

Fisheries Protection.

Phil Hogan

Question:

68 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will adopt a system of administrative sanctions for minor fisheries offences instead of the criminal sanctioning system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11942/09]

Since 1959 Ireland has applied its criminal law in relation to fisheries matters and, since our membership of the European Community, Ireland has applied the criminal law in the enforcement of fisheries policy. Successive Governments have applied the criminal law. We do this to protect fish stocks and to seek to avoid financial penalties being imposed on the State and the Irish tax payer.

However, it should be noted that all sanctions for fisheries offences are purely financial in nature. The Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 Act simply sets down the maximum financial fines that may be applied and it is a matter for a judge to determine the appropriate fine taking into account the specifics of each case. The Act also applies, for the first time, a scaled approach to maximum penalties for infringements by vessels whereby smaller vessels are liable to lower maximum fines.

The possibility of introducing administrative sanctions was comprehensively considered at the time of the passage of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill through the Oireachtas. The position taken by the Minister at the time was based on the legal advice from the Attorney General.

In the case of most fisheries offences European Community regulations require that penalties must be deterrent and dissuasive and must involve depriving the wrongdoer of the benefit of his or her actions. The fines and forfeitures allowed for under the Act are, therefore, at a substantial level, and include, for example, the loss of the catch and fishing gear. The Attorney General advised that under the Irish legal system such penalties would be viewed as criminal in nature and therefore could only be administered by the courts by virtue of Articles 34, 37 and 38 of the Constitution. This position has been confirmed by the present Attorney-General.

The European Commission recently introduced a draft new regulation intended to update and reform the EU Fisheries Control framework. This proposed regulation envisages facilitating a sanctions and penalty points system and allows for the application of administrative action or criminal proceedings in conformity with national law. In this regard there may be a possibility of introducing administrative sanctions and a penalty points system for Irish vessels under this proposal. Legal advice is being sought to determine if the current Commission proposal could accommodate their introduction here in Ireland.

It is worth noting that the proposal from the Commission envisages penalties up to a maximum of €600,000 for repeated serious infringement and under the penalty point system the suspension of a fishing licence for prolonged periods, even the permanent withdrawal of a licence. These penalties are substantially higher than the level provided for in Irish legislation.

Common Fisheries Policy.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

69 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on reports that Iceland may be asked to join the EU and the implications which that might have for the distribution of fishing quota. [11738/09]

There has been speculation recently about the possibility of Iceland applying for membership of the European Union (EU). As with any other European country, Iceland would not be "asked" to join the EU. It is entirely up to countries who wish to become members to make an application for membership, provided they meet the Copenhagen Criteria which set out the basic standards for membership.

In the event of Iceland deciding to apply for membership of the EU, the application would be considered in accordance with established procedures set down by the EU. The full process would take several years to finalise.

The time frame will give adequate time in the accession negotiations to deal with issues such as quota distribution. It would be unhelpful and purely hypothetical to speculate on the matter in advance.

Grant Payments.

Seán Connick

Question:

70 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the outstanding farm waste management grant applications to be cleared for payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11878/09]

The number of payment claims which remained to be processed to full payment stage under the Farm Waste Management Scheme at the beginning of 2009 was 17,397. Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent of the grants due to these farmers has already commenced and will be continued by my Department as claims are approved. It is hoped that all approved claims will have been paid their first instalment by my Department by end-June 2009.

Departmental Schemes.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

71 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of financial penalties for farmers under the various schemes operated by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11990/09]

The following table set out details of the schemes operated by Department under which financial penalties are imposed together with the details of penalties imposed for failure to comply with the criteria of that scheme.

Name of Scheme/Programme

Cost of penalty

Installation Aid Scheme

124,085

Farm Waste Management Scheme

100,230

Farm Improvement Scheme

14,930

Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming

114,193*

Rural Environmental Protection Scheme

3,059,706

*Figure for 2007 — all other figures 2008.

Emergency Planning.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

72 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action being taken by his Department to thwart emerging biosecurity threats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11952/09]

The issue of emerging bio-security threats is being dealt with centrally by an interdepartmental working group on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) issues which reports to the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning. My Department is a member of the Committee.

Bovine Diseases.

Niall Blaney

Question:

73 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that his Department’s contingency arrangements are adequate to deal with an outbreak of bluetongue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11868/09]

My Department's contingency arrangements to mitigate the risk of the introduction of the bluetongue virus into the country are based on existing EU legislation and an ongoing assessment of the risk to Ireland.

In terms of my Department's overall contingency arrangements, we have produced a comprehensive Bluetongue Contingency Plan for Ireland. Information and advice leaflets on Bluetongue were sent to every farmer in the country, as well as specifically tailored advisory material to all members of the Veterinary Profession. My Departments contingency arrangements are kept under constant review and revised as appropriate by reference to the developing disease situation or in the light of legal or other developments, particularly at EU level. In addition, we are also refining arrangements for delivery of a vaccination programme in the event that it becomes necessary to vaccinate here.

In the meantime, I strongly urge Irish farmers and others not to import livestock from affected zones under any circumstances as this represents the biggest risk of the introduction of the disease. I have made this clear to the farming organisations during the many briefings on bluetongue and have asked that they too use their influence accordingly. I wish to re-iterate that any such animal found BTV positive to a PCR (virus) test on arrival here will be immediately slaughtered. There are no compensation arrangements in place in the case of such slaughter. Consequently, farmers and others should be aware of the possible financial risks that they may be exposed to in addition to the risk that such imports may pose to the national herd.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Michael Creed

Question:

74 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has had discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to discuss reports of the possible introduction of a cow tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11888/09]

The Government fully supports the EU commitments to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, and to scale up this reduction to as much as 30%, as part of a new global climate change agreement when other developed countries make comparable efforts. The Government also supports the commitment to increase the share of renewables in energy use to 20% by 2020, including a 10% biofuel target.

While it is recognised, both nationally and at EU level, that delivering emissions reductions in the agriculture sector will be difficult, it is also clear that any policy leading to a significant reduction in Irish cattle numbers, as a means of achieving emissions reductions, would be simply counter-productive in terms of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Any fall in Irish beef and dairy output would simply be replaced on European and global markets, most likely, by food from countries where production systems are far less sustainable and where the carbon footprint of that food is significantly higher than food produced in Ireland.

Ireland's pasture based food production system is very efficient in terms of emissions per unit of food produced and offers the optimal means of safe, sustainable, high-quality food production.

Globally, the consumption of meat and dairy products is expected to increase significantly by 2050. In the interests both of global food security and of the pursuit of important market opportunities, the ability of the EU agriculture and food sector to respond to these developments needs to be encouraged and protected. In that context, I will continue to press for the policy strategies needed both Nationally and at EU level to ensure that we meet our climate change goals in ways that are consistent with national objectives for our agricultural sector and rural economy.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

75 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will make an announcement regarding the details of the allocation of national reserve funds of €7 million and unused single payment funds of €29 million to the sheep sector in view of the fact that these funds became available in November 2008 from the CAP health check negotiations and following extensive consultations, he committed to announcing details of a new sheep payment for 2009, 2010 and future years by February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11983/09]

Pat Breen

Question:

81 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has decided the way unspent CAP funds will be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11896/09]

Bobby Aylward

Question:

93 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way he will use unused funds from the national reserve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11866/09]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

94 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will use the opportunity provided by the unused single farm payment funds and modulation funds to provide direct support to dairy farmers in 2009 in view of the income situation facing these farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11989/09]

Margaret Conlon

Question:

99 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the additional funds that will be available to him in 2010 in terms of unused EU funds and additional compulsory modulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11875/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 81, 93, 94 and 99 together.

I announced yesterday that unused funds available in 2009 from the Single Farm Payment National Reserve would be paid to hill sheep farmers in the form of an Uplands Sheep Payment. The amount in question is approximately €7million in 2009. These funds have become available as a result of a request by myself, supported by a number of my counterparts from other Member States, in the context of the Health Check negotiations, for the facility to use unspent funds from the national Single Farm Payment ceilings to fund measures targeted at specific sectors in need of assistance.

Under the Scheme I announced yesterday and based on the eligible area declared by farmers in 2008, approximately 14,000 hill sheep farmers will benefit from the new payment this year. On the basis of data available for 2008, I estimate that the level of aid will be of the order of €35 per hectare with a maximum payment of €525 per farmer. Payments will commence on 1 December 2009.

In introducing this payment my main objective was to address the difficulties and specific costs, including compliance costs, facing the sheep sector. In reaching my decision I was mindful of the need to ensure that it created no additional burden for farmers and was simple and low cost to administer.

This payment, for which I sought and secured the agreement of the Commission, is for 2009 alone. I will make a decision on the use of unspent CAP funds from 2010 onwards when further information is available on the detailed EU rules that will apply. The amount available is €25m approximately; the precise amount will be clarified when the detailed rules are revealed. I understand that the Commission will bring forward its proposals in this regard very shortly and they will be adopted in May/June of this year. As regards modulation monies the agreed rates of additional modulation will generate approximately €120 million in total over the four years from 2009 — 2012 in transfers from the Single Farm Payment to rural development. In line with the new Regulations the funds must be used for measures to address the so-called "new challenges" of climate change, water management, bio-energy and biodiversity, dairy restructuring and innovation.

The consultation process as to how these funds can best be used for the development of Irish agriculture has taken place. As I have said from the outset these additional funds will stay in Ireland and be passed back to Irish farmers under the Rural Development Programme. The precise measures are subject to approval by the European Commission and I am currently evaluating the submissions made by stakeholders with a view to submitting an amended Rural Development Programme to the Commission by the deadline of 30 June 2009.

Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 64.

Pigmeat Sector.

Niall Collins

Question:

77 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department will spend the full €180 million provided for in the agreement reached with Irish pork processors, following the pork recall in December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11874/09]

Niall Collins

Question:

107 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount his Department has paid out to pork processors to date following the pork recall in December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11873/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 107 together.

The agreement concluded with pig processors in December involves making available a facility of €180 million from the public finances to assist processors in funding the recall and destruction of certain pork products from the market and product in storage.

To date the Department has advanced a total of €42m to processors, of which some €15m was to primary processors. It is too early at this stage to assess definitively whether or not the full facility of €180 million will be utilised as it ultimately depends on the amount of valid claims made under the scheme.

Farm Inspections.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

78 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farm inspections under all schemes and programmes operated by his Department; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11991/09]

The following are the details of farm inspections undertaken by my Department in 2008 unless otherwise stated.

Name of Scheme/Programme

No. of Inspections

Cost of Inspections (Non Salary)

Feed Inspection Programme

852

55,000

Farm Forestry Programme

5,003

227,423

On-Farm Investment Scheme

Approx. 20,000

1

Installation Aid Scheme

Approx. 50

1

Suckler Welfare Scheme

625

1

Single Farm Payment/Disadvantaged Area’s/Rural Environmental Protection Schemes integrated area eligibility and cross compliance inspections

6,500

1

Early Retirement Scheme

350

1

1Not possible to apportion costs to specific Schemes as the relevant staff would work on a number of schemes operated by the Department.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

79 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the expected impact of the EU CAP health checks on Irish agriculture, production and exports and the retention of the maximum number of jobs throughout the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11064/09]

At the outset I should state that a full screening Regulatory Impact Analysis has been carried out by my Department on the CAP Health Check and the report is available on the Department's website. That report outlines in some detail the expected impact of the Health Check proposals. The final deal secured last November differs in some respects from the original proposals. In summary, the deal I secured is worth a potential €80 million in additional payments to farmers over the coming years. In addition, the increase in milk quota will deliver some €100 million worth of additional milk production by 2014.

As regards market support schemes, in essence, the key market management mechanisms that are most important to Ireland have been protected and are left unchanged.

Good progress was also achieved as regards simplification and a commitment was secured from the Commission and the Council as regards further simplification.

As to modulation, the rate was increased by 5% as opposed to the 8% originally proposed. I am satisfied that we succeeded in getting the rate of additional modulation considerably reduced from the original proposals. It is worth noting that over 50,000 Irish farmers will be exempt from this increase. I can confirm that there will be a budget neutral effect in respect of the 70,000 farmers affected by the change as I have ensured that all the funds raised can be passed straight back to Irish farmers.

Niall Blaney

Question:

80 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions there have been at the EU Agriculture Council regarding the future of the CAP post 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11867/09]

A first policy debate on the future of the CAP after 2013 took place at the informal meeting of Agriculture Ministers in Annecy in September last. In the initial debate, there was general agreement on the global context in which policy thinking must be developed. All the ministers present were concerned about global food security, increasing environmental pressures and the impact of climate change, factors which have been reflected in recent food price volatility. While a large majority of Member States favoured maintaining a strong EU agriculture policy, there were differences in emphasis from different Member States.

The French Presidency took the discussion forward at a specially convened Council in November 2008 at which it presented a series of draft conclusions for discussion by Ministers. The draft brought together aspirations on a number of broad challenges and generally understood principles on future CAP policy. It took on board the commitments made in the final Health Check negotiations to further simplification and to address the differing levels of direct payments between Member States. It also pledged that the conclusions were without prejudice to discussions on the Financial Perspectives. Unanimous agreement could not be reached on the conclusions put forward by the Presidency and they were therefore agreed as Presidency, rather than Council, conclusions.

The Czech Presidency has signalled that its main priority will be to continue discussions on the future of the CAP including an examination of direct payments with a particular focus on the differences between Member States and the system of payments. It intends to hold a full discussion on this topic at the Informal Agriculture Council meeting in May.

My own view, which I have expressed at meetings of the Council and bilaterally to my Ministerial colleagues, is that we must maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union in the future to take account of the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. Any reduction in food production in the EU would be taken up elsewhere where less efficient production systems exist and would result in a heavier carbon footprint. We must also undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions — economically, socially and environmentally.

There will be major challenges ahead from climate change, increased competition on world and EU markets, the financial crunch and other factors. We must ensure that we have the capacity to cope with the challenges and fully exploit the opportunities as they emerge. To do so our whole sector, from farm to fork, must be highly efficient and competitive. It must also be innovative, producing the products that changing consumer tastes demand, and it must be relentlessly focused on quality and safety.

To achieve these objectives, there is a continuing need for an active and appropriately resourced European agricultural policy. That policy needs to recognise the role that a cohesive agriculture & rural development policy can play in addressing future energy needs, addressing environmental concerns and providing a secure and sustainable food supply in Europe.

Question No. 81 answered with Question No. 75.
Question No. 82 answered with Question No. 64.

Departmental Schemes.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

83 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if incentives and schemes will stay in place to encourage young farmers to remain in farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11995/09]

I have made provision of €9.75m in 2009 to meet current commitments under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and the preceding equivalent schemes.

The Deputy will also be aware of my ongoing support for young farmers and new entrants to farming, most notably in the dairy sector. For example, the allocation of milk quota to new entrants and young farmers has been a feature of the milk quota system for a number of years. Preferential access to milk quota from a specially created priority pool was available under the Milk Quota Restructuring Scheme until 2006, and the same priority pool arrangement is a feature of the current Milk Quota Trading Scheme. Indeed, the quantities of quota available to new entrants — whether farming on their own or in partnership with parents — have been considerably increased since the introduction of the latter scheme in 2007.

In addition, the changes I announced last summer to the milk quota regulations are facilitating greater participation in Milk Production Partnerships, which is benefiting new entrants and young farmers in particular. There is now no limit on the numbers that can participate in a New Entrant/Parent Milk Production Partnership, and I have also made it possible for young, trained farm managers to enter into partnership with established milk producers. And those that have previously been involved in beef or cereals production, for example, can now join forces with milk producers in developing their enterprises.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

84 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will put in place a special package for those people who were in the process of applying for the early retirement scheme and installation aid scheme when the schemes were suspended on 14 October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11992/09]

The Early Retirement Scheme and the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme were closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008. I have no immediate plans to reopen entry to these schemes at this time.

Pigmeat Sector.

David Stanton

Question:

85 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will alter traceability systems for pork products in line with other existing European systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11977/09]

The current position is that traceability of pork at slaughter and after is on the basis of production batch. The Department is in consultation with the EU about the possible potential to improve pork traceability so as to reduce the impact in the event of future recalls.

As regards possible improved traceability, this will undoubtedly be a key issue for the Group that I have set up under the Chairmanship of Professor Patrick Wall to examine all aspects of the dioxin issue.

Grant Payments.

Joe Costello

Question:

86 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of REP scheme four plans that have been rejected to date; the loss to the farming community; if he will take measures that will allow these plans to be accepted where the deficiencies are corrected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11988/09]

The total number of applications for REPS 4 received in 2007 and 2008 was 12,292. As of today, REPS 4 payments have been made to 6,194 applicants or just over 50% of the total. These payments amount to some €20.5 million.

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments each year. The first payment, of 75%, could be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme were completed. These included checks on areas and on the plan details. My Department's controls have to satisfy stringent EU regulatory and audit requirements.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January 2009 to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. As processing of the remaining applications is continuing, it is not possible at this stage to say how many applications will be found to be ineligible or how many can be accepted at a reduced rate of payment for the first year, subject to later adjustment. Letters have begun to issue to farmers whose applications have already been examined and found to be in one or other of those categories and these letters will continue to go out in the coming weeks. My officials are in contact with Teagasc and the Agricultural Consultants' Association, which represents private planners, about the issues that are arising.

Agri-Food Sector.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

87 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the efforts he is making to support the export sector particularly the agri-food sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11994/09]

The agri-food sector is Ireland's largest indigenous, manufacturing sector and is crucial to sustaining and reinvigorating the economy. Strategies for the development of a consumer focused, competitive and sustainable agri-food sector capable of meeting the challenges of more liberalised markets and broader societal demands both at home and abroad are set out in the Agri-vision 2015 report and the Cawley Report. These strategies identify the delivery of safe, high quality, nutritious food, produced in a sustainable manner in high value markets as the optimum road for the future of the Irish food industry in the light of the changes which have already taken place or are anticipated over the next number of years and span the entire food chain from primary production through processing to market access which is key to developing export potential.

An inter-Departmental Market Access Group chaired by my Department and comprising representatives from the Departments of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, An Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Iascaigh Mhara is currently engaged in a co-ordinated effort to identify potential market opportunities for the full range of Irish food and beverages, prioritisation of market initiatives and broader access issues.

Bord Bia, under the aegis of my Department, is the state agency responsible for market development of food, drink and horticulture and closely monitors food exports. It recently published a Strategy to boost food exports for the period 2009-2011. The strategy comprises six key priorities to be addressed including enhancing the industry's position on its home market to capitalise on the potential for growth and expansion of exports with a particular emphasis on the Eurozone markets.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has established an Enterprise Stabilisation Fund, to be run by Enterprise Ireland, to allow for meaningful additional assistance to be provided to basically sound internationally traded companies that would otherwise struggle to survive the global downturn. The fund will operate in conjunction with the banks and will supply direct financial support to eligible, internationally trading enterprises which are undertaking development expenditure to reduce costs and gain sales in recession hit overseas markets. The fund will complement the banks' commitment to SMEs under the recapitalisation scheme and should facilitate much of the restructuring that is needed for viable companies selling on the home market.

During 2009 Bord Bia will implement a comprehensive set of promotional programmes and services, which have been developed in consultation with industry bearing in mind the impact of the sterling differential on competitiveness. These include:

Food Ingredients/Nutraceuticals (Europe), which will provide industry with detailed market requirements particularly for dairy ingredients.

Participation in Trade Fairs in Paris, Madrid, Portugal and Amsterdam, mentoring on supplying Continental supermarket groups and provision of market insights.

Private Label seminar (Scandinavia, Germany & Holland) with company specific mentoring and Private Label Manufacturers Association trade fair in Amsterdam.

In addition, the European Commission has accepted a recommendation from my Department for EU co-funding of a 3 year promotion programme of quality beef and offal in China and Japan, which will commence later in the year.

Departmental Schemes.

Martin Ferris

Question:

88 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reinstate the farm installation and early retirement schemes for farmers. [11735/09]

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and Early Retirement Scheme were closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008. I have no immediate plans to reopen entry to these Schemes at this time.

Grant Payments.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

89 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether schemes or programmes within his Department will be suspended to accommodate the first instalment of the farm waste management scheme payments in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11974/09]

Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent of the grants due to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme commenced during the week ending 6 March 2009 and will be continued by my Department as claims are approved. I am satisfied that sufficient funding is available for the Scheme in 2009 to ensure that all farmers will receive their entitlements under the Scheme this year.

Seán Connick

Question:

90 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has started to pay the first instalments of the farm waste management grants; when he expects the second and third instalments to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11877/09]

Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent of the grants due to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme commenced during the week ending 6 March 2009 and will continue as claims are approved. The second instalment of 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Pigmeat Sector.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

91 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress that has been made in relation to the pork dioxin compensation package; the amount of the fund that has been drawn down to date; the number of processors that have been paid to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11929/09]

Good progress is being made under the Pigmeat Recall Scheme. At this stage, virtually all affected product in Ireland has been rendered under my Department's supervision and a substantial quantity of affected product overseas has also been destroyed. To date, €42m has been paid under the Scheme. This represents the value of interim payments made to 81 processors in respect of product held in this country and overseas. Further payments are being processed on an ongoing basis. In addition, €1.5m has been paid for the rendering and destruction of eligible products.

Grant Payments.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

92 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that the additional payment of up to 3.5% of the deferred farm waste management grants will cover the interest costs of any farmer who has taken out a loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11882/09]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

103 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if special interest rates for moneys outstanding under the farm waste management scheme have been passed on to farmers by all financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11996/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 92 and 103 together.

The financial arrangements in respect of any loans taken out by farmers for the purposes of carrying out investments under the Farm Waste Management Scheme are entirely a matter between the individual farmers and financial institutions concerned.

Questions Nos. 93 and 94 answered with Question No. 75.

Bovine Diseases.

Dara Calleary

Question:

95 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the last case of brucellosis was confirmed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11872/09]

Brucellosis is now at a historically low level in Ireland. The last confirmed case was disclosed in April 2006. If no case of Brucellosis is disclosed between now and the end March 2009, I intend to apply to the EU Commission in April seeking Official Brucellosis Free status for Ireland. At that stage, I would envisage a relaxation of some of the Brucellosis programme's control measures which will reduce the burden on farmers of testing and movement controls. My Department has already met with representatives of the farming organisations to discuss possible changes to the programme. However, given the nature of the disease and as Brucellosis continues to exist in Northern Ireland, we will be adopting a cautious approach to reducing controls and any reduction will be phased over a number of years and will be based on an assessment of the risks involved.

I must emphasise that any new outbreaks of the disease between now and April this year could jeopardise the attainment of officially free status. Consequently, I would urge all involved to continue to comply with the control and testing arrangements that remain in place and to exercise caution when sourcing replacement female animals.

Animal Health Standards.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

96 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department is working with the new body charged with improving non-regulatory diseases such as mastitis, IBR and BVD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12002/09]

Margaret Conlon

Question:

98 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress being made by Animal Health Ireland in relation to the commitment in the programme for Government to introduce a herd health initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11876/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 98 together.

I recently launched Animal Health Ireland which aims to improve overall animal health standards, thereby enhancing on-farm productivity and securing improved profitability for farmers through a coordinated national approach to animal health. This delivers on the commitment contained in the Programme for Government, referred to by Deputy Conlon, that my Department would "introduce a new Herd Health Initiative to deal with non-regulated diseases".

The main priority of Animal Health Ireland will be to identify and prioritise non-regulated disease conditions that impact negatively from both a financial and disease perspective on Irish livestock, excluding those already covered by regulation. Non-regulated diseases include mastitis, IBR and BVD.

Animal Health Ireland represents a significant change from the long-established Government-led model that has characterised animal health policy to date in Ireland. AHI provides a unique opportunity to develop an improved understanding of current practices and future trends in international best practice in the area of herd health and affords those organisations — including farmers, producers, processors, and support/advisory service — actively participating in the project to build on the significant resources, informational infrastructure, capabilities and expertise already available within the range of organisations and, following on from that, to develop a national strategy to take appropriate action in the area of non-regulatory animal health, which in effect will allow industry to a large extent to shape its own future.

My Department is cooperating fully with AHI. As well as meeting some of the initial costs of AHI my Department is providing a small number of Executive staff and additional assistance by way of expertise to assist the interim Steering Group of AHI for a period. Work has commenced on the administrative arrangements to be put in place to support AHI, which will operate independently of my Department.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Joan Burton

Question:

97 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department has notified its local offices of changes to REP scheme four specifications in the past two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11985/09]

No changes to the REPS scheme four specifications have been introduced in the past two months.

However, from the administrative checks carried out on REPS 4 plans it was apparent the specification requirements were being misinterpreted in some instances. A circular issued to all planners and local AES offices on 10 February 2009 clarifying where a mandatory environmental undertaking under measure 1 is required and the minimum habitat area requirement under measure 4 and how these habitat areas are calculated.

Question No. 98 answered with Question No. 96.
Question No. 99 answered with Question No. 75.

Grant Payments.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

100 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will address the issue of farmers who have applied for the farm improvement scheme between 21 and 29 October 2007 and still have not been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11993/09]

Applications received under the Farm Improvement Scheme prior to its suspension for new applications on 31 October 2007 are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Joan Burton

Question:

101 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason all REP scheme four farmers were not paid in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11986/09]

The total number of applications for REPS 4 received in 2007 and 2008 was 12,292. As of today, REPS 4 payments have been made to 6,194 applicants or just over 50% of the total. These payments amount to some €20.5 million.

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments each year. The first payment, of 75%, could be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme were completed. These included checks on areas and on the plan details. My Department's controls have to satisfy stringent EU regulatory and audit requirements.

Many REPS 4 plans were prepared using eREPS, the electronic planning system approved and funded by my Department. The information on these plans is in computerised format and it was necessary to develop an appropriate computer based control system for checking these plans. This was a lengthy process and the system was not available until late autumn. However a substantial minority of plans submitted were not prepared using eREPS. Administrative checks on these have to be done manually and are extremely time-consuming. An effect of industrial action in my Department's local offices last year was that this process was delayed.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January 2009 to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Common Fisheries Policy.

Martin Ferris

Question:

102 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on a complete renegotiation of the Common Fisheries Policy as part of any review, in order to address the share of quota provided to fishermen here. [11736/09]

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the fisheries policy of the European Union which was first put in place in 1983 and has been subject to reviews every 10 years, the most recent was in 2002 and the next is formally scheduled for 2012.

Work has already commenced in preparation for the review with the publication of a Commission Working Paper in September 2008 and the launch of a phase of analysis and consultation. The French Presidency also held an informal Fisheries meeting in September (on the margins of the Fisheries Council) on the reform process.

A public hearing of the Fisheries Committee of the European Parliament was held on the 10th February on the reform of the CFP, the highlight of which was a speech by Commissioner Borg.

It is clear from that speech that absolutely everything within the current framework of the CFP is open for discussion including the TACs and Quotas system and relative stability. The whole question of the Hague preferences would also be open for negotiation.

In relation to quota allocations, the position is that Ireland's shares of the main fish stocks were set in the early 1980s when fish stocks were being shared out between EU Member States. The share allocations were based on catch records and reflected the fishing levels of the Irish fleet and other Member states' fleets at that time. The percentage shares held by each Member State have generally remained the same for over 20 years under the principle of relative stability.

It has been a priority of successive Irish fisheries Ministers to try to have these shares improved. During both reviews of the Common Fisheries Policy, in 1992 and again in 2002, substantial efforts were made to push Ireland's case for increased shares of important stocks but without success. Ireland received no support from other Member States for changes in the allocation keys for the share out of stocks.

The practical reality is, however, that to achieve an increase in Ireland's share of catches, other Member States would have to take a cut in their shares. This is all the more difficult to achieve when the total allowable catches (TACs) of all the main commercial species are falling and the reality is that achieving support for such an outcome at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, where quotas are fixed for the following year, is not deliverable.

Notwithstanding the fact that the TACs and Quotas system and relative stability are up for discussion as part of the CFP review, at this point the European Commission and other Member States largely take the view that the quota shares are fixed and not subject to ad-hoc changes pending any more fundamental review of the Common Fisheries Policy.

The Commission is expected to publish a Green Paper on the review which will be up for debate at the April Agriculture and Fisheries Ministerial Council. This will be followed by public consultation later in the year and a legislative proposal next year with a view to adoption in early 2012.

I am committed to working closely with the Federation of Irish Fishermen, other stakeholders and other like minded Member States to strengthen the current policy for the betterment of fisheries.

Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 92.

Single Payment Scheme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

104 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount in refunds relating to modulation deductions made to single farm payment that have been paid out to date and the number of farmers involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12003/09]

Refunds of Modulation under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme began issuing to farmers last week and, to date, refunds amounting to some €24 million have issued to over 122,000 applicants. Modulation is the process whereby a percentage of each farmer's Single Payment is transferred to fund rural development measures in Pillar 2 of the CAP. In excess of 80% of the sum deducted is used to fund rural development measures in Ireland. Modulation deductions are provided for in legislation governing the implementation of the Single Payment Scheme and a refund of the deductions on the first €5,000 is also provided for. While individual farmers are not liable for the modulation reduction on the first €5,000 paid under the Single Payment Scheme, Member States are required under the EU rules of the Scheme to make the deduction from all Scheme beneficiaries in the first instance and make the necessary refunds later. However, I am particularly pleased that agreement has been reached, under the recently concluded Health Check negotiations, whereby we will no longer be required to make deductions for Modulation in respect of the first €5,000 of a farmer's Single Payment. This is a sensible change to the rules and one for which I argued strongly. This change is with effect from the 2009 Scheme.

Bovine Diseases.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

105 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost and expiry date of the 1 million doses of blue tongue vaccination recently purchased by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12001/09]

As part of its contingency arrangements to control the spread of bluetongue, my Department in 2008 purchased a supply of 1 million doses of BTV ST8 vaccine to enable us to immediately commence vaccination within a 20km zone, if disease of this particular serotype is confirmed in Ireland. This vaccine stock has a 12 month shelf life and will expire between May and August 2009. The average cost per dose was €0.70.

The purchase of this vaccine, to combat BTV ST8, the most widespread serotype of bluetongue in Europe at present, was a necessary precautionary measure to enable my Department to respond swiftly to a disease risk, which, if realised, would have serious consequences for the livestock sector in Ireland.

Fisheries Protection.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

106 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the fact that a Sea Fisheries Protection Authority officer spent the week of 11 to 18 February 2009 on board a British naval vessel, HMS Severn, during which time the vessel conducted patrols in Irish waters and facilitated an inspection of two Irish fishing vessels. [11737/09]

Martin Ferris

Question:

939 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the authority under which the HMS Severn conducted fishery patrols in Irish waters with a Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority officer on board on 17 February 2009. [11005/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 106 and 939 together.

I understand that the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) recently participated in a Joint Deployment operation under the auspices of the Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA), a European Union body established in 2005 to organise operational coordination of fisheries control and inspection activities by the Member States.

The joint deployment plans of the CFCA are the vehicle through which that Agency organises operational coordination between Member States. Member States pool the national human and material means of control and inspection under the JDPs whilst the CFCA coordinates the deployment of these means.

This Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 clearly provides that the SFPA is independent in the exercise of its functions and as such I have no remit as to its work programme or its deployment of resources. If the Deputies require any further information on the operational activities of the SFPA they should contact that body directly.

Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 77.

Pigmeat Sector.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

108 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way efforts have progressed to restore Irish pork markets, following the pork recall in December 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11884/09]

My Department is working closely with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs to eliminate any remaining market access issues as a result of the dioxin incident. While most issues have been resolved, there is a small number of markets that continue to prohibit Irish pigmeat. My Department continues its efforts to have these restrictions lifted.

Following on from the dioxin incident, Bord Bia has put in place a number of relevant marketing and promotion initiatives. On the Irish market, a series of promotional campaigns have commenced and they focus on building awareness and loyalty to the Bord Bia Quality Mark. These will underline the quality of Irish pigmeat and will communicate its origin. A customer reassurance programme will continue in export markets. This will entail:

Continued direct Bord Bia contact with customers, placing key information about the Irish pigmeat industry in context and demonstrating the integrity of Irish health controls;

A trade communications programme designed to position the capability of the Irish pigmeat sector and the safety and quality measures in place to influence key decision makers in the retail, food service and manufacturing sectors; and

A programme to maximise international market access for Irish pigmeat products has been established. This will involve communications activities designed to build confidence among national authorities and opinion formers in markets based around Ireland's health controls.

Food Labelling.

Denis Naughten

Question:

109 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the mechanisms he is putting in place to improve the traceability of meat consumed here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37549/08]

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. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health Ministers during 2009.

Notwithstanding the outcome of the current review on origin labelling my Department has taken steps to try to introduce origin labelling for meats other than beef, which is already subject to specific legislation since September 2000.

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. The Commission's main contention is that only harmonised rules with EU-wide applicability may be applied to food labelling other than in exceptional circumstances. 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. However the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health formally adopted the negative opinion in December 2008. We will continue to pursue the issue of origin labelling at EU level in the context of the current review of the labelling Directive and in the context of the review of EU quality policy for agricultural foodstuffs. I would point out that products carrying the Bord Bia quality assurance label provide consumers with assurance on product origin.

Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 64.

Departmental Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

111 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the average waiting period for the return of receipts to farmers who have built slurry lagoons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12000/09]

I regret that information of the type requested by the Deputy is not maintained by my Department.

Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 64.

Fisheries Protection.

Joe McHugh

Question:

113 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will provide a special white fish fishing exemption for the duration of 2009 in area 6A for boats of less than 12 metres in length. [11982/09]

New rules restricting fishing vessels' days at sea in the Irish Sea and the waters to the northwest of Ireland and Scotland have been introduced as part of the EU's revised Cod Recovery Plan. These rules are applicable to all vessels greater than 10m in length. There is no provision in the rules to allow for any kind of blanket exemption to vessels that happen to be greater than 10m and less than 12m in length.

The plan has introduced a new system of effort management that sets effort ceilings (expressed in kilowatt-days) for groups of vessels or fleet segments. The management of these ceilings has been devolved to the national level. Member States have received annual allocations of fishing effort for the areas covered by the Plan, which include the Irish Sea (ICES area VIIa) and the waters to the northwest of Ireland and Scotland (ICES area VIa). The effort allocation levels were established by the EU Fisheries Council on the basis of an EU Commission proposal. They were calculated by averaging the fishing activity levels of each Member State in the areas during a reference period of 2004-2006 or 2005-2007 and then reducing that effort by 25%. This methodology means there is now limited fishing effort available for all Community vessels, including Irish vessels, fishing in the designated areas.

I appreciate that the introduction of these new conservation measures are a challenge and I have established a Steering Group involving the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), The Irish Fishermen's Organisation (IFO) the Department and agencies to provide support to the industry in relation to the practical implementation of these new measures. The effort allocations already made were done on a pilot basis only and I am prepared to make amendments where proposed by the Steering Group within the legal framework that has been established.

Grant Payments.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

114 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will report on the meeting of the EU direct payments management committee on 18 March 2009 at which amendments to the scheme of consolidation of single payment entitlements here were scheduled for discussion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12007/09]

The draft Commission Regulation implementing the Health Check changes has been under discussion at the Direct Payments Management Committee for some months and was discussed again at a meeting on 18 March. The draft Regulation provides for a continuation of the provisions relating to the consolidation of entitlements which is applicable to all Member States including Ireland. The main change for 2009 and subsequent years is that following the Health Check agreement, land that gave right to a single payment in 2008 and has since been afforested continues to be regarded as eligible land for the purposes of the Single Payment Scheme. Farmers need not therefore avail of consolidation in these circumstances.

Bovine Diseases.

Dara Calleary

Question:

115 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of BSE cases that there have been to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11871/09]

There have been 4 confirmed cases of BSE to date in 2009.

Departmental Submissions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

116 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received and studied proposals from a group (details supplied) or other farm organisations; the extent to which he will respond in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11063/09]

Following a clarification from the Deputy, a total of some 23 separate submissions, other than in relation to individual cases, have been received in my Department from the named organisation in the last six months. These range in content from written representations on specific sectoral issues through to formal submissions on a range of policy matters relating to my portfolio and the broader socio-economic development of the Country.

My Department has considered these submissions and will continue to engage, on an ongoing basis, with the organisation on all matters of mutual interest.

Grant Payments.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

117 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the first instalments of the 17,000 deferred farm waste management grants to be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11881/09]

Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent of the grants due to farmers under the Farm Waste Management Scheme commenced during the week ending 6 March 2009 and will continue as claims are approved.

Civil Registrations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

118 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the number of births registered in 2006, 2007 and 2008; and the number of those in which no father’s name was registered. [12251/09]

The number of births registered in 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Quarters 1 and 2); and the number of those in which no father's name was registered are as follows:

Year

Total births registered

No father’s name registered

2006

64,237

4,156

2007

70,620

4,166

2008 (Quarters 1 and 2)

38,173

2,155

The latest Vital Statistics report published by the CSO was for Quarter 2, 2008. Figures for the full year 2008 are not yet available.

Departmental Licences.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

119 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Taoiseach the licences or permits that are issued by his Department or by a body under the aegis of his Department; the purpose of the licence in each case; the number of licences issued or renewed in each of the past three years in each case; the revenue accruing to the State in each of these years; and the last time the licence fee was increased. [10792/09]

Neither my Department nor the bodies under its aegis issue licences or permits.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

120 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Taoiseach the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11116/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

121 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Taoiseach the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11130/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120 and 121 together.

Mr. Pat Carey T.D., Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Departments of the Taoiseach and Defence, is assigned two official drivers. Their assignment and remuneration is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Mr. Dick Roche T.D., Minister of State at my Department and at the Department of Foreign Affairs is assigned two civilian drivers. Their assignment and remuneration is a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

I have two full-time official drivers who are assigned to me by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform which is also responsible for their remuneration and for providing back-up drivers in their absence. My drivers and those of the Government Chief Whip, are members of An Garda Síochána and are drawn from a pool of gardaí allocated on a full time basis to all Government Ministers and certain State officials. These gardaí provide personal protection and security in addition to their driving duties.

Ministerial Travel.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

122 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach further to Parliamentary Question No. 98 of 11 March 2009, the reason given in each case for the reason he approved such use of helicopters for ministerial transport; the names of those who travelled with the Minister in each such case; if he has ever refused a request for helicopter use; if so, the name of the Minister concerned and the reasons for such refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11257/09]

As I pointed out to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 98 of 11 March 2009, requests for use of Air Corps helicopters are made by Ministers' Private Secretaries to my office and are dealt with, in the first instance, by the staff of my office. The requests are examined by my staff with regard to the need for and purpose of travel, the destination and other logistical details. Any necessary clarification or further information is sought at this point. If a request is deemed not to be in accordance with the guidance set out in the Cabinet Handbook, the relevant Private Secretary is so informed. All screened requests are then submitted to me for my consideration and approval, if deemed appropriate. I have considered the requests submitted to me since I became Taoiseach to be appropriate and have approved them.

It is not my Department, but the Department of Defence, that keeps records of details such as the names of persons who travelled in relation to trips undertaken. In response to a parliamentary question by Deputy Broughan on 10 March 2009 the Minister for Defence provided details of the use of helicopters by Ministers from 2005.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

123 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Taoiseach the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11685/09]

There are no individuals in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting to my Department.

Business Regulation.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

124 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Taoiseach further to previous parliamentary questions (details supplied) the Department which holds responsibility for the matter. [12047/09]

There are no plans at present to introduce legislation to regulate the sector mentioned by the Deputy.

In relation to alleged intimidation of persons owing money by "criminal" debt collectors, the Deputy will be aware from previous replies from Ministers on the matter that such alleged intimidation and threatening behaviour of debt collectors, as with such behaviour by any other persons, would seem to come within the scope of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 and persons convicted of committing it are liable to fines and jail sentences. Any person who is threatened or intimidated by debt collectors, or who is aware of such threats or intimidation, should report the matter to the Garda, who will take appropriate action.

Departmental Agencies.

Finian McGrath

Question:

125 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter in respect of a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 2. [10845/09]

In so far as my area of responsibility is concerned, I am aware that the Language Centre in question is an historical client of Enterprise Ireland. In this regard, the agency's role is to assist individual clients to increase sales/international students. The agency can assist by way of its offices worldwide. While Enterprise Ireland has not had any dealings with the Language Centre of Ireland for some time now, the agency would be happy to meet with the Centre if the Centre wished to do so.

Export Credit Insurance.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

126 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals she has to assist exporters; if she will introduce a system of export credit insurance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10968/09]

The Government is strongly committed to the development of exports as a driver to expand the economy and sustain employment, and our enterprise support measures are very much geared towards helping companies to consolidate and grow their sales in existing markets and to expand their footprint into new and emerging markets.

Enterprise Ireland is the State Agency charged with assisting indigenous enterprises to grow their exports in world markets. The Agency is active both nationally at the developmental level and, internationally in assisting Irish companies to find new markets for their products and to increase their existing level of market share. Through its network of international offices, Enterprise Ireland creates and implements successful strategies for market entry, development and growth in overseas markets. IDA Ireland client companies make up a very significant proportion of overall exports and the IDA also has a range of measures designed to help client companies to embed their operations in Ireland and to grow employment and exports. Within the last few weeks, the Taoiseach has announced the establishment of an Enterprise Stabilisation Fund to support viable but vulnerable exporting companies. This Fund is an important first step in the process of concerted support for our trading enterprises.

Against the backdrop of the current global economic downturn, a range of additional measures is currently being assessed with a view to further helping exporters and businesses generally. Various proposals have been suggested and a thorough assessment of possible supports will shortly be finalised.

There have, in addition, been several major instruments introduced to support enterprises generally. The banks recapitalisation scheme, which includes a provision to increase lending capacity to small and medium-sized enterprises by 10%, was one such carefully designed measure. This major development, coupled with a new Code of Practice on Business Lending, will be a crucial source of support for our exporting companies.

Having regard to the continued concerns of the business community in relation to the issue of credit generally, an independent study on credit availability has been commissioned by the Department of Finance, as part of the bank recapitalisation programme. I understand that this study, which will also address the issue of credit insurance and trade finance generally, is due to be completed shortly.

In relation to the possible introduction of a State Export Credit Insurance scheme, I recently requested that a separate review of the export credit insurance market be carried out by Forfas and Enterprise Ireland. This report has just been finalised and I will be bringing its findings to Government shortly for discussion. It should be appreciated that any intervention by the State in the area of trade finance must have regard to the effectiveness and tangible benefits of such a scheme for exporters generally, in light of potential significant additional costs to the exchequer. The Government will be considering the facts and possible policy responses to this particular issue within the next few weeks.

Prompt Payment of Accounts.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

127 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has carried out an analysis on the speed and efficiency of payments made by Government and public bodies to private businesses for the purchase of goods and services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10969/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

128 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will impose a requirement that all Government and public bodies settle their bills with private suppliers and service providers within 14 days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10970/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.

The Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997 requires Government Departments to report each year on details of their accounting practices. While I have not carried out an analysis on the speed and efficiency of payments made by Government Departments and public bodies to private businesses, an examination of the Annual Reports of Government Departments shows that, in general, the level of late payment interest incurred is small relative to the huge volume of payments made by Government Departments.

The Government is nevertheless very much aware of the cash flow difficulties currently being experienced by SMEs. In this regard, the Taoiseach announced on 5 March 2009, that the Government is introducing, on an administrative basis, a commitment to reduce the payment period by central Government Departments from 30 to 15 days and that an assessment will be completed by end-April of the impact of extending this to the local authority, health and education sectors.

My Department is currently working on the specifics of implementing these new arrangements and I will be bringing proposals in this regard, to Government shortly.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

129 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason residents in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 20 cannot access the services of the employment agency, Obair; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10981/09]

The Local Employment Service Networks or Obair form one part of the dual-stranded National Employment Service — the other strand being the FÁS Employment Service. The LES Networks operate under the aegis of the various Area Partnerships that, in turn, are contracted by FÁS to deliver the service.

I am advised by FÁS that clients living in the Dublin 20 area can access a full range of FÁS and Obair or Local Employment services in any of the offices listed below:

1. FÁS Employment Services

FÁS Training Centre

Ballyfermot Hill

Ballyfermot

Dublin 10

2. FÁS Employment Services

Main Street

Clondalkin

Dublin 22

3. Local Employment Services or Obair

Unit D

Nangor Road

Clondalkin

Dublin 22

National Training Fund.

Finian McGrath

Question:

130 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a matter in respect of a company (details supplied) in Dublin 17. [11015/09]

Finian McGrath

Question:

131 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views in respect of a matter (details supplied). [11078/09]

Michael Noonan

Question:

134 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will reconsider her policy of switching resources from the training of those in employment to fund training for the recently unemployed; if, in particular, she will reverse her decision to reduce the budget of a company (details supplied); if she will allow participation in the network training model to unemployed persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11135/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

141 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals she has to address the concerns of Waterford Chamber of Commerce regarding the reductions in the budget of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11289/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

143 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if it is her intention to cut funding to a company (details supplied) by a further 25% in 2009; the reason for this cutback; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11651/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

144 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason she will cut funding for a company (details supplied) rather than cutting funding to FÁS services to business, corporate affairs, headquarters and administration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11652/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

145 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on proposals to allow companies (details supplied) and providers to offer training to people on the live register, both the unemployed and the under-employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11653/09]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

150 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received representations objecting to the diversion of funding for training for those in employment in favour of those recently unemployed; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that her Department’s reductions in the budget of a company (details supplied) is impacting negatively on the ability of training networks to provide the services which enterprises require at this critical stage; if, as an alternative to reduction in the company’s budget, she will give consideration to allowing some participation by unemployed persons in the network training model in order that the training required by enterprises will be provided, thereby enhancing employment prospects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11764/09]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

151 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans her Department has for providing necessary funding in enterprise particularly for the network training model (details supplied) in order to sustain employment and provide the relevant opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11780/09]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

163 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of funding she has provided for a company (details supplied) in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12278/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130, 131, 134, 141, 143 to 145, inclusive, 150, 151 and 163 together.

The reply to Question No. 75, [10737/09] of 12 March 2009 refers. My Department is implementing a number of initiatives to increase training for the unemployed in the context of the deteriorating economic and budgetary position. The Department is also seeking to retain and enhance employability, particularly of those workers with low basic skills, and to maintain competitiveness. Public funding of all training networks and in-company training programmes managed by Skillnets Limited amounted to €24.5 million in 2007, €26.7 million in 2008 and €7.5 million to date in 2009.

I am aware that proposals have been made to my Department from Skillnets as to how the enterprise-led skillnets training network model might potentially be of assistance in the training and upskilling of the unemployed and of part-time workers.

All Departmental budgetary allocations are currently under review in the context of the forthcoming budget on 7 April 2009. Any reallocations that result will reflect the funding priorities that have been agreed by the Government.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

132 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in her Department and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11109/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

133 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of drivers she has working for her and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11123/09]

I propose to take Questions 132 and 133 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a longstanding arrangement, all Government Ministers and certain other State officials are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of gardaí who are allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána.

Each Minister of State at my Department has two civilian drivers who work on a week on — week off basis. The current salary for civilian drivers is €667.43 per week as provided for in the "Instructions relating to the appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff" issued by the Department of Finance.

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 130.

Live Register.

John O'Mahony

Question:

135 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to deal with unemployment in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11170/09]

John O'Mahony

Question:

136 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs which were lost in County Mayo in the 2008; the measures she will take in response; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11171/09]

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

Unemployment is increasing across the country due to the downturn in the economy and this has impacted on County Mayo also. This situation is unwelcome and is an indication of the challenges that are now facing the labour market and the economy as a whole.

Employment and unemployment are measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey published by the CSO. It does not provide data on particular counties but only on a regional basis. Based on the latest available data, which is for Quarter 4 2008 (Sept — Nov), unemployment has increased by 10,700 in the West Region over the 12 month period to Quarter 4 2008. Specifically on a county basis, live register figures for Mayo, which are not designed to measure unemployment show an increase of 4,842 over the year from February 2008 to February 2009.

The Government is taking specific measures to address the ongoing challenges in the labour market and to ensure that job losses are minimised as much as possible and for as short a time as possible. The National Training and Employment Authority FÁS are providing a range of supports through its offices in Ballina and Castlebar, to assist the unemployed secure employment as soon as possible. These supports include jobsearch specific skills training for the unemployed and access to work experience.

In the Ballina Training Centre a wide range of evening course programmes are available to help the unemployed and those in employment who wish to up-date their skills or learn new ones. The programme content for this year includes training in such disciplines as welding, roofing, accounts & payroll and safety, health and welfare at work. In addition FÁS is planning to provide a further four full-time and two part-time courses throughout Co. Mayo offering training to an additional 250 people before mid 2009.

The Enterprise Development Agencies, Enterprise Ireland and the IDA are committed to facilitating job opportunities in Co. Mayo. Enterprise Ireland activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies, the retention and creation of new jobs in existing companies and in enhancing the innovation capability of Ireland. Enterprise Ireland works with 129 client companies in County Mayo, with an associated employment of 3,016. From 2007 to-date Enterprise Ireland has approved funding support of over €11.6 million to companies in County Mayo.

IDA is also committed to the development of County Mayo and through its network of overseas offices. IDA is actively marketing the county for new inward investment while, at the same time, continuing to work with its existing base of overseas companies to encourage them to grow and expand.

The Government remains intent on achieving greater capacity within existing resources to meet the on-going challenges in the labour market, inclusive of County Mayo. We will, through FÁS, continue to focus on providing training opportunities to those who are unemployed to improve their skills, increase their employability, thereby enabling them to get back into employment as soon as possible.

Job Creation.

John O'Mahony

Question:

137 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies which the IDA has brought to County Mayo since the beginning of 2006; the type of business in which they are engaged; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11172/09]

IDA Ireland is the agency with statutory responsibility for the attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI) to Ireland and its regions. The marketing of individual areas for new or expansion FDI investments and jobs is a day-to-day operational matter for the Agency.

I have been informed by the Agency that, from 2006 to date in 2009 there have been a total of seven first time visits by prospective investors to Co Mayo and one return visit. These investors represented the medical technologies, ICT, International Service and pharmaceuticals sectors. To date, no investment has resulted from these visits. However, there is often a lengthy gap between the visit and a decision to locate a project.

While IDA Ireland can and does encourage clients to visit particular locations, the final decision on where to visit or locate is taken in all cases by the clients.

Work Permits.

Dan Neville

Question:

138 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11198/09]

This application was refused for a number of reasons including the provision that a new application for an employment permit cannot be considered, except in exceptional circumstances, until a period of 12 months has elapsed since the foreign national first commenced employment in the State. Having examined an appeal, the Appeals Officer has upheld the original decision in this case. It is not possible to revisit this particular application. However, should the proposed employer or employee submit a new application, it will be considered on its own merits.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Michael Creed

Question:

139 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the assistance available from her Department or agencies operating under the aegis of her Department regarding financial assistance for retraining and upskilling of those who have become unemployed in recent times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11213/09]

Financial help for those who are unemployed and wish to retrain or upskill in order to find alternative employment is payable through a FÁS training allowance. FÁS training allowances are available for most FÁS courses with the exception of Evening and Online courses. The current rates are:

15/16 year olds: €83.25 (€47.95) part time

17 year olds: €104.00 (€59.90) part time

Adults €204.30 (€117.60) part time

In cases where a trainee's social welfare entitlement exceeds any of the amounts set out above, a training allowance equivalent to this entitlement will be paid on receipt of certified evidence, namely a "Participant Allowance Entitlement" form. In addition to this a training bonus payment of €31.80 is payable to the following categories of people who were on, or commenced, a FÁS training course on or after 19 April 1999:

Persons in receipt of Jobseeker Benefit or Jobseeker Allowance for 12 months or more;

Persons who progress to FÁS training having completed a minimum of 12 months on a Community Employment Programme;

Persons who progress on to a FÁS training programme having completed a minimum of 12 months on a Job Initiative Programme;

Disabled persons who are not in receipt of Illness Benefit or Invalidity Pension.

Persons who have completed a minimum period of 12 months in a combination of the above categories are also eligible for a training bonus payment. A travel allowance up to a maximum of €32.60 a week or an accommodation allowance up to a maximum of €69.90 a week may also be payable to those who might be undertaking training away from their normal place of residence.

FÁS can also provide support for the child care costs of persons who wish to undertake FÁS training programmes. The rates paid are a contribution towards the costs of child care and payment is made on the basis of the child care costs incurred by the person while attending a FÁS training programme. It is not intended that the FÁS contribution should cover the full costs of child care. The rates are: Pre-school care: €63.50 (€38.00 part time); Attending Primary School: €31.25

Ministerial Appointments.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

140 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has appointed an aviation expert in relation to the closure of a company (details supplied); the identity of the person; their role and remit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11235/09]

IDA Ireland is currently working with an aviation expert who will be available to work with IDA to give technical expertise in relation to any full proposal received by IDA, following the decision by SR Technics to cease its Dublin operations. Due to the confidentially of this issue IDA will not be releasing the name of the person appointed.

Question No. 141 answered with Question No. 130.

FÁS Training Programmes.

David Stanton

Question:

142 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the ways that people with disabilities are supported in employment; the amount of State funding made available through her Department in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 in order to support people with disabilities in employment; the programmes through which such funding was made available in each of the respective years; the amount made available under each programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11309/09]

All FÁS services are open to people with disabilities. FÁS provides vocational training for the unemployed and new entrants to the labour market through specific skills training and traineeships. FÁS also provides training for those in employment through apprenticeships and in-company training. A person with a disability may call into a FÁS Employment Service Office for information, advice and guidance in relation to vocational training and employment.

FÁS also contracts with 20 Specialist Training Providers such as the National Learning Network, in 55 centres country-wide to deliver training courses to people with disabilities who require more intensive support than would be available in FÁS mainline training provision. People with disabilities may be supported while in employment by FÁS through the following programmes:

The Wage Subsidy Scheme, which was launched in September 2005, provides financial incentives to employers, outside the public sector, to employ people with disabilities who work more than 20 hours per week. The subsidies are structured under three strands and the employer can benefit from one, or all, simultaneously. Disabled employees who meet qualifying conditions are also able to avail of the Back to Work Allowance that is available through the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

The Supported Employment Programme is an open labour market initiative providing people with disabilities with supports to help them access the open labour market. It is implemented by sponsor organisations on behalf of FÁS who employ Job Coaches to provide a range of supports tailored to the individual needs of a jobseeker. The ultimate outcome is that the employee becomes independent of Job Coach support.

Under its funding for Disability Supports and Awareness services, FÁS also operates a series of private sector employment supports to assist people with disabilities to access and progress in employment. It also includes supports for employers. Programmes under this heading include: Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant, Job Interview/Personal Reader Grant, Employee Retention Grant, Disability Awareness Training Grant. Further details on the above programmes and supports are available on the FÁS website www.fas.ie

The total funding for dedicated FÁS programmes and supports for people with disabilities for the years requested are set out in Appendix 1. In addition to the above-mentioned programmes and supports, people with disabilities may also avail of work experience and training under the Community Employment (CE) Programme. The total number of people with disabilities availing of CE and the overall CE budget for the relevant years are contained in Appendix 2.

Appendix 1

Year

Specialist Training Providers

Wage Subsidy Scheme

Supported Employment Programme

Disability Supports/ Awareness

Total Funding

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

2005

44.155

8.194

7.968

2.000

62.317

2006

47.224

10.250

8.170

2.070

67.714

2007

52.600

10.500

8.500

2.100

73.700

2008

54.950

10.500

8.800

2.100

76.350

Appendix 2

Year

Number of people with disabilities

Total CE Budget

€m

2005

4,635

293

2006

5,100

324

2007

5,814

356

2008

6,128

373.6

Questions Nos. 143 to 145, inclusive, answered with Question No. 130.

Training Programmes.

Joe Carey

Question:

146 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her policy in relation to the funding of training for people in employment; if there has been a diversion of funding from this sector to providing training for those who are unemployed; if so, her views on the way this is impacting on business competitiveness here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11659/09]

The State makes a significant investment in training measures for both employed and unemployed. The amount of funding invested in those in employment has increased significantly over recent years and has been used to facilitate a broad range of upskilling programmes, ranging from basic literacy and numeracy to specific skills or support to build the management capabilities and skills within companies to help them achieve their business goals. Such upskilling for those in employment is provided through the various agencies of my Department together with Skillsnet Ltd.

Currently the Government is examining how to optimise the provision of education and training for those in employment and those seeking employment against the background of the current economic situation and the forthcoming supplementary budget. As companies search for greater productivity and competitiveness in order to retain existing business in the current international marketplace, investing in skills continues to be important, both for survival and growth. Such investment will also help to retain and enhance employability, particularly of those workers with low basic skills. Within the limits of current budgetary constraints we will continue to concentrate on developing those management skills that will lead to real and immediate business impact in terms of strategy; leadership; international marketing and selling; innovation management; and taking a leadership role in developing the national management stock.

In order to meet the challenges of the changing economy there will also be a policy emphasis on activation and training for the unemployed. This includes a focus on those most recently unemployed, where additional opportunities for training and re-skilling are being provided. In the current economic climate it is important to ensure that such people can avail of relatively immediate upskilling to best position themselves to re-enter employment with improved skills, which will also help increase our competitiveness.

As regards competitiveness more generally, our immediate policy objectives are to restore confidence and stability in our economy, provide supports to the enterprise sector, restore cost competitiveness, safeguard the significant achievements of recent years and to ensure a return to sustainable export growth. I believe that we have to take concrete steps to show solidarity with enterprise and in particular the exporting sector. Restoring cost competitiveness is a particular focus of action. Cost competitiveness remains critical to ensuring that companies based in Ireland have the ability to compete successfully in international markets.

The Government introduced the Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal, called"Building Ireland's Smart Economy", in December 2008 which sets out a clear roadmap for Ireland's move back to economic growth and prosperity. The Cabinet Committee for Economic Renewal is driving this strategy and we will continue to pursue policies that will build on our strengths, address our weaknesses and maximise economic activity and employment.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

147 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into her Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11678/09]

The number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances is a day to day administration matter for the agencies and bodies concerned and is an area in which I have no function.

County Enterprise Boards.

Dan Neville

Question:

148 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement regarding a matter (details supplied). [11698/09]

Financial and non-financial assistance for small businesses and services in Ireland is delivered by a large number of bodies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) (www.enterpriseboards.ie), Enterprise Ireland (www.enterprise-ireland.com) and FÁS (www.fas.ie). The individual concerned should, in the first instance, contact their local CEB, who will then advise how best to proceed further with their venture and in the event of not being able to assist them will re-direct them as appropriate.

County and City Enterprise Boards

The 35 CEBs were set up in 1993 to provide support for small businesses with ten employees or fewer (micro-enterprises) in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The CEBs deliver a series of Programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter.

The forms of financial assistance which are available from the CEB network, subject to certain criteria, include Capital Grants, Employment Grants, and Feasibility Study Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance can take the form of a wide range of business advice such as Programmes covering Business Management, Mentoring, e-commerce, Enterprise Education, and Women in Business networks. CEBs may provide grant assistance to micro-enterprises (ten employees maximum) in the start-up and expansion phases in manufacturing, tourism and services, provided the promoter can demonstrate that the project is commercially viable; will not displace jobs elsewhere in the economy; will focus upon new initiatives in fields where they can best fill gaps rather than duplicate provision; will involve the creation of sustainable employment; requires grant assistance to enable the project to develop.

However Boards are required to give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector, which over time can develop into strong export entities and graduate to the Enterprise Ireland portfolio. The entrepreneur may contact his local CEB through the national website as noted above, or direct to the Limerick County Enterprise Board at Lissanalta House, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick (Telephone No. 061 — 496520, Fax No. 061 — 583954 or email: ).

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland has primary responsibility for Irish companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It supports companies employing ten or more people and start-up companies which have the potential to employ ten or more people and reach or exceed €1 million in exports over three years.

Encouraging and supporting innovation-led high potential start-up companies (HPSUs) with an export focus is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland and is fundamental to building the next generation of world-class Irish companies. Enterprise Ireland offers a wide range of services, including financial and non-financial supports to companies with a business strategy that encompasses all elements required for business success.

Employment Rights.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

149 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 10 March 2009, if she will make further inquiries as to whether her Department received an application form for payment of the EAT determination; the way post received in her Department is recorded and tracked; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that An Post has confirmed the successful delivery of the application to her Department on 5 February 2009 and that it was signed for (details supplied); when payment will be made in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11732/09]

When this question was first answered on 10 March, the redundancy claim form (RP50) and the EAT determination had, in fact, been lodged in the Department but had not been entered on the system due to the very significant increase in the numbers of claims received. The claim was subsequently entered and the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is now in the process of completing administration checks on the lump sum claim for the statutory redundancy payment to the person concerned. Payment is expected to issue by the end of this week which will be just outside our customer service target of 6 weeks for lump sum payments. Procedures are being put in place (including the allocation of additional staff) to cope with the huge administrative burden on staff in the Redundancy Payments Section including ensuring that an efficient tracking system for claims received in the Department is in operation.

Questions Nos. 150 and 151 answered with Question No. 130.

Job Protection.

Finian McGrath

Question:

152 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on a query (details supplied). [11787/09]

The Government is anxious that as many jobs as possible are secured at Dublin Airport. We would like to see the SR Technics Group do what it can to facilitate this, such as helping to promote the capabilities and skills available at the Dublin facility, agreeing to an orderly wind down of the facility to give IDA Ireland an opportunity to promote the location to interested parties, and maintaining assets and equipment at the site for at least six months. I have conveyed these points, and the widespread concern in Ireland that every effort be made to maintain the maximum number of jobs at the facility at Dublin Airport, to SR Technics at Group level.

There are a number of expressions of interest from different parties in acquiring at least elements of the business and both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are actively exploring options with interested parties. Time is needed to assess these proposals by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Actual involvement by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland in providing financial or other supports will be dependent on a company or companies submitting proposals for consideration and seeking approval for State support in the normal way.

Employment Rights.

James Bannon

Question:

153 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legislation regarding double pay for restaurant workers on Sundays, which is forcing a person (details supplied) in County Longford to close their restaurant on Sundays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12019/09]

Minimum rates of pay, and other conditions of work for workers in certain sectors, are determined by Joint Labour Committees (JLCs). JLCs are statutory bodies established by the Labour Court under the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2004. 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 (EROs) made by the Labour Court under the Industrial Relations Acts on foot of proposals made to the Court by the JLCs.

For the past number of years, the Catering sector has been covered by two separate JLCs, one covering the Dublin region and the second the rest of the country. Over the years, each of the JLCs in the Catering sector has agreed a set of terms and conditions to apply to the workers covered by its remit. In circumstances where both Committees have operated independently of each other, the terms as agreed by the two Committees have differed in various respects. In particular, workers covered by the Dublin ERO are entitled to time plus one third for Sunday work, while workers outside of Dublin must be paid double time.

I am aware that the approach to determination of the Sunday premia which applies under the EROs for the catering sector has given rise to concern for the continued viability of services provided by catering establishments and the sustainability of employment in many areas. In this regard, it is my understanding that the employer and trade union interests in the catering sector have reached a preliminary agreement to fix a uniform set of terms and conditions (including the harmonisation of the Sunday premium). I strongly urge the parties to take the necessary action to ensure that these uniform terms and conditions are given effect as soon as possible.

Community Employment Schemes.

James Bannon

Question:

154 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if people who wish to work until 70 years of age on FÁS schemes can do so rather that retiring to draw a State pension. [12021/09]

FÁS as an agency of my Department operates the Community Employment (CE) and Job Initiative (JI) schemes.

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons (including those with a disability) with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis.

The Job Initiative Programme (JI) was launched in July 1996 and provides full time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, unemployed for 5 years or more, and in receipt of Social Welfare payments over that period. The main purpose of the programme is to assist long-term unemployed people to prepare for work opportunities by providing participants with work experience, training and development opportunities. The programme is sponsored by voluntary organisations and public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities.

Participation on Community Employment and Job Initiative has an upper age limit of 65 years of age, i.e. a participant/supervisor can remain on the programme until the day before their 66th birthday, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements. FÁS cannot make funding available to a sponsor for any participant or supervisor aged 66 years or over. To do so would mean that the State would effectively be double-funding both the CE/JI place and the participant's state pension simultaneously. This Government will continue to support the positive role of FÁS Employment Schemes in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. I am keeping the operation of the schemes under constant review in the context of the current difficult unemployment situation.

FÁS Training Programmes.

James Bannon

Question:

155 Deputy James Bannon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if Longford town will be selected as a temporary training centre in view of the large number of jobs that have been lost in this area in recent times and the closure of Connolly Barracks with its knock-on adverse effect on employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12022/09]

Through a regional network of offices and training centres, FÁS provides a comprehensive nationwide service of training programmes as well as providing a recruitment service to jobseekers, an advisory resource for industry and support mechanisms for community-based enterprises.

As part of its response to the current economic situation the FÁS Midlands region will be delivering an increased number of training places. In addition to the provision of courses in Athlone Training Centre and other locations in the area, FÁS has provided for the delivery of a number of day-time courses in Longford. In conjunction with this, it is planned to run a series of evening courses in Longford which will be provided free of charge to the unemployed. Accommodation has already been sourced for these courses, some of which have already commenced.

Work Permits.

Jack Wall

Question:

156 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on removing the specified profession (details supplied) from those permitted under the work permit scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12088/09]

I have no plans at present to add this occupation to the list of job categories ineligible for work permits. However, applications for work permits for meat de-boners will continue to be subject to a strict labour market needs test intended to maximise opportunities for filling of vacancies from within the Irish labour market and wider EEA. In addition, in order to facilitate the development of a wider indigenous skills pool for the meat industry, my Department through its key training providers FÁS and Skillnets, supports the provision of a number of FETAC accredited training programmes for butchers and de-boners. Such training provision recognises that the development and maintenance of skills are pivotal to keeping this key export industry operating in a competitive and efficient manner.

According to a 2008 study conducted by the Skills and Labour Market Research Unit in FÁS for the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, there were 6,300 butchers/meat de-boners employed in Ireland in 2007 of which 850 were from outside of the EU. Data for 2008 indicates a decline in the numbers of non-Irish nationals employed in this sector and an increase in the proportion of Irish nationals employed.

Job Protection.

Joe Costello

Question:

157 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when her attention was drawn to the fact that the Dublin Airport Authority intended to buy back the lease on the six hangars at Dublin Airport from a company (details supplied); the cost of that buy back; if the contents of the hangars are also available for purchase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12097/09]

While I have no function as regards the operational activities of the Dublin Airport Authority, I am anxious that as many jobs as possible are secured at Dublin Airport. I would like to see the SR Technics Group do what it can to facilitate this, such as helping to promote the capabilities and skills available at the Dublin facility, agreeing to an orderly wind down of the facility to give IDA Ireland an opportunity to promote the location to interested parties, and maintaining assets and equipment at the site for at least six months. I have conveyed these points, and the widespread concern in Ireland that every effort be made to maintain the maximum number of jobs at the facility at Dublin Airport, to SR Technics at Group level.

There are a number of expressions of interest from different parties in acquiring at least elements of the business and both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are actively exploring options with interest parties. Time is needed to assess these proposals by IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. Actual involvement by IDA Ireland or Enterprise Ireland in providing financial or other supports will be dependent on a company or companies submitting proposals for consideration and seeking approval for State support in the normal way.

EU Directives.

Joe Costello

Question:

158 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she will transpose the Insolvency Directive into law here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12098/09]

The Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984 transposed EU Council Directive 80/987/EEC into Irish law and is the legal base for the Insolvency Payments Scheme. This Scheme provides for payment of certain entitlements owed to employees by their employer at the time of liquidation. These entitlements include arrears of wages, holiday pay, and pension contributions. While the regulation of pension funds is the responsibility of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, the Insolvency Payments Scheme can reimburse certain pension fund contributions in an insolvency situation. Section 7 of the Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Act 1984 provides for payment into an occupational pension scheme of outstanding employer and employee contributions which were due to be paid in the 12 months prior to insolvency. This provision transposes Article 8 of the EU Directive which requires that Member States shall ensure that the pension entitlements of employees are protected in the event of an insolvency.

Health and Safety Inspections.

Denis Naughten

Question:

159 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 25 February 2009 the reason a plant (details supplied) was inspected at such frequency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12110/09]

I have made inquiries and understand that, in addition to routine inspections initiated by the inspector, the plant operator requested further visits for verification purposes. Verification visits are necessary when seals on instruments are broken for adjustment or repair or where scales in use are exchanged from non-trade to trade use. In some cases two-day visits are required because of the number of instruments involved.

Educational Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

160 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will respond to a query in relation to the education system and its role in the development of a knowledge economy (details supplied). [12215/09]

Issues relating to the school curriculum and to higher education are policy matters for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science, who is responding separately on these points.

I consider it vitally important that our education system provides the skills required by our enterprise sector. The 2008 Forfas national skills bulletin pointed out that current shortages of high level IT skills (software, IT services, systems integration, electronics/IC design, automation and process control) are expected to persist.

My Department funds the Discover Science and Engineering programme, which is run by Forfas. Discover Science and Engineering (DSE) is supporting the "pipeline" to the knowledge economy by encouraging more students to take up careers in the physical sciences and in engineering. DSE, through its extensive programmes supports the science curriculum at primary and second levels and encourages more students to take an interest in science and engineering and subsequently to study those subjects at third and fourth level.

DSE's primary school programmes focus on learning about the science in the world around us. Over 90% (3,000) of primary schools participate in its programmes where the emphasis is on learning-by-doing rather than on rote learning. This programme therefore encourages key skills such as scientific observational techniques and teamwork, which are so essential to the modern knowledge economy. Also, there is a strong emphasis on interactive ICT skills in this programme. The two key programmes here are Discover Primary Science and Greenwave.ie, an environmental and climate centred project and in both case schools submit and interact via the internet. In the case of the former new learning modules are delivered on the internet also.

Similarly, at second level and in support of the Junior Certificate science curriculum DSE focuses very much on the development of key learning skills for the knowledge economy. Here it is currently working through its Sensors programme with nearly 200 schools by supporting their use of electronic data gathering equipment which the students use in their project work. In addition, DSE with its partner Intel through the Scifest programme is promoting science and engineering project work at local level. In this programme students are encouraged to compete by submitting their projects in competitions hosted at each one of 12 local Institutes of Technology. The key internet support here is ProjectBlogger which hosts discussions amongst students on their project work. Similarly DSE supports the national display of science and engineering project as a Gold Partner of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

In addition, DSE promotes careers in technology by working closely with Engineers Ireland and the Cork Electronic Industries Association and by also promoting these careers as a partner to CareersPortal.ie.

My Department also funds ICT research and development through Science Foundation Ireland. SFI invests in research teams that generate new knowledge and leading edge technologies fostering competitive enterprise activity in the fields of science and engineering underpinning ICT, biotechnology and energy. In the ICT area, SFI investment includes software, hardware and their combination. One of the important outputs of that funding is a growing stream of PhD graduates in areas of ICT closely linked to the needs of Irish industry.

Retail Industry.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

161 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the system introduced by a leading multiple in which demands are levied on suppliers at the beginning of the year, which in 2009 will total €170 million approximately, on the basis that if suppliers do not pay such demands, supplies will be obtained elsewhere including from abroad; her views on this practice; if she has proposals to curb such activity in view of the possibility of suppliers being put out of business leading to further unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12223/09]

The negotiation of commercial contracts is essentially a matter for the contracting parties themselves and I have no direct function in relation to such contracts.

Nevertheless, the Competition Acts prohibit retailers from engaging in certain practices in their dealings with suppliers. Should the Deputy have any evidence of retailers engaging in prohibited practices, I would urge him to bring such evidence to the attention of the Competition Authority in order that it may be investigated fully.

Redundancy Payments.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

162 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way a period spent on a career break is factored into the calculation of statutory redundancy entitlement. [12257/09]

In the calculation of entitlement for a statutory redundancy payment, absences such as career breaks which are authorised by the employer, constitute reckonable service and are included for purposes of calculating the redundancy entitlement of an individual.

The Redundancy Payments on-line System which can be accessed through my Department's main website, provides a facility to calculate statutory redundancy entitlements which take account of adjustments related to items such as career breaks.

Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 130.

Regulatory Burden.

Phil Hogan

Question:

164 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will review the company law relating to small business and companies limited by guarantee to remove the requirement for a statutory audit for those with an income of less than €100,000 in view of the financial burden of the fees associated in that work for those companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12280/09]

The extension of the audit exemption regime to small companies limited by guarantee is currently being examined by the Company Law Review Group as part of its 2008/2009 Work Programme and I will consider their recommendation(s) in the matter.

Telecommunications Services.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

165 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Finance when the tetra communications roll-out is expected to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11646/09]

The provision of modern, secure digital radio communications services is regarded as critical to the effective operations of the emergency and security services of the State.

Following a comprehensive EU procurement exercise, a central agreement between the Minister for Finance and Tetra Ireland Communications Ltd. for the provision of national digital radio services for voice and data purposes to non-commercial public bodies was put in place in May 2008. The agreement was formally commenced in September 2008. The agreement establishes a drawdown facility for all civil service and non-commercial public bodies. The drawdown can be used for digital radio communications services, digital radio equipment, and training in the use of the services and equipment. The use of the digital radio service is governed by secondary legislation enacted by the Commission for Communications Regulation and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

The service is being rolled out on a phased basis. The Dublin region and parts of Leinster are just being completed. It is hoped to have all of Leinster and part of Munster completed by the middle of this year. Full national coverage is currently timetabled for completion by summer 2010. This timetable is contingent on Tetra Ireland Communications Ltd. receiving the necessary planning permissions and approvals to use existing infrastructure or to build new infrastructure where necessary.

Garda Stations.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

166 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the annual allocation to the Garda station building programme since 2002; the annual number of Garda stations built since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12043/09]

The total annual allocation to the Garda station building programme since 2002, including the provision in the Revised Estimates, is as follows:

Year

Allocation

€m

2002

17,738

2003

12,000

2004

19,887

2005

30,632

2006

27,820

2007

46,440

2008

57,020

2009

27,748

Additional monies would have been expended on a variety of other Garda related works but it is not possible in the time available to extract the precise figures.

The annual number of garda stations built since 2002 is as follows:

Number

Completed 2002

Completed 2003

3

Completed 2004

5

Completed 2005

4

Completed 2006

7

Completed 2007

4

Completed 2008

7

Small Business Sector.

Joe Costello

Question:

167 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Finance the amount of funding that was made available by the European Investment Bank to the 27 Member States of the EU, in October 2008, for small and medium-sized enterprises; the amount that has been drawn down here by each of the State guaranteed financial institutions; the amount that has been loaned to small and medium-sized enterprises by each of these financial institutions; the number of loan applications that have been processed; the number that have been refused by each of the State guaranteed financial institutions since October 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10829/09]

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, through the establishment of a €30 billion facility to provide loans to SMEs through commercial banks.

Participation in the facility is a commercial decision for individual financial institutions. I understand, however, that some Irish financial institutions covered by the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 have submitted applications to access the facility. It is also my understanding that negotiations are at an advanced stage and I hope that they can be completed in the coming days.

In mid-January 2009, Bank of Scotland (Ireland) — which is not covered by the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 — announced that it had concluded an agreement to access €50 million from this fund.

The overall SME Facility is an important initiative from the EIB and I would strongly urge the 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.

Pension Provisions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

168 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Finance the proposals he has to discontinue the deduction of the pension levy from retained firemen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10857/09]

I have no proposals to discontinue the pension-related deduction in the case of retained firefighters. I did, however, undertake during the Dáil debate on the pension-related deduction to have the case of the retained firefighters examined to see if there are exceptional circumstances with regard to this group of public servants. That examination is in progress.

Tax Code.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

169 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance if he has held meetings with representatives from a group (details supplied) in recent months; the commitments he entered into with the group; when he expects these commitments to be put into effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10860/09]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

193 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by an association (details supplied) regarding the regulation of their profession; if he is in a position to deal with those concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11226/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 193 together.

I met with representatives of the association referred to in the Deputies' questions on 17 February 2009. They raised a number of issues with me including: auditing requirements; the reforms of the regulatory structures; the supervision of insurance mediation carried out on an incidental basis; and the treatment of basic insurance products by the Financial Regulator, in the context of the Financial Regulator's review of its Consumer Protection Code. It was agreed at the meeting that my officials would examine the matters raised and that the amendment of the existing Insurance Mediation Regulations (S.I. No. 13 of 2005) would be treated as a priority, taking into account other legislative priorities. The Deputies may wish to note that officials from my Department will continue to liaise with the association and keep them informed of relevant developments.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Michael McGrath

Question:

170 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on requesting the six covered banking institutions to adopt a lenient approach to mortgage customers who signed up to fixed rate mortgages and who are not in a position to avail of the reduction in interest rates; and his further views on requesting these institutions to allow such customers to revert to variable mortgages without excessive penalties being imposed. [10918/09]

The Deputy will be aware that Financial Regulator published its Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears on 13th February in keeping with the Government's announcement on recapitalisation arrangements. This Code applies only to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal residence in the State, by all regulated entities operating in the State. Under the Code, where a borrower is in difficulty, the lender will make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and will not commence legal action for repossession until at least six months from when the arrears first arise.

The Deputy will appreciate that a balance must be achieved by Government between influencing private banks through the bank guarantee scheme and other financial support incentives while at the same time being seen to have a hands-off approach to the day to day running of these institutions which must operate on a strictly commercial basis.

The choice of mortgage product ultimately rests with consumers in light of their assessment of the terms and conditions that their lending institution offers. The decision of borrowers is influenced by factors such as their personal preferences and their own assessment of the relative merits of fixed and variable rate mortgages.

Generally mortgages are for long periods. To some consumers a fixed interest rate on a mortgage offers peace of mind in that the borrower benefits from certainty regarding the cost of the mortgage, does not need to be concerned with changes in mortgage interest rates and accordingly, can budget more confidently.

Interest rates charged by banks generally vary in line with the base rate fixed by the European Central Bank from time to time. Where a bank offers a fixed rate over a certain period it incurs additional costs in obtaining fixed or other funding in respect of the loan over the period. The additional costs will reflect both the market view in relation to future trends in interest rates for the period and the fact that longer term deposits generally attract higher interest rates than short term. In addition, where a customer changes from a fixed interest rate contract to a variable rate contract before the end of the term for which the interest rate was fixed, there is an associated cost to the lender. In circumstances that lenders were prohibited from passing on this cost to borrowers switching to variable rates, this cost could increase the price and reduce the availability of fixed rate mortgages.

I have no function in setting interest rates for banks covered by the guarantee scheme and I do not propose to introduce additional requirements.

Michael McGrath

Question:

171 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on the need for the banks covered by the State guarantee scheme to quickly pass on ECB interest rate reductions in full to mortgage customers; and his views on other institutions passing on such a rate reduction. [10919/09]

The Deputy will be aware that Financial Regulator published its Code of Conduct on Mortgage Arrears on 13th February in keeping with the Government's announcement on recapitalisation arrangements. This Code applies only to mortgage lending activities to consumers in respect of their principal residence in the State, by all regulated entities operating in the State. Under the Code, where a borrower is in difficulty, the lender will make every reasonable effort to agree an alternative repayment schedule and will not commence legal action for repossession until at least six months from when the arrears first arise.

The decision on whether an institution operating in Ireland passes on ECB interest rate cuts to customers is a commercial decision for the institution concerned. While my Department monitors the impact of changes in mortgage interest rates on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), it has no direct function in relation to the individual institution's decisions on the matter.

The Deputy will be aware that many lenders are conducting extensive advertising campaigns, showing that competition is a real factor on the mortgage scene. The existence of that level of competition in the mortgage lending market is sufficient, I believe, to ensure that credit institutions will reduce their rates where possible in order to remain competitive and retain their share of the market. I understand that in general credit institutions differentiate between mortgages of owner occupiers and residential investors for the purposes of setting mortgage interest rates.

I have been informed by the Financial Regulator that all of the covered institutions have fully passed on each ECB interest rate cut to owner occupiers since the bank guarantee scheme was introduced and that this will be so for the latest ECB cut announced on 5 March 2009. I have also been informed that since the bank guarantee scheme has been in place, on average, cuts in ECB rates have been passed on within one month of the ECB announcement allowing time for adjustments to administrative support systems. I welcome the decision of lenders to pass on ECB interest rates in full to their home mortgage customers.

Earth Hour Initiative.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

172 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the successful participation by the Office of Public Works in global initiative Earth Hour in 2008 along with many cities throughout the world, the Office of Public Works will participate in Earth Hour 2009 and seek the switching off of non-essential lights in Government Buildings as well as the other buildings in Dublin City that house the respective offices of Government Ministers from 8.30pm to 9.30 pm on 28 March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10921/09]

Individual Government Departments have responsibility and control over the lighting of their buildings. The Office of Public Works is participating in the Earth Hour initiative, where practicable, in respect of buildings under its direct management and control, including a number of famous heritage sites around the country. The Office of Public Works will provide technical and other practical support services to Government Departments, where practicable, in support of the initiative.

Financial Institution Support Scheme.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

173 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the actions he is taking to pressurise the covered financial institutions to pass on reductions in the Euribor rate to business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10971/09]

The decision on whether a bank operating in Ireland passes on interest rate cuts to customers is a commercial decision for the individual bank concerned. While my Department monitors the impact of changes in interest rates on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), it has no direct function in relation to the individual bank decisions on the matter.

However, as the Deputy will be aware, I have publicly indicated that I expect banks to pass on funding cost reductions to their customers, including in particular to small and medium-sized enterprises. This is important to help support sustainable growth and employment along with the maintenance of price stability.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

174 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 97 of 12 February 2009 the amount that would be raised by an income levy applied at 20% on all income to €50,000, 30% on income from €50,000 to €100,000 and 40% on all income above €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10972/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2009, from the changes mentioned by the Deputy is estimated to be of the order of €19 billion. The existing general and age exemption limits were retained for the purpose of this estimate.

The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2005 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for 2009. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.

Tax Collection.

Jack Wall

Question:

175 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of 24 February 2009, when the assessment form will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10999/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a notice of assessment issued to the taxpayer on the 20th February 2009.

Tax Code.

Alan Shatter

Question:

176 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance the consideration given by him to date on introducing a new scrappage scheme to stimulate business in the motor industry; his view on the proposal of a group (details supplied) that such a scheme be based on a 50% refund of the VRT on the sale of a new car subject to a minimum of €1000 and the imposition of an appropriate maximum when a vehicle of ten years or older is scrapped; the action proposed by him to introduce such a scheme; his views on whether such a scheme would generate increased tax revenues and help to preserve jobs in the motor trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11024/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

192 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has assessed the case made by the motor industry for a car scrappage scheme to promote movement of the stock of cars. [11223/09]

Michael Creed

Question:

204 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Finance the proposals he has to assist the motor vehicle industry to deal with the large stock of second-hand cars; if he has consulted with an organisation (details supplied) on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11712/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 176, 192 and 204 together.

I am conscious of the decline in new car sales both in Ireland and internationally, due to the contraction in economic activity. I and officials of my Department have met with representatives of the motor industry, where they have put forward various proposals regarding the introduction of a car scrappage scheme and the existing stock of second hand cars. Any such proposals will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Supplementary Budget.

Alan Shatter

Question:

177 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 4000 jobs have been lost in the motor industry in the course of the past 12 months; his views on whether a failure to take emergency measures could result not only in further job losses but in the closure of a substantial number of car dealerships and further job losses during 2009; the consideration given by him to date to the introduction of a VAT margin scheme as proposed by a group (details supplied) to replace the current VAT special scheme in order that car dealers are not required to pay VAT on cars sold by them based on a value in excess of the sale price of a car and the introduction of appropriate transitional arrangements in the interest of maintaining the viability of the industry and preserving jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11025/09]

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

178 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11041/09]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

180 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance his views on proposals from a group (details supplied) in respect of VAT changes to a margins system with compensation for future inability to claim back VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11044/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

191 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly in the way VAT on second hand cars is structured, such that VAT is based on the price at which the car is acquired even it has to be sold at a considerable discount in the current market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11222/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

198 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that under a VAT claw-back scheme, car dealers are forced to pay VAT on the value at which second-hand cars were brought into stock even if they are forced to sell these cars at a significant discount from the original price and that discounts are having to be made to sell second-hand cars; and his views on the various proposals put forward by the industry to remedy this problem. [11657/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 177, 178, 180, 191 and 198 together.

I am conscious of the decline in the car industry in Ireland and internationally due to the contraction in economic activity.

In the case of second-hand cars a special VAT scheme is in place in Ireland, following strong representations from the motor industry, rather than the Margin Scheme operated in most other Member States. The special scheme allows motor dealers, at the time of purchase, to claim credit for residual input VAT which is considered to be included in the cost of acquiring a car from a customer. When the car is subsequently resold, the VAT is chargeable on the full sale price of the car or on the original purchase price paid by the dealer, whichever is the higher. This is necessary because the dealer has already been granted a credit in relation to the residual input VAT incurred. The special scheme allows dealers the maximum benefit by allowing an immediate deduction of residual VAT at the point of purchase. The VAT credit already allowed on second-hand cars must, despite the industry's view, be seen for what it is, i.e. money advanced to dealers by the Exchequer which they are only repaying when they resell the second-hand cars.

Although with the changing economic circumstances dealers have found themselves selling traded-in second hand cars at a loss, which is increasingly giving rise to clawbacks of VAT situations for dealers, it is not possible to write-off the VAT credit already allowed to the dealers on second-hand cars. In this context the Revenue Commissioners have however granted concessionary treatment which allows dealers to postpone payment in respect of the clawbacks over the past number of months until 19 May 2009.

I am not opposed to the introduction of a Margin Scheme for second-hand cars, but not on the basis, as is being proposed by the motor industry, that the outstanding VAT credit already provided to dealers in relation to their existing stock of second-hand cars would be written-off in full.

Tax Yield.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

179 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Finance the revenue the Exchequer received from excise duties on beer, wines and spirits in each year from 1997 to 2008; his views on whether higher duties and VAT on these items in the State are having a negative impact on retail trade throughout the State, and on the Exchequer itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11043/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the revenue the Exchequer received from excise duties on beer, wine, spirits and cider in each year from 1997 to 2008 is set out in the following table. The figures provided in relation to 2008 are provisional at this juncture.

Beer

Spirits

Wine

Cider

Total

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

1997

449.3

183.0

83.0

20.4

735.7

1998

464.3

187.5

96.1

24.4

772.2

1999

477.1

218.0

111.3

28.7

835.0

2000

475.9

247.1

123.8

33.3

880.2

2001

435.6

220.9

120.9

36.1

813.6

2002

477.4

266.5

152.2

62.1

958.1

2003

455.4

305.0

167.8

60.4

988.6

2004

458.2

314.9

184.8

64.2

1,022.1

2005

457.3

319.8

195.1

66.1

1,038.3

2006

460.7

338.0

209.2

69.2

1,077.1

2007

464.8

367.6

230.2

68.3

1,130.9

2008 (prov)

427.1

350.9

231.3

60.6

1,070.0

Ireland has had a long standing policy, for sound health and social reasons, of applying high excise rates to alcohol products. Consequently, Ireland has the highest excise rate on wine in the European Community, and the second highest in the case of beer and spirits. Nevertheless it should be noted that excise duty has not been increased on beer since Budget 1994, on cider since Budget 2002 and on spirits since Budget 2003. Excise duty on wine was increased in Budget 2009 by 50 cent per standard bottle, having remained unchanged since Budget 1994. The overall decline in excise yields in 2008 reflects the general slowdown in economic activity.

Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 177.

Tax Code.

Seán Connick

Question:

181 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the motor industry in Germany is reporting a 21% year on year increase in new car sales in February, despite Germany being in recession and having an unemployment rate in excess of 8%, due to the introduction of a stimulus package for the industry which pays consumers €2,500 to replace a car at least nine years old with a new car; the amount a similar package would cost the Exchequer if it yielded similar increases in new car sales here; the amount it would yield in extra tax revenue; his views on introducing a similar package in the forthcoming budget as a means of reviving the motor industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11055/09]

I am conscious of the decline in new car sales in Ireland and internationally due to the contraction in economic activity. As the Deputy is aware, I and officials in my Department have met with representatives of the motor industry, where they have put forward various proposals, including the introduction of a car scrappage scheme. Any such proposal will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Supplementary Budget.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

182 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11111/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

183 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Finance the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11125/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers and certain other State officials are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí which are allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána and individual rates of remuneration are not readily available.

There are two drivers employed by the Office of Public Works for Minister of State, Dr. Martin Mansergh. Each driver receives an annual salary of €34,826.

Pension Provisions.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

184 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the pension levy which applies to retained firemen on the grounds that they only qualify for gratuity on retirement and when the gratuity is calculated on their retainer; the reason the levy applies to their hourly rate in view of the fact that this rate is not included for gratuity purposes; if he will also take into consideration the fact that no pension scheme was available to these firemen until 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11147/09]

I undertook during the Dáil debate on the pension-related deduction to have the case of the retained firefighters examined to see if there are exceptional circumstances with regard to this group of public servants. That examination is in progress.

It is no longer the case that they qualify only for gratuity on retirement, as they have been given the option of joining the Local Government Superannuation Scheme, a fact to which the Deputy refers. In any event, the deduction is not limited to members of public service pension schemes, as it also applies to public servants who receive a payment in lieu of membership of such a scheme.

The deduction applies to remuneration as defined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. Such remuneration is not confined to pensionable pay or pay on which gratuities are based.

Consumer Debt.

Joan Burton

Question:

185 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide detailed statistics on consumer debt here; the way it has evolved over the past five years; the way it is broken down by mortgage debt, credit card debt, hire purchase loans, car loans and other secured or unsecured personal loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11149/09]

Private sector credit growth and debt levels are, in the first instance, a matter for the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland and details are published by the Bank in their Quarterly Bulletins.

Set out below is a breakdown of personal (consumer) debt over the period 2004 to 2008. Information is available for total personal sector lending, house mortgage finance, other housing finance, finance for investment and other personal lending including credit card debt, as compiled by the Central Bank. The Central Bank does not separately identify hire purchase or car loans in the banks' returns.

€ million

2004 Q1

2004 Q4

2005 Q1

2005 Q4

2006 Q1

2006 Q4

2007 Q1

2007 Q4

2008 Q1

2008 Q4

Total Personal Sector Lending

76,696

94,879

99,330

120,058

124,636

146,736

151,183

165,479

168,141

172,331

House mortgage finance

62,415

77,003

80,553

98,956

104,582

123,288

127,555

139,842

142,403

147,905

Other housing finance

454

542

409

628

805

1,133

1,154

1,224

1,159

1,027

Finance for investment

2,066

2,633

2,834

3,856

4,296

5,331

5,497

6,041

5,828

5,237

Other personal

11,760

14,701

15,535

16,618

14,953

16,984

16,977

18,373

18,751

18,162

of which: credit card debt

1,159

1,914

1,868

2,196

2,149

2,607

2,572

2,847

2,800

2,997

Source: Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland.

The data shows that: Total Personal Sector Lending: Between Q1 2004 and Q1 2007 total personal sector lending increased at annual rates of over 20%. After that date the yearly growth rate began a steady decline and stood at 4.1% at end-2008.

House Mortgage Finance: Similar to total personal sector lending, house mortgage finance experienced year-on-year growth rates of over 20% between Q1 2004 and Q1 2007. Since then growth rates have declined markedly and stood at an annual rate of 5.8% at end-2008.

Other Housing Finance: This series represents largely bridging finance and as a result this series has experienced volatile year-on-year growth rates.

Finance for Investment: This series includes lending to private individuals for purposes such as business, debt consolidation, education, etc. The series peaked in mid-2005. From the start of 2006, this category started a steady decline, experiencing negative annual growth rates for the first time in 2008.

Other personal: This category experienced growth rates of over 20% for the first time in mid-2004, continuing this strong growth until peaking in Q1 2005 at 32.1%. Negative annual growth rates in the first two quarters of 2006 resulted from reclassifications. At end-Q4 2008 this category had an annual growth rate of minus 1.1%.

Credit Card Debt: The high growth rates seen in 2004 and early 2005 are as a result of the expansion in the number of banks reporting credit card debt and do not represent trend growth. In Q4 2008, personal credit card debt reached its lowest annual growth rate, at 5.3%, since the series began.

Credit Institutions.

Finian McGrath

Question:

186 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied). [11152/09]

It is not appropriate for me to comment on the affairs of a particular company who may or may not be the customer of an Irish or UK credit institution.

Decentralisation Programme.

John O'Mahony

Question:

187 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation of Government offices to Claremorris, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11173/09]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) commenced operations in the OPW advance office in Claremorris in September 2007, and this office has a current staffing compliment of 30. OPW has also acquired the site for their permanent decentralised office in Claremorris.

It is planned to progress the Claremorris decentralisation project on a phased basis. Phase One will provide an office for 104 posts, which includes the posts in the advance office. Phase Two, involving an additional 38 posts, is deferred pending review in 2011.

Contract documents, based on a design and build framework, are currently being finalised with a view to tenders being invited in the near future. Following receipt and evaluation of the tenders, a Preferred Tenderer will be selected. The Preferred Tenderer will then be instructed to apply for Planning Permission. Subject to receipt of a satisfactory Planning Permission, a formal contract will be entered into, and work will commence on site. The current indicative time-line for the completion of construction for the permanent accommodation in Claremorris is late-2011.

Garda Stations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

188 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance when work will begin on the new Garda divisional head quarters in Wexford; when the head quarters will be ready for occupation; the price paid for the site at Rocklands in respect of this station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11190/09]

The prioritisation of new build projects in the Garda Building Programme is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Garda management in the first instance. Taking into account the current budgetary constraints, Garda management has not placed the construction of the new Wexford Garda Station on the priority list of projects to commence construction in 2009. However, the design process for the new Station is being advanced, and arrangements are underway by the Office of Public Works to provide additional temporary accommodation at the existing Wexford Garda Station site to alleviate the accommodation difficulties at this location pending construction of the new Station facility. The acquisition cost of the site for the new Station was €1.95 million.

Tax Code.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

189 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance his views on an alternative to the collection and refund of the 1% levy in cases in which it is obvious from the outset that the individual or the couple concerned have no prospect of reaching or breaching the income limit; his further views on exceptions when the deduction of the levy is a cause of anxiety and distress to persons who will in fact have no liability ultimately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11193/09]

The income levy is deducted on any payments of income made on or after 1 January 2009. The income levy legislation provides for a refund after the end of the year where there has been an over-deduction of levy.

On an administrative basis the Revenue Commissioners have advised employers and pension providers that where they are satisfied that an individual under the age of 65 years will only have an individual income from them of less than €18,304 annually, or where aged over 65 years, irrespective of marital status, an income less than €20,000, then they should not deduct any income levy. These administrative arrangements are highlighted in the Frequently Asked Questions on the Income Levy which are available on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie/en/spotlights/income-levy.html

Where these arrangements are applied, the income levy will only be deducted in cases where there is likelihood that there will be a liability for the year.

In the case of the exemption for those aged over 65 who are married, the legislation provides for a refund after the end of the year because it would not be possible for either the Revenue Commissioners or an employer or pension provider to know during the course of the year whether or not all of the requirements necessary for the exemption to apply have been met. This would include knowing, for example, if the person or their spouse had turned 65 in the tax year, if they had other income sources and the aggregate income from these sources, if there had been a change in employment circumstances or if there had been a change in marital status during the year.

Revenue would not be in a position to establish many of these matters until after the end of a tax year and, accordingly, the legislation provides for the exemption to apply on the basis of a person making a repayment claim after the end of the tax year.

Michael Ring

Question:

190 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if all household income is taken into account in determining the rate and amount of tax payable by a public service pensioner who qualifies for a subsequent contributory old age pension; if the dependant relative allowance is means tested and taxed if applicable when such allowance is granted; and the checks and balances in place to ensure that aggregate income is taxed in appropriate cases. [11217/09]

Where a public service pensioner qualifies for a contributory old age pension and where appropriate, a qualified adult or qualified child allowance is applicable, all of this income would form part of his or her aggregate income for tax purposes. In the case of a public service pensioner receiving a contributory old age pension, the contributory old age pension, together with any additions that are taxable, may be taxed by restriction of tax credits for the year of assessment or as part of total income under self assessment. Means testing of social welfare payments is a matter for the Department of Social Community and Family Affairs.

Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 177.
Question No. 192 answered with Question No. 176.
Question No. 193 answered with Question No. 169.

Tourism Investment Schemes.

Pat Breen

Question:

194 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance the number of projects which have been received for inclusion under the mid-Shannon tourism investment scheme; if he will extend the 1 June 2009 deadline for this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11253/09]

The approval and certification of projects under the Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Investment Scheme is a matter for the Mid-Shannon Tourism Infrastructure Board in accordance with guidelines issued by the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in consultation with the Minister for Finance.

The Review Board of the Mid Shannon Tax Incentive Scheme and the executive teams within Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development have undertaken extensive promotion of the scheme since its inception. Briefings have been held with industry groups throughout the targeted region, and local authorities have also been engaged to ensure their support for the scheme and projects that might result from it. Whilst the executive teams have received many enquiries and expressions of interest among industry practitioners and engaged with them in developing their thinking, to date there have been no formal applications to the Board.

Any proposals to amend the scheme like all proposals for new tax or expenditure measures, will fall to be considered in the context of the ongoing development of budgetary and economic policy.

Tax Yield.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

195 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the tax take in respect of alcohol excise duty, tobacco excise duty and vehicle registration tax for each month since January 2004 to February 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11286/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the tax take in respect of alcohol excise duty, tobacco excise duty and vehicle registration tax for each month since January 2004 to February 2009 is set out in the following tables. The figures provided in relation to 2008 and 2009 are provisional at this juncture.

The overall decline in excise yields in respect of alcohol, tobacco and vehicle registrations since 2007 reflects inter alia the general slowdown in economic activity.

VRT

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 (Prov)

2009 (Prov)

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

Jan

39.2

49.0

54.0

67.6

215.5

31.5

Feb

183.9

231.3

280.3

311.5

202.0

76.7

Mar

120.6

145.3

173.9

184.8

158.9

Apr

119.2

139.6

159.0

176.7

113.6

May

88.8

112.2

120.4

130.9

90.3

Jun

89.4

105.9

115.5

153.7

85.3

Jul

76.2

90.2

103.0

100.8

80.7

Aug

65.9

76.6

81.3

80.7

61.0

Sep

94.6

119.9

115.5

113.8

70.1

Oct

27.3

34.5

42.4

36.4

18.5

Nov

23.7

27.9

27.4

29.9

18.4

Dec

17.2

16.4

14.7

19.4

6.6

Total

946.0

1,148.8

1,287.4

1,406.1

1,120.9

108.2

Tobacco

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 (Prov)

2009 (Prov)

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

Jan

0.7

0.4

0.2

0.6

0.6

0.8

Feb

35.1

26.0

30.0

34.9

33.3

31.7

Mar

40.4

43.0

59.7

46.5

45.9

Apr

77.0

89.2

80.7

102.4

94.6

May

70.8

92.5

93.9

95.9

118.6

Jun

83.6

88.2

77.6

88.7

90.5

Jul

89.6

97.3

94.6

108.2

100.2

Aug

74.0

93.6

101.8

86.9

100.9

Sep

89.5

94.9

88.4

112.3

106.0

Oct

97.2

83.2

91.0

87.0

100.8

Nov

100.5

99.5

92.7

102.4

151.3

Dec

300.9

271.6

292.9

326.1

228.4

Total

1,059.2

1,079.5

1,103.3

1,192.0

1,171.0

32.5

Alcohol

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 (Prov)

2009 (Prov)

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

€ m

Jan

119.7

120.7

124.0

119.2

107.3

96.7

Feb

45.2

42.2

44.7

52.6

52.6

44.6

Mar

60.2

61.5

64.3

71.0

73.9

Apr

78.5

85.1

85.1

88.0

79.6

May

82.8

76.7

81.2

82.0

81.5

Jun

83.0

89.9

91.9

103.6

90.6

Jul

82.5

85.9

91.2

90.3

85.1

Aug

90.6

90.0

90.9

108.1

92.0

Sep

86.7

89.7

97.6

105.8

85.6

Oct

79.2

83.8

85.0

65.4

111.8

Nov

82.9

82.3

88.1

115.5

124.8

Dec

130.9

130.6

133.1

129.5

85.1

Total

1,022.1

1,038.3

1,077.1

1,130.9

1,070.0

141.3

Pension Provisions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

196 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if the maximum pension a person can receive in respect of employment in the public service was capped at €60,000, €75,000 and €100,000 per annum, the amount which would be saved on an annual basis if this applied to all pensions in the public service, or just to all pensions granted from this year forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11287/09]

The Minister for Finance has statutory responsibility for civil service pensions and for pensions paid from the Central Fund. Statutory responsibility for other public service pension schemes is a matter in the first instance for the respective Ministers in other Departments, as appropriate.

The data below relate to the civil service. I will provide appropriate pensions data for the Central Fund separately to the Deputy as soon as possible.

It should be noted that there is no provision in the civil service superannuation schemes to cap civil service pensions as referred to below. Having said that, based on the current number of civil service pensioners, the amount which potentially would be saved on an annual basis, if the maximum pension a person could receive in respect of reckonable service was capped at €60,000 would be about €7.7m; at €75,000, it would be about €3.7m; and at €100,000, it would be about €1.3m.

The potential savings from the caps referred to above in the future would be affected by the numbers retiring in the different bands of pension payments.

Departmental Properties.

Joan Burton

Question:

197 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer on a full year basis, and for the nine months to end 2009, of property rental; if he will provide a breakdown of these costs by county and by category; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11622/09]

The cost to the Exchequer in the year 2009 of rents payable by the Commissioners of Public Works, in the categories of offices, warehouses, Garda accommodation and Driving Test Centres is €121,488,378.57.

This amount is exclusive of VAT applicable to some rents, service charges payable on Leases, car-park Leases / Licences fees and ground rents, (i.e. rents under €10,000 per annum).

A table of Leases follows, broken down by county and category of property. The vast majority of Leases are payable on a quarterly basis. Accordingly, the rent payable for the nine months to the end of 2009, on the schedule of Leases attached would be three-quarters (depending on the dates that the Gale Days fall on) or circa 75% of the amount above.

COUNTY

TYPE

TOTAL

CARLOW

Office

513,433.78

CAVAN

Office

331,936.00

Garda Station

13,000.00

Store

21,000.00

CLARE

Office

298,255.28

Garda Station & Married Q

25,000.00

CORK

Garda Station

79,628.05

Office

3,005,656.97

Warehouse

180,783.41

Office/Warehouse

51,678.00

DONEGAL

Office

446,721.86

Garda Station

115,000.00

Store

17,827.12

DUBLIN

Office

92,692,430.07

Warehouse

1,941,828.86

Court House

1,140,243.45

Drive Test Centre

151,334.40

Garda

44,500.00

Store

805,000.00

Heritage

41,900.00

Portacabin

11,983.80

Miscellaneous

479,190.00

GALWAY

Office

3,973,826.80

KERRY

Drive Test Centre

40,000.00

Office

854,578.54

Warehouse

18,324.86

KILDARE

Garda Station & Married Q

11,000.00

Office

1,807,833.63

Store

65,000.00

LAOIS

Office

795,220.50

Warehouse

206,052.41

LEITRIM

Office

863,720.00

LIMERICK

Drive Test Centre

138,096.65

Office

1,636,876.16

Store

78,470.00

Warehouse

23,970.00

LONGFORD

Office

26,030.28

LOUTH

Office

543,245.85

Warehouse

130,000.00

MAYO

Garda Station

60,000.00

Office

659,640.30

Store

48,000.00

MEATH

Office

1,994,178.66

MONAGHAN

Office

265,557.64

Depot — Drainage

32,500.00

OFFALY

Office

204,044.80

Store

139,513.62

ROSCOMMON

Office

13,713.17

SLIGO

Office

971,868.26

Store

24,000.00

TIPPERARY

Garda Station

62,314.51

Office

1,128,839.00

WATERFORD

Office

253,741.80

Store

32,505.29

Warehouse

60,750.00

WESTMEATH

Office

714,892.70

Warehouse

72,160.83

WEXFORD

Office

285,316.60

Custom Post

90,066.26

WICKLOW

Office

733,198.40

Garda Station

21,000.00

Question No. 198 answered with Question No. 177.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

199 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of financial institutions (details supplied) recently increased mortgage interest rates for all first time buyers by 0.4% in the immediate aftermath of the decision of the European Central Bank to cut rates; his views on whether such an increase is appropriate, particularly in view of the level of financial supports provided by the State to financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11669/09]

I have been informed by the Financial Regulator that all of the covered institutions have fully passed on each ECB interest rate cut to owner occupiers since the bank guarantee scheme was introduced and that this will be so for the latest ECB cut announced on 5 March 2009. I have also been informed that since the bank guarantee scheme has been in place, on average, cuts in ECB rates have been passed on within one month of the ECB announcement allowing time for adjustments to administrative support systems

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

200 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11680/09]

It has not been the practice of successive Ministers for Finance to involve themselves in the day to day operational details of any semi-State body reporting to the Department of Finance.

Tax Yield.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

201 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the excise increases that would arise from a carbon tax set at €20 per tonne of CO2 equivalent emitted and €25 per tonne of CO2 equivalent emitted on quantities of fuels (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11688/09]

As the Deputy will be aware the issue of a carbon tax is being considered by the Commission on Taxation. The Commission is due to report by September 2009 at the latest.

The precise design of the carbon tax has yet to be determined, however, based on the carbon intensity of the products listed the broad level of excise increases, inclusive of VAT, that would arise from applying a carbon tax at the rates specified to such products are set out in a table. It should be noted that in the case of electricity, the carbon intensity of this product is already taken into account at a generator level under the European Emissions Trading system.

Fuel Type

Unit

Carbon Tax €20

Carbon Tax €25

Peat Briquette

Bale

0.52

0.65

Coal (Standard)

40kg

2.39

2.98

Gasoil (heating)

litre

0.06

0.07

Kerosene (heating)

litre

0.05

0.07

Diesel

litre

0.06

0.08

Petrol

litre

0.05

0.07

LPG

litre

0.03

0.04

Natural Gas (Standard)

kwh

0.004

0.005

Members’ Remuneration.

Finian McGrath

Question:

202 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [11695/09]

A decision to make a gift from salary to the Minister for Finance is a voluntary and personal matter. I have already given information on the total number of members of the Oireachtas who have made such a gift in response to a previous question from the Deputy. I do not consider it appropriate to go beyond this and furnish the information now sought by the Deputy.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

203 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an estimate of the amount reclaimed in tax relief for medical expenses incurred in another EU state in the past three years for which figures are available; and if available, if he will provide a breakdown by MED one and MED two. [11701/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that details of the tax relief for medical expenses are not captured in such a way as to provide a basis for compiling the estimates of cost sought by the Deputy.

Question No. 204 answered with Question No. 176.

Michael McGrath

Question:

205 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position relating to the application of the increased rate of DIRT (details supplied) from 1 January 2009. [11746/09]

DIRT is deducted at source by deposit takers — for example, banks, building societies, credit unions, the Post Office Savings Bank — from interest paid or credited on deposits of Irish residents. The rate of tax deducted is determined by the relevant legislation in force at the time the interest is paid or credited. Therefore, the increased DIRT rate of 23% applies to payments including deemed payments made on or after 1 January 2009. As such, the period over which the interest accrued is not relevant for the purposes of applying the tax.

Disabled Drivers.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

206 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not eligible for the disabled drivers and passengers tax concession and vehicle fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11772/09]

The Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Scheme provides relief from VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (up to a certain limit), and exemption from motor tax, on the purchase of an adapted car for transport of a person with specific severe and permanent physical disabilities.

The disability criteria for these concessions are set out in the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994. To get a Primary Medical Certificate, an applicant must be permanently and severely disabled within the terms of these Regulations.

Tax Code.

Michael McGrath

Question:

207 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding EU Commission approval for proposed tax reliefs (details supplied). [11839/09]

In my Budget speech on 14th October, I announced the introduction of a new tax incentive scheme to facilitate the relocation of Seveso-listed industrial facilities which hinder the residential and commercial regeneration of Docklands in urban areas. The EU Seveso Directive seeks to protect public safety by placing land-use restrictions on new residential and commercial development near locations where potentially dangerous activities are undertaken.

The Deputy will also be aware that I indicated in my speech that this scheme will be subject to clearance by the European Commission from a State Aids perspective.

Contact has been made with the EU Commission on the scheme and it is understood that it is currently being examined by the Commission as to whether it constitutes a State Aid.

Pension Provisions.

Martin Ferris

Question:

208 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Finance the reason part-time firemen, who are not in receipt of a State pension, are subject to the pension levy. [11840/09]

I am taking the reference to a State pension as being to a public service pension. Retained firefighters are subject to the pension-related deduction as they are entitled to join the Local Government Superannuation Scheme and receive a pension and lump sum from a local authority. Those who do not take that option receive a non-contributory retirement gratuity arrangement. Under the Act, retained firefighters are, therefore, subject to the deduction.

However, the Deputy will be aware that I undertook during the Dáil debate on the deduction to have the case of the retained firefighters examined to see if there are exceptional circumstances with regard to this group of public servants. That examination is in progress.

Tax Yield.

James Reilly

Question:

209 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the shortfall of the health levy to date; the estimated shortfall for the health levy in 2009; the way that this figure is calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11853/09]

The Health Levy estimate is based on collection trends for previous years, the applicable rates and thresholds, as well as anticipated changes in employment levels and wage rates.

The 2009 Budget provided for total receipts of €1,333m in respect of the Health Levy. This estimate was based on projected receipts for 2008 together with anticipated changes to employment levels and wage rates in 2009 at that time. At end February the amount received for the first two months of the year was €30m under profile. Some €10m of this shortfall is as a result of an adjustment by the Department of Social & Family Affairs in respect of previous years contributions. The Deputy should note that the position regarding receipts for 2009 from the Health Levy will be reviewed as part of the emerging 2009 budgetary position being considered by the Government in the context of preparing the Supplementary Budget on 7 April.

Tax Code.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

210 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his views on permitting citizens carrying out small refurbishments or extensions on their homes to claim back VAT, or to enable them to register temporarily for VAT in order that they could discharge this function as a mechanism to discourage the black economy in construction, to encourage small builders to obtain work in the recession and as a boost to legitimate employment in housing and construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12026/09]

Irish VAT law must comply with the EU VAT Directive, which provides that individuals are in general outside the scope of VAT. Essentially only VAT registered persons who charge VAT are able to recover VAT. In addition, in order to register for VAT and thus be entitled to claim VAT deductions, an individual or business must be economically active and the VAT deductions must relate directly to that economic activity.

With regard to discouraging the black economy in the construction industry and boosting legitimate employment in housing and construction, I would point out Ireland applies the reduced VAT rate of 13.5% to all housing and construction.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

211 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that employees of Trinity College Dublin pre-1995 have been informed that the State will not guarantee their pension (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the reason why they have been charged with the pension levy for public servants. [12027/09]

There is no connection between the application of the pension-related deduction in any particular case and any guarantee sought by members in respect of their pension.

As the Deputy is aware, discussions are in train with the trustees and the administrators of the five older universities, including Trinity College, and certain non-commercial semi-State bodies with a view to providing consistency and clarity for the future in terms of meeting the liabilities of their funded pension schemes. In that context, and provided all the schemes concerned agree, it is proposed that the assets of these schemes would be transferred to the State together with the liabilities which would then be effectively met by the State on a pay-as-you- go basis. Legislation would be required to give effect to the proposal.

In line with section 2 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, the employees in question, being public servants and members of a public service pension scheme, will be subject to the deduction.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Joan Burton

Question:

212 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the credit institutions covered by the bank guarantee scheme are exposed to loans in eastern Europe, particularly in Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Belarus and the Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12029/09]

I am informed by the Financial Regulator that AIB is the covered institution with the most significant exposure, at 6.2% of total loans, to central and eastern Europe. This is because it is the only domestic institution with a direct interest in banks in the region. I am also informed that the other covered institutions have minimal exposure, at less than 1% of total loans, in the listed countries.

Tax Code.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

213 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Finance if there are proposals to tax a gratuity lump sum earned by people who worked on the ambulance service on their retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12034/09]

Under statutory pension schemes and pension schemes approved by the Revenue Commissioners there is no liability to income tax in respect of retirement gratuities or lump sums paid to members of such schemes on retirement. Provided the individuals referred to in the question are members of such a scheme and the lump sum payments comply with Revenue rules in this area, there is no liability to income tax on the retirement lump sum payments. In this regard, it should be noted that the tax arrangements for retirement lump sums apply in respect of pension schemes in both the public and private sectors.

The House will appreciate that I do not propose to comment on what may or may not be contained in the forthcoming supplementary Budget. I have said in response to recent similar questions that I have no plans at this point in time to alter the tax treatment of retirement lump sum payments. This remains the position.

Richard Bruton

Question:

214 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he has estimated the impact of the proposed increase in betting tax from 1% to 2% on employment in this sector; and if he has identified options to introduce more broad based tax measures on the gambling sector. [12092/09]

I announced in Budget 2009 that the betting duty would be increased from 1 to 2%. Subsequently, I 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.

The Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 provides that the betting duty rate will be increased from 1% to 2% on 1 May 2009. The Act also provides that, as happens in the case of other business expenses, betting duty paid by a bookmaker on bets made on or after 1 January 2009 will be allowed as a deduction in computing the amount of profits or losses of the bookmaking business for Income Tax or Corporation Tax purposes.

I am conscious of the reduced activity in the betting industry arising from the general slowdown in economic activity. As I stated during the Finance Bill process, I intend to look at an overhaul of the betting tax regime in the context of next year's Budget and Finance Bill.

Freedom of Information.

Richard Bruton

Question:

215 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the number of statutory instruments enacted which affect the scope of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act, 2003; the purpose of each of the statutory instruments enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12228/09]

Four statutory instruments have been enacted which affect the scope of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act, 2003 as follows:

S.I. No. 265 of 2003 extends the right to have personal information amended (which is incorrect, incomplete or misleading), to parents/guardians and specified classes of individuals in respect of minors/incapacitated persons and deceased persons respectively.

S.I. No. 266 of 2003 extends the right to obtain reasons for acts of public bodies affecting individuals, to parents/guardians and specified classes of individuals, as above.

S.I. No. 642 of 2003 prescribes each of the groups listed in the schedule to the S.I. as a public body for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 by their inclusion in subparagraph (5) of paragraph 1 of the First Schedule to that Act. The Act was extended in 2003 to five public bodies all of which were Performance Verification Groups established under the Social Partnership Agreement ‘Sustaining Progress'.

S.I. No. 297 of 2006 prescribes each of the bodies listed in the schedule to the S.I. as a public body for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 1997 by their inclusion in subparagraph (5) of paragraph 1 of the First Schedule to that Act. The Act was extended in 2006 to a further 137 public bodies. Included in this extension were County Enterprise Boards, Education Support Centres and other education research, teaching and advisory bodies, together with regulatory bodies in the health sector, such as the Medical Council and An Bord Altranais as well as wide range of other miscellaneous public bodies.

The total number of bodies covered by the Freedom of Information Act is now in excess of 500 bodies.

Social Insurance.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

216 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if the impending shortfall in the social insurance fund has been factored into his calculation for the shortfall between Exchequer revenue and spending in 2009; and his estimate of the amount that the Exchequer will be contributing to the fund in 2009. [12244/09]

Projections for the position of the Fund in 2009 will be finalised in the preparation of the forthcoming Supplementary Budget. I would however point out that as the Deputy will be aware, the Social Insurance Fund derives its revenue in the first instance from PRSI inflows which are paid direct to the Fund and do not form part of Exchequer receipts (though they would of course be taken into account in calculating the General Government Balance). Thus the Exchequer position for 2009 would only reflect Fund transactions in circumstances where a subvention from the Vote is needed to maintain the Fund in balance. During 2009, the Fund will have a substantial operating deficit reflecting the worsening labour market conditions. However, the accumulated surplus of the Fund built up over several years can be called upon in the first instance to address the operating deficit. At 1 January 2009, the accumulated surplus stood at just over €3.4 billion.

Tax Code.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

217 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the number of people claiming one-parent family payment tax credit in each of the past three years; the number of those in which a child habitually resided with the parent; the number in which the child did not habitually reside but maintenance was paid; and the number in which the child did not habitually reside but maintenance was not paid. [12254/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the numbers of income earners availing of the one parent family tax credit for the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 are estimated at 131,400, 136,700 and 136,600 respectively. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred.

The numbers availing of the credit represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the one parent family tax credit and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax credits were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil.

The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2005 adjusted as necessary for income and employment growth for the years in question and are therefore provisional and subject to revision.

The one parent family tax credit is a credit that can be claimed by a single parent (whether widowed, single, deserted, separated or divorced) who has a dependent child resident with him/her for the whole or part of the relevant tax year. When applying for the one parent family tax credit income earners are not required to include details relating to the dates of the child's residence or maintenance in their tax returns. There is, therefore, no statistical basis on which the Revenue Commissioners could provide an estimate of the numbers sought by the Deputy in relation to these details.

Public Procurement Policy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

218 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the average percentage weighting given to the recruitment of local labour and of unemployed people in respect of the criteria for the selection of successful bids under public procurement processes in 2008. [12258/09]

Under the terms of the EU treaties and relevant directives, public procurement policy prohibits the use of discriminatory criteria in the award of public works contracts. The inclusion of local labour and unemployment considerations as award criteria would be considered discriminatory. Accordingly such arrangements do not form part of National Public Procurement Policy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

219 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance the steps he is taking to alter public procurement rules in order that a greater weighting is given to price. [12260/09]

Under public procurement rules contracts are awarded on the basis of the lowest priced or the most economically advantageous tender. Economic advantage is assessed on the basis of a number of criteria related to the subject of the contract, for example, quality, technical merit, running costs, after sales service, delivery timeframes, as well, of course, as tendered price. The appropriate criteria and weightings are specified by the contracting authority concerned, having regard to the requirements and characteristics of the contract. Price will naturally be an important criterion and I am satisfied that it is appropriately reflected by contracting authorities under the existing rules.

Job Creation.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

220 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if a list is available of the number of direct and indirect jobs that would be created as a result of each capital project under the national development plan from the construction of the project itself and the potential jobs generated once the project is completed. [12261/09]

Information is not collated centrally on a routine basis on the number of direct and indirect jobs that would be created as a result of each capital project under the National Development Plan.

However, my Department has recently completed an exercise on the labour intensity of infrastructure investment more broadly. This exercise found that, with a few exceptions, the labour intensity of capital projects falls within a range of 8-12 direct jobs created per €1m expenditure. It also found that "minor" works tend to be more labour intensive in terms of direct jobs created than major new build projects. Both of these findings would be broadly supported by the academic studies that were consulted as part of the exercise conducted by my Department.

Of course, as well as taking account of the impact on employment, any decisions in relation to capital investment will also consider the extent to which that investment enhances the productive capacity of the economy and generates economic returns over the longer term.

Community Development.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

221 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the funding announced on 23 December 2008 of almost €3.1 million to support 120 small-scale health and community projects in RAPID areas is not being withdrawn or cutback and will be paid out to the groups and projects involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11312/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

290 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the funding announced on 23 December 2008 of almost €3.1 million to support 120 small scale health and community projects in RAPID areas is still secure and will be paid out to the groups and projects involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11310/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

291 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11466/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

292 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11467/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

293 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11468/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

294 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11469/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

295 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11470/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

296 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11471/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

297 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11472/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

298 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11473/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

299 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11474/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

300 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11475/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

301 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11476/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

302 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11477/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

303 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11478/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

304 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11479/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

305 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11480/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

306 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11481/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

307 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11482/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

308 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11483/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

309 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11484/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

310 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11485/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

311 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11486/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

312 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11487/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

313 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11488/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

314 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11489/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

315 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11490/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

316 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11491/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

317 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11492/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

318 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11493/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

319 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11494/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

320 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11495/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

321 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11496/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

322 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11497/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

323 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11498/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

324 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11499/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

325 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11500/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

326 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11501/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

327 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11502/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

328 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11503/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

329 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11504/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

330 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11505/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

331 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11506/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

332 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11507/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

333 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11508/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

334 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11509/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

335 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11510/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

336 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11511/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

337 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11512/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

338 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11513/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

339 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11514/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

340 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11515/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

341 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11516/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

342 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11517/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

343 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11518/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

344 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11519/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

345 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11520/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 290 to 345, inclusive, together.

I propose to take these questions together which refer to small scale community projects in RAPID areas. RAPID is a joint initiative and is funded on a 50/50 basis, between the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRAGA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). While the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, with the (HSE) and Pobal, was involved in the assessment of projects sent forward for consideration, as the lead agency the HSE is responsible for the contractual arrangements involved in each of these projects. The Government recently announced its intentions to examine all current and capital expenditure as part of its decision to introduce further measures to stabilise the public finances. All decisions on funding will be taken in the course of these deliberations and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Dan Neville

Question:

222 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application for the renewal of the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Vietnam; if the Government is agreeing to renegotiate the agreement; if a draft agreement has been issued to Vietnam; if the Government of Vietnam issued a letter in the past week informing the authorities here that they will cease to accept adoption dossiers from Ireland from 1 April 2009; if the matter is being rectified; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11641/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

223 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in respect of the negotiations on the renewal of the bilateral agreement between Ireland and Vietnam regarding adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12668/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

444 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the date when she expects the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Vietnam to be signed in view of the imminent expiry of the existing agreement and the risk it poses to parents seeking to adopt in Vietnam. [11621/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 222, 223 and 444 together.

The Adoption Bill 2009, which will give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, was published on Friday 23rd January.

Under the new legislation, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries which have also ratified the Hague Convention, and countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement which meets Hague standards.

While it is true to say that our current Agreement with Vietnam is based on Hague principles, as part of the preparations for our new legislation we need to ensure that our Agreement reflects the Hague Convention as comprehensively as possible. A new Agreement allows the opportunity to elaborate and strengthen some existing provisions to meet the standards which will it is anticipated will be set in draft legislation. There have been considerable developments in intercountry adoption in Vietnam since the Agreement was signed 5 years ago. This progress also needs to be reflected in any new Agreement.

In December 2008, the Irish Government issued a formal request to the Vietnamese Authorities stating that we wish to enter into discussions immediately for the purpose of negotiating a new Agreement to follow on from the existing Agreement which will expire on 1 May 2009. The Vietnamese Authorities have responded positively to Ireland's request.

Ireland offered to provide the Vietnamese Authorities with the text of a draft agreement as a basis for negotiations. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a draft bilateral agreement for intercountry adoption was delivered on 6 March, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, to the Vietnamese Authorities for their consideration.

I would like to again reiterate my personal commitment and the commitment of the Government to conclude an agreement with Vietnam and, in this regard, a letter accompanying the draft agreement advised the Vietnamese Government of our willingness to travel to discuss the draft at the earliest opportunity.

As the Deputy will be aware, it is important to recognise that Ireland has a long and positive relationship with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and to also emphasise the need to respect the authority of that jurisdiction, having regard to the sensitive nature of discussions regarding intercountry adoption.

The work to prepare for and advise the Government on this issue and the implementation of Government's decisions is being given the highest priority. These are complex matters which require careful consideration. At all times, the Minister and the Government, and officials advising them, are guided by the need to respect and protect the best interests and rights of the child.

Medicinal Products.

James Bannon

Question:

224 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is a waiting list of 12 to 18 months for a drug in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford which negates the benefit of the treatment and leaves patients fearful of the adverse progression of the disease in the intervening time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10822/09]

The issue of access to the drug in question is being given consideration by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Arising from a recent review of neurology services a clinician led review group is to advise on how best to ensure that there is fair and equitable access to the drug and other agents used to treat the particular condition, taking account of clinical need, benefits and cost. The Group is to include patient representation.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on the specific case raised.

Health Services.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

225 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of new day places (details supplied); if it is the intention of the Health Service Executive to provide the necessary funding for new day places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10838/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Enda Kenny

Question:

226 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if plans exist to move locally provided services in respect of the general medical services scheme, particularly, medical cards being moved to centralised locations; if similar plans are being considered for human resources and drug payment schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10843/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Child Care Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

227 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if approval will be granted for an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10855/09]

The National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 -2010 is implemented by my Office with the assistance of Pobal, who manage the day to day operation of the programme.

As the Deputy may be aware, applications for capital grant funding under the NCIP are processed, in the first instance, by the County Childcare Committee's (CCC's) and are then forwarded to Pobal. Final consideration of applications is made by the Childcare Directorate of my Office and they are then recommended for decision by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children, who is the Accounting Officer responsible for the NCIP. I understand that the applicants in question have applied for a capital grant of €550,000 and that the application is at the final stage of processing in my Office and the Group will be informed of the outcome in the coming weeks.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

John Perry

Question:

228 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intercede with the Health Service Executive to ensure that a health repayment scheme application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo is processed as soon as possible in view of the fact that the original application was submitted before the deadline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10859/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Ambulance Service.

James Reilly

Question:

229 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding ambulances (details supplied); if this is an efficient use of resources and professional manpower; the specific plans she has to address this problem in view of the fact that the professional personnel are concerned that if this practice continues it will lead to loss of life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10861/09]

James Reilly

Question:

230 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive has not paid Dublin City Council for the new full-time Dublin fire brigade ambulance service which was put into the full-time fire station in Swords in January 2007; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this ambulance handles in excess of 5,000 calls over and above the HSE ambulance which also services the Swords area and that the Dublin city manager is considering withdrawing this service because it has not been paid for as agreed with the HSE; if she will make a statement on the threat to ambulance services in Swords and ensure that this vital service is not withdrawn for the town of Swords. [10862/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.

The ambulance issues which arose on 5th March are service matters and have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. For many years Dublin City Council, through Dublin Fire Brigade, has provided the emergency ambulance service in Dublin City on behalf of the statutory health authorities. The relevant authority since 2005 is the Health Service Executive. The HSE provides mainly the non-emergency patient transport in the Dublin area.

I am committed to ensuring that ambulance services throughout the country are both safe and effective. For this reason, work is at present being undertaken by the health and local government sectors to consider the best long-term approach to the provision of emergency ambulance services in Dublin. This includes examination of the potential for improved efficiency in the delivery of these services, to ensure that the best value for money is obtained. The current position in regard to the provision of an ambulance service in Swords will be considered in this context.

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

231 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding has been provided and allocated to the Health Information and Quality Authority to recruit 48 inspectors to inspect nursing homes as per the nursing homes standards published on 9 March 2009; the amount of funding that has been allocated for the 48 posts; the number of new posts being created excluding the transfer of existing inspectors from the HSE; when the staff will be in place; when inspections of existing nursing homes will commence; the length of time it will take to inspect the nursing home stock here with the level of inspectors indicated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10863/09]

The Health Information and Quality Authority has been allocated €14.1million from my Department's vote in 2009. Fee income which will arise from the nursing home registration and inspection regime in the current year is estimated at €4.6 million which, together with other income will give the Authority a total operating budget of approximately €19.0 million in 2009. The costs of operating the nursing home registration and inspection regime were taken into account when the Authority's allocation was decided. My Department is currently examining the Authority's Business Plan for 2009 which sets out the operating costs of each major function.

I have given approval to the Authority to recruit up to 14 inspectorate staff by way of transfer from HSE and 35 through open competitions. The Authority has commenced the recruitment of 49 Social Services Inspectorate staff. It is anticipated that this process will run until August 2009, with the majority of inspectors in post June — July 2009. The process of the registration and inspection of nursing homes will commence from July 1st 2009, with the full roll-out of the process occurring from autumn 2009 to allow time for the appropriate training of incoming inspectors and support staff. The Authority will conduct a risk assessment of all facilities (public and private) and then schedule its inspections accordingly. As provided for under the Health Act 2007, all designated centres will be registered within three years of the commencement of the registration and inspection process.

Health Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

232 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of day care and day activity centres within the Dublin north area of the Health Service Executive; the number of places that cater towards or that actively encourage the placement of adult clients with disabilities, including cerebral palsy; and if she will outline a list of same. [10870/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Service Staff.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

233 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she has taken to introduce the cycle to work scheme for Health Service Executive employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10875/09]

As the introduction of the cycle to work scheme for Health Service Executive employees is a matter for the HSE, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Service Allowances.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a review can or will be undertaken with regard to a mobility allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10907/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Services.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

235 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W has had his or her home help reduced; if this decision will be overturned in view of the fact that this person is unable to manage in their own home without home help; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10938/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Martin Ferris

Question:

236 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry has been approved for dentures. [10947/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

237 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the costs involved behind the project to build a new national paediatric hospital at the site of the Mater Hospital, Dublin; the sums of money spent by the development board which has been established; if some €28.75 million as a contract was awarded to a company in 2008; if she will set out what this money is being spent on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10949/09]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

249 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a case for a review of the decision to locate the proposed new children’s hospital at the Mater Hospital site, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11045/09]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

251 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding plans for the new children’s hospital at the Mater Hospital site, Dublin; the moneys that have been spent on the project to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11047/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

286 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money that has been expended on the proposed reconfiguration of paediatric hospitals in the Dublin area; the amount that has been committed in relation to contracts agreed for this project; if the economic downturn is expected to cause delays in plans for this project; if so, if she would deem it prudent not to progress a detailed design brief until such time as the future of this project becomes clearer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11237/09]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

475 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a comprehensive statement regarding her plans in respect of the proposed new major children’s hospital on the site of the Mater Hospital, Dublin, particularly in view of the most recent announcement by the Health Service Executive in respect of the schedule being followed. [12064/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 237, 249, 251, 286 and 475 together.

There are no plans to review the decision regarding the location of the hospital. The decision was reached after an objective, transparent analysis, and the Government is committed to proceeding with the project as a priority.

The project is being overseen by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board which was established in May, 2007. The HSE is working closely with the Board in progressing the project. The new hospital will be based at the Mater Hospital and is scheduled for completion in 2014. It will include an associated Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght which is to open in advance of the main hospital.

Following a public procurement tendering process, the Board appointed a Business Service Team in July 2008. The Board has also appointed a Chief Officer, a Medical Director and a Finance Officer. The Department is advised that €5.3m has been expended on the project to date in progressing the planning of the new hospital.

My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to respond to the Deputies directly on the additional issues raised.

Commissions of Investigation.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

238 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received the report on the Leas Cross inquiry; if not, when she expects to receive it; if she will provide a briefing and copy of the report to relatives of former patients before she publishes same; when she expects to publish this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10958/09]

The Final Report from the Commission of Investigation, established to investigate the management, operation and supervision of the former Leas Cross Nursing Home was due to be completed and submitted to my colleague the Minister for Health and Children by the end of this month. However, certain issues, outside the control of the Commission, have recently come to light and require to be resolved, which now necessitates an extension of the work of the Commission by approximately six weeks. The Department has been liasing closely with the Commission in recent times in relation to this matter.

This Commission was established by the Government, under the Commissions of Investigation Act 2004, in the light of the gravity of the issues raised by previous reviews into this nursing home and the resultant public concern surrounding these matters generally. This Act provides that a Commission's Final Report shall be published as soon as possible after submission to a specified Minister, subject to the other requirements of the Act. It was originally intended that the Final Report of this particular Commission would be published and I wish to re-iterate that this remains the position. Following receipt and consideration of the Final Report, the Minister will then be in a position to determine the appropriate steps to be taken, including the issues raised by the Deputy, with a view to publishing the Report of the Commission at the earliest possible date.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

239 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded payment under the health repayment scheme. [10961/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Billy Timmins

Question:

240 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if in view of the circumstances they will be allocated speech therapy in their school as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10964/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

241 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if they will be seen as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10966/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Joe Costello

Question:

242 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children her proposals for a new residential development for blind and visually impaired children in respect of a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10976/09]

Current policy and best practice in regard to health service delivery for blind/visually impaired children is that children who are blind/visually impaired remain in their local schools with appropriate supports. I have no plans for a new residential facility for blind and visually impaired children at St. Joseph's Centre for the Visually Impaired in Drumcondra.

Youth Services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

243 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that any reductions in funding from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to youth organisations working in Offaly and Laois may lead to the closure of youth projects and youth initiatives which are working to address the needs of young people who are disadvantaged due to a combination of factors such as social isolation, substance misuse, homelessness, early school leaving and unemployment; if she will give a commitment to protecting these initiatives and projects from cutbacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10978/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

244 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the work of hundreds of volunteers in youth organisations, which will be undermined if there is a cutback in the funding to voluntary youth organisations in Offaly and Laois by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs; if she will give a commitment to protect funding for youth organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10979/09]

Seán Connick

Question:

253 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will commit to minimising the impact of the cuts from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to the youth service budget on young people and youth services in Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11052/09]

Seán Connick

Question:

254 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that significant reductions in funding from the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to youth organisations working in Wexford and in particular in towns such as Wexford, Gorey, New Ross and Enniscorthy may lead to the closure of youth projects and youth initiatives which are working to address the needs of young people who are disadvantaged due to a combination of factors such as social isolation, substance misuse, homelessness, early school leaving and unemployment; if she will give a commitment to protecting these initiatives and projects from cutbacks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11053/09]

Seán Connick

Question:

255 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the work of hundreds of volunteers in youth organisations will be undermined if there is a significant cutback in the funding to voluntary youth organisations in Wexford by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs; if she will give a commitment to protect funding for youth organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11054/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 243, 244 and 253 to 255, inclusive, together.

As the Deputies are aware, the youth sector has received considerable financial support over the past number of years. Funding expanded from €35.5m in 2004 to €52m in 2008. While this funding has allowed for some expansion in the sector including the roll out of a number of sections of the Youth Work Act, 2001 and actions cited in the National Youth Work Development Plan, there has been a growing emphasis on consolidation of services.

It is intended that the 2009 Youth Affairs budget of over €48m will continue to focus on supporting existing youth programmes and services for young people including those with fewer opportunities. I have met with the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents some 50 youth organisations, and am aware of the valuable work carried out by the youth work sector, including its strong volunteer base, both in the particular areas referred to by the Deputies as well as across the country. I wish to assure the Deputies that every effort will be made to minimise the impact of the reduction in funding available to the youth sector and to preserve and maintain existing provision in so far as is possible.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Mary Upton

Question:

245 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children when the renewal of the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Russia will be finalised to allow intercountry adoptions between Ireland and Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10983/09]

Liz McManus

Question:

284 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will renew the bilateral adoption agreement between Ireland and Russia before the Adoption Bill is passed; if her attention has been drawn to the couples who are in the process of adopting children from Russia; their position if this agreement ceases; the way she will deal with this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11232/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 245 and 284 together.

The Adoption Bill, 2009, which will give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, was published on 23rd January, 2009.

A core principle of the Hague Convention is that intercountry adoption should be child centred, that is, in all stages of the process the child's interests must be paramount. Legislating for intercountry adoption is essential to give protection to children in the process of adoption. The Hague Convention has put in place the equivalent of a contract between states to regulate the standards that will apply in each jurisdiction. It is an additional safeguard for a receiving country like Ireland regarding the standards that are being applied in the sending country, over which we have no jurisdiction. As a receiving country it is especially important to have some confidence in the process of consent to the adoption, the status of the child as adoptable and a guarantee of no improper financial gain from the process.

I firmly believe that legislation and specifically the regime of the Hague Convention provides an assurance for individual children, their families, and the State, that appropriate procedures have been followed and that the adoption was affected in the best interests of the child. As such, it is our intention that intercountry adoptions will now meet the standards of the Hague Convention.

Under the proposed new legislative regime, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries which have ratified the Hague Convention, and from those countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement based on Hague standards. As part of the preparations for the likely passage and entry into force of these new legislative arrangements, my Office has been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs to identify and negotiate with countries who continue to seek homes abroad for children in need of alternative care which cannot be provided domestically. We are working actively to assess the possibilities of entering into bilateral agreements with a small number of countries, including the Russian Federation.

As regards the Russian Federation, my Office is undertaking preparatory work to consider the contents of such an agreement, including anticipating the likely requirements of the Russian Federation.

While every effort will be made to conclude a bilateral agreement in advance of any of the proposed changes in Irish law taking effect, it must be acknowledged that these matters will be determined to a considerable degree by the Government of the Russian Federation.

However, at this point in time, it is my priority to endeavour to ensure that an international bilateral agreement with Vietnam is put in place as soon as possible, to maintain the continuity of arrangements between Ireland and Vietnam in relation to intercountry adoption.

In this regard, I am pleased to confirm that a draft bilateral agreement for intercountry adoption was, on March 6th, delivered through the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Vietnamese Authorities for their consideration.

Furthermore, in a letter accompanying the draft agreement, the Vietnamese Government has been advised of our willingness to travel to discuss the draft at the earliest opportunity.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

246 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views in respect of a matter (details supplied). [10993/09]

The Health Service Executive has just submitted its revised Capital Plan for the period 2009-2013 for my approval with the agreement of the Minister for Finance. The details on individual projects will not be known until such time as the capital plan is approved.

Finian McGrath

Question:

247 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views in respect of a matter (details supplied). [11016/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Care of the Elderly.

Michael McGrath

Question:

248 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the communication of a diagnosis (details supplied) to a patient’s family. [11017/09]

I note in the case the Deputy refers to that the patient was elderly, their spouse had predeceased them and the diagnosis was dementia. In such cases there would normally be another person who would have been assigned as the patients next of kin. In general, this is the person the doctors would talk to in relation to the patients diagnosis and prognosis. This person would then inform any other relevant persons, including family members. The doctor and his or her team, as a matter of good practice, would meet with other family members if requested to do so. This issue is amongst the many that will be considered in greater detail when the Department is formulating a policy on dementia, the scoping of which will commence later this year.

Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 237.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

250 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the amounts of capital funding granted to a hospital (details supplied) in the past five years; if she will list the projects funded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11046/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Question No. 251 answered with Question No. 237.

Hospital Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

252 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding made available to a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 24 over the past five years for children’s services and cancer services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11048/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Questions Nos. 253 to 255, inclusive, answered with Question No. 243.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

256 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is planning development in neurology services for 2009 to 2010; if the unit in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin will receive extra resources to deal with additional demand; if an increase in services will take place outside of Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11058/09]

I have identified the development of neurology services as a priority in recent years. Additional revenue funding of €7m was allocated to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2006 and 2007 for the development of services in the area of neurosciences, which comprises neurology, neurophysiology and neurosurgery. This investment has helped to increase the number of approved consultant neurology posts which now stands at 24 compared with 14 in 2003. Additional funding of €850,000 has been included in the HSE's 2009 National Service Plan to support the further development of neurosciences, including neurology.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the specific service issues raised.

Departmental Investigations.

Alan Shatter

Question:

257 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Hynes review of the circumstances surrounding the elapse of time in bringing to completion the Western Health Board inquiry into allegations of abuse (details supplied), which was received by her Department on 30 October 2008 has not been published; if she will publish the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11059/09]

It is intended to bring this matter to Government in the near future prior to its publication.

Child Care Services.

Michael Creed

Question:

258 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if an organisation (details supplied) in County Cork will be notified of its allocation for 2009 under the community child care programme; the progress being made by her Department regarding the required flexibility of this funding to take account of the changed financial circumstances of parents due to increased levels of unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11072/09]

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

Services participating in the CCSS receive annual funding on the basis of the number of qualifying parents recorded as using the service in a particular reference week, generally set in late September of each year. Services may apply mid-year to have their funding reviewed, where they believe they would benefit from additional funding as a result of having additional numbers of qualifying parents. In 2009, services have been advised that they should request a review by 19 March and that the reference week will be that ending on 3 April. Where a review results in an increased level of funding, this will be calculated with effect from 1 April.

As the funding is paid on the basis of the number of qualifying parents using a service at a particular point in time, the increase in funding will apply from that date and cannot be applied retrospectively. It is also noted that the facility for a mid-year review is optional and services with lesser numbers of qualifying parents are not required to seek a reduction in their grant level. I am satisfied that the arrangements in place are satisfactory and provide for much greater flexibility than was the case under the previous support scheme, under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP), which allocated funding for a period of 3 years.

I understand that services participating in the CCSS have been provided with detailed guidelines regarding the scheme, by the Childcare Directorate of my Office. I also understand that services which have forwarded completed returns to the Childcare Directorate, including the service in question, have been advised of their funding allocation for 2009.

Health Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

259 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Services Executive’s attention has been drawn to the fact that a company (details supplied) that has carried out work for the Health Services Executive has gone into receivership resulting in sub-contractors having gone unpaid; if the company in receivership has been paid by the Health Services Executive for the works carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11090/09]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Bernard Allen

Question:

260 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 163 of 3 December 2008, the reason there was no follow up as a result of that question in view of the fact that a letter was sent to the appeals officer of the health repayment scheme’s appeals office on 30 October 2008 and has not been responded to; and if she will ensure that the appeals office respond specifically to paragraph two of the letter to the appeals officer dated 30 October 2008. [11092/09]

The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006.

The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office received a letter dated 30 October 2008 from the Deputy on behalf of the claimant on 4 November 2008. The Appeals Officer replied to the Deputy on 4 November 2008. The Appeals Officer advised the Deputy that the claimant had lodged an Appeal Form with the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office on 12 August 2008 and that she had carefully considered the appeal and issued a written decision to the claimant on 17 October 2008 and had provided the claimant with the reasons for her decision.

Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

261 Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding potential blood donors who have had surgical procedures carried out in Northern Ireland being excluded from donating blood to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11100/09]

The IBTS have introduced a number of risk reduction measures to decrease the likelihood of vCJD being transmitted by blood transfusion. These measures include donors being permanently excluded from donating blood who have had neurological surgery or eye surgery, including laser treatment, in the UK on or after 1 January 1980. Persons who have had an adenoidectomy, appendectomy, tonsillectomy, splenectomy or lymph node biopsy in the UK on or after 1 January 1980 are also permanently excluded. This measure was introduced in November 2004.

Also excluded are persons who have had root canal treatment performed in the UK on or after 1 January 1980 unless it can be established that the person's dentist used only single use disposable files and reamers. This measure was introduced in October 2006.

These particular operations were thought to be of particular concern as they either involved neurological tissue, or tissues such as tonsils, appendices, lymph nodes or spleens in which abnormal prion protein had been found. The concern with the instruments was that they may previously have been used on patients who later went on to develop vCJD. Even if the instruments were thoroughly cleaned and sterilised after surgery, there was a concern that abnormal prion protein could have adhered to the instruments and could therefore be transmitted to other patients who were subsequently operated upon using these instruments.

Donors who have had other operations in the UK are not excluded from donating as long as the underlying condition is not in itself a reason for deferral, they have fully recovered from the operation and a blood transfusion was not required. Patients who have had a blood transfusion as part of a treatment regime or surgery are permanently excluded from donating blood, irrespective of where the treatment took place.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

262 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in her Department and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11113/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

263 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of drivers she has working for her and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11127/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 263 together.

In accordance with the Department of Finance Instructions relating to the appointment of Ministerial Private Office Staff, three of my Ministers of State, Ms Máire Hoctor T.D, Ms Mary Wallace T.D and Mr John Moloney T.D have appointed two civilian drivers each, who work on a week on -week off basis. There is a one-point pay scale for civilian drivers, who are paid €667.43 per week.

There are no drivers employed directly by either myself or my colleague Mr Barry Andrews T.D., Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Children and Youth Affairs. Minister Barry Andrews is entitled to a State car on the basis that, as Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Children and Youth Affairs, he attends Government Cabinet Meetings. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána and individual rates of remuneration are not readily available.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

264 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the health budget for 2009 allocated to the mental health services. [11133/09]

The revised estimates for 2009 are due to be published on 7th April 2009. Based on the latest figures available, gross non capital health expenditure for the Health Service Executive in 2009 amounts to €14.791 billion and the percentage of that figure allocated to mental health is 6.7%.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

265 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an appeal in respect of nursing home subvention in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11138/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

266 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the ongoing primary care infrastructure competition is being conducted by the Health Service Executive in full compliance with EU public procurement procedures; the person who is providing the HSE with legal advice in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11144/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

267 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that no Health Service Executive representative has been turning up to a forum (details supplied); the reason for their absence; and if she will raise the matter with those responsible in the HSE. [11155/09]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Suicide Incidence.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

268 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the increase in the number of suicides and attempted suicides in the south west inner city of Dublin and in the Donore Avenue area in particular; and if she will provide a breakdown of the number of suicides and attempted suicides in the area in each year for the past five years. [11156/09]

Data on mortality is compiled by the Central Statistics Office and published in the Annual and Quarterly Reports on Vital Statistics. Although the CSO collects data on a county basis, it is not possible to provide a breakdown on the basis of a particular area in Dublin. The figures for 2008 are not yet available. The number of suicides classified by County for the Dublin region in the last five years are as follows:

County

2003

2004

2005

2006*

2007*

Dublin City

55

56

62

40

63

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

11

12

10

4

12

Fingal

14

20

9

6

9

South Dublin

27

30

23

21

17

Total

107

118

104

71

101

*2006 and 2007 data are by year of registration and are subject to future revision.

In 2007, the CSO made a number of changes in the methods by which mortality figures are compiled and some of these changes may have had an impact on the suicide figures.

A National Registry of Deliberate Self-Harm has been operating in general hospitals since 2001 and data is compiled and published on an annual basis by the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF). The Registry had near complete coverage of hospitals for the period 2002-2005. In 2006 and 2007, data was collected from all general and paediatric hospitals. The figures for 2008 are not yet available.

The number of individuals treated for deliberate self-harm in Dublin hospital emergency departments since 2003 are set out in the following table:

Hospital

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Adelaide & Meath & National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght

477

490

465

444

508

Beaumont Hospital

541

532

511

534

493

Children’s University Hospital,Temple Street

35

27

37

34

28

James Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown

390

416

446

399

359

Mater Misericordiae University Hospital

N/A

N/A

430*

465

486

Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin

N/A

N/A

N/A

27

32

St. James Hospital

N/A

607

637

602

668

*2005 data for the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is estimated.

N/A: No data available for Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin in 2003-2005 for Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in 2003 and 2004, and for St. James Hospital in 2003.

Mental Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

269 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of suicide prevention officers covering Dublin city and county with a breakdown of their geographic areas of responsibility. [11157/09]

As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

270 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding being made available to a group (details supplied); and the other funding that is provided to tackle suicide in the area. [11158/09]

As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Staff.

John O'Mahony

Question:

271 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if the staffing levels have been reduced in the recent months in a hospital (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11174/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

272 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 30 October 2008, when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 will be called for stereotactic radiotherapy in view of the seriousness of their condition and the length of time this treatment has been delayed. [11179/09]

I understand that the Health Service Executive (HSE) replied to the Deputy on the 20th November, 2008 in relation to parliamentary question 120 of 30th October, 2008.

My Department has requested the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the further issue raised in respect of the person concerned.

Health Services.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

273 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the necessity for general practitioner services in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 24; if there has been progress towards this objective; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11180/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services.

Frank Feighan

Question:

274 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for funding under the dormant accounts fund in respect of an association (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [11183/09]

This association made an application under the suicide prevention measure initiative which is funded under the Economic and Social Disadvantage category of the Dormant Accounts Fund. Funding decisions are made by Government on the basis of recommendations made by the Economic and Social Disadvantage Interdepartmental Committee, which is chaired by my colleague, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, through POBAL, invited applications for funding under the suicide measure.

My Department made recommendations in relation to the applications. However, these applications have not yet been submitted to Government for approval.

Health Service Staff.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

275 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a national transfer list established for clerical officers in the Health Service Executive; the number of persons on that list; when the list was established; the number of people who have been placed from that list since it was established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11196/09]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Proposed Legislation.

Dan Neville

Question:

276 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the fair deal scheme to be implemented. [11199/09]

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 completed Committee Stage in the Dáil on 12th March 2009.

It is the Minister's intention to progress the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas with a view to implementing the scheme in the second half of 2009. Unfortunately it is not possible to give a more specific timeframe at present.

Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

277 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the allocation from her Department for the implementation of the recommendations of A Vision for Change, the report of the expert committee on mental health, for 2009. [11200/09]

The estimated additional cost of the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy is €150m over 7–10 years. Development funding totalling €51.2m was allocated to the HSE in 2006 and 2007. Additional funding has been provided in 2009 for the recruitment of 35 therapy posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. Implementing ‘A Vision for Change' also requires the reallocation and remodelling of existing resources which are in the region of €1 billion.

Dan Neville

Question:

278 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons admitted as involuntary patients to approved medical centres in 2008; the number of these admissions who have had their cases reviewed by a tribunal; the number of cases in which the tribunal has removed the involuntary admission order; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11201/09]

Dan Neville

Question:

279 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the gross fees paid in association with the operation of the mental health tribunals during 2008; the number of statutory orders notified to the Mental Health Commission in 2008 and the average cost per notification per hearing for 2008. [11202/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 279 together.

Under the Mental Health Act 2001, all admission and renewal orders are notified to the Mental Health Commission. The Act also requires that the detention of the patient concerned be reviewed by a Mental Health Tribunal within 21 days of making the admission or renewal order.

The number of involuntary admissions, renewal orders and Mental Health Tribunal activity in 2008 is set out in the following table:

2008

1

Admissions

2,004

2

Renewal orders

1,324

3

Orders revoked by registered Consultant Psychiatrist before Tribunal hearing

1,290

4

Hearings held

2,096

5

Revoked at hearing

241

The gross fees paid to date for mental health tribunals held in 2008 is €9,755,433 including VAT. It should be noted that a number of unclaimed fees are still outstanding for 2008. Based on the above expenditure, the average cost per notification is €2,922.

Departmental Staff.

Dan Neville

Question:

280 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the names of the members of the Office for Disability and Mental Health. [11203/09]

The Office for Disability & Mental Health was created to support the Minister of State for Disability & Mental Health at the Department of Health and Children in exercising his responsibilities within the Departments of Health & Children, Justice, Equality & Law Reform, Education & Science and Enterprise, Trade & Employment. The Office for Disability and Mental Health was established on the basis that the Office would be staffed from within existing resources as per Government policy on public service numbers. An existing Director of the Department of Health and Children was appointed to head up the new Office.

The Office is built around the existing units in the Department of Health and Children dealing with Disability and Mental Health. The Director of the Office is a member of the Government's Senior Officials Group on Social Inclusion. The head of the new Office is a member of the Management Advisory Committee (MAC) in the Department of Health and Children and has the right to attend MAC meetings in the Departments of Education and Science, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Justice, Equality & Law Reform where issues relating to disability and mental health are on the agenda of these meetings.

There are quarterly meetings between the Minister of State, the four Secretary Generals and the head of the Office. Formal arrangements have also been developed to improve linkages between the new Office and the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Education and Science and Enterprise, Trade and Employment including regular meetings between senior management from the four Departments with the Director of the Office.

Hospital Accommodation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

281 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a bed will be made available in the Mater Hospital, Dublin, in respect of a person (details supplied). [11207/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Decentralisation Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

282 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the proposed relocation, under the decentralisation programme, of the Health Information and Quality Authority, addressing the issues of the location to which it is proposed to move; the preparatory steps that have already been taken that is site acquisition and development and so on and cost and interim upkeep; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11208/09]

The Health Information and Quality Authority has located its headquarters in Cork in accordance with the decentralisation programme. The Authority recently moved into permanent offices in Cork having previously occupied temporary accommodation. The Authority also has offices in Dublin. All of these office premises have been acquired on a lease/rental basis.

Proposals by the Authority to procure offices in other locations have been deferred pending a review of the decentralisation programme which is expected to take place in 2011. No costs have been incurred in these locations by the Office of Public Works which manages the procurement of decentralised offices.

Medical Cards.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

283 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be reached in respect of medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11228/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 284 answered with Question No. 245.

Public Procurement Policy.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

285 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she is satisfied that policies and procedures of her Department and of the Health Service Executive in relation to public procurement have been adhered to in the recent awarding of a contract by the Health Service Executive Dublin-North-east to operate a public shuttle-bus service from the HSE owned car park at Crosslanes, Drogheda, County Louth to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11236/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Question No. 286 answered with Question No. 237.

Industrial Relations.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

287 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if the meeting to be held in March 2009 with nursing unions has taken place with regard to the opening of a paediatric high dependency unit in the Mid West Regional Hospital; the outcome of that meeting; when the unit will open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11261/09]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

288 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will be given an operation at St Vincent’s Hospital for osteoarthritis. [11284/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Voluntary Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

289 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding made available by the Health Service Executive and by her Department to respective voluntary bodies in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; the programmes under which such funding was made available; the amount under each programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11308/09]

The funding made available by my Department to voluntary organisations is from the National Lottery Fund. The breakdown by programme is set out as follows. The details of each body in receipt of funding is also set out as follows.

2005

Acute Hospitals

836,500

Childcare

316,799

Disability Services

528,400

Health Promotion

143,901

Mental Health

450,020

Services for Older People

1,206,330

Social Inclusion

242,250

Nursing

3,000

Total

3,727,200

2006

Acute Hospital

1,010,000

Childcare

570,473

Disability Services

285,158

Health Promotion

209,500

Mental Health

695,000

Services for Older People

957,319

Social Inclusion

60,000

Primary Care

27,550

Total

3,815,000

2007

Acute Hospitals

1,158,800

Childcare

586,500

CMO

27,000

Disability Services

286,715

Health Promotion

45,000

Mental Health

677,000

Services for Older People

749,035

Primary Care

3,450

Social Inclusion

369,500

Total

3,903,000

2008

Childcare

623,500

Disability Services

745,178

Acute Hospitals

522,500

Services for Older People

609,222

Primary Care

10,000

Mental Health

598,600

Cancer and Blood Policy

365,000

Health Promotion

191,500

Adoption Board

252,000

Social Inclusion

67,500

Total

3,985,000

2005

Organisation

Address

Amount Approved

Aoibhneas Women’s Refuge

Dublin 17

2,000

Association of Irish Clinical Embryologists

Dublin 2

20,000

Association of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ireland

Dublin 7

20,000

Autism West Limited

Galway

50,000

Best Buddies Ireland

Newbridge Co Kildare

50,000

Bodywhys

Blackrock, Co Dublin

15,600

Brainwave The Irish Epilepsy Association

Dublin 12

2,500

Caherconlish Caherline Community Council Ltd

Caherconlish, Limerick

2,000

Caring for Carers Ireland

Abbey Street, Ennis

40,000

Caring for Carers Limerick Branch

Limerick

60,000

Carrigoran House

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare

42,000

Carrigoran House

Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare

47,670

Castlebridge Community Centre

Castlebridge, Co Wexford

20,000

Cloughjordan Active Retirement Association

Cloughjordan Co Tipperary

6,000

Cobh Youth Services Ltd

Cobh, Co Cork

10,000

Coiste Aosach na nOileán

Lettermore, Co Galway

40,000

Common Purpose

Dublin 7

2,100

Community Awareness of Drugs

Dame Court Dublin 2

4,000

Console (Bereaved by Suicide Foundation)

Grace Park Road Dublin 9

100,000

Cork Counselling Services Ltd

Cork City

80,000

Cuan Mhuire Teoranta

Bruree Co Limerick

55,000

Cuidiú — Irish Childbirth Trust

Ashford, Co Wicklow

6,000

Dóchas Family Centre

Clondalkin Dublin 22

36,000

Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre Ltd

Donnycarney Dublin 5

2,500

Down Syndrome Ireland

30 Mary Street, Dublin 1

15,000

Down Syndrome Ireland

30 Mary Street Dulbin 1

15,300

Drogheda Community Services

Drogheda Co Louth

100,000

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

Dublin 2

12,000

Dun Laoghaire Lions Club

Blackrock Co Dublin

9,000

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd)

Thompson House Cork

50,000

Embrace

4 Fairyville Lawn, Cork

70,000

Family Ministry

Cork

10,000

Finglas Senior Help Line

Finglas West Dublin 11

5,000

Foynes & District Community Council Ltd

Foynes, Co Limerick

20,000

Friends of St Patrick’s Association

Kilkenny

20,935

Frenchpark Community Playgroup

Frenchpark Co Roscommon

40,000

Galway Travellers Support Group

Galway

25,000

Glin Homes for the Elderly Ltd

Glin Co Limerick

100,000

Grow in Ireland

Forrest Mews, Swords

15,000

Hooked

Salthill Galway

1,000

Irish Anaesthetic & Recovery Nurses Association

Togher Cork

3,000

Irish Association of Suicidology

Castlebar Co Mayo

20,000

Irish Association of Suicidology

Castlebar Co Mayo

7,500

Irish Chronic Pain Association

Coleraine House Dublin 7

4,500

Irish Family Planning Association Limited

Dublin 1

7,500

Irish Gerontological Society

Wilton Cork

10,000

Irish Haemochromatosis Association

Rathgar Dublin

25,000

Irish Kidney Association

Block 43A Park West Dublin 12

500,000

Irish Kidney Association

Block 43A Park West Dublin 12

50,000

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

Coleraine Street Dublin 7

140,000

Irish Progressive Association for Autism

Bessborrough Cork

23,000

Irish Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Society

Foxrock Dublin 18

13,500

Irish Red Cross (Leenane/Haam Branch)

Leenane Co Galway

6,000

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament

Dublin 3

140,000

Irish Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases

Ballyneety Limerick

28,000

Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society

Knockmaroon Castleknock Dublin

30,000

JADD Projects Ltd

Jobstown Tallaght Dublin 24

15,000

Johnny — Gay Peer Action Group

105 Capel Street Dublin 1

3,000

Kerry Hospice Foundation

Tralee Co Kerry

100,000

Kerry Mental Health Association (Killorglin Branch)

Killorglin Co Kerry

50,000

Killahan School — Pre-School Autism Unit

Tralee Co Kerry

15,000

Knockanure Development Association

Kilmorna,Listowel, Co Kerry

50,000

Laharn Community Action Group Ltd

Glantane Mallow Co Cork

4,500

Leitrim Lifestart

Manorhamilton Co Leitrim

15,000

Lifestart National Office

Sligo

30,000

Longford Community Resources

Longford

40,000

Mallow Social Services Council

Mallow Co Cork

45,000

Mead Day Care Centre

Donaghmede Dublin 13

20,000

Meningitis Trust

Bray Co Wicklow

16,750

Mental Health Association

Loughrea Co Galway

28,000

Mental Health Ireland

Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin

57,000

Mna Feasa

Knocknaheeny Cork

15,600

Music Network Ltd

Dublin Castle Dublin 2

12,000

National Infertility Support & Information Group

Togher Cork

20,000

Newtown/Donadea Senior Citizens Group

Kilcock Co Kildare

6,000

Oak House Resource Centre

Portarlington Co Laois

4,000

One in Four

Dublin 2

100,000

Open Heart House

Dublin 7

20,000

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ballsbridge Unit)

32 Clyde Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4

140,000

Order of Malta (Ballinrobe Unit)

Ballinrobe Co Mayo

60,000

Outhouse Ltd

Dublin 1

70,000

Pre-school for Travellers

Ballyhaunis Co Mayo

6,799

Samaritans (Limerick/Tipperary Branch)

Limerick

8,020

Schizophrenia Ireland

Dublin 7

20,000

Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary

Southill Co Westmeath

15,000

Social Communication Research Programme Limited

Trim Co Meath

80,000

Southill Family Resource Centre

O’Malley Park, Limerick

7,000

St. Andrew’s Centre

Greenhills Dublin 12

15,000

St. Helena’s Womens Awareness Group

St. Helena’s Road Dublin 11

11,577

St. John’s House of Rest

202 Merrion Road Dublin 4

55,000

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Portrane

Blackrock Co Dublin

11,000

St. Mary’s Community Benefit Fund

Rathmines Dublin 6

35,000

St. Mary’s Parent and Toddler Group

Wheaton Hall, Drogheda Co Louth

2,000

St. Mary’s Senior Citizens Club

Corbally Limerick City

2,000

Summer Fun 2005 — Camp

Harbour Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

2,000

Tallaght Community Arts Centre (TCAC)

Old Bawn Road Tallaght Dublin 24

5,000

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Bunratty Drive Dublin 17

8,225

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Dun Laoghaire)

Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin

50,000

The Coeliac Society of Ireland

Dublin 7

30,000

The Endometriosis Association of Ireland

Balbriggan Co Dublin

6,624

The Association of Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy Ire .

Blackrock Co Dublin

4,500

Thursday Club Clarina

Clarina Co Limerick

10,000

Tiny Tots Parents & Toddler Group

Westport, Co Mayo

2,000

Tralee Refugee Support Services

Tralee Co Kerry

10,000

Volunteer Stroke Scheme

Dublin 12

4,000

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

Ballindine Co Mayo

100,000

Westgate Foundation

West Village, Ballincollig Co Cork

60,000

3,727,200

An amount of €5,200 was returned from the 2003 funding and was awarded in 2005.

2006

Ref:

Organisation

Amount received

Acute Hospitals

Brú Columbanus, Cardinal Way, Bishopstown, Cork City

50,000

Acute Hospitals

Cancer Fund Donegal Town Limited, Ardeskin, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

100,000

Acute Hospitals

Children in Hospital Ireland, Carmichael Centre, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, D7

90,000

Acute Hospitals

Europa Donna Ireland, The Irish Breast Cancer Campaign, P.O. Box 6602, D8

10,000

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, D12

550,000

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, D12

35,000

Acute Hospitals

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, St. John’s House, 32 Clyde Road, D4

80,000

Acute Hospitals

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Thurles), Rossa Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

75,000

Child Care Legislation Unit

Nova Helpline Ltd., Upper Ormond Quay, D7

100,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Calry Select Vestry/Catacombs Project, Calry Rectory, The Mall, Sligo

100,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Castlelyons Community Centre, Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co. Cork

10,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Clondalkin Partnership, Camac House, Oakfield Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, D22

109,210

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Cobh Youth Services Ltd, 16 Midleton Street, Cobh, Co. Cork

25,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Cork Children’s Chorus, Cliffdene, Castlegreina Park, Boreenmanna Road, Cork

10,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Edgeworthstown Community Childcare Committee, c/o Old School House, Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford

45,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Inver Arts & Crafts Group, c/o Glengad, Pollathomas, Ballina, Co. Mayo

2,944

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Inver Foroige Club, c/o Inver, Barnatra, Ballina, Co. Mayo

1,600

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Killawalla Community Council, Killawalla, Westport, Co. Mayo

20,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Knockadoon Camp, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork

75,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Raphoe Community Playscheme, c/o 234 St. Eunan’s Tce, Raphoe, Lifford P.O., Co. Donegal

4,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Vita House Family Centre, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon

30,000

Health Promotion Policy

Cuan Mhuire Teoranta, Cuan Mhuire, Cardington, Athy, Co. Kildare

45,000

2006 —continued

Ref:

Organisation

Amount received

Health Promotion Policy

Cuidiú – Irish Childbirth Trust, Carmichael House, Nth Brunswick Street, D7

6,500

Health Promotion Policy

Dublin North East Drugs Task Force, ‘Le Cheile’, Clancarthy Road, Donnycarney, D5

15,000

Health Promotion Policy

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd), Tigh Filí, Thompson House, MacCurtain Street, Cork

25,000

Health Promotion Policy

Meningitis Research Foundation, 63 Gardiner Street Lower, D1

25,000

Health Promotion Policy

Meningitis Trust, P.O. Box 102, Bray, Co. Wicklow

3,000

Health Promotion Policy

National Network of Womens Refuges and Support Services, 27 Church Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

50,000

Health Promotion Policy

Southill Family Resource Centre, 267-268 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

10,000

Health Promotion Policy

The Coeliac Society of Ireland, Carmichael Centre, 4 North Brunswick Street, D7

30,000

Disabilities

Glasnevin Educate Together National School, Church Avenue, Glasnevin, D9

6,433

Disabilities

Inclusion Ireland, Unit C2, The Steelworks, Foley Street, D1

80,000

Disabilities

Irish Progressive Association for Autism, Unit 1G, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork

40,000

Disabilities

National Parents’ and Siblings’ Alliance, 31 Magenta Hall, Santry, D9

35,000

Disabilities

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Portrane, St. Ita’s Hospital, Portrane, Co. Dublin

24,000

Mental Health Services

Console (Bereaved by Suicide Foundation), All Hallows College, Drumcondra, D9

50,000

Mental Health Services

Cork Counselling Services, 7 Fr. Mathew Street, Cork City

96,000

Mental Health Services

Dolmen Clubhouse Ltd, Cualgara, Teeling Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo

30,000

Mental Health Services

Family Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

3,000

Mental Health Services

Galway Mental Health Association, c/o 73 Manor Court, Knocknacarra, Galway

28,500

Mental Health Services

Genesis Psychotherapy & Family Therapy Services Limited, Blackcourt Road, Corduff, Blanchardstown, D15

100,000

2006 —continued

Ref:

Organisation

Amount received

Mental Health Services

Irish Association of Suicidology /International Association for Suicide Prevention, 16 New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

50,000

Mental Health Services

The Irish Institute of Naturopathic Medicine Ltd, The Fulcrum, Colliga House, Knockanarrigan, Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow

75,000

Mental Health Services

Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

100,000

Mental Health Services

Pieta C.P.S.O.S. (Centre for the Prevention of Self-Harm or Suicide), Old Lucan Road, Co. Dublin

30,000

Mental Health Services

Slí Eile Housing Association, Dromina, Charleville, Co. Cork

10,000

Mental Health Services

Southwest Counselling Centre, Emmets Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry

15,000

Mental Health Services

Thurles Lions Trust Housing Association Limited, c/o Neil J. Butler & Co Solicitors, Friar Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

100,000

Disabilities

Arthritis Ireland, 1 Clanwilliam Square, Grand Canal Quay, D2

10,725

Disabilities

Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, D3

20,000

Disabilities

Irish Wheelchair Association for the Acquired Brain Injury Network, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, D3

10,000

Disabilities

Myasthenia Gravis Association, Lavalla, Ballynacally, Ennis, Co. Clare

18,000

Primary Care 1

Clondalkin Women’s Network, Quarryvale, Clondalkin, D22

7,550

Primary Care 1

National Association of the Ovulation Method of Ireland, 119 Patrick Street, Cork

10,000

Services for Older People

Boherbue Parish Hall Committee, Boherbue, Mallow, Co. Cork

15,000

Services for Older People

Castlebridge Community Centre, The Avenue, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford

20,000

Services for Older People

Charleville Sheltered Housing Services, Tower House, Church View, Charleville, Co. Cork

10,000

Services for Older People

Clarecastle Daycare Centre Limited, Co. Clare

30,000

Services for Older People

Clondalkin Senior Citizens Social Club, c/o 45 Cappaghmore, Clondalkin, D22

4,000

Services for Older People

Cloughjordan Active Retirement Association, Co. Tipperary

7,000

Services for Older People

Community of Lough Arrow Social Project, Gleann Community Centre, Drumnacool via Boyle, Co. Sligo

20,000

2006 —continued

Ref:

Organisation

Amount received

Services for Older People

Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick

60,000

Services for Older People

Embury Close Sheltered Housing, Rathkeale Road, Adare, Co. Limerick

30,000

Services for Older People

Friends of Clonakilty Day Care Centre, Hospital Grounds, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

50,000

Services for Older People

Galway Contact for the Elderly, 189 Corrib Park, Newcastle, Galway

10,000

Services for Older People

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, 90 Fairview Strand, D3

175,000

Services for Older People

Killala Senior Citizens Group, Killala Community Centre, Killala, Co. Mayo

30,000

Services for Older People

Kilmoyley Community Care, c/o Ballyhemican, Kilmoyley, Co. Kerry

20,000

Services for Older People

Limerick Senior Citizens Club, CIE Social Club, Carey’s Road, Limerick

16,000

Services for Older People

Marino and District Community Centre Limited, c/o 12 Shelmartin Avenue, Marino, D3

70,000

Services for Older People

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co. Ltd., St. Brendan’s Village, Mulranny, Co. Mayo

5,100

Services for Older People

Music Network Ltd., The Coach House, Dublin Castle, D2

8,000

NL 06/20

Services for Older People

Nás na Ríogh Housing Association Ltd, Ellenborough House, Dublin Road, Naas, Co. Kildare

70,000

Services for Older People

North Fingal Rural Transport Company Ltd., Security House, Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin

60,000

Services for Older People

Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd, Family Centre, Ennis Road, Newmarket-on Fergus, County Clare

8,750

Services for Older People

Queen of Peace Dinner Club, c/o Good Shepherd Convent, Roxboro Road, Limerick

2,000

Services for Older People

Raphoe Friday Seniors Club, Volt House Resource Centre, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

5,000

Services for Older People

Stroke Unit Limerick, c/o Rehabilitation Centre, St. Camillus Hospital, Shelbourne Road, Limerick

28,000

Services for Older People

Stroke Unit Limerick, c/o Rehabilitation Centre, St. Camillus Hospital, Shelbourne Road, Limerick

2,500

Services for Older People

St. Martin’s GAA Community Centre, Piercestown, Co. Wexford

15,000

Services for Older People

St. Michaels Day Care Centre, Cappamore, Co. Limerick

10,000

2006 —continued

Ref:

Organisation

Amount received

Services for Older People

St. Vincent’s Day Centre for the Elderly, St. Vincent’s Health Centre, Station Road, Tipperary Town

6,080

Services for Older People

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

15,000

Services for Older People

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

10,000

Services for Older People

Terrerath Community Alert, Cassagh, New Ross, Co. Wexford

1,000

Services for Older People

Westgate Foundation, Westgate, West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

40,000

Social Inclusion

Aisling Group/Bradán Day Program, P.O. Box 26, Bradan House, Navan, Co. Meath

45,000

Social Inclusion

Cáirde, 19 Belvedere Place, D1

15,000

NL 06/ 214

Acute Hospitals

St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland

10,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Kiltubrid Afterschool Club, Drumcong, Carrick-on-Shannon

2,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Ramelton Community Youth Project, c/o Ramelton Community Centre, Pound Street, Ramelton, Co. Donegal

1,300

NL 06/ 209

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Coiste Ionad Curam Leanaí

5,000

NL 06/ 148

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Lifestart Cherry Orchard

5,000

NL 06/ 212

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Lifestart National Office

9,419

NL 06/ 181

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Little V.I.P. Playschool

5,000

NL 06/ 94

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Oasis Counselling Service

5,000

NL 06/ 33

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Millennium Holiday Home Project Ltd

3,000

NL 06/ 136

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Liberty House Parents Group/Children’s Clubs

2,000

NL 06/197

Disabilities

Western Care Association

10,000

Disabilities

Embrace, 4 Fairyville Lawn, The Lough, Cork

12,000

Disabilities

The Galway Association, Blackrock House, Salthill, Galway

10,000

NL 06/ 145

Disabilities

St. Brigid’s School Summer Fun

1,000

Mental Health Services

Alliance for Mental Health, c/o Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

2,500

2006 —continued

Ref:

Organisation

Amount received

NL 06/120

Primary Care 1

National Infertility Support & Information Group, P.O. Box 131, Togher, Cork

10,000

Services for Older People

Ballymote Active Retirement Association, Pastoral Centre, Tubbercurry Road, Ballymote, Co. Sligo

1,389

Services for Older People

Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association Ltd, Social Centre, Conna, Co. Cork

10,000

NL 06/ 196

Services for Older People

Duagh Community and Family Resource Centre

10,000

Services for Older People

Finglas Senior Helpline, c/o 817 Ratoath Road, Finglas West, Dunlin 11

2,500

Services for Older People

Friends of Castlecomer District Hospital, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny

10,000

Services for Older People

Kare Social Services, 2 Sybil Hill Road, Raheny, D2

13,000

Services for Older People

Kilkenny Branch Alzheimer Society, c/o Caredoc, Waterford Road, Kilkenny

10,000

Services for Older People

Lucan Active Retirement Association, c/o Timberley, Leixlip Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin

1,300

NL 06/ 201

Services for Older People

Our Lady’s Manor Nursing Home

5,000

NL 06/ 167

Services for Older People

Serenity Active Retirement

5,000

Services for Older People

Sixmilebridge & District Community Complex Society Limited, Main Street, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare

7,000

Services for Older People

St. John’s Rest and Day Care Centre, Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo

11,500

NL 06/135

Services for Older People

Templemore Community Services, Bank Street, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

12,000

Acute Hospitals

DARA (Defibrillation and Resuscitation Access), Slatta, Roosky, Co. Roscommon

10,000

NL 06/ 62

Services for Older People

Tinahely Active Retirement Association

2,500

NL 06/ 123

Services for Older People

St. Brigid’s Senior Citizens Club

2,700

Mental Health Services

Dublin Clubhouse Alliance T/A Empowering People Ireland, 24-26 Upper Ormond Quay, D7

5,000

NL 06/ 182

Disabilities

St. Anne’s Special School

8,000

Total

3,815,000

No.

122

2007

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 07/130

Acute Hospitals

Children in Hospital Ireland, Carmichael Centre, Coleraine House, Coleraine St., Dublin 7

50,000

NL 07/137

Acute Hospitals

Europa Donna Ireland, The Irish Breast Cancer Campaign, P O Box 6602, Dublin 8

173,800

NL 07/63

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Head Office, Donor House, Block 43A Park West, Dublin 12

600,000

NL 07/78

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Head Office, Donor House, Block 43A Park West, Dublin 12

65,000

NL 07/132

Acute Hospitals

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, St. John’s House, 32 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Co. Dublin

140,000

NL 07/45

Acute Hospitals

St. John Ambulance Brigade — Southern Command, 49 Sarsfield Terrace, Richmond Hill, Cork

130,000

NL 07/115

C.M.O.

Irish Patient’s Association Ltd., 24 Church Road, Ballybrack, Co Dublin

27,000

NL 07/141

Childcare

Clondalkin Junior Montessori School A.M.I., 10 Newlands Drive Clondalkin Dublin 22

15,000

NL 07/50

Childcare

Clondalkin Partnership, Unit D, Nangor Road Business Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

130,000

NL 07/37

Childcare

Cobh Youth Services Ltd., “Glencree”, 89 Norwood Park, Cobh, Co. Cork

40,000

NL 07/33

Childcare

Don Bosco Teenage Care Housing Association, Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick St, Dublin 7

5,000

NL 07/87

Childcare

First Step Child Care Centre, Listry Community Council Ltd., Faha, Killarney, Co Kerry

5,000

NL 07/117

Childcare

Helping Hands Adoption Mediation Agency Ltd., Forge Lodge, Forge Hill, Cork

300,000

NL 07/1

Childcare

Home — Start Lucan, Ballyowen Castle Community Centre, Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, Co. Dublin

45,000

NL 07/21

Childcare

Muckross Community Play-School, Faughbawn, Muckross, Killarney, Co. Kerry

5,000

NL 07/13

Childcare

New Ross Community Pre-school, 12 Longstone Drive, Irishtown, New Ross, Co. Wexford

15,000

2007 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 07/48

Childcare

Parent Network for the Institutionalised Child, 53 Castlelands, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

6,000

NL 07/35

Childcare

Sligo Social Services Council Ltd, Charles St., Sligo

2,500

NL 07/11

Childcare

Teach Oscail FRC Project, Tullachmongan Resource Centre, Killymooney Drive, Cavan

3,000

NL 07/16

Childcare

The Open Door Network, Ist Floor CDP, Rock Business Park, Rock St., Tralee, Co. Kerry

15,000

NL 07/77

Disability Services

Artane/Beaumont Family Recreation Centre Limited, Kilmore Road, Artane, Dublin 5

30,000

NL 07/138

Disability Services

Bord Bainistíochta Scoil Chrónáin, “Tir an Fhia” Newtown Upper Rathcoole Co Dublin

40,000

NL 07/23

Disability Services

Cashel na Cor Learning Disability Association Ltd, Umrican, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

15,000

NL 07/26

Disability Services

Clare Federation for People with Special Needs, Fergus View, Cusack Road, Ennis, Co. Clare

8,479

NL 07/2

Disability Services

Duhallow Carers Network, Knocknacurra, Boherbue, Mallow, Co. Cork

1,500

NL 07/5

Disability Services

Dyslexia Association of Ireland — Wexford Branch, Mulrankin, Bridgetown, Co. Wexford

2,000

NL 07/122

Disability Services

EMBRACE, 4 Fairyville Lawn, The Lough, Cork

35,000

NL 07/94

Disability Services

Friends of Ballyboden, 16 Leopardstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin

5,000

NL 07/158

Disability Services

Friends of Ballyowen Meadows, Beechpark Stillorgan Co Dublin

3,000

NL 07/40

Disability Services

Killahan National School — Autism Unit, Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry

8,000

NL 07/82

Disability Services

Marino School, Church Road, Bray, Co Wicklow

15,000

NL 07/70

Disability Services

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, 71-72 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

6,000

NL 07/34

Disability Services

National Association for Deaf People, 35 North Fredrick St., Dublin 1

10,000

NL 07/57

Disability Services

National Parents and Siblings Alliance (NPSA), 31 Magenta Hall, Santry, Dublin 9

10,000

2007 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 07/54

Disability Services

North End United AFC, Lyndale, Coolcotts, Wexford

10,000

NL 07/43

Disability Services

Parents and Friends of St. Anthonys, Millview, Tomnalosset, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

30,000

NL 07/102

Disability Services

Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, St Mary’s, Delvin, Co Westmeath

12,736

NL 07/110

Disability Services

Special Olympics Ireland, 4th Floor, Park House, North Circular Road, Dublin 7

45,000

NL 07/66

Health Promotion Policy

CanTeen Ireland, North Brunswick St, Dublin 7

6,000

NL 07/93

Health Promotion Policy

Gorey Heartsafe Project Group, 132 Hazelwod, Gorey, Co Wexford

20,000

NL 07/64

Health Promotion Policy

The Coelic Society of Ireland, Carmichael Centre, 4 North Brunswick St, Dublin 7

10,000

NL 07/73

Health Promotion Policy

The Music Network Ltd, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2

9,000

NL 07/145

Mental Health Services

Family Ministry, 34 Paul Street Cork

10,000

NL 07/22

Mental Health Services

3Ts Turn The Tide of Suicide, 3 Arkle Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18

200,000

NL 07/30

Mental Health Services

Centre for the Prevention of Self-Harm or Suicide, Pieta House, Old Lucan Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin

100,000

NL 07/152

Mental Health Services

Console, All Hallows College Drumcondra Dublin 10

25,000

NL 07/119

Mental Health Services

Cork Counselling Services, 7 Fr. Mathew Street, Cork (approved 5/12/07)

90,000

NL 07/36

Mental Health Services

Mayo Mental Health Association, Ballyglass P.O. Claremorris Co. Mayo

50,000

NL 07/74

Mental Health Services

Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

170,000

NL 07/7

Mental Health Services

Post Natal Distress Support Group, Beal Inse, Upper Riverstown, Glanmire, Cork

12,000

NL 07/76

Mental Health Services

St Vincent’s Hospital, Convent Ave., Richmond Road, Fairview, Dublin 3, Newsroom, RTE, Donnybrook, Dublin 4

10,000

NL 07/90

Mental Health Services

The Irish Association of Suicidology, 16, New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo

10,000

NL 07/42

Primary Care 1 (Fergal Goodman)

Irish Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Society, 17 Dundela Park, Sandycove, Co. Dublin

3,450

NL 07/14

Services for Older People

Active Retirement Ireland, 1-2 Eustace Street, Dublin 2

10,000

2007 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 07/86

Services for Older People

Age & Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9

35,000

NL 07/92

Services for Older People

Ballyduff Community Centre, Ballyduff, Co Kerry

20,000

NL 07/84

Services for Older People

Caring for Carers Ireland, 2 Carmody Street Business Park, Ennis, Co Clare

54,100

NL 07/67

Services for Older People

Castlebridge Community Centre, The Avenue, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford

45,000

NL 07/58

Services for Older People

Comhlacht, Tithe Soisialta agus Forbairt an tSulain Teoranta, Doirinchullin, Cuil Aodha, Maighcromtha, Co. Chorchai

40,000

NL 07/56

Services for Older People

Drombana Day-Care Centre, Bohercoyle, Ballysimon, Co. Limerick

17,500

NL 07/55

Services for Older People

Fermoy Geriatrics Association, Cluain Dara, Duntahane, Fermoy, Co. Cork

75,000

NL 07/162

Services for Older People

Finglas Senior Help Line, Co-Ordinator 817 Ratoath Road, Finglas West, Dublin

5,000

NL 07/111

Services for Older People

Limerick Senior Citizens Club, Vokes Villas, Ballinacurra, Limerick

10,000

NL 07/44

Services for Older People

Longford Active Retirement Association, ‘Lucanto’, 35 Templemichael Glebe, Longford, Co. Longford

2,000

NL 07/118

Services for Older People

Mater University Hospital, Postgraduate Medical Centre, 48 Eccles Street, Dublin 7

8,470

NL 07/25

Services for Older People

Meelin Community Hall, Knockskely, Tullylease, Charleville, Co. Cork

40,000

NL 07/121

Services for Older People

Nazareth House Management Ltd, Church Hill, Sligo

200,000

NL 07/85

Services for Older People

Nazareth House Nursing Home, Malahide Road, Dublin 3

100,390

NL 07/61

Services for Older People

Newtown — Donadea Senior Citizens, Ballycannon, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

6,000

NL 07/96

Services for Older People

Southill Family Resource Centre, 267/268 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

3,525

NL 07/83

Services for Older People

St Vincent’s Day Care Centre for the Elderly, St Vincent’s Health Centre, Station Road, Tipperary

8,550

NL 07/32

Services for Older People

St. Senan’s Social Services, Robertstown, Foynes, Co. Limerick

1,500

NL 07/144

Services for Older People

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, 43 Northumberland Avenue Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin

60,000

NL 07/47

Services for Older People

The Carer’s Support Group, 621 Riverforest Leixlip Co. Kildare

2,000

2007 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 07/52

Services for Older People

Westgate Foundation, Westgate, West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

5,000

NL 07/149

Social Inclusion

Cuan Mhuire Teo, Bruree Co Limerick

100,000

NL 07/103

Social Inclusion

Southill Family Resource Centre, 267-268 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

18,000

NL 07/69

Social Inclusion

Urban Outreach Ltd, 1 Boyneview, Slane, Co Meath

100,000

NL 07/18

Social Inclusion

CAIRDE, 19 Belvedere Place, Dublin 1

1,500

NL 07/53

Social Inclusion

Le Cheile Family Resource Centre (Mallow) Ltd, 33 Fair St., Mallow, Co. Cork

100,000

NL 07/20

Social Inclusion

Open Heart House, 2 St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7

15,000

NL 07/28

Social Inclusion

Raising Issues Drama Group, 19 Grey St., Off Meath St., Dublin 8

5,000

NL 07/135

Social Inclusion

Family Life Centre, St. Brigids, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 (approved 5/12/07)

25,000

NL 07/156

Social Inclusion

St Vincent de Paul, c/o Sea Road, Bundoran, Co Donegal

5,000

3,903,000

84

2008

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 08/8

Child Care

Doneyloop Youth Club, Doneyloop Community Centre, Doneyloop, Castlefin, Co Donegal

77,200

NL 08/128

Childcare

Home-Start Lucan, Ballyowen Castle Community Centre, Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin

80,000

NL 08/22

Childcare

Leitrim Lifestart, The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim

56,600

NL 08/49

Childcare

Childminding Ireland, 9 Bulford Campus, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow

30,000

NL 08/59

Childcare

Ballinagh Playground Association, Drumlion, Ballinagh, Co. Cavan

3,000

2008 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 08/61

Childcare

Irish Foster Care Association, The Pharmacy Corner, Mayfield Terrace, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16

50,000

NL 08/71

Childcare

Irish Chinese Contact Group, 49 East Avenue, Parkgate, Frankfield, Cork

10,000

NL 08/73

Childcare

Mountain Neighbourhood Youth Family Project, c/o Holy Family School, Dunedin Park, Monkstown Farm, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

78,800

NL 08/77

Childcare

Treoir, 14 Gandon House, IFSC, Dublin 2

25,000

NL 08/84

Childcare

Tullaghan Community Playgroup Ltd., Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim

3,900

NL 08/40

Childcare

Ballymachugh Childcare Group Ltd., House No. 2, Realtog Centre, Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan

5,000

NL 08/35

Childcare

Christ The King Girls Primary School, Turner’s Cross, Cork

10,000

NL 08/14

Childcare

Liscarroll Community Council, c/o Ted Burke, Knockbarry, Liscarroll, Mallow, Co Cork

10,000

NL 08/99

Childcare

Teen Parents Support Programme, 24 Dunbar Street, Cork

10,000

NL 08/19

Childcare

Lixnaw Playground Group, Lixnaw, Co Kerry

10,000

NL 08/124

Childcare

Ballymun Network for Assisting Children and Young People, Axis Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9

5,000

NL 08/79

Childcare

Ballyhass Community Childcare Facility Ltd. Ballyhass Cecilstown Macroom Co Cork

10000

NL 08/108

Childcare

The Holiday Home Project, 19 Manor Street, Dublin 7

10000

NL 08/3

Childcare

Clondalkin Community Montessori School Ltd, 31 St Brigids Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

25000

NL 08/173

Childcare

Ballyglass Community Council Ltd

50000

NL 08/21

Childcare

Castlebridge Community Development Co-Operative Society Ltd., Castlebridge Community Centre, Castlebridge, Co Wexford

5000

Total 16

623,500

2008 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 08/63

Disability Services

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, 71/72 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

9,300

NL 08/16

Disability Services

EMBRACE, 4 Fairyville Lawn, The Lough, Cork

35,000

NL 08/44

Disability Services

Ballyowen Meadows School, Beechpark, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin (cheque requested)

5,000

NL 08/145

Disability Services

Down Syndrome Ireland,Citylink Business Park, Old Naas Road , Dublin 12

54,150

NL 08/36

Disability Services

Freastogail Mhuire MXD National School Autism Unit, Killahan National School, Abbeydorney, Tralee, Co. Kerry

4,000

NL 08/46

Disability Services

St. Paul’s Special School, Beaumont Woods, Beaumont, Dublin 9

33,000

NL 08/65

Disability Services

Irish Deaf Youth Association, 30 Blessington Street, Dublin 8

5,000

NL 08/67

Disability Services

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 8

150,000

NL 08/37

Disability Services

Suntower Gardens, c/o Scoil Mochua, Old Nangor Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

20,000

NL 08/20

Disability Services

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, National Headquarters & Training Centre, Model Farm Road, Cork

100,000

NL 08/12

Disability Services

Deaf Community Centre Ltd., 96A O’Connell Street, Limerick

8,090

NL 08/6

Disability Services

Headway Ireland, 1/3 Manor Street, Business Park, Manor Street, Dublin 8

5,000

NL 08/87

Disability Services

Riding for the Disabled Association, Raphoe & East Donegal, Alt Upper, Castlefin, Lifford, Co Donegal

15,000

NL 08/01

Disability Services

Setanta Special School, Beechpark, Stillorgan, Co Dublin

10,000

NL 08/116

Disability Services

Scoil Aonghusa Special School, Cahir Road, Cashel, Co Tipperary

50,000

NL 08/115

Disability Services

Intro Art, Room 1, 4th Floor, 121-122 Capel Street, Dublin 1

3,000

NL 08/28

Disability Services

Hope Project, St Joseph, Ballinabearna, Ballinhassig, Co Cork

2,500

NL 08/92

Disability Services

Irish Progressive Association for Autism

15,000

NL 08/163

Disability Services

St Aidans Day Care Centre

52000

NL 08/129

Disability Services

Tithe Cois Tra, Rathlackan, Carrowmorelacken, Ballina, Co Mayo

6960

NL 08/125

Disability Services

Nuerofibromatosis Association of Ireland, 5 St Laurence Grove , Chapelizod, Dublin 20

2000

NL 08/118

Disability Services

West Donegal Parents and Friends Assoc of the Mentally Handicapped, Lower Keadue, Burtonport, Co Donegal

30,678

2008 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 08/152

Disability Services

Neurological Alliance of Ireland, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

1500

NL 08/174

Disability Services

The Children’s Sunshine Home (C.S.H)

128,000

Total 18

745,178

NL 08/42

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, Dublin 12

500,000

NL 08/69

Acute Hospitals

Irish Red Cross — Roscrea Branch, 4 John’s Court, Birr, Co. Offaly

7,500

NL 08/113

Acute Hospitals

Cystinosis Foundation Ireland, 1 Terenure Place, Dublin 6W

15,000

Total 3

522,500

NL 08/26

Services for Older People

Mallow Day Care Centre, Courtview, New Road, Mallow, Co Cork

15,000

NL 08/81

Services for Older People

St Vincents Day Care Centre, Station Road, Tipperary

10,000

NL 08/119

Services for Older People

Dungloe Hospital Golden Jubilee, Dungloe Community Hospital, Dungloe, Co Donegal

15,000

NL 08/70

Services for Older People

Serenity Active Retirement, Dunmore, Culdaff, Co. Donegal

10,000

NL 08/72

Services for Older People

Rialto Day Care Centre, 468 South Circular Road, Rialto, Dublin 8

35,700

NL 08/86

Services for Older People

Friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital, c/o Fergus Scanlan, Killoughteen, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

80,000

NL 08/25

Services for Older People

Coiste Seanoiri Ceann Trá Club Na Sinsear Teo, Ventry Community Hall, Ventry, Dingle, Co Kerry

46,000

NL 08/131

Services for Older People

Ballina Senior Citizens Urban Transport Initiative, Church Road, Ballina, Co Mayo

30,000

NL 08/139

Services for Older People

St Lukes Social Service Centre, 77 Kilbarron Park, Kilmore West, Coolock, Dublin 5

10,000

NL 08/146

Services for Older People

Pallasgreen Active Ireland,Brackile, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick

2,500

NL 08/141

Services for Older People

Coiste Ionad Na Seandaoine,Meenaniller, Derrybeg, Co Donegal

7,490

NL 08/62

Services for Older People

Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre, Ross, Dromcollogher, Co Limerick

45,000

2008 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 08/91

Services for Older People

Nazareth Social Club, Church Hill, Sligo

25,152

NL 08/9

Services for Older People

St. Gabriels’ Nursing Home, Glenayle Road, Edenmore, Dublin 6

66,380

NL 08/122

Services for Older People

Clarecastle and District Daycare Ltd, 1 St Flannans Avenue, Clarecastle, Co Clare

50,000

NL 08/143

Services for Older People

Ballybunion Active Retirement Association, 22 Glor na dTonn, Ballybunion, Co Kerry

2,000

NL 08/89

Services for Older People

Finglas Senior Citizens Help Line, 817 Ratoath Road, Finglas West, Dublin 11

4,000

NL 08/142

Services for Older People

Drogheda Senior Citizens Interest Group, 8 Workspace Mayoralty Street, Drogheda, Co Louth

6,000

NL 08/161

Services for Older People

Order of Malta Care Project

65000

NL 08/130

Services for Older People

Tithe Cois Tra Daycare for Elderly and Disabled,Rathlackan, Carrowmorelacken, Ballina, Co Mayo

2000

NL 08/117

Services for Older People

Lucan Active Retirement Association, 97 Dara Court, Celbridge, Co Kildare

2000

NL 08/167

Services for Older People

Raheen Hospital Support Group

70000

NL 08/177

Services for Older People

Limerick Senior Citizens Club

10000

Total 18

609,222

NL 08/83

Primary Care / GMS

Irish Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Society, P.O. Box 2958, Foxrock, Dublin 18

10,000

Total 1

10,000

NL 08/55

Mental Health

CONSOLE, All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

100,000

NL 08/97

Mental Health

Samaritans Ireland, P.O. Box 11218, Blackrock, Co Dublin

200,000

NL 08/96

Mental Health

Tallaght Travellers Youth Service (TTYS), Unit 5 Brookfield Enterprise Centre, Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

20,000

NL 08/48

Mental Health

CARP Killinarden, Killinarden Way, Tallaght, Dublin 24

9,600

NL 08/107

Mental Health

Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

80,000

2008 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 08/127

Mental Health

Irish Associaton of Suicidology, 16 New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo

12,000.00

NL 08/76

Mental Health

Beacon of Light Counselling Centre, 4 Collinstown Grove, Neilstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

20,000

NL 08/54

Mental Health

St. Michael’s Family Life Centre, Church Hill, Sligo

20000

NL 08/162

Mental Health

Teen-Line Ireland

26000

NL 08/138

Mental Health

Cork Counselling Services,7 Fr Matthew Street, Co Cork

105000

NL 08/164

Mental Health

Free Mental Health Campaign trading as FREE

6000

Total 7

598,600

NL 08/64

Cancer and Blood Policy

Irish College of General Practitioners, 4-5 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2

15,000

NL 08/50

Cancer and Blood Policy

ARC Cancer Support Centre, ARC House, 65 Eccles St., Dublin 7

32,000

NL 08/112

Cancer and Blood Policy

CD’s Helping Hands, Knockdoemore, Claregalway, Co Galway

78,000

NL 08/154

Cancer and Blood Policy

Friends of Sligo General Hospital,Sligo General Hospital , Co Sligo

170,000

NL 08/82

Cancer and Blood Policy

Little Way Cancer Support Centre, 4 Woods Way, College Road,Clane, Co Kildare

70,000

Total 5

365,000

NL 08/30

Health Promotion Unit

Cuidiú — Irish Childbirth Trust, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

5,500

NL 08/102

Health Promotion Unit

North Kerry Together Ltd., 58 Church Street, Listowel, Co Kerry

20,000

NL 08/123

Health Promotion Unit

COPE Waterside House, Courthouse Square, Galway City

1,000

NL 08/121

Health Promotion Unit

The Bridge Recovery Group Ltd, 7 O’Connell Avenue , Turners Cross, Co Cork

30,000

NL 08/110

Health Promotion Unit

Irish Countrywomen’s Association, 58 Merrion Road, Dublin 4

100000

NL 08/160

Health Promotion

Alpha One Foundation

20000

NL 08/158

Health Promotion

Southill Family Resource Centre

15000

Total 4

191,500

2008 —continued

Ref:

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 08/140

Adoption Board

International Adoption Association, Terenure Enterprise Centre, Terenure, Dublin 6W

12,000

NL 08/132

Adoption Board

Barnardos Post Adoption Service, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8

30,000

NL 08/153

Blood Policy

Irish Haemochromatosis Association,2 Annahagh Close, Latlurcan, Co Monaghan

110000

NL 08/137

Adoption Board

Helping Hand’s Adoption Facilitation Board, Forge Lodge, Forge Hill, Co Cork

100,000

Total 3

252,000

NL 08/68

Social Inclusion

Sharing Point, 114 Castle Farm, Shankill, Dublin 18

40,000

NL 08/169

Socail Inclusion

Open Heart House Ltd

27500

Total 1

67,500

Overall amount paid

3,985,000

Number of organisations

106

Health and Children 2008 Allocation:

3,985,000

Amount allocated to date:

3,985,000

Balance available for allocation:

Questions Nos. 290 to 345, inclusive, answered with Question No. 221.

Community Development.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

346 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11521/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

347 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11522/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

348 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11523/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

349 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11524/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

350 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11525/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

351 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11526/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

352 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11527/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

353 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11528/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

354 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11529/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

355 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11530/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

356 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11531/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

357 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11532/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

358 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11533/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

359 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11534/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

360 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11535/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

361 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11536/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

362 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11537/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

363 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11538/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

364 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11539/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

365 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11540/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

366 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11541/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

367 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11542/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

368 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11543/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

369 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11544/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

370 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11545/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

371 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11546/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

372 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11547/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

373 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11548/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

374 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11549/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

375 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11550/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

376 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11551/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

377 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11552/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

378 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11553/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

379 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11554/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

380 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11555/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

381 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11556/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

382 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11557/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

383 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11558/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

384 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11559/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

385 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11560/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

386 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11561/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

387 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11562/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

388 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11563/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

389 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11564/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

390 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11565/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

391 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11566/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

392 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11567/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

393 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11568/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

394 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11569/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

395 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11570/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 to 395, inclusive, together.

I propose to take these questions, which refer to small scale community projects in RAPID areas, together. RAPID is a joint initiative and is funded on a 50/50 basis, between the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRAGA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). While the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, with the (HSE) and Pobal, was involved in the assessment of projects sent forward for consideration, as the lead agency the HSE is responsible for the contractual arrangements involved in each of these projects. The Government recently announced its intentions to examine all current and capital expenditure as part of its decision to introduce further measures to stabilise the public finances. All decisions on funding will be taken in the course of these deliberations and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

396 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11571/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

397 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11572/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

398 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11573/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

399 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11574/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

400 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11575/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

401 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11576/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

402 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11577/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

403 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11578/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

404 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11579/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

405 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11580/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

406 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11581/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

407 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11582/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

408 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11583/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

409 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11584/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

410 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11585/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

411 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11586/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

412 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11587/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

413 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11588/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

414 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11589/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

415 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11590/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

416 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11591/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

417 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11592/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

418 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11593/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

419 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11594/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

420 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11595/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

421 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11596/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

422 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11597/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

423 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11598/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

424 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11599/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

425 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11600/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

426 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11601/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

427 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11602/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

428 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11603/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

429 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11604/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

430 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11605/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

431 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11606/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

432 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11607/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

433 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11608/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

434 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11609/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

435 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11610/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

436 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11611/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

437 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11612/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

438 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11613/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

439 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11614/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

440 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11615/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

441 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11616/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

442 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11617/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 to 442, inclusive, together.

These questions refer to small scale community projects in RAPID areas. RAPID is a joint initiative and is funded on a 50/50 basis, between the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRAGA) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). While the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, with the (HSE) and Pobal, was involved in the assessment of projects sent forward for consideration, as the lead agency the HSE is responsible for the contractual arrangements involved in each of these projects. The Government recently announced its intentions to examine all current and capital expenditure as part of its decision to introduce further measures to stabilise the public finances. All decisions on funding will be taken in the course of these deliberations and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Medical Cards.

Pat Breen

Question:

443 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the system in place to deal with the assessments for medical cards in respect of persons over 70 years old; if the details of card holders who no longer qualify for a medical card are been forwarded to the local health offices in each county; if general practitioners are being advised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11619/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Question No. 444 answered with Question No. 222.

Health Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

445 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received representations from a group (details supplied) seeking statutory professional recognition for creative arts therapists; the consideration she is giving to this request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11632/09]

The current professional status of creative arts therapists is the subject of ongoing discussion between my Department and the Health Service Executive and is yet to be fully finalised. A business case regarding the establishment of a grade of creative arts therapist was submitted by the HSE to my Department last year. The business case provided has been examined and officials from my Department have written to the national human resources directorate of the HSE requesting further clarification of some aspects of the business case submitted. A response to this request is awaited. I am aware that my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Moloney, met a delegation from the Irish Association of Creative Arts Therapists on two occasions last year to discuss this specific issue. The position I have outlined was conveyed to the association at that time.

Child Care Services.

John Perry

Question:

446 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that Pobal funding is granted to a group (details supplied) as a matter of urgency in view of the fact that the group had received confirmation that they had been approved for funding of up to €1.2 million in April 2008 and an official opening of the facility was performed by her in June 2008. [11645/09]

As the Deputy is aware, the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 -2010 is implemented by my Office with the assistance of Pobal, which manages the day-to-day operation of the programme. The group in question was approved capital funding of €1.2 million under the programme in May 2008. However, capital grant approvals under the programme are subject to satisfactory completion of all pre-contractual requirements, including the need to meet the relevant timeframes that apply. I understand that the group has not yet met these requirements. Therefore, I am not in a position to comment on whether their grant application will proceed to contract and drawdown. I understand that decommital of the group's grant approval is being considered under rule 1, "Failure to sign contract", and rule 2, "Failure to comply with financial and statutory obligations, and/or meet management/governance standards". If it is decided to decommit the grant approval, the group will be informed of the position and its right to appeal at the earliest opportunity.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

447 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that adequate funding is allocated to enable day placement to commence for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11648/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

448 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into her Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11682/09]

Details concerning the number of individuals who are in receipt of a fixed car allowance and are employed by State agencies that come under the aegis of my Department are as follows:

Agency Name

Number of individuals in receipt of a fixed car allowance

Cost 2008

Anticipated Cost 2009

The Health Information and Quality Authority

1

7,130

7,130

Voluntary Health Insurance

33

353,520

337,327

Health Service Executive

1

15,000

15,000

No other fixed car allowance arrangements exist in respect of any of the other agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Traveller Community.

Dan Neville

Question:

449 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding allocated by her Department for Traveller health development in 2007 and 2008; and the expenditure on Traveller health development in the same years. [11699/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Diabetes Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

450 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children if a local diabetes service implementation group recommended by the Health Service Executive diabetes expert advisory group in its first report has been formally established in each HSE region; the membership lists of each DSIG; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11718/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

455 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made towards achieving the recommendation of one full-time podiatrist in each hospital diabetes centre as proposed by the Diabetes Expert Advisory Group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11723/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 450 and 455 together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

451 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with diabetes outside Dublin who attend Dublin based paediatric diabetes centres; if she will provide a county breakdown of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11719/09]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

452 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with diabetes under 16 years of age who are on insulin pump therapy; the diabetes paediatric clinics that do not provide insulin pump therapy; the reasons for this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11720/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

453 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with diabetes under 16 years of age who applied for insulin pump therapy in each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; the number of applicants who received this therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11721/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

454 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full or partial lower limb amputations carried out each year since 2004; the number of foot amputations that were carried out on people under 65 years of age in each year; the number of these patients who had diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11722/09]

Diabetes is a common metabolic condition that affects approximately 1 in 20 people in Ireland. It carries a risk of medical complications, including peripheral arterial disease, which on occasion, requires surgical amputation of the affected limb. In 2006 my Department published its policy "Diabetes: Prevention and a model for Patient Care". This set out a model of care based on shared care between primary care and specialist services and which emphasised prevention as a key element. In November 2008 the Health Service Executive published the report of its Diabetes Expert Advisory Group to take forward and implement the policy recommendations. This represents a blueprint for the development of services for patients with diabetes over the coming years. It is patient focused, emphasises prevention and highlights foot care as a critical component of diabetes care.

Lower Limb Amputations

Total and with diagnosis of diabetes 2005-2007

2005

2006

2007

Total number of discharges with a procedure code for Amputation of lower limb

688

621

703

Number of these with a diagnosis of diabetes

318

284

334

Number of discharges aged Under 65 with a procedure code for foot Amputation

47

53

65

Number of these with a diagnosis of diabetes

16

18

24

Source: Hospital In-patient Enquiry (HIPE)

Note: Data refer to discharges from publicly funded acute hospitals. Private hospitals are not included.

Question No. 455 answered with Question No. 450.

Health Services.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

456 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if a new health centre (details supplied) in County Donegal has been approved; when the project was approved; the stage of planning it has reached; when it is due to go to tender; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11725/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

457 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that medical card services will continue to be delivered from the Mary Mercer Health Centre, Kiltalown Village, Tallaght Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the importance of such an accessible service for the Tallaght region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11727/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

458 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the bill for the NCHD pay in the health service, broken down to basic pay, overtime, training grants and lunch payment bearing in mind that if somebody has to work lunch they must be paid to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11755/09]

I have asked the Health Service Executive to furnish the details of the information requested directly to the Deputy.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael Ring

Question:

459 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that front line services are protected in planned cutbacks in health in the forthcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11756/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

460 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the most vulnerable people in society are protected in planned cutbacks in health in the forthcoming budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11757/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 459 and 460 together.

The Government is committed to taking whatever measures are necessary in relation to both revenue and expenditure to ensure the stabilisation and sustainability of the public finances. Decisions in this regard are due to be announced early next month. The Government attaches a high priority to ensuring the public funds available to improve the health of the population and provide access to services yields the best outcome possible for individuals and families.

The Government's approach to the forthcoming supplementary Budget will be informed by these considerations.

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

461 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in Cork city will be assessed for developmental co-ordination disorder; and when appropriate services will be provided for them. [11785/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

462 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11802/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

463 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the entitlement to a medical card of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11803/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

464 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in providing speech therapy for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11811/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Michael McGrath

Question:

465 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a respite place will be secured for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11815/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

466 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if additional home care assistant hours can be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [11833/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 and 466 together.

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Departmental Expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

467 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which she and the Health Service Executive plan to address the funding shortfall of €1 billion, which includes the funding deficit of €530 million, identified in December 2008, and the estimated financial shortfall of €480 million in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11849/09]

James Reilly

Question:

468 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the way in which the €735 million worth of savings to be achieved by the Health Service Executive, of which €133 million is already identified, will affect front-line services, other services as well as the implications on staff; the specific location of these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11850/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 467 and 468 together.

The Board of the HSE met on 12 March and reviewed its projected financial position. Following discussion with my Department and the Department of Finance the best estimate of the projected financial shortfall was of the order of €480m in the current year. Since then the latest Department of Finance projections on the shortfall in health contributions has been revised upwards from €100m to €160m. The HSE Board previously identified €133m in savings which will not impact on the Service Plan activity levels. The HSE is to identify proposals to achieve further savings of €72m to deliver total adjustments of €205m. I have also advised the HSE that Government will consider the remaining projected shortfall in the context of its overall deliberations on the expenditure and revenue measures necessary to ensure the stabilisation and sustainability of the public finances.

I have requested the HSE to focus on the measures required to be implemented to deliver the services set out in the Service Plan within the allocation that will be given to it following the most recent Government decisions on public expenditure. I have also initiated the necessary consultation process required under the terms of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act to address the reductions in professional fees being sought by Government. The HSE has also been requested to seek further economies in the areas of travel and subsistence, advertising, PR, consultancy and legal costs.

Reducing payroll costs is an essential plank of the HSE's strategy for managing its emerging budgetary difficulties this year. Health service delivery is very labour intensive and pay makes up a large part of health service expenditure. Premium payments and overtime add large costs to the pay bill. I have been advised by the HSE that it has a number of proposals designed to address these issues and contain the increasing pressures on its payroll. Among its proposals are the redeployment and/or reassignment of staff; reducing the volume of overtime worked; reducing on-call arrangements; reducing the use of agency staff; replacing nurses with health care assistants, and the rigorous management of all absenteeism.

My continued priority is the protection of patient services to the greatest degree possible. I have indicated to the board of the HSE that I believe that the best approach would be to focus at this stage on the measures needed to deliver the level of services outlined in the service plan. Ongoing contact will be maintained between HSE management and officials from my Department to track the various cost pressures and the steps that may be needed to be taken in response to these pressures by the HSE.

Medical Cards.

James Reilly

Question:

469 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons granted a medical card per month from January 2008 to date; the number who will apply for the medical card in 2009; the estimated cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11852/09]

Details of the number of medical card holders are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). 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 person's circumstances. The most recent medical card figures provided to my Department by the HSE are for January 2009. The total number of medical card holders on 31st January 2009 was 1,356,469. The following table shows the monthly increases in medical cards from January 2008 to January 2009.

It is not possible to be definitive about the number of people who may apply for or be granted a medical card during 2009. However, having regard to the decline in the economy and the associated growth in numbers on the Live Register, the HSE Service Plan for 2009 provides for a net increase of 81,000 medical cards and 46,000 GP visit cards in 2009. The Executive estimates the average full year cost of a medical card at €1,650 and a GP visit card at €380. The HSE and my Department will be monitoring closely the trends in relation to medical card numbers throughout the year.

Month

Number of Medical Card Holders

Month

Number of Medical Card Holders

January 2008

+ 4,332

August 2008

+ 4,621

February 2008

+ 8,111

September 2008

+ 13,784

March 2008

+ 3,465

October 2008

+ 1,515

April 2008

+ 10,693

November 2008

+ 7,573

May 2008

+ 3,691

December 2008

+ 4,771

June 2008

+ 5,823

January 2009

+ 4,349

July 2008

+ 7,563

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

470 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be assessed for occupational therapy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11863/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

James Bannon

Question:

471 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a day placement is provided in respect of a person (details supplied) from 31 August 2009, after graduation from current special school and that the necessary Health Service Executive funding is made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12016/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Health Service Procurement.

Joe Carey

Question:

472 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will give a break down and report on the monetary amount of both Irish origin and non-Irish origin pork, ham and bacon products used by the Health Service Executive mid west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12031/09]

The information requested is being provided by the Health Service Executive and will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.

Joe Carey

Question:

473 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 3 February 2009, the aspects of EU competition law that have made it possible that there is such a variance in the manner by which Health Service Executive west, HSE north west and HSE mid west procure pork, ham and bacon products for use in their facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12032/09]

The information requested is being provided by the Health Service Executive and will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.

EU Directives.

Michael McGrath

Question:

474 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the proposed harmonisation across the EU of products (details supplied). [12059/09]

I presume the Deputy is referring to the Food Supplements Directive 2002/46/EC which has been transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instrument No. 506 of 2007. That legislation is implemented by the Health Service Executive, under a Service Contract Agreement with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). This ensures that consumers in Ireland are protected by the harmonised EU rules on the sale of food supplements, in particular the labelling of food supplements and chemical form of vitamins and minerals they contain. One of the objectives of the Food Supplements Directive (2002/46/EC) was to make provision for the European Commission to determine maximum and minimum levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements. This matter remains under consideration at European Commission level.

The European Commission published a Discussion Paper on determining maximum and minimum levels of vitamins and minerals in June 2006. The Irish response to this Discussion Paper gave Ireland's view that the Commission should proceed on a cautious basis, setting maximum limits for as many vitamins and minerals as possible. It was considered vital that the safety of the general population and the needs of particular subgroups such as pregnant women, children, older people, those on medications and various specialist diets be taken into account in formulating the position on this issue. A working document on the setting of maximum and minimum levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements was drawn up as a result of the responses from industry, consumer groups and national governments to the Discussion Paper. The Commission has proposed in the working document that in the case of certain nutrients where studies have indicated there is evidence of no, or low, toxicity even at high level dosage, that it may be possible to waive the setting of maximum levels. The Commission consider this a proportionate approach which is in line with the principle of Better Regulation.

While the Irish position remains one of precaution for the reasons set out above, we will take account of Irish consumers' views and those of industry in adopting a position during those discussions. In this regard the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) Consultative Council hosted an open meeting on 27th January 2009 to discuss the issues relating to food supplements. This meeting was attended by a cross section of stakeholders and outlined details of new developments in European legislation, which regulates food supplements and food fortification. The meeting outlined the rationale behind proposed EU regulations to safeguard consumer health in relation to food supplements and an insight into why consumers take food supplements and their understanding of the perceived health benefits.

Officials from both my Department and the FSAI are involved in ongoing discussions at European level on the development of a methodology under which maximum safe levels for vitamins and minerals in food supplements will be set. Those discussions will permit the European Commission and Member States to further develop their thinking on this issue and our final position will be based on these discussions and on the scientific evidence presented to Member States during the discussions.

Question No. 475 answered with Question No. 237.

Departmental Investigations.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

476 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out an investigation into the changes in the Health Service Executive report which were made at the behest of the HSE official regarding the deaths of persons (details supplied); if she will publish earlier drafts of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12065/09]

The report in question was commissioned by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The issues raised by the Deputy have been referred by my Department to the HSE for consideration by the National Hospitals Office and direct reply to the Deputy.

Departmental Correspondence.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

477 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Health Service Executive staff on duty in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, with regard to persons (details supplied) were requested by the State Claims Agency to forward to them drafts of their statements on their submissions to the County Louth coroner; the changes that were made to these drafts as a result of this request; the date these requests were first made to the State Claims Agency; the date the submissions were forwarded to the county coroner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12066/09]

The issues raised by the Deputy would appear to be appropriate to the State Claims Agency. I have no direct function in this matter.

Hospital Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

478 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the situation in relation to admissions to Stewards Hospital, Dublin; if they are allowing no further admissions for the foreseeable future; and if so, the alternative options available to those in need if its services. [12069/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

479 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; the steps she will take to ensure that the services which are needed are made available; and the options available to the child. [12070/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

480 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she or her Department officials have had in the past five years with the board or the master of the Coombe Women’s Hospital, Dublin, in relation to relocation; the options discussed; the decisions taken; the indicative timeframe involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12071/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

481 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if plans have been submitted by the board of the Coombe Women’s Hospital, Dublin, for renovation, expansion or other building works in the next five years, what is entailed in each plan; the cost and the indicative timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12072/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 480 and 481 together.

The issue of capital investment at the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, and the relocation to an alternative site, have been the subject of discussions between the Health Service Executive and the hospital authorities. The HSE recently published the Review of Maternity & Gynaecology Services in the Greater Dublin Area, conducted by KPMG Consultants. The review included a recommendation that services currently provided at the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital should move to Tallaght. The findings of the review have been welcomed by the hospital authorities, including the Master of the hospital who has expressed to me and to my officials his strong personal support for the overall findings of the report. The HSE has begun the process of developing an implementation plan to deal with the key recommendations. My Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the additional issues raised.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

482 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if plans have been submitted by the board of the St James’s Hospital, Dublin, for renovation, expansion or other building works in the next five years; what is entailed in each plan; the cost and the indicative timeframe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12073/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

483 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the renewal of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [12083/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Service Staff.

Jack Wall

Question:

484 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of qualified personnel in advanced paramedic training attached to the ambulance service nationwide; the number attached to the Kildare west Wicklow area of the Health Service Executive; the plans the HSE has or is proposing to provide further courses for this particular training; if already planned, the number of applications received from the Kildare west Wicklow area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12089/09]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Áine Brady

Question:

485 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to a medical card in view of her long-term illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12090/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Michael McGrath

Question:

486 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding that will be provided to service providers in Cork in 2009 for adult day care services in respect of persons with intellectual and physical disabilities; and the number of new places that will be available as a result of that funding. [12106/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

487 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to change the rules whereby staff in voluntary hospitals cannot transfer into posts within the Health Service Executive even though they are public servants; the implications which this rule has for the restructuring on the health service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12109/09]

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

488 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 10; the reason for the delay in the occupational therapy assessment being conducted; and when the person can expect an assessment. [12114/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

489 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for assessments by occupational therapists from Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin; and the average nationally. [12115/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Drugs Payment Scheme.

James Reilly

Question:

490 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if restrictions have been placed on fertility drugs made available under the drugs payment scheme; the fertility drugs available under that scheme; the drugs which have been excluded; the effect such exclusions would have on the success or otherwise of fertility treatments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12231/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services.

Bernard Allen

Question:

491 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has yet to meet a consultant; the further reason they have not been referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [12237/09]

The management of out-patient waiting lists is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

492 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath has been removed. [12277/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

493 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when occupational therapy will be provided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [12285/09]

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Parking Regulations.

Billy Timmins

Question:

494 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if in view of the circumstances this decision will be re-examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10965/09]

Under the Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 the granting of a disabled person's parking permit is a matter for local authorities, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Disabled Drivers Association. The scheme relates to a person who is suffering from a disability that is of a nature that prevents him or her from walking or causes undue hardship to the person in walking. There are no proposals to extend the application of the disabled persons parking permit scheme to include persons who are not mobility impaired.

Rail Network.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

495 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if the reopening of the railway line to Loughrea, County Galway has been considered; if there have been costings done on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10825/09]

The re-opening of the railway line to Loughrea is not included in the Government's Transport 21 Capital Investment Programme for Rail up to 2015 and as a result no proposal for this line has been developed or costed.

Light Rail Project.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

496 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Transport the amount, in so far as projections are available, anticipated to be spent in 2010 on all light rail projects including metro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10830/09]

Construction is currently underway on the Luas extensions to Cherrywood, Docklands and Citywest. The Docklands extension will open for services in 2010, with the extensions to Cherrywood and Citywest opening in 2011. The Oral Hearing before An Bord Pleanála on the railway order application for Metro North commences on 1 April 2009. The Railway Procurement Agency is targeting lodging a railway order application for the Luas line from St. Stephen's Green to Cabra and Metro West later this year. Planning work is continuing on the Luas lines to Lucan and Bray.

The spend on Luas/Metro projects in 2010 will be contingent on physical progress in the coming months on those Luas lines under construction, the outcomes of applications for railway orders, progress in planning and the overall allocation available to my Department in these difficult economic circumstances. The allocation available to my Department for 2010 will be decided in the context of the estimates for 2010 later this year.

Local Authority Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

497 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department or other Government Departments propose to offer or have offered capital funding to Kildare County Council or other local authorities in respect of capital requirements under Transport 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10908/09]

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

The Traffic Management Grants Scheme, administered by the Dublin Transportation Office, provides funding in respect of the installation of Quality Bus Corridors, bus priority and other traffic management measures in the Greater Dublin Area. All the local authorities in the GDA, including Kildare County Council, can apply for funding under this scheme.

Air Services.

Joe Costello

Question:

498 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the amount that was paid by the Dublin Airport Authority to a company (details supplied) to buy back the lease on the hangars at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11003/09]

The issue raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for the Dublin Airport Authority in which I have no function.

Taxi Regulation.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

499 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he has to respond to the concerns of the taxi industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11057/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

504 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has assessed the Goodbody report on the supply and demand for taxis; his views on whether measures need to be taken to address the balance of supply and demand for taxi services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11224/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

505 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the maximum hours which taxi drivers can work and the breaks and rest periods required; and if his attention has been drawn to the excessive hours being worked just to earn sufficient income. [11225/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

511 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent assessment of the taxi business (details supplied) on behalf of the taxi regulator; if initiatives are necessary to provide a stable basis for developing the sector through this difficult recession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11710/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

514 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport his views on imposing a cap on the number of taxi licences here. [12108/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 499, 504, 505, 511 and 514 together.

The economic review of the small public service vehicle sector published recently by the Commission for Taxi Regulation demonstrates that there has been a 25% increase since 2005, to approximately 100 million trips per year, in the demand for taxi services but also that taxi drivers are operating in a more competitive market than ever as a result of the increased supply of vehicles, that drivers are working longer hours than in 2005 and that average earnings have dropped slightly despite an 8% increase on maximum fares in 2008.

The Commission for Taxi Regulation will now be consulting widely with the sector and the public at large on the economic review. The Commission will also be seeking the views of the Taxi Advisory Council before any final determinations are made by it. I will consider the outcome of this process together with the views of the taxi industry, consumers and consumer interest groups.

It should be noted in relation to working hours, that S.I. No 191/1963 Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Regulation 1963 as amended, requires that a licence-holder shall not drive a public service vehicle for more than eleven hours in any one day in any period of three consecutive days.

Travel Industry.

Finian McGrath

Question:

500 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport his views in respect of a matter (details supplied). [11077/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

506 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the proposals he has in regard to the concerns of a group (details supplied) over regulations and consequent job losses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11290/09]

Pat Breen

Question:

507 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties facing the travel industry here; if he has plans to review the regulatory legislation in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11656/09]

Joe Carey

Question:

508 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Transport the reason the Commission for Aviation Regulation imposes a requirement of a financial security bond equal to 4% annual turnover on Irish travel agents; the way this figure is calculated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11660/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 500 and 506 to 508, inclusive, together.

Statutory responsibility for regulation of the travel trade rests with the Commission for Aviation Regulation. As the existing legislative framework for the regulation of the travel trade has been in existence since 1982 in May last year I asked the Commission for Aviation Regulation, to undertake a comprehensive review of the travel trade legislation. The purpose of the review was to assess the operation of the current regulatory arrangements and to recommend any reforms that may be warranted.

Following an extensive consultation process, the Commission submitted their report to me on 30 December 2008 which I have published on my Department's website www.transport.ie. I am currently examining the Commission’s findings and recommendations and I am consulting with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, on the report’s findings in the context of consumer protection policy generally.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

501 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11117/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

502 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11131/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 501 and 502 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers and certain other State officials are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí which are allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers.

These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána and individual rates of remuneration are not readily available. My colleague, Deputy Noel Ahern, Minister of State for Integration, has two civilian drivers who work on a week on-week off basis. There is a one-point pay scale for civilian drivers, who are paid €667.43 per week.

Rail Network.

John O'Mahony

Question:

503 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the western rail corridor project; if it is proceeding on time as planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11176/09]

Transport 21 provides for the reopening of the western rail corridor on a phased basis in the period to 2015. Phase 1 of the corridor, between Ennis and Athenry, is on target to be completed this year, with services due to commence in the autumn. The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects which have not yet commenced will be determined by the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available to my Department during the current difficult economic climate.

Questions Nos. 504 and 505 answered with Question No. 499.
Questions Nos. 506 to 508, inclusive, answered with Question No. 500.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

509 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11686/09]

Information on the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within the State bodies under the aegis of my Department and the cost of these allowances is not available in my Department as such allowances are day-to-day matters for the bodies concerned and I have no statutory function in relation to them.

Departmental Agencies.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

510 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 115 of 26 February 2009, the details of each Coast Guard location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11700/09]

Details of expenditure for Coast Guard Units in the Leinster area under the budgetary headings listed for the last three years are as follows:

2006

CG Unit

Volunteer Costs

Equipment

Fuel

Building Maintenance

Events

Training

Other Costs

Greenore

444

122

71

1,744

0

2,210

409

Clogherhead

715

176

0

2,714

0

311

1,899

Drogheda

10,837

1,077

85

2,940

0

7,470

5,425

Skerries

2,532

1,311

0

9,539

135

0

4,554

Howth

8,078

4,598

0

4,184

537

3,637

4,964

Dún Laoghaire

0

0

242

2,422

0

1,900

1,435

Greystones

3,236

1,046

93

4,495

334

4,655

3,950

Wicklow

610

0

0

2,558

120

3,095

1,456

Arklow

99

0

0

483

0

0

1,546

Courtown

1,247

0

0

2,456

0

0

2,729

Curracloe

1,215

0

0

2,631

0

0

1,756

Rosslare

1,630

0

0

5,547

0

0

1,568

Carnsore Point

1,070

121

122

902

171

0

1,530

Kilmore Quay

1,189

45

0

1,712

214

738

1,537

Fethard on Sea

5,383

1,292

126

4,813

0

0

627

Sub total

38,285

9,788

739

49,140

1,511

24,016

35,385

Corrections (see note)

0

0

388

0

0

0

0

Total

38,285

9,788

351

49,140

1,511

24,016

35,385

2007

CG Unit

Volunteer Costs

Equipment

Fuel

Building Maintenance

Events

Training

Other Costs

Greenore

597

19,592

0

4,680

51

1,920

1,064

Clogherhead

1186

0

0

2,276

0

0

812

Drogheda

11,927

12,024

0

2,768

1,080

5,073

10,403

Skerries

5,199

1,028

0

4,254

103

2,281

3,948

Howth

19,762

1,612

0

18,817

675

2,067

11,454

Dun Laoghaire

3,347

0

0

2,627

0

3,660

1,140

Greystones

4,413

5,303

0

3,851

273

6,906

2,231

Wicklow

2,225

1,369

0

4,333

4,114

0

440

Arklow

64

0

0

1,868

0

0

328

Courtown

1,063

184

0

3,821

0

0

681

Curracloe

4,129

128

0

2,887

0

0

1,013

Rosslare

5,863

227

0

9,200

261

0

2,734

Carnsore Point

5,755

1,463

0

3,299

935

0

1,411

Kilmore Quay

7,339

367

0

2,788

1,501

700

0

Fethard on Sea

10,350

115

0

4,071

960

1,900

827

Sub total

83,219

43,412

0

71,540

9,953

24,507

38,486

Corrections (see note)

0

0

0

0

0

0

4,180

Total

83,219

43,412

0

71,540

9,953

24,507

34,306

2008

CG Unit

Volunteer Costs

Equipment

Fuel

Building Maintenance

Events

Training

Other Costs

Greenore

2,728

18

0

4,816

0

1,279

7,127

Clogherhead

12,319

1,668

50

3,353

90

9,129

5,040

Drogheda

21,715

9,005

0

29,269

535

5,160

75,344

Skerries

11,231

1,480

0

4,882

67

25,664

4,092

Howth

20,479

16,423

47

4,471

175

0

10,018

Dun Laoghaire

3,173

30

0

2,371

0

3,244

1,744

Greystones

6,417

1,375

0

3,799

0

0

7,410

Wicklow

3,709

12

0

2,036

0

0

1,290

Arklow

293

18

0

479

0

0

4,705

Courtown

2,659

95

0

1,337

0

0

4,618

Curracloe

4,474

1,091

0

3,282

546

0

4,012

Rosslare

9,266

833

0

24,658

46

8,117

3,173

Carnsore Point

6,480

916

0

3,527

513

4,275

2,580

Kilmore Quay

3,671

127

0

2,090

81

3,900

6,627

Fethard on Sea

7,700

18

0

3,174

76

1,950

2,818

Total

116,314

33,109

97

93,544

2,129

62,718

140,598

The above figures take account of adjustments to allow for cancelled payable orders, refunds, or entries originally made against the incorrect Coast Guard Unit.

Question No. 511 answered with Question No. 499.

Airport Development Projects.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

512 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 191 of 28 January 2009, the way in which the information requested under five headings may be obtained in view of the fact that the reply (details supplied) from the Dublin Airport Authority contained no specific information; if he will confirm that DAA is excluded from the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 1997; the reason for its exclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11857/09]

As I made clear in my reply to Question No. 191 of 28 January 2009 matters regarding the development of Cork Airport, the Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick Masterplan, runway resurfacing, runway extensions and intentions to sell existing lands are operational matters for the Dublin Airport Authority in collaboration with the Cork Airport Authority. I have no function in these matters. Neither have I any function in relation to DAA correspondence with the Deputy.

I can confirm that the DAA is not included in the schedule of public bodies that are covered by the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003. The main reasons for its exclusion are that it is a fully commercial company operating without any exchequer assistance and if it is to compete successfully with other international Airports it is imperative that it retains the right to confidentiality in relation to its own business and that of its customers.

Rail Network.

Áine Brady

Question:

513 Deputy Áine Brady asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 296 of 25 November 2008, the service level improvements to the Maynooth rail line during 2008; the time-scale for the implementation of further improvement, including electrification of the line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12024/09]

The detailed planning and design of the upgrade works on the Maynooth line is a matter for Iarnród Éireann. The works planned for the Maynooth line provide for the electrification of the line and also for the removal of level crossings and for re-signalling that will allow for a significant increase in trains per hour from 7 currently to 17 trains per hour. The Maynooth line will also benefit from the introduction of services from Pace once the first phase of the Navan rail line has been completed in 2010.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects, which have not yet commenced, will be determined by the outcome of the statutory approval and procurement processes and the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate. My priority for public transport is to deliver additional capacity across all modes, and major projects, such as the Dart Underground, will be hugely important in this regard. The redevelopment of the Maynooth line is an integral element of the Dart Underground project.

Question No. 514 answered with Question No. 499.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

515 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number involved in the Real IRA or other such organisations in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Louth; his views on the efforts being made to counteract their activities; his further views on whether it is intended to utilise Army personnel to support the Garda in any such renewed security arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11807/09]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that regular reviews are carried out of the threat assessment arising from the activities of dissident republican groups. Priority is given by the Gardaí to intelligence-led operations targeting the activities of such groups commensurate with the threat posed. These operations involve the strategic deployment of local and specialised operational Garda units. Furthermore, there is ongoing co-operation between the Garda Síochána and the PSNI, including the exchange of intelligence, to ensure appropriate measures are in place to combat the terrorist and criminal activities of these groups. I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that there are no plans at this time to request army personnel in support of the Gardaí in this context. For operational reasons, it is not the practice nor would it be in the public interest to comment on the number of persons involved in such groups in the specific areas to which the Question referred.

Proposed Legislation.

Joe Costello

Question:

516 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce legislation to regulate management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12100/09]

Legislation to address the Law Reform Commission's recommendations on multi-unit developments is in the course of being drafted by the Parliamentary Counsel as a matter of priority. The principal focus of the new Bill will be on ensuring good governance of property management companies and similar bodies which comprise the owners of units within multi-unit developments and which exercise management functions in relation to such developments. It is also intended to include provisions for the resolution of disputes arising in relation to such matters. The policy aspects extend to my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The aim is to publish the Bill in the next Session.

Asylum Applications.

Tom Hayes

Question:

517 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary who have applied for subsidiary protection. [10840/09]

The immigration case histories and up to date positions of the first and second named persons concerned, a husband and wife, are almost identical. As a result, for the purposes of the Deputy's Question, I will deal with the two cases as one.

The persons concerned applied for asylum in the State on 25 February 2003. Following investigation by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, it was established that the persons concerned had previously made asylum applications in the United Kingdom and, as such, a determination was made that the persons concerned should be transferred to the United Kingdom for the purposes of having their asylum applications examined there. The first named person concerned appealed the determination in respect of him to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The Tribunal affirmed the determination of the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The second named person concerned also appealed the determination in respect of her but that appeal was refused as it was not submitted within the specified time period. A Deportation Order was signed in respect of the second named person concerned on 6 May 2004.

The first named person concerned initiated Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court, challenging the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in his case. The High Court refused the Judicial Review Leave Application with the consequence that the earlier decisions of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and the Minister stood. A Deportation Order was signed in respect of the first named person concerned on 3 August 2004.

The persons concerned initiated further Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court, challenging the Minister's decisions to make Deportation Orders in their cases. Following the conclusion of those Proceedings, the Deportation Orders were revoked on 31 July 2006 and the persons concerned were re-admitted to the asylum process at the commencement of the process. The couple had a child born in the State in late 2006 and this child was included as part of the asylum application of the second named person concerned.

The new applications for asylum were refused following the separate consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the persons concerned were informed, by separate letters, dated 15 January 2009 in the case of the first named person concerned and dated 14 October 2008 in the case of the second named person concerned, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them and their child. They were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, they were notified of their entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The persons concerned have submitted applications for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and these applications are under consideration at present. When consideration of these applications have been completed, the persons concerned will be notified in writing of the outcomes.

In the event that the Subsidiary Protection applications are refused, the case files of the persons concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case files are passed to me for decision.

Visa Applications.

Tom Hayes

Question:

518 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on a visa application appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10841/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the visa application referred to has been approved following appeal.

Registration of Title.

Phil Hogan

Question:

519 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will expedite a land registry dealing in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [10842/09]

I can inform the Deputy that under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November, 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions. The Deputy will be aware of the service to T.D.s and Senators which provides information on the current status of applications, such as the subject of this question, and which was introduced in May 2006.

Citizenship Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

520 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views regarding a matter in respect of a person (details supplied). [10847/09]

Applications for certificates of naturalisation from the persons referred to in the Deputy's Question were received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May 2008. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale. Applications for certificates of naturalisation are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that the status of citizenship is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Crime Levels.

Finian McGrath

Question:

521 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views regarding a matter in respect of an area (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [10848/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in the Raheny Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area as a result of anti-social behaviour. The area is patrolled by the District Drugs Unit. To date, there is no evidence of drug dealing in the area. An Garda Síochána deal with anti-social behaviour by utilising public order legislation and issuing local authority fines on the spot for public drinking. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law. A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated to this area and liaises with the local community. The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit and the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, supplemented by the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps.

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

Visa Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

522 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in respect of a matter (details supplied). [10850/09]

I am informed by the Visa Section of my Department that it is not aware of any delays currently in the processing of student visas.

Finian McGrath

Question:

523 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in respect of a matter (details supplied). [10851/09]

I am informed by the Visa Section of my Department that it is not aware of any major issues or delays currently in the processing of student visas either generally or specifically in the case of the countries detailed. Visa applicants are advised to allow as much time as possible when making a ‘Study' application with a minimum time of eight weeks in advance being recommended. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's Customer Charter (2009 -2011) sets out customer service information for customers of my Department, as a whole. Specific information relating to all aspects of visas, including student visas, can be found on the website of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (www.inis.gov.ie).

Crime Levels.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

524 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the other means of compensation available to persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10952/09]

The Deputy will appreciate that, in matters of this nature, it is not open to me to provide legal advice. As regards this particular case, the Deputy will be aware that under the terms of the Scheme of Compensation for Personal Injuries Criminally Inflicted, the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal is wholly independent in its operations. I am sure the Deputy will therefore appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on an individual application which is before the Tribunal.

Departmental Correspondence.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

525 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on recent correspondence arising from complaints made on 29 June 2000 in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10960/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

548 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he or his Department received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Meath; if he will be requesting an investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11644/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 525 and 548 together.

I have recently received a copy of correspondence relating to the person concerned, forwarded to me by my colleague Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin TD. Previous correspondence in relation to this matter had already been received by my Department in November 2007 and a reply was issued to the person concerned setting out the process for making complaints in relation to the behaviour of Members of An Garda Síochána.

Public Transport.

Frank Fahey

Question:

526 Deputy Frank Fahey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of public service vehicle drivers’ licences on issue in counties Galway, Cork, Limerick and Dublin for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and the number of persons awaiting the passenger service vehicle drivers’ knowledge test. [10980/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is currently being researched. I will be in contact with him as soon as it is to hand.

Sexual Offences.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

527 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a report will be ready on an inquiry (details supplied). [10994/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that on 28 January, 2009, prior to the release of the convicted sex offender, a member of An Garda Síochána from Glenties Garda Station called to the family of the injured party and advised them of the pending release of the convicted offender. I understand, however, that prior to this notification the family had been informed of the pending release of the convicted offender the previous day by another source. I have asked the Director General of the Irish Prison Service to ensure that the notification requirements as set out in the 2001 Sex Offenders Act are strictly applied.

As the Deputy will be aware the Sex Offenders Act, 2001, effective from 27 September 2001, requires certain persons to be subject to notification requirements under Part 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. All sex offenders are monitored in accordance with the provisions of the Act and there is a nominated Garda Inspector in each Garda Division who has responsibility for the monitoring of persons subject to the requirements of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. Standard procedures are that the nominated Garda Inspector is notified when a sex offender, who is subject to the requirements of the Act, is to reside in the area. Child Protection issues, should they arise, are notified to the Health Authorities, as set out in the Children First Guidelines.

I am advised that the convicted offender, who is subject of the requirements of Part 2, Sex Offenders Act, 2001, reported to An Garda Síochána, Glenties Garda Station in accordance with the provisions of section 10 of the Act. I should also advise the Deputy that I published a Discussion Document on the Management of Sex Offenders last January which is designed to foster informed debate on recommendations on how we manage higher risk offenders, including achieving a greater degree of responsiveness across all the agencies of the criminal justice system who interact with a convicted offender. My Department has sought submissions on the Document which is available on my Department's website by the end of April, 2009 and I look forward to seeing the range of views that the consultation process will bring.

Prison Accommodation.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

528 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the bed capacity of each prison and the prisoner numbers in each prison as of 10 March 2009, or the latest date for which figures are available. [11026/09]

On 19 March, 2009, there were 3,882 prisoners in custody as compared to a bed capacity of 3,611. This represents an occupancy level of 108%. The following table provides a breakdown of the population of each prison/place of detention on 19 March, 2009:

Prison/Place of Detention

Bed Capacity

No. in Custody

Arbour Hill Prison

148

153

Castlerea Prison

228

278

Cloverhill Prison

431

474

Cork Prison

272

288

Dóchas Centre

85

106

Limerick Prison (male)

275

293

Limerick Prison (female)

20

25

Loughan House

130

126

Midlands Prison

469

516

Mountjoy Prison (male)

540

643

Portlaoise Prison

210

106

Shelton Abbey

90

94

St. Patrick’s Institution

216

231

Training Unit

107

114

Wheatfield Prison

390

435

Totals

3,611

3,882

Drugs in Prisons.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

529 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to prevent drugs from being thrown into the exercise yard at Mountjoy Prison, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11027/09]

There are 3 main exercise yards at Mountjoy Prison and one smaller exercise yard attached to the Medical Unit. From October 2006 netting has been placed around the exercise yards which have an external boundary with Glengarriff Parade. This netting is approximately 20 foot in height and is placed over the exterior walls which stand at 20 foot in height giving a total height of wall and netting of approximately 40 feet. Since the start of January 2009, 32 packets containing drugs and 8 mobile phones have been prevented from entering the prison by the netting. In addition, Prison Officers are detailed to patrol the external perimeter of this wall on a daily basis. Mountjoy Prison also maintain close links with local Gardaí in relation to this issue and Gardaí regularly patrol the area.

Prison Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

530 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the staffing levels during daytime hours and at night in the training unit at Mountjoy Prison, Dublin; and his views on the adequacy of these. [11028/09]

For security reasons, it is not possible to provide the Deputy with a breakdown of the staffing levels in the Training Unit, or indeed of any individual prison, in the detailed format that she has requested. I can, however, inform the Deputy that I am satisfied that the staffing levels at the Training Unit are appropriate.

Public Order Offences.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

531 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the outcome of the issues referred to in a newspaper report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11037/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the persons referred to by the Deputy were arrested in Sligo and Tuam Garda Districts.

On 5 February, 2008 one person was charged with a number of offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 and for failing to produce a valid passport or other equivalent document. The person's identity was subsequently established. He appeared before the District Court on 24 April, 2008, where the charges were struck out and he was released from custody.

The second person was arrested on 15 November, 2007 for failing to produce a passport or other equivalent document. The person's identity was subsequently established. He appeared before the District Court on 2 May, 2008, where the charges where struck out and he was released from custody.

Ministerial Appointments.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

532 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will appoint the Legal Services Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11038/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

549 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if and when he will make arrangements for the appointment of a legal services ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11658/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 532 and 549 together.

Following enactment of the Legal Services Ombudsman Bill on 10 March 2009 arrangements are being made to facilitate the appointment of the Legal Services Ombudsman. The details of the arrangements will be announced as soon as possible.

Residency Permits.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

533 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for long-term residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11079/09]

The position in relation to granting long term residency is as follows: persons who have been legally resident in the State for over five years on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions may apply to the Immigration Division of my Department for a five year residency extension. In that context they may also apply to be exempt from employment permit requirements.

The dependants of the aforementioned, who have been legally resident in the State for over five years may also apply for long term residency. This particular long term permission does not grant an exemption from employment permit requirements to any such dependants. While applications for long term residency are under consideration, the person concerned should ensure that their permission to remain in the State is kept up to date.

An application for long term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received in April 2008. I understand that applications received in June 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Citizenship Applications.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

534 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has applied for naturalisation, was informed in November 2007 that their case would be decided in the near future and was further informed in March 2008 that there would be a decision shortly. [11085/09]

Officials in the Citizenship Section of my Department inform me that processing of this application is complete and a decision will be forwarded to the person in question in the near future.

Crime Levels.

Michael Ring

Question:

535 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a previous parliamentary question (details supplied). [11088/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the total number of handguns stolen in the years 2004 to 2008 was 33. The following table shows a breakdown by year.

I am also informed that the six handguns stolen in 2007 were two air pistols, three revolvers and one pistol. The six handguns stolen in 2008 were two air pistols, one starting-pistol, two semi-automatic pistols (both licensed) and one revolver (licensed).

In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the details for the years 2004 to 2006. I will be in contact with the Deputy as soon as this information is to hand.

Year

Handguns recorded as stolen

2008

6

2007

6

2006

11

2005

7

2004

3

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

536 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11114/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

537 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11128/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 536 and 537 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long-standing arrangement, Government Ministers and certain other State officials are provided with an official car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí which are allocated on a full-time basis to Office Holders. These Gardaí provide security and personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána and individual rates of remuneration are not readily available.

My colleague, Mr Conor Lenihan, TD, Minister of State for Integration, has two civilian drivers who work on a week on — week off basis. There is a one-point pay scale for civilian drivers, who are paid €667.43 per week.

Garda Stations.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

538 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied with conditions for gardaí employed at Wexford Garda station; when the new Wexford Garda station will be available for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11191/09]

The Deputy will be aware from my previous replies to questions 32363/08 of 30th September and 44880/08 of 9th December 2008 that the programme of replacement and refurbishment of Garda accommodation around the country is based on agreed priorities established by An Garda Síochána in consultation with the Garda representative associations. The programme is progressed by the Garda authorities working in close cooperation with the Office of Public Works, which has responsibility for the provision and maintenance of Garda accommodation.

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that a two acre site at Roxborough Road, Wexford has been acquired for the new Garda Divisional Headquarters. Funding for capital works is a matter for the Office of Public Works and priorities, including Wexford, will be considered in the light of available resources and in the context of the Garda Accommodation Strategy, the development of which is ongoing.

I am also advised by the Garda authorities that the Commissioner has requested the Office of Public Works to provide suitable additional temporary accommodation in Wexford to improve the accommodation for members based in that Station. It is planned to provide the additional temporary accommodation in the third quarter of this year.

Decentralisation Programme.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

539 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the recent statement to the effect that the decentralisation of the Equality Authority will not continue and that an independent review of its budget will be conducted; if he will confirm the substance of this statement; the position regarding the Equality Authority in view of the fact that its staff is split between two locations as a result of decentralisation to date; the make-up, form and timeframe of the planned budget review; if he will offer a guarantee that the 43% budget cut will be reversed; and the extent to which it will be reversed. [11209/09]

The Equality Authority launched, on 4 March 2009, its new Strategic Plan for 2009 to 2011, entitled "Equality for All in a Time of Change". It has been widely acknowledged that the Plan represents a new direction for the Authority to enable it to meet its complex mandate, and recognises the changing financial circumstances in which all public service bodies are operating. The stated position of the Authority is " to work towards its goal with more modest resources during the period of its new strategic plan, noting that this may limit what it spends, but not what it may achieve". I have arranged to have copies of the Plan placed in the Oireachtas library. The details can be accessed on the Authority's website at www.equality.ie.

Discussions have been ongoing between my Department and the Authority on its cost base. The savings, already announced in relation to accommodation and IT, have enabled the Authority to concentrate on its core programme objectives of working towards the elimination of discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity. The Deputy will appreciate that no review of funding of any public body at present can operate without reference to the grave Exchequer position.

Under the Plan the Authority is open for business at both of its offices, in Birchgrove House, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and in Clonmel Street, Dublin. I recently agreed in principle to a request from the Chair of the Equality Authority to delay on hardship grounds the transfer of 4-5 staff to Roscrea. I have asked my officials to work out the details on a case-by-case basis with the acting Chief Executive Officer of the Authority and to review the situation again in 2011 when other aspects of the wider decentralisation programme are due to be reviewed. I understand from the Equality Authority that fifteen staff have taken up duty at the Roscrea offices of the Authority, a total which will increase to 23 people in the coming weeks.

The Roscrea office is providing the Authority's national public information centre as well as other legal, administrative and development functions. The Roscrea team has developed a new outreach role, at key local and community levels, throughout the Midlands, the South and the South West.

Human Rights Issues.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

540 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will introduce new legislation amending the various Equality Acts to include socio-economic status as grounds against which discrimination would be expressly prohibited in view of the fact that unemployment is a recognised risk factor contributing to the likelihood of a person being subject to discrimination and that in the economic crisis the number of unemployed is expanding rapidly. [11210/09]

The Employment Equality Acts 1998 to 2008 and the Equal Status Acts 2000 to 2008 prohibit direct and indirect discrimination in the area of employment and in the provision of goods and services respectively on nine grounds. These are gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, and membership of the travelling community.

The Employment Equality Act 1998 provides for a review of its operation with a view to assessing whether there is need to add to the discriminatory grounds set out in the Act. A review has been carried out. It included a Round Table Conference involving the social partners, relevant Government Departments, the Equality Authority, the Equality Tribunal and the Labour Court. Possible new grounds, such as socio-economic status were discussed. As part of the process, UCC Law Department was subsequently commissioned to carry out a comparative review of the international experience of employment legislation. Following completion of this review, the Government decided not to add to the existing nine grounds contained in the Employment Equality Acts. However, operation of the Acts continues to be reviewed in my Department.

The Equal Status Act 2000 also provides for a review of its operation to assess whether there is need to add to the discriminatory grounds covered by the Act. A review, which had been postponed pending completion of the review of the operation of the Employment Equality Acts, is ongoing.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

541 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps necessary to adopt a non-Irish child from a country (details supplied) under the Adoption Act 1990; if a visa is automatic for the child that will be adopted; the steps in acquiring a visa for that child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11244/09]

Once Irish nationals or persons resident in Ireland have been deemed suitable parents to adopt by the Adoption Board of Ireland and wish to adopt a non-national child from outside the State, an application for an Immigration Clearance letter should be made to the Foreign Adoptions Unit, Immigrations Services, 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2.

The Immigration Clearance letter is issued in lieu of a visa to allow a child from a specified country, safe passage through Immigration controls into the State. Contact details and documentation required are posted on the website, www.inis.gov.ie

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

542 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to an application for residency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11303/09]

Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 155 of 12 March 2009, the response received from the person concerned referred to in that reply has been assessed by the relevant officials. The application of the person concerned for permission to remain as the dependant family member of a person granted permission under the IBC/05 Scheme has been refused, as the person does not meet the criteria of the Scheme. The person concerned has been informed of this decision by letter dated 18 March 2009.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

543 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11304/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 25 November 2004. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 24 January 2006, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.

Crime Statistics.

Joe Costello

Question:

544 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 5 March 2009, the way this Deputy may obtain the information that the Central Statistics Office refused considering that similar information was transmitted to this Deputy by his Department on a number of previous occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11627/09]

As stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 110 of 5 March 2009, the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, is responsible for the compilation and publication of crime statistics.

I am informed by the CSO that a key protocol in the production of official statistics is to protect confidentiality and minimise the risk of disclosing information that might lead to an individual being identified. The production of statistics at very small levels of geography increases the risk of disclosure, particularly of crimes that are low volume. The CSO's obligation to preserve confidentiality is outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding between the Central Statistics Office and An Garda Síochána.

I am also informed that the CSO's judgment is that given the nature of the offences and the small geographic area, providing the data requested by the Deputy would pose a risk of disclosure.

Garda Operations.

Joe Costello

Question:

545 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda Síochána policing plan for East Wall, Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11628/09]

Detailed policing arrangements for East Wall, or any area, are a matter for the Garda authorities. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the 2009 Policing Plan for the Dublin Metropolitan Region — North Central Division, which includes the East Wall area, has been prepared by the Divisional Officer in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including the Joint Policing Committee and the North Inner City Community Policing Forum.

The Policing Plan has been developed concentrating on the prevention of public order offences; the prevention of crime including crimes of violence against persons and property; and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of quality of life of the residents of the area. This strategy is, and will continue to be, central to the delivery of a policing service to the area in question.

The full text of the DMR North Central Policing Plan for 2009 is available on the Garda website, www.garda.ie.

Garda Recruitment.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

546 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the next recruitment drives will take place for gardaí and prison officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11630/09]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that there is currently a panel in place of candidates for recruitment, and there are no proposals at present to hold a further recruitment competition.

I have also been informed that a recruitment campaign for prison officers was held in 2008, the closing date for which was the 9th October, 2008. This recruitment campaign meets the present recruitment needs of the Irish Prison Service and it is not anticipated that there will be a recruitment campaign in 2009 or 2010.

Citizenship Applications.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

547 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the file in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin, as indicated in his reply of 11 February 2009, who has made an application for naturalisation; the reason for the delay in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11633/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2007.

Officials in that Section inform me that processing of the application is at an advanced stage and the file will be submitted to me for a decision shortly. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale. Applications for certificates of naturalisation are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.

There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that the status of citizenship is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Question No. 548 answered with question No. 525.
Question No. 549 answered with question No. 532.

Court Staff.

Brian Hayes

Question:

550 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs associated with judges; the financial cost of salaries to judges; the specific value of the cost of staff assigned to work for judges; the specific cost of their pension arrangements and the actuarial value of the pensions for judges; if he will provide these figures for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11671/09]

The current pay scales for the Judiciary are as follows:

Judicial salaries payable from 1 Sep 2008

Post

Salary

Chief Justice

295,916

President of the High Court

274,779

Judge of the Supreme Court (7)

257,872

President of the Circuit Court

249,418

Judge of the High Court (36)

243,080

President of the District Court

183,894

Judge of the Circuit Court (37)

177,554

Judge of the District Court (63)

147,961

The provisions relating to judicial pensions are contained in the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Acts, 1961 to 2008. Judges of the District Court require 20 years service for full pension entitlements and must retire at age 70. Judges of the Circuit, High and Supreme Courts require 15 years service for full pension entitlements and must retire on reaching 70 years if appointed after 6 April 1995 or on reaching 72 if appointed prior to that. Pensions are payable on a reduced pro rata basis once the retiring judge has a minimum of two years' service.

My Department has no responsibility for pay and pensions of judges. The matter is one for the Department of Finance. Support for judges is provided for as necessary by the staff of the Courts Service. The Service has responsibility for administration and management of the courts under the Courts Service Act 1998.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

551 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11683/09]

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to semi-State bodies who have a significant element of commercial or trade activities within their remit. The bodies and agencies attached to my Department provide public services in the broad Justice and Equality areas and, as such, do not engage in any significant commercial activity.

While my Department has no record of any individual being paid a car allowance from within the Justice Vote group, I have requested that each of the bodies and agencies in the Justice area confirm that no such payments are made.

I should add, for the sake of completeness, that certain management ranks within An Garda Síochána are in receipt of what is known as a ‘‘locomotion allowance'' which is paid in lieu of travel and subsistence.

Court Procedures.

Finian McGrath

Question:

552 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in respect of a person (details supplied). [11694/09]

Extradition proceedings in relation to the case raised by the Deputy are currently before the courts. As the Deputy will be aware, subject to the Constitution and the law, the courts are independent in the exercise of their functions. As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no function in relation to the determination of the proceedings.

Private Security Services.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

553 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the Private Security Authority has failed to respond to a matter in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4 raised with it by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11713/09]

The Private Security Authority, established under the Private Security Services Act 2004, is the regulatory body with responsibility for regulating and licensing the private security industry. The Authority is an independent body under the aegis of my Department. I have no role, therefore, in relation to decisions made or investigations carried out, by the Authority.

Proposed Legislation.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

554 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on bringing forward legislation similar to that which is in place in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales that gives automatic guardianship rights to unmarried fathers who are certified as the father on their child’s birth certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11734/09]

I refer the Deputy to the details of my response to her Question No. 182 of 12 March 2009. While I have no immediate proposals for change in the law in this area, its operation continues to be reviewed in my Department.

Road Traffic Offences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

555 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of learner drivers who have been found driving without L plates on their vehicle or unaccompanied by a qualified driver since 1 July 2008; the penalties that have been imposed on drivers found in breach of this road traffic legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11740/09]

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

Section 102 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 as amended by section 18 of the Road Traffic Act, 2006, provides that where a person is summarily convicted of either offence on a first offence he or she may be liable to a fine not exceeding €1,000, on a second offence to a fine not exceeding €2,000 and on a third or subsequent offence to a fine not exceeding €2,000 and / or three months imprisonment.

Asylum Applications.

Joe Costello

Question:

556 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the contents of a letter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11751/09]

I have taken up the matter raised by the Deputy with the Minister for Foreign Affairs so that the issue can be discussed with the relevant authorities in Belfast. Any clarification received from the Minister for Foreign Affairs will be communicated directly to the Deputy.

I understand that the alternative route for those travelling to Dublin from Donegal town is through Sligo town. The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) which is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in direct provision accommodation will continue to provide overnight accommodation in Dublin, for one or two nights as required, to asylum seekers attending for interview. The RIA is satisfied that the accommodation provided is perfectly adequate for this purpose.

Visa Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

557 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an appeal of an application for a visitor visa by a person (details supplied). [11789/09]

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 6 January 2009. It was refused by the Visa Officer on 7 January 2009 for a number of reasons: 1.There was no clear link to the reference in Ireland shown; There was insufficient documentation submitted in support of the application; The evidence of finances was deemed insufficient and incomplete; The obligations to return to the home country were not deemed sufficient; It was the opinion of the Visa Officer that the applicant may not observe the conditions of the visa, if granted.

The applicant lodged an appeal on 29 January 2009 and the decision of the Visa Officer was upheld by the Appeals Officer on 16 March 2009. Only one appeal per application is allowed. The only option available to the applicant now is to make a fresh application.

Decentralisation Programme.

Noel Coonan

Question:

558 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a decentralisation project (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will proceed to the next stage; the number of staff members at the location; the number that are due to be transferred to Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11801/09]

Fifteen staff have already decentralised to Roscrea with the Equality Authority. A further 8 staff will also decentralise to that location in the coming period. The decentralisation of a further small number of staff of the Equality Authority to Roscrea is to be reviewed in 2011.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

559 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for residency and citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11804/09]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 170 of Thursday 12 March 2009, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

560 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency position and leave to remain status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11805/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum in the State on 15 June 2007. She gave birth to a child in the State in early 2008 and this child was subsequently included on her asylum application. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 9 January 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her child. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she and her child should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered under Section 3 (6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

561 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency or leave to remain here status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11806/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 28 January 1997. He made a second application under another name which he subsequently withdrew. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the then Asylum Division of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and, on appeal, by the then Asylum Appeals Authority.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 27 October 1999, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time. Following consideration of the case of the person concerned, the Minister signed a Deportation Order in respect of him on 1 December 2000.

The person concerned subsequently made an application to remain in the State based on his parentage of an Irish citizen child. The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State on this basis for a period of one year and was notified to this effect by letter dated 19 July 2002. The Deportation Order made in respect of the person concerned was subsequently revoked.

On 11 August 2004 the person concerned was notified that the Minister had decided not to renew his permission to remain in the State. He was also notified that, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time.

The Deputy might wish to note that the person concerned also made an application for permission to remain in the State in accordance with the revised arrangements applicable to the non-EEA national parents of Irish born children, born in the State before 1 January 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. The IBC/05 application of the person concerned was refused as it was deemed that he was not a person of good character and he did not appear to be playing an active role in the upbringing of his Irish citizen child. The person concerned was made aware of the refusal of his IBC/05 application by letter dated 8 September 2005.

On 21 August 2006 the person concerned was notified that, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned.

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 case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.

Court Procedures.

Jack Wall

Question:

562 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views regarding a submission (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11812/09]

Proceedings under the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 in relation to the case raised by the Deputy are currently before the courts. As the Deputy will be aware, subject to the Constitution and the law, the courts are independent in the exercise of their functions. As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no function in relation to the determination of the proceedings.

Asylum Support Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

563 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum accommodation centres in each year 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; the annual expenditure on such accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11817/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

564 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum seekers in asylum accommodation annually since 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11818/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 563 and 564 together.

The policy of direct provision and dispersal is the means by which the State discharges its responsibilities under international agreements for the care of asylum seekers. The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible for the accommodation of asylum seekers in accordance with this Government policy.

The following table sets out the end-of-year position, for each year from 2005 to 2008 inclusive, showing the number of accommodation centres in operation, numbers of persons accommodated at end-year, and the amount spent by the RIA on accommodation and ancillary services for each year.

Year

No. of Centres

No. of asylum seekers

Amount spent

€m

2005

69

5,042

84.382

2006

54

5,489

78.728

2007

63 (includes Programme Refugee Centre)

6,625

83.262

2008

60 (includes Programme Refugee Centre)

7,002

91.472

Based on end of year figures since the commencement of the policy to end 2008, the RIA (and its predecessor, DASS) provided bed spaces for over 51,500 asylum seekers. Throughout this time, no asylum seeker in need of accommodation from the State has remained homeless.

Regular unannounced inspections are carried out in all reception and accommodation centres to ensure that standards are being maintained and that value for money is being achieved. A serious view is taken by the RIA if proprietors fail to meet their obligations. Breaches in this regard have led to the closure of a number of centres in the past.

The RIA constantly monitors the rates of payment to the providers of accommodation. In recent years increases in the rates paid by the RIA were modest and below any "real-term" inflators when tested against the Consumer Price Index (CPI). In light of the current pressure on the public finances, RIA is actively engaging with all its contractors with a view to reducing expenditure.

As I indicated in my reply of 25 February, 2009 to the Deputy, the Government agreed to a new round of Value For Money (VFM) reviews for the period 2009-2011. One of the expenditure programmes on the Vote of the Office of the Minister for Justice to be the subject of such a review is the spending by RIA on asylum seeker accommodation. The review will take place over the course of 2009, the results of which will be presented to the Oireachtas upon its completion.

Denis Naughten

Question:

565 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average timeframe of contracts to asylum accommodation providers; if he will list the contract timeframe to all asylum accommodation providers; his plans to review the contractual agreements with such providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11819/09]

The Reception & Integration Agency (RIA) is charged with accommodating asylum seekers while their applications for asylum are processed.

Currently, RIA has contracts in respect of 60 centres, including the Programme Refugee Orientation Centre in Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo. Seven of these centres are State owned and are managed by commercial entities under contract to RIA. The length of contracts can vary depending on the type, function and location of the centre in question. A list of the current contract timeframes is set out in the following table. The current mean average timeframe for contracts with RIA is 118 weeks.

RIA contracts are kept under constant review with a view to ensuring maximum value for the taxpayer. In the context of the current budgetary situation, RIA is actively engaging with its contractors to effect savings for this and subsequent years. List of current RIA contract timeframes

Location

Contract Start

Contract Ends

Contract Period (Weeks)

1

10 Nth/ Frederick St/ Dublin 1

29/05/2008

26/05/2010

104

2

14 Gardiner Place, Dn 1

27/05/2008

24/05/2010

104

3

24 Lower Camden St, Dublin 2

11/04/2009

09/04/2010

52

4

70 Lower Camden St/ D/2

11/04/2009

09/04/2010

52

5

An Poc Fada, Cobh

24/12/2008

17/01/2012

160

6

Ashbourne, Cork

24/12/2008

17/01/2012

160

7

Athlone, Co/ Westmeath

05/03/2009

04/03/2010

52

8

Atlantic House, Tramore

31/03/2009

28/03/2011

104

9

Atlas [Killarney]

07/03/2009

06/03/2011

104

10

Atlas [Tralee]

26/02/2009

25/02/2011

104

11

Balseskin, Co Dublin [*2]

01/01/2007

31/12/2011

261

12

Beechlawn, Rathdrum

18/03/2009

26/10/2010

84

13

Birchwood House, Waterford

24/12/2008

17/01/2012

160

14

Bridgewater, Carrick-On-Suir

03/03/2009

20/07/2009

20

15

Bruach Na Habhainn, Ballyhaunis [*3]

01/09/2007

27/08/2010

156

16

Carroll Village, Dundalk [*1]

27/03/2008

23/03/2011

156

17

Clare Lodge, Ennis

03/10/2007

29/09/2009

104

18

Cliffview, Donegal Town

03/10/2007

29/09/2009

104

19

Clonakilty Lodge, Co. Cork

17/03/2009

22/10/2012

188

20

Clyde House, Limerick

24/01/2009

08/05/2009

15

21

Davis Street, Mallow[*1]

15/10/2008

12/10/2010

104

22

Dun Gibbons, Clifden

13/08/2007

12/07/2009

100

23

Eglinton, Salthill, Galway

19/11/2007

10/01/2010

112

24

Eyre Powell, Newbridge

05/11/2008

02/11/2010

104

25

Georgian Court, Dublin 1

08/08/2006

17/01/2011

232

26

Glenvera, Cork

23/12/2008

16/01/2012

160

27

Glenview, Tallaght, D/ 24 [*1]

29/01/2008

13/07/2009

76

28

Globe House, Sligo

31/10/2008

27/10/2011

156

29

Great Western, Galway

11/02/2009

26/07/2011

128

30

Hatch Hall, Dublin 2

20/06/2008

17/06/2010

104

31

Hibernian, Abbeyleix

24/07/2007

20/07/2009

104

32

Horse + Carriage, Dublin 2

01/03/2009

31/10/2009

35

33

Johnson Marina

26/02/2009

25/02/2011

104

34

Kilmacud House, Stillorgan [*2]

08/02/2008

03/02/2011

156

35

Kinsale Road

12/03/2009

11/03/2011

104

36

Knockalisheen

28/02/2009

27/02/2011

104

37

Linden House, Killarney

31/07/2008

28/07/2010

104

38

Lisbrook House, Galway

29/04/2008

31/01/2011

144

39

Millstreet, Co/ Cork

04/08/2008

29/07/2012

208

40

Mosneyholiday Centre

06/12/2004

05/06/2010

287

41

Mount Trenchard, Foynes

29/09/2008

26/09/2010

104

42

Newlight, St/ Margarets

16/09/2008

14/09/2009

52

43

Ocean View, Tramore

31/03/2009

28/03/2011

104

44

Old Convent, Ballyhaunis

16/04/2008

19/01/2010

92

45

Old Rectory, New Ross

18/03/2009

26/10/2010

84

46

Park Lodge, Co/ Kerry

04/03/2009

03/03/2011

104

47

Railway Hotel, Kiltimagh

16/04/2008

19/01/2010

92

48

Richmond Court, Longford

11/07/2007

07/07/2009

104

49

Sarsfield Bridge, Limerick

20/06/2008

17/06/2010

104

50

Sliabh An Iarainn, Leitrim

16/04/2008

19/01/2010

92

51

St/ Patricks, Monaghan

03/07/2008

07/04/2010

92

52

Station Road, Ballaghaderreen [*1]

10/07/2007

06/07/2009

104

53

The Montague, Portlaoise

31/03/2009

10/10/2011

132

54

The Towers, Dublin 22

10/10/2006

24/12/2012

324

55

The Warrens, Wicklow

13/03/2009

21/10/2010

84

56

Viking House, Waterford

10/07/2008

22/12/2010

128

57

Viking Lodge, Dublin 8

20/08/2008

17/08/2010

104

58

Watergate, D/ 8 [*1]

27/03/2008

24/03/2010

104

59

Westbourne, Limerick

10/06/2009

07/06/2011

104

60

Westward Court, Tralee

07/03/2008

04/03/2010

104

Key:

[*1] Self-Catering Acommodation.

[*2] Reception Centre.

[*3] Self-Catering Programme Refugee Acommodation.

Garda Strength.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

566 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Garda strength and the number in training; the number of student and probationer gardaí as a percentage of the total Garda numbers; the number in each phase of training at Templemore College, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11820/09]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the attested personnel strength of An Garda Síochána on 31 January 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,391, including 825 probationer Gardaí who are in Phase IV of training.

In addition, the number of students in training as of the same date was as follows:

Phase I — 211

Phase II — 565

Phase III — 269

As a percentage probationer Gardaí represent 5.7% of the total attested strength while student Gardaí will add a further 7.3% to the total strength.

Garda Training.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

567 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the approximate cost per person for training to become a member of An Garda Síochána until graduation in each year 2002, 2005 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11821/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the costs associated with the training of student Gardaí until graduation cut across many different areas, including catering costs, salaries, allowances, training equipment etc. I am also informed that once a student Garda is attested at phase four of the training programme, after 58 weeks s/he goes onto the 1st point of the normal Garda pay scale. Accordingly salary costs for Gardaí between this point and their graduation cannot be separately identified. Under the circumstances I am advised that to approximate a cost per student Garda to the time of graduation would therefore require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of Garda time and effort.

Garda authorities have however provided the following details of annual costs for the years in question from their Financial Management System which was introduced in 2004, the earliest date from which this financial data can be provided.

Annual cost of the Garda College

Year

€m

2004

22.065

2005

25.336

2008

40.333

Garda Strength.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

568 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons (details supplied) in tabular form, for year ended 2008 and the projections for 2009 in each of the forecastable sections in An Garda Síochána; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11822/09]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí who left the Force in 2008 was as set out in the following table.

Category

2008

Compulsory Retirement

16

Voluntary Retirements

243

Resignations

44

Medical Discharges

20

Deaths

12

Dismissals

2

Resignations in Lieu of Dismissals

2

TOTAL

339

There are six members of An Garda Síochána due to retire on compulsory age grounds in 2009. It is not possible to provide a detailed breakdown of how many other members may leave the force for different reasons. However the figures for previous years may be helpful to the Deputy and these are shown in the following table.

Year

Total

2004

478

2005

462

2006

403

2007

289

Garda Remuneration.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

569 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of the overtime budget for An Garda Síochána in 2008, the number of gardaí in each rank and unit who received overtime payments of more than 20 hours per month; the total earnings of the top 20 overtime earners in 2008 by rank and unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11823/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.

Table 1 — Gardaí in receipt of >20 hours overtime per roster period.

2008 — Roster Period

Roster Date

Number of Members who received >20 hours overtime

13/1/2008

4,715

10/2/2008

5,965

9/3/2008

5,797

6/4/2008

5,260

4/5/2008

5,101

1/6/2008

5,408

29/6/2008

5,545

27/7/2008

5,003

24/8/2008

3,519

21/9/2008

3,715

19/10/2008

3,667

16/11/2008

4,252

14/12/2008

4,447

Note on Table 1 — Garda authorities advise me that overtime is claimed on a roster basis and consequently the information required is collated on this basis rather than a calendar monthly basis. The Garda roster period equates to 4 weeks. I am further advised that a breakdown of the above figures on the basis of rank and unit could not be provided without consuming an inordinate amount of Garda resources and time.

Table 2 — Top 20 overtime earners during 2008

Value

Division

Rank

1

80,990.46

Mayo

GARDA

2

73,503.78

Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West

SERGEANT

3

70,890.73

Mayo

SERGEANT

4

68,537.33

Mayo

SERGEANT

5

64,536.60

DMR South Central

INSPECTOR

6

64,215.20

DMR South Central

SERGEANT

7

58,059.55

DMR West

SERGEANT

8

56,766.06

DMR South

GARDA

9

56,449.85

DMR West

SERGEANT

10

52,735.86

Mayo

SERGEANT

11

51,987.20

Mayo

GARDA

12

51,228.82

DMR North

SERGEANT

13

50,979.47

DMR North Central

GARDA

14

50,829.19

DMR South

GARDA

15

49,711.25

Garda Headquarters

GARDA

16

49,608.77

DMR South Central

GARDA

17

49,193.88

DMR North

INSPECTOR

18

48,775.53

DMR West

GARDA

19

47,121.39

DMR South Central

GARDA

20

46,779.44

DMR West

SERGEANT

Garda Reserve.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

570 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the Review of the Garda reserve carried out by the Garda Commissioner in 2008; its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11824/09]

An internal review of the Garda Reserve was carried out in 2008 and certain proposals, relating to duties, training, communications, and representation, were submitted for consideration to the Commissioner and his senior management team.

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that a number of proposals arising from the review have been implemented at this stage. The remaining recommendations are being considered by the Commissioner.

Garda Deployment.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

571 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of An Garda Síochána who regularly carry out non-frontline duties which could be carried out by civilians; the rank of these members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11825/09]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

572 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of civilians carrying out non-frontline duties in An Garda Síochána; the annual increase in civilianisation since 2002; the number of posts yet to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11826/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 571 and 572 together.

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy from the Garda Commissioner. I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.

Garda Stations.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

573 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details on An Garda Síochána, Vote 20, of the Budget 2009 document relating specifically to station services, maintenance of garda premises, the types of equipment under heading communications and other equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11827/09]

Charles Flanagan

Question:

582 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual allocation to Garda station services since 2002; the specific services this offers to Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12045/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 582 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following tables.

Table 1 — 2009 budget allocation for Maintenance of Garda Premises and Station Services and Communications and other equipment.

Subhead Description

Budget Allocation 2009

€000

Maintenance of Garda Premises

7,521

Station Services

12,996

Communciations and other Equipment

49,082

Note on Table 1 — The type of equipment covered by the allocation for Communications and other equipment includes equipment required for the rollout of the new national Digital Radio Service in 2009, maintenance of other existing mobile and fixed communications equipment, installation of Garda CCTV in urban centres and road traffic equipment.

Table 2 — Original Budget Allocations for Station Services 2002 to 2008

Budget Allocation for Station Services 2002 to 2008

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

€,000

€,000

€,000

€,000

€,000

€,000

€,000

9,141

8,500

11,354

11,646

15,793

16,356

16,496

Note on Table 2 — The specific services typically covered by the above allocations include furniture and bedding, cleaning services, utility charges and medical services.

Residency Permits.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

574 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if favourable consideration is being given to abolition or amendment of the rule under which overseas voluntary workers, and in particular those coming from the United States to work alongside many Irish churches of different denominations, may only remain here for a period of three years despite being totally self-sufficient and greatly valued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11828/09]

As I have already stated in reply to Question No. 125 on 4 March 2009 a general policy has been in place for a number of years to the effect that religious and volunteer workers in the State should remain for a maximum of 3 years. However, this policy, while remaining in force, has not been rigorously applied and such volunteer workers have on a case by case basis been facilitated with further renewals, although it is not intended that such permissions be open-ended.

The particular immigration status given to religious and volunteer workers indicates that they are not entitled to participate in the labour market. It was also understood they are dependent on their employing church or organisation for their upkeep, finances, and medical expenses or the person concerned could of course organise their own private medical insurance.

My Department is currently reviewing the policy in relation to religious and volunteer workers and when that process is completed the terms and conditions governing this category of temporary migration will be set out clearly for the benefit of all parties.

Prison Building Programme.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

575 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will give details of the negotiations process on the Thornton Hall project; the reason for the ongoing delay; when construction will commence and be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11843/09]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

588 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the expenditure to date on the Thornton Hall project with a breakdown of costings; if the project has been indefinitely postponed or shelved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12112/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 575 and 588 together.

The Thornton Hall Prison development is a complex Public Private Partnership project which involves the construction of more than 30 buildings, including 8 prison facilities on the site, a major internal road network, extensive perimeter security and a vast array of security systems both physical and technical.

I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that negotiations with the preferred bidder are currently at an advanced stage. These negotiations are focussed on progressing the Negotiation Phase of the project across financial, technical and legal aspects of the project. This involves the continuation of the design development of the project and contract negotiations to enable the Irish Prison Service to contract with the PPP Company and commence construction of the prison facilities. Construction will commence immediately after contract award and should take no more than 3 years.

Pressures on the international financial markets have the potential to impact on all major capital projects, including the Thornton Hall PPP project. It is the responsibility of the commercial consortium, under the PPP process, to arrange the funding and other resources to deliver the project. The Irish Prison Service is being advised by the National Development Finance Agency in relation to trends and developments in this area.

While negotiations on the contract are at an advanced stage they have not yet been completed to the point that the Project Agreement can be signed. I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that it is anticipated that it will not be possible to have a contract signed until later this year. This timeframe is subject, of course, to the successful completion of the contract negotiations. It is not appropriate, for commercial and procurement reasons, for me to comment on the specific details of the contract negotiations currently in progress. I can say, however, that if the current contract negotiations are not successfully concluded there are other options which can still be considered.

The cost of the acquisition of the site for the prison development was €29.9 million. The cost of the site was largely offset by the sale of the prison lands at Shanganagh, County Dublin. An additional 8.7 acres has also been acquired to provide a dedicated access road to the main prison site. This was done following representations from the local community which reflected concern in relation to the effect of increased traffic generated by the prison development.

A total of €11 million has been expended to end February 2009 on professional fees (€6.1m), site preparation and surveys (€2.7m), landscaping (€0.4m), security (€0.5m) and the acquisition of the additional land for the access road (€1.3 m). As is the case in all major infrastructural projects, comprehensive geological, engineering and archaeological surveys were conducted at the site.

Garda Operations.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

576 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been a reduction of the activities of Operation Anvil in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11844/09]

One of the priorities I have set for An Garda Síochána in 2009 is to target serious crime, in particular organised, gun and drug related crime. This is being done through a range of measures, including the use of Garda specialist units and targeted operations such as Operation Anvil.

Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, including the area referred to by the Deputy, in 2005 to deal with this type of serious crime and was extended nationwide in 2006. The primary focus of the Operation is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static checkpoints by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols. Significant resources will continue to be allocated to the Operation. Following the ringfencing of €20 million for it in 2008, €21 million is being ringfenced in 2009.

I am informed by Garda authorities that local Garda management is satisfied that there is no reduction in Garda operations and policing responses under Operation Anvil in the area referred to by the Deputy.

Mutual Police Assistance.

Martin Ferris

Question:

577 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of the requests for assistance from foreign police forces in 2008 that resulted in arrests and convictions here; and the number of the subjects of those enquiries that were deported or extradited. [11847/09]

There were 317 outgoing requests for legal assistance transmitted to foreign Central Authorities for Mutual Assistance in 2008 by the Irish Central Authority which is based in my Department. The assistance requested included the taking of evidence, the interviewing of witnesses, the service of judicial documents and criminal record checks. All of the requests related to criminal investigations and/or criminal proceedings in this jurisdiction. The Irish Central Authority's role is to transmit a request for assistance on behalf of the Garda authorities or the Director of Public Prosecutions to the relevant foreign authority. The Central Authority has no role in relation to the investigation or proceedings giving rise to the request and, as such, does not have information in relation to the outcome of the investigations and proceedings where assistance is sought. Accordingly, information in relation to convictions and other outcomes is not readily available.

Citizenship Applications.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

578 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in respect of an application for Irish citizenship by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11848/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August 2007.

The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in mid 2007. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale. Applications for certificates of naturalisation are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.

There is a limit to the reduction in the processing time that can be achieved as applications for naturalisation must be processed in a way which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure that the status of citizenship is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Court Procedures.

Finian McGrath

Question:

579 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [11861/09]

Proceedings under the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 in relation to the case raised by the Deputy are currently before the courts. As the Deputy will be aware, subject to the Constitution and the law, the courts are independent in the exercise of their functions. As Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I have no function in relation to the determination of the proceedings.

Residency Permits.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

580 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in County Galway will qualify for a residency permit under stamp 4; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the applicant is married to an Irish national and has two children born in Brazil who are under 17 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12037/09]

Marriage to an Irish national by a non EU national does not grant any automatic right to reside in the State. However, if a non EU national spouse of an Irish national was already legally resident in the State prior to the marriage, then he or she can make a request to the local Registration Officer for a change of their immigration status to reflect their marriage to that Irish national.

If, however the non EU national has no legal status in the State at the time of the marriage, he or she may make an application to the Spouse of Irish National Unit, Immigration Services Section of my Department seeking permission to reside in the State on that basis. It is a fundamental requirement that a non EU national seeking residency in the State on the sole basis of marriage to an Irish national resides in the same household and in a family unit with that Irish national. Consideration of such application will involve the provision of documentary evidence to support the application and may also involve an interview by the Immigration authorities of either or both parties.

If a non EU national is granted permission to reside in the State on the sole basis of marriage to an Irish national, he or she is permitted to work in the State without the requirement of a work permit and to operate a business in the State without seeking further permission.

It is not necessary for children under the age of 16 to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Garda Stations.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

581 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual allocation to the maintenance of Garda premises since 2002; the number of garda stations that have received such maintenance; the number that have received significant structural and interior refurbishment since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12044/09]

I have requested the information sought by the Deputy. I will write to the Deputy directly when all the information is to hand.

Question No. 582 answered with Question No. 573.

Prison Accommodation.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

583 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number, location and date of introduction of BOSS chairs in the prison system; the approximate cost of such chairs; his plans for the roll-out of these chairs across all prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12046/09]

The first "BOSS Chair" was introduced by the Irish Prison Service in early 2008 on a pilot basis as part of a wide range of security initiatives introduced to combat the smuggling of contraband into our prisons. Since then a number of additional chairs have been installed and it is proposed to introduce them in all closed prisons during the course of this year. The approximate cost of a "BOSS Chair" is €12,000. For obvious security reasons, I am not in a position to indicate the precise locations of this equipment.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

584 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a closed circuit television system will be fully operational in Clonmel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12086/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the CCTV system is currently being installed in Clonmel. It is expected that the system will be commissioned before the end of April 2009.

Deportation Orders.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

585 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for leave to remain here in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; when a decision will be made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12094/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 24 February 2003. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 October 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Representations have been submitted on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.

Prisoner Releases.

Joe Costello

Question:

586 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12101/09]

Section 59 (2) of the Prison Rules, 2007 allows for the discretionary granting of additional remission, up to one third as opposed to the standard rate of one quarter, where a prisoner has shown further good conduct through his engagement in authorised structured activity and where, as a result, the prisoner is less likely to re-offend and will be better able to reintegrate into the community.

I can at the outset advise the Deputy that this additional concession will only be awarded in exceptional cases and where I am satisfied beyond any doubt that the prisoner concerned has demonstrated that she/he meets the requirements as set out in the Prison Rules.

I can further advise that no category of offender is excluded from consideration for this concession and furthermore, that prisoners who request reasons as to why they do not qualify will be advised accordingly.

The application for one third remission from the individual to whom the Deputy refers will continue to be kept under review.

Court Procedures.

Joe Costello

Question:

587 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Attorney General has the discretion to discontinue extradition proceedings in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12102/09]

Extradition proceedings in relation to the case raised by the Deputy are currently before the courts. As the Deputy will be aware, subject to the Constitution and the law, the courts are independent in the exercise of their functions. Neither I, as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, nor the Attorney General have any function in relation to the determination of the proceedings.

Question No. 588 answered with Question No. 575.

Prisoner Releases.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

589 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prisoners released on early release from Cork Prison since 1 January 2009 specifying in each case the term of imprisonment imposed and the time served in prison. [12113/09]

The gathering of the information requested would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources. However, I am informed by the Irish Prison Service that the number of prisoners on temporary release from Cork Prison on 20 March, 2009 was 64.

The Criminal Justice Act 1960, as amended by the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003, provides that the Minister may approve the temporary release of a sentenced prisoner. This discretionary instrument assists in gradually preparing suitable offenders for release and in administering short sentences, and is an incentive to well-behaved prisoners. Temporary release arrangements operate similarly to a system of parole, which is a feature of prison systems worldwide. They are an important vehicle for re-integrating an offender into the community in a planned way. The generally accepted view is that the risk to the community is reduced by planned re-integration of offenders compared with their return to the community on the completion of their full sentence. Each case is examined on its own merits and the safety of the public is paramount when decisions are made. In addition, all releases are subject to conditions, which in the vast majority of cases include a requirement to report on a regular basis to the offender's Garda Station. Of course, any offender who breaches his or her conditions may be arrested and returned to prison immediately by the Gardaí.

Candidates for temporary release are identified by a number of different means which include the recommendation of the Prison Governor or the therapeutic services in the prisons. The prisoner, their family or their legal representative can also apply for consideration of such a concession. Recommendations are also made in relation to long term sentence prisoners by the Parole Board. It is very important to note that it does not necessarily follow that a prisoner will receive temporary release even if the recommendation is to that effect. The periods of temporary release granted can vary greatly from a few hours following a family bereavement to, for example, a requirement to report to the prison every 12 months in the case of a life sentence prisoner who was released into the community a considerable time ago.

Criminal Assets Bureau.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

590 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount being held by the Criminal Assets Bureau under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1996; if he will provide an annual breakdown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12219/09]

I have been informed by the Garda Authorities that the following table sets out the value of property/monies secured by the Criminal Assets Bureau pursuant to the Proceeds of Crime Act on a year by year basis.

The figures for 2008 are being prepared and will be published as part of the Annual Report later this year.

Monies Secured by CAB from 1996 to 2007

Section 2 Interim Orders

Section 3 Interlocutory Orders

Section 4 and 4A

Section 16(B) POC Act as amended

1996

£2,101,000.00

£2,048,000.00

1997

£2,334,680.00

£1,496,180.00

1998

£1,682,544.65

£1,091,412.62

1999

£1,500,000.00

£813,659.00

2000

£838,536.00 Stg£52,230.00

£1,641,215.00

2001

£1,872,654.72 (€2,377,781.00) Stg£491,114.09

£1,342,951.10 (€1,705,196.15) Stg£279,635.70

Total 1996-2001

IR£10,329,415.37

IR£8,433,417.72

Euro Equivalent

€13,115,652.02

€10,708,231.61

2002

€3,709,086.00 Stg£17,802,004.00 US$5,558,377.00

€2,504,669.00 Stg£1,993,094.00 US$5,247,821.00

2003

€3,045,842.00 Stg£12,150.00

€71,699.00 Stg£557,070.00

2004

€1,027,152.18 Stg£6,115

€1,688,651.63 Stg£375.00

€275,875.43

2005

€5,860,335.00 US$314,619.54

€1,200,525.57 Stg£26,760 US$130,000

€2,002,738.41

2006

€2,836,479.97 Stg£294, 289.39

€726,350.94

€2,459,864.79

€53,000,000.00

2007

€9,804,193.14 Stg30,690.00

€9,848,432.84

€1,435,340.59

TOTALS 1996-2007

€39,398,740.31 Stg£18,688,592.48 US$5,872,996.54

€26,748,560.59 Stg£2,856,934.70 US$5,377,821.00

€6,173,819.22

€53,000,000.00

It should be noted that these figures are available in the CAB Annual Reports.

In terms of the value of assets such as cars, property etc. currently being held by the Bureau, I am advised that it would require the expenditure of an inordinate amount of time and resources to put a value on these assets due to the fact that their values change over time.

Juvenile Offenders.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

591 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the breakdown of the annual funding allocated specifically to tackling anti-social behaviour including the juvenile diversion programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12220/09]

Garda actions and initiatives to prevent and detect anti-social behaviour are part of the policing functions carried out by An Garda Síochána in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and the priority I have set to preserve peace and public order in co-operation with local communities, in particular by targeting disorder arising from binge drinking. One of the six strategic goals set out in the Garda Policing Plan for 2009 is to significantly reduce the incidence of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in our communities. Personnel, equipment and other resources are allocated at national and local level by Garda management to meet this and the other goals. This includes the provision of additional foot and mobile patrols in areas identified by Garda management as "hot spots" when offences are likely to occur.

The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme is operated in accordance with the provisions of the Children Act 2001, and the necessary resources to achieve this are accordingly allocated.

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 Projects operating in different locations throughout the country.

These projects have been provisionally allocated funding totalling €8.666 million in 2009. There is also funding available to the Projects under the European Social Fund for the purposes of improving the employability of project participants. This ESF-supported programme within the Garda Youth Diversion Projects has been provisionally allocated funding of €3.850 million in 2009.

Diplomatic Representation.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

592 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10835/09]

Ireland's Embassies and Consulates overseas provide a range of services to Irish citizens, Irish businesses and the Government. There are currently no plans to cut back on the level of these services.

The costs of running most of these overseas missions are met from the administrative budget of Vote 28 (Foreign Affairs). A 6% reduction in the Vote 28 administrative provision in Budget 2009 over Budget 2008 has already been implemented. As this provision is broadly at the same level as it was in 2005, it indicates that the mission network is being run at a high level of efficiency.

I am determined to ensure that the Embassies and Consulates continue to operate efficiently and ensure that frontline services are protected.

Any change to the 2009 Budget provision would be a matter for the Government to consider.

Human Rights Issues.

Joe Costello

Question:

593 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of cases which have been taken to the European Court on Human Rights since the European Convention of Human Rights was transposed into law here in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11004/09]

The European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 came into operation on 31 December 2003 on foot of a commencement order made by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Since the commencement of the 2003 Act 12 cases have been transmitted by the European Court of Human Rights to the Government for a response. The majority of the cases relate to events which occurred prior to the coming into operation of the 2003 Act. Details of these cases are set out in the table.

Case

Line Department

Current Status

Barry v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

In 2004, the Court ruled that Ireland had violated the applicant’s rights.

White and Woulfe v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case was settled between the parties in November 2005.

Delaney v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case was settled between the parties in November 2007.

Boyce v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case was settled between the parties in May 2008.

X v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case is currently pending before the Court.

Superwood Holdings Plc and others v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case is currently pending before the Court.

McFarlane v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case is currently pending before the Court.

TH v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case is currently pending before the Court.

JB v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case is currently pending before the Court.

A, B and C v Ireland

The Department of Health and Children

The case is currently pending before the Court.

Artemi and Gregory v Cyprus, Ireland and other EU Member States

The Department of Foreign Affairs

The case is at an early stage. No submissions have yet been filed by Ireland.

Izevbekhai v Ireland

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

The case is at an early stage. No submissions have yet been filed by Ireland.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

594 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11112/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

595 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11126/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 594 and 595 together.

As a Government Minister I am allocated two Garda drivers who work on a week on — week off basis. Their salary is a charge on the Vote of An Garda Síochána.

Each of the two Ministers of State in my Department has appointed two civilian drivers under terms and conditions set down by the Department of Finance.

The current salary of each civilian driver is €34,826 per annum.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes

Question:

596 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of ambassador, assistant secretary and secretary general level posts that exist within his Department; the number of these postings that are dangerous postings; the additional allowances, additional leave and additional benefits provided for these posts; the cost of same; if he will provide these figures for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11670/09]

Ireland's Ambassadors are primarily drawn from the rank of Assistant Secretary and Counsellor/Principal Officer within the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The authorised number of high level posts in the Department of Foreign Affairs comprises one Secretary General, four Second Secretaries, five Deputy Secretaries and 42 Assistant Secretaries. Of these 52 posts, 38 are assigned to Ambassadorial posts. In addition, there are 25 Counsellors/Principal Officers and one First Secretary also serving as Ambassadors.

29 of these Ambassadors are assigned to locations which are designated as "hardship" posts. This designation takes account of local factors such as security, health, climate, cultural affinity and general quality of life. Posts are graded according to the level of hardship, ranging from Grade I (highest) to Grade III.

A hardship allowance is paid, as part of the overall system of Foreign Service allowances, to compensate officers serving in such locations. The amount paid to an officer varies according to grade, the degree of hardship and the local cost of living. The total cost of the payment of this allowance to eligible Ambassadors in 2008 was approximately €274,000 and is estimated to be €298,000 in 2009.

The Ambassador in hardship locations, regardless of grade, receives an entitlement of up to 20 days additional annual leave per year. However, in many cases, officers do not have the opportunity to avail of this leave due to pressure of work and resource constraints.

Officers assigned to the posts which are placed in the two higher categories of "hardship" (Grades I and II) Officers assigned to the posts which are placed in the two higher categories of "hardship" (Grades I and II) are also entitled to a "getting out trip" once per year up to the cost of an economy rate return fare to Ireland. The total cost of such travel by eligible officers and their families in 2008 was in the region of €32,000 and it is anticipated that the cost in 2009 will be similar.

The Department's management has in principle approved a new approach for the regulation of hardship posts. When implemented, this will replace the current arrangements with a more flexible and transparent system which will allow hardship levels at various locations be reviewed more frequently in line with changing local conditions and, if appropriate, re-designated. The new proposals include changes to the calculation of hardship allowances, a reduction in the number of posts designated as hardship, increasing the categories of hardship from the current three to five and a reduction in the additional leave allowance.

Discussions with the staff associations on the proposed changes to this system are ongoing, and subject to their outcome, it is planned to implement the new system later this year.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

597 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11681/09]

There are no semi-state bodies operating under the aegis of my Department.

International Agreements.

Finian McGrath

Question:

598 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [11862/09]

As Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have no role in the processing of European Arrest Warrants. Under the European Arrest Warrants Act 2003, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has been designated as the Central Authority for Ireland for matters connected with European Arrest Warrants. I also understand that the case in question is currently before the courts and therefore sub judice.

Foreign Conflicts.

James Bannon

Question:

599 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he is taking to bring about a ceasefire in the north-east of Sri Lanka to alleviate the threat to innocent civilians who are trapped in a region of just over 300 sq. km. and under fire from their own Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12018/09]

I utterly deplore the horrific humanitarian situation which exists in parts of war-torn northern Sri Lanka.

According to recent reports, more than 2,800 civilians may have been killed and 7,000 others wounded in fighting between the Government of Sri Lanka and the rebel LTTE over the last two months. Hundreds of children are believed to have died and more than a thousand have been injured. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms Navi Pillay, has said that ‘certain actions being undertaken by the Sri Lankan military and by the LTTE may constitute violations of international human rights and humanitarian law', citing repeated shelling by government forces of safe zones set up to protect civilians and reports of the LTTE holding civilians as human shields and blocking those who try to flee. The LTTE actions, the Commissioner suggested, should be examined to see if they constitute war crimes.

I have been following the situation with grave concern. In a statement issued on 8 February, and in reply to Parliamentary Questions on 10 and 12 February, I called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for full access to be granted for humanitarian relief.

Since then, at our meeting on 23 February my EU Foreign Minister colleagues and I expressed our deep concern about the evolving humanitarian crisis in the northern part of the country and the vast number of Internally Displaced People trapped by the fighting there, as well as the continuing reports of high civilian casualties.

In particular, we stressed the need for both the Government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE to comply with the provisions of international humanitarian law and the principles of the laws of war. We called for an immediate cease-fire to facilitate full and unrestricted access to the conflict area, allowing humanitarian aid to be safely delivered and civilians to leave. We condemned the use of violence and intimidation by the LTTE to prevent civilians from leaving the conflict area and urged the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that the temporary camps for IDPs and the screening process for access to them are in compliance with international standards and that independent monitoring is allowed. We also called on the Sri Lankan authorities to take decisive action to tackle human rights abuses and to guarantee press freedom.

I underscored these points to the Sri Lankan Ambassador when I met him on 25 February. I spoke to him in particular about our deep concerns in relation to the humanitarian situation in the country, which is affecting not only Tamil civilians but the entire population. I also stressed the importance of addressing the underlying causes of the conflict through a comprehensive, negotiated, political settlement.

Our concerns about the serious humanitarian situation have been repeated at international fora since then, most recently in the Irish statement to the 10th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, which was delivered on 16 March last. EU Foreign Ministers also discussed the situation in Sri Lanka again at the GAERC meeting in Brussels on the same day.

We continue to take the firm view that there can be no lasting military solution to Sri Lanka's political difficulties. A lasting peace settlement will require reconciliation and a political process aimed at protecting the interests of all the citizens of Sri Lanka and enshrining the principle of parity of esteem among its divided communities. Should the relevant parties seek our advice in relation to a negotiated peace process, we would give consideration as to how we could best help.

Since 2005, the Government has provided, through Irish Aid, more than €5.3 million for humanitarian and development activities in Sri Lanka. Over US$12 million was allocated to Sri Lanka in 2008 from the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund, to which Ireland is currently the seventh largest donor.

In addition to our regular un-earmarked funding to the Red Cross — one of the key organisations at the centre of the response to the humanitarian crisis — the Government, through Irish Aid, is monitoring closely the humanitarian situation in northern Sri Lanka. The possible provision of emergency funding is kept under constant review.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joe Costello

Question:

600 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money which was allocated from the voter education fund to the Rock the Vote Ireland and My Candidate campaigns to target young voters between 18 and 35 in advance of the Lisbon treaty referendum; if the expenditure on each campaign has been audited; if it represented value for money; if he proposes to allocate a similar sum of money for similar campaigns in advance of the second Lisbon referendum campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12038/09]

My Department does not operate a Voter Education Fund. In 2008 under the Communicating Europe Initiative a sum of €20,000 was allocated to an organisation entitled ‘Voter Education Fund' in respect of the Rock the Vote project which was aimed at encouraging young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to vote in the Lisbon Treaty Referendum in 2008. The project comprised the development of a website, www.rockthevote.ie , and a number of nationwide publicity events.

The Communicating Europe Initiative, which is administered by my Department, provides grants to voluntary organisations, educational bodies and civil society groups for the development of EU themed projects and programmes aimed at raising awareness about Ireland's membership of the European Union.

A general condition of the scheme is that within 12 months of receiving funding the beneficiaries must submit a report describing the activities undertaken and provide a financial statement detailing all expenditure together with originals of all invoices, vouchers and supporting documentation.

In the case of the Rock the Vote project, the Voter Education Fund is obliged to submit the requisite material by 10 June 2009, in compliance with the general conditions of the Communicating Europe Initiative.

Diplomatic Representation.

Alan Shatter

Question:

601 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that sectarian and racist chanting by Glasgow Rangers supporters again occurred during the course of the soccer match between Glasgow Rangers and Glasgow Celtic on 15 February 2009; the reason no meaningful action has been taken to date by the Scottish authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12230/09]

I am aware that, notwithstanding significant efforts by the relevant authorities, instances of sectarian behaviour have occurred at Scottish premier league games, and of the distress and offence that this can cause.

I am fully supportive of the efforts of the Scottish Government, Police and Football Association to tackle sectarian behaviour, from whatever quarter. I am confident that the Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that sectarianism has no place in any aspect of Scottish society.

Since its opening in 1998, the Consulate General of Ireland in Edinburgh has maintained a wide-ranging dialogue with the Scottish Government. The Consulate remains in close contact with senior officials in the Scottish Government in relation to incidents of sectarianism of the kind referred to in the question. The Consulate General will continue to closely follow any developments in this regard.

Sports Funding.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

602 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of grant aid that was given to sports organisations (details supplied) in each of the past three years; the expected level of grant aid in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10854/09]

The table details the level of funding that has been provided to the Irish Sports Council, Horseracing Ireland and the Irish Greyhound Board from the Fund for each of the past 3 years and the current expected level of funding for 2009. In the context of the forthcoming Budget these figures may be revised.

2006

2007

2008

2009

Irish Sports Council

40,914,000

54,025,000

57,182,000

52,189,000

Horse Racing Ireland

56,047,000

58,539,000

61,028,000

55,702,400

Bord na gCon

14,012,000

14,572,000

15,257,000

13,925,600

Film Industry Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

603 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the function he or his Department has in respect of the Irish Film Board or the development of policy in respect of the film industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10905/09]

Primary responsibility for the support and promotion of film-making in Ireland in respect of both the indigenous sector and inward productions is a matter for the Irish Film Board. This agency is funded through my Department and is independent of the Department in its operations.

My Department's primary role in supporting the film sector relates to the administration of elements of the Section 481 tax relief scheme. This scheme is kept under regular review in conjunction with the Irish Film Board and any enhancements necessary to retain or regain competitiveness are addressed and brought to the attention of the Minister for Finance as appropriate. The scheme was amended and enhanced in the Finance Acts of 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and most recently in 2008. The amendments in 2008 extended the scheme for a further four years until the end of 2012, increased the overall ceiling on qualifying expenditure from €35m to €50m, increased the individual investor cap for those wishing to invest finance in film in Ireland to €50,000 per annum from the previous limit of €31,750 and increased the relief on that investment to 100% from 80%. Approval from the European Commission to introduce these changes was secured last week and the Minister for Finance subsequently signed the Commencement Orders.

I believe that these adjustments to the tax investment scheme will assist Ireland in remaining competitive and will be a catalyst in securing filmmaking opportunities for this country. The film industry is the cornerstone of a smart and creative digital economy and the new provisions in Section 481 will sustain and grow employment in this sector in the years ahead, grow our production capacities and help to embed this key creative industry.

Tourism Promotion.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

604 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding available to support the cultural tourism initiative in 2009; the way this funding will be distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10953/09]

As I informed the Dáil on 3 March, I met with the heads of fifteen State tourism agencies, State arts bodies, and the cultural institutions, on 11 February, to begin the work of further developing the cultural tourism market. This was the first step in putting in place an initiative to further develop the potential of cultural tourism.

This initiative will build, in the first instance, on cooperation and synergy between the bodies and institutions under the aegis of the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. I wish to set in train a programme of specific actions, by these bodies, that will enable Ireland to more effectively market cultural tourism and address the needs of overseas and domestic tourists who wish to experience Ireland's cultural and artistic resources. It is not envisaged that such actions will necessarily require additional funding as existing general resources and programmes are likely to be capable of being employed to support the objectives of this initiative.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

605 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there is a sports tourism initiative in place; if so, the level of funding that has been set aside to develop this aspect of the tourism market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10954/09]

The International Sports Tourism Initiative was introduced by the Government in 2000 to support the then Bord Fáilte's efforts in attracting major international sporting events, with tourism potential, to Ireland. Since its inception the International Sports Tourism Initiative has supported a total of 148 international sports events in Ireland. Together these events have attracted widespread international media coverage and a considerable number of additional overseas visitors to Ireland, generating significant revenue for the Irish exchequer. Major events have included the Ryder Cup matches, two rounds of the World Rally Championship, the Irish Open and in May this year, the Volvo Ocean Race.

The level of funding provided to support the initiative in each year depends on the number and scale of events involved and their estimated benefits in terms of visitor numbers and international media coverage. As the initiative is administered by Fáilte Ireland, the level of funding provided is a day-to-day matter for the Agency itself.

Sports Funding.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

606 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if an application for assistance was made in the last number of years by a sports club (details supplied) in County Offaly; if the application was processed and moneys allocated to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10977/09]

A letter issued to the nominated club contact on 9 August 2005 notifying the club in question of a provisional allocation of €25,000 under the 2005 programme towards dressing rooms/clubhouse development. Formal approval of a grant under the programme is dependent upon compliance with the terms and conditions set out in detail in the 2005 letter. A further written reminder to the club of its allocation under the programme issued on 7 November 2006. There is no record in my Department of the club in question having replied to the letter of provisional allocation or the subsequent reminder other than a telephoned acknowledgment of the 2006 letter.

It will not be possible to progress any further with this allocation until all relevant documentation is received. Naturally this allocation cannot be held over indefinitely and under the Guidelines, Terms and Conditions of the Sports Capital Programme, a "sunset clause" provision exists whereby my Department can fully or partially withdraw grants in the absence of satisfactory progress being made by the grantee, for any reason, in drawing down the grant.

The Department will write to the club shortly seeking an up to date position in relation to the grant in question and unless it is satisfied that sufficient progress has been made with the project the grant offer will be withdrawn.

Sports Capital Programme.

Ulick Burke

Question:

607 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will reverse his decision not to invite applications for the 2009 sports capital programme in order to allow applications from sports groups and other applications projects in RAPID areas to go ahead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11094/09]

James Bannon

Question:

619 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when lottery funding 2009 application forms will be available; when allocations for sports development projects will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12017/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 619 together.

As I announced in the House recently no decision has been taken about the timing of future rounds of the Programme.

Arts Funding.

Finian McGrath

Question:

608 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to support a group (details supplied) in 2009. [11102/09]

Joe Costello

Question:

618 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on proposals in a letter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11750/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 608 and 618 together.

I have noted the comments made in the correspondence referred to by the Deputies in relation to the challenges facing those in the visual arts sector. Many of the funding channels referred to in the correspondences fall within the remit of other Departments and local authorities. In respect of the Per Cent for Arts scheme, work is continuing apace in finalising new guidelines for the scheme.

Responsibility for the promotion of the arts at all levels throughout the country is primarily devolved to the Arts Council. It is the principal agency through which State funding is channelled to the arts. Under the Arts Act, 2003, the general functions of the council include the following: to stimulate public interest in the arts; to promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts; and to assist in improving standards in the arts.

The Arts Council is a statutorily independent body, funded by my Department and independent in its day-to-day operations, and I have no role to play in relation to its funding decisions. I refer the Deputies to my reply of 28 January 2009 last to question 41832/08. As I outlined in that reply, under measures introduced in the 2009 budget, all Departments and State agencies are to achieve a range of reductions and savings in 2009, both on pay and non-pay expenditure, and the Arts Council is no exception. These include a 3% reduction in the level of their 2008 pay bill and at least a 50% reduction in their consultancy and advertising budgets.

By any standards, however, the Arts Council has seen significant increases in its funding allocation in recent years, increasing by over 59% from €47.67 million in 2002 to €81.62 million in 2009. These are significant amounts of taxpayers' money in any context and have effectively transformed the arts, by facilitating increased access to and participation in the full spectrum of art forms throughout the country. The Government's sustained support has resulted in a firm foundation to the arts sector that will assist it in facing future challenges. This Government is committed to supporting the arts and will continue to fund the Arts Council within available financial resources.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

609 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11119/09]

Under a longstanding arrangement, all Ministers are provided with a State car and personal protection by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of gardaí who are allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána.

Sports Funding.

Michael Noonan

Question:

610 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if the Government intends paying grant-in-aid to intercounty GAA players; the specific financial assistance that is provided to amateur players; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11134/09]

John O'Mahony

Question:

611 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the funding for GAA players in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11161/09]

John O'Mahony

Question:

612 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has made funding available to the Irish Sports Council to provide funding for GAA players in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11162/09]

Pat Breen

Question:

613 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his views on the Government Funding of intercounty GAA players; if his attention has been drawn to the contribution that they make to the sporting life of their communities; if he will continue to make this funding available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11181/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

620 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his position on State funding for intercounty GAA players; if his attention has been drawn to the need to provide clarity on this issue for those players who have lost their jobs and are now considering their future; his views on whether in the economic depression that it is vital to keep intercounty players in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12060/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 610 to 613, inclusive, and 620 together.

The funding of the Gaelic players grant schemes is a matter for the Irish Sports Council (ISC) in the context of the distribution of its budget for 2009. In light of the current economic constraints and the reduction in the ISC's allocation of funding in the 2009 Estimates, I am having discussions with the Council on optimum funding options, in order to maintain its existing programmes while building on recent progress. The future funding of the Gaelic players schemes is being considered in that context.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

614 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the funding scheme for swimming pools will reopen; the status of all funds allocated under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11218/09]

It is not intended to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at this time. The matter will be reviewed again later this year. A total of 57 applications were received under the current round of the Programme, of which 42 projects have been completed and opened to the public. The priority now is to work with the relevant local authorities in completing the remaining 15 pool projects, which are included in the current round. From 2000-08 total expenditure under the current round of the programme has been €131m and funding of €14m has been provided for 2009 to support existing projects.

Public Procurement Policy.

Richard Bruton

Question:

615 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he has taken to ensure that the agencies to which he provides funding put large contracts out to public tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11243/09]

While compliance with public procurement requirements in the case of Agencies under the aegis of the Department is a matter for the Agencies themselves, I can assure the Deputy that such agencies have been advised by the Department of their obligations in this regard. The various instructions and guidelines prepared centrally in relation to these matters have been brought to the attention of the CEOs and Boards of the bodies in question.

Tourism Policy.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

616 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the aspects of tourism for which he has official responsibility to Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11642/09]

I have overall responsibility for the formulation of national policy in the area of tourism and, through my Department, for monitoring its implementation, as set out in the Department's Statement of Strategy 2008-10 which is available on my Department's website. In this regard I have responsibility to the Dáil in regard to the overall formulation, development and evaluation of policy for the tourism sector with a view to supporting sustainable growth and to address competitive challenges; overseeing and monitoring implementation of the strategy for Irish Tourism development as set out in the Report of the Tourism Policy Review Group "New Horizons for Irish Tourism — An Agenda for Action", published in September 2003; and providing the necessary policy context, legislative and institutional framework, finances and corporate governance arrangements for programme and service delivery through the main tourism implementing agencies.

The statutory bodies under the aegis of my Department which have responsibility for the execution of Tourism policy are listed in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2008-10 and Annual Reports which are available on my Department's website. In accordance with long established practice, I do not answer Parliamentary questions relating to the day-to-day activities and programmes of the agencies in question, which activities have been assigned to these agencies by the Oireachtas. Agencies under the aegis of the Department have been requested to ensure that representations from members of the Oireachtas are responded to in a timely and comprehensive manner.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

617 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11673/09]

None of the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the bodies under the direct aegis of the Department, nor the Directors of the Cultural Institutions, is in receipt of fixed car allowances.

Question No. 618 answered with Question No. 608.
Question No. 619 answered with Question No. 607.
Question No. 620 answered with Question No. 610.

Rural Social Scheme.

Pat Breen

Question:

621 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason payment has been reduced in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10936/09]

Under the rules of the scheme, RSS Participants who become entitled to claim the Widow(er)'s Pension (contributory or non-contributory), One-Parent Family Payment or the Disability Allowance while participating on the scheme must claim the social welfare payment.

If successful in their application, their RSS payment is then reduced by the amount of pension due and only a top-up payment is made through their RSS payment. The total combined value of these two payments may not exceed the standard rate payable on the RSS. This explains the reduction in this case. Through no fault of the person concerned it appears that changes in his personal circumstances were not reflected in his RSS payment either correctly or at the appropriate time.

My Department will be in contact with the person concerned shortly to further clarify the situation.

Community Development.

Frank Feighan

Question:

622 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason the newly constituted Roscommon Integrated Development Board would not make funding available to organisations in the County until 2010 as advised to Roscommon County VEC at their recent meeting; and his views on the situation in connection of funding and availability of same for the newly constituted Integrated Development Board. [11758/09]

As I stated in my reply to the Deputy's question of 12 March, I have signed contracts with Local Action Groups, including Roscommon Integrated Development Company, for the delivery of the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-13.

In line with the bottom up approach of LEADER, decisions in relation to funding are a matter for the board of Roscommon Integrated Development Company in their area of operation and my Department has no role in this. I can confirm that the Group has funding available for programme activities in 2009 and I expect that they will be bringing forward projects in the near future.

Traveller Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

623 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on a proposal (details supplied); and on funding such a programme in view of its importance to the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10877/09]

The Athy RAPID Area Implementation Team identified this issue, as part of their Physical Environment Strategic Theme plan. The implementation of this particular proposal would be primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government as it involves acquiring land.

My colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has a lead role in funding Traveller initiatives.

Security of the Elderly.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

624 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding that has been allocated in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 10 under the scheme of community support for older people in 2009; the amount of funding this organisation received in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10895/09]

The Scheme of Community Support for Older People operates on the basis of applications for funding to support the cost of supplying and installing socially monitored alarms and other personal security devices. No allocations are set for individual organisations although applications are restricted to €30,000 from any one organisation in a calendar year. This group received €30,000 in respect of applications approved in 2008.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

625 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding that has been allocated to an organisation (details supplied) in Dublin 22 under the scheme of community support for older people in 2009; the amount of funding this organisation received in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10896/09]

I would like to refer the Deputy to my reply to question no. 303 on 10th March 2009 where I indicated that no application has been received from or on behalf of the group referred to by the Deputy. This organisation was not an applicant and did not receive any funds from the Scheme in 2008.

Housing Grants.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

626 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of an application for a Gaeltacht grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [10939/09]

An application for a housing grant under the Housing (Gaeltacht) Acts 1929-2001 from the person referred to by the Deputy is being examined in my Department at present. A decision will be made in the case as soon as possible.

Harbours and Piers.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

627 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his Department is in a position to provide funding for the extension of the pier at Brandon, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10962/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 319 of 10 Márta 2009.

Departmental Schemes.

Martin Ferris

Question:

628 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the delay in County Donegal regarding bóthair áise scheme applicants who have received confirmation letters regarding grant aid for their roads in November 2008 but no grant has been allocated; if, with more than a thousand applicants for this scheme resources need to be allocated to clear the back-log; and if all applicants will be contacted with an update on their application. [10989/09]

Following approval of some €283,000 under my Department's Scéim na mBóithre Áise in 2008 in respect of 29 roads in the Donegal Gaeltacht, my Department was subsequently informed by Donegal County Council that additional funding in the order of €92,000 would be required to carry out the work in relation to 20 of these roads. Subsequent discussions between my Department and the Council did not resolve the situation. These roads are considered as priority cases under my Department's Scéim na mBóithre Áise and will be progressed, subject to available resources being provided when the 2009 Revised Estimates are published.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

629 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11106/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

630 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11121/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 629 and 630 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, Government Ministers are provided with a State car, which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána. The cost of this service, including remuneration costs, is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

Mr John Curran, T.D., Minister of State at my Department, has two civilian drivers, whose salary is €667.43 per person per week. The Deputy will also be aware that Mr Conor Lenihan, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Integration, has been assigned to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the Department of Education and Science and to my Department. The staffing of his office is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Community Development.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

631 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm that the funding announced on 23 December 2008 of almost €3.1 million to support 120 small scale health and community projects in RAPID areas is still secure and will be paid out to the groups and projects involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11311/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

632 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11313/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

633 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11314/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

634 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11315/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

635 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11316/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

636 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11317/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

637 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11318/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

638 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11319/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

639 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11320/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

640 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11321/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

641 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11322/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

642 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11323/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

643 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11324/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

644 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11325/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

645 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11326/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

646 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11327/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

647 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11328/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

648 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11329/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

649 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11330/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

650 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11331/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

651 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11332/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

652 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11333/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

653 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11334/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

654 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11335/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

655 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11336/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

656 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11337/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

657 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11338/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

658 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11339/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

659 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11340/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

660 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11341/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

661 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11342/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

662 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11343/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

663 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11344/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

664 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11345/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

665 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11346/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

666 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11347/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

667 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11348/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

668 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11349/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

669 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11350/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

670 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11351/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

671 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11352/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

672 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11353/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

673 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11354/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

674 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11355/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

675 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11356/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

676 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11357/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

677 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11358/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

678 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11359/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

679 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11360/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

680 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11361/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

681 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11362/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

682 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11363/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

683 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11364/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

684 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11365/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

685 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11366/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

686 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11367/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

687 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11368/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

688 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11369/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

689 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11370/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

690 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11371/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

691 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11372/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

692 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11373/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

693 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11374/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

694 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11375/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

695 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11376/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

696 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11377/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

697 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11378/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

698 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11379/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

699 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11380/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

700 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11381/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

701 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11382/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

702 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11383/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

703 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11384/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

704 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11385/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

705 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11386/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

706 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11387/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

707 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11388/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

708 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11390/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

709 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11391/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

710 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11392/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

711 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11393/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

712 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11394/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

713 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11395/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

714 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11396/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

715 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11397/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

716 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11398/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

717 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11399/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

718 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11400/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

719 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11401/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

720 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11402/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

721 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11403/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

722 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11404/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

723 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11405/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

724 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11406/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

725 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11407/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

726 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11408/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

727 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11409/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

728 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11410/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

729 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11411/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

730 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11412/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

731 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11413/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

732 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11414/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

733 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11415/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

734 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11416/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

735 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11417/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

736 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11418/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

737 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11419/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

738 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11420/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

739 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11421/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

740 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11422/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

741 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11423/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

742 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11424/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

743 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11425/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

744 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11426/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

745 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11427/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

746 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11428/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

747 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11429/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

748 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11430/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

749 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11431/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

750 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11432/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

751 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11433/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

752 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11434/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

753 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11435/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

754 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11436/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

755 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11437/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

756 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11438/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

757 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11439/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

758 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11440/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

759 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11441/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

760 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11442/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

761 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11443/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

762 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11444/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

763 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11445/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

764 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11446/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

765 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11447/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

766 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11448/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

767 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11449/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

768 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11450/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

769 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11451/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

770 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11452/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

771 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11453/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

772 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11454/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

773 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11455/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

774 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11456/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

775 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11457/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

776 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11458/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

777 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11459/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

778 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11460/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

779 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11461/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

780 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11462/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

781 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11463/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

782 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11464/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

783 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm the grant announced on 23 December 2008 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11465/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 631 to 783, inclusive, together.

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. As I have indicated to the House on a number of occasions, it is a matter for individual Departments to report on the provision of funding and progress on delivery with respect to projects under their responsibility in the RAPID areas. In support, Pobal collects data from each RAPID area in respect of funding allocations received by projects from Government Departments and local state agencies. The latest data in respect of the programme is available on Pobal's website under the RAPID section — http://www.pobal.ie/live/RAPID — and the Deputy may find it useful to access this information.

The House will be aware that I introduced the RAPID Leverage Schemes in 2004. Under these schemes, my Department tops up the funds of other Departments and agencies to provide small-scale local projects such as playgrounds, traffic measures, improved health facilities, CCTV, and top-up funds for projects promoted by sporting organisations under the Sports Capital Programme. The lead agency in relation to the projects referred to in the Deputy's question is the HSE. Subject to available resources and completion of the projects by the HSE, my Department will honour the commitments referred to by the Deputy.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

784 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting to his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11675/09]

I am advised that there were no individuals in 2008 within any semi-state body reporting to my Department in receipt of fixed car allowances. I am also advised that there are no anticipated figures for 2009.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

785 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of an application in respect of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11716/09]

Applications for capital funding from my Department for drugs project are made through the relevant Local or Regional Drugs Task Force. I understand that the South East Regional Drugs Task Force (SERDTF) received an application for capital funding from this company and have invited them to make a presentation to the executive committee on April 9th next.

However, I must advise that, given the current financial climate, only limited funding will be available under the Premise Initiative Fund in 2009.

Departmental Schemes.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

786 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm receipt of an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly under the farm electrification scheme; the position regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11741/09]

To date no Farm Electrification Grant application has been received in my Department in respect of the individual referred to.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

787 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will allow people who have been made redundant and who have a herd number to join a rural social scheme immediately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11763/09]

The Rural Social Scheme enables low-income farmers and fisherpersons who satisfy certain criteria to earn a supplementary income.

At present there is provision for 2,600 participant and 130 supervisor places on the RSS. All available places (both participant and supervisor) have been allocated and quotas have been assigned to each of the Implementing Bodies. I am not in a position to expand the scheme at present.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

788 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason funding has not been made available to the Liskelly-Kilnahown group water scheme at Kiltormer, Ballinasloe, County Galway; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are 42 houses, 39 of whom are in the CLÁR area, who have no access to running water, the very poor quality water sourced by boring wells and that a deposit has been taken from all members over the past few years; his views on the fact that the hardworking committee are doing work that should be done by either the local authority or his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11775/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, CLÁR Water and Sewerage schemes were closed to new applications on the 8th August 2008. All applications on hand at that date were processed and funding approved where appropriate. However, no application had been received for the scheme in question.

Against the background of the current economic climate I am reviewing the CLÁR programme as a whole, having regard to demand, the funding available and the level of outstanding commitments. In this context, I will consider the reintroduction of modified Water and Sewerage measures when circumstances allow.

Community Development.

Michael Kennedy

Question:

789 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding the application by a council (details supplied) for a grant in regard to the renovation of their community centre, which has been approved by Pobal and is with his Department for consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12055/09]

An application was received by my Department from the group in question on the 22nd January 2009 under the Programme of Grants for Community and Voluntary Organisations.

No decision as yet has been made by my Department in relation to this group's project. However, I expect to receive a recommendation in relation to this application by the end March.

Departmental Expenditure.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

790 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the budget cuts for an organisation (details supplied); his views on the work carried out by this organisation in dealing with and treating addiction; if he will support this and other similar organisations into the future, ensuring that they receive adequate funding to operate from day to day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12218/09]

In 2008, the budget for community-based initiatives in the Local and Regional Drugs Task Force areas was nearly €34.8m. Funding for 2009 will be approx €34.6m, which, in overall terms, is a minor reduction.

However, against the background of current financial difficulties all Drugs Task Forces have been asked to identify savings across their areas of responsibility. While I appreciate that this involves some difficult choices, it is a matter for the Drugs Task Forces to identify measures to enable them to work within their allocated budgets.

The South East Regional Drugs Task has decided on a provisional 2009 annual allocation of €155,751 for the project referred to by the Deputy.

Projects have been approved funding for the first six months of 2009 and this expenditure will be reviewed before allocating the remaining six months' funding. We will continue to work with the Task Forces so that funding is targeted in the most appropriate manner in 2009.

Social Welfare Code.

Michael McGrath

Question:

791 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of additional revenue which would arise in a full year if the PRSI ceiling of €52,000 was abolished completely. [10951/09]

Current estimates indicate that the abolition of the PRSI ceiling would yield some €223 million additional contribution income in a full year.

Civil Registration.

Richard Bruton

Question:

792 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way a person can change their name on their birth certificate when their Christian name has been mistakenly entered. [11001/09]

An tArd Chláraitheoir (Registrar General) is the person with statutory responsibility for the administration of the civil registration system in Ireland. I have made enquiries with the Registrar General and he has informed me that the position is as set out below.

The circumstances under which a forename was entered in the register of births would determine the provisions under which the entry might be altered or amended. Under the provisions of section 25 of the Civil Registration Act, 2004, the parent or parents, or the legal guardian of a child may apply to have a forename changed, altered or registered, or to have one or more forenames added. Such applications may be made to the office of any registrar of births and must be accompanied by the appropriate fee and by proof of usage in childhood of the forenames sought.

Where an error, either clerical or factual, was made in connection with the forename registered, such errors may be corrected on application to a Superintendent Registrar under the provisions of section 63 of the Act. Where it appears that the particulars relating to an entry in the register of births are incorrect or incomplete, an tArd Chláraitheoir may conduct an inquiry under section 65 of the Act and, if he is satisfied that the entry is incorrect or incomplete, he may direct that the entry shall be corrected and/or completed.

It should be noted that the provisions are not intended to cover situations where a person, in adulthood, exercises their right under the common law to change their name by usage and repute or by swearing out a deed poll. An entry in the register of births is a historical record of the facts as they pertained at the time of the birth and these records are not meant to be updated to reflect changing circumstances.

Pension Provisions.

Joe Costello

Question:

793 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has proposals for addressing the shortfall in the pension fund of employees of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12098/09]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

794 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she has taken to ensure that the pension benefits of employees of a company (details supplied) are fully secured. [12604/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 793 and 794 together.

Defined benefit (DB) pension schemes are required to comply with the funding standard provision set out in the Pensions Act. This funding standard requires DB pension schemes to maintain sufficient assets to enable them discharge accrued liabilities. Where schemes do not satisfy the Funding Standard, the sponsors/trustees must submit a funding proposal to the Pensions Board to restore full funding within three years.

The Government is very conscious of the pressures on employers sponsoring pension schemes, and scheme trustees, arising from the very significant losses incurred by pension funds over the last year. While 81% of DB pension schemes satisfied the funding standard at the end of 2007, it is estimated that in excess of 90% of DB pension schemes are in deficit at the moment.

As the Deputy is aware, in recognition of the current market difficulties and the challenges facing pension trustees, the Government recently announced a number of short-term measures aimed at easing the pressures felt by many defined benefit schemes. These included:

granting extra time for schemes to formulate funding proposals;

granting flexibility to the Pensions Board to allow longer periods (over 10 years) for recovery plans in appropriate circumstances;

enabling the Board to allow the term of a replacement recovery plan to extend beyond the end date of the original plan in certain circumstances; and

enabling the Board to take into account voluntary employer guarantees in approving recovery plans.

I believe that these measures will assist schemes currently in difficulty and will help to ensure the best outcomes for the scheme members themselves.

In addition, the Government is currently considering a number of options in relation to the ongoing security of occupational pensions. Any decisions in this regard will be made in the context of the National Pensions Framework which will be finalised shortly.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

795 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a civil servant retiring at 60 years of age after 41 years’ service must sign on monthly to maintain their spouses’ pension entitlements should they predecease them; her views on whether this requirement impinges significantly on the retired person’s freedom of movement and is unnecessarily bureaucratic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10853/09]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

806 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason retired civil servants who retire at 60 years and are entitled to full pension must continue to sign on to maintain their spouses’ entitlements (details supplied) in view of the extra workload that this adds to an already overstretched service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11724/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 795 and 806 together.

A retired civil servant or his or her spouse may qualify for a Widows/Widowers Contributory Pension on the death of one of the couple in addition to their occupational pension. In such case the Widows/Widowers Contributory Pension would be based on the PRSI record of either the claimant or their spouse. Either the claimant or their spouse must have:

at least 156 paid contributions (paid to the date the spouse died or before their 66th birthday, whichever is earlier) and

an average of 39 paid or credited contributions in either the 3 or 5 years before the death of the spouse or before they reached pension age (66) or

a yearly average of at least 24 paid or credited contributions from the year of first entry into insurance until the year of death or reaching pension age. If this average is used then an average of 24 will entitle the spouse to a minimum pension. An average of 48 per year is required to get the full pension.

One of the qualifying conditions for credited calculations is that the person be available for and genuinely seeking work, hence the requirement for them to sign on periodically. If a person were not to sign for credited calculations between age 60 and 66, the yearly average would fall below 48, thereby reducing their spouse's pension. For this reason it is very important that anyone, including a civil servant, who retires before age 66, continues to sign for credits in order to protect their family.

In general terms, people availing of credited contributions are required to sign on monthly, but these arrangements are being reviewed by the Department with a view to introducing less frequent signing for this group.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

796 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in her Department and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11115/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

797 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of drivers she has working for her and their remuneration; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11129/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

803 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into her Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11684/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 796, 797 and 803 together.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Hoctor, has special responsibility for older people, areas of which fall under the remit of my Department. Details in respect of any drivers employed by Deputy Hoctor are a matter for the Department of Health And Children.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long standing arrangement, all Government Ministers are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda S?ochána from a pool of garda? which is allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These garda? provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is a matter for the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

None of the staff serving in the Agencies under the aegis of the Department are in receipt of fixed car allowances.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Mary Upton

Question:

798 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a jobseeker’s payment will be put in place in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11145/09]

The claim for jobseeker's allowance by the person concerned was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 15 December 2008 on the grounds that his means exceeded the statutory limit.

An appeal was opened on 05 January 2009 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided 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 Code.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

799 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the average weekly cost per employee to employers in terms of employer’s PRSI; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11219/09]

Some three quarters of all contributors are insured at the PRSI Class A rate of contribution and are insured for all benefits and pensions. Others pay contributions at differing classes which reflect the range of benefits to which they can accrue entitlement. Only a small minority of contributors do not have additional contributions paid by employers.

The table below sets out the total amount of PRSI receipts during 2006 from employers and the total numbers of insured persons, excluding those for whom employers contributions are not paid. The total number of workers insured includes people who worked for part of the year only. Final figures on the numbers of workers insured under each insurance class in 2007 are not yet available.

Employers' PRSI Contributions

2006

Annual Amount received from Employers

€5,167,274,000

Average Weekly Amount

€99,370,654

Number of workers insured for classes A to J

2,459,306

Average weekly cost to employers per employee

€40

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

800 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an increase in rent support will be given in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11305/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term income support to eligible persons living in private rented accommodation, whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Rent supplement is subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable the different eligible household types to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to the different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household and market conditions.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of rent supplement support at the maximum level available to him, based on his current personal circumstances and the area in which he is living. The person concerned has been advised by the Executive that his current circumstances do not warrant an increase in his rent supplement support payment. He has also been advised of his right of appeal to the Executive's designated Appeals Office, if he is not satisfied with the decision of the community welfare officer.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

801 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a review of an application for pension will be offered in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11307/09]

The pension entitlement of the person concerned was reviewed in June 2008. Arising from this review, she was awarded a State Pension (Contributory) with effect from 5th May 2000. She is currently in receipt of €115.20 per week, which is the maximum amount payable based on her insurance record.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

802 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support or arrears will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11629/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

The Executive has advised that following a successful appeal regarding a claim for basic supplementary welfare allowance and rent supplement, all arrears due to the person concerned have been paid.

Question No. 803 answered with Question No. 796.

Citizens’ Information Centres.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

804 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will set up a dedicated inquiry line, similar to the one available to TDs, for the sole use of citizens’ information centres which, due to the rise in queries, are experiencing difficulty in getting answers for their clients. [11702/09]

The Citizens Information Board, which comes under the aegis of the Department, is the national information agency with responsibility for supporting the provision of independent information and advice on the broad range of social services including social welfare services. Information is provided through Citizen Information Centres and other offices throughout the country; through a phone service which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday; and on the website at www.citizensinformation.ie.

The Department receives approximately half a million telephone calls per month, across its network of Local Offices and Headquarter buildings. At certain times, due to peaks in the amount of incoming calls, callers may encounter some difficulties in getting through to certain areas of the Department. We have recently implemented a number of initiatives to minimise delays for callers including the introduction of a new telephony system and call management software. These initiatives have resulted in a noticeable improvement in telephone response times and overall call management and we will continue to focus on improving the service for customers across the whole Department. There are no plans to introduce a dedicated enquiry line for Citizens Information Centres.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

805 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs his views on whether it is equitable that a person designated a full-time student who has nevertheless been in employment for three days per week for over two years has been denied entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit having lost her job, despite the fact that they paid class A PRSI during their part-time employment; if she will review the requirement that only persons available for full-time employment are entitled to jobseeker’s benefit or alternatively review the PRSI payable by part-time employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11714/09]

To qualify for jobseeker's benefit a person must be available for full-time work. Where a person is only available for part-time employment they do not satisfy this condition.

In recognition of the changing labour market, a group was set up under the Expenditure Review process to examine the application of the jobseeker's payment scheme conditions to workers who are not employed on a full-time basis, including those available for part-time work only. The group has delivered its report and its recommendations are currently being examined.

Adoption of the recommendations would involve significant changes to the jobseeker's benefit scheme in that they would allow for payment of benefit in respect of a day where a person is employed for part of that day.

Implications would also arise for persons who work Sundays as part of their normal working pattern. There would also be a number of significant knock-on effects requiring careful consideration in the areas of information technology, administration and budgetary considerations.

In the present economic climate I am not in a position to bring forward proposals to extend the jobseeker's benefit scheme to workers who are only available for part-time work. Neither is it possible to reduce the PRSI contribution for workers who, for the time being, do not satisfy the conditions to qualify for a particular Social Welfare scheme.

Question No. 806 answered with Question No. 795.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

807 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of letters have been sent by her Department to deceased persons advising them of the new system of electronic social welfare payments and of the distress this is causing to the bereaved families who receive these letters; the steps she will take to ensure these incidents do not recur; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11747/09]

The Department supports Government policy which aims to facilitate the greater use of electronic payment systems in the economy in the interests of developing a world class payments environment in Ireland. Our payment strategy is designed to ensure that cost effective arrangements are in place for making payments to social welfare customers by using a range of payment options and to ensure that new payment facilities are made available to customers as they arise. Currently some 81% of customers receive their payment electronically direct to their post office or financial institution.

In February and March 2009 a letter was sent to some 100,000 recipients of Carer's Allowance, Invalidity Pension and Disability Allowance informing them of the change from payment by Personalised Payable Order (PPO) book to payment by means of a social services card at their local post office.

In issuing these types of large mailshots, every effort is made by the Department to ensure that letters are not sent out in the name of people who have passed away. System checks are in place to prevent this from happening. However, in a small number of isolated cases letters may issue in error. I regret any distress caused to the families of deceased persons and assure the Deputy that every effort is made to prevent letters issuing in error.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

808 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the planning section of her Department will come up with recommendations in regard to the issue of persons who are in receipt of family income supplement where their working pattern has changed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11767/09]

The Family Income Supplement (FIS) provides income support for employees on low earnings with families. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were claiming other social welfare payments.

Qualification for payment under this scheme requires that a person must be engaged in insurable employment for a minimum of 38 hours per fortnight or 19 hours per week. A couple may combine their hours of employment to meet the qualification criteria. FIS is calculated on the basis of 60% of the difference between the income limit for the family size and the assessable income of the person(s) raising the children. The combined income of a couple (married or unmarried) is taken into account. Improvements to FIS include the change of assessment from a gross income to net income, the increase to €20 per week in the minimum payment and, in recent years, the re- focusing of income thresholds to include additional gains for larger families.

An integral feature of the scheme is that, once the level of FIS payments is determined, it continues to be payable at that level for a period of 52 weeks provided that the person remains in employment.

Furthermore, Social Welfare Legislation provides that both FIS and Jobseeker's Benefit/Assistance cannot be paid to a person in respect of the same period.

Changes to the FIS scheme since its introduction have allowed it to remain responsive to changing employment patterns. However the Department is mindful of the recent increase in more varied work pattern arrangements. In the context of FIS, such employment arrangements give rise to a number of legal and administrative issues which are receiving careful and urgent examination by the Department.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

809 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal will be heard in regard to disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11782/09]

Payment of Illness Benefit to the person concerned was discontinued from 6th October 2008 following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed this decision on 13th October 2008 and, in the context of that appeal, her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor on 3rd December 2008 who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the case has now been referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when the arrangements for this hearing 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.

Departmental Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

810 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the strain being placed on community welfare officers in Kildare in view of the fact that their workload has doubled in the past 12 months; and if she will provide additional resources to the CWO to ensure members of the public are dealt with as quickly as possible. [11810/09]

The Supplementary Welfare Allowance and Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance schemes are administered by the Community Welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE) on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The operational arrangements for processing of applications and payment to qualifying individuals, is a matter for the respective community welfare division areas.

The administration costs of the schemes are met by the Department. Funding for salaries of community welfare officers is based on the proportion of time they spend administering these schemes. Funding is provided centrally to the HSE which is responsible for the allocation of budgets to individual community welfare divisions. In 2008 the Department paid the HSE €58.3m in administration costs.

The issue of increased demand on existing resources is a matter for the HSE in the first instance to prioritise workloads and re-deploy resources where necessary so that frontline services are maintained. The HSE is currently reviewing the allocation of staff engaged in the delivery of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme and associated income support payments. The Department is committed to working closely with the HSE in ensuring effective delivery of services and any request by the HSE for an additional staffing allocation will be given due consideration. However, the question of any increase in expenditure for staffing within the community welfare service above that currently provided, would have to be considered in the context of overall Government policy on public service manpower levels.

Extra staff have been assigned to the Department's social welfare local offices and process improvement initiatives are being implemented with a view to reducing processing times for jobseeker's claims. These measures should help to relieve some of the pressure on the Community Welfare Service.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

811 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a carer’s allowance appeal will be determined in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11834/09]

An application for carer's allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 9 December 2008 on the grounds that the applicant was not providing full-time care and attention in respect of the care recipient.

An appeal was opened on 07 January 2009 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

812 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason she is not allowing jobseeker’s benefit claims for persons undertaking casual labour who do not sign on within a three-week period; the allowance that can be made for Irish workers in weather-related industries who may get full employment with the three-week period but would normally claim within the old six-week period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12054/09]

It is not clear to what the Deputy is referring. If he clarifies the nature of his enquiry I will be happy to have the matter investigated. If the enquiry refers to a particular individual, he should supply the person's name, address and PPS number, if possible.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

813 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [12078/09]

Further to my response to Question No. 329 on 24 February 2009, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no outcome yet in respect of the appeal from the person concerned. The CAO will write to the Deputy when the appeal has been determined.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on Social Welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring

Question:

814 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if, in view of the fact that an appeal was lodged in August 2008, an oral hearing will be held immediately for this person in view of the length of time in which an appeal has been sought. [12079/09]

The claim for carer's allowance by the person concerned was refused by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 15 August 2008 on the grounds that the applicant was employed outside the home for more than statutory permitted 15 hours per week.

An appeal was opened on 09 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.

The Department referred the case to a Social Welfare Inspector on 16 January 2009 for further investigation and clarification regarding his employment in farming. 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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Finian McGrath

Question:

815 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of paying the early child care supplement to non-Irish nationals who are resident here but whose children live abroad for the year 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12105/09]

The early childcare supplement is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

The total expenditure on the Early Childcare Supplement (ECS) for 2007, in respect of non-resident children, payable under EU regulations, was €1.1 million. The corresponding figure for 2008 was €4.5 million. The total expenditure on the ECS scheme in 2008 was €477 million.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

816 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the statutory basis, with details of the section, subsection, regulation or article, for the rule under the mortgage interest supplement scheme that allows a community welfare officer to refuse mortgage interest supplement on the basis that the applicant’s spouse works more than 30 hours a week; and if she will provide the same information in respect of the way this 30 hours is calculated and the way it allows the community welfare officer to calculate it counting lunch breaks. [12216/09]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

817 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is open to a person who has been refused mortgage interest supplement on the basis that their spouse works more than 30 hours a week to qualify if the spouse subsequently drops their hours to less than 30. [12217/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 816 and 817 together.

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.

Mortgage interest supplement provides short-term 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 supplement assists with the interest portion of the mortgage repayments only.

Section 198(6) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 provides that a person shall not be entitled to a mortgage interest supplement where that person or his or her spouse is engaged in remunerative full-time work. Article (6)(3) of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007 (S. I. 412 of 2007) provides "a person shall be regarded as being engaged in remunerative full-time work where he or she is so engaged for not less than 30 hours per week."

Hours of work are generally calculated by reference to the contract of employment and/or confirmation from an employer as to the number of hours for which a person is contracted to work.

Under Section 196(2) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005, where a person and his/her spouse are members of the same household, "their needs and means shall be aggregated and shall be regarded as the means and needs of the claimant." In these circumstances, the income of an applicant for mortgage interest supplement and his or her spouse is taken into account when assessing means. In addition, in calculating the weekly means of a person for entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance, including mortgage interest supplement, Rule 4 of Part 4 of Schedule 3 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 provides that account shall be taken of "all income and the value of all property of which the person has directly or indirectly deprived himself or herself in order to qualify himself or herself for the receipt of supplementary welfare allowance."

Each application for mortgage interest supplement is determined by a community welfare officer taking account of the relevant legislative provisions and on the basis of the merits of each individual case.

In view of the current economic environment, the Department has commenced a review of the administration of the mortgage interest supplement scheme. The main purpose of the review is to consider how the mortgage interest supplement scheme can best meet its objective of catering for those who require assistance on a short-term basis, where they are unable to meet mortgage interest repayments on their sole place of residence. Legislative and operational issues arising in the existing mortgage interest scheme, including the cap on hours of employment, are also being examined.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

818 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which the Money Advice and Budgeting Service directly intervenes and negotiates with a lending institution on behalf of clients to secure better terms and more affordable repayments on home and car loans. [12283/09]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

819 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which the Money Advice and Budgeting Service directly intervenes and negotiates with life and home insurance providers on behalf of clients to secure better terms and more affordable premiums. [12284/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 818 and 819 together.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 53 independent MABS companies with voluntary boards of management operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday at lo-call number 1890 283 438 and budgeting and money management information can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie.There are now 252 money advice staff employed throughout the country in the MABS. Money Advisors focus on providing assistance, advice and support to people who have financial difficulties. They work out a budget suited to the individual or family.

They negotiate on behalf of clients with all creditors including banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, utility companies and credit unions to secure better terms for the client in managing the repayment of their debts. Where required by the client, the Money Advisor can assist with setting up a special account with their local Credit Union into which an agreed amount of money is lodged regularly and from which each month the Money Advisor makes the repayments to the creditors on behalf of the client. The MABS also provide ongoing support to people who successfully overcome their financial difficulties.

The MABS advises that people coping with debt difficulties should take early action. An approach to the MABS, via any of the channels, can be the first positive step in addressing debt difficulties. The MABS provides a high quality personal service to members of the public that helps many in coping with and overcoming the burden of indebtedness that can have such an impact on their lives and that of their families.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

820 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the number of official drivers he has; the salaries of these drivers and their total remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11056/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

822 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11107/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

823 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Defence the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11132/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 820, 822 and 823 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me or by Mr. Pat Carey, T.D., Minister of State at my Department and at the Department of the Taoiseach. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers and certain other office holders are provided with a State car, which is driven by a member of an Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí who are allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote for an Garda Síochána.

Military Funerals.

Finian McGrath

Question:

821 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [11076/09]

Military honours may be provided at the funeral of a retired member of the Defence Forces if the family of the deceased so request. I have confirmed with the Defence Forces that in this case no such request was received.

Questions Nos. 822 and 823 answered with Question No. 820.

Personal Injury Claims.

Ulick Burke

Question:

824 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Defence the number of injury claims, apart from army deafness claims, under all headings, made against his Department by residents in counties Galway, Clare and Roscommon in each of the years 1975 to 1995; the amount of compensation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11255/09]

Information regarding personal injury claims is not recorded in a manner which would enable my Department to extract the information required by the Deputy without examining each individual claim file since 1975. Accordingly, I regret that it is not possible to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Ministerial Travel.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

825 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence if private helicopters or private planes have been used for ministerial travel since 2005; the reason such transport was used; the cost of same; the destinations travelled to; if quotations were sought ; the reason other forms of transport were ruled out; the names of persons who travelled with him on each such journey; the protocols for such hire; if the Taoiseach is required to approve of such travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11266/09]

On the basis of information available in my Department, the only occasion on which my Department hired a private plane for Ministerial travel since 2005, was when former Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., travelled to Africa between 14th and 17th January 2008 (see table below).

My Department was requested by the Department of the Taoiseach to organise an air taxi for a party of 50 people on that occasion. In accordance with national public procurement guidelines, a tender competition was organised and the details were published on the eTenders website. Quotes were subsequently received from four companies. The total cost of the travel amounted to €97,938 (ex VAT).

The reason such transport was used, the reason other forms of transport were ruled out, and the names of other members of the travelling party are a matter for the Department of the Taoiseach, as such information is not available in my Department. However, I can confirm that commercial flights were used for all legs of the journey to and from Africa for this visit.

Date

Travel

14 January 2008

Cape Town (South Africa) to Lanseria (South Africa)

15 January 2008

Lanseria (South Africa) to Dar-Es-Salaam (Tanzania)

17 January 2008

Dar-Es-Salaam (Tanzania) to Mwanza (Tanzania)

17 January 2008

Mwanza (Tanzania) to Dar-Es-Salaam (Tanzania)

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

826 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Defence the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11676/09]

In reply to the Deputy I wish to state that there are no semi-State bodies reporting to my Department.

Anti-Social Behaviour.

Jack Wall

Question:

827 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Defence his views regarding a submission (details supplied); if permission has been sought or granted in relation to any of the stated tracks; if not, the action that has been taken or is proposed to be taken to prevent such damage to the stated areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11703/09]

A submission was received by my Department on 19 March concerning difficulties being encountered by residents adjacent to the Curragh particularly in relation to unauthorised use of motorbikes.

Permission has not been sought or granted concerning the use of motorbikes on the lands owned by my Department at the Curragh and my Department is aware of the danger and possible damage being caused. Officials from my Department have, in the past been in contact with an Garda Síochána to prevent occurrences of this nature but due to the vast size of the Curragh it is not possible for it to be controlled all the time.

My Department is committed to safe-guarding the Curragh to the greatest extent possible with the limited resources available. To this end officials from my Department will contact an Garda Síochána to ascertain how best to prevent anti-social behaviour occurring there. It would be of great assistance if any member of the public who becomes aware of such behaviour would contact an Garda Síochána immediately.

Defence Forces Reserve.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

828 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the reason he has refused statutory employment protection in respect of reservists who volunteer for overseas service; the further reason he has ignored the examples set out by the USA, UK and Australia in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11858/09]

In line with the provisions of the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan, it is hoped that a small number of Reservists will be able to undertake overseas service in late 2009.

As the number of personnel from the Reserve who are likely to serve overseas is small, it was anticipated that the required number of Reservist could be met, for initial pilot deployments, from personnel with personal circumstances that enable them to commit to such service. The military authorities have identified a small number of overseas posts requiring specific skills that may be filled by members of the Reserve. This is likely to involve deployment to the mission in Kosovo for a period of 6 months.

The military authorities have sought expressions of interest from among suitably qualified Reservists who have undertaken integrated training. The military authorities are at an advanced stage in identifying Reservists who may be eligible and willing to apply for a small number of specified overseas positions. While there may be a variety of barriers that impact on the availability of some members of the Reserve to commit to overseas service, including concerns regarding their employment, any commitment to overseas service by members of the Reserve will be on a voluntary basis.

I am aware that other countries have introduced legislative measures in order to cater for their particular defence requirements. In this context, my primary objective is to ensure that we develop an appropriate framework that meets our particular needs.

Options to remove barriers that impact on achieving the required numbers and skill-sets of Reservists for overseas service will be considered on foot of the lessons learned from pilot overseas deployments.

Pension Provisions.

John Deasy

Question:

829 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that part-time firefighters employed by local authorities are being asked to contribute to the pension levy in view of the fact that they are not entitled to claim a pension when they retire; his views on whether these employees should be exempt from the levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10831/09]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

831 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if part-time firemen who do not receive a statutory pension on retirement should be subjected to the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10940/09]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

836 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if reserve firefighters and certain other public service employees are contributing to the Government’s pension levy; if they are entitled to draw the public service pension on retirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12051/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 829, 831 and 836 together.

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 states that any public servant who is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme, or receives a payment in lieu of membership in such a scheme, is subject to a deduction from their remuneration.

In 2008, retained firefighters were given the option of joining the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS). Retained firefighters who opted not to join the scheme receive, on retirement, a gratuity of 1/8th of the annual retainer multiplied by the number of years of actual service (up to a maximum of four times the annual retainer). This is a payment in lieu of membership of a pension scheme, and as such retained firefighters are subject to the deduction outlined in the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009.

Water Quality.

Seán Barrett

Question:

830 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the decline in river water quality due to eutrophication and pollution from chemical and raw sewage discharges; his plans to ensure that Ireland will meet the requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive by 2015; if he proposes to promote clean-up operations on rivers here to sustain Ireland’s distinctive angling tourism product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10891/09]

According to the most recent EPA report on water quality, published in November 2008, there has been a slight improvement in the overall quality of river waters and the level of serious pollution continues to be low. Nutrient enrichment continues to be the biggest threat to water quality, primarily from agricultural and municipal sources.

Implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive is being brought forward through River Basin Districts led by coordinating local authorities and funded by my Department. Draft management plans for each River Basin District were published by the relevant local authorities on 22 December 2008 and are subject to public consultation for a period of six months until 22 June 2009. These draft plans set out proposed programmes of measures with the aim of achieving the Water Framework Directive objectives and they are due to be finalised by December 2009.

The measures are intended to improve not only water quality but also aquatic ecosystems. Among the measures proposed to improve fish life in our rivers is the alteration or removal of artificial barriers currently impacting on fish migration.

Question No. 831 answered with Question No. 829.

Departmental Expenditure.

Richard Bruton

Question:

832 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the annual and total allocations for investment in water infrastructure under the National Development Plan 2009 to 2012. [11032/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

835 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the capital expenditure to date, and the capital resources budgeted for 2009, under the national development plan in the sector of water infrastructure, broken down by Exchequer and non-Exchequer funding. [11280/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 832 and 835 together.

The National Development Plan 2007-2013 provides for expenditure of €4.75 billion on water services infrastructure over the period of the Plan.

Expenditure in 2007 and 2008 on water services infrastructure is set out in the table.

Year

Exchequer

Non-Exchequer

Total

€ million

€ million

€ million

2007

496.678

90.0

586.678

2008

496.374

98.0

594.374

The 2009 Estimates for Public Services and Summary Public Capital Programme published in October 2008 envisaged an exchequer provision of €560m for water services in 2009. It was estimated that this would be supplemented by some €115m of non-exchequer funding.

The Government recently announced its intention to examine all current and capital expenditure as part of its decision to introduce further measures to stabilise the public finances. Decisions on funding for the National Development Plan will be reviewed in the course of these deliberations. Final 2009 Exchequer funding provisions will be announced in the coming weeks.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Richard Bruton

Question:

833 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the annual and total allocations for investment in social and affordable housing for each year 2009 to 2013. [11033/09]

The total Exchequer voted capital allocation for social and affordable housing programmes in 2009 will be finalised in the context of the revised Estimates for Public Services, to be published shortly. The capital provisions set out in the National Development Plan for social and affordable housing for the years 2010 to 2013 are shown in the table below.

2010

2011

2012

2013

€m

€m

€m

€m

Social

1,511.380

1,569.098

1,630.156

1,713.908

Affordable

106.574

113.901

121.206

129.067

Total

1,617.954

1,682.999

1,751.362

1,842.975

The Government recently announced its intention to examine all current and capital expenditure as part of its decision to introduce further measures to stabilise the public finances. Decisions on funding for the National Development Plan will be reviewed in the course of these deliberations.

Underground Power Cables.

Michael Creed

Question:

834 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has established guidelines regarding safe exposure limits for humans regarding underground power cables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11070/09]

In March 2007 the Government published the report of the Expert Group on the Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Following the publication of the Expert Group Report the responsibilities then held by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in relation to the health effects of EMF were transferred to my Department.

The Expert Group Report examined a wide range of issues including the potential health effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) fields such as those produced by electrical appliances in the home as well as by high voltage power cables. The Report and its recommendations have been accepted by the Government. It is available for download on my Department's website (www.environ.ie).

The Report recommended that Ireland continue to adopt and enforce the international guidelines developed by the International Commission on Non-ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines have been endorsed by the World Health Organisation and are recommended by the European Commission to EU Member States. They are based on a weight of evidence review from all peer-reviewed scientific literature, and provide adequate protection for the public from any EMF sources. They set exposure limits that are applicable for both public and occupational exposure, regardless of whether the cable is located above or below ground level. While the guidelines were first published in 1998, they are under continual review, and still have appropriately protective limits. The guidelines can be downloaded from the ICNIRP website (www.icnirp.org).

I am advised by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources that the overhead electricity lines and underground electricity cables developed and operated by EirGrid and the ESB fully comply with the most up-to-date recommendations of ICNIRP in respect of exposure to electric and magnetic fields.

Question No. 835 answered with Question No. 832.
Question No. 836 answered with Question No. 829.

Heritage Council.

James Bannon

Question:

837 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide funding for a heritage officer in County Westmeath in view of the fact that it is one of the few counties without such a provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10824/09]

Since 1999, the Heritage Council, under the aegis of my Department, has developed a partnership programme with local authorities to facilitate the employment of Heritage Officers. To date, my Department has provided funding of €4.4 million to the Heritage Council for the programme and the initial intake of three Heritage Officers under it has now grown to twenty eight.

The employment of Heritage Officers is a matter in the first instance for each local authority. I understand that Westmeath County Council employed a Heritage Officer with Heritage Council support from 2003 to 2007. The Heritage Council offered to continue to support the employment of a Heritage Officer by the County Council at a rate of 25% of all salary costs. However, I understand the Council decided to discontinue its involvement in the programme.

Traveller Accommodation.

Jack Wall

Question:

838 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on a proposal (details supplied) and whether such a proposal could be adopted nationally; if he will provide funding for such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10880/09]

The Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 requires local authorities to draw up, adopt, and implement accommodation programmes to accelerate the provision of accommodation for Travellers, including the provision and refurbishment of Traveller-specific accommodation such as group houses and permanent and transient halting site bays. My Department's role is to provide funding to support the implementation of those programmes.

There is no funding available from my Department for the type of project referred to in the question.

Ministerial Transport.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

839 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his advisers has used the Government jet between June 2007 and March 2009; if so, the dates and purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10901/09]

Neither I, nor my advisors, have used the Government jet at any stage since June 2007.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

840 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he or his advisors has used the Government helicopter between June 2007 and March 2009; if so, the dates and the purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10902/09]

Neither I, nor my advisors, have used Government helicopters at any stage since June 2007.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

841 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the Burncourt and Fethard regional water supply scheme, County Tipperary. [10910/09]

The Burncourt and Fethard Regional Water Supply Scheme is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €14.5 million.

My Department awaits the submission of South Tipperary County Council's contract documents for this scheme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

842 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent in 2008 on climate change awareness by his Department with a breakdown of the specific items the expenditure covered, and the amount of money it is estimated to be spent on climate change awareness in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10920/09]

The total cost incurred in 2008 on the National Climate Change Campaign was €7,130,525. The table provides a breakdown of the areas covered by this expenditure. The budget for 2009 is €3.5 million.

The campaign is designed to raise public awareness of climate change, its causes, impacts and implications for Ireland. It includes the change.ie website which features a carbon calculator, as well as a significant advertising element and the provision of the tools and techniques necessary to organisations in the business and public sector to enable them analyse sectoral emissions and develop carbon management of their operations.

The Change Campaign involves a significant stakeholder engagement element. Much of its resources are being used in working in partnership with stakeholders from various sectors to develop appropriate, relevant and useful tools and techniques to lower greenhouse gas emissions. A Carbon Management Tool for organisations is being developed as part of the campaign and I expect to launch this soon.

Given the scale of the campaign and the importance of the issue, comprehensive evaluation and monitoring systems have been put in place to track effectiveness in delivering on its objectives.

Category

Fees

2,576,244

Website Management

587,708

Media

2,123,886

3rd Party Costs

261,570

Research

99,126

Advertising

1,481,991

Total

7,130,525

Land Purchases.

Michael Lowry

Question:

843 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of the case to purchase a bog from a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the future steps involved to complete the purchase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11014/09]

Contracts were prepared in respect of this application to sell bogland to my Department under the Designated Bog Compensation Scheme. However, recently it was found that the ownership of some of the land proposed for sale is in question. Consequently, the vendor's solicitor has asked to have the draft contract revised to exclude this land.

My Department, through the Chief State Solicitor's Office, will make contact with the vendor's solicitor as soon as issues arising from this have been resolved.

Housing Grants.

Dan Neville

Question:

844 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if application for a thatching grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be granted without further delay. [11018/09]

My Department approved a grant of €6,350 in respect of this application on 19 March 2009 and payment will issue very shortly.

Wildlife Act.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

845 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will grant a licence to an industry (details supplied) to permit, under certain restrictions, the use of glue traps under the Wildlife Act 1976; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11039/09]

The use of traps, snares and nets in relation to wildlife is governed by the Wildlife Act, 1976 (Approved Traps, Snares and Nets) Regulations 2003. Glue traps do not meet the requirements set by these Regulations and are, therefore, illegal. Accordingly, I do not intend to licence the use of these traps.

Local Authority Funding.

Tom Hayes

Question:

846 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an organisation (details supplied) in County Tipperary can apply for funds under the local social and community facilities capital scheme; if there is funding available under this scheme; and if not, when funding will open up again. [11040/09]

My Department operated the Social and Community Facilities Capital Scheme in 2006 and 2007. It is not proposed to introduce a new scheme at this time.

Housing Grants.

Sean Fleming

Question:

847 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a project (details supplied) in County Laois. [11042/09]

My Department has been advised by Laois County Council that this proposed project will now be undertaken by Clúid Housing Association. The proposal will be further considered on receipt of a Project Brief and a detailed appraisal from the Council.

World Heritage Sites.

Dan Neville

Question:

848 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will include Lough Gur, County Limerick, which is one of Europe’s most important archeological sites, on a tentative list of potential world heritage sites. [11081/09]

Last October I established an Expert Advisory Group to carry out a review of Ireland's 1992 Tentative List of potential sites for nomination for inscription on the World Heritage List.

The Group has been asked to identify those sites in Ireland, for inclusion on a new Tentative List, which they consider best meet the UNESCO criteria for inscription on the World Heritage List. The Group is currently considering potential sites, including those put forward through a public submission process, such as Lough Gur.

The next stage is that relevant local authorities and local communities will be consulted in relation to potential sites in their areas and there will be an opportunity to make observations on the draft new Tentative List. Following this process, the draft new Tentative List will be submitted for my approval in advance of forwarding to UNESCO.

Recycling Policy.

Phil Hogan

Question:

849 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the establishment of waste paper and waste cardboard recycling operations with a view to energy recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11099/09]

I am fully committed to achieving the highest possible levels of recycling for paper, cardboard and other materials, and to the continuing development of a national network of waste recycling facilities. Since 2002, over €100 million has been allocated by my Department to local authorities to assist in the capital costs of establishing and developing such facilities.

The Government's policy statement, Preventing and Recycling Waste — Delivering Change, identified a lack of sustainable and economically attractive markets and outlets for recyclable materials as one of the main barriers to an improved and sustainable national recycling performance. The significant cost and effort associated with the segregation, collection, sorting, pre-treatment and reprocessing of recyclable materials demands that markets be developed to realise the full resource value of all recyclable materials that are reclaimed. To address these issues I am providing funding of €13 million to implement the recommendations set out in the Market Development Programme for Waste Resources 2007.

The Programme for Government signalled the further 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.

My view generally is that undue emphasis on incineration as the cornerstone of waste management policy is detrimental to the development of alternative solutions. The current review of waste policy may well indicate a continuing role for incineration in our future waste management strategy but I do not envisage it being on anything like the scale that was previously envisaged.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

850 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11110/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

851 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11124/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 850 and 851 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí which are allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána and individual rates of remuneration are not readily available.

Ministers of State Kitt and Finneran both have 2 civilian drivers who share driving duties on a week-on/week-off basis with an annual salary in each case of €34,826.50.

Staffing arrangements for Minister of State Hoctor are dealt with by the Department of Health and Children.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

852 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has taken action, either by way of circular or letter, to request county managers or their planning units at local government level, to co-operate with the forward planning unit or school building unit of the Department of Education and Science in Tullamore, County Offaly in order to ensure accurate and advance information in relation to planning developments within their areas which may cause an increase in the school going population and hence, a requirement to plan and build new schools or classrooms which are sufficient to meet the needs of the local community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11141/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

853 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will direct the planning authorities to require that land, rezoned from agricultural to residential use, will impose an obligation upon developers who apply for mixed residential development planning permission to include provision of lands for a school or schools free of charge in order to provide for orderly and integrated development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11142/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 852 and 853 together.

Section 10(2)(l) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires a development plan to include objectives for "the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community including, in particular, schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities". This requirement is restated in my Department's Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published in June 2007, and which are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

I announced the publication of The Provision of Schools and the Planning System — A Code of Practice in August 2008, jointly with the Minister for Education and Science, and the Minister of State for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing Areas. The Code of Practice, which was agreed between the two Departments, in conjunction with the City and County Managers' Association, sets out the roles, responsibilities and specific actions to be taken in relation to forecasting future demand for school places and planning for schools provision through the development plan, local area plan and development management processes.

The Code of Practice outlines the principles and scope for integrating schools provision with the development plan process and, in particular, towards linking anticipated levels of demand for school places with housing strategies and the provision of large-scale residential developments, as well as reinforcing effective early between the planning authorities and the Department of Education and Science. The Code of Practice also highlights the necessity for co-operation between the Department of Education and Science and local authorities on school site identification and acquisition, and that Department is working with the City and County Managers' Association on the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure the timely and efficient acquisition of school sites.

The Code of Practice issued as statutory guidelines under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, and was circulated to all city and county councils at the end of August 2008. A copy of the Code of Practice is also available on my Department's website.

Recycling Policy.

Brian Hayes

Question:

854 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on introducing legislation to incentivise the public to return glass bottles to local shops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11186/09]

Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on packaging and packaging waste (the Packaging Directive) is based on the concept of producer responsibility, which effectively requires producers to contribute to the waste management costs of products which they have placed on the market at end-of-life. Under the original Directive, Ireland was required to achieve a 25% recovery rate of packaging waste by 1 July 2001, increasing to a 50% recovery rate by 31 December 2005.

Practical implementation of the Directive in Ireland is organised mainly through a collective industry-based compliance scheme operated by Repak Limited which is working successfully. The National Waste Report 2007 states that packaging waste recovery increased to 63.6% in that year, exceeding the target of 60% to be achieved by 2011, set by Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council amending the Packaging Directive. The recovery rate for glass packaging in 2007 was 75.5%.

I fully recognise that despite progress on recycling we need to continue to improve our performance. The Programme for Government commits us to a comprehensive review of waste management planning, which I initiated in July 2008. This review will ensure that our waste management plans reflect best international practice and that we have the policies and infrastructure to meet ambitious environmental objectives. The review is also looking at the desirability of other producer responsibility schemes, including deposit and refund for beverage containers.

Road Network.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

855 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if in view of the need to revisit budgetary matter and the need to reconfigure some aspects of central Government’s capital programme, and the many representations made to him on architectural and environmental dimensions of the project he will propose such alternatives in relation to the Meath masterplan through the Tara valley as will facilitate a reconsideration of the significance of the Tara site. [11189/09]

I assume that the Question relates to suggested changes to the design of the M3 Motorway in a "Meath Masterplan" produced by a number of private individuals. I have no function in relation to this proposal which is the responsibility of the National Roads Authority.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

856 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Health Service Executive west will be allocated the necessary additional funding in order to pay the many housing repair schemes which have been sanctioned and completed but where the grants have not been paid in Galway City and county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11194/09]

The allocations to The Health Service Executive under the Special Housing Aid for The Elderly Scheme (SHAE) are determined by a Task Force, which operates under the aegis of my Department. While the scheme has been closed to new applicants since 1 August 2008, having been replaced by the Housing Aid for Older People Scheme, the HSE is continuing to process applications on hand at that stage. Allocations under the SHAE in 2009, which will be finalised shortly, are being considered in the light of the number and value of remaining applications on hand.

Funding is provided to the HSE on a regional basis and it is a matter for the HSE to apportion funding within regions.

Climate Change Strategy.

Liz McManus

Question:

857 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the merits of implementing a climate change Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11230/09]

The recent climate change package adopted by the European Union includes legally binding limits on the greenhouse gas emissions of each Member State for the period to 2020.

I also support the concept of enshrining climate change targets in domestic legislation. However, as I have stated previously, I believe that the challenge we face, in terms of the necessary scale of emission reductions, demands an all-party approach on targets and objectives. I hope that agreement can be achieved through the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, which would create the conditions in which legislation could be progressed.

Liz McManus

Question:

858 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he attended the most recent environment Ministers meeting at EU level; the position he took at that meeting regarding climate change targets; the steps he is taking at EU level to push for EU targets to be increased to 30%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11231/09]

I attended the recent meeting of the Environment Council in Brussels on 2 March 2009. In my interventions, I supported the comprehensive conclusions prepared by the Presidency in response to the European Commission communication ‘Towards Copenhagen'. The agreed conclusions, inter alia, reiterate both the need to limit the increase in global temperature to less than 2°C compared with pre-industrial levels, and the commitment of the EU to move to a 30% greenhouse gas emission reduction target (compared to 1990 levels) in the context of a comprehensive global agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol. I am pleased that the EU Heads of State and Government endorsed both points in conclusions adopted at the Spring meeting of the European Council last week.

Agreement this year on a new international agreement to succeed the Kyoto Protocol is an absolute priority in terms of an effective global response to climate change. I believe that emissions from developed countries must be reduced by at least 30% by 2020 and I am continuing to press for that level of commitment in the international negotiations.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Ulick Burke

Question:

859 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department will approve the design review of the treatment plant at Athenry, County Galway which is with his Department for some time without response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11256/09]

The Athenry Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009.

Galway County Council's Design Review Report for the scheme is being examined in my Department and is being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

860 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will address the slow progress of capital projects under his Department’s water services programme by taking specific measures to speed them up (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11259/09]

Dan Neville

Question:

875 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on concerns expressed regarding capital spending on the water section in his Department (details supplied); and his further views on a submission made to him. [11726/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 860 and 875 together.

Water services investments have been undertaken for a number of years on the basis of a 3-year rolling capital programme of schemes. The schemes included respond to environmental and social-economic developmental needs and priorities identified by local authorities having regard to overall criteria set at national level, and overall national resources.

The length of time it takes from first proposal of any particular water or sewerage scheme to completion of construction largely depends on the nature and complexity of the scheme and the statutory processes involved.

When a water or sewerage scheme is first proposed by a local authority in its Assessment of Needs it may take some time to be approved for inclusion in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme, depending critically on the priority afforded to it by the elected members of the local authority and the funding available for the Programme.

My Department's involvement at individual stages of schemes in the water services investment programme can vary from two to four occasions depending on the value of the scheme. My Department approves the local authority's Design Brief and Preliminary Report for all schemes and in some instances it also approves the Contract Documents. In the case of Public Private Partnership contracts my Department, additionally, approves the local authority's Tender Recommendation.

While processes have been streamlined in recent years to allow for greater delegation in relation to smaller schemes to local authorities, the involvement of my Department at key stages is necessary to comply with the Department of Finance's Capital Appraisal Guidelines and my own Department's obligations relating to management and oversight of Exchequer expenditure.

The Department has established systems for the monitoring of progress of projects and targets for dealing with procedural matters. My Department's objective is to deal with Preliminary Reports within six months of receipt, Contract Documents within four months and Tender Recommendations within two months. Design Briefs are generally cleared within a few weeks.

Local authorities have responsibility for all other aspects of a scheme, including appointment of consultants, statutory planning and other processes (including public consultation and approval of elected members), site investigations, acquisition of lands and wayleaves, preparation of tender documents, tendering process, appointment of contractors and carrying out of works. The time taken to advance a scheme will depend largely on how quickly these processes are completed.

The affordability of new sewerage schemes to serve small towns and villages where there is little, if any, existing sewerage infrastructure is a cause of concern. To bring greater clarity to the issue, specific cost criteria were introduced in 2007 to determine the limit of Departmental funding for new sewerage infrastructure. Local authorities were also advised to take account of the specific funding parameters for servicing the domestic sector, particularly in relation to the extent and scale of collection systems and the capacity at treatment plants.

My Department keeps the approval procedures for water services schemes, including the affordability criteria, under ongoing review.

Housing Grants.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

861 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to an anomaly in the new scheme of grants for housing adaptation for people with a disability whereby those who live in voluntary housing association schemes can not qualify because the income taken into account is the income of the owner, the housing association, rather than the person living in the house; if he will address this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11260/09]

Eligibility under the Housing Adaptation Grant scheme for People with a Disability and the Mobility Aids Housing Grant scheme is determined on the basis of gross household income, i.e. the income of the property owner, or tenant in the case of rented accommodation and where a tenancy agreement is in place, and his/her spouse, if applicable, in the previous tax year, in line with the conditions set down in the Housing (Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability) Regulations 2007.

Grants may therefore be paid, where appropriate, in respect of adaptation works to be carried out to accommodation provided under the voluntary housing Capital Assistance and Capital Loan and Subsidy Schemes.

In addition, in accordance with best practice, approved housing bodies typically have in place a sinking fund in order to meet expenditure arising in respect of maintenance, repair and minor adaptation works to their housing stock.

Local Authority Staff.

Richard Bruton

Question:

862 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in local authorities and his Department who work in the area of motor taxation. [11279/09]

Based on data supplied by Local Authorities, there are 665 staff employed in Motor Tax Offices, dealing with motor taxation, driver licensing, certificates of roadworthiness, and other related functions. There are 4.6 full-time equivalent staff employed in the Motor Tax Section of my Department.

Rural Housing.

Denis Naughten

Question:

863 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 400 of 16 December 2008, the position regarding the rural houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11283/09]

Following my Department's Call for Proposals under the Remedial Works Programme for 2009, proposals were received from 30 Housing Authorities, including two from Roscommon County Council. So far, 5 projects have been approved, including one at Boyle, Co Roscommon. Approval of additional proposals from among those received will be considered further in light of available funding.

Register of Electors.

Joe Costello

Question:

864 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people in direct provision and self catering accommodation who are registered to vote; the steps he proposes to take to ensure that those not registered to vote are facilitated to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/09]

In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register.

Authorities were required to publish the final Register for 2009/10 by 1 February 2009 and this is now available for checking. Individuals not on the Register can avail of the supplement to the Register up until 15 days before the next polling day i.e. Monday 18 May in the case of the Local and European elections being held on 5 June 2009.

Local Authority Housing.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

865 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of new local authority houses acquired, both built and bought, since the Bacon III report in 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11635/09]

Detailed information in relation to social housing starts and completions, including acquisitions, are published in my Department's Annual and Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library. Bulletins from 2000 onwards are also available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

866 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the national average waiting time for local authority houses; the waiting time in south Tipperary; and the increase or decrease per year that this equates to since 2002 both nationally and in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11636/09]

A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities. The most recent assessment took place in 2008 and preliminary results are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie.

The 2008 assessment indicates that, nationally, some 40% of households awaiting social housing have been waiting for between 1 to 3 years, with 31% waiting for less than a year. This compares with 35% (1 to 3 years) and 41% (less than a year) in 2005. A further breakdown of the national figures is provided in Table 1. Figures for average waiting times in 2002 were not collated by my Department at the time.

Table 1 – National Waiting Times 2005 & 2008

Waiting Time

2005

2008

%

%

< 3 months

18

12

3 – 6 months

8

7

6 – 12 months

15

12

1 – 2 years

20

20

2 – 3 years

15

20

3 – 4 years

9

11

4 – 5 years

5

7

5 – 7 years

6

7

7+ years

4

4

The 2008 assessment also shows that in the South Tipperary County Council area, the majority, some 57, of households awaiting social housing have been waiting for less than a year as compared to 51 for the same group in 2005. Details of waiting times in South Tipperary are given in Table 2.

Table 2 – South Tipperary Waiting Times 2005 & 2008

Waiting Time

2005

2008

%

%

< 3 months

26

21

3 – 6 months

9

10

6 – 12 months

16

26

1 – 2 years

24

20

2 – 3 years

14

9

3 – 4 years

6

6

4 – 5 years

2

4

5 – 7 years

2

3

7+ years

1

1

Social and Affordable Housing.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

867 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have taken up the shared ownership scheme nationally since 2000; the number who have taken up the scheme in south Tipperary since its beginning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11637/09]

John Perry

Question:

876 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants who have opted for the shared ownership scheme with the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11729/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 867 and 876 together.

Information to end September 2008 on the numbers of shared ownership transactions in each local authority area is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Information is also published in my Department's Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are also available on the website and in the Oireachtas Library.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

868 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of houses provided for social housing since the Planning and Development Act 2000 both nationally and in south Tipperary; the percentage of developments that provided social housing; the percentage of developments that paid financial contributions to the local authorities for failing to meet their obligations; the amount of these contributions; the location at which this funding was spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11638/09]

Aggregate details of activity under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2007, including information on the financial contributions received by local authorities, are available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. Details in relation to individual developments or the housing purposes to which Part V financial contributions have been applied are not collected by my Department.

Local Authority Housing.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

869 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the national output of local authority housing per year since 2000; the output of local authority housing in south Tipperary since 2000; the percentage of housing output per year that this equates to both nationally and in south Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11639/09]

Detailed information in relation to housing output, including local authority housing output, is published in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library. Bulletins from 2000 onwards are also available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.

Architectural Heritage.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

870 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the nomination for the inscription of Clonmacnoise as a World Heritage Site and the preparation of the draft management plan for same; the dialogue that has taken place regarding the formal nomination for same including with the local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11667/09]

Draft nomination documentation for the Monastic City of Clonmacnoise and its cultural landscape was submitted by my Department to UNESCO in September 2008 to obtain feedback on the approach and the specific criteria being proposed for qualifying the site for inscription on the World Heritage List. At that time a presentation on the draft nomination was made to a meeting of Offaly County Council, and a public information meeting was arranged for the local community in regard to the proposed nomination process.

A draft Management Plan for Clonmacnoise has recently been submitted to my Department by consultants ERA Maptec. I intend to make the draft Management Plan and the draft nomination documentation publicly available. Members of the Oireachtas, local public representatives, interest groups and the public will accordingly have an opportunity to make submissions on the draft Plan and documentation. In addition information sessions in relation to the nomination will be arranged.

Consultation with all relevant stakeholders and interested parties is an integral part of the World Heritage nomination process and this consultation will be undertaken prior to any formal nomination of Clonmacnoise for inscription being made to UNESCO.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

871 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances in any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11679/09]

Day to day operational matters, including details as to the payment of fixed car allowances to individuals within the agencies under the aegis of my Department, are a matter for the agency or body concerned and the Department does not routinely collect information in this regard. The agencies have been reminded of the ongoing requirement to adhere to Department of Finance guidelines concerning travel, subsistence and associated expenses. The recent Government decision to reduce travel and subsistence rates has been brought to the attention of the agencies concerned and they have been instructed to implement the reduced rates with effect from 5 March 2009.

The Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, which my Department has sent to agencies under my aegis, provides that the responsibility for ensuring that management operates effective and efficient controls rests with the board of directors or a committee of similar status. The code requires each State body to produce as part of its annual reporting and accounts package a statement on the system of internal financial control which operates within the body. This statement is signed by the Chairperson and is subject to audit review.

Local Authority Housing.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

872 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department will allocate funding to Drogheda Borough Council to allow it commence work on the proposed local authority housing project at Mell, Drogheda and the proposed in-fill housing scheme at Moneymore, Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11687/09]

Drogheda Borough Council's proposed project at the Mell has been the subject of ongoing discussion with my Department. My Department is concerned that the proposal, as currently framed, does not meet the objectives of the Government's policy document Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities and this has been expressed to the Borough Council, most recently at the Spring Housing Action Plan meeting held earlier this month. The proposal will require significant revision before any Departmental approval can issue.

My Department has been in correspondence with Drogheda Borough Council regarding a proposed project at Moneymore and received a Project Brief, in accordance with Circular N7 of 2007, for the proposal in December 2008. This proposal is under consideration.

The 2009 allocations to Housing Authorities under the Social Housing Investment Programme will be announced shortly. The future progression of either of these projects depend on Departmental approval and will be subject to the Borough Council having sufficient funds within their allocation having regard to other commitments.

Environmental Policy.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

873 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a survey has been carried out on the incidence and spread of Japanese Knotweed; if his attention has been drawn to the threat to the environment presented by the spread of this aggressive plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11692/09]

Japanese Knotweed was first introduced to Ireland over 100 years ago. It forms dense thickets along roadsides, waste-grounds and waterways, reproduces by vegetative means and is difficult to kill off once it becomes established.

Best Practice Management Guidelines for Japanese Knotweed have been published by the all-Island "Invasive Species Ireland Project" and can be accessed on the project website at www.invasivespeciesireland.com. This project is a joint venture between the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency with the aim of addressing the key recommendations of an all-island report on Invasive Alien Species commissioned by both services and published in 2006. My Department is not aware of any recent surveys on the distribution of the species.

My Department is examining the appropriate regulatory measures necessary to control the possession and dispersal of ecologically harmful and invasive species of plants (including Japanese Knotweed). Provisions for stronger legal control on invasive species will be included in new Habitats Regulations to be made later this year.

Motor Taxation.

Michael Creed

Question:

874 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals he has to assist the motor vehicle industry to deal with the large stock of second-hand cars; if he has consulted with an organisation (details supplied) on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11711/09]

I am aware of the significant impact on the motor industry in Ireland and internationally due to the contraction in economic activity and I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 12 and 15 of 5 February 2009.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has put a number of proposals to Government in relation to the car market and my Department met a delegation on the 4 February 2009. The core proposals put forward by SIMI are a matter primarily for the Minister for Finance, and I understand that the conditions of the motor industry are the subject of ongoing discussions between his Department and SIMI.

Question No. 875 answered with Question No. 860.
Question No. 876 answered with Question No. 867.

Planning Issues.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

877 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has plans to amend the planning legislation to cease the splitting of planning decisions, for example incinerators, between the Environmental Protection Agency and planning authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11733/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

891 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has been contacted by the European Court of Justice and the European Commission on the weakness of planning laws; if he plans to contest the case lodged by the European Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12116/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 877 and 891 together.

The European Commission has submitted an application to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) seeking a declaration that Ireland has failed to fulfil its obligations under Council Directive 85/337/EEC (the EIA Directive) because, inter alia, of an alleged failure to ensure that, where Irish planning authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both have decision making powers on a project, there will be complete fulfilment of the requirements of the Directive. This application is currently being considered by my Department and the Office of the Attorney General, and a response will be submitted to the ECJ in due course.

It has been contended in legal proceedings before the Irish courts that the division of competence between An Bord Pleanála and the EPA in making an environmental impact assessment of relevant projects was inconsistent with the EIA Directive. In May 2007, the Supreme Court rejected this contention and confirmed that the division of competence between these bodies under Irish legislation is entirely consistent with the requirements of the EIA Directive.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

878 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of the sewerage extension at Mountmellick, County Laois, with particular reference to the town parks, Garoon, and Manor Road area of the town where almost one hundred town houses have individual septic tanks; if he will expedite departmental approval of the scheme and outline a proposed timeframe in respect of improvement works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11742/09]

Mountmellick Sewerage Scheme (Phases 1 and 2) is approved for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009. Phase 1 works, which are at construction stage, involve improvement works to the existing wastewater infrastructure in the town.

The Council has appointed consultants to prepare the Preliminary Report in relation to the Phase 2 works, which will involve an expansion of the treatment plant from its present population equivalent capacity of 7,000 to 16,000, together with extensions to the town's sewer network, and expects to be in a position to submit it to my Department for approval in October 2009. In parallel with the preparation of the Preliminary Report, the consultants are also progressing the Environmental Impact Statement. Until the Preliminary Report and the Environmental Impact Statement are completed, it is not possible to determine exactly what works will be carried out under Phase 2.

Local Authority Funding.

Michael McGrath

Question:

879 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will make funding available in 2009 to local authorities (details supplied) for particular grant schemes. [11745/09]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

885 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department will make funding available to Cork City Council to support the disabled persons grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11845/09]

Deirdre Clune

Question:

886 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when his Department will make funding available to Cork County Council to support the disabled persons grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11846/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 879, 885 and 886 together.

I am conscious of the need for local authorities to be able to deploy available resources as early as possible in order to maximise their impact for households availing of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability. Therefore, local authorities will be notified of their capital allocations in respect of the Schemes without delay following the publication of the Revised Estimates for Public Services 2009.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Jack Wall

Question:

880 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application (details supplied) for funding under the serviced land initiative programme in view of the fact that the local authority has issued a letter of acceptance after the tender process to the contractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11791/09]

The Athy Sewerage Scheme is approved for funding under the Serviced Land Initiative measure of my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009 at a cost of €2.35 million. My Department will fund 40% of the approved scheme costs. The award of the contract for the scheme is a matter for the local authority.

Rate Waiver Schemes.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

881 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applications made by local authorities to him in each of the past five years for his consent to the making of a scheme under the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970 for the waiver of commercial rates by that authority; the number of consents to such schemes currently in place; the criteria applied by him in deciding whether to give his consent; his views on whether rates waiver schemes have any role to play in assisting vulnerable businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11792/09]

Within the last five years, one application for consent to a rate waiver scheme was received by my Department in each of the years 2007 and 2008. There are two rate waiver schemes that have received Ministerial approval under the provisions of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970 currently in place. These consents were given in 1988 and 1990 for voluntary and community sporting facilities not licensed for the sale of alcohol. Such community halls are now not rateable under the Valuation Act 2001.

Applications for rate waiver schemes are carefully considered by me and criteria used to evaluate proposals include their impact on competition with existing businesses in the area and the cost to the remaining ratepayers who are required to make up the cost of the rate waiver scheme through the payment of additional rates.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

882 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding sought in 2008 by each local authority under the mobility, housing adaption and housing aid for the elderly scheme; and the amount allocated. [11809/09]

The Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. In the case of the old Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes, these were funded by 67% recoupment available from my Department together with a 33% contribution from the resources of the local authority.

Total expenditure on the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, and the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes, in 2008, amounted to €94.8 million. The total initial estimated demand by local authorities for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, and the Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes, in 2008 was approximately €157.6 million. This estimate included applications that had been assessed as eligible, as well as applications which had not been assessed, and an estimate of the projected intake of new applications during 2008.

The total allocation to each local authority in respect of the schemes in 2008, along with the initial estimated demand by local authorities for the operation of the schemes in 2008, is set out in the following table.

Total Allocations 2008

Carlow County Council

2,210,243

2,800,000

Cavan County Council

2,263,429

1,838,200

Clare County Council

2,994,391

3,250,000

Cork County Council

8,190,167

14,405,000

Donegal County Council

4,498,646

8,000,000

Dun Laoghaire/R.down Co. Council

2,363,216

3,044,300

Fingal County Council

1,810,511

5,151,359

Galway County Council

2,507,826

4,735,000

Kerry County Council

3,438,930

3,200,000

Kildare County Council

2,717,064

8,305,000

Kilkenny County Council

842,574

1,755,000

Laois County Council

2,644,159

1,678,000

Leitrim County Council

1,899,501

1,760,000

Limerick County Council

1,694,938

2,431,000

Longford County Council

1,370,815

2,721,930

Louth County Council

3,003,308

5,898,617

Mayo County Council

2,873,236

3,800,000

Meath County Council

4,925,214

17,174,834

Monaghan County Council

2,091,780

3,123,500

North Tipperary County Council

2,098,483

2,704,818

Offaly County Council

1,490,016

1,267,281

Roscommon County Council

2,352,706

1,900,000

Sligo County Council

683,521

2,280,398

South Dublin County Council

4,366,756

5,450,400

South Tipperary County Council

1,899,916

3,524,030

Waterford County Council

2,198,353

1,500,000

Westmeath County Council

1,928,541

2,110,000

Wexford County Council

2,325,647

4,742,600

Wicklow County Council

2,045,305

8,309,362

Cork City Council

2,159,250

3,379,000

Dublin City Council

13,500,685

18,000,000

Galway City Council

1,319,395

3,526,280

Limerick City Council

1,099,910

1,980,000

Waterford City Council

662,286

1,280,000

Sligo Borough Council

414,376

596,000

Total

94,885,091

157,621,909

National Parks.

Michael Ring

Question:

883 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works the nature of the vacant positions which will be available at a location (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when the vacancies will be advertised. [11814/09]

Work on the fitting out of the Visitor Centre for Ballycroy National Park is being finalised at present. My Department is currently considering staffing options in relation to the new Centre having regard, inter alia, to potential opening arrangements and the need to achieve economies in staff payroll costs. Recruitment of any new staff from outside the Department that may be required for the Centre will be by way of Publicly Advertised Open Competition. The first such position, that of a general operative, was advertised earlier this month with the closing date for applications being 31 March, 2009.

Waste Disposal.

Frank Feighan

Question:

884 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will set up depots for the collection of asbestos; and the means available for the disposal of this material. [11830/09]

The statutory National Hazardous Waste Management Plan 2008 — 2012 (NHWMP), which has been prepared and published by the EPA, contains recommendations at Chapter 6.5 which state, inter alia, that the provision of landfill capacity for asbestos waste should be actively promoted. In support of the recommendations contained in the report the EPA will shortly commission a study to explore the technical and economic aspects of developing hazardous waste landfill capacity in the State. The technical input of the waste generating and waste management sectors will be sought and the study will examine the trends in hazardous waste landfill and evaluate future waste generation.

My Department will, as recommended by the NHWMP, review the situation if the private or local authority sectors fail to initiate a proposal for a facility on foot of the Plan by the end of 2009.

Questions Nos. 885 and 886 answered with Question No. 879.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

887 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the Clifden sewage treatment plant County Galway in view of the fact that the plant is non-functional and untreated waste is being discharged into Clifden Bay; if he will offer assurances that these planned improvements will not be reduced or eliminated, and, in further view of the potential impact on tourism and the region, if he will indicate if he is willing to recommend fast-tracking this project through his Department’s approval system. [11854/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

888 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position on the unification of the Clifden water supply County Galway, into a fully treated system, in view of the fact that the supply is composed of two sources, one treated, and one untreated; if he will offer assurances that the planned improvements included in the water services investment programme 2007-2009 will not be reduced or eliminated, and, further in view of the potential impact of a boil water notice on tourism and the region, he will indicate if he is willing to recommend fast-tracking this project through his Department’s approval system. [11855/09]

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

890 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the provision of an integrated water supply scheme for Clifden, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12056/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 887, 888 and 890 together.

The Clifden Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009. My Department is awaiting submission of Galway County Council's Contract Documents for the scheme.

The Clifden Regional Water Supply Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009. My Department is finalising its examination of Galway County Council's Supplementary Report to the Preliminary Report, which sets out the Council's proposals for a new supply for the area, and a decision will be conveyed to the Council as soon as possible.

The continued high level of capital investment in the water services sector in recent years, involving Exchequer expenditure of €4.15 billion in the period 2000-2008, is a clear statement of the priority assigned by Government to the preservation and protection of our water resources, to meeting EU standards for drinking water and wastewater treatment and to providing critical new water and wastewater infrastructure. Continued investment in water services in 2009 and future years will facilitate the progression of priority water services schemes.

Turbary Rights.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

889 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway for the sale of a bog to Dúchas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12036/09]

I understand that this application to sell bogland to my Department under the Designated Bog Compensation Scheme is currently with the Chief State Solicitor's Office. It is not possible, at this stage, to indicate exactly when the transaction is likely to be completed.

Question No. 890 answered with Question No. 887.
Question No. 891 answered with Question No. 877.

Proposed Legislation.

Michael McGrath

Question:

892 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will introduce regulations to implement the recommendations of the working group to review the management of dog-breeding establishments; and if he will confirm that the kennels of non-commercial clubs registered with an association (details supplied) will be fully exempt from such regulations. [12213/09]

Work has been ongoing for some time in my Department in drafting measures to provide for statutory regulation of dog breeding establishments within the dog control legislative regime. The issues involved are complex and required detailed consideration. This process has included discussions with a number of organisations, bodies, public agencies and interests active in this area. It is my intention to introduce amending legislation in this area which will address a number of issues. My proposals in this regard will be published as soon as possible.

The Working Group to review the management of dog breeding establishments recommended that a State regulated registration system for dog breeding establishments be put in place. It defined such establishments as premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential. The Group also called for a comprehensive set of statutorily enforceable standards for the operation of dog breeding establishments with provision for inspections by local authority officers, and that all dogs in such establishments be electronically micro-chipped to ensure traceability and assist the enforcement of the registration system.

The group further recommended that the regulatory system be self financing. I am, however, examining the position of non-commercial dog breeding establishments, such as those identified in the Question, in relation to their exemption from registration costs, but consider that the issues of appropriate standards, inspection and traceability must apply to all relevant establishments in the interests of animal welfare.

Local Authority Housing.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

893 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the European Central Bank interest rate cut of 0.5%, announced on 5 March 2009, will be passed on in full to local authority mortgage holders. [12235/09]

In general, following consideration by the Board, the rates charged to local authority borrowers are normally adjusted by the Board of the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) in line with movements in European Central Bank (ECB) rates. The Agency notified local authorities last month of its decision to pass on, in full, the 0.5% decrease announced by the ECB in January. The effective rate for local authority borrowers from 1 March 2009 is 3% — a cumulative rate decrease since October 2008 of 2.25%.

With regard to the most recent announcement of a further 0.5% cut by the ECB on 5 March, the Agency, in responding to any movements in ECB rates, must give careful consideration, on each occasion, to the fluctuating relationship between its lending rates and the cost of funds, given that the correlation between ECB rates and inter-bank rates (i.e. the rates at which the Agency itself borrows) has been atypical and volatile in recent months.

While it is hoped that it will be possible to pass on the most recent rate reduction announced by the ECB, as with previous rate reductions, it will be necessary closely to monitor the impact of the cut on inter-bank rates before a decision can be made. I anticipate that, in common with the situation following the previous cuts which are being passed on in full to local authority borrowers, the position in relation to possible movement in the HFA's lending rates should be clear within a number of weeks.

Energy Conservation.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

894 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the home energy savings programme will be finalised and grant aid available to the public. [10943/09]

Brendan Howlin

Question:

897 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has received representations seeking to have replacement windows and doors included in the new insulation grant scheme; if up to 25% of home heat is lost through doors and windows; if the proposal to include replacement doors and windows in the scheme is under active consideration by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11768/09]

Paul Kehoe

Question:

898 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if grant aid is available to owners of zero energy or carbon neutral houses to assist further improvements in order to maximise energy reduction; if so, if he will outline the procedure for applicants if it differs from conventional homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11842/09]

Jack Wall

Question:

902 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to his recent announcement regarding the home energy scheme, his plans to address the concerns of those in receipt of social welfare payments, in particular those on State pension who own their own homes but who may not be in a position to come up with the 60% needed from their own funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10878/09]

Michael Lowry

Question:

913 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the forms for the €100 million home energy savings scheme will be released to the public; when Sustainable Energy Ireland will receive the funding from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11013/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 894, 897, 898, 902 and 913 together.

Two key elements of the Government's National Insulation Programme are the Home Energy Saving Scheme and the Warmer Homes Scheme, which are administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The Home Energy Saving Scheme is scheduled to be opened to applications from householders, shortly. The scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for attic and wall insulation, efficient boilers, heating controls and BER assessments. Funding of up to €50 million to the scheme has been provided in 2009. Grant rates average 30% of the cost of works, although these rates vary depending on the measure concerned.

SEI advised on the measures for inclusion in the scheme. SEI has built up a considerable expertise on residential energy efficiency matters and oversaw the pilot phase of the scheme last year. The selected measures are deemed to be those most likely to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners at the least cost. There are other measures, such as windows and doors, which are not currently included in the scheme. These may also improve the energy performance of a home but may not be as cost effective for the homeowner. Once the Scheme is up and running, the Department and SEI will be keeping it under constant review. If there is a strong cost-benefit case for adding other measures to the scheme, it will be given every consideration, subject to budgetary considerations.

The Home Energy Saving Scheme targets older less energy efficient homes with the aim of bringing them to much higher standards. By definition, zero energy homes are already at a high energy efficient standard and the measures supported by the Home Energy Saving Scheme are not appropriate to such homes. There are no plans to introduce any energy efficiency incentives for existing zero energy homes.

The second element of the Programme, the Warmer Homes Scheme, is designed to assist private households on low incomes, such as those in receipt of Fuel Allowance, Invalidity or Disability Benefit. The Scheme provides for the installation of a range of energy efficiency measures, including cavity wall insulation, attic insulation, boiler lagging jackets, draught proofing measures and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). Advice is also provided to householders on minimising energy use. The scheme provides these measures free or at a nominal cost to the householder.

Some €20 million has been made available to the Warmer Homes Scheme in 2009 including €10 million provided between ESB and Bord Gáis Éireann. This greatly increased level of funding is expected to support energy efficiency interventions in up to 15,000 low income homes in this year alone. Further information on the Warmer Homes Scheme is available by calling 1800-250204, by emailing warmerhomes@sei.ie or at:

www.sei.ie/Grants/WarmerHomesScheme.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Phil Hogan

Question:

895 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the geothermal energy initiatives available here; his views on such technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10990/09]

Grant support is available from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) for domestic and commercial geothermal heat pump applications through the "Greener Homes" scheme and the "REHeat" scheme respectively. These programmes have had significant numbers of applicants since their launch. Geothermal heating systems are highly effective heating systems and ideally suited to Ireland. Using one unit of electricity, they can provide up to 4 units of renewable energy heat. Geothermal heat pumps are largely charged at night time. It is considered that this could offer significant benefits in terms of absorbing electricity generated from our significant wind and wave energy resources which otherwise might not be required during the low night time demand.

Deep geothermal energy is another area gathering interest in Ireland. In this process deep wells of up to 2,000m in depth are drilled in order to recover warm water from the rocks below. At present this technology is untried in Ireland but researchers are actively pursuing it. Research support is available from SEI and funding has also been made available to third-level centres of excellence by the Geological Survey of Ireland through the Griffith Awards. Funding under these awards has previously been made available to the Geophysics Research Groups at University College Dublin and University of Ulster at Coleraine.

Given the high costs and risks associated with drilling a deep bore hole as required for this technology, the Working Group on Geothermal Energy established by the Department in May 2008 is examining the regulatory and legal framework associated with large developments of this kind in order to ensure that developers are provided with the most effective path and instruction for their developments. It is anticipated that investors will be enabled to make their decisions with greater confidence as a result of increased regulatory and planning clarity for this new technology.

National Development Plan.

Richard Bruton

Question:

896 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the capital expenditure to date, and the capital resources budgeted for 2009, under the national development plan in the sectors of broadband communications, energy research, strategic energy infrastructure and State energy companies, broken down by Exchequer and non-Exchequer funding. [11280/09]

The following table shows Exchequer and non-Exchequer capital expenditure to date and the capital resources budgeted for 2009 under the National Development Plan in the sectors of broadband communications, energy research, strategic energy infrastructure and State energy companies.

Expenditure to Date

2009 Allocation

Exchequer

Non Exchequer

Exchequer

Non Exchequer

€m

€m

€m

€m

Communications Broadband

86.978

5.860

48.049

0.350

Energy Research

23.233

21.353

Strategic Energy Infrastructure

12.400

66.000

State Energy Companies

2,299.000

1,663.000

Questions Nos. 897 and 898 answered with Question No. 894.

Telecommunications Services.

Noel Coonan

Question:

899 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason broadband is not available in an area (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12615/09]

Noel Coonan

Question:

901 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason broadband is not available in an area (details supplied) of north Tipperary; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10828/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 899 and 901 together.

Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, mobile and satellite. I understand that broadband is available in Scraggeen, Newport, County Tipperary from DSL and satellite service providers.

James Bannon

Question:

900 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide kerb-side RSU in Legan, County Longford to accommodate broadband in Legan village and surrounding areas and in this Deputy’s home in Newtown Legan in view of the fact that the continued lack of broadband access is impacting on businesses in a detrimental way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10821/09]

Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg. The installation of any equipment to facilitate the provision of broadband services is a matter for the network owners. Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, mobile and satellite. I understand that broadband is available in Legan, County Longford from mobile, wireless and satellite service providers.

Question No. 901 answered with Question No. 899.
Question No. 902 answered with Question No. 894.

Ministerial Travel.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

903 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or his advisers has used the Government jet between June 2007 and March 2009; if so, the dates and purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10903/09]

I have used the Government jet on two separate occasions between June 2007 and March 2009. I used the jet on the 25th and 26th September 2008 to attend a British-Irish Council summit which took place in Edinburgh, Scotland and I also used the jet on the 8th December 2008 to return from an EU Energy Council meeting which took place in Brussels. I was not accompanied by advisors on either trip and on both occasions the jet was making the trip anyway to provide for the Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs who attended the same functions.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

904 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he or his advisers has used the Government helicopter between June 2007 and March 2009; if so, the dates and the purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10904/09]

Neither I, nor my advisors, have used the Government helicopter between June 2007 and March 2009.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

905 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, further to Parliamentary Question No. 383 of 3 March 2009, the part of the information sought that is not available and the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10906/09]

The particular information which the Deputy previously sought and which is not available relates to his request for details of the number of companies licensed for the production of biofuels. As the Deputy has been advised in previous replies no specific licences are required from any Department or Agency for the production of biofuels. The Deputy also sought details in relation to the amount of excise relief granted in respect of imported biofuels in 2006, 2007 and 2008. As the Deputy has been advised in previous replies, the total excise relief utilised under the schemes to date is estimated to be €40 million. My Department expects to be in a position in the near future to provide an estimated breakdown between imports and indigenous production from mid 2008.

National Electricity Grid.

Enda Kenny

Question:

906 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the length, capacity and most recent expected capital cost of the east-west electricity interconnector to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10912/09]

Enda Kenny

Question:

907 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the way EirGrid will recover the cost of the east-west electricity interconnector; if he will ensure that it is operated in such a manner as to maximise societal and environmental benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10913/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 906 and 907 together.

The East-West Interconnector is a 500MW High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnector, which will link the electricity grids of Ireland and Britain. The total length of the interconnector from the Irish connection point at Woodland, County Meath, to the UK connection point at Deeside in Wales, is approximately 260 km, of which 185km is under the Irish Sea. I am advised that EirGrid expects the contract for design and construction of the interconnector to be completed shortly, when the successful bidder will be announced. Financing options for this project are being pursued by EirGrid with the objective of achieving the most cost-effective and efficient financial package. Until the tendering and finance process is complete, it would not be appropriate to specify the estimated cost of the project.

The European Commission has included the East-West Interconnector on the list of energy projects under the European Economic Recovery Package, which was endorsed by the European Council last week. The European Council called on the Presidency to accelerate contacts with the European Parliament with a view to reaching agreement on the package before the parliamentary recess. Any funding available under this package will be used to offset the total capital cost of the interconnector.

The interconnector will, as a national strategic asset, remain in public ownership and will be owned and operated by EirGrid. State ownership of this strategic energy infrastructure will ensure that costs are minimised and benefits are passed along to consumers. EirGrid will run the interconnector on an open access basis. Under EC Regulation 1228/2003, which sets out rules for cross-border transactions within the electricity sector, users of the interconnector will be charged for utilising interconnector capacity when demand is greater than availability. At other times, EirGrid will recover the cost of the interconnector through transmission charges. However, EirGrid estimates that the benefits provided by the interconnector in terms of enabling greater competition and facilitating greater wind penetration will more than offset the costs of the interconnector and deliver a net benefit to consumers.

Departmental Staff.

Enda Kenny

Question:

908 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the previous employment history in specific relation to former employees of the ESB group working in his Department is available; if so, the number of these people who are serving through political appointments, as consultants to his Department and advisers in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10914/09]

I can confirm that none of the political appointees in my Department have any previous employment history with the ESB Group and that no consultants active in my Department have a similar background.

Departmental Agencies.

Enda Kenny

Question:

909 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the previous employment history in specific relation to former employees of the ESB group working for the Commission for Energy Regulation is available; if so, the number of these people who are serving through political appointments, as consultants to the Commission for Energy Regulation and advisers in the Commission for Energy Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10915/09]

The retention of consultants and advisors by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), as well as the employment history of its employees are day to day operational matters for the CER and I have no function in these matters.

Enda Kenny

Question:

910 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the previous employment history in specific relation to former employees of the ESB group working in EirGrid is available; if so, the number of these people who are serving through political appointments, as consultants to EirGrid and advisers in EirGrid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10916/09]

The employment of staff and the hiring of consultancy services by EirGrid is a matter for the EirGrid's Board and management and not one in which I have a function. Under the legislation which established EirGrid as Transmission System Operator from July 2006, a transfer scheme was provided which allowed staff who had previously been employed by the Electricity Supply Board's (ESB) National Grid Division to be transferred into EirGrid on terms and conditions that were no less favourable. I understand that 67 staff transferred from the ESB to EirGrid under these arrangements.

Electricity Generation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

911 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the income the State has received from each of the State owned companies involved in the generation, sale or supply of electricity for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10917/09]

The annual dividends payable by the State companies are the only income (other than general taxation receipts), which the Exchequer receives from those companies that are involved in the generation, sale or supply of electricity. The dividends payable by the State companies are a function of the after-tax profits of each company, which relate to all of the business conducted and not just electricity generation and supply. The amount of dividends paid by State owned energy companies involved in the generation, sale or supply of electricity for each of the past three years is:

2006

2007

2008

€m

€m

€m

ESB

68.8

63.4

123

Bord Gáis Éireann

9.079

8.361

27.94

Bord na Móna plc

3.85

8.035

12.259

Telecommunications Services.

Michael Lowry

Question:

912 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the MAN broadband infrastructure in Thurles town, County Tipperary; his future plans for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11012/09]

Any future broadband investment decisions, including investment in any further phases of the MANs Programme, will be guided by (i) the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which is being finalised at present, (ii) the Value for Money and Policy Review undertaken on Phase I of the MANs Programme (iii) any other analysis as appropriate and (iv) the availability of resources.

Question No. 913 answered with Question No. 894.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

914 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11105/09]

There are two civilian drivers employed by the Minister of State at my Department, working on a week on — week off basis. The current salary of both drivers is €34,826 per annum.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

915 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11120/09]

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers and certain other State officials are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí, two of whom are assigned to me. These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána.

Grant Payments.

Michael McGrath

Question:

916 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when new applications will be invited for a grant scheme (details supplied). [11153/09]

The 2009 inclusion allocation for the Department currently amounts to less than €1m. Of this, the legacy commitments from the 2008 Benefit scheme and other related commitments will require approximately €517,000. I am keenly aware of the important contribution that the inclusion grant schemes have been making to progressing our national inclusion objectives. I will determine the feasibility of launching a further scheme later this year — although clearly it would not be of the same scale as the previous scheme.

Offshore Exploration.

Liz McManus

Question:

917 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there are plans for an oral hearing on safety concerns, including danger of the valve station at Glengad, in relation to Corrib gas in County Mayo; his views on the impact on the local environment; his further views on the possible benefits to the economy arising from the gas coming on stream; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11154/09]

The Gas Act, 1976, as amended, provides for the conduct of an oral hearing where an objection is received to an application to the Minister for a compulsory acquisition order pursuant to section 32 of the Gas Act, for land required in connection with the construction of a natural gas pipeline. This provision was transferred to An Bórd Pleanála under Section 37 of the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006. An application for planning permission in respect of the Corrib Gas Pipeline has been made to An Bórd Pleanála, which is now the appropriate authority under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act, 2006 and I understand that an oral hearing is to be held by the Bórd.

My Department has also received an application for the construction of the Corrib Gas pipeline pursuant to section 40 of the Gas Act, 1976, as amended. In considering that application I required the developer, as part of the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment process, to consult publicly on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted in support of the application. This process concluded on 9 March, 2009 and the submissions received are being considered as part of the overall EIS assessment process.

In relation to the benefits to the economy that will arise from the gas coming on stream, it is estimated the Corrib Gas Field will meet over 50% of our national gas demand during peak production with substantial tax revenue accruing to the Exchequer resulting from profits from the field.

Decentralisation Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

918 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the decentralisation of his Department’s offices to Cavan; if he will confirm the details of the site purchase for this project; the location, size, cost and any ongoing outlay, that is, security and so on; his expectations of the plan to relocate to Cavan proceeding post the 2011 review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11204/09]

The Decentralisation Programme as originally announced in December 2003, included the proposal to relocate the Headquarters of my Department to Cavan. As announced by the Minister for Finance in his statement of 14th October last, the Government has deferred decisions on the timing of the implementation of elements of the Decentralisation Programme including that of my Department, pending a review in 2011. Issues relating to the purchase of a site in Cavan town for the proposed decentralisation are a matter for the Office of Public Works.

Fisheries Protection.

Liz McManus

Question:

919 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reconsider a total ban on eel fishing; if he will issue a comprehensive survey of eel stock here; his views on the eel fisheries that remain open across the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11229/09]

Joe Costello

Question:

926 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will review the proposals he has made to the EU regarding eel fishing; if he will involve all the stakeholders in consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12095/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 919 and 926 together.

Following scientific research conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), indicating that the European eel stocks are in a critical state, the EU introduced Council Regulation 1100/2007, the objective of which is to achieve recovery of the stocks to previous high levels. The Regulation requires the Irish authorities to prepare a national Eel Management Plan for implementation from 1 July 2009 or from the earliest possible time before that date.

The EU target is clearly defined in the Regulation where it states that the objective of each Member State's Eel Management Plan shall be to reduce anthropogenic mortalities so as to permit with high probability the escapement to sea of at least 40% of the silver eel biomass relative to the best estimate of escapement that would have existed if no anthropogenic influences had impacted the stock. Ireland's level of escapement is currently estimated at only 24%. When the last 20 years of poor recruitment is taken into account, I am advised that it is likely that the adult eel stock in Irish waters will continue to decline for at least the next decade.

The Irish eel fishery harvests approximately 100 tonnes per annum and I understand that there are up to 150 fishermen who hold a maximum of 296 licences, not all of which are actively fished. There is some evidence that catches have been declining over recent years because of the status of stocks and elver recruitment is very low. Eel fishing is not a full time occupation and it is restricted, depending on the type of fish being targeted, to certain months of the year and times of the lunar cycle in the case of migrating silver eels.

The decision to cease the eel fishery was taken, based on the best management and scientific advice available (the nature of which I have elaborated on in replies to recent Parliamentary Questions), as a conservation measure to support a recovery of the stock in the shortest time possible, which if all measures proposed are adopted and if the EU Member States adopt a similar conservative approach, could be as long as 90 years (i.e. an average of 4 eel generations). A partial closure of the fishery or a more relaxed approach to the other management measures would have extended this recovery period to a very significant extent.

I am not aware of the content of the plans, as yet largely unpublished, submitted by other Member States in response to their obligations under the EC Regulation. Over the coming months, these, along with Ireland's draft plan, have to be evaluated by the European Commission as to their adequacy in delivering the objectives of the Eel Regulation. Clearly the status of stocks in other Member States will differ from that of Ireland's depending on local conditions and therefore their plans may make different recommendations. All must, however, clearly demonstrate how they would achieve the targets necessary for recovery of the European eel stocks.

Under the Regulation, all aspects of the Plan must be reviewed in 2012. This review will consider, inter alia, whether the eel fishery and market could be reopened in any River Basin District in light of the data gathered in the interim and the performance of stocks. The national plan submitted to the EU includes a comprehensive programme of monitoring and evaluation of management actions and their implementation. It also includes a programme of scientific eel stock assessment to establish a stock baseline, estimate current silver eel escapement and monitoring the impact of the management actions on the local stocks. The Department has committed funding to stock assessment for the 2009 programme, which will be a collaborative effort between the relevant State agencies and include appropriate stakeholders participation.

Insofar as previous stakeholder involvement is concerned, once the EU guidance on the Regulation was available, a fact sheet prepared by the working group established to prepare Ireland's National Eel Management Plan was circulated to all interested parties by the Regional Fisheries Boards in March 2008. The elected eel representatives on the Regional Fisheries Boards were kept informed by the fisheries boards' officials on progress towards preparation of the eel management plan. A number of conservation measures were introduced by way of bye-laws in May 2008. A public consultation exercise was undertaken on the draft Eel Management Plans from 1 August 2008. Information meetings were organised in each region by the Regional Fisheries Boards.

The consultation period ended on 15 September 2008 and some 16 submissions were received. These were largely from eel fishermen representatives and, while acknowledging the decline in stocks, sought to continue fishing regardless. Three eel fishing representatives joined the Working Group in October 2008. I met with eel fishermen's representatives prior to and since the submission of the national plan to the EU Commission and have assured them of the prospects for their future participation in aspects of its implementation and review of the performance of the fishery.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

920 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to promote the use of domestic renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11282/09]

The initiation of a pilot trial by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) of micro and small-scale generation technologies is designed to investigate and test technical, market and regulatory issues associated with the deployment of micro-generation technologies including installation, network connection and operation, and generation. Grant aid for up to 50 pilot installations, will be provided as part of the programme.

Among the measures is a guaranteed price of 19 cent per kilowatt hour of electricity produced. This competitive feed-in tariff will apply to the first 4,000 micro-generation installations countrywide over the next three years. Access to the feed-in tariff will also include the provision of a smart-meter to facilitate exports to the grid and encourage those customers to examine their electricity use generally. Eligible installations include small scale wind, photovoltaic, hydro and combined heat and power. The experience gained in the performance of this programme will inform the roll-out of a subsequent wider micro-scale programme.

Traditionally, the electricity network was designed to accommodate the flow of electricity from large centralised plants to customers dispersed throughout the country. Micro-generation at local level now introduces two-way flows to the electricity system. Local generators will have the ability to be paid by the ESB for electricity that is surplus to their own requirements and export it back to the national grid.

A call for expression of interest is currently open for the Low Carbon Housing Programme administered by SEI. In addition to having a minimum requirement of a Building Energy Rating of A2 or higher the targets also include provision for onsite generation.

The Revised Building Regulations brought into force in July 2008 now include a compulsory renewable energy component for all new houses. This will not only ensure that renewables are integrated into the housing stock but will also encourage individuals to consider a range of renewable options when purchasing a new home. This is further underpinned by the introduction of the Building Energy Rating which provides information to house purchasers on energy performance and to which renewables energy systems will contribute.

The Greener Homes Scheme, administered by SEI, provides grant support to individuals wishing to install renewable energy heating technologies in their homes. This scheme, in operation since early 2006, has already established a very strong supply industry for renewable energy products, services and fuels while the application of strict product standards and installer training and quality schemes has ensured that consumers are informed in relation to their choices.

The Renewable Heat (ReHeat) and CHP Programmes, also provide assistance for the deployment of renewable heating systems in industrial, commercial, public and community premises.

Telecommunications Services.

Noel Coonan

Question:

921 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason broadband is not available in an area (details supplied) in County Clare; when it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11661/09]

Broadband service providers operate in a fully liberalised market, regulated, where appropriate, by the independent Commission for Communications Regulation, ComReg.

Broadband services are available from competing service providers over multiple platforms, including DSL (telephone lines), cable, fixed wireless, mobile and satellite. I understand that broadband is available in Ogonnelloe, Killaloe, County Clare from mobile, wireless and satellite service providers.

Departmental Agencies.

Brian Hayes

Question:

922 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting to his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11674/09]

The number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting to my Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009 is a day-to-day operational matter for the semi-State bodies themselves and I have no function in that regard.

Electricity Generation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

923 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the generating capacity of the State owned electricity generators; the market share of the State owned electricity generators in the single electricity market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11795/09]

The following table sets out the current breakdown of generation capacity and market share of all the participants in the Single Electricity Market.

Generation

Company Name

Installed Capacity (MV)

Percentage Share

%

ESB PG

3,569.50

35

Northern Ireland Electricity Power Procurement Business NIE PPB

1,650.40

16

Endesa

1,001.40

10

ESBI

828.00

8

Bord Na Móna

117.60

1

Viridian

755.00

7

Aughinish Alumina

166.00

2

Tynagh

379.00

4

Wind Sector

1,723.00

17

10,189.90

100

ESB is constructing a new power generation station at Aghada. This plant is scheduled to become operational at the end of 2009 and will add approximately 430MW to ESB PG's installed capacity. Bord Gáis Éireann (BGÉ) also has a power generation station under construction. Located at Whitegate, the plant will give BGÉ an installed conventional capacity of 440MW and is scheduled to be in operation by May 2010. BGÉ, Bord na Móna and ESBI are also developing renewable energy projects as part of their generation portfolios.

Inland Fisheries.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

924 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will allocate funding to a town council (details supplied) in County Cork in order to carry out a feasibility study. [11860/09]

At a meeting with councillors in December 2008, I agreed that the Fermoy Town Council would obtain, as a matter of urgency, professional advice on the existing proposals for modification of the Fermoy weir and identify any alternatives designed to achieve the agreed objectives of removal of the barrier to fish passage and retention of the amenity for the rowing club and other users. The Department has agreed to provide a contribution through the Southern Regional Fisheries Board towards the cost of the report.

Michael Ring

Question:

925 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will reconsider a proposal (details supplied). [12077/09]

Following on from the 2009 Budget Day announcement on 14th October 2008 of the overall rationalisation of State agencies, the Government has now formally approved proposals for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector, which include the creation of a single strengthened national inland fisheries authority to be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. This authority will replace the existing Central and seven regional fisheries boards.

Given the nature of inland fisheries, it is clear that the new authority should be organised with a strong regional presence, which will be aligned on the boundaries of the River Basin Districts. There are 6 River Basin Districts with one district for the area covered by the existing Western and North Western Regional Fisheries Boards. Accordingly, alignment with the River Basin Districts will require that the area is administered and reported on as one entity.

This is settled Government policy and the Department is working towards its implementation. However, the question of the retention of offices in both Galway and Ballina is to be considered further as the legislation providing for the new structures is progressed.

Question No. 926 answered with Question No. 919.

Television Licence Fee.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

927 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of his proposal to prevent the imprisonment of persons who are fined for failure to pay television licences. [12221/09]

The issue of imprisonment of persons who have failed to pay a court imposed fine is a matter that will fall to be addressed in the first instance by my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in the forthcoming Fines Bill. However, I have introduced two new provisions in the Broadcasting Bill 2008, which I anticipate will reduce the necessity for criminal proceedings in respect of the payment of the television licence fee.

The first provision in section 149 of the Bill proposes an on-the-spot fine mechanism to be deployed at the option of the television licence collection agent. In essence this mechanism provides that if a person buys a television licence within a set time period and pays a penalty equivalent to one third of the annual television licence fee then no court proceedings will be taken, thus reducing the necessity for court proceedings.

The second provision which is proposed in section 150(3) empowers the television licence collection agent to pursue as a civil debt an amount owing in respect of a television licence fee.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

928 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the situation in other countries as to the process for collection of television licence fees; and his views on the system, such as in Greece, where the licence fee is collected on an instalment basis with the electricity bill. [12222/09]

I am aware of the process for collection of television licence fees in other countries, including Greece to which the Deputy refers. In that country, as well as in some other European countries, the licence fee is a levy calculated as a percentage of the electricity bill which is then added to the bill. While such a system may have an advantage in terms of a reduction in collection costs and possibly evasion rates, I am of the opinion that there are a number of disadvantages to this model, including the linking of the funding of public service broadcasting output to electricity consumption. Our model does share an element in common to these other systems, however, in that it does allow for the payment of the licence fee on an instalment basis.

Energy Consumption.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

929 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has an estimate of the savings in the economy that could be made in terms of gas and electricity consumption if summer time daylight hours were introduced some weeks earlier than at present; and if he has an estimate of the carbon emissions that could be saved if summer time daylight hours were introduced some weeks earlier than at present.. [12239/09]

The timing of summertime daylight hours is one of very many factors influencing energy usage among consumers. It is difficult to quantify its effects in isolation, as daylight savings have both positive and negative impacts. It is therefore not possible to give the estimates sought in the Deputy's question.

My Department, together with Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and Sustainable Energy Ireland, are engaged in ongoing research on the many factors that influence consumer energy behaviour. Information on consumer behaviour is used in the design of programmes and campaigns such as Power of One, to encourage more efficient use of energy that both saves money for consumers and reduces carbon emissions.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Question:

930 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when an application will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10893/09]

An application for afforestation grant aid on behalf of the person in question is currently being processed by my Department. A decision on this application will be made shortly.

Tom Hayes

Question:

931 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary in relation to a REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10839/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan in this case and it is currently under further examination.

Jack Wall

Question:

932 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on a proposal (details supplied); if he will provide funding for such a project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10876/09]

The Control of Horses Act, 1996 was introduced to address the problem of wandering horses, mainly in urban areas. The Act assigns to local authorities the primary role for dealing with wandering horses. Under the provisions of the Act my Department is empowered to make grants available to local authorities towards expenses they incur in its implementation.

Funding under the Act has also resulted in the establishment of equine projects, where the relevant local authority has considered that its support for such a project is consistent with the implementation of the Act. Therefore any grant assistance from Department for horse projects can only be provided to the local authority in question.

If a request is made to my Department from the relevant local authority, it will be considered in the context of current budgetary considerations together with the operation of the Control of Horses Act.

Joe Carey

Question:

933 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will approve the application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10898/09]

An application for afforestation grant aid on behalf of the person in question has been refused by my Department, following an appeals procedure, on the basis that the elevation level of the site, its exposure to the elements and its non-compatibility with the landscape environment would render it ineligible for grant aid.

Fisheries Protection.

Martin Ferris

Question:

934 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if Irish fisheries protection officers operate from British naval vessels. [10944/09]

I understand that the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) recently participated in a Joint Deployment operation under the auspices of the Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA), a European Union body established in 2005 to organise operational coordination of fisheries control and inspection activities by the Member States, including the United Kingdom.

The Joint Deployment Plans of the CFCA are the vehicle through which that Agency organises operational coordination between Member States. Member States pool the national human and material means of control and inspection under the JDP's whilst the CFCA coordinates the deployment of these means.

The Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 clearly provides that the SFPA is independent in the exercise of its functions and as such I have no remit as to its work programme, its deployment of resources, or its operational activities.

Departmental Agencies.

Martin Ferris

Question:

935 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people employed by the Central Fisheries Board, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, the regional boards, the Foyle Fishing Commission and the Naval Service. [10945/09]

All of the agencies referred to by the Deputy, with the exception of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) operate under the auspices of either the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) or the Department of Defence (DoD). The total number of people employed by the SFPA is 102.5.

Grant Payments.

Noel Coonan

Question:

936 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in the rural environment protection scheme payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10985/09]

The first phase of the REPS 4 payment issued to the person named on 23 March.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

937 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a farm improvement scheme grant will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10987/09]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. My Department is currently processing his application and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

938 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a farm waste management grant will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10988/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment. My Department is currently examining the application of the person named above and a decision will be made shortly.

Question No. 939 answered with Question No. 106.

Michael Lowry

Question:

940 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme four will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11010/09]

The first phase of the REPS 4 payment issued to the person named on 5 March.

Michael Lowry

Question:

941 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a farm waste management grant will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11011/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment. Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent was made to the person concerned on 10 March 2009.

Frank Feighan

Question:

942 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an application lodged on 30 December 2008 under the farm waste management scheme in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [11049/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Michael Creed

Question:

943 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment in respect of REP scheme four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11067/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

Michael Creed

Question:

944 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be granted their cattle headage, single farm payment and disadvantaged payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11068/09]

An application under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme / Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 12 May 2008.

One of the primary provisions of the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is that applicants must maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare for at least three consecutive months. However, where the holding of an applicant is identified as potentially not meeting this minimum stocking density requirement, the applicant is invited to submit evidence of satisfactory stocking i.e. Flock Register, Horse passports.

As no satisfactory evidence of stock was received from the person named, no payment under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme is due to him. With regard to the Single Payment scheme, while the person named had established 55.11 entitlements, he only declared 54.69 hectares on his 2008 application form, which was duly processed on that basis. An advance payment of €479.03 issued on 16 October 2008 and the balancing payment, €479.03 issued on 1 December 2008. The person named has received his full Single Payment.

Michael Creed

Question:

945 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will confirm that an application under REP scheme four is in order in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when payment can be expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11069/09]

The first phase of the REPS 4 payment issued to the person named on 11 March.

Dan Neville

Question:

946 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [11080/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent was made to the person concerned on 10 March 2009.

Michael Ring

Question:

947 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REP scheme four. [11086/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

Michael Ring

Question:

948 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REP scheme four. [11087/09]

The first phase of the REPS 4 payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

Ulick Burke

Question:

949 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the date for final payment of the pork meat recall compensation in view of the fact that many of the processors have a financial shortfall still not paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11093/09]

John O'Mahony

Question:

981 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the final payment will be made to pork suppliers under the agreement reached following the recent pork crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11728/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 949 and 981 together.

The agreement concluded with pig processors in December involves making available a facility of €180 million from the public finances to assist processors in funding the recall and destruction of certain pork products from the market and product in storage.

To date my Department has paid a total of €42m to processors as interim payments and will continue to facilitate early settlement of claims subject, of course, to proper control and verification. As claims continue to arise, it is too early to say when final payment under the Scheme will be made.

Alternative Farm Enterprises.

John Deasy

Question:

950 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will make a decision on the question of re-allocating unused funding from the allocation for willow planting under the bioenergy scheme to accommodate additional miscanthus planting in 2009; when those who applied for funding to grow miscanthus, but have not been successful, will be told if they are being accommodated from the unused allocation for willow planting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11095/09]

In view of the shortfall in willow applications, my Department has reviewed the ceiling for miscanthus and agreed to issue additional ‘approvals' subject to respecting the overall 1,800-hectare ceiling for the Bioenergy Scheme (2009). Approvals will be issued shortly.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Michael Lowry

Question:

951 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when farm retirement payments will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11101/09]

No formal application for the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming was received from the person named. In June 2008, she indicated through her legal representatives that she intended to apply for the Scheme. She did not meet certain eligibility requirements, however, and her legal representatives sought to have her exempted from these because of her particular circumstances. My Department declined this request and the person named appealed the decision to the Agricultural Appeals Office, which found in her favour.

My Department is considering the matter and the person named will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

952 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11103/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

953 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11118/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 952 and 953 together.

There are no drivers employed directly by me. Under a long-standing arrangement, all Government Ministers and certain other State officials are provided with a State car, which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí which are allocated on a full-time basis to Ministers. These Gardaí provide personal protection in addition to their driving duties. The cost of this service is funded from the Vote of An Garda Síochána and individual rates of remuneration are not readily available.

Two Civilian Drivers are assigned to each Minister of State. They work a week-on, week off pattern. Their current remuneration with effect from the 1st September 2008 is €667.43 per week.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

954 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a forestry grant will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11150/09]

It is intended that the annual forestry premium payment will issue to this applicant during the first week of April 2009.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

955 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment under the animal welfare scheme will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11151/09]

The person named applied on 6 cows under the Scheme. Payment of €400 in respect of 5 calves has issued to date. The remaining calf will not qualify for payment as its birth was registered outside the statutory requirement of 27 days from the date of birth. Correspondence in relation to this matter has issued to the person named.

Farm Waste Management.

John O'Mahony

Question:

956 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Mayo who have been approved and have received their payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11159/09]

1,247 farmers in County Mayo received payment under the Farm Waste Management Scheme between 1 January 2006 – 31 December 2008 (including payments under the Scheme which preceded the Nitrates version of the Scheme introduced in March 2006).

John O'Mahony

Question:

957 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers in County Mayo who are awaiting approval for payment under the farm waste management scheme; when they will receive their payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11160/09]

1,004 applications from County Mayo remained to be processed to full payment stage under the Farm Waste Management Scheme at the beginning of 2009. Grants in respect of these applications will be made on a phased basis with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. A special ex gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will also be made to these farmers. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Grant Payments.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

958 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of their REP scheme four grant; the amount they will receive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11177/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

959 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment of their REP scheme four grant; the amount they will receive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11178/09]

The first phase of the REPS 4 payment will issue to the person named in the next 10 days.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

960 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their single farm payment; the amount of that payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11238/09]

Under the provisions of the relevant EU regulations governing the Single Payment Scheme, in order to draw down his or her full Single Payment, an applicant must declare an eligible hectare to accompany each entitlement. Furthermore, where entitlements were not claimed for a three-year period they revert to the National Reserve.

The person named had initially established 41.82 entitlements, but subsequently transferred 31.62 of those entitlements, retaining the balance of 10.20 entitlements to be utilized.

While applications under the 2005 Single Payment Scheme and 2006 Single Payment Scheme were received from the person named, no land was declared. No application under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme was received.

By letter dated 28 May 2008 the person named was informed that as he had not used his entitlements in 2005,2006 or 2007 they would be reverted to the National Reserve. While the person named was given an opportunity to submit observations prior to reversion of the entitlements, no response was received from him. Accordingly, the 10.20 entitlements were surrendered to the National Reserve on 27 June 2008 in accordance with the provisions of the governing EU regulations.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

961 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their REP scheme three payment; the amount of that payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11239/09]

The file of the person named is currently being examined in respect of eligibility criteria. It is expected that this examination will be completed within the next ten days and the amount of the payment, if the application is found to meet the eligibility criteria, will depend on the precise details of the outcome.

Farm Waste Management.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

962 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress to date in meeting in full the payments to farmers arising from measures adopted to alleviate farm waste pollution; if he intends or expects to bring about improvements in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11291/09]

2057The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Animal Feedstuffs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

963 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that all the laboratory testing requirements and facilities previously identified in the food and animal feed industries are in place; if this prevents the necessity to send samples overseas for assessment; if the full scale of testing facilities anticipated at the State laboratories are fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11292/09]

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food laboratories carry out a broad and in-depth range of laboratory tests to support DAFF's requirements in the areas of animal health, plant health and food and feed safety. While DAFF laboratories have the capacity to carry out most of the tests to meet these requirements, for cost efficient reasons, some tests are outsourced.

In relation to food safety the control of food and feed within the EU is managed in accordance with Regulation 882 of 2004. This Regulation requires that an integrated Irish multi-annual control plan be in place to ensure that these controls are carried out in the most efficient manner possible. A copy of the Multi Annual National Control Plan (MANCP) submitted to the EU Commission in 2007, for the period 2007-2011 is available at:

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/index.jsp?file=areasofi/food_safety/nationalcontrolplan.xml

This approach, towards the preparation and delivery of food and feed controls in Ireland, requires a high level of collaboration between DAFF and the FSAI to produce and deliver the requirements of this plan. The State Laboratories at Backweston (in the Department of Finance) are part of the Irish Laboratory infrastructure that is used to deliver this plan. Due to the complexity and wide range of controls required by this plan it is not yet possible to provide all the required analytical services within the State. It is, therefore, still necessary to have some samples analysed in external laboratories.

The analytical capacity of the DAFF Laboratories are under continuing review to ensure that the most appropriate laboratory capacity is in place to support the implementation of food and feed controls.

Testing for dioxins in feed has commenced at the Department of Finance's State laboratory.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

964 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he has taken at EU level to ensure that steps taken in the course of the CAP health test to address the issues arising from CAP reform from an Irish perspective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11293/09]

The deal I secured in the Health Check of the CAP negotiations last November is worth a potential €80 million in additional payments to farmers over the coming years. In addition, the increase in milk quota will deliver some €100 million worth of additional milk production by 2014. This is enormously positive for the sector and, while there are also elements in the package that I do not like, such as increased modulation, I am satisfied that this will not lead to any loss to Irish farmers.

The main aspects of the deal that are of interest to Ireland are as follows: Milk quotas will be increased by 1% per annum for each of the next five years (2009-2013). In addition an adjustment in the butterfat reference will mean the equivalent of an extra 2% in milk quota for Ireland in 2009. Two reviews of the market situation are planned, by December 2010 and by December 2012.

Due to our additional production potential, Ireland will benefit greatly from these changes. Including the 2% quota increase already in place for 2008, this means that an additional 500 million litres of milk will be produced in Ireland when these changes come into effect. This was an outstanding achievement given the alignment of forces on the Council. I am particularly pleased that our farmers and processors now have policy clarity and can plan their investments with a greater degree of certainty about the future.

As regards market support schemes, in essence, the key market management mechanisms that are most important to Ireland have been left completely unchanged.

I also was successful in obtaining the option of using funds from the National Reserve together with unused monies from the Single Payment funds allocated annually to Ireland to target at specific vulnerable sectors. There is approximately €7 million available in the National Reserve and I secured agreement to use these funds with effect from 2009. Under the final agreement, we will also have access to additional funds of the order of €25 million annually from unspent funds from 2010.

The funds can be used to address specific economic disadvantages affecting farmers in the dairy, beef and veal, sheep and goat and rice sectors. I persuaded the Commission to expand the scope of these measures to include economically vulnerable sectors irrespective of their geographical location. Yesterday I announced details of my decision to allocate the €7million becoming available this year to the sheep sector, specifically in the form of an Uplands sheep payment to be paid this year to eligible farmers. Once the Commission detailed rules become available on the requirements for 2010 onwards I will be making further announcements as regards the unused CAP funds.

Simplification is another area where I am pleased with the progress achieved and the commitment secured from the Commission and the Council as regards further simplification. The details of the simplification measures resulting from the Health Check have been well documented and I will continue to press for even further reduction of the administrative burden for farmers and administrations alike.

As to modulation, the rate has been increased by 5%. I would have preferred if no additional modulation was agreed. However, this was one element of the negotiations on which Commissioner Fischer Boel was particularly determined. I am satisfied that we succeeded in getting the rate of additional modulation considerably reduced from the original proposals. It is worth noting that over 50,000 Irish farmers will be exempt from this increase. I can confirm that there will be a budget neutral effect in respect of the 70,000 farmers affected by the change as I have ensured that all the funds raised can be passed straight back to Irish farmers.

Agriculture Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

965 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries within the EU with which he has established common cause in the matter of ensuring the viability of the agriculture sector throughout Ireland and Europe with particular reference to the need to ensure adequacy and security of supply throughout the European Union and limiting the extent of carbon causing imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11294/09]

At the Councilof Agriculture Ministers meeting in Brussels on 29 September 2008, the issue of Climate Change was included in the agenda at my request. I voiced my concerns about the challenge posed by the EU's Climate Change proposals for agriculture and the food sector in Ireland and throughout the E U. I reminded my colleagues of the vital role of EU agriculture in underpinning food security both within the Union and globally. Within the Council it was clear that Agriculture Ministers recognised the importance of ensuring that the EU's policy objectives for the agriculture and food sectors were upheld in the context of Climate Change negotiations.

As I indicated at the Council of Ministers meeting, I am firmly of the view that reducing Ireland's agricultural production in order to meet greenhouse gas targets will not reduce global emissions. Ireland's pasture based agricultural production systems are very efficient in terms of the ratio of greenhouse gas per unit of food produced. Any fall in Irish beef and dairy output would probably be replaced, on the European and global markets, by food from countries where production systems are far less sustainable and where the carbon footprint of that food is significantly higher than that of food produced in Ireland.

World demand for food is growing with the possibility of a doubling of meat and dairy consumption, globally, by 2050. I am committed to ensuring that our agriculture and food sectors are in a position to respond to these opportunities, both in the interest of global food security and any market opportunities that may arise. I am conscious of the importance of underpinning food security and ensuring our agricultural sector is sustainable and resilient against the background of emerging global challenges such as Climate Change.

My Department continues to explore various emission mitigation opportunities in the agriculture and food sectors and has committed significant funding to research greenhouse gas emission abatement opportunities.

Pigmeat Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

966 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied regarding the future of the pig meat industry; if the lessons learned in the past year have been put to good effect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11295/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

967 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future development and expansion of the pig meat industry at home and abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11296/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 966 and 967 together.

Teagasc has prepared a development strategy for the Irish pig industry, which identifies the issues facing the sector and makes certain recommendations. The ‘Pig Industry Strategy Steering Group', which includes representation from my Department and all sectors of the industry, has been established for the purpose of furthering those recommendations. This group will identify, prioritise and promote actions needed to ensure a viable sustainable future for the pig sector.

Following on from the dioxin incident, it remains important to re-assure markets as to the safety and quality of Irish pigmeat. Bord Bia has put in place a number of relevant marketing and promotion initiatives. On the Irish market, a series of promotional campaigns have commenced and focus on building awareness and loyalty to the Bord Bia Quality Mark. These will underline the quality of Irish pigmeat and will communicate its origin. A customer reassurance programme will continue in export markets. This will entail Continued direct Bord Bia contact with customers, placing key information about the Irish pigmeat industry in context and demonstrating the integrity of Irish health controls.

A trade communications programme designed to position the capability of the Irish pigmeat sector and the safety and quality measures in place to influence key decision makers in the retail, food service and manufacturing sectors and A programme to maximise international market access for Irish pigmeat products has been established. This will involve communications activities designed to build confidence among national authorities and opinion formers in markets based around Ireland's health controls.

In the context of the dioxin incident, I have set up a Group under the Chairmanship of Professor Patrick Wall to examine all aspects of the issue.

Beef Exports.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

968 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future development and expansion of the beef industry; the degree to which it is expected exports are likely to compete on European or world markets; the extent of new markets established or existing markets lost in the past 12 months; the degree to which it is expected to address issues arising; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11297/09]

My plans for the development of the beef sector can be summarised as follows: advanced processing methods and product development; sophisticated and targeted marketing; efficient farm production with quality assurance; and better scientifically based animal breeding.

Ireland produces over 0.5 million tonnes of beef annually, over 90% of which is exported. More than 50% of these exports go to the UK with a further 45% going to high-value Continental EU markets. This outcome has been achieved by the delivery of a high quality, competitively priced product together with effective marketing and promotion by both Bord Bia and the industry. The value of Irish beef exports in 2008 was almost €1.69 billion, an increase of over 7% on the previous year.

The immediate prospects for Irish beef exports remain positive. A continuing supply deficit in the EU market is predicted, as production will only account for 90% to 95% of consumption. This shortfall offers Irish beef producers an opportunity to further consolidate their position in this market. Potential importers such as Brazil and Argentina are limited in what they can do because of either health or export restrictions. However, the impact of exchange rate developments will be important, particularly in relation to the UK and, given the economic recession, a continuing switch to lower value cuts in key markets.

One consequence of the shift towards the internal EU market over recent years has been a decline in amounts available for export to international markets. Nevertheless, third country markets continue to provide an important alternative outlet for Irish beef and I will continue my efforts to ensure that as many of these markets as possible are open to our exports. The re-opening of markets in Saudi Arabia and South Africa in 2007 and, more recently, in the Philippines and Israel demonstrates that our BSE controls are working effectively. Work on opening other markets is continuing and a Market Access Group supports our efforts in this regard.

Notwithstanding these favourable factors, we cannot afford to be complacent. The development of non-price strategies is fundamental to meeting evolving market challenges. Consequently, and in line with the Agri-Vision 2015 Action Plan, a number of policy initiatives have been developed and enhanced.

Amongst these are the Animal Welfare Scheme for Suckler Herds and the Beef Quality Assurance Scheme. The Animal Welfare Scheme collects genetic data from suckler farms around Ireland for analysis by ICBF. This will expedite the genetic improvement of, and add significant value to, the national beef herd by allowing farmers to select the most profitable breeding animals for their farms.

The Beef Quality Assurance Scheme, which is administered by Bord Bia, plays a vital role in reassuring consumers that they are purchasing a safe, quality product, fully traceable across the production system from ‘farm to fork'.

Funding is also continuing for the beef breed improvement programmes being progressed by ICBF with major advances expected through the use of sophisticated science and technology in this field.

With a view to developing markets, Bord Bia is implementing a marketing strategy for Irish beef for the period 2008 to 2013 based on the overriding principles of differentiating and re-positioning Irish beef. This strategy is focused on the key characteristics of Irish beef — traditional grass based production, full traceability and quality assurance — and the targeting of high-value niche markets.

Finally, I should mention the continuing work of the Beef Forum. This was established to identify the opportunities and challenges facing the beef sector, thus allowing a framework for future development to be set out.

I believe that all these measures, combined with our high level of food safety standards, will best position the Irish beef sector to maintain and improve its competitiveness in EU and international markets.

Sheep Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

969 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future growth and development of the lamb industry with particular reference to home and export markets; if he has satisfied himself that the product is sufficiently competitive at home and abroad; if issues have arisen in the area of markets sought, lost or gained in the past two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11298/09]

I believe that the report of the Sheep Industry Strategy Development Group provides a proper framework for the future development of the sheep sector. While most of the group's recommendations are to be implemented by the industry itself, a number of them fall within the remit of my Department and the state agencies under my aegis. The current position regarding the implementation of these recommendations is as follows:

A new company called ‘Sheep Ireland' which will take over the Department's current breed improvement programme has been established to develop a new programme. An interim Sheep Board, comprising representatives of farming organisations and breeders has been established to oversee this process, with the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation (ICBF) providing the technical and professional service required.

My Department secured European Commission approval for a new supplementary measure in REPS 4 promoting mixed grazing of cattle and sheep. Under this supplementary measure a farmer can qualify for an annual payment of up to €1000 in addition to his or her basis REPS payment.

A trial to examine the feasibility of mechanical carcase classification for lamb was conducted last year. The results of this trial are being analysed. It is hoped that the system will allow for the accurate and objective mechanical classification of lamb carcases and will gain universal industry support. This would aid greatly in price transparency, which is a prerequisite for efforts to improve quality and respond to the needs of the market.

The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established in 2007. This Scheme which is operated by Bord Bia, now has 7000 participants and it is hoped to increase the participation rate during the current year.

The number of new potential markets for Irish lamb is limited due to the relatively high cost of the meat and to cultural factors, as lamb is not widely eaten in many countries of Eastern Europe. As a result, Bord Bia has intensified its efforts to promote lamb on home and export markets. Together with its UK and French counterparts it is part of a generic promotion campaign on the important French market.

Teagasc have developed a comprehensive plan to restructure their sheep support services, including a programme for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which include hill and lowland areas. This approach will provide an opportunity to develop a dialogue with sheep farmers about the application of the latest management practices to their enterprises and to identify research and development needs.

The actions being taken by my Department and the state agencies under its aegis complement those being taken by the Industry. I am satisfied that taken together, all of these actions will be of significant benefit to the sector.

Approximately 70% of Irish sheepmeat production is exported, mainly to the high-value EU market. Traditionally, France has been the major export market for Irish lamb and in 2008 it accounted for more than 50% of Irish sheepmeat exports. The French market, however, has been in decline due to a fall in consumption there. Irish sheepmeat is facing strong competition in France from the UK due to a weakened sterling and from New Zealand, which continues to build up its presence of chilled lamb on the EU market. While Irish exports to France have declined, the impact has been lessened by increased exports to other markets. Exports to Sweden and Denmark have increased significantly in recent years. The issues facing the sheep sector are not unique to Ireland and I have ensured that they have been kept to the forefront at EU meetings.

Following on from the recent CAP Health Check, I received a number of submissions regarding possible future support for this sector. One of my primary objectives in the Health Check Negotiations was to obtain access to unspent funds within the EU's agriculture budget for use by Member States with a wide range of discretion. This was achieved in the final deal and, as a result, Ireland will receive additional funds amounting to approximately €7 million in 2009 (from the National Reserve) and €29 million in subsequent years, to fund measures that are targeted at specific sectors in need of assistance.

I announced yesterday my decision to use the €7 million available this year on a new Uplands Sheep Payment. In reaching my decision, I recognised the difficulties and costs, including compliance costs, facing this sector. I also wanted to ensure that this aid would not create any additional administrative burden for hill sheep farmers. Subject to Commission approval, payments will commence on 1 December 2009, the first date that payments can commence under the EU Regulations. Based on the estimated National Reserve funds for 2009 and the eligible area declared by farmers in 2008, approximately 14,000 hill sheep farmers will benefit from this payment. The aid will be payable on mountain type grazing land up to a maximum of 15 hectares and based on the data available for 2008, it is estimated that the level of aid will be €35 per hectare and a maximum payment per farmer of €525. This measure is solely for 2009. A decision on the use of the unspent CAP funds and modulation monies from 2010 onwards, will be made when further information is available on the detailed rules that will apply to these measures. The EU Commission will shortly table its proposals for the detailed rules for the use of the unused funds and it is expected that they will be finalised in May/June of this year. It is important that these funds will be used efficiently for the development of Irish agriculture.

Food Labelling.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

970 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that food labelling here and throughout the European Union adequately and accurately reflects the quality, origin, hygiene and process procedures in accordance with EU legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11299/09]

The Minister for Health and 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. In this context the Commission has prepared draft revised labelling regulations and these are being discussed at Council Working Party level in Brussels. These draft regulations will be submitted to the EU Council of Health Ministers during 2009. The aim of the draft Regulations is to modernise and improve EU food labelling rules, so that consumers have, in a legible and understandable manner, the essential information they need to make informed purchasing choices.

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. The Commission's main contention is that only harmonised rules with EU-wide applicability may be applied to food labelling other than in exceptional circumstances. 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. However the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health formally adopted the negative opinion in December 2008.

We will continue to pursue the issue of origin labelling at EU level in the context of the current review. It should be noted that products carrying the Bord Bia quality assurance label provide consumers with assurance on product origin.

The Commission adopted a Green paper on Agricultural Product Quality in October last as part of a drive to protect EU quality agricultural products against ‘low cost products from overseas'. One of the questions posed was whether a logo identifying European Union versus non European Union origin in terms of quality and environmental standards particular to the EU would be a useful mechanism. A High Level Conference organised by Czech Presidency to supplement the Green Paper consultation held earlier this month, concluded that further consideration was needed on the possibility of EU/Non EU labelling. The Commission will now proceed to draft a policy options paper (a "Communication") in May 2009 based on the outcome of the conference and the 500+ submissions received on the green paper.

Poultry Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

971 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all poultry imports here are compliant with national and EU legislation in terms of husbandry, production, hygiene and traceability requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11300/09]

Detailed EU legislation lays down the conditions that Member States must apply to the production of and trade in products of animal origin, including poultry meat and poultry meat products, as well as to imports of these products from third countries.

Under harmonised legislation a series of health and supervisory requirements are applied in the Member States to ensure that animal products are produced to standards that guarantee the safety of food and the protection of human and animal health. The application of these standards in the Member States is monitored by the FVO (Food & Veterinary Office) of the EU.

It is a requirement that animal products imported from 3rd countries meet standards at least equivalent to those required for production in, and trade between Member States. All such imports must come from 3rd countries or areas of third countries approved for export to the EU.

The FVO carries out inspections to ensure that only establishments that meet hygiene and health standards equivalent to those operating within the EU are approved. Where the FVO considers that public health requirements are not being met, an establishment may be removed from the EU approved list. If outbreaks of animal diseases occur in a third country approval to export to the EU is suspended for the infected regions of the country, or the whole country, as appropriate, until the disease risk has been eliminated.

Import controls form a part of the EU's integrated policy of guaranteeing that the food produced and placed on to the market is safe and that animal and public health is not put at risk. They are a part of the EU's hygiene package, the implementation and monitoring of which is carried out by my Department under a Service Contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland. Only imports found to be in compliance with EU and national legislation are permitted.

Food Labelling.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

972 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all meat and meat products imported and on sale here at all outlets are compliant with national and EU traceability standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11301/09]

In general, responsibility for control and enforcement at retail level of labelling of meat and meat products rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).

My Department is responsible for the operation of EU controls on imports of products of animal origin under the service contract with the FSAI and in compliance with Community rules for the hygiene of food and feed. These rules stipulate that food products of animal origin imported from an EU source must be from approved food business establishments and be accompanied to destination by a commercial document or a health certificate signed by an official veterinarian of the competent authority of the Member State of origin.

In the case of importation from third countries products of animal origin for human consumption must have originated in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment be appropriately labelled and transported and be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate in accordance with the models laid down by Community legislation. The Food and Veterinary Office of the EU (FVO) monitors and audits animal and public health controls applied in approved third countries.

Consignments from third countries must be landed at an EU approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) approved by FVO for veterinary checks. My Department undertakes its import control in co-operation with Customs services.

The scope of products of animal origin coming under these requirements are set out under Commission Decision No. 2007/275/EC11 Official Journal of the European Communities No. L116 of 4.5.2007 which also provides for an exemption from border inspection in the case of certain composite and specified food products comprising processed low risk animal products and plant products. Such food products must nevertheless comply with public health requirements for placing on the market. Consignments of animal products must remain under Customs control until the BIP has authorised entry into the EU.

Any imports failing to comply with these veterinary control checks may be detained for further examination. Where non-compliance is established they are returned to the exporting country or destroyed.

Where there are risks to animal and public health, and in cases of animal disease outbreaks, the Community introduces safeguard measures banning or restricting imports until the risks have been removed.

The FVO monitors and inspects each Member State controls on Food Safety including the operation of BIPs to ensure the conditions for import and placing of animal products on to the market, as provided under the harmonized legislation, are being correctly applied.

Animal Feedstuffs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

973 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he has taken at national or EU level to ensure the availability of adequate home-grown animal feed supplies here and throughout Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11302/09]

The average annual yield of the cereals in Ireland is of the order of 2m tonnes, over eighty percent of which is used for animal feed.

Ireland has, on average, an annual shortfall of about 550k tonnes of cereals per annum for use as animal feed. This shortfall is met by imports, mainly from continental Europe.

In 2007, due to adverse weather conditions, there was a significant decline in cereal output in Ireland and across the EU generally. Following requests by a number of Member States, including Ireland, the EU Commission put in place measures to address this problem by temporarily suspending import duties for certain cereal crops and relaxing setaside rules.

Cereal output increased significantly in Ireland in 2008 to an estimated 2.4 million tonnes, a 21% increase on the 2007 harvest and the second highest on record.

The EU is normally self sufficient in cereals and traditionally has been a net exporter of grain. However, due to the bad Community harvest in 2007, the EU became a net importer to the value of 8.4 million tonnes during the 2007/2008 marketing year. To date, in the 2008/2009 marketing year, the EU has returned to being a net exporter, to the value of 13.7 million tonnes of grain.

Grant Payments.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

974 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their REP scheme four payments; the amount of payments due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11649/09]

The first phase of the REPS 4 payment issued to the person named on 20 February.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

975 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cavan will be advised what is wrong with their REP scheme four application in order that they can have the problem, rectified and receive payment for same; his views on whether this is an important part of farm income and that payment is already overdue since September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11662/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

976 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting to his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11672/09]

The provision of such allowances is a day-to-day operational matter for each State Body under the aegis of my Department and as such, I have no function in the matter.

Grant Payments.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

977 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme four payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [11689/09]

The first phase of the REPS 4 payment will issue to the person named in the next ten days.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

978 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made on the appeal of a hardship grant application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal. [11690/09]

An appeal by the person concerned for non payment of grants under the Hardship Grant Scheme is currently being processed by the District Veterinary Office. It is expected that a decision will be taken on this matter in the near future and a letter detailing the decision will be sent directly to the person concerned.

Aquaculture Licences.

Pat Breen

Question:

979 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1307 of 27 January 2009, the status of the licence application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11706/09]

The area for which the licences are sought is a designated Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive (Natura 2000 site).

In the course of assessing the applications a number of complexities have arisen due to the Natura 2000 status of the area. As a result further consultation is necessary with the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The applications have been referred to that Department for further consideration having regard to the ongoing discussions between the two Departments on the issue of aquaculture activities in Natura 2000 sites generally.

The Deputy can be assured that my Department is making every effort to reach a determination in these cases as soon as possible.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

980 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) has not received their full payment for the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11715/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

Question No. 981 answered with Question No. 949.

Michael Ring

Question:

982 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of people who have been granted REP scheme four payments since they were first issued in January 2009 to date in 2009 on a county basis in tabular form. [11730/09]

The information requested is set out in the table.

County

Number paid to 24 March 2009

Carlow

54

Cavan

187

Clare

483

Cork

687

Donegal

725

Dublin

7

Galway

648

Kerry

237

Kildare

72

Kilkenny

137

Laois

210

Leitrim

54

Limerick

322

Longford

161

Louth

52

Mayo

345

Meath

106

Monaghan

207

Offaly

113

Roscommon

358

Sligo

204

Tipperary

391

Waterford

94

Westmeath

167

Wexford

145

Wicklow

28

6,194

Paul Kehoe

Question:

983 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive payment for REP scheme four; the reason for the delay in this payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11759/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

984 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the 2008 single farm payment will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11770/09]

The person named submitted an application under the 2008 Single Payment Scheme on 21st April 2008.

The application as been fully processed and payment due under the scheme issued on 19th March 2009.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

985 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a hardship grant has not been awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11771/09]

The Hardship Grant Scheme, which runs from 1 November to 30 April, is designed to alleviate the additional feed costs incurred by some owner/keepers whose holdings are restricted during this period on foot of a full herd re-test. The terms and conditions of the scheme provide that the onus is on potentially eligible owner/keepers to apply for the grant and that payment is determined from the date of receipt of the completed application form ER97 in the District Veterinary Office. Application forms are automatically generated by the AHCS computer system in respect of all herds restricted during the eligibility period and issue to all potentially eligible herdowners.

In this case, the forms in question were issued by the District Veterinary Office to the person concerned on 23 October 2008. The herdowner contacted the DVO regarding payment but was advised that there is no record of receipt of an application in this case and the person concerned could not provide proof of postage. The herdowner subsequently submitted an application under the scheme on 10 March 2009. Payment under this scheme is made monthly in arrears and, if the herdowner fulfils all of the conditions of the scheme, payment will be made in April 2009.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

986 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position with a REP scheme application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11776/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan in this case and it is currently under further examination.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

987 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the farm waste management grant has not awarded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11777/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

988 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11778/09]

A letter requesting an amended plan was issued to the person named on 11 March. No payments can be processed until this plan is received.

Tom Hayes

Question:

989 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be granted their REP scheme payments. [11779/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

Michael Ring

Question:

990 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be compensated. [11781/09]

Under the TB and Brucellosis Eradication Scheme, animals removed as reactors may be eligible for compensation, subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the individual schemes.

In this instance the herdowner was restricted on the 10 November 2008, as a result of a positive factory lesion on an animal which the herdowner had sent for slaughter. However, since the animal was not removed by the Department as a reactor, the herdowner received the normal market value for the animal from the slaughter plant and therefore does not qualify for payment of compensation for this animal under the TB and Brucellosis On-Farm Market Valuation Scheme. The herdowner in question has received compensation under the Hardship Grant Scheme which is aimed at assisting eligible owner/keepers(s) whose herds continue to be restricted following a full herd reactor re-test, during the period 1 November to 30 April.

Michael Ring

Question:

991 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their REP scheme four payment. [11784/09]

The first phase of the REPS 4 payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

Billy Timmins

Question:

992 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a single farm payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11788/09]

An application was received on 8 April 2008 requesting the transfer of 178.91 Single Payment entitlements to the person named from his father by way of gift.

As the entitlements held by the father of the person named included a set of 53.01 entitlements that had been leased from a third party, it was necessary to arrange for this pre-existing lease to be ended and for a new lease to be prepared between the third party and the person named.

Once these arrangements were in place, an application to transfer 53.01 entitlements from the third party to the person named was submitted and both transfer applications were processed on 9 March 2009. Payment for both sets of entitlements has issued to the person named.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

993 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be paid his REP scheme four payment; the amount of the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11794/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications to be completed before the first payments issue. The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared.

Queries have arisen during the administrative checks on the plan of the person named and it is currently under further examination.

Michael Ring

Question:

994 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted a REP scheme three payment. [11800/09]

The person named received his first-year REPS 3 payment in November 2006. An issue has since arisen regarding the eligibility for payment of certain lands, and officials of my Department have discussed the position with him and his planner. It will be necessary for the issue to be resolved before any further payment can be made.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

995 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers who applied for REP scheme four in 2008 that have been paid; when other farmers will be advised as to the problems with their applications; if he is satisfied that sufficient staff are available to deal with the backlog; his views on whether all payments should be paid on time to relieve the difficult farm income situation especially in view of lower milk prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11808/09]

The total number of applications for REPS 4 received in 2007 and 2008 was 12,292. As of today, REPS 4 payments have been made to 6,194 applicants or just over 50% of the total. These payments amount to some €20.5 million.

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007–13 and is subject to different EU Regulations from the preceding versions of REPS. Under REPS 4, all payments are to be made in just two instalments each year. The first payment, of 75%, could be made only when all administrative checks on all 2008 applications for REPS 4 and the Single Payment Scheme were completed. These included checks on areas and on the plan details. My Department's controls have to satisfy stringent EU regulatory and audit requirements.

The first payments for 2008 REPS 4 applications issued in the last week of January, 2009 to those whose applications required no correction following the administrative checks. Further payments continue to be made as applications are cleared. As processing of the remaining applications is continuing, it is not possible at this stage to say how many applications will be found to be ineligible or how many can be accepted at a reduced rate of payment for the first year, subject to later adjustment. Letters have begun to issue to farmers whose applications have already been examined and found to be in one or other of those categories and these letters will continue to go out in the coming weeks. My officials are in contact with Teagasc and the Agricultural Consultants' Association, which represents private planners, about the issues that are arising.

All available staff have been assigned to the processing of REPS 4 applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

996 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made on an application in respect a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11829/09]

The person named applied on 12 animals under the Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payment in respect of one calf issued on 05/03/09. Errors were identified on the remaining calves, 6 of these have now been resolved and payment will issue shortly.

The remaining 5 animals are ineligible for payment as the calves were moved from the holding on 20/10/2008, less than two weeks after the weaning date. This is a breach of the Terms and Conditions of the Suckler Welfare Scheme as all animals must have been weaned a minimum of 2 weeks before they can be sold or moved from the herd.

Michael Lowry

Question:

997 Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a single farm payment will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11838/09]

The 13.48 Single Payment entitlements in question were rented out by the person named to another farmer for the 2007 scheme year only and reverted to the person named on the expiry of that agreement on the 29 April 2008. Consequently they were not available to the lessee for the 2008 scheme year and payment did not therefore issue to the lessee.

An application was received on the 9 January 2009 requesting the transfer of 13.48 standard entitlements from the person named to the other farmer for the scheme year 2008. The closing date for receipt of transfer of single payment entitlements for the 2008 scheme year was 15 May 2008. A review of documentation received in my Department did not uncover any previous transfer application from the person named for the 2008 scheme year.

Following further explanations received from the parties concerned and from their Teagasc advisor, the application to transfer the entitlements for the 2008 scheme year has been accepted and the requested transfer has been processed. Payment will issue to the lessee in the near future.

James Bannon

Question:

998 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Longford will receive their slatted shed grant under the farm improvement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12020/09]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Farm Improvement Scheme. My Department is currently processing his application and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

999 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway has not been deemed eligible with regard to two calves and a cow under the cow welfare scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that details of each case have been submitted to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12035/09]

The person named has 15 cows for consideration under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. On 8 December 2008, four cows were paid grants totalling €328.00. Another cow was slaughtered on veterinary advice and payment will issue shortly in respect of this animal. There are errors on two other animals, and these have been queried with the applicant by an official from my Department in Portlaoise, with a view to resolving the matter. The remaining eight animals have not yet been weaned.

Forestry Sector.

Michael Creed

Question:

1000 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the forestry reconstitution grant; the consequences for individual forestry owners of failure to replant forestry land which has been destroyed due to fire; if he will correspond with all private forestry owners regarding the status of this grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12039/09]

From 1st June 2009 the Reconstitution Scheme will only be available for forestry plantations that suffer significant damage due to frost, drought, deer, grey squirrel, vole, disease or insect damage. The Reconstitution Scheme will not cover any fire or wind damage occurring after this date. All forestry owners will be notified of the change within the next number of weeks and will also be put on notice that failure to reconstitute a damaged plantation will be considered a breach of contract with my Department and repayment of all grants and premiums will be required.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Michael Creed

Question:

1001 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way he proposes to spend unspent CAP funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12040/09]

I announced yesterday that unused funds available in 2009 from the Single Farm Payment National Reserve would be paid to hill sheep farmers in the form of an Uplands Sheep Payment. The amount in question is approximately €7million in 2009. These funds have become available as a result of a request by myself, supported by a number of my counterparts from other Member States, in the context of the Health Check negotiations, for the facility to use unspent funds from the national Single Farm Payment ceilings to fund measures targeted at specific sectors in need of assistance.

Under the Scheme I announced yesterday and based on the eligible area declared by farmers in 2008, approximately 14,000 hill sheep farmers will benefit from the new payment this year. On the basis of data available for 2008, I estimate that the level of aid will be of the order of €35 per hectare with a maximum payment of €525 per farmer. Payments will commence on 1 December 2009.

In introducing this payment my main objective was to address the difficulties and specific costs, including compliance costs, facing the sheep sector. In reaching my decision I was mindful of the need to ensure that it created no additional burden for farmers and was simple and low cost to administer.

This payment, for which I sought and secured the agreement of the Commission, is for 2009 alone. I will make a decision on the use of unspent CAP funds from 2010 onwards when further information is available on the detailed EU rules that will apply. I understand that the Commission will bring forward its proposals in this regard very shortly and they will be adopted in May/June of this year.

Grant Payments.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

1002 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) will receive their insulation aid scheme grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12049/09]

There is no record of an application received in my Department under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme from the person concerned.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

1003 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person can transfer entitlements on the release of land when they are going to apply for the REP scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12050/09]

Single Payment entitlements are not attached to land and do not transfer automatically with land. Entitlements are the property of the farmer who established them during the reference period of 2000-2002 or, if transferred by way of permanent transfer since then, the property of the person to whom they were transferred.

Application to transfer entitlements must be completed where sale, gift or inheritance of entitlements is involved, or where the registration details of the holding are changed as a result of Partnership, Division of a Holding, Change of Legal Entity or the Addition or Removal of a person on a herd-number.

Farmers who wish to transfer entitlements for 2009 must submit a Transfer of Entitlement (SPS/TE 2009) to the Department prior to the closing date for receipt of such applications on the 15 May 2009. Entitlements may be transferred with or without land; however, entitlements transferred by lease or rental agreement must be accompanied by an equal or greater number of net hectares of land. The details of such land parcels must be declared on the Transfer of Entitlements Application Form.

Animal Welfare.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

1004 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in the context of his responsibility for animal welfare and the legal protection of animals from cruelty, he will introduce legislation banning all blood sports including hare coursing and fox hunting. [12068/09]

The new Animal Health and Welfare Bill, which is currently being drafted, gives effect to a number of animal health and welfare commitments contained in the Programme for Government. These commitments include the updating of existing legislation to ensure that animal welfare is properly protected and that penalties for offenders are increased significantly.

My officials have met with a wide range of organisations that made submissions on the draft summary of the Bill following the public consultation process initiated by me last year. The views expressed are being considered in the context of the drafting of the Bill.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

1005 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if payment to farmers is being paid in staged payments (details suppled). [12074/09]

REPS 3 payments continue to be made in one payment as heretofore. The EU Regulations governing REPS 4 require that 75% of the payment can issue after all administrative checks have been completed and the balancing 25% can issue only after all on the spot checks have been carried out.

Michael Ring

Question:

1006 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded payment under the suckler cow welfare scheme. [12075/09]

Payment in respect of 7 animals should issue to this applicant in the near future. A number of issues have arisen in relation to the other 5 animals applied for and officials from my Department will contact the person named in this regard.

Michael Ring

Question:

1007 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted REP scheme three. [12076/09]

Payment will issue to the person named within the next ten days.

Michael Ring

Question:

1008 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded under a scheme. [12091/09]

There is no record in my Department of the receipt of an application under the Suckler Welfare Scheme from the person named.

Dairy Sector.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

1009 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the meetings he has had with the European Agriculture Commission or the Commission officials regarding the crisis for dairy farmers; if such meetings have been held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12279/09]

We are facing an unprecedented situation in the dairy sector at present and the outlook for dairy markets in the short term is poor. Following historically high prices in 2007 and early 2008 a market correction is now taking place and there is a further complication of the credit crunch. These two factors have put an enormous burden on the sector and resulted in a slump in demand. In Ireland we are entering a period of peak dairy supplies and the levels at which export refunds and intervention function will be critical to the speed at which we emerge from the current difficulties. I have been urging a short sharp utilisation of the market management measures to get the market back to equilibrium as quickly as possible.

I have maintained close contact with Commissioner Fischer Boel regarding the need for appropriate action to support the market. The Commission responded initially with the early introduction of Private Storage Aid for butter and with the reintroduction of export refunds in January. In addition the Commissioner gave a commitment to continue intervention for butter and skimmed milk powder under the tendering arrangements once the fixed limits were reached. These were welcome developments and well judged at the time.

I met the Commissioner in Brussels on the 11th of March to discuss developments and explore the options open to us. In particular I had two main issues to press her on. The first was the need to buy butter into intervention at prices close to the fixed price level. The second was to stress the need to export larger quantities of butter and skimmed milk powder to international markets. I am pleased to report very positive progress on both these key points. At last week's management committee meeting it was agreed to purchase a total of 6,665 tonnes of butter into intervention at levels very close to the intervention price. This is a very important development. In addition to this, increased quantities of butter and skimmed milk powder were granted export refunds at the same meeting. In fact, the volumes supported with export refunds last week were almost equivalent to the combined totals of the three previous tenders. This is a very welcome improvement and should help bring stability to the market.

I am encouraged by this progress in the use of EU support measures and I believe we have made some positive steps towards stabilising the market. However, there is still room for improvement and the Commission's role in managing the market is crucial. I will continue to monitor developments and intervene with the Commissioner when necessary.

Pension Provisions.

Pat Breen

Question:

1010 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if the pension levy will apply to a group of workers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10894/09]

Michael Noonan

Question:

1012 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if the pension levy applies to persons employed at the Limerick Institute of Technology under fixed term contacts where the State does not contribute to their pensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11136/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1010 and 1012 together.

Under section 2 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 a person is liable to pay the pensions-related deduction if he or she is a public servant on or after 1 March 2009 and is a member of a public service pension scheme, is entitled to a benefit under such a scheme or receives a payment in lieu of membership of such a scheme. Therefore, the group of workers referred to by the Deputy will be subject to the pensions-related deduction if they are members of any public service pension scheme, are entitled to a benefit under such a scheme (eg if they are in receipt of a pension from another public service pension scheme) or receive a payment in lieu of membership (eg entitled to a non-pensionable gratuity).

School Transport.

Jack Wall

Question:

1011 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if a group (details supplied) can obtain assistance to provide for their members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10995/09]

Jack Wall

Question:

1029 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is funding available to assist a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10996/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 and 1029 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department operates a School Transport Scheme to provide transport to pupils attending the nearest available school which can provide an education suitable to their particular needs. The School Transport Scheme is administered by Bus Eireann on behalf of the Department. There is no Scheme currently whereby funding is given for transport for school outings.

Question No. 1012 answered with Question No. 1010.

Millennium Partnership Fund.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1013 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of and the rationale for the decision to re-orientate the Millennium Fund at third level; the plans he has to replace this fund in order that financial assistance will be available for students from disadvantaged areas on the BITE programme in DCU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11211/09]

A review of the Millennium Partnership Fund was commissioned by the Higher Education Authority in 2005. The review concluded that while the fund has served an important function in supporting students from disadvantaged areas to attend further and higher education, it has significant potential to facilitate outreach and role modelling if further developed within a holistic strategy to combat educational disadvantage. The review recommended a more targeted approach, focusing the fund on a rigorously selected sample of groups with a strategic focus and good linkages with other stakeholders at community level. It also identified the potential for the impact of the Fund to be considerably enhanced through shifting the emphasis from retention to community-based access.

My Department, the National Access Office of the HEA and Pobal have consulted with the various stakeholders, including local area partnerships, third level institutions and relevant government agencies on the transition to an effective community-based access model. These discussions are ongoing.

The Ballymun Initiative for Third-Level Education Ltd (BITE) includes a diverse range of students and prospective students typically seeking to participate in and complete a higher education qualification. The proposed re-orientation of the Millennium Partnership fund is designed to better develop and harness the capacity of local areas to implement effective strategies which encourage individuals of all ages and backgrounds to aspire to progression to higher education. It is envisaged that the re-orientation of the Millennium Partnership Fund will support the important role played by community support organisations like BITE.

Financial assistance will continue to be available for individual students from disadvantaged areas, principally through the maintenance grant schemes, including the Special Rate of Maintenance Grant but also by way of the Student Assistance Fund, the Fund for Students with Disabilities and the Back to Education Allowance.

Third Level Fees.

James Bannon

Question:

1014 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make provision for the exemption of single parents, widows and widowers from paying third level fees, as this group is being hard hit, in view of the demands on one salary in providing for a family. [10823/09]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the issue of the introduction of a form of student contribution as at present such persons, as referred to by the Deputy, would be eligible for free fees once they meet the criteria of the free fees schemes. As the Deputy is aware my Department, with the assistance of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), is at present conducting a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution. There are many complex and competing considerations including costs and affordability that will fall to be taken into account by the Government in considering the available options. It is my intention to bring proposals to Government in the near future in relation to the available options.

Higher Education Sector.

Joan Burton

Question:

1015 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the terms of reference and membership of the Review of Higher Education recently announced; the reason this review is necessary in such a short interval since the 2003-2004 review carried out by the OECD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10826/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

1016 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the 52 recommendations of the OECD Review of Higher Education; if he will list for each separately the action that was taken to implement it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10827/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1015 and 1016 together.

The report of the OECD Review of Higher Education in Ireland contained a series of recommendations related to the management and structure of the third level sector, as well as addressing wider policy and funding issues. The Government approved the broad thrust of the reform agenda outlined in the OECD report. The range of recommendations made by the OECD fall under a number of broad headings and significant progress has been made on each front as summarised below. Strategic Management of the Sector

The Institutes of Technology Act, which came into effect in February 2007, provided for the creation of a unified management structure for higher education in Ireland by bringing the Institute of Technology sector under the remit of the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The legislation also extends significant new managerial and academic autonomy to the Institutes, aimed at facilitating further development of their roles. The budgets of individual Institutes are now set by the HEA and the Department's specific approval to run individual courses or programmes is no longer required.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which was launched in 2006, supports the reform and modernisation agenda that is being pursued at both a national and a European level. The Irish higher education system aims to build world class quality and capacity and the SIF allows institutions to draw on their considerable respective strengths and form strong partnerships across sectoral and other barriers. €144 million has been awarded to date under this Fund.

As announced in the budget last October, the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council and the Further Education and Training Awards Council are to be amalgamated into a single agency. The new agency will also take responsibility for the external quality assurance function for the Universities currently performed by the Irish Universities Quality Board and the Higher Education Authority. In seeking to ensure a coherent approach to qualifications and quality assurance, there will also be discussions with the National University of Ireland (NUI) around the possibility of including some of the related functions of the NUI in the new organisation. Access and Retention

The latest National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-2013, which I launched in July of last year, sets the following targets for participation in higher education:

all socio-economic groups will have entry rates of at least 54% by 2020

mature students will comprise at least 20% of full-time entrants by 2013

the number of students with sensory, physical and multiple disabilities in higher education will be doubled by 2013

The plan also emphasises support for a range of diverse routes to higher education including access courses, the Higher Education Access Route, the supplementary admissions route for students with a disability and to support the NQAI and HETAC in the development of a national plan for the recognition of prior learning. Additionally, funding has been made available through the Strategic Innovation Fund to support these initiatives. Research

The Government is committed to developing Ireland's research and innovation capacity and the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation which was launched in 2006 provides the roadmap for action. The Government reiterated its commitment to implementing the SSTI in its Framework for Economic Renewal published in December 2008 and significant funding continues to be provided in this area.

The SSTI seeks to significantly increase the research capacity, quality and output of the Irish higher education research system by:

improving the research skills and capacity of third-level institutions;

raising the quality of teaching and learning activities in the institutions;

increasing the availability of highly skilled researchers in the labour force;

providing greater scope for collaboration between education and other sectors of the economy in respect of research.

The SSTI has set two overarching and interlinked goals for developing the research system — to build a sustainable system of world class research teams across all disciplines and to double our output of PhDs. Implementation structures have also been established for the SSTI — these comprise an Interdepartmental Committee which has responsibility for driving and monitoring the implementation of the strategy and reports to the Cabinet Sub Committee on Science Technology and Innovation. There are also two distinct but interrelated groups, the Higher Education Research Group and Technology Ireland. Both groups report back via their Chairs to the InterDepartmental Committee on the Science Technology and Innovation to ensure maximum coherence.

Investment in Higher Education

The Government is investing unprecedented levels of public funding in higher education with substantial improvements in the funding to the sector in recent years. Overall provision to the third level sector (capital, recurrent, student grants etc) amounted to some €1.5 billion in 2004, some €1.9 billion in 2007 and some €2 billion in 2008. This is an increase of over 33% since 2004.

There has been an increase of some 26% in the provision for the university and institute of technology sectors as the recurrent grant has been increased from some €1.1 billion in 2004 to some €1.39 billion in 2008. This excludes separately provided programmes of funding for capital, for research and development and from the Strategic Innovation Fund.

In 2006, the HEA commenced the phasing-in of a revised recurrent funding mechanism using a formulaic approach. This is an output-based model and contains provision for a greater proportion of funding to be allocated to institutions on the basis of performance and the achievement of national outcomes. Clarity, transparency and fairness as to how the institutions are funded are key objectives.

The phasing in of the first element of this new funding model commenced in the University Sector in 2006 (10% of funding allocated under the new model). This increased to 55% in 2007 and was implemented completely for 2008 funding.

Work has commenced on a similar funding model for the Institute of Technology sector with discussions at an advanced stage between the Higher Education Authority and the sector.

Fees

In contributing to the achievement of national policy goals for social and economic development, it can be anticipated that there will be continuing significant resource needs for the higher education sector. It is appropriate to raise questions around how future additional resource needs can be met and how our higher education institutions can be supported in their development ambitions through a widening of their non-exchequer sources of income. As the Deputy will be aware I am currently finalising a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution. It is my intention, following completion of the review currently under way, to bring proposals to Government in the near future in relation to the available options.

International Dimension

Since the OECD report in 2004, the number of international students recorded in Irish higher education institutions has risen by 45% to a figure of 27,275 in 2007. The Government is committed to the further internationalisation of the Irish higher education system and I will shortly be bringing forward proposals to introduce new regulatory and marketing co-ordination arrangements that will enhance the promotion of Irish education overseas.

National Strategy for Higher Education

Building on the reform agenda that has been under way since the publication of the OECD report 5 years ago and in recognition of the critical role that the higher education system plays in generating the skills, knowledge and innovation on which Ireland's future competitive advantage depends, it is timely to develop a new national higher education strategy which will provide a roadmap for the future development of the sector. The process to develop a new strategy was launched in early February. It will examine how well Ireland's higher education system is performing, how it ranks internationally, how well existing resources are being used and how the system can be re-configured to meet challenges. The strategy will work in tandem with existing strategies already developed by Government which affect the sector, such as the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation and the National Skills Strategy. The process is expected to be completed by the end of the year. It is being led by a high level steering group which draws on national and international expertise and includes representatives from business, community and student interests, as well as senior Government officials. Membership of the group, together with the Terms of Reference for the Strategy, are listed below

Steering Group Membership

Dr Colin Hunt, Economist,

Dr John Hegarty, Provost Trinity College Dublin

Marion Coy, President, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Professor John Casteen, President of the University of Virginia

Professor Jussi Valimaa, University of Jyvaskyla

Dick Lehane, former Senior Vice-President of Worldwide Manufacturing at the EMC Corporation

Paul Rellis, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland

Peter Cassells, Chair of the National Centre for Partnership Performance

Shane Kelly, President of USI

Michael Kelly, Chairman of Higher Education Authority

Dr Mary Canning, Former World Bank Education Specialist and authority member, HEA

Brigid McManus, Secretary General, Department of Education and Science

Martin Shanagher, Assistant Secretary, Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment

Mary Doyle, Assistant Secretary, Department of An Taoiseach

Robert Watt, Assistant Secretary, Department of Finance

Terms of Reference

1. To consider the role of Irish higher education in the context of higher education's role in modern societies and, in particular, in the modern knowledge society.

2. Describe and analyse the current environment of Irish higher education including: the current system in terms of its student numbers, funding, funding models, organisational arrangements and the roles of the different public and private entities involved in the higher education and research domain; the existing policy objectives; identification and assessment of external factors likely to influence change in the sector (e.g. demographics, student mobility) and; the international environment in which the Irish higher education system operates including the benchmarking of the system against relevant international comparators and higher education systems, processes and outcomes in other countries.

3. Having regard to the issues arising from 1 and 2 above, and from the process of consultation on those issues, to develop a vision and related set of national policy objectives for Irish higher education for the next 20 years with more focussed targets for the sector for the next five years.

4. Having regard to the outcomes of 3 above, and taking into account best international practice, identify the operational framework of the higher education system including the number and roles of institutions within it which will enable it to deliver on these policy objectives; recommend any changes required in the system of oversight and accountability that will support achievement of objectives; determine the level of resources required to achieve the stated objectives, look at the effectiveness of use of current resources, identify any potential for rationalisation or change to maximise the use of those resources and identify how any additional resource requirements can be met having particular regard to the difficult budgetary and economic climate that is in prospect in the medium term.

Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

1017 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools to be affected by the loss of 62 home-school community liaison posts from September 2009 under the home-school community liaison scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10833/09]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

1018 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10834/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1017 and 1018 together.

Following the introduction of DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), a commitment was given, as a concessionary measure, to Non-DEIS schools in receipt of resources under pre-existing schemes, including the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) service, that they would retain a level of support in line with their size and disadvantage levels for the duration of the DEIS Initiative.

Given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions is the withdrawal of the HSCL services from all Non-DEIS schools with effect from September 2009.

The main focus of Social Inclusion measures will be to retain resources in DEIS schools. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and this approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

A list of the Non-DEIS schools losing HSCL services at the current school year will be forwarded to the Deputy separately.

Disadvantaged Status.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1019 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his views in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway. [10844/09]

The post primary school to which the Deputy refers was among a number of schools that was judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion. The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs from 2005 to 2010.

A review mechanism was put in place in 2006 to address the concerns of schools that did not qualify for inclusion in DEIS but regarded themselves as having a level of disadvantage which was of a scale sufficient to warrant their inclusion in the programme. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The review was concluded and the results were notified to schools in August 2006. The post primary school in question appealed its non-inclusion in DEIS but their appeal was unsuccessful.

Following the introduction of DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), a commitment was given, as a concessionary measure, to Non-DEIS schools in receipt of resources under pre-existing schemes, including the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) service, that they would retain a level of support in line with their size and disadvantage levels for the duration of the DEIS Initiative.

Given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. One of these decisions is the withdrawal of the HSCL services from all Non-DEIS schools with effect from September 2009. The schools mentioned by the Deputy will lose its HSCL services at the end of the current school year.

The main focus of Social Inclusion measures will be to retain resources in DEIS schools. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and this approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

Schools Building Projects.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

1020 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the building project in respect of a school (details supplied) County Kildare. [10856/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early 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.

Michael Ring

Question:

1021 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved funding for a new school building; and when building will start. [10864/09]

The Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. More recently, the Department was informed by the School's Board of Management that the community has secured a three acre greenfield site and have drawn up plans for a new permanent school building.

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.

Michael Ring

Question:

1022 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved their application for funding. [10865/09]

The Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding in respect of the provision of ancillary accommodation for special education, from the school to which the Deputy refers.

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 Sector.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

1023 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science his views of removing the cap on student numbers in the PLC sector which will allow students and people who are on the live register to train or retrain to help them gain skilled employment or enable them to proceed to third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10874/09]

Finian McGrath

Question:

1033 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will lift the current cap on post leaving certificate places in order to benefit the economy (details supplied). [11075/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1023 and 1033 together.

The number of approved PLC places is set at its current level of 30,188 because there is a continuing requirement to plan and control numbers and to manage expenditure within the context of overall educational policy and provision. Due to the difficult budgetary position, it was not possible to increase the number of places this year. Any possible future increase would have to take account of the present and prospective economic and budgetary context and related financial constraints.

Adult Education.

Jack Wall

Question:

1024 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a proposal (details supplied); if he will provide educational assistance to such a project; if there are vocational education committee programmes that the group could consider applying for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10879/09]

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time further education options for persons who wish to combine a return to learning with work, family or other commitments. It is funded by my Department and delivered through VECs and community groups. My Department also allocates funding to VECs for community education activities under the Community Education programme. It would be open to the project referred to by the Deputy to apply to their local VEC for funding under the BTEI or Community Education programmes.

I understand that the group involved in this project received funding in 2008 from their local VEC under the BTEI.

State Claims Agency.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1025 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in connection with the recent action (details supplied) in the context of the importance of this case and for education policy in general, and the issue of vicarious liability which was raised in this case, his Department will waive their costs in connection with this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10948/09]

In relation to the case raised by the Deputy, I wish to advise the House in the first instance that the matter is being handled by the State Claims Agency on behalf of the State. Judgement has been reserved on the issue of costs which was heard on Monday 23rd February. From the State's perspective, it was necessary to have such a hearing as the person in question was seeking her costs against the State. The State had to make a case for its costs given that the State was found not liable by either the High Court or the Supreme Court.

I do not wish to pre-empt the pending judgement on the issue of costs, which is entirely a matter for the Courts to decide. I can however tell you that Counsel for the State told the Supreme Court that, while an award of costs against the Plaintiff was being sought, the matter of enforcement would be treated with great sensitivity. Our desire is to strike a fair balance — on the one hand to treat this person in a humane manner and, on the other, the need to protect the taxpayer against costs incurred in defending cases where the Courts have decided that the State has no liability. As I have already stated as a matter of public record, there is no question of the State seeking to take this person's house.

My Department however cannot sustain a position whereby persons can take cases against the State on the basis that, win or lose, they would get their costs. This is not a financially sustainable position and would be grossly unfair to the taxpayers of this country. The State's position in all such cases has been that it should not have been sued because the Minister for Education & Science has no direct involvement in the daily running of a school. The Manager of a school is directly responsible for the day-to-day operation and governance of a school. This position has been clearly conveyed by the State Claims Agency to all such parties engaging in legal proceedings against my Department.

School Transport.

Tom Hayes

Question:

1026 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a review of the post-primary school transport system; if a review has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10950/09]

I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Steering Committee to oversee the Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme, including the post primary scheme, has been established.

The Steering Committee is looking at the original objectives of the scheme, whether these objectives remain valid today, the extent to which the objectives are being achieved and whether there are possibilities for economies or efficiencies that would improve the value for money of the scheme. In this context, the review will also look at fundamental issues such as catchment boundaries which is in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.

The review is being carried out as part of the 2009-2011 round of Value for Money Reviews approved by Government and, when completed, will be published and submitted to the Oireachtas Select Committee on Education and Science.

Departmental Correspondence.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

1027 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a letter dated 2 February 2009 from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; when he will reply to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10959/09]

I am aware of the letter the Deputy refers to and my Department will be responding to the person in question in the near future.

School Funding.

Mary Upton

Question:

1028 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if funding will be released to rectify a safety hazard in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10967/09]

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.

Question No. 1029 answered with Question No. 1011.

Denominational Education.

Alan Shatter

Question:

1030 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of the Protestant voluntary secondary schools within the free education system; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by a group (details supplied) in their letter of 2 March 2009 regarding the situation facing Protestant secondary schools here; his views on same; and if he will take immediate action to address those concerns. [11036/09]

Andrew Doyle

Question:

1034 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that there is no change in the status of Protestant secondary schools as an essential part of the free education system here; if he will ensure that budgetary measures in the education sector for all schools are decided on after full consultation with the providers of the education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11096/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

1051 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether Protestant voluntary secondary schools are within the framework of the free education scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11192/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

1063 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on a letter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11258/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1030, 1034, 1051 and 1063 together.

I wish to reassure the Deputies that I, along with my colleagues in Government, recognise the importance of ensuring that students from a Protestant background can attend a school that reflects their denominational ethos. The Deputies may be aware that I met with representatives of the Church of Ireland Board of Education, led by Archbishop John Neill, on 13 November last.

The meeting provided me with an opportunity to explain at first hand the context for the budget changes that were of concern to the Bishops and the schools serving the Church of Ireland and other minority churches. In the course of the meeting, I confirmed my budget day announcement that the funding provided through the Protestant Block grant was being continued by the Government. I explained that against a backdrop of a difficult economic and fiscal situation I had to take decisions that impacted on the staffing and the range of funding grants to schools generally. The decision to cease paying certain grants to the Protestant fee charging schools, which were not paid to other fee charging schools, has to be viewed in that wider context.

I also stated that I would be willing to respond positively to any proposals they might make on how the block grant could be better targeted to meet the needs of the Protestant community, having regard to its dispersed population, particularly in rural and border areas, and the need to sustain and support Protestant schools. I look forward to receiving those proposals in due course. I recently received correspondence from the Secondary Education Committee, who have sought a meeting with my officials to progress the matter.

I also met with representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland on 10 March, the first time their members have sent a delegation to Leinster House. I briefed them on funding arrangements for Protestant schools and confirmed that I would be willing to meet them again if required.

With the introduction of the free education scheme in 1967, it was recognised that the level of funding was not sufficient to enable Protestant schools to join the scheme, particularly given that many of their students had to board.

For that reason, separate arrangements were put in place to ensure that Protestant students would be able to attend schools under Protestant management. However, Protestant fee-charging schools were never considered part of the free education scheme.

The block grant, which is expected to be €6.5 million in this school year, covers capitation, tuition and boarding costs and is distributed through the Secondary Education Committee established by the churches concerned. Applications for assistance are made by parents to the Secondary Education Committee which, on the basis of a means test, distributes the funds to individual schools on the basis of pupil needs. This fund ensures that necessitous Protestant children can attend a school of their choice.

Site Acquisitions.

Seán Connick

Question:

1031 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Education and Science when a request was received by the site acquisition and property management section of his Department to allow the trustees of an unused school (details supplied) in County Wexford to sell the school building; when he expects the deeds of this property will be released to the community to allow its sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11050/09]

My Department has received correspondence from the Diocesan Solicitors dated December 2007 in relation to the surrender of my interest in the school referred to by the Deputy. My Department is progressing this matter and in this regard has recently written to the Diocesan Solicitors to establish the current status of the Trustees. Upon receipt of this confirmation the matter will be progressed further by my Department.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Creed

Question:

1032 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will give an assurance that no child with special needs will be inappropriately forced into a mainstream class with inadequate supports available to the classroom teacher to facilitate this integration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11071/09]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to my Department's recent decision to close a number of special classes. There will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of the decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers of special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability.

These special classes which are to close pre-date the 2005 General Allocation Model of allocating additional teacher support to schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with mild general learning disabilities as well as a number of other high incidence disabilities. All primary schools now have additional teaching support in place for this purpose.

All primary schools were allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

Teacher allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. This minimum was not fulfilled in the school referred to by the Deputy. Therefore, the school no longer qualifies to retain the class.

When the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes. Effectively, these schools received a double allocation. The number of these special classes has decreased since 2005 in line with falling numbers as pupils are supported through the additional teaching allocation provided and schools have integrated the children into age-appropriate mainstream classes. This policy of inclusion has widespread support within the educational community. This approach is in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

All of the other primary schools in the country who do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model. Pupils with a mild general learning disability have, and will continue to have access to additional teaching resources to support their education.

Question No. 1033 answered with Question No. 1023.
Question No. 1034 answered with Question No. 1030.

Ministerial Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1035 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of drivers for each individual Minister of State in his Department and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11108/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1036 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of drivers he has working for him and their remuneration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11122/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1035 and 1036 together.

There are no drivers directly employed at my Department to assist me in carrying out my functions. All Government Ministers and some other State officials are provided with a State car which is driven by a member of An Garda Síochána from a pool of Gardaí which are allocated on a full time basis to Ministers. In addition to driving the vehicle they also provide security protection. The cost of the service is funded from the vote of An Garda Síochána and as such salary details of the drivers concerned are not recorded at my Department.

My Department employs two civilian drivers to assist the Minister of State at my Department, Mr. Sean Haughey T.D. in carrying out his official functions. They are engaged on a week on week off basis and are on a single point pay scale which is currently at the rate of €667.43 per week.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1037 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow will have a new building to operate in, in view of the fact that it has been five years since the school was first promised a new building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11140/09]

The building project for the above school 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 further progression of the project at this time.

School Staffing.

Michael Ring

Question:

1038 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied) and in view of the fact that the relevant information has become available, if he will outline in detail the savings involved. [11143/09]

My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

In light of the administrative constraints on my Department I do not intend to provide the information requested by the Deputy. At this time the priority within the resources available is to carry out the allocation processes which include the operation of redeployment panels and staffing appeals in a timely manner. Diverting resources in order to outline the information sought by the Deputy could not be justified and would in fact impede the process.

The final staffing position for all schools will not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Special Educational Needs.

Joe Behan

Question:

1039 Deputy Joe Behan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received the report on the review of the role and operation of special schools and special classes (details supplied); when it is intended to make this report public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11148/09]

Michael Kennedy

Question:

1074 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Education and Science when the special education unit in St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin will issue their report in the review of special schools and special classes. [11743/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1039 and 1074 together.

The report in question has not yet been received in my Department. It is expected that this review will be completed in 2009.

John O'Mahony

Question:

1040 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistant positions that have been withdrawn by his Department in 2008; the effect that this decision has on the extra work load placed on the teaching staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11163/09]

As the Deputy may be aware, special needs assistants (SNAs) are allocated to schools to enable them support pupils with disabilities who also have significant care needs. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and SNAs to schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

There are now over 19,000 staff in our schools working solely with children with special needs. This includes over 10,000 SNAs — compared with just 300 in 1997. In 2008, some schools would have had SNA posts withdrawn while other schools would have been allocated additional posts. Overall in 2008, there was a net gain of 618 SNA posts in the school system.

SNAs and teachers have separate yet complementary roles. SNAs provide care support to pupils with special educational needs who have been assessed as having such needs while teachers deliver education to the pupils.

Schools Building Projects.

John O'Mahony

Question:

1041 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for new school buildings or extensions in County Mayo in respect of post primary schools; the names of these schools; the status of their applications in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11164/09]

John O'Mahony

Question:

1042 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for new school buildings or extensions in County Mayo in respect of primary schools; the names of these schools; the status of their applications in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11165/09]

John O'Mahony

Question:

1044 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of applications for refurbishments at primary schools in County Mayo before his Department; the projected cost of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11167/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1041, 1042 and 1044 together.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the number of applications is contained in the tabular statement below. As a matter of policy, my Department does not provide cost estimates for projects as this might prejudice the tendering process. Further progression of these projects will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Applications on hand for major capital works in County Mayo, March 2009

County

Roll Number

School

Application for

Mayo

04796R

Brackloon N S Westport

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

05215W

S N Croi Iosa Ballina

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

07054L

Cullens National School, Knockduff, BealAtha An Fheadha

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

11725I

Beheymore N S Ballina

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

12568A

Sn Inbhear Barr Na Tra

New School

Mayo

13145A

S N Naomh Colm Cille Westport

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

13174H

St Columbas N.S. Inishturk

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

13389F

Sn An Trian Lair Beal Atha Na Muiche

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

13659I

Beacan Mixed N S Bekan

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

13797U

Lecanvey N S Westport

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

14195U

An Gleanna Mhoir S N Crossmolina

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

14205U

S N Mainistir Muigheo Claremorris

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

14671D

S N Na Craobhaighe Carrowmore-Lacken

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

14808E

Irishtown N S Claremorris

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

15257V

Quignamanger N S Ballina

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16021U

Lisaniska N S S N Lios An Uisce

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16122D

Knock N S Claremorris

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16173U

Kinaffe N S Swinford

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16283E

S N Pol A Tsomais Beal An Atha

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16832L

Muirisc Ns Muirisc

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16904K

S N Lainn Cille Cathair Na Mart

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18002D

Drumgallagh N S Ballycroy

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18070U

Convent Of Mercy N.S. Claremorris

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18175L

S N Beannchair Carrowmore

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18542M

S N Naomh Padraig Castlebar

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18561Q

S N Naomh Ioseph Raithini

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19248R

St Anthonys Special Sc Humbert Way

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19375B

St Brids Special Sch Pavilion Road

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19451O

Newport Central Baile Ui Bhfiachain

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19808G

Tavrane Central Ns Kilkelly

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19812U

Foxford Central Ns Foxford

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19832D

Scoil Raifteiri Faiche An Aonaigh

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19903A

Kiltimagh Central Kiltimagh

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19972T

S N Uileog De Burca Clar Chlainne Mhuiris

New School

Mayo

20037L

S N Padraig Naofa Louisburgh

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

20084U

Gaelscoil Bheal An Atha Corrai Mhuireann

New School

Mayo

20230F

Scoil Phadraic Westport

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

20256A

Scoil Náisiúnta Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Trianláir

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64500G

Balla Secondary School Balla

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64510J

St Muredachs College Sligo Road

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64520M

St. Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina

New school

Mayo

64590K

Naomh Iosaef Clochar Na Trócaire

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64640W

St Joseph’s Secondary School Foxford

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64690O

Scoil Muire Agus Padraig Swinford

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64691Q

Coláiste Mhuire Tuar Mhic Éadaigh

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64700O

Rice College Castlebar Road

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64710R

Sacred Heart School Westport

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

72070D

Mchale College Achill Sound

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

72100J

St. Tiernan’S College Crossmolina

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

72160E

Carrowbeg College Westport

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

76060U

Davitt College Springfield

New School

Mayo

91494R

St Louis Community School Kiltimagh

Extension/Refurb

Early School Leavers.

John O'Mahony

Question:

1043 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps being taken to counter the drop out rate, either in terms of those who do not transfer from primary to second level, or those who leave the system before completing the junior or leaving certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11166/09]

My Department has adopted a broad-based approach to tackling early school leaving. This includes the establishment of the National Educational Welfare Board, under the Education Welfare Act, 2000, to monitor attendance and help to get young people back to school. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education. The act is a progressive piece of legislation which raised the school leaving age to 16 or the completion of three years in senior cycle. It changed the focus on non-attendance from sanctions to a welfare approach designed to tackle the underlying causes of absenteeism and also provides for young people between the ages of 16 and 18 who opt to leave school to take up employment.

The service provided by the NEWB is just one aspect of the comprehensive framework that the Government has put in place to support schools, families and young people. Targeted interventions under DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion, include the School Completion Programme, Home School Community Liaison services, additional funding for pupils at risk of early school leaving and alternative curricular options. Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central elements of the DEIS programme. In the current school year, €18.3m was paid in grants to schools to meet the needs of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds under DEIS. These financial supports allocated to each of the schools selected under DEIS provide for the inclusion of after school and holiday time support, for literacy and numeracy development as well as homework support, social and personal development and arts activities.

In addition to the NEWB, there are currently in excess of 600 staff within the education sector working in various educational disadvantage programmes of which over 130 are additional posts allocated under DEIS. Work is ongoing within the Department of Education and Science to enhance the delivery of its services through collaboration and integrated work between the NEWB and NCSE and various programmes operating under the School Support Programme initiatives. The NEWB is also developing protocols for collaboration with agencies and services at regional and national level that provide services for children, young people and families.

My Department has also widened the range of curricula available to students by promoting the Junior Certificate Schools Programme, the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme, and the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme in addition to the traditional Junior and Leaving Certificate curricula.

Preventative measures are also in place such as the School Completion Programme and the Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL), with €31 million allocated to the School Completion Programme and in the region of €32 million allocated to HSCL for 2009. Some 224 post-primary schools and 468 primary schools now participate in the School Completion Programme countrywide. The Management Committees of SCP engage in a consultative and planning process with the school staff, with parents and with local representatives of relevant statutory and voluntary agencies in the development of annual retention plans. The Local Retention Plans contain strategies for the whole-school, targeted strategies for individual students, and those who are already outside of the formal system. Provision includes in-school, after-school and holiday time supports to enhance the young person's readiness to benefit from education.

The National Co-ordination Team of the School Completion Programme have also published Guidelines on Identifying Young People at Risk of Early School Leaving in order to assist SCP projects identify good practices for targeting young people at risk of early school leaving.

The Home School Community Liaison scheme is a major mainstream preventative strategy targeted at the families of pupils at risk of not reaching their potential in the educational system because of background characteristics which tend to affect adversely pupil attainment and school retention. HSCL focuses directly on the salient adults in children's educational lives, seeking indirect benefits for the children themselves and works to involve parents in their children's education which is a crucial component in convincing young people of the value of education. HSCL coordinators are assigned on a full time or shared basis between schools and are deployed to do full-time home school community liaison duties.

Progression from primary to second-level is recognised as a crucial transition period in a child's education. Under the DEIS action plan, a continuing emphasis will be placed on the development of effective transfer programmes by building on the existing work of the Home School Community Liaison Scheme and the School Completion Programme.

I would like to assure the Deputy that we have greatly intensified our efforts in recent years to keep more young people in school and I will continue to prioritise further progress in this area.

Question No. 1044 answered with Question No. 1041.

Schools Building Projects.

John O'Mahony

Question:

1045 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the spend on primary school buildings in 2006, 2007 and 2008 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11168/09]

My Department's total capital expenditure in the primary sector for the years referred to by the deputy was as follows:

2006 — €271,995,679.01

2007 — €398,542,038.54

2008 — €488,753,572.50.

John O'Mahony

Question:

1046 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the spend on primary school buildings in County Mayo in 2006, 2007 and 2008 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11169/09]

My Department's total capital expenditure in the primary sector for County Mayo for the years referred to by the Deputy was as follows:

2006 — €6,580,851.27

2007 — €8,700,826.49

2008 — €10,287,846.48.

School Accommodation.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

1047 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No.165 of 4 March 2009, if he will provide more accurate, up-to-date figures on the number of primary and post-primary schools in County Laois which are renting prefabricated units; the number of prefabs being rented by primary and post-primary schools in County Laois; the number of prefabs being rented by each school involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11184/09]

The information provided by me on 4th March 2009 is the most accurate up-to-date information available to my Department and is based on returns, as provided by the schools, from a survey of 900 schools in 2007 and subsequently updated in my Department.

It should be noted that a single unit documented on the spreadsheet provided earlier does not purport to be one single classroom. It does however purport to be a single approved "unit" grant-aided by my Department. Single Units can often be made up of prefabs greater than the size of one classroom, e.g. 295m2 unit prefabs returned as one prefab by a school will often house more than one classroom.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1048 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when a new secondary school will be built in Luttrellstown, Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11185/09]

My Department has been aware of a need for further post primary provision in the Dublin 15 area and in that context, I sanctioned the establishment of a new post primary school for the area last year. The new school will be called Luttrellstown Community College and the Patron is County Dublin VEC.

My Department is working closely with Co. Dublin VEC to open the new school in September 2009 and temporary accommodation has been identified to facilitate this development in post primary provision.

My Department will acquire a permanent site for the new school under the Fingal School Model Agreement. A number of sites being acquired under the Fingal School Model agreement are at varying stages of acquisition including this site and, as the Deputy will appreciate, due to commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisition, I am not in a position to comment further at this time.

School Enrolments.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

1049 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide further detail on a matter first raised on 18 December 2007 regarding the constitutionality of forcing some children to attend private schools; and if the answer supplied at that time still holds. [11187/09]

As outlined previously, existing education policy is that students up to 18 years of age are admitted to primary and second level schools irrespective of their nationality or status. Indeed, under the Equal Status Act, schools may not discriminate in admission to schools except where this is necessary to maintain the religious values or ethos of the school. While the Act does provide for differential treatment in relation to fees for further and higher education for persons who are not nationals of an EU Member State, there is no such condition specified in regard to second level schools.

The admission of persons to the State from outside the EU, and the conditions which apply to their leave to remain, is a matter for the immigration authorities and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Home-School Liaison Scheme.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

1050 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on the threatened withdrawal of home-school community liaison services; and if in view of the reassessment of national expenditure, he is able to offer assurances that these services will not be reduced or eliminated. [11188/09]

Following the introduction of DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunities in Schools), a commitment was given, as a concessionary measure, to Non DEIS schools in receipt of resources under pre-existing schemes, including the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL) service, that they would retain a level of support in line with their size and disadvantage levels for the duration of the DEIS Initiative.

Given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. Accordingly, from September 2009, HSCL services will be withdrawn from schools which were judged by an independent identification process in 2005 not to have a sufficient level of disadvantage among their pupils to warrant their inclusion in DEIS (Delivering Equality of opportunities in Schools), the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion.

The main focus of Social Inclusion measures will be to retain resources in the 873 DEIS schools. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and this approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that my Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

Question No. 1051 answered with Question No. 1030.

Schools Building Projects.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

1052 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to date of inviting tenders for a school (details supplied) in County Donegal including architectural fees, consultants reports and other matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11195/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers was originally tendered in 2007. This project was one of 43 projects I announced on 12 February to go to tender and construction in 2009.

For this project to go to construction it now needs to be re-tendered under the new Department of Finance form of contract for public capital projects.

The fees applicable to the tender action stage of any school project represent 5% of the overall fees due to the Design Team. To date a total of €18,619.79 has been paid on fees relating to the tender action stage of this project. Any additional fees arising from re-tendering this project will be more than offset by the cost savings that will accrue due to current competitive market conditions.

School Staffing.

Dan Neville

Question:

1053 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [11197/09]

Jack Wall

Question:

1083 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if the position of the retention of a teacher or teachers at a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been re-examined; if so, the result of such a re-assessment; his views regarding a submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11813/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1053 and 1083 together.

I have consistently said that 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.

The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes.

In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data has since been received and processed in my Department enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.

My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009 including the schools referred to by the Deputies. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

The above allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Special Educational Needs.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1054 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been denied special needs assistance because their diagnosis is PDD-NOS rather than autism; the reason for this decision in view of the fact that PDD-NOS is recognised as being within the range of autistic spectrum disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11205/09]

The Deputy will be aware that the home tuition scheme provides a grant to parents to facilitate the provision of education at home for children who, for a number of reasons such as chronic illness, are unable to attend school. The scheme was extended in recent years to facilitate tuition for children awaiting an educational placement and to provide early intervention for pre-school children with autism.

Home tuition was not sanctioned as the application did not meet the criteria under the terms of the home tuition scheme. I understand that the parent has recently provided additional information to my Department in support of the application. This will now be considered and a decision will be conveyed to the parent as soon as this process has been completed.

Schools Building Projects.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1055 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a county breakdown of all schools at pre-architectural planning stage. [11206/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tabular statement.

Applications on hand for major capital works March 2009

County

Roll Number

School

Application for

Carlow

01116A

Baile An Chuilinn N S Muinebeag (Carlow)

New School

Carlow

01415K

Rathoe NS Rathoe (Carlow)

New School

Carlow

02124E

Scoil Nais Molaise Old Leighlin (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

04077I

Scoil Nais Bhride Grange (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

13607M

St Columbas N S Tullow (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

17053P

Bishop Foley Memorial School Carlow (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

17462J

Scoil Nais Mhichil Baile Nua (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

17514C

S N Cluain Na Gall Clonegal (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

18424G

Scoil Nais Iosef Naofa Carlow (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

19784S

St Laserians Mxd Ns Leighlinbridge (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

61120E

St Mary’s Academy Cbs Station Rd (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

61130H

St. Mary’s College, Knockbeg

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

61140K

St. Leo’s College Convent Of Mercy (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

61150N

Presentation / De La Salle College Royal Oak Road (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

91356F

Tullow Community School The Mullawn (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Carlow

PPC1002

Traveller Training Centre Carlow (Carlow)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

08453H

S N Cruabanai Cruabanai (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

08490N

St Clares Primary School Cavan (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

08948L

Milltown N S Belturbet (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

14320U

Corlea N S Kingscourt (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

14336M

Searcog I N S Shercock (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

16083T

Virginia Mixed NS, Virginia

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

16316Q

St Marys N S Arva (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

16767D

Coronea N S Arva (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

16959M

S N Corrabha Glangevlin N S (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

17326B

S N Naomh Feidhlim Cavan (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

17440W

S N Naomh Maodhog Cill Na Bheart (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

17625L

Cnoc An Teampaill Virginia (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

18833A

S N Lathrach Lathrach (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

19378H

Ballynarry N S Ballyheelan (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

19418Q

Castlerahan Central Ns Castlerahan (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

19527V

Cabra Central N S Cabra (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

19608V

St. Killians National School, Mullagh

New School

Cavan

19679V

S N Aodhain Naofa An Babhun Bui (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

19871N

St Patricks N S Killinagh (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

20026G

Gaelscoil An Cabhain Scouts Den (Cavan)

New School

Cavan

61051L

St Clare’s College Ballyjamesduff (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

70350W

St Bricin’s Vocational School Belturbet (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

70360C

St. Mogue’S College Bawnboy (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

70380I

Breifne College Cootehill Rd (Cavan)

New School

Cavan

70390L

Virginia College Virginia (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

76087R

Cavan Institute Main St (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Cavan

91351S

Bailieborough Community School Bailieborough (Cavan)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

04919H

Cratloe National School

Extension/Refurb

Clare

08241P

Scropul N S Mullagh (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

10568N

S N Cuibhreann Cill Chaoi (Clare)

New School

Clare

13870E

Kilkishen N S Sn Muire Na D Chomhairl (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

14468G

Kilmaley N S Ennis (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

14757N

S N Mhainistir Chuinche Quin (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

15981A

Lakyle N S Whitegate Via Limerick (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

16186G

Inch N S Ennis (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

16677C

Bunscoil Na Mbraithre Ennis (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

16870T

Scoil Na Mbraithre Ennistymon (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

16908S

Sixmilebridge National School

New School

Clare

16930L

Scoil An Sraith S N Tulach Brach (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

16946D

Sn An Phairtin Mixed Parteen (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

17563P

Ballybrohan N S Ogonnelloe (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

17583V

S N Cnoc An Ein Inis (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

18109V

S N Inis Cealtrach Mountshannon (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

18225A

S N Mhuire Miliuc Luimneach (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

18227E

Scoil Mhuire Naisiunta Cora Finne (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

18339P

Sn Iosef Naofa An Mhaigh (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

18555V

Lissycasey N S Ennis (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

18639E

S N Baile Na Cailli Ennis (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

19043W

New Quay Ns Burren (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

19338S

Flagmount Central Ns Flagmount Central Ns (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

19551S

Inchicronan Central Ns Crusheen (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

19559L

Chriost Ri Cloughleigh (Clare)

New School

Clare

19700J

Lisdoonvarna N S Lisdoonvarna (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

19838P

Gael Sc Mhichil Chiosog Inis (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

19849U

Gaelscoil Donncha Rua Sionna (Clare)

New School

Clare

19999Q

Gaelscoil Ui Choimin An T-Ionad Oige (Clare)

New School

Clare

20041C

St. Senan’s Primary School,Convent of Mercy, Kilrush

Extension/Refurb

Clare

20075T

St Mochullas N.S. Ennis Road (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together Ns Gort Road (Clare)

New School

Clare

62000W

Mary Immaculate Secondary School Lisdoonvarna (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

62010C

St. Joseph’s Secondary School Spanish Point (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

62020F

St. Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

70830N

Ennis Community College Ennis (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

70860W

St Michael’s Community College Kilmihill (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Clare

70880F

St Joseph’s Community College Carrigholt Rd. (Clare)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

00512D

Midleton Convent N S Midleton (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

01272O

S N Chuan Doir Chuan Doir (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

01692N

Firmount Mixed N S Donoughmore (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

01867W

Castlelyons B N S Fermoy (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

02114B

S N Baile Ui Ghiblin Mitchelstown (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

02278I

Millstreet Convent N S Millstreet (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

03993O

S N Breac Maigh Castlelyons (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

04054T

Ballindangan Mixed N S Mitchelstown (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

04118T

Bishop Ahern National School, Leamlara, (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

04230N

Scoil Naomh Eoin Ballincurrig (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

06342L

Vicarstown Mixed N S Vicarstown (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

09161W

Our Lady Of Mercy N S Bantry (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

09537S

Ballinadee N S Bandon (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

10047I

Macroom Convent N S Macroom (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

10523O

Fermoy Adair N S Fermoy (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

10724B

South Abbey Ns Youghal (Cork County)

New School

Cork

11496T

Seandroma B N S Rathluirc (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

11931L

S N Ioseph Drinagh (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

11992I

Whitegate Mixed N S Midleton (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12004A

Mallow No 1 N S Shortcastle (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12015F

Liscarrol N S Mallow (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12041G

St John The Baptist N S Midleton (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12147W

S N An Aird Clonakilty (Cork County)

New School

Cork

12263B

Gogginshill N S Ballinhassig (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12382J

Curriglass Ns Curriglass (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12447L

Baltydaniel N S Mallow (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12456M

Timoleague N S Bandon (Cork County)

New School

Cork

12473M

Greenmount Monastery Ns Scoil Muire Na Ngras (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12505W

Kilbarry N S Macroom (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

12967O

Inchigeela N S Inchigeela (Cork County)

New School

Cork

13234W

Cloughduv N S Cloughduv (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

13375R

Scoil Bhride Cros Mhathuna (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

13512B

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes 13512B Carrigaline (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

13662U

Dunmanway Convent Inf Dunmanway (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

13663W

Lower Glanmire N S Glanmire (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

13728B

Castletownsend Mxd N S Skibbereen (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

13779S

S N Dhrom Athain Mallow (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

13889C

Shanbally N S Rinn Scide (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

13976U

St Matthias N S Church Road (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

14052V

Kanturk B N S Kanturk (Cork County)

New School

Cork

14116V

Kilbrittain Mixed N S Kilbrittain (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

14198D

Naomh Eoin Easpal Mayfield (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

14813U

Roscarbery Con N S Roscarbery (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

14839P

Clondrohid N S Clondrohid (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

15165Q

Ballintotas N S Castlemartyr (Cork County)

New School

Cork

15346U

S N Baile An Mhuirne Carrig An Adhmaid (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

15484J

Glounthaune Mixed N.S. Glounthaune (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

15594Q

Grange Fermoy N S Fermoy (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

15646J

Coomhola N S Bantry (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

15701O

Bartlemy National School, Rathcormac, Fermoy, (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

15781P

Ballintemple N S Ballintemple N S (Cork City)

New School

Cork

15903D

Killavullen Ns, Mallow (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

16159D

Mallow Con N S Mallow (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

16259H

Kilcolman N S Enniskean (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

16271U

Watergrasshill National School

Extension/Refurb

Cork

16377N

St Marys National School Orilia Terrace (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

16648S

Ath Treasna G N S Ath Treasna (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

16684W

Scoil Na Mbraithre Midleton (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

16876I

S N Caipin Iniscein (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17079K

S N Carraig An Ime Macroom (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17087J

S N An Chlochair Kanturk (Cork County)

New School

Cork

17152R

S N Cnoc Sceach Clanna Caoilte (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17168J

S N Inis Eoghanain Inis Eoghanan (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17251T

Ovens N S Ovens (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17281F

Togher N S Dunmanway (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17313P

Our Lady Of Lourdes Ballinlough (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17363H

Sn Cros Tseain Bun An Tabhairne (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17505B

S N Cill Ruadhain Glanmire (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17527L

Scoil Bhrugh Thuinne Churchtown (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17600S

S N Na Scairte Leithe Saleen Cloyne (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17639W

Scoil Na Mbraithre Mitchelstown (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17754W

S N Naomh Eoin B Ballincollig (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17755B

Scoil Naomh Mhuire C Ballincollig (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17761T

S N Mhuire Araglinn (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17794L

S N An Phairc Youghal (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17804L

S N Cnoc Na Manach Minane Bridge (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17848I

SN Mhuire National School, Gleann An Phreachain, Glenville

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17888U

S N Na Trionoide Bealad Rossmore (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

17950W

Shanagarry N S Shanagarry (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18000W

Naomh Mhuire B Carrigtwohill (Cork County)

New School

Cork

18100D

Lisgriffin N S Goleen (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18217B

Padre Pio National School, Churchfield, Cork City

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18237H

Maria Assumpta G N S Ballyphehane (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18246I

S N Baile Muine Ballineen (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18428O

S N Baile Nora Baile Nora (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18458A

St Bernadettes Spec Sch Bonnington (Cork City)

New School

Cork

18468D

Scoil Mhuire Caislean Ui Dhonnabhain (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18483W

School Of The Divine Child Ballintemple (Cork City)

New School

Cork

18497K

Little Island Ns Little Island (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18535P

St. Johns Girls N S Ballea Rd (Cork County)

New School

Cork

18587L

Scoil Mhuire Banrion Mayfield (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18713N

S N Fionan Na Reanna Nohoval (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18734V

Realt Na Maidine Ballyphehane (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

18829J

S N Chobh Chionn Tsaile Cionn Tsaile (Cork County)

New School

Cork

19203S

Nmh Pol Special School Montenotte (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19224D

S N Cillmin Cillmin (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19256Q

Scoil Ghobnatan Mallow (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19404F

Sn Mhuire Ballyhooley (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19410A

St Killians Spec Sch Adj To: Bishopstown Comm Sch (Cork City)

New School

Cork

19557H

Caheragh Ns Caheragh (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19595P

St Marys Central School Enniskeane (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19637F

Scoil Fionnbarra Beal Atha Ghaorthaidh (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19714U

Mhuire Ar Chnoc Haoine Knocknaheeny (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19730S

St Oliver’s National School, Ballincollig Road, Ballyvolane

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19788D

St Kevins School The Rectory (Cork City)

New School

Cork

19833F

Gaelscoil Chorain (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19839R

Gael Scoil Ui Riordain Cul Rua (Cork County)

New School

Cork

19851H

Gaelscoil De Hide Mainistir Fhearmai (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19881Q

Gaelscoil Carrig Ui Leighinn, Carrig Ui Leighinn, Co Chorcai

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19906G

Cork N School Project Grattan Street (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

19909M

Gaelscoil Peig Sayers Unit 42 North Point Business Park (Cork City)

New School

Cork

19978I

Maulatrahane Central Ns Leap (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

20006A

GS Chloich na Coillte, Sraid na Scoile

New School

Cork

20009G

Gaelscoil Dr M Ui Shuilleabhain An Sciobairin (Cork County)

New School

Cork

20024C

Bun Scoil Mhuire, O’Brien’S Place,Youghal, (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

20025E

Gaelscoil Droichead Na Bandan C/O G.A.A. Pavilion (Cork County)

New School

Cork

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour N S Ringaskiddy (Cork County)

New School

Cork

20162O

Sonas Special Primaryjunior School Carrigaline (Cork County)

New School

Cork

62060R

Bandon Grammar School Bandon (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62090D

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Blarney (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62130M

Coláiste An Chroí Naofa Carraig Na Bhfear (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62170B

Sacred Heart Secondary School Convent Of Mercy (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62210K

Nagle Rice Secondary School Doneraile (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62260C

Coláiste Cholmáin Mainistir Fhearmuí (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62270F

Loreto Secondary School Fermoy (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62301N

Colaiste An Phiarsaigh Gleann Maghair (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62330U

Patrician Academy Mallow (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62360G

Christian Brothers Secondary School Castleredmond (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62370J

Midleton College Midleton (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62380M

St Mary’s High School Midleton (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62421A

Presentation Secondary School Mitchelstown (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62440E

Scoil Na Mbráithre Chríostaí Bakers Road (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62460K

St Francis Capuchin College Rochestown (Cork County)

New School

Cork

62470N

Mount St Michael Rosscarbery (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62530F

North Monastery Secondary School Our Lady’S Mount (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62560O

Coláiste Chríost Rí Capwell Road (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62580U

Coláiste An Spioraid Naoimh Bishopstown (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62661U

Mount Mercy College Model Farm Road (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62691G

Regina Mundi College Douglas Road (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62692I

Christ King Girls’ Secondary School Half Moon Lane (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

62730N

St Patricks College Gardiner’S Hill (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

70920O

Colaiste Ghobnatan, Baile Mhic Ire, Co Chorcaí

Extension/Refurb

Cork

70931T

Scoil Mhuire Béal Atha An Ghaorthaidh (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

70950A

Clonakilty Community College Clonakilty

Extension/Refurb

Cork

70990M

Coláiste An Chraoibhin Duntaheen Road (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

71030J

Mcegan College Macroom (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

71050P

St Colman’S Community College Youghal Road (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

71122O

Colaiste Stiofán Naofa Tramore Road (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

71124S

Coláiste Daibhéid An T-Ardán Theas (Cork City)

New School

Cork

76064F

Glanmire Community College Glanmire (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

76067L

Colaiste Pobail Naomh Mhuire Cill Na Mullach (Cork County)

New School

Cork

81009B

Boherbue Comprehensive School Boherbue (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

91388S

Carrigaline Community School Waterpark Road (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

91391H

St Peter’S Community School Passage West (Cork County)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

91400F

Mayfield Community School Old Youghal Road (Cork City)

Extension/Refurb

Cork

91499E

Kinsale Community School Kinsale

Extension/Refurb

Cork

ED40245

Dunmanway Education Centre Dunmanway (Cork County)

New School

Donegal

01733B

Ardara Mixed N S Ardara (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

03294L

S N Caiseal Na Gcorr Gort A Choirce (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

04809A

Scoil An Aingil Choimheadai An Cheididh (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

07143K

Monreagh N S Monreagh (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

09009Q

Rockfield Ns, Ballyshannon, (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

11843O

S N Neill Mor Killybegs (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

12077E

Scoil Naomh Fiachra Letterkenny (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

15770K

S N Naomh Naille Na Caologa (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

16138S

Raphoe Central N S Raphoe (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

16608G

Killybegs Common N S The Commons (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

16819T

S N Gort An Choirce Leitir Ceanainn (Donegal)

New School

Donegal

16821G

Clochar Padraig Naofa Carndonagh (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

16837V

S N Duchoraidh Duchoraidh (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

16850N

St Garvan’S N.S. Drum Halla (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

17040G

Sn Naomh Samhthann Drumdoit (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

17057A

Dromcaoin Bealach Fheid Dromcaoin (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

17241Q

S N Domhnach Mor Castlefin (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

17260U

Scoil An Leinbh Iosa Killymard (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

17721H

Scoil Treasa Naofa Malainn (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

17828C

Scoil Adhamhnain Rathbhoth (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

17945G

Scoil Naomh Chaitriona, Ballyshannon

New School

Donegal

18058H

Scoil Naomh Seosamh Rathdomhnaill (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

18131O

S N Muire Gan Smal Ard Aratha (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

18251B

Ayr Hill N S Ramelton Ramelton (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

18286U

S N Na Hacrai Ailt An Chorrain (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

18371L

Scoil Mhuire An Craosloch (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

18520C

Scoil Phadraig Rath Seinche (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

18605K

Scoil Naomh Padraig Boys Carndonagh (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

18625Q

Scoil Colmcille, Convent Road, Letterkenny

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

18737E

Scoil Bhride, Conmhagh, Lifford, (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

19009W

Craanford N S Craanford (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

19228L

S N Naomh Brid Na Dunaibh (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

19313C

Glenswilly National School, Newmills, Letterkenny

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

19518U

S N Naomh Baoithin Sc Naomh Baoithin (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

19686S

St Macartans Central Bundoran (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

19927O

Scoil Mhuire B & C, Stranorlar

New School

Donegal

19959E

Scoil Naomh Fionan Whitecastle (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

19967D

Scoil Iosagain, Buncrana

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

20096E

Gaelscoil Na Gceithre Maistri Baile Dun Na Ngall (Donegal)

New School

Donegal

20097G

Gaelscoil Bhun Crannach Bun Crannach (Donegal)

New School

Donegal

62770C

Scoil Mhuire Secondary School St. Oran’S Road (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

62861F

St Columbas College Stranorlar (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

71140Q

Crana College Crana Road (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

71230R

Deele College Raphoe (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

76084L

Moville Community College Carrownaff (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

81011L

The Royal And Prior School Raphoe (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

91406R

Carndonagh Community School Carndonagh (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

91407T

Rosses Community School Dungloe (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

91408V

Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola An Fálcarrach (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

91409A

Pobalscoil Ghaoth Dobhair Doirí Beaga (Donegal)

Extension/Refurb

Donegal

ED40023

Donegal Education Centre Donegal (Donegal)

New School

Dublin

03359N

Ballyroan B N S, Ballyroan, Rathfarnham

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

11583O

St Andrews NS, Malahide, Co Dublin

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

17472M

Baile Falbach, Lusk

New School

Dublin

18671A

St Michaels Hse Special School, 17 Grosvener Road, Rathgar

New School

Dublin

19032R

Stewarts Hospital Special Sch, Palmerstown, Dublin 20

New School

Dublin

19430G

Scoil an Tsearchtar Laoch, Ballymun Road, Dublin 11

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

19515O

St Teresa’s National School, Balbriggan

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

19542R & 19676P

St Thomas National School & Scoil Aine Naofa, Esker, Lucan

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

19660A

Rush NS. Rush, Co Dublin

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

19702N

St Thomas’s JNS, Jobstown , Tallaght

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

19865S

Archbishop Ryan Junior National School, Balgaddy, Lucan

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

20015B

Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna, 187 Bothar Choultrai, Baile Munna

New School

Dublin

20052H

GS Cholmcille

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

20053J

Cheeverstown Special School, Templeogue, Dublin 6W

New School

Dublin

70080T

Lucan Community College, Esker Drive, Lucan

Extension/Refurb

Dublin

91301D

Holy Family CS, Rathcoole

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

00729F

Clochar Loreto N S Grange Road (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

12014D

St Andrews N S Lucan (Dublin Belgard)

New School

Dublin Belgard

13217W

Holy Family National School Rathcoole (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

16461C

Caisleain Nua Liamhna Newcastle Lyons (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

17055T

S N Naomh Mhuire Saggart (Dublin Belgard)

New School

Dublin Belgard

19221U

Scoil Naomh Aine Clondalkin (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

19465C

St Kevins Boys Kilnamanagh (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

19466E

St Kevins Girls Kilnamanagh (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

19574H

Marley Grange Ns Divine Word Ns (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

19590F

Physically Disabled Children Deansrath (Dublin Belgard)

New School

Dublin Belgard

19855P

Gaelscoil Chluain Dolcain Bothar Nangor (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

19872P

Scoil Chaitlin Maude Cnoc Mhuire (Dublin Belgard)

New School

Dublin Belgard

19991A

Gaelscoil Na Camoige Aras Chronain (Dublin Belgard)

New School

Dublin Belgard

20010O

St Roses Special School C/O Scoil Aengusa Sns (Dublin Belgard)

New School

Dublin Belgard

20043G

Gaelscoil Chnoc Liamhna Halla Na Ngasoga (Dublin Belgard)

New School

Dublin Belgard

20166W

Griffeen Valley Educate Together Ns (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

20187H

Archbishop Ryan Senior N S Balgaddy (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

20223I

Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada Bóthar An Ghrifín (Dublin Belgard)

New School

Dublin Belgard

60121B

Moyle Park College Clondalkin (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

60272W

The Kings Hospital Palmerstown (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

60561G

St Michaels College Ailesbury Road (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

60630W

St Kilian’S Deutsche Schule Roebuck Road (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

60640C

Sandford Park School Ltd Sandford Road (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

60902G

St Pauls Secondary School Greenhills (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

70100W

Coláiste Chilliain Bóthar Nangor (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

70130I

Greenhills College Limekiln Avenue (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

91301D

Holy Family Community School Kilteel Road (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

91335U

Tallaght Community School Balrothery (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Belgard

91510M

St. Colmcille’S Community School Scholarstown Rd (Dublin Belgard)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

04992R

Scoil An Croi Naofa Glasnevin (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

07546J

Goldenbridge Convent Goldenbridge (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

09750S

St Josephs Boys N S Terenure (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

11894I

Scoil Mhuire 15 Gilford Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

16577V

St Brigids Convent Glasnevin (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

16759E

S N Mhuire Na Mbrathar Marino (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

16860Q

Corpus Christi N S Home Farm Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

17279S

Scoil Muire Haddington Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

17367P

Scoil Mhuire Gns Navan Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

17912O

S N Eoin Bosco Buach Navan Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

17944E

St Marys School For Deaf Girls Dominican Convent (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

18205R

S N An Pharoiste Finglas (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

18317F

Central Remedial Clinic Vernon Avenue (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

18342E

Sn Louise De Marillac Ballyfermot (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

18632N

S N Eoin Bosco Nai Buac Navan Rd (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

18817C

S N Brighde Cullenswood House (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

18968A

St Malachys B N S Edenmore (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19039I

St Vincents Home NS Navan Rd (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19583I

St Josephs Senior N S St Josephs Senior Ns (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19589U

Gaelscoil Inse Chor 700-701 An Cuarbhothar Theas (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19594N

Youth Encounter Project 41 Main St (Dublin City)

New School

Dublin City

19668Q

St Francis Senior N S Priorswood (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19766Q

Scoil Iosagain/Mhuire Mount La Salle (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19767S

Scoil Mhuire/Seosamh Mount La Salle (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19895E

Scoil Mhuir S Iosaf St Marys Place (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19907I

Gaelscoil Mologa Bothar Chlareville (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19926M

Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire 4 Cearnog Pharnell (Dublin City)

New School

Dublin City

19928Q

Ranelagh Multi Denom Ns Ranelagh Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

19954R

North Bay Educate Together Ns Greendale Avenue (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

20012S

Griffith Barracks Multi D School The Old Guardhouse (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

20047O

Gaelscoil Bharra Naomh Fionnbarra C.L.G. (Dublin City)

New School

Dublin City

20131D

Educate Together NS (Dublin City)

New School

Dublin City

20152L

North Dublin Muslim NS Project (Dublin City)

New School

Dublin City

20168D

Glasnevin Educate Together NS Church Avenue (Dublin City)

New School

Dublin City

60290B

St Pauls College Sybil Hill (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60420L

Árdscoil Rís Griffith Avenue (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60450U

Coláiste Mhuire Bothar Rath Tó (Dublin City)

New School

Dublin City

60500J

Marian College Ballsbridge (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60510M

St Johns College De La Salle Le Fanu Rd (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60520P

Belvedere College S.J 6 Great Denmark Street (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60550B

Chanel College Coolock Village (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60700R

Scoil Chaitriona Bóthar Mobhí (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60770P

St Mary’s Secondary School Holy Faith Convent (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60791A

St Marys Secondary School St Brigids Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60800V

Loreto College Crumlin Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60890C

St Louis High School Charleville Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60910F

Alexandra College Milltown (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

60991I

Our Lady Of Mercy Secondary School Mourne Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

61020A

Stratford College 1 Zion Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

70170U

Crumlin College Of Further Education Crumlin Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

70240P

Kylemore College Kylemore Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

70290H

Ballsbridge College Of Further Education (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin City

91344V

Rosmini Community School Grace Park Road (Dublin City)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

01170G

S N Na H-Aille The Naul (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

09492W

Balscadden N S Balscadden (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

12358M

Swords Borough N S Swords Borough N S (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

15315J

St Georges N S St Georges N S (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

15569R

Scoil Moibhi Milverton (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

16267G

St Patricks Boys National School Portrane Road (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

16332O

St Patricks Snr Mixed Skerries (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

16675V

Mulhuddart NS Mulhuddart Village (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

16970A

St Molaga Senior NS Bremore (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

16972E

S N Peadar Agus Pol N Balbriggan (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

17569E

Blessed Oliver N S Baile An Ridire (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

17928G

Sn N Sailbheastar Nfa Malahide (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

18210K

St Michaels House Special School Baldoyle (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

18412W

S N C Naomh Padraig Donabate (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

18976W

S N Cholmille B Swords (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

18977B

S N Cholmcille C Swords (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

19435Q

St Francis Xavier J N S Roselawn Road (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

19549I

St Fintans NS St Fintan N S (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

19601H

St Philip The Apostle Junior N S Mountview (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

19643A

St Philips Senior N S Mountview (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

19660A

Rush NS Rush (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

19757P

St Michaels Spec Sch Hacketstown (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

20095C

Gaelscoil Brian Boroimhe Coill Na Núll (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

20145O

Swords Educate Together NS Applewood (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Together Ballisk Common (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

20176C

Rush And Lusk Educate Together NS Hanna’S Avenue (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

20201V

Tyrrelstown Educate Together Powerstown Road (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

20240I

Hansfield National School Hansfield (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

20252P

Gaelscoil Bhaile Brigin Sunshine House (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

60021U

St Marys Secondary School Baldoyle (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

60100Q

Castleknock College Castleknock (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

60120W

Mount Sackville Secondary School Chapelizod (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

60343T

St Joseph’s Secondary School Convent Lane (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

60380C

St Dominic’s High School Santa Sabina (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

60383I

Coláiste Choilm Dublin Road (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

60810B

Loreto College Swords (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

70010V

Balbriggan Community College Pine Ridge (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

76062B

Castleknock Community College Carpenterstown Road (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

76128F

Hansfield Community College Hansfield (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

76129H

Ardgillan Community College Castlelands (Dublin Fingal)

New School

Dublin Fingal

91315O

Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin Cluain Saileach (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dublin Fingal

91316Q

Blakestown Community School Blanchardstown (Dublin Fingal)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

02872U

Sandyford Mixed National School, Woodside, Sandyford

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

06200O

Booterstown Boys

New School

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

16353W

Sr Brigid’s Girls National School, The Park, Cabinteely

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

19949B

Muslim NS, Clonskeagh

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

60050E

Oatlands College Mount Merrion

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

60070K

Dominican College, Sion Hill

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

14586M

Carysfort NS Convent Road (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

16352U

St Brigids Boys N S Foxrock (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

New School

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

18647D

S N San Treasa The Rise (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

18815V

Our Lady Of Lourdes School Rochestown Ave (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

New School

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

18863J

Dominican Convent Special School, Blackrock, (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

19723V

Queen Of Angels Primary School Wedgewood (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

19901T

Booterstown N S Cross Ave (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig Ascaill Shileann (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

New School

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

20121A

St John Of God Special School Glenageary (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

New School

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

20141G

The Harold School Eden Road (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

60030V

Blackrock College Blackrock (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

60081P

Rockford Manor School Stradbrook Rd (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

60090Q

Rathdown School Glenageary (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

60130C

Loreto Abbey Secondary School Dalkey (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

60891E

Our Ladys Grove Goatstown Road (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

61010U

Wesley College Ballinteer (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

70050K

Dun Laoghaire College Of Further Education (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

91343T

St. Tiernan’s Community School Parkvale (Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

03607G

Sn Aindreis Noafa, Baile Locha Riach, (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

04506F

Scoil Iósaif Naofa, Oranmore

Extension/Refurb

Galway

04515G

Scoil An Linbh Iosa St Francis St (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

05754G

Sn Creachmhaoil Craughwell

Extension/Refurb

Galway

07551C

Ballinderreen Mxd N S Ballinderreen (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

08958O

S N An Eanaigh Cailini Ballyglunin (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

09833W

S N Leitirgeis Leitirgeis N S (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

10095T

S N Naomh Treasa Killure (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

11261P

Scoil Mhuire An Tuairin (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

11675T

S N An Eanaigh B Ballyglunin (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

12095G

S N Naomh Antoine Baile Chonraoi (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

12946G

S N Coilm Cille Ros-A-Mhil (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

12954F

SN Bhride, Lackagh, Turloughmore

New School

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire, Oranmore

New School

Galway

13528Q

Sn Oilean Droim Leitir Mor (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

13914V

Scoil Naomh Iosef Rathun (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

14377D

S N Cill Conaill Cill Conaill (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

14394D

Sn Cill Fheicin, Gort (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

14420B

S N Naomh Padraig Tully (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

15027E

S N Na Heaglaise Atha Eascrach (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

15228O

S N Padraig Naofa Corr Gharra (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

15331H

S N Baile Nua Maigh Chuilinn (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

15523Q

S N Naomh Iosef Bothar An Chlochair (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

15835M

St Brendans N S Loughrea (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

15958F

St. Josephs N.S. Woodford (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

16071M

Scoil Chroi Naofa Athenry (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

16091S

Gort Inse Guaire B N S Gort Inse Guaire (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

16293H

S N Cill Richill Baile Locha Riabhach (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

16750J

Parochial N S Cearnog Ti Na Cuairte (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

16804G

Sn Chlair Na Gaillimhe Baile Clar Na Gaillimhe (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

16982H

S N Ath Eascrach Chuain Beal Atha Na Sluagh (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

17444H

S N Seosamh Naofa An Ceathru Bhan (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

17574U

Sn Naomh Ciarain, Connamara, (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

17613E

S N Caitriona Naofa Eachdruim (Galway County)

New School

Galway

17689O

S N Tir An Fhiaidh Leitir Mor (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

17759J

Menlo National School, Menlo, Castlegar

New School

Galway

17770U

S N Naomh Colmain Carna (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

17782E

S N Bride Naofa Sean Tallamh (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

17789S

S N Cill Tartain Gort Inse Guaire (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

17807R

Sn Cathair Geal, Cathair Geal, Tuam, Co Galway

New School

Galway

17919F

Aibhistin Naofa Cluain Tuaiscirt (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

18089S

Scoil Naomh Mhuire/Maree NS, An Gharran, Oranmore

Extension/Refurb

Galway

18112K

Scoil Naomh Eanna Bullan (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

18125T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire An Creagan (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

18332B

Scoil Naomh Padraig Magh Locha (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

18636V

S N Bheanain Tuam (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

18746F

Sn Muine Mhea Athenry (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19201O

Holy Family School Renmore (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19241D

Dominican Convent Taylor Hill (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19283T

Ballymacward Central Sc Ballymacward Central Sc (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19449E

St Oliver Plunketts NS Newcastle (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19529C

Scoil Mhuire Maigh Cuilinn (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19544V

Kilchreest Central Sch Kilchreest (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19567K

Scoil Aine St Anne’s Special Sch (Galway City)

New School

Galway

19803T

Sn Seamus Naofa Bearna (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19858V

Gaelscoil Dara, Brothers of Charity, Galway City

New School

Galway

19965W

Scoil Mhuire Clarinbridge Co Galway

New School

Galway

19973V

Scoil Mhuire Clifden (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19996K

St Brendans NS Portumna (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

19998O

Gaelscoil De Hide, Oran Mor

New School

Galway

20000L

Galway Educate Together N.S. Thomas Hynes Rd (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

20040A

St. Brendans NS, Belmont, Tuam, (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

20061I

Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha Community Centre (Galway County)

New School

Galway

20070J

Rosedale School Woodlands Centre (Galway City)

New School

Galway

20123E

Gaelscoil Riabhach Baile Locha Riach (Galway County)

New School

Galway

20211B

Claregalway Educate Together N S Cloonbiggen Road (Galway County)

New School

Galway

62870G

Presentation College Athenry (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

62900M

Coláiste Mhuire Ballygar (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

62981P

Coláiste Einde Threadneedle Road (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

63000E

Presentation Secondary School Presentation Rd (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

63001G

Jesus & Mary Secondary School Salerno Secondary School, Salthill

Extension/Refurb

Galway

63040Q

Presentation College Headford (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

63050T

Seamount College Kinvara (Galway County)

New School

Galway

63100I

Calasanctius College Oranmore (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

63101K

St Pauls Oughterard (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

63130R

Colaiste Chroi Mhuire An Spideal (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

63171I

Mercy College Woodford (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

68073K

New Girls Secondary School Tuam (Galway County)

New School

Galway

68074M

New Boys Secondary School Tuam (Galway County)

New School

Galway

71270G

Gairmscoil Mhuire Athenry (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

71280J

St Brigids Vocational School Loughrea (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

71300M

Gairmscoil Éinne Oileain Arann Cill Rónain (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

71310P

Gairm Scoil Chilleáin Naofa Cnoc Breac (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

71320S

Gairmscoil Fheichin Naofa Corr Na Mona (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

71340B

Galway Technical Institute Father Griffin Road (Galway City)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

71370K

Coláiste Ghobnait Inis Oírr (Galway County)

New School

Galway

71380N

Gairmscoil Na Bpiarsach Ros Muc (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

81012N

Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin An Cheathrú Rua (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

91411K

Scoil Phobail Mhic Dara Carna (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Galway

91498C

Gort Community School Gort (Galway County)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

01396J

Tulloha National School Kenmare (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

02418V

Knockaderry N S Farranfore (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

03132I

S N Sliabh A Mhadra Ballyduff (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

04062S

Listowel Presentation Primary Listowel (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

08530W

Lauragh National School Killarney (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

09260B

S N Lios Teilic Traili (Kerry)

New School

Kerry

09837H

Black Valley National School Beaufort (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

10755M

Scoil An Fhirtearaigh Tra Li (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

11363A

Scoil Atha Na Mblath Killarney (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

11746Q

Castlegregory Mxd N S Castlegregory (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

12832O

Scoil Mhuire B Killorglin (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

13615L

Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, Tralee, Co Kerry

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

14366V

Loughfouder N S Knocknagoshel (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

15592M

Sn Ceann Tra Meascaithe Ceanntra (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

15945T

Firies Mxd N S Killarney (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

15978L

Curraheen Mxd N S Glenbeigh (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

16014A

St Finians An Corain (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

16217O

An Bhreac Chluain B Annascaul (Kerry)

New School

Kerry

16898S

SN Breandan Noafa, Cathair Ui Mhodhrain, Traighli, Co Chiarrai

New School

Kerry

17012B

S N An Fhossa Killarney (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

17710C

S N An Chuilleanaig Killarney (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

18247K

S N Mhuire Na Mbraithre Tralee (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

18702I

Spa National School, Tralee

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

18821Q

Milltown Monastery Milltown (Kerry)

New School

Kerry

18832V

Castlemaine N S Castlemaine (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

19384C

Ardfert Central N S Ard Fhearta (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

19448C

S N Realt Na Mara Tuath O Siosta (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

19512I

St Olivers NS Ballycasheen (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

19631Q

Gaelscoil Mhic Easmainn Rath Ronain (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

19917L

Gaelscoil Naomh Aogain Bothar Luimnigh (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

19941I

Gaelscoil Faithleann Cill Airne (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

19957A

Dromclough N S Listowel (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

19986H

S N Eoin Baiste Garrai Na Dtor (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

20013U

Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail Lios Tuathail (Kerry)

New School

Kerry

20112W

Caherciveen N S Caherciveen (Kerry)

New School

Kerry

20158A

Tralee Educate Together NS Collis Sandes House (Kerry)

New School

Kerry

61220I

St. Joseph’S Secondary School Doon Road (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

61250R

Meanscoil Phadraig Naofa Castleisland (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

61301I

Coláiste Íde Baile An Ghóilín (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

61360B

The Intermediate School Iveragh Road (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

61450C

Presentation Secondary School Tralee (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

68070E

Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

68075O

Mean Scoil Nua An Leith Triuigh Caislean Ghriaire (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

70540E

Causeway Comprehensive School Causeway (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

70560K

Gaelcholáiste Chiarraí Tobar Mhaigh Dor (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kerry

91504R

Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Rathmore (Kerry)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

06209J

Athy Model School

New School

Kildare

11893G

St Davids NS Dublin Road (Kildare)

New School

Kildare

13902O

Hewetsons N S Clane (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent Primary School Naas (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent NS, Naas

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

15599D

St Brigids Primary School Kildare Town (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

15769C

Monasterevan Convent Monasterevan (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

15870O

Scoil Chonnla Phadraig Newbridge (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

15957D

St Patrick’s Boys NS, Rathangan

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

16302F

St Brigids N S Ballysax (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

16706G

St Josephs Bns Kilcock (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

16707I

Scoil Naisiunta Naomh Pheadar Monasterevan (Kildare)

New School

Kildare

16817P

Brannoxtown N S Brannockstown (Kildare)

New School

Kildare

16845U

Rathcoffey N S Rathcoffey (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

17254C

Scoil Chorbain Naas (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

17254C

St Corban’s Primary School, Naas

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

17341U

Maynooth B N S Maynooth (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

17341U

Maynooth Boys’ NS

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

17872F

St Conleths And Marys N S Newbridge (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

17873H

S N Connlaodh Naofa N Newbridge (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

17931S

S N Brighde Ticknevin (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

17968S

Ursaille Naofa Teach An Da Mhile (Kildare)

New School

Kildare

18063A

S N Naomh Lorcain Levitstown (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

18093J

S N Cloch Rinnce Cloch Rinnce (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

18130M

St Patricks NS Johnstownbridge (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

18288B

Scoil Mhichil Naofa Athy (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

18445O

S N Scoil Treasa Kilshanroe (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

18449W

St Conleths N S Derrinturn (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

18644U

Straffan N S Straffan (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

18650P

Newtown NS Enfield (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

18666H

Tiremohan National School, Donadea, Naas, (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

19277B

St Annes Special School The Curragh (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

19675N

St Brigids N S Kilcullen (Kildare)

Special Needs

Kildare

19794V

Scoil Mochua, Aghards, Celbridge, (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

19796C

St Patricks BNS, Clane

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

19797E

Scoil Naisiunta Bhride Prosperous Road (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

20114D

Scoil Bríd Oldtown (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

20192A

Gaelscoil Átha Í A.F.C. Bhaile Átha Í (Kildare)

New School

Kildare

20257C

Sc Naomh Padraig, Celbridge

New School

Kildare

61690W

Cross And Passion College Kilcullen (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

70660O

Curragh Post-Primary School Mcswiney Road (Kildare)

New School

Kildare

70670R

Colaiste Lorcain Castledermot (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

70680U

St. Conleths Vocational School, Newbridge

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

70700A

Maynooth Post Primary School Moyglare Rd (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kildare

91371B

Leixlip Community School Celbridge Road (Kildare)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

00788V

Lisdowney N S Ballyragget (Kilkenny)

Special Needs

Kilkenny

05437R

Presentation Convent G.N.S. Mooncoin (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16028L

Thomastown Convent NS Thomastown (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16116I

S N Naomh Colmain Clarach Higginstown (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16204F

S N An Moinin Rua Caislean An Chumair (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16230G

S N Lisnafunchin Castlecomer (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16445E

St Patricks NS, Boneyarrow

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16485Q

St Brendans Mixed N S Hugginstown (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16827S

Scoil San Lionard Dunnamaggin (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16865D

Clontubrid Mixed N S Freshford (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

16875G

S N Naomh Padraigh Strangmills (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

17093E

S N Bhreandain Naofa Nagh Coillidhe (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

17108O

St Johns Infants N S Kilkenny (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

17253A

S N Caislean An Cumair Castlecomer (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

17566V

S N Bhridhe Kells (Kilkenny)

New School

Kilkenny

17589K

S N Chiaran Naofa Stoneyford (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

17758H

Scoil Mhichil Naofa Crosspatrick (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

18078N

Scoil Bhride B&C Paulstown

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

19210P

Mother Of Fair Love Spec School James Street (Kilkenny)

New School

Kilkenny

19626A

St Canices Central N S Kilkenny (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

19856R

Gaelscoil Osrai Loch Bui (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

20132F

The High Support Special School C/O Seville Lodge (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

20255V

Bunscoil McAuley Rice

New School

Kilkenny

61510R

Coláiste Éamann Rís Callan (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

61520U

St. Brigid’s College, Callan

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

61550G

Meánscoil Na Mbráithre Criostaí Sráid Shéamais (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

61560J

St Kieran’s College Secondary School (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

61590S

Presentation Secondary School Loughboy (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

70600T

Coláiste Mhuire Johnstown (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

70610W

City Vocational School New Street (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

70620C

Coláiste Cois Siúire Mooncoin (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

70640I

Grennan College Ladywell St (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

76082H

Abbey Community College Abbey Rd (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Kilkenny

91360T

Community School Castlecomer (Kilkenny)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

07183W

St Josephs Girls N.S. Davitt Road (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

12231L

Rush Hall Mixed N S Portlaoise (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

13386W & 18828H &19286C

Scoil An Chroi Naofa, St Paul’s NS & SN Mhuire, Portlaoise

New School

Laois

13937K

Stradbally Convent Stradbally (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

15446B

Trummera N S Trummera (Laois)

New School

Laois

16070K

Mountmellick Boys N S Mountmellick (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

17692D

Sraid Bhaile Boys N S Sraid Bhaile (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

18150S

Fraoch Mor NS Fraoch Mor

Extension/Refurb

Laois

18513F

Naomh Padraig N S Doire Liaim Oig (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

18547W

Faolan Naofa N S Baile Ui Ruain (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

19750B

Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyleix

Extension/Refurb

Laois

20081O

Gaelscoil Phort Laoise Gort Bhfraoch (Laois)

New School

Laois

20270R

Portlaoise Primary School Portlaoise Road (Laois)

New School

Laois

63420D

Scoil Iosaif Cbs Portarlington (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

71470O

Clonaslee Vocational School Clonaslee (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

71520D

St Fergal’S College Rathdowney (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Laois

91426A

Community School Mountmellick (Laois)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

08673V

The Hunt N S Castle Street (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

15194A

Naomh Caillin Fiodhnach Foxfield (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

16474L

Carrigallen N S Carrigallen (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

17233R

Manorhamilton B N S Scoil San Clar (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

18181G

St. Hugh’S N.S. Dowra (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

71540J

Carrigallen Vocational School Carrigallen (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

71570S

Vocational School Drumshanbo (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

81013P

St. Clare’S Comprehensive School Manorhamilton (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

91496V

Community School Carrick-On-Shannon (Leitrim)

Extension/Refurb

Leitrim

91519H

Ballinamore Community School Ballinamore (Leitrim)

New School

Leitrim

71560P

Lough Allen College, Drumkeerin

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

06516S

Kildimo National School Kildimo (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

07222G

Banogue National School Croom (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

09306W

Croom National School Croom (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

11422N

Mahoonagh N S Castlemahon (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

11809O

S N Cnoch A Deaga Ballylanders (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

14305B

Ballylanders N S Kilmallock (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

14516O

Feale View N S Abbeyfeale (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

16264A

Abbeyfeale B N S 1 Abbeyfeale (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

16443A

Scoil Padraig Naofa B Dublin Road (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

16444C

Scoil Padraig Naofa C Dublin Road (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

16712B

Scoil Naomh Iosaf Adare (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

16715H

St John The Baptist Boys N S Downey Street (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

16913L

Scoil Na Naoinean Eas Geiphtine (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

17076E

Scoil Mhuire Gleann Ruadh (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

17212J

Scoil Nais Cnoc Aine (Limerick County)

New School

Limerick

17487C

Scoil Nais Cathaircinnlis (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

17593B

Scoil Naomh Mhuire Cnoc Ui Coileain (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

18367U

S N Toinn An Tairbh Cappamore (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

18530F

Askeaton Senior Ns Askeaton (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

18600A

S N Ma Rua Ma Rua (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

18612H

Scoil Mhuire Achadh Lin (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

18872K

Scoil Ide Corbally (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

19323F

S N Beal Atha Grean Kilmallock (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

19336O

Scoil Phoil Naofa, Dooradoyle, Limerick

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

19475F

St Brigids Ns Singland (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

19587Q

St Augustines Spec Sch Augustinian Priory (Limerick City)

New School

Limerick

19603L

St Gabriels School Springfield Drive (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

19667O

Our Lady Of Lourdes N S Rosbrien (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

19719H

Mid West School H Imp Rosbrien (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

19894C

An Mhodh Scoil Ascail Ui Chonaill (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

19931F

Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy (Limerick City)

New School

Limerick

19956V

Gaelscoil Sairseal Sraid An Droichid (Limerick City)

New School

Limerick

19966B

St Josephs Drumcollogher (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

20094A

Scoil Chriost An Slanaitheoir Baile An Gharrai (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh An Treoigh Chaladh An Treoigh (Limerick County)

New School

Limerick

20181S

Gaelscoil An Raithin Dooradoyle Road (Limerick City)

New School

Limerick

20184B

Galvone Ns Kennedy Park (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

20233L

Scoil Catriona, Cappaghmore

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

20234N

Childrens Ark, Midwest Regional Hospital, (Limerick County)

New School

Limerick

42650D

Rathkeale Senior Travelling Centre Rathkeale (Limerick County)

New School

Limerick

64150F

Glenstal Abbey School Murroe (Limerick County)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

64200R

Colaiste Mhichil Sexton Street (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

64250J

Presentation Secondary School Sexton Street (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

64260M

Laurel Hill Secondary School Fcj Laurel Hill (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

64280S

Salesian Secondary School Fernbank (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

64290V

Ardscoil Mhuire Corbally (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

64300V

Scoil Carmel O’Connell Avenue (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

64310B

Villiers Secondary School North Circular Road (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

71840V

Colaiste Chiarain Croom (Limerick County)

New School

Limerick

71930W

Limerick Senior College Mulgrave Street (Limerick City)

Extension/Refurb

Limerick

ED40101

Limerick Education Centre Limerick (Limerick City)

New School

Longford

00860D

Forgney National School, Moyvore

New School

Longford

07518E

Scoil Cnoc An Mharcaigh, Longford

Extension/Refurb

Longford

14386E

Stonepark NS, Longford

Extension/Refurb

Longford

14650S

Cloontagh Mixed N S Cloontagh (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Longford

17561L

Samhthann N S Ballinalee (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Longford

18178R

St Josephs Convent Longford (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Longford

18259R

Lanesborough Primary School Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál (Longford)

New School

Longford

19467G

Saint Mels Saint Mels (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Longford

19987J

Scoil Mhuire N S Newtownforbes (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Longford

20083S

Gaelscoil An Longfoirt Fearann Uí Dhuagáin (Longford)

New School

Longford

63760E

Meán Scoil Muire Convent Road (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Longford

71710I

Ardscoil Phadraig Granard (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Longford

71720L

Lanesboro Community College Lanesboro (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Longford

71730O

Templemichael College Templemichael (Longford)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

01434O

S N Columcille Tullydonnell (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

01553W

Louth Mixed N S Louth (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

01554B

Baile an Phusta NS, Smarmore

Extension/Refurb

Louth

11072M

S N Naomh Peadar Bolton Street (Louth)

New School

Louth

14069P

Dun Dealgan N S Jocelyn Street (Louth)

New School

Louth

16208N

Termonfeckin Mixed NS, Termonfeckin

Extension/Refurb

Louth

17862C

Realt Na Mara Sois. Mill Street (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

17965M

S N Bhride Ard Achaidh (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

18126V

S N San Nioclas Tigh Banan (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

18312S

S N Talamh Na Manach Talamh Na Manach (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

19214A

St Marys Special Sch Drumcar (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

19223B

S N Padraig Baile Ui Ir (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

19246N

S N An Tslanaitheora B Ard Easmuinn (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

19247P

S N An Tslanaitheora C Ard Easmuinn (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

63840C

St. Joseph’s C.B.S. Newfoundwell Rd (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

63841E

St Mary’s Diocesan School Beamore Road (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

63850F

Our Ladys College Greenhills (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

63860I

Sacred Heart Secondary School Sunnyside (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

63880O

Colaiste Rís Sraid An Tséipéil (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

63890R

St Mary’s College Dundalk (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

63900R

St Vincent’s Secondary School Seatown Place (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

63910U

St Louis Secondary School Dun Lughaidh (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

71750U

Bush Post Primary School Riverstown (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

71760A

Drogheda Inst. Of Further Education The Twenties (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

71761C

St Oliver’s Community College Drogheda (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

71770D

Ó Fiaich College Dublin Road (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Louth

91441T

Ardee Community School Ardee (Louth)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

04796R

Brackloon N S Westport (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

05215W

S N Croi Iosa Ballina (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

07054L

Cullens National School, Knockduff, Beal Atha An Fheadha

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

11725I

Beheymore N S Ballina (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

12568A

Sn Inbhear Barr Na Tra (Mayo)

New School

Mayo

13145A

S N Naomh Colm Cille Westport (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

13174H

St Columbas N.S. Inishturk (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

13389F

Sn An Trian Lair Beal Atha Na Muiche (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

13659I

Beacan Mixed N S Bekan (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

13797U

Lecanvey N S Westport (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

14195U

An Gleanna Mhoir S N Crossmolina (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

14205U

S N Mainistir Muigheo Claremorris (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

14671D

S N Na Craobhaighe Carrowmore-Lacken (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

14808E

Irishtown N S Claremorris (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

15257V

Quignamanger N S Ballina (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16021U

Lisaniska N S S N Lios An Uisce (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16122D

Knock N S Claremorris (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16173U

Kinaffe N S Swinford (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16283E

S N Pol A Tsomais Beal An Atha (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16832L

Muirisc Ns Muirisc (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

16904K

S N Lainn Cille Cathair Na Mart (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18002D

Drumgallagh N S Ballycroy (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18070U

Convent Of Mercy N.S. Claremorris (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18175L

S N Beannchair Carrowmore (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18542M

S N Naomh Padraig Castlebar (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

18561Q

S N Naomh Ioseph Raithini (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19248R

St Anthonys Special Sc Humbert Way (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19375B

St Brids Special Sch Pavilion Road (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19451O

Newport Central Baile Ui Bhfiachain (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19808G

Tavrane Central Ns Kilkelly (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19812U

Foxford Central Ns Foxford (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19832D

Scoil Raifteiri Faiche An Aonaigh (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19903A

Kiltimagh Central Kiltimagh (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

19972T

S N Uileog De Burca Clar Chlainne Mhuiris (Mayo)

New School

Mayo

20037L

S N Padraig Naofa Louisburgh (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

20084U

Gaelscoil Bheal An Atha Corrai Mhuireann (Mayo)

New School

Mayo

20230F

Scoil Phadraic Westport (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

20256A

Scoil Náisiúnta Thuar Mhic Éadaigh Trianláir (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64500G

Balla Secondary School Balla (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64510J

St Muredachs College Sligo Road (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64520M

St. Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina

New school

Mayo

64590K

Naomh Iosaef Clochar Na Trócaire (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64640W

St Joseph’S Secondary School Foxford (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64690O

Scoil Muire Agus Padraig Swinford (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64691Q

Coláiste Mhuire Tuar Mhic Éadaigh (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64700O

Rice College Castlebar Road (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

64710R

Sacred Heart School Westport (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

72070D

Mchale College Achill Sound (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

72100J

St. Tiernan’S College Crossmolina (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

72160E

Carrowbeg College Westport (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Mayo

76060U

Davitt College Springfield (Mayo)

New School

Mayo

91494R

St Louis Community School Kiltimagh (Mayo)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

01309L

Stackallen NS, Stackallen

Extension/Refurb

Meath

05630L

Scoil Mhichil Na Buachailli Scoil Na Mbrathar (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

10801Q

Drumbarragh N S Drumbarragh (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

11039O

Kilbeg N S Kilbeg (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

11978O

Scoil Mhuire Ns Moylagh (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

15104T

Bride Naofa N S Cannistown (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

16143L

S N Pheadair Agus Phoil Drumconrath (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17203I

S N Ultain Naofa Domhnach Padraig (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17480L

S N Baile Cheant Baile Cheant (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17560J

S N Seosamh Naomtha Dun Doire (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17623H

Scoil Nais Ui Gramhna Athboy (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17652O

Scoil Oilibheir Naofa Coillcluana (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17705J

Scoil Cros Ban, Whitecross, Julianstown

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17839H

S N Bheinn Naofa B Duleek (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17840P

S N Bheinin Naofa C Duleek (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17856H

Scoil Naomh Mhuire Donore

Extension/Refurb

Meath

17930Q

S N Seachnaill Naofa Dunshaughlin (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

18037W

S N Mhuire Baile Ui Earain (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

18106P

SN Na Trionoide Naofa Lios Muilinn

Extension/Refurb

Meath

18132Q

S N Muire Carlanstown (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

18195R

St Finian N S Clonalvy (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

19018A

Dangan Mixed N S Dangan (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett Ns Navan (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

19560T

St Marys Special School Johnstown (Meath)

New School

Meath

19768U

Scoil Mhuire Ashbourne (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

19813W

Kildalkey Central NS, Kildalkey

New School

Meath

19867W

Scoil Na Rithe Dun Seachlainn (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

20017F

Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Laytown, Co Meath

Extension/Refurb

Meath

20032B

Dunboyne Junior N S Dunboyne (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

20033D

Dunboyne Senior N S Dunboyne (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

20051F

Gaelscoil Na Boinne Dublin Road (Meath)

New School

Meath

20082Q

GS Tulach na nÓg, Dunboyne

New School

Meath

20164S

Navan Educate Together Ns Commons Road (Meath)

New School

Meath

20179I

St Stephens NS C/O St Marthas College (Meath)

New School

Meath

64360Q

St. Joseph’s Secondary School (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Meath

71970L

St. Fintinas Post Primary School Longwood (Meath)

New School

Meath

71980O

O’Carolan College Nobber,

Extension/Refurb

Meath

76103M

Colaiste Na Hinse Laytown (Meath)

New School

Meath

91508C

Boyne Community School Trim (Meath)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

00359V

St. Louis Girls National School Park Road (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

09186P

Scoil Mhuire Machaire Airne (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

10429W

Scoil Mhuire Rockcorry (Monaghan)

New School

Monaghan

10718G

Billis National School Billis (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

14071C

Drumgossett N S Drumgossett (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

16923O

Urbleshanny N S Urbleshanny (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

17099Q

S N Naomh Iosef Carraig Mhachaire Rois (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

17686I

Scoil Mhuire Bns Castleblaney (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

18401R

Scoil Mhuire Glasloch (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

18494E

St Louis Infant School Park Road (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

19434O

Latton Latton Ns (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

19936P

Gaelscoil Ultain An Cnoc (Monaghan)

New School

Monaghan

64760J

St Louis Secondary School Carrickmacross (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

64770M

Our Lady’S Secondary School Castleblayney (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

72180K

Inver College Carrickmacross (Monaghan)

Extension/Refurb

Monaghan

76095Q

Monaghan Institute Of Further Education (Monaghan)

New School

Offaly

02413L

S N Naomh Eoin An Rath (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

07949I

S N Osmann Birr (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

15325M

Clonbullogue N S Clonbullogue (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

15923J

Cloneyhurke N S Cloneyhurke (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

16013V

Edenderry Convent N S St Marys Road (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

16435B

St Ciarans Mixed N S Ballycumber (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

17508H

S N Naomh Cholumchille Durrow (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

17746A

Scoil Colmain Naofa Muclach (Offaly)

New School

Offaly

17827A

Scoil Phadraig Portarlington (Offaly)

New School

Offaly

18057F

Scoil Mhuire Tullamore

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

18115Q

S N Mhuire Cluain Na Ngamhain (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

18364O

S N Muire Bainrion Edenderry (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

18406E

S N Proinsias Naofa Clarach (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

18795S

S N Mhuire Cul An Airne (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

19638H

Coolderry Central Ns Brosna (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

20099K

Offaly School Of Special Education Tullamore(Offaly)

New School

Offaly

20289P

St. Cynoc’S National School Ferbane (Offaly)

New School

Offaly

72530L

Ard Scoil Chiarain Naofa Frederick St. (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

72560U

Tullamore College, Riverside, Tullamore

Extension/Refurb

Offaly

91491L

St.Brendan’S Community School Birr (Offaly)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

14966W

Kilteevan N S Roscommon (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

15083O

St Marys Convent N S Roscommon (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

15557K

Cloonfad N S Ballyhaunis (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

16427C

Clonown N S Athlone (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

16816N

Attyrory N S Ballinasloe (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

17094G

S N Rath Cruachan Beal Atha Na Gcearr (Roscommon)

New School

Roscommon

18395C

S N Cluain Na Cille Athlone (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

18626S

An Gleann Duibh NS, Kiltoom, Athlone

New School

Roscommon

19368E

S N Naomh Ciaran Scoil Naomh Ciaran (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

20126K

Gaelscoil De Hide Cnoc Na Cruibe (Roscommon)

New School

Roscommon

65080P

C.B.S. Roscommon Abbeytown (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Roscommon

91493P

Castlerea Community School Castlerea (Roscommon)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

02013S

Ballintogher N S Ballintogher (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

14051T

Stokane Ns Enniscrone (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

14636B

Carraroe N S An Ceathru Rua (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

15004P

Scoil Asicus Lar Easa (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

15217J

Ardkeerin N S Riverstown (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

15342M

S N Naomh Mhuire Ceis Chorainn (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

15571E

Kilglass N S Enniscrone (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

17641J

S N Realt Na Mara Rosses Point (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

17725P

S N Bhride Carn (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

18053U

Sooey N S Sughaidh (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

18543O

S N Clochog Castlebaldwin (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

18575E

S N Molaoise Grainseach (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

18979F

S N Ursula Strandhill Road (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

19206B

Sch Of Immaculate Conc Cregg House (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

19340F

St Josephs Special Sch Ballytivan (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

19408N

Rathcormack N S Rathcormack (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

19964U

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal Ballymote (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re Bothar Baile Ui Dhugain (Sligo)

New School

Sligo

20122C

Scoil Mhuire & Iosaf National School, Colloney

New School

Sligo

65130E

St Marys College Ballysadare (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

65150K

Jesus & Mary Secondary School Enniscrone (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

72310U

Coola Post Primary School Riverstown (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

72320A

Coláiste Iascaigh Easkey (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Sligo

72360M

Ballinode College Ballinode (Sligo)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

00590A

Borrisoleigh B N S Borrisoleigh (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

01594N

St Johns Roscrea (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

02237R

Dualla N S Dualla (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

04005G

S N Naomh Peadar Horse And Jockey (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

04620D

Thomastown N S Thomastown (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

06658P

Kildangan N S Cill An Daingin Pocon (Tipperary N.R.)

Special Needs

Tipperary

07048Q

Mohober N S Mohober (Tipperary S.R.)

New School

Tipperary

07245S

Cullen N S Cullen (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

07358I

S N Sceichin A Rince An Chuirt Doite (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

08903M & 13014I

Fethard Convent NS & Naomh Padraig NS, Fethard

New school

Tipperary

09190G

Boher National School, Ballina

Extension & SNU

Tipperary

10120P & 18716T

Cahir BNS & Cahir GNS, Cahir

New School

Tipperary

11453B

Lisnamrock N S Coalbrook (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

11470B

Slieveardagh N S The Commons (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

12180U

Presentation Primary School Clonmel (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

12540B

Clonmore N S Templemore (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

13210I

St Josephs National School Ballingarry (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

13678M

Killurney N S Ballypatrick (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

14181J

Poulicapple N S Callan (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

14460N

Killea N S Templemore (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

15008A

Shronell N S Lattin (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

15299O

Gaile N S Holycross (Tipperary S.R.)

Special Needs

Tipperary

15560W

Bishop Harty Ns Ballinree (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

16276H

Carrig National School, Ballycommon, Nenagh

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

16344V

St Marys Jnr B N S Nenagh (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

16810B

Eochaille Ara N S Newtown (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

16835R

S N Naomh Treasa Borrisoleigh (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

17244W

S N Naomh Ruadhain Lorrha (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

17296S

S N Baile Na Hinse Birdhill (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

17332T

St Marys Parochial School Clonmel (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

17486A

S N Cleireachain Clonmel (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

17703F

S N Ard Croine Nenagh (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

17783G

S N Chuirt Doighte Cahir (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18135W

Scoil Angela Ursuline Convent (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18213Q

S N Leamhach Thurles (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18322V

S N An Droma Thurles (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18345K

S N Iosef Naofa Cor An Bhile (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18379E

Barnane N S Templemore (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18435L

Sacred Heart Primary School, Newline, Roscrea, Co Tipperary

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18443K

S N Iosef Naofa Eaglais (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18486F

S N Cill Siolain Cill Siolain (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

18538V

Scoil Mhuire Caislean Nua (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

19230V

Cormaic Special School Cashel (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

19294B

Lisvernane N S Galbally (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

19370O

St Annes Special Sch Roscrea (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

19615S

Scoil Aonghusa Cashel (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

19645E

St Oliver Plunketts Ns Heywood Rd (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

19937R

Gaelscoil Aonach Bothar Naomh Chonlain (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

20007C

Gaelscoil Chluain Meala Baile Gaelach (Tipperary S.R.)

New School

Tipperary

20062K

Scoil Mhuire Borrisokane (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

20085W

Gaelscoil Charraig Na Siuire (Tipperary S.R.)

New School

Tipperary

20198M

Templemore Ns Templemore (Tipperary N.R.)

New School

Tipperary

65380E

St Mary’S Secondary School Nenagh (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

65460C

Presentation Secondary School Thurles (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

65490L

The Abbey School Station Road (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

72390V

Vocational School Cappawhite (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

72400V

Comeragh College Greenside (Tipperary S.R.)

New School

Tipperary

72420E

Central Technical Institute Clonmel (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

72450N

St Joseph’s College Newport (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

72470T

St. Sheelan’s College Templemore (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

72480W

St. Ailbe’s School Rosanna Road (Tipperary S.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

72490C

Vocational School Castlemeadows (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Tipperary

76069P

Colaiste Phobáil Ros Cré Corville Rd (Tipperary N.R.)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

01711O

S N Cill Rosanta Cill Mhic Thomais (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

07737Q

Villierstown N S Cappoquin (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

12007G & 18235D

Ferrybank Convent NS & Scoil Mhuire An Port Mor NS, Ferrybank

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

14568K

Killea Boys N S Dunmore East (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

15046I

St Stephens N S Waterford (Waterford City)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

15540Q

Ballyduff B 2 N S Ballyduff (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

16748W

S N Na Cille Cill Mhic Thomais Fhinn (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

16976M

S N Deaglan Portlairge (Waterford City)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

17159I

S N An Garrain Bhain Dungarbhain (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

17525H

Dunmore East Convent Ns Dunmore East (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

17535B

Fionnabhair NS, Fenor, Co. Waterford

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

17570M

S N Na Bhfiodh Cill Mhic Thomais (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

18167M

S N Aine Nfa Seafield Bonmahon (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

18380M

S N Faiche Liag Portlairge (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

18681D

Christ Church National School, Lower Newtown, Waterford

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

18793O

Sc Naomh Eoin Le Dia Passage Road (Waterford City)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

19108B

St Martins Special Sch Ballytruckle (Waterford City)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

19244J

St Josephs Special Sch Parnell Street (Waterford City)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

19282R

St Johns Special Sch Dungarvan (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

19814B

Scoil Gearbhain Straid Emmett (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

19885B

Gealscoil Philib Barun Teach Realt Na Mara (Waterford County)

New School

Waterford

19953P

St Marys Ns Dungarvan (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

19955T

S N Na Toirbhirte Clocar Na Toirbhirte (Waterford City)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

19970P

Portlaw N.S., Co. Waterford

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

20116H

Glor Na Mara NS, Tramore

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

64930I

C.B.S. Mount Sion (Waterford City)

New School

Waterford

64950O

De La Salle College Newtown (Waterford City)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

64990D

St. Angela’s Ursline Convent

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

72230W

St Declan’S Community College Kilmacthomas (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

72240C

Central Technical Institute Parnell Street (Waterford City)

Extension/Refurb

Waterford

76066J

Meánscoil San Nioclás Rinn O Gcuanach (Waterford County)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

01731U

Ballynacargy Mixed N S Ballynacargy (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

05916G

Tyrellspass Mixed National School

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

08100U

S N Phadraig Baile Eamainn (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

10857U

Castlepollard Paroc.N S Castlepollard (Westmeath)

New School

Westmeath

14603J

Rochfortbridge Convent Rochfortbridge (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

16092U

Athlone N S Unit 5 (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

17102C

Cluain Buinne N S Cluain Buinne (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

17182D

Mhichil Naofa N S Castletown-Geoghegan (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

17189R

Rath Eoghan N S Rath Eoghan (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

17236A

Boher N S Boher (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

17327D

Curraghmore N S Curraghmore (Westmeath)

New School

Westmeath

18036U

Diarmada N S Castlepollard (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

18640M

Naomh Iosef N S Rath Ghuaire (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

19008U

Scoil Phadraig Baile An Mhuileann (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

19205W

Naomh Tola N S Coill Uailleach (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

19350I

S N Chruimin Naofa Muilte Farannain (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

19650U

Scoil Cholmain Naofa Bellview (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

20002P

Gaelscoil An Mhuilinn An Muileann Cearr (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

63190M

Marist College Retreat Road (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

63191O

St Aloysius College The Park (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

63221U

Meán Scoil An Chlochair Kilbeggan (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

63280N

St Finian’S College Mullingar (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

63300Q

Wilson’s Hospital School Multyfarnham

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

63310T

St Joseph’S Secondary School Rochfortbridge (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Westmeath

71410T

Athlone Community College, Retreat Road, Athlone

New School

Westmeath

71430C

Columba College Killucan (Westmeath)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

01840C

St Canice S Convent Rosbercon (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

03633H

Scoil Náisiúnta Bhantiarna Lourdes Bunclody (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

05070W

S N Baile Muirne Ballymurn (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

06959G

Clonroche N S Clonroche (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

11986N

Convent Of Mercy Pairc An Chinneideach (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

12372G & 16741I & 17457Q

Michael St NS & CBS NS & Naomh Iosaf NS, New Ross

New School

Wexford

12841P

St Patricks N S Ballyroebuck Ns (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

13335F

Court N S Court (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

14777T

Kilmyshall N S Kilmyshall (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

14900P

Gusserane N S Gusserane (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

15177A

Carrigduff Nat School Carrigduff (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

15407O

Sn Baile Thomais Baile Thomais (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

15940J

Tombrack N S Tombrack (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

16605A

Kilrane N S Kilrane (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

16673R

S N Baile Cuisin Cushinstown Ns (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

16833N

Kiltealy N S Kiltealy (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

16841M

S N Nmh Brighde Blackwater (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

17005E

S N An Gleanna Glynn (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

17768K

S N Baile An Caisleain Castletown (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

17800D

S N Seosamh Nfa Bree (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

17841R

Sn Mhuire Ballyhogue (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

17858L

S N Coill An Iarainn Kilanerin (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

18010C

S N Mhuire Baile Daithi (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

18280I

Scoil Naomh Ioseph Gorey (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

18387D

S N Catriona Nfa Ballyhack (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

18558E

S N Baile An Phiarsaigh Drinagh (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

18684J

S N Bhaile Mhuirne Murrintown (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

18707S

Castlebridge N S Castlebridge (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

18824W

St Iberius N S Davitt Road (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

19352M

Sc Nais Realta Na Mara An Chill Mhor (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

20057R

Gaelscoil Inis Corthaidh Inis Corthaidh (Wexford)

New School

Wexford

20165U

Gaelscoil Mhoshiolog Clonattin (Wexford)

New School

Wexford

20214H

Gorey Educate Together Ns St Walerans (Wexford)

New School

Wexford

63570W

Coláiste Bride Enniscorthy (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

63600F

Christian Brothers Secondary School Mountgarrett (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

63620L

St. Mary’s Secondary School Irishtown (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

63640R

CBS, Thomas Street, Wexford Town

Extension & SNU

Wexford

71620H

Vocational College Bunclody Bunclody (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wexford

91492N

Gorey Community School Esmonde Street (Wexford)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

00973Q

Grange Con N S Grange (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

01782O

S N Naomh Padraig Bearna Chle (Wicklow)

New School

Wicklow

10131U

Moin An Bhealaigh N S Moin An Bhealaigh (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

11372B

Brittas Bay Mxd N S Brittas Bay (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

12529N

St Saviours N S Rathdrum (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

14045B

Carysfort Mixed National School, Arklow

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

14398L

The Glebe Ns Wicklow (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

15676S

Padraig Naofa B N S St Patricks Road (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

16027J

S N Muire Stratford On Slaney (Wicklow)

New School

Wicklow

17091A

S N Muire Blessington (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

17181B

St Josephs N S Templerainey (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

17223O

S N Muire Is Gearard Enniskerry (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

17265H

Rathdrum Boys N S Rathdrum (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

17500O

S N Muire Mxd Barndarrig (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

17826V

Na Coroine Muire Mxd Ashford (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

18054W

Hollywood N S Hollywood (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

18118W

Coolfancy N S Cul Fhasaigh (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

18242A

Carnew N S Carnew (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

18470N

Naomh Brid N S Cnoc An Eanaigh (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

18502A

S N Naomh Brid Talbotstown (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

19339U

Stratford Lodge Ns Baltinglass (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

19573F

St Laurences N S St Laurences N S (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

19734D

St Francis N S Newcastle (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

20039P

Scoil Naomh Iosaf Baltinglass (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantáin An Casadh Meidhreach (Wicklow)

New School

Wicklow

20080M

Gaelscoil An Inbhir Mhoir Fernbank Park (Wicklow)

New School

Wicklow

20178G

Wicklow Educate Together Ns Marine House (Wicklow)

New School

Wicklow

20208M

St Josephs And St Ernans Wicklow Town (Wicklow)

New School

Wicklow

61820J

Loreto Secondary School Vevay Rd (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

61860V

Dominican College Wicklow (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

70760S

Blessington Community College Naas Rd (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

70770V

St Thomas’ Community College Novara Avenue (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

70790E

Coláiste Bhríde Carnew Carnew (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

81016V

East Glendalough School Station Road (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Wicklow

91376L

St. Killian’s Community School Ballywaltrim (Wicklow)

Extension/Refurb

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Michael Creed

Question:

1056 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance available from his Department or agencies operating under the aegis of his Department regarding financial assistance for retraining and upskilling of those who have become unemployed in recent times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11212/09]

My Department funds a number of further education programmes that provide retraining and upskilling options for the unemployed. These are both full-time and part-time and are delivered through the Vocational Education Committees (VECs).

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) is a second-chance education initiative for persons who are at least 21 years of age and more than six months unemployed. VTOS aims to give participants education and training opportunities which will develop and prepare them to go into paid employment, or on to further education opportunities leading to paid employment.

VTOS participants are paid a training allowance in lieu of their previous qualifying social welfare payment and retain their social welfare secondary benefits. A training bonus is paid to participants who have been in receipt of their social welfare payment for at least 12 months directly before joining VTOS. Participants are entitled to a meal allowance and a travel allowance if they reside more than three miles from a centre. They are also entitled to child support. They benefit from free tuition, books, materials and access to the VEC adult guidance service.

VECs also provide Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses. The PLC programme is a full time programme for students who have completed their leaving Certificate and for adults returning to education. PLC participants may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA). The BTEA is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and is a second chance educational opportunities scheme payable to people on welfare payments who wish to participate in full time education. To qualify for the BTEA an applicant must be in receipt of a relevant social welfare payment for a minimum period.

The BTEA is paid at a standard weekly rate equivalent to the maximum rate of the relevant social welfare payment that qualifies the applicant for participation in the scheme. It essentially replaces their existing social welfare income. In addition, an annual €500 cost of education allowance is payable. PLC participants may also be entitled to a maintenance grant.

The Youthreach programme provides two years integrated education, training and work experience to young people aged 15-20 years who left school early without any qualifications or vocational training and are unemployed. There are currently almost 3,700 Youthreach places available in VECs throughout the country. Participants receive a weekly training allowance and also receive a meal and travel allowance. They are also entitled to childcare support.

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides flexible, part-time further education options to enable persons to combine a return to learning with family, work or other commitments. Courses are free for all adults with a less than upper second level education, including the unemployed.

Special Educational Needs.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

1057 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant an additional year of education in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has made significant educational and medical progress but who has not achieved their potential and would benefit greatly from an additional year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11214/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

1085 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will grant permission to a person (details supplied) in County Cork to remain at a special needs school for a further school year. [11832/09]

I propose to take questions Nos. 1057 and 1085 together.

I can confirm that my Department recently received correspondence relating to the matter referred to by the Deputies. A response will issue as soon as the matter has been considered fully.

Schools Building Programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1058 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the conditions in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway, such as crumbling windows covered in bird wire to prevent the children from breaking glass and dangerous fungus growing on the walls which forced the closure of the school for several days and leaking prefabs with poor insulation; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the Health and Safety Authority has issued an improvement order on the school, the deadline for which has passed; if he will visit the school to see the conditions for himself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11216/09]

An application for capital funding towards the provision of a new school building was received in April of last year from the school referred to by the Deputy. This was the first such application from the school. The school, which has a current enrolment of 49 pupils, is situated in a rural area.

On foot of this application and information supplied by the school regarding its condition, officials from the Planning and Building Unit of my Department visited the school in June of last year. As a result of the visit, an amount of €26,862 was sanctioned to carry out remedial works to the school.

A member of the Inspectorate and officials from my Department's Building Unit visited the school on 11 December last. Since then my Department has been in ongoing contact with the school regarding its needs with a view to carrying out some urgently required works as soon as possible.

In light of the many competing demands on the capital budget of my Department, it is not possible to give any commitment relating to the provision of a new building for this school at this time.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1059 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in each year over the past three years that have progressed to architectural planning stage. [11233/09]

There were 40 major school projects for which design teams were appointed in 2006 to commence architectural planning. A further 14 design teams were appointed on major projects in 2007 and another 2 design teams were appointed in 2008.

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department, in accordance with the commitment in the Programme for Government established a Developing Areas Unit to identify where new schools were needed and ensure that they were delivered in the fastest possible timeframe.

This fast-track approach which, instead of the appointment of traditional design teams, involved the recruitment of Project Managers, with the assistance, where required, of architects, engineers and quantity surveyors to prepare the planning applications, undertake the necessary surveys and oversee the delivery of the schools through a combined design and build process, commenced in late 2007.

These two approaches, the traditional and the fast-track, delivered 48 new primary schools and 3 new post-primary schools in 2008. In addition, 29 major primary school extension and refurbishment projects and the 15 major post-primary extension and refurbishment projects were completed in 2008.

Taken together, the completion of these major projects reflect the concentration by my Department in 2008 on providing sufficient school places in developing areas, while also delivering improvements in the quality of existing primary and post-primary school accommodation throughout the country and represent an unprecedented level of achievement.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1060 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the final costs of each school that completed stage five in 2008; the number of pupils in each school; and the location of same. [11234/09]

The following table lists the record number of major projects which were progressed to practical completion in 2008. The list includes 48 new primary schools and 3 new post-primary schools, together with 29 major primary school extension/refurbishment projects and 15 major post-primary extension/refurbishment projects. It also shows the enrolment in each school for the 2008/2009 school year.

Practical completion is reached when a project is certified as having been completed in accordance with the project brief and specifications and is ready for occupation, but, where a Final Account is not yet agreed.

Following practical completion, there is a 12 month period during which any snags have to be identified and made good by the building contractor. A Final Account for each project is agreed after this period.

The Final Accounts for the projects that reached practical completion in 2008 have not yet been agreed so I cannot give the Deputy the individual final costs for these projects. However, I can tell him that just over €300m has been spent on the construction of the 95 projects.

New Primary Schools completed 2008

County

Roll No.

School

Year

Enrolments

Carlow

20295K

Carlow Town Educate Together

2008

25

Cavan

19983B

St Clares NS Ballyjamesduff

2008

373

Cork

19433M

Holy Family SS, Charleville

2008

59

Cork

20204E

Kilworth NS, Cork

2008

196

Donegal

17036P

SN Naomh Colmchille Killmacrennan

2008

181

Dublin

15315J

St George’s N.S., Balbriggan

2008

194

Dublin

16786H

St. Brigid’s Convent NS, The Coombe

2008

220

Dublin

19946S

Rutland St NS Dublin 1

2008

102

Dublin

20052H

Gaelscoil Colmcille

2008

211

Dublin

20176C

Rush and Lusk Educate Together

2008

163

Dublin

20186F

Castaheany Educate Together Ns, Ongar, Dublin 15

2008

346

Dublin

20201V

Tyrrellstown Educate Together

2008

353

Dublin

20241K

Scoil Choilm, Diswellstown,Porterstown

2008

154

Dublin

20247W

Scoil Ghrianne Community N.S., Phibblestown

2008

74

Dublin

20252P

Gaelscoil Balbriggan

2008

113

Dublin

20282B

Bracken Educate Together,Balbriggan

2008

169

Dublin

20302E

Thornleigh Green Educate Together, Swords

2008

27

Dublin

20303G

Lucan East Educate Together

2008

88

Dublin

20304I

Belmayne, St Francis N.S.

2008

22

Dublin

20307O

Kelly’s Bay Educate Together, Skerries

2008

34

Dublin

20308Q

Belmayne Educate Together

2008

15

Dublin

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Saggart

2008

242

Dublin

20060G

Monkstown Educate Together NS

2008

246

Kildare

16705E

Scoil Naomh Phadraig, Athy

2008

287

Kildare

19786W

Castledermot Mixed NS

2008

313

Kildare

20159C

Gaelscoil Nas na Riogh, Naas

2008

164

Kildare

20257C

Scoil Naomh Padraig, Celbridge

2008

138

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth Educate Together

2008

17

Kilkenny

17657B

An Tobar Mhuire Bhuac, Thomastown

2008

386

Laois

15556I

Portarlington Convent NS

2008

468

Laois

20081O

Gaelscoil Portlaoise

2008

207

Limerick

08926B

St Nicholas Church of Ireland School

2008

54

Louth

20294I

North Drogheda Environs,Drogheda

2008

61

Mayo

15866A

Carrakennedy NS, Westport

2008

35

Meath

18044T

SN Naomh Padraig, Stamullen

2008

426

Monaghan

20120V

Scoil Chroi Ro Naofa Clones

2008

214

Offaly

20189L

Tullamore Educate Together

2008

87

Sligo

19688W

Dromore West Central NS

2008

99

Tipperary

19968F

Gaelscoil Durlas Eile

2008

210

Westmeath

16914N

Baile Coireil NS, Coralstown

2008

114

Westmeath

19848S

St Etchen’s, Kinnegad

2008

423

Westmeath

19948W

SN gCeithre Maistrí, Diseart Mhuire, Bothar na Dithreibhe

2008

229

Westmeath

20188J

Mullingar Educate Together

2008

179

Wexford

20165U

Gaelscoil Mhiosolog, Gorey

2008

164

Wexford

20214H

Gorey Educate Together

2008

183

Wicklow

06176U

Blessington 1 NS

2008

89

Wicklow

20300A

Educate Together Greystones

2008

41

Wicklow

20301C

Gaelscoil Greystones

2008

24

Major Primary Extensions/Refurbishments completed 2008

County

Roll No.

School

Year

Enrolment

Carlow

14837L

SN Peadar agus Pol Ballon Carlow

2008

197

Cavan

11541V

Dromaili SN Cavan

2008

245

Cork

18279A

Carrigaline 3 NS Carragline

2008

219

Donegal

19553W

Dungloe Central

2008

266

Dublin

19015R

St. Joseph’s Girls National School, Finglas, Dublin 11

2008

202

Dublin

19769W

Scoil Thomais Laurel Lodge, Castleknock

2008

648

Dublin

19945Q

Rathfarnham Educate Together Loreto Avenue

2008

216

Dublin

20091R

St Peters NS Phibsboro

2008

371

Galway

17198S

SN Muire Gan Smal

2008

381

Galway

17485C

Briarhill NS

2008

48

Galway

17771W

Lisheenkyle NS

2008

194

Galway

20115F

Scoil Einne, Spiddeal

2008

161

Kerry

19548G

Nano Nagle NS Lixnaw

2008

118

Kildare

08099P

St Laurence’s NS, Sallins

2008

613

Kilkenny

15340I

Carrigeen NS

2008

123

Laois

16617H

Ballyadams NS

2008

166

Laois

20118L

Scoil Bhride Clonaslee

2008

133

Leitrim

20203C

Mohill NS

2008

226

Louth

17124M

Ardee Monastery

2008

219

Mayo

19916J

St Peter’s NS

2008

279

Offaly

11203B

St Kieran’s NS, Clareen

2008

72

Tipperary

18207V

SN Baile an Atha

2008

368

Waterford

13635R

Ballyduff NS, Kilmeaden

2008

157

Waterford

18462O

Scoil Lorcain

2008

344

Waterford

19539F

St. Pauls Junior School, Lisduggan

2008

260

Waterford

19853L

Gaelscoil Portláirge

2008

195

Wexford

14254K

SN Mhuire, Danescastle

2008

148

Wexford

16145P

Loreto Primary School Gorey

2008

592

Wexford

19739N

Scoil Mhuire Coolcotts

2008

532

New Post-Primary Schools completed 2008

County

Roll No.

School

Year

Dublin

91305L

Ballinteer Community School

2008

306

Limerick

64220A

St Clements College, South Circular Road

2008

339

Limerick

71920T

St Nessan’s Community College

2008

626

Major Post-Primary Extensions/Refurbishments Completed 2008

County

Roll No.

School

Year

Enrolment

Cork

62200H

Colaiste Muire Crosshaven

2008

360

Cork

62320R

St Mary’s Secondary School, Macroom

2008

339

Cork

62560O

Colaiste Chriost Ri, Capwell Road, Cork

2008

626

Donegal

71242B

Gairm Scoil Chú Uladh Leifear

2008

212

Donegal

81010J

St Columba’s Community School, Glenties

2008

403

Dublin

70342A

Ballyfermot College,

2008

1499

Dublin

60511O

Beneavin De La Salle Finglas Dublin 11

2008

456

Limerick

76073G

Castletroy CC

2008

1049

Mayo

64630T

Jesus and Mary Gortnor Abbey Crossmolina

2008

485

Mayo

72130S

St Patrick’s College Lacken Cross Killala

2008

214

Tipperary

65340P

Presentation SS, Clonmel

2008

461

Westmeath

63210P

Our Lady’s Bower SS, Retreat Rd, Athlone

2008

690

Wexford

71650Q

Kilmuckridge Vocational School

2008

205

Wicklow

61820J

Loreto S.S. Bray

2008

872

Wicklow

70800E

St Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin

2008

372

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1061 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a primary school building project (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11250/09]

The proposed building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently awaiting the appointment of a Design Team. The Deputy will be aware that on 12 February, 2009, I announced details of 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning. The project for the school in question was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it will not be proceeding this year. However, the project will be considered for progression under my Department's capital programme for 2010.

Schools Refurbishment.

Pat Breen

Question:

1062 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding the provision of a class in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11252/09]

An official from the Building Unit of my Department was in contact with the school authorities recently regarding this matter. The school will submit an application for emergency funding for the refurbishment works in question in the near future. When this application is received it will be assessed without delay and the school authorities will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

Question No. 1063 answered with Question No. 1030.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1064 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the steps which he will take to upgrade facilities and the capacity of science laboratories at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11281/09]

As part of the multi-annual school building programme, the Government has invested heavily in the modernisation of school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Provision of science facilities is an intrinsic part of all major projects at post-primary level. Typically this investment involves the provision of modern science facilities in new post-primary schools or the upgrading of science facilities in existing schools either as part of a school building project or as a dedicated investment to facilitate the teaching of science.

Schools have also received funding under the Summer Works Schemes 2004 -2007 to refurbish science laboratories. Over 60 schools were approved for funding in 2006 and 2007 under my Department's Summer Works Scheme to enable them to refurbish science laboratories on a devolved basis.

Additionally, the Government has funded the provision of class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences. My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum.

Expenditure on science laboratories and science equipment in schools will continue to arise for consideration in the context of the funding available for my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

School Staffing.

Michael Ring

Question:

1065 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the outcome of an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [11285/09]

A grant is paid to schools in respect of the employment of part-time teachers in the Primary sector and the Boards of Management of the schools pay the individual teachers. The rate of payment includes holiday pay. From September 2009 all part-time primary resource teachers will be paid through my Department's payroll. Any arrears that are due to part-time resource teachers will be paid by November 2009.

Special Educational Needs.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

1066 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the decision by his Department in relation to the retention of the special class in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Galway. [11634/09]

There will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of the decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers of special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability.

These special classes which are to close pre-date the 2005 General Allocation Model of allocating additional teacher support to schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with mild general learning disabilities as well as a number of other high incidence disabilities. All primary schools now have additional teaching support in place for this purpose.

All primary schools were allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

Teacher allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. This minimum was not fulfilled in the school referred to by the Deputy. Therefore, the school no longer qualifies to retain the class.

When the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes. Effectively, these schools received a double allocation. The number of these special classes has decreased since 2005 in line with falling numbers as pupils are supported through the additional teaching allocation provided and schools have integrated the children into age-appropriate mainstream classes. All of the other primary schools in the country who do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model.

Pupils with a mild general learning disability have, and will continue to have access to additional teaching resources to support their education. Specifically in the case of schools with DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) status, the Deputy will be aware of the additional resources available to these schools under the DEIS scheme. In the case of the school referred to by the Deputy, this school is in DEIS Urban Band 1 and so benefits from a reduced pupil teacher ratio as well as additional supports including: the services of a Home School Community Liaison coordinator; allocation of a Disadvantaged Areas Scheme post; access to a range of supports under the School Completion Programme; additional capitation based on level of disadvantage and grant aid for school books.

In line with my focus on retaining resources in the most disadvantaged areas, it is important to note that DEIS schools which benefit from reduced class sizes will not be affected by the general increase in the pupil teacher ratio.

I understand that correspondence regarding the Special Class has been received in the Special Education Section in my Department from Scoil Bhríde and my Department will be in further contact with the school in this regard.

I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that priority will continue to be given to provision for children with special educational needs. Significant progress has been achieved in recent years which has seen a huge increase in resources for special needs. However, there is a requirement to make appropriate use of the resources available and along with all other areas of expenditure, provision is dependent on the resources available to the Government.

Disadvantaged Status.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1067 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if a review of the allocation in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Offaly of resources under band two of DEIS has been carried out; the results of same; if not, his views on carrying out a review in view of their current allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11664/09]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and a new integrated School Support Programme (SSP). DEIS brings together and builds upon a number of existing interventions in schools with concentrated levels of disadvantage.

The process of identifying schools for participation in DEIS was managed by the Educational Research Centre (ERC) on behalf of my Department and was supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate.

The school referred to by the Deputy has DEIS Urban Band 2 status and therefore qualifies for a range of supports including the following: additional non-pay/capitation allocation based on level of disadvantage; additional financial allocation for school books; access to numeracy/literacy supports and programmes; access to Home School Community Liaison services; access to School Completion Programme; access to a range of professional development and planning supports; and access to the school meals programme.

A review mechanism was put in place in 2006 to address the concerns of schools that were dissatisfied with their DEIS classification. The review process operated under the direction of an independent person, charged with ensuring that all relevant identification processes and procedures were properly followed in the case of schools applying for a review. The review was concluded and the results were notified to schools who applied for the review in August, 2006. There was an application for review received from the school to which the Deputy refers. Regrettably, the school was unsuccessful in that process.

The next identification process is scheduled to be held at the end of the current DEIS programme which runs from 2006-2010. There will not be an opportunity before this for the school to be considered for reclassification from DEIS Band 2 to DEIS Band 1.

Special Educational Needs.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1068 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the increasing of general allocation allowance to accommodate children with mild general learning difficulties, who were previously attending a specific class but which is closing in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Offaly following notification from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11665/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the general allocation model was introduced in primary schools in September 2005 to ensure that each school has learning support/resource teaching support available to meet the needs of children with high incidence special educational needs including children with mild general learning disabilities.

The allocation system under the general allocation model was linked to schools' enrolment and it was decided to review the model after it had been in operation for three years. This review is now underway and is expected to be completed in 2009.

Schools who are satisfied that they meet the Developing School Status criteria may apply to my Department for an increase in their general allocation.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1069 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the way schools can apply to have a shared special class, following his announcement of the closure of 128 special classes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11666/09]

There will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of the decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers of special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability.

These special classes which are to close pre-date the 2005 General Allocation Model of allocating additional teacher support to schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with mild general learning disabilities as well as a number of other high incidence disabilities. All primary schools now have additional teaching support in place for this purpose.

All primary schools were allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

Teacher allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. This minimum was not fulfilled in the school referred to by the Deputy. Therefore, the school no longer qualifies to retain the class.

When the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes. Effectively, these schools received a double allocation. The number of these special classes has decreased since 2005 in line with falling numbers as pupils are supported through the additional teaching allocation provided and schools have integrated the children into age-appropriate mainstream classes.

All of the other primary schools in the country who do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model. Pupils with a mild general learning disability have, and will continue to have access to additional teaching resources to support their education.

I have previously indicated that I am open to listening to proposals from schools where they can demonstrate that it is educationally more beneficial for the pupils involved to be in a special class of their own rather than to be integrated with their peers and supported by the mainstream classroom teacher and the learning resource teacher. For example, where two schools on the one campus make a joint proposal to this effect, my Department will consider any such proposal. It would be expected, however, that provision would be made for these pupils within mainstream classes with support from the General Allocation Model.

Departmental Allowances.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1070 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of individuals who are in receipt of fixed car allowances within any semi-State body reporting into his Department; the cost of same for 2008 and the anticipated figures for 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11677/09]

There are no individuals within an agency or body under the aegis of my Department who are in receipt of fixed car allowances.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Finian McGrath

Question:

1071 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support a matter (details supplied). [11693/09]

The Deputy raises an issue concerning death-in-service benefits for a teacher who is a single parent. On production of probate or letters of administration, a death gratuity is payable to the teacher's personal representative (ie the executor named in the will or the administrator where a person dies without a will). It is the greater of one year's pensionable remuneration (at the rate applicable at the teacher's death) or the amount of lump sum that would have been payable had the teacher retired on medical grounds at the date of death, subject to a maximum of 1½ times the teacher's pensionable remuneration at the date of death. There is no minimum service requirement but a grant of probate is required in all cases before a benefit can be paid.

If the teacher is a member of the Spouses' and Children's Contributory Pension Scheme, an amount equal to a month's pay is payable to the spouse for the first month after death. Thereafter spouses' and children's pensions will be payable based on the deceased teacher's potential service to compulsory retirement age (or 65 in the case of new entrants), subject to a maximum of 40 years. There is an appropriate deduction made from the Death Gratuity in respect of this additional notional service.

In the case of members of the revised spouses' and children's arrangements under the Vocational Teachers Pension Scheme, dependent children under the age of 16 or age 22 if in full time education are eligible for a child's pension. Where such a child is permanently incapacitated by reason of mental or physical infirmity from maintaining him or herself there is no age limit provided the infirmity existed from birth or arose while the child was eligible for benefit. A child's pension is 1/3 of what a spouse's pension would be for each of the first three eligible children. If there are more than three eligible children then an amount equal to the spouse's pension is divided among them.

Where both spouses are deceased and there is only one eligible child the amount of pension is 2/3 of what the deceased spouse's pension would be. Where there are two or more eligible children then an amount equal to the deceased spouse's pension is divided equally between them.

School Enrolments.

Chris Andrews

Question:

1072 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Education and Science if tax exiles are entitled to have their children educated free in Irish primary and post-primary schools or if they are expected to pay for their education; the number of children of tax exiles who are receiving free education in non-fee paying schools here; and if there are plans to review this. [11705/09]

My Department does not distinguish between children of tax exiles and others in terms of entitlement to primary or post primary education. Statistics in relation to the numbers of pupils enrolled in our primary and post primary schools are published annually by my Department. However, the statistical data collected and published does not provide the information requested by the Deputy.

School Staffing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1073 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the circumstances of a DEIS school (details supplied) in Dublin 11 which will have to refuse 31 child places in the school in September 2009 unless they are granted a concessionary post; and if in view of the fact that this is a developing school he will give positive consideration to this request. [11731/09]

I have consistently said that 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. The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes.

It is a matter for each Board of Management to have an enrolment policy and to then operate that policy in a fair and consistent manner having regard to the overall physical space capacity of a school. My Department has a responsibility 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 a school of their first choice. That is no more than a normal feature of the enrolment process in any community.

My Department will continue to ensure that those schools with the greatest increase in pupil numbers will still qualify for developing status thus enabling them to get their increased staffing in September 2009 — a year in advance of other schools.

In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data has since been received and processed in my Department enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.

My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

The above allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Question No. 1074 answered with Question No. 1039.

Schools Buildings Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1075 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when officials from his Department will be in contact with a school (details supplied) in County Cork and its design team to invite them to attend a briefing session which will guide them on the next steps to be taken in the progression of the project. [11752/09]

Officials from my Department have been in contact with to school to which the Deputy refers to invite the chairperson of the board of management, the Principal and representatives of the design team to a briefing to be held on Thursday 26th March 2009 on the next steps in progressing the project.

School Staffing.

Dan Neville

Question:

1076 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Limerick. [11753/09]

I have consistently said that 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.

The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes.

In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data has since been received and processed in my Department enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.

My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

The above allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

As part of the expansion of the Small Schools Scheme a grant was allocated to the school referred to by the Deputy to enable the management authority to extend and modernise the existing school building. In the circumstances that contractual commitments have been entered into in relation to the school building works and construction has commenced it would not be feasible to abandon the project at this stage. Accordingly, funding will be provided for its completion.

Teaching Council Act 2001.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1077 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will enact Part 5 of the Teaching Council Act 2001; the reason for the delay in introducing this part; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11760/09]

As the Deputy is aware, Part 5 of the Teaching Council Act, 2001 sets out the Council's investigating and disciplinary functions. The Council or any person may apply to the Investigating Committee for an inquiry into the fitness to teach of a registered teacher where:

The teacher has failed to comply with or has contravened the Teaching Council Act, 2001, the Education Act, 1998, the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000 or the Vocational Education Acts, 1930 to 1999, or any regulations rules or orders made under those Acts.

The teacher's behaviour constitutes professional misconduct The teacher's registration is erroneous due to a false or fraudulent declaration or misrepresentation s/he is medically unfit to teach.

When it is deemed appropriate to do so, the Council's Disciplinary Committee will conduct a hearing on a complaint referred to it by the Investigating Committee. Such hearings may lead to withdrawal of registration on a temporary or permanent basis.

Agreement has now been reached regarding procedures under Section 24(3) of the Education Act 1998. These procedures are referred to in Section 42(5)(b) of the Teaching Council Act 2001 in respect of the investigating phase.

Progress has also been made by the Teaching Council in drafting rules of procedure for the Council's Disciplinary Panels as required in Section 2 of Schedule 3 of the Act. I expect to receive these draft rules shortly and will then commence Part 5 as soon as is practicable.

Schools Building Projects.

Richard Bruton

Question:

1078 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of secondary school building projects and the estimated value of the projects which are in band one, band two, band three and so on of the secondary school building programme; and the number of and value of building projects which have been approved to commence construction in the past 12 months. [11761/09]

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.

More detailed information relating to the prioritisation system for school building projects is available on my Department's website.

There are currently 25 major post-primary school projects ranging from early to advanced stages of the school building programme which have a Band 1 rating according to the prioritisation criteria. Seventeen of these projects have, since February 2008, been approved to proceed to tender and construction, and four of them are currently on site.

There are 49 major post-primary school projects ranging from early to advanced stages of the school building programme which have a Band 2 rating according to the prioritisation criteria. Nine of these projects have, since February 2008, been approved to proceed to tender and construction, and two of them are currently on site. There are no major post-primary projects on the school building programme which are in band 3 of the prioritisation criteria.

There are 3 major post-primary school projects ranging from early to advanced stages of the school building programme which have a Band 4 rating according to the prioritisation criteria. One of these projects has, since February 2008, been approved to proceed to tender and construction.

As a matter of policy, my Department does not provide cost estimates for projects as this might prejudice the tendering process.

School Accommodation.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1079 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of prefabs in which the rent paid to date by his Department has been in excess of €100,000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11790/09]

I will arrange to have a list forwarded to the Deputy of all schools where annual rental payments in respect of prefabricated accommodation exceed €100,000.

Higher Education Grants.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

1080 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the need to put in place provisions planned under the Student Support Bill 2008 to streamline the maintenance grant system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11793/09]

The Student Support Bill, which was published in February 2008 provides the legislative framework for the reform of the administration of student grants and the amalgamation of the existing four student grant schemes into a single unified scheme which will be provided for by way of regulation. The principal objective of the Bill is to create a more coherent system for the administration of these grants, which will facilitate consistency of application and improved client accessibility. In brief, it will enable the development of an awards system that can deliver grants on time to those who need them most.

The Bill is part of an overall programme of legislative and administrative reform, which will facilitate the introduction of significant service level improvements in the administration of student grants, providing for greater consistency of application, improved client accessibility and timely delivery of grants to those who need them most. It will include guaranteed timeframes for the assessment of grants, an independent appeals procedure and more efficient arrangements for handling applications and making payments. This new, significantly more customer-oriented system of administration will provide for a more simplified and accessible applications system, much greater speed and consistency in processing student grant applications, more transparency and accountability in the awarding of grants and regular, on-time EFT payments for students.

The passage of the Bill will facilitate progress on the development of a single unified grant scheme and the streamlining of the administration of student grants. The Department is working closely with the IVEA and other relevant stakeholders to develop the new administrative structures required to support more efficient and effective delivery of the new unified grants scheme.

School Accommodation.

Pat Breen

Question:

1081 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 476 of 17 February 2009, the expenditure by his Department on grants in respect of the purchase of prefabricated buildings in the past three years, per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11797/09]

The information sought regarding expenditure by my Department on the purchase of prefabricated accommodation will be compiled and sent on to the Deputy shortly.

Pat Breen

Question:

1082 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 476 of 17 February 2009, the duration that these schools are renting prefabs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11798/09]

A copy of a table listing schools renting prefabricated accommodation in Co. Clare follows. The table includes the start dates of rental contracts for all schools listed.

The demand for additional accommodation in schools has risen significantly over the last number of years, with the appointment of 6,000 extra teachers in the primary sector alone since 2002. In considering the need to provide extra resource and other teachers to schools in recent years, the Government could have decided to make children wait until permanent accommodation could be provided. However, we prioritised putting the extra teachers into schools as soon as possible and, in some cases, this has involved the provision of high-quality steel-framed prefabricated structures to accommodate them.

General School Details

Roll No.

School Name

Address

Town/ Townland

County

Start Date

04919H

St John’s NS

Cratloe

Clare

16/10/06

04919H

St John’s NS

Cratloe

Clare

16/10/06

08241P

Scropul NS

Mullagh

Ennis

Clare

12/12/03

13418J

Ballyea NS

Ennis

Ennis

Clare

01/09/08

13625O

Kilnamona NS

Kilnamona

Ennis

Clare

01/11/02

13870E

Kilkishen NS

Ennis

Ennis

Clare

01/09/06

14111L

Cross NS

Kilrush

Kilrush

Clare

01/06/07

14757N

Scoil na Mainstreach

Quin

Clare

01/08/07

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis

Clare

10/01/01

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis

Clare

12/09/00

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis

Clare

16/10/07

15042A

Ennis NS

Ennis

Clare

10/11/05

15042A

Ennis NS

Ennis

Clare

23/03/06

15301V

Kildysart NS

Ennis road

Ennis

Clare

01/09/07

15301V

Kildysart NS

Ennis road

Ennis

Clare

01/09/07

16186G

Inch NS

Ennis

Ennis

Clare

01/08/06

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis

Clare

01/09/99

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis

Clare

01/09/99

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis

Clare

01/01/01

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis

Clare

04/12/08

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge

Clare

28/08/06

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge

Clare

28/08/06

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge

Clare

28/08/06

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge

Clare

28/08/06

16946D

Parteen NS

Parteen

Clare

07/05/07

16946D

Parteen NS

Parteen

Clare

01/10/07

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

01/09/02

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

01/11/04

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

07/09/05

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

01/09/06

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

01/09/07

18032M

Clonmoney NS

Newmarket-on-Fergus

Clare

01/09/07

18190H

St Cronan’s NS

Carron

Ennis

Clare

15/05/00

18526O

Ballycar NS

Newmarket-on-Fergus

Clare

01/11/07

18639E

Ballynacally NS

Ennis

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

19274S

St. Conaire’s NS

Shannon

Clare

01/05/07

19274S

St. Conaire’s NS

Shannon

Clare

01/05/07

19274S

St. Conaire’s NS

Shannon

Clare

01/05/07

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

01/09/05

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

01/09/05

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

01/09/06

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

12/10/07

19559L

Scoil Chriost Rí

Cloughleigh Road

Ennis

Clare

01/09/07

19838P

Gaelscoil Mhicil

Ennis

Clare

01/09/2006

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

Bóthar Linne

Sionna

Clare

01/09/02

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

Bóthar Linne

Sionna

Clare

01/09/02

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

Bóthar Linne

Sionna

Clare

01/09/02

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

Bóthar Linne

Sionna

Clare

01/09/02

20041C

St. Senan’s Conv

Kilrush

Clare

24/05/07

20041C

St. Senan’s Conv

Kilrush

Clare

24/05/07

20041C

St. Senan’s Conv

Kilrush

Clare

24/05/07

20075T

St. Mochulla’s NS

Tulla

Clare

24/09/07

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road

Ennis

Clare

01/02/08

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon

Clare

05/11/07

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon

Clare

05/11/07

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon

Clare

05/11/07

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon

Clare

05/11/07

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon

Clare

01/09/08

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon

Clare

01/09/08

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon

Clare

01/09/08

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon

Clare

01/09/08

Question No. 1083 answered with Question No. 1053.

School Transport.

Frank Feighan

Question:

1084 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in County Clare in junior cycle and senior cycle using school transport provided by Bus Éireann. [11831/09]

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, has advised that there are 2,628 post primary pupils availing of school transport services in County Clare. This figure is based on ticket requisitions at the 31st December 2008. The breakdown between junior and senior cycle pupils is not readily available.

Question No. 1085 answered with Question No. 1057.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1086 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the appointment of a design team for a proposed new school building in respect of a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork. [11841/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for a new school building on a greenfield site.

The Deputy will be aware that on 12 February, 2009, I announced details of 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning. The project for the school in question was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it will not be proceeding this year.

However, the project will be considered for progression under my Department's capital programme for 2010.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1087 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a list of primary schools recently constructed (details supplied). [11864/09]

I will arrange to have the information requested forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

School Staffing.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

1088 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the cuts in funding that will be made in respect of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; if this will impact on teacher numbers in the school; his views on whether such cuts will have an adverse effect on students’ education at this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12028/09]

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.

The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes. Across the school system generally, there will of course be some impact on class sizes, and the changes may impact on the capacity of individual second-level schools to offer as wide a range of subject choices as heretofore.

Teacher allocations to all second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules, each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities.

In terms of the position at individual school level, the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn, and the data has since been received and processed in my Department, enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.

Initial allocation letters have issued to all post primary schools. The allocation is provisional at this stage and reflects the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors, such as the allocation of support teachers, additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes.

In accordance with existing arrangements, where a school management authority is unable to meet its curricular commitments within its approved allocation, my Department considers applications for additional short term support, i.e. curricular concessions. This concession is available as a short-term support to enable essential curricular provision to continue.

The allocation processes also include appellate mechanisms under which schools can appeal against the allocation due to them under the staffing schedules. The Board of Management of a school can submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board, which was established specifically to adjudicate on appeals on staffing allocations in post-primary schools. This Board operates independently of my Department.

Discrete allocations are also made to post-primary schools to cater for pupils with special educational needs and those with language difficulties, for example, and these allocations can alter the ultimate position of the school in relation to any over quota position.

School Curriculum.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

1089 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 272 of 12 November 2008, if a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12 has received a grant for the teaching of technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12030/09]

The National Council for Curriculum & Assessment has developed a new syllabus at Leaving Certificate for Technology; prior to this the subject was available to Junior Certificate level only. The subject was first introduced into Post-Primary schools in September 2007 and will be examined for the first time by the State Examinations Commission in June 2009.

15 additional schools were invited to introduce the Leaving Certificate Technology syllabus in September 2008 as part of a phased implementation plan.

The school in question received the full grant allocation of €40,000 in November 2008.

Special Educational Needs.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

1090 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the way he will support the education of seven out of 18 previously assessed special needs children or if he requires a school (details supplied) to close one of two special needs classes in view of the fact that the maximum allowed in any special needs class is 11. [12042/09]

Finian McGrath

Question:

1091 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science his views in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow. [12057/09]

Frank Feighan

Question:

1098 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position of an appeal by a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will accede to its request. [12275/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1090, 1091 and 1098 together.

There will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of the decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers of special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability (MGLD).

These special classes which are to close pre-date the 2005 General Allocation Model of allocating additional teacher support to schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with mild general learning disabilities as well as a number of other high incidence disabilities. All primary schools now have additional teaching support in place for this purpose.

All primary schools were allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including MGLD. Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

Teacher allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. This minimum was not fulfilled in the school referred to by the Deputy. Therefore, the school no longer qualifies to retain the second class.

When the General Allocation Model was introduced, schools with additional teachers in classes for MGLD were allowed to retain the teachers for these classes. Effectively, these schools received a double allocation. The number of these special classes has decreased since 2005 in line with falling numbers as pupils are supported through the additional teaching allocation provided and schools have integrated the children into age-appropriate mainstream classes. This policy of inclusion has widespread support within the educational community. This approach is in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

All of the other primary schools in the country who do not have classes for children with MGLD cater for these pupils from within the General Allocation Model.

I have previously indicated that I am open to listening to proposals from schools where they can demonstrate that it is educationally more beneficial for the pupils involved to be in a special class of their own rather than to be integrated with their peers and supported by the mainstream classroom teacher and the learning resource teacher. It would be expected, however, that provision would be made for these pupils within mainstream classes with support from the General Allocation Model.

Pupils with a MGLD have, and will continue to have access to additional teaching resources to support their education.

School Staffing.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1092 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an appeal in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Cork in relation to its 2009-2010 staffing allocation. [12058/09]

Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, which is published on my Department's website.

The Appeal Board meets in May, July and October each year to consider cases submitted. Appeals must be submitted to Primary Allocations Section, Department of Education and Science, Athlone, on the standard application form, clearly stating the criterion under which the appeal is being made. The standard application form is available from the Primary Allocations Section or on my Department's website. Closing dates for receipt of staffing appeals for the 2009/10 school year are 29 April, 29 May and 9 October 2009.

I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy has submitted an appeal of their mainstream staffing allocation for the 2009/2010 school year to the Staffing Appeal Board. The Board of Management of the school will be notified of the outcome of the appeal following the Appeal Board meeting in May, 2009.

The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Special Educational Needs.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1093 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports and financial assistance available for the special needs of gifted children; and if he will reconsider the decision to cut funding to the Irish Centre for Talented Youth in Dublin City University in view of the exceptional work carried out by this facility. [12080/09]

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 the decision to discontinue the annual funding of €97,000 that my Department made available to the Centre for Talented Youth (CTYI) at Dublin City University.

While it is appreciated that the discontinuation of this funding will impact on the Centre, given the current volatile and challenging economic climate, difficult choices had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. Tax revenues are down significantly and Government expenditure has to reflect this reality. The priority of this budget was to focus on measures to channel as much as was possible of the available resources to the direct funding of our schools.

Higher Education Grants.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

1094 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the grant options available to a person wishing to study dance abroad; and his views in view of the high tuition fees faced by Irish students on introducing special grants or bursaries for Irish students who wish to study in centres of excellence in the United Kingdom. [12082/09]

In relation to support available for students studying abroad, my Department's student maintenance grant schemes provide maintenance grants to undergraduate students pursuing approved third level courses in other E.U. Member States.

An approved undergraduate course in this context is defined as a full-time undergraduate course of not less than two years duration pursued in a university or third level institution, which is maintained or assisted by recurrent grants from public funds in another EU Member State, with the exception of the following:

(i) courses in Colleges of Further and Higher Education (other than courses which are at Higher National Diploma level or higher);

(ii) courses provided in a college which are offered in private commercial third level colleges in the State and which are validated by that College;

(iii) courses in colleges akin to private commercial colleges in Ireland.

Where a grant application is made in respect of a course being pursued in a third-level institution abroad, such as dance studies, it is a matter for the awarding body (Local Authority or VEC) to satisfy itself regarding the status of the institution and as to whether the course and institution meet the terms of the relevant scheme.

In relation to tuition fees, there is provision for tax relief, at the standard rate in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate and postgraduate courses in other E.U. Member States. Further details and conditions in relation to this relief are available from the Revenue Commissioners.

Departmental Properties.

Jack Wall

Question:

1095 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science if he or his Department have considered the ownership and future use of a former primary school site and buildings (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12087/09]

My officials recently met with representatives of the Board of Management of the school referred to by the Deputy regarding their need to have my interest, as Minister for Education & Science, released in the former school building and site. The Department has now received a formal request from the school Patron requesting a release of my interest in the property. This matter is currently being considered.

School Curriculum.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1096 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to a query in relation to the education system and its role in the development of a knowledge economy (details supplied). [12214/09]

The curriculum in schools is devised on the basis that ICT is not a subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed an ICT framework which sets out a structured approach to ICT in curriculum and assessment. It identifies the objectives and learning outcomes which students should achieve in the general areas of creating communicating and collaborating, thinking critically and creatively, understanding the social and personal impact of ICT, and developing foundational knowledge skills and concepts.

The National Centre for Technology in Education has been established to provide advice and support to schools on the integration of ICT into teaching and learning. The centre provides professional development programmes for teachers in ICT in collaboration with other agencies and teacher support services, a virtual learning environment, advice on ICT and e–learning planning. The Centre also co-ordinates the implementation of the schools broadband programme, and maintains an educational website portal — Scoilnet — which provides access to thousands of teacher reviewed resources. Nationwide seminars on e-learning for schools are being implemented at present. My Department is currently evaluating tenders for the next round of the Schools Broadband Programme, and the range of services available to schools is being expanded.

Under the Discover Science and Engineering programme funded by Forfás, some €5m is being spent annually to promote the take up of science engineering and technology in schools and colleges, and an awareness of the importance of these disciplines in society generally. The programme includes activities under Science Week, Science clubs in schools, Science Excellence Awards, conferences and lectures, science quizzes, and the Scope TV programme. At second level, initiatives such as Discover Sensors, Nanoquest and Science On Stage are designed to promote interesting activities which stimulate student interest in science and technology.

Major reform in Mathematics at junior and senior cycle has also begun under the Project Maths Initiative. The objective is to teach Mathematics in a way which promotes real understanding, where students can appreciate the relevance of what they are learning and its application to everyday life, and how mathematics can be used to solve problems. In addition, Technology as a new subject in senior cycle was introduced in 2007, allied with a revised syllabus in Design and Graphic Communications. These subjects provide for a significant emphasis on student project work and on design, communication, ICT, CAD and practical skills and were accompanied by an investment of €15.5m in equipment for schools.

All Third Level Institutions regularly review their courses and these reviews usually include an industry representative. Most computing departments have advisory boards which include industry representation. In the computing industry where technology changes at a rapid rate there has to be a balance as to when new technological approaches get introduced into formal courses, soon enough to meet growing demand but not too soon to replace demand for existing technologies. The critical academic approach is to teach the fundaments correctly and then the new technologies can be learned as they develop.

The Government is committed to implementing the Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation to significantly increase the research capacity, quality and output of the Irish higher education research system. The strategy has a particular focus on raising the quality of teaching and learning activities in the institutions. The overall strategy is overseen by an inter-Departmental Committee which reports to a Cabinet Committee on Science Technology and Innovation. This work is informed by high level inputs from industry and the industrial development agencies.

Special Educational Needs.

John O'Mahony

Question:

1097 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the capitation grant paid to each local authority for 2007 and 2008 to provide the special education library service to special educational needs children in tabular from; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12229/09]

There was no specific library service for children with special educational needs.

Information concerning funding to local authorities for the provision of services to schools follows. The local authority librarians selected, purchased, and delivered books to primary schools, which provided a lending and reference service to pupils.

It was a matter for the individual local authorities, depending on the priority or level of financing given to library services generally, to decide how the schools' libraries were developed and maintained. This grant was abolished with effect from January 2009.

Library Grants 2008

Year

County

Pupils

Rate

Total Paid

2007/2008

Carlow

6,452

4.52

29,163.04

2007/2008

Cavan

8,658

4.52

39,134.16

2007/2008

Clare

12,884

4.52

58,235.68

2007/2008

Cork City

14,409

4.52

65,128.68

2007/2008

Cork County

40,270

4.52

182,020.40

2007/2008

Donegal

18,353

4.52

82,955.56

2007/2008

Dublin Belgard

29,423

4.52

132,991.96

2007/2008

Dublin City

43,911

4.52

198,477.72

2007/2008

Dublin Fingal

27,842

4.52

125,845.84

2007/2008

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown

16,180

4.52

73,133.60

2007/2008

Galway City

6,807

4.52

30,767.64

2007/2008

Galway County

19,299

4.52

87,231.48

2007/2008

Kerry

15,565

4.52

70,353.80

2007/2008

Kildare

24,970

4.52

112,864.40

2007/2008

Kilkenny

10,037

4.52

45,367.24

2007/2008

Laois

8,328

4.52

37,642.56

2007/2008

Leitrim

3,347

4.52

15,128.44

2007/2008

Limerick City

6,792

4.52

30,699.84

2007/2008

Limerick County

14,475

4.52

65,427.00

2007/2008

Longford

4,527

4.52

20,462.04

2007/2008

Louth

14,995

4.52

67,777.40

2007/2008

Mayo

14,217

4.52

64,260.84

2007/2008

Meath

21,183

4.52

95,747.16

2007/2008

Monaghan

6,671

4.52

30,152.92

2007/2008

Offaly

9,566

4.52

43,238.32

2007/2008

Roscommon

6,815

4.52

30,803.80

2007/2008

Sligo

6,978

4.52

31,540.56

2007/2008

Tipperary N.R.

8,018

4.52

36,241.36

2007/2008

Tipperary S.R.

9,959

4.52

45,014.68

2007/2008

Waterford City

6,063

4.52

27,404.76

2007/2008

Waterford County

7,266

4.52

32,842.32

2007/2008

Westmeath

10,284

4.52

46,483.68

2007/2008

Wexford

16,949

4.52

76,609.48

2007/2008

Wicklow

14,951

4.52

67,578.52

Total

486,444

2,198,726.88

Library Grants 2007

Year

County

Pupils

Rate

Total Paid

2006/07

Carlow

6,086

4.52

27,508.72

2006/07

Cavan

8,248

4.52

37,280.96

2006/07

Clare

12,473

4.52

56,377.96

2006/07

Cork City

14,280

4.52

64,545.60

2006/07

Cork County

38,738

4.52

175,095.76

2006/07

Donegal

17,958

4.52

81,170.16

2006/07

Dublin Belgard

28,639

4.52

129,448.28

2006/07

Dublin City

43,674

4.52

197,406.48

2006/07

Dublin Fingal

26,423

4.52

119,431.96

2006/07

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown

16,341

4.52

73,861.32

2006/07

Galway City

6,450

4.52

29,154.00

2006/07

Galway County

18,598

4.52

84,062.96

2006/07

Kerry

15,237

4.52

68,871.24

2006/07

Kildare

23,631

4.52

106,812.12

2006/07

Kilkenny

9,826

4.52

44,413.52

2006/07

Laois

7,780

4.52

35,165.60

2006/07

Leitrim

3,223

4.52

14,567.96

2006/07

Limerick City

6,734

4.52

30,437.68

2006/07

Limerick County

13,976

4.52

63,171.52

2006/07

Longford

4,139

4.52

18,708.28

2006/07

Louth

14,317

4.52

64,712.84

2006/07

Mayo

13,820

4.52

62,466.40

2006/07

Meath

20081

4.52

90,766.12

2006/07

Monaghan

6,477

4.52

29,276.04

2006/07

Offaly

9,238

4.52

41,755.76

2006/07

Roscommon

6569

4.52

29,691.88

2006/07

Sligo

6,779

4.52

30,641.08

2006/07

Tipperary N.R.

7,719

4.52

34,889.88

2006/07

Tipperary S.R.

9,772

4.52

44,169.44

2006/07

Waterford City

5,949

4.52

26,889.48

2006/07

Waterford County

6,951

4.52

31,418.52

2006/07

Westmeath

9,971

4.52

45,068.92

2006/07

Wexford

16,254

4.52

73,468.08

Wicklow

14,593

4.52

65,960.36

Total

470,944

2,128,666.88

Question No. 1098 answered with Question No. 1090.

School Staffing.

Frank Feighan

Question:

1099 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will to retain four teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [12276/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1101 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the proposals he has to meet the concerns of parents in County Waterford in regard to primary education (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12282/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1099 and 1101 together.

I have consistently said that 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.

I fully accept that these decisions are not of themselves desirable and that they can only be justified by the imperative of securing the future economic stability of the country. I have called for co-operation from all the education partners in meeting the challenges facing us both as an education community and as a country.

The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes.

In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data has since been received and processed in my Department enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.

My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is now published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

The above allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Details of the criteria and application dates for appeal are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009, available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Institutes of Technology.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

1100 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has asked the Higher Education Authority to recommend, as provided for under section 9(1) of the Universities Act 1997, the membership of a body, including international experts and national experts, for appointment by the Government to advise the Higher Education Authority on whether Waterford Institute of Technology should be established as the University of the South East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12281/09]

The position is that applications have been received from three higher education institutions for designation as Universities; Waterford Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology.

The issue of university designation does not just affect the institutions and the regions from which applications have been received; it also impacts on the future structure of the higher education system throughout the country. The Government wants to build on our strengths and to provide an environment where all our higher education institutions can develop in a way that best serves the country as a whole as well as the regions where they are based.

I have asked the strategy group on higher education to report to me before the end of the year with a two-decade road map for the development of the sector.

That group is now critically examining the roles and relationships of higher education institutions so that the system can deliver the levels of efficiency, performance, innovation and growth that will optimise Ireland's ‘smart' economic recovery and social development.

There are no plans to advance any of the current applications for university status before the strategy group completes its work.

Question No. 1101 answered with Question No. 1099.
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