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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 2009

Vol. 684 No. 1

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 58, inclusive, postponed until Tuesday, 16 June 2009.

Official Protocol.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

59 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Taoiseach the protocol for flying the Tricolour at Government press conferences and other events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22136/09]

The National and EU flags are displayed at all press conferences and media events held in the Government Press Centre.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

60 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Taoiseach the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22673/09]

The following table details the expenditure by my Department and the agencies under my Department, on taxis, from 2007 to date (end of May 2009).

Expenditure on Taxis

2007

2008

2009 (Jan-May)

Department

98,768

74,929

23,081

Organisation Review Programme

0

476

368

NESDO

8,689

10,629

1,415

National Forum on Europe

5,824

5,852

959

Ireland Newfoundland Partnership

468

826

225

Taskforce on Active Citizenship

0

17

0

Tribunal of Inquiry (Moriarty)

30

65

0

Commission of Investigation

2,424

0

0

Central Statistics Office

22,497

19,895

7,297

Phil Hogan

Question:

61 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Taoiseach the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22887/09]

The following table details bank charges incurred by my Department from 2006 to date.

Bank Charges

Year

2006

248

2007

1,414

2008

569

2009 (Jan-May)

0

Andrew Doyle

Question:

62 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Taoiseach the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22901/09]

The following table outlines the amount spent by my Department each year for the past 3 years (and 2009 to date) on bottled water.

Year

Total Spend on Bottled Water

2009

2,157.52

2008

1,950.15

2007

1,792.34

2006

2,896.60

Redundancy Payments.

Martin Ferris

Question:

63 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their statutory redundancy payment. [22515/09]

Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme, all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy payment on being made redundant. Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. If, however an employer is unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlement to the employee, my Department will, upon submission by the employer of satisfactory documentary evidence proving inability to pay, make payment directly to the employee from the Social Insurance Fund. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department has received an application from the individual concerned but is awaiting the submission from the employer of satisfactory documentation proving inability to pay. Once this is received, and if it is in order, the claim will be processed for payment.

Departmental Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

64 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to restructure the board of FÁS or to replace current FÁS board members; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22076/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

65 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if future proposed appointments to the board of FÁS will be asked to appear before the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment to answer questions on their suitability for such an important role; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22077/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.

My Department intends to have a review of the appropriate appointment and structure of the board of FÁS completed before the end of the term in office of the current board which is the end of 2010.

Export Credit Insurance.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

66 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to introduce a new short-term credit insurance scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22078/09]

Following the recent receipt from Forfas and my officials of their further analysis into the possible provision of a State supported Export Credit Insurance Scheme and discussions with my Government colleagues, I have instructed my Department to initiate an accelerated tendering process for the purposes of carrying out forensic due diligence on the credit insurance market in Ireland. This due diligence will include an in-depth examination of the client databases of the main credit insurance providers operating in Ireland and will assess whether there is market failure. If market failure is confirmed, the level and nature of any such market failure will be quantified. The due diligence will also assess the costs and impacts of possible intervention of the State in this area.

I would like to stress that while this is a significant and necessary step in the process, it is not a guarantee that any such scheme will be introduced. On completion of due diligence, the matter will be considered again by the Government. Issues such as default risk, exchequer exposure to costs, value for money and the impact of any such scheme on business will be part of the exercise in hand, and will inform any future Government decision on whether to introduce a State-backed top-up export credit insurance scheme.

Redundancy Payments.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

67 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the timeframe for processing submissions by employers who apply for rebate on statutory redundancy; if her attention has been drawn to the delays in processing same; her views on permitting same to offset the refund due against tax liability due with immediate effect; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22088/09]

The economic downturn has seen a huge acceleration in the number of companies forced to take measures to cut staff costs including that of making staff redundant. The unprecedented level of redundancies is placing huge demands on the Redundancy Payments Section of the Department in that, in the first five months of 2009 alone, the claims received represent also 88% of the total amount lodged in 2008 (40,607). This is significant in that 2008 was itself a year that saw a significant increase in claims when compared with previous years (2002-2007) during which the annual intake of claims averaged at 24,590. The number of claims received is now averaging in excess of 1,800 per week as against an average weekly level of less than 500 up to 2007.

While the significantly increased demands now placed on my Department presents huge challenges, I am equally acutely aware of the difficulties which the current temporary inability to process redundancy payments as quickly as we would like is giving rise to for individuals and the business community. A number of steps have already been taken and these are under constant review. Measures taken to date include:

the reassignment of 21 staff additional staff from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands;

the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in Redundancy Payments Section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours;

the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and cooperation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA);

The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website. Currently the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is dealing with rebate claims submitted on-line in December and those submitted manually in November.

This is enabling the staff in the Redundancy Payments area to concentrate on and prioritise the processing of redundancy payment claims.

I have also been very concerned about the issue referred to in the Deputy's question about offsetting redundancy rebates due to employers against outstanding tax liability and I have taken measures to deal it. My Department has engaged with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate businesses experiencing particular difficulties in meeting tax payment obligations because of a delay in receiving rebate repayments from the Department. Where agreement is forthcoming with the employer and, subject to satisfactory evidence being provided of the repayment due and its quantum, Revenue will be accommodating in deferring for a reasonable period collection or enforcement action that would otherwise ensue in the event of delayed payment of tax.

Grant Payments.

Jack Wall

Question:

68 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when payments will be made to a school group (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22117/09]

The payment of grants to individual skillnets is an operational matter for Skillnets Limited and one in which my Department has no function.

Energy Costs.

Simon Coveney

Question:

69 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to Parliamentary Question No. 59 of 19 May 2009, the specific EUROSTAT publication she is referring to when she quoted that small and medium sized enterprises here pay 1% below the EU average for energy; the reference number or name of the EUROSTAT publication; the further breakdown of energy costs available for all businesses classified as small or medium sized; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22211/09]

Eurostat publishes six monthly reports on electricity and gas prices across the EU. The methodology applied to reporting on prices by Member States is set out under the EU Gas and Electricity Price Transparency Directive. Eurostat data for the period January-June 2008 has been published on the Eurostat website. The title and reference number of this Eurostat publication is "Data in focus: Environment in Energy, No. 45/2008". Eurostat's online energy database contains the specific breakdown of business electricity prices by consumption bands.

The reference to the fact that smaller Irish SMEs were paying 1% below the average EU 27 electricity price is highlighted in the Sustainable Energy Ireland publication Understanding Gas and Electricity Prices in Ireland published in May 2009 and reflecting the Eurostat data referred to above. Smaller SMEs are defined as those that use under 20 Megawatt hours of electricity annually. Approximately 60% of the ESB's Small and Medium Enterprise customers fall under this category. Energy costs in Ireland for larger Small and Medium Enterprises, constituting a minority of Irish SMEs, are between 18% and 52% higher than the EU average.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Richard Bruton

Question:

70 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made in ensuring apprentices at a company (details supplied) can finish their apprenticeships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22220/09]

A total of 60 apprentices have been made redundant by the company in question. This breaks down as follows:

28 Phase 3 Aircraft Mechanics

26 Phase 4 Aircraft Mechanics

6 Phase 3 Mechanical Automation & Maintenance Fitters.

FÁS met with all the apprentices prior to their redundancy to advise them of the services that they could provide. As a consequence a number of measures to assist these apprentices were put in place:

FÁS, in association with Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA), have arranged an additional phase 4 off-the-job training programme in DIT. It commenced on the 20th April last for the 28 phase 3 apprentices.

FÁS has made arrangements to schedule the 6 phase 3 Mechanical Automation and Maintenance Fitting Apprentices to an off-the-job phase 4 training placement in September 2009 and January 2010.

In addition, FÁS requested each apprentice to complete a current curriculum vitae and these have been circulated to aircraft maintenance companies requesting these apprentices to be considered for any vacancies that may arise. In addition, my Department is currently in discussions with FÁS representatives to see if anything can be arranged in sourcing on-the-job training options for the 26 phase 5 redundant apprentices that were made redundant by SR Technics.

Job Creation.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

71 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of new jobs created in the Information Age Park, Ennis, County Clare in 2007 and 2008 and for the first quarter of 2009; the number of people and companies working in the IAPE at the end of 2008 and end of March 2009; the money spent by Shannon Development on the park to date; the amount of money Shannon Development has received in revenues from the park through land sales and leasing arrangements since its inception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22236/09]

The Information Age Park Ennis is a strategic investment by Shannon Development in enterprise support infrastructure that will position Ennis and Clare generally to win new technology and knowledge economy investment projects. Statistics in response to the question are in the following tables.

Shannon Development acts in a landlord capacity in the Information Age Park, Ennis (IAPE) with a view to facilitating the development of both foreign direct investment and indigenous industry. Most of the tenants in the IAPE are small firms who would not have otherwise engaged with the national industrial development agencies such as the IDA and Enterprise Ireland. The management of the individual elements of the Shannon Development property programme is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency and not one in which I have a function. While I may give general policy directives to IDA and Enterprise Ireland, I am precluded from giving directives regarding individual undertakings or from giving preference to one location over others.

Shannon Development have spent the following amounts on the Information Age Park to date:

Land

3,259,242

Infrastructure

2,257,674

Buildings

9,208,906

Total

14,725,822

Shannon Development has received the following revenues from the Information Age Park through land sales and leasing arrangements since its inception:

Land Sales

2,387,169

Leases (Rental/Service Charges):

1,705,504

Total

4,092,673

The following table shows the number of people and companies working in the Information Age Park in Ennis at the end of 2008 and the end of March 2009.

Client

Total Jobs — 2008

Total Jobs — March 09

Coastline Imaging Systems Ltd

1

1

Informedia Systems Ltd

1

1

Medical Recruitment Specialists

1

1

Obego Ltd

1

David Butt & Associates

2

2

Q Surveyors

2

Casseo Ltd

2

2

Arise Virtual Solutions Int’l Ltd

3

4 (2 temporary & 2 fulltime)

Kajo/Tara Technologies

2

2

Gentian Services Ltd

1

2

Acton BV

6

7

CADPO Solutions

10

10

Design Shannon

3

3

Work Area Recovery Solutions Ltd

2

2

Attachmate

16

15

De Barra Publishing

5

5 (1 temporary & 4 fulltime)

Async Technologies Ltd

5

5

Total

61

64

EU Funding.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

72 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has submitted an application for funding under the EU Globalisation Fund in relation to workers at a company (details supplied) in County Limerick; if not, when she will submit the application; the level of funding she will be seeking from the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22263/09]

I refer to the answer to Questions Nos. 148 and 149 of 6 May 2009. The application under the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund in preparation in relation to the redundancies at the Dell plant in Raheen, Co. Limerick and related enterprises is close to finalization. Officials from the European Commission will visit Dublin later this week to discuss technical issues with officials from my Department. It is my intention to submit the application to the European Commission next week.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Phil Hogan

Question:

73 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will intervene with FÁS with a view to providing funding in respect of an architect/technician course in order to assist people for qualification under the building energy rating programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22299/09]

FÁS Training Services has a Building Energy Rating (BER) programme which leads to a FETAC certificate and which can be run for suitable unemployed people. The course can be run from any of FÁS' Training Centres through either Night Training or through Contracted Training, subject to demand. If the Deputy has a particular group in mind, FÁS can engage with them to discuss their training needs and I will be pleased to facilitate that interaction.

Redundancy Payments.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

74 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will receive their statutory redundancy payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22452/09]

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is in receipt of an application for statutory redundancy payment from the individual concerned. The claim in question is currently being processed and, subject to meeting the required criteria, payment of the claim is expected to issue shortly.

Jack Wall

Question:

75 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare has not received their entitlements under the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 to 2007 or if there is an aspect of their application that needs to be addressed to ensure that the payments can be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22557/09]

My Department has no record of an application for statutory redundancy in respect of the individual in question. Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme, all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. In general, a redundancy situation exists where an employee's job no longer exists. It is up to the employer concerned to determine whether or not there is in fact a redundancy situation. Disputes in this regard can be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication. It should be noted that an employee must make application for a redundancy payment or seek a determination from the EAT within twelve months of ceasing of employment.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

76 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount her Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22666/09]

My Department operates a taxi account with National Radio Cabs for the transport of officials of the Department/Offices of the Department on official business. The amounts spent by the Department and the Offices of the Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 are as follows: 2007 — €45,318; 2008 — €56,238; 2009 (to date) — €9,082. The figures do not include expenditure on taxis by officials of the Department/Offices of the Department while abroad on official business; it would be impossible to supply this information in the time available.

The use of taxis by officials of my Department/Offices of my Department is constantly kept under review by the Department and in light of the current economic situation officials of the Department/Offices of the Department have been urged to curtail where possible their use of taxis for official purposes and to use public transport facilities whenever possible. I am not in a position to provide the information sought by the Deputy in relation to the State Agencies under the control of my Department as such information falls within the day-to-day administration of the State Agencies concerned.

Redundancy Payments.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

77 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a substantive response will issue in relation to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22707/09]

IDA Ireland has been in contact with the company which advises that for the past month, it has held an internal ‘Career Planning Fair', where all of its businesses presented career opportunities in each business unit, to all employees who might be interested in a career move. Global Services was one of those recruiting and some employees have chosen to move. Some of those moving were from HP's Inkjet Manufacturing operation, where, due to the transformation and up-skilling of its business, it requires different skills. The company has confirmed that it will now be backfilling those positions with up to 100 new hires.

More generally, statutory redundancy is an employment right and is paid to workers whose employment has been terminated because the job they were employed to do no longer exists. The current rate for statutory redundancy stands at two weeks pay per year of service plus a bonus week subject to a ceiling of €600 per week. Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, the responsibility of the employer. Disputes between employers/ employees in relation to redundancy or payment of statutory redundancy entitlements may be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal for adjudication and determination. Payment of amounts other than statutory amounts is a matter between the employer and employees and the making of or entitlement to ex gratia payments is not within the remit of my Department.

Proposed Legislation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

78 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will introduce legislation to regulate franchises; if she is satisfied with the legal provisions to regulate this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22730/09]

Franchise agreements are one type of distribution agreement and competition law applies to them as it does to all such distribution agreements. Such franchise arrangements are not considered to offend against competition law, provided that restrictive provisions in the franchise agreement are necessary to provide the franchisee with confidential know-how and/or to protect the identity and reputation of the franchised network.

In addition, under a franchise distribution arrangement, the franchisor (or supplier) provides a marketing system to the franchisee (or distributor). This introduces intellectual property issues into the arrangement, with the franchisor licensing the use of a common retail brand and marketing that brand. I have no plans to introduce legislation to regulate franchises.

Work Permits.

Michael Ring

Question:

79 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be refunded the money from their work permit application. [22749/09]

The Employment Permits Section informs me that a payable order issued to the above named on the 21st May 2009.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

80 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of banking charges paid by her Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22881/09]

My Department pays banking charges on transactions made through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and on foreign payment transactions. Banking fees are also paid for the maintenance of bank accounts held by my Department for the purposes of making EFT payments. A breakdown of the amounts paid by my Department in banking charges and fees from 2006 to date is provided on the table.

Nature of charge/fee

2006

2007

2008

2009 (year to date)

Bank charges on EFT transactions

602.65

628.72

627.30

287.58

Transaction charges on foreign payment

703.50

720.98

800.01

228.00

Account maintenance fees

88.15

225.54

164.78

39.66

Total of charges and fees

1,394.30

1,575.24

1,592.09

555.24

Andrew Doyle

Question:

81 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount spent by her Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22895/09]

The costs incurred by my Department for the provision of bottled water for 2006, 2007 and 2008 are as follows, this includes the cost of water provided by means of water coolers: 2006 — €13,147.39; 2007 — €39,818.06; 2008 — €29,757.59.

Work Permits.

Dan Neville

Question:

82 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on the application for a work permit for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22928/09]

A renewal Work Permit is being issued in this case in the next three days.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

83 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the companies recently grant aided by her Department in the meat processing sector; the number of work permits for non-EU nationals that each of these companies holds; the number of work permits issued to each of these companies for non-EU workers for each year since 2000 to date in 2009; the criteria which these companies will have to meet to draw down their grant aid as they relate to numbers of people employed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22954/09]

Payments of grant aid are not made by my Department. Payments are made by the Industrial Development agencies under the aegis of my Department and are a day to day operational matter for the agencies. I do not have any role in the day to day operational matters of these agencies.

Redundancy Payments.

Sean Fleming

Question:

84 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a redundancy payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [22962/09]

My Department has no record of an application for statutory redundancy in respect of the individual in question. Under the Redundancy Payments Scheme all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. A redundancy situation arises in general where an employee's job no longer exists and he/she is not replaced. It is up to the employer concerned to determine whether or not there is in fact a redundancy situation. Disputes in this regard can be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication.

In the event of a positive finding by the Tribunal in favour of an individual, application for a redundancy payment should be made by the individual on form RP 50 which is available from the Redundancy Payments Section of my Department. This form should be completed and returned with the decision of the Employment Appeals Tribunal which will allow the application to be processed. It should be noted that an employee must make application for a redundancy payment or seek a determination from the EAT within twelve months of ceasing of employment.

Industrial Development.

Jack Wall

Question:

85 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the mechanism available to a person to seek assistance in relation to a new initiative (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22979/09]

Depending on the nature of the initiative in question, the Deputy should advise the individual to contact the Galway County Enterprise Board (091-565269/www.galwayenterprise.ie) or the Galway office of Enterprise Ireland (091-735900/www.enterprise-ireland.com). The County Enterprise Boards provide financial and non-financial supports to individuals and small businesses with 10 or fewer employees while Enterprise Ireland provides funding and expertise to companies with more than 10 employees.

Work Permits.

Michael McGrath

Question:

86 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on an appeal lodged in relation to an employment permit application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [23132/09]

An application in respect of the above named was received in the Employment Permits Section on the 11/02/2009. This application was refused and the applicant was notified of this decision in writing by letter dated 28/04/2009 and of their right to appeal within 21 days. An appeal was lodged on the 21/5/2009 but as this was received outside the 21-day timeframe it could not be heard. In these circumstances, therefore, this application cannot be re-visited. However, should the prospective employer or employee wish to make a new application for a Work Permit, it will be considered on its merits.

Grant Payments.

David Stanton

Question:

87 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grant aid made available or committed to meat processing companies in the past 12 months; the amount and companies involved; the conditions attached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23137/09]

Matters relating to payment of grant aid or commitments to pay grant aid are day to day operational matters for the Industrial Development agencies. I do not have any role in the day to day operational matters of these agencies.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

88 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if, with regard to the site identified as a suitable location for decentralisation in Charlestown, County Mayo, his Department has begun legal proceedings with regard to the acquisition of the site; if an agreement has been signed or funds transferred in relation to the site; the transactions undertaken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22407/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

89 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance when he will make a final decision on the acquisition of a site for the decentralisation of his office to County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22410/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

122 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if the Office of Public Works has purchased a site (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22748/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 89 and 122 together.

The position in relation to the site in Charlestown is that terms were agreed last year but the contract for sale has yet to be finalised. Accordingly, there is no contractual commitment on the OPW to purchase the site. Given the elapse of time, and bearing in mind the change in market conditions over the last 12 months, the question of whether the terms agreed still represent value for money will have to be reviewed. In the meantime, the Department of Finance has recently been approached by a community group in Kiltimagh, Co. Mayo, which has already completed a building in the town. This building is currently being assessed by the Office of Public Works. No decision has been taken at this stage on either option.

Insurance Industry.

Sean Fleming

Question:

90 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a company (details supplied) that was taken in charge by the State a number of years ago notwithstanding that the title of the company has been sold on but the business of the company had been transferred to an alternative company at that stage; and if the administrator has completed their dealings with the original organisation. [22963/09]

The Financial Regulator has informed me that following its failure in 1983, PMPA was renamed Primor plc. The principal activity of Primor plc (Under Administration) is the settlement of outstanding claims liabilities of the company. The company ceased its principal business of insurance underwriting in July 1989. I have been informed that the firm is at an advanced stage of run-off.

Tax Collection.

Richard Bruton

Question:

91 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if he will make exceptions to the four year maximum rule for tax refund claims when the Eastern Regional Health Authority incorrectly deducted tax from the maternity leave of a person (details supplied) in County Meath in 2003 which was only highlighted to the person in 2008. [22062/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that in general a tax refund claim, which is outside the four year limit provided for under Section 865 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 cannot be allowed. However, in the case referred to there is a possibility that a claim was made to the Commissioners within the statutory time limit. Unfortunately an examination of the relevant data from the Eastern Regional Health Authority cannot be completed in the time available for a reply. In these circumstances the Commissioners will respond directly to the Deputy as quickly as possible.

Garda Stations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

92 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 2 December 2008, the progress to date on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22064/09]

Sketch Scheme drawings for the new Station at this location have recently been submitted to An Garda Síochána for approval. The Office of Public Works is currently awaiting approval from the Garda Housing Office before proceeding with the project. Documentation for a planning submission is being progressed and will be lodged with the appropriate Local Authority in due course. It is envisaged that works will commence on site in the second half of 2009.

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

93 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the guidance he gave on applying the higher income levies to income earned over a period, when part of that period was before 1 May 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22069/09]

The composite annual rates of income levy for the year 2009 ensure that all income earned in the year is, and all taxpayers (both PAYE taxpayers and the self employed) are, treated in the same way. These annual composite rates are complemented by two sets of payroll deduction rates requiring employers to deduct levy from payroll payments at the rates of 1%, 2% and 3% up to end April 2009 and at the rates of 2%, 4% and 6% from payments made after that date.

If a person has only PAYE income, which is paid with regularity over the course of the year, then the payroll deduction system should deduct the right amount of levy for the year without the need for any end of year review. The Revenue Commissioners have published comprehensive guidance on the operation of the income levy on their website in easy-to-understand question and answer format. This includes guidance on how to deal with any end-of-year adjustments.

Pension Levy.

Pat Breen

Question:

94 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance his plans to review the implementation of the pension levy with regard to a group of workers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22073/09]

I undertook during the Dáil debate on the pension-related deduction to have the situation of this group of workers examined to see if there are exceptional circumstances in their case. That examination is in progress. In the recent Supplementary Budget, I announced a change to the structure of the deduction which will exempt the first 15,000 euro of earnings. This should benefit the group of public servants in question considerably, especially those with no other public service employment.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

95 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Finance the amount of banking charges paid by all the Government Departments over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22080/09]

My Department paid bank charges of €5,195 in the period 1st May 2006 to 30th April 2009 in respect of public bank accounts which are maintained to facilitate the making of electronic payments. This figure is broken down as follows — bank service charges of €2,870 and bank transaction charges of €2,325. The bank account used at present is interest bearing and interest of €7,147 was earned during the last 12 months.

Flood Relief.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

96 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if the Office for Public Works will give due consideration to the funding and rebuilding of a boundary wall (details supplied) in Dublin 11 destroyed during torrential flooding in August 2008. [22108/09]

The Office of Public Works has responsibility for river flooding and coastal erosion. The storm water flooding that caused the demolition of the boundary wall in the area mentioned during the floods in August 2008 does not fall under that Office of Public Works remit, as it was neither fluvial nor coastal flooding. Therefore, the issue of funding for any works in this instance is not a matter for the Office of Public Works.

State Banking Sector.

Joan Burton

Question:

97 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on recent media reports that he, as sole shareholder, and his Department had agreed at the recent annual general meeting of Anglo Irish Bank to change the institution’s articles of association; if he will confirm the veracity of the report; if the directors of Anglo Irish Bank have been indemnified as reported; if he will provide a rationale for the changes; if he will set out the potential impact on the taxpayer that these changes could have; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22168/09]

The indemnity now granted to Directors under Anglo's revised Articles of Association is standard, and similar provisions are used in the articles of association of many companies. Also, while certain limitations on indemnification are imposed by Section 200(1) of the Companies Acts, which was disapplied by the Anglo Irish Bank Act 2009, Anglo's revised Articles of Association provide that I, as Minister, retain discretion on any decision to indemnify Anglo Directors beyond the limits laid down under the Companies Acts. I have not given consent for any such extension of indemnity.

Anglo's revised Articles of Association were adopted by resolution at the bank's annual general meeting on 30 April last, as provided for under Section 17 of the Anglo Irish Bank Act 2009. There is no impact on the taxpayer resulting from the changes to Anglo's Articles of Association, save that in the absence of standard provisions the State as shareholder might find it more difficult to fill board positions, to the overall detriment of the taxpayer.

Joan Burton

Question:

98 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will outline with reference to his statement to press reporters on 25 May 2009 that he is providing working capital to Anglo Irish Bank, what he means by reference to working capital; the nature and extent of the provision provided under that heading; the difference between Anglo Irish Bank’s current need for working capital and any possible future need for an increase in capital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22171/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, it was announced on 29 May that the Government had decided, subject to EU approval, to provide up to €4bn in capital to Anglo Irish Bank. This decision was taken in a context of disappointing six-month financial results for Anglo, reflecting a marked deterioration in asset quality at the bank. The injection of up to €4bn is necessary to ensure Anglo can meet its total capital requirements in the light of the results. The Government's overriding concern in taking this decision has been to protect the economy from the wider losses that would occur in the event of the failure of the bank; to protect the €64bn of deposits in the bank; and, to prevent the bank becoming a systemic threat to the financial system.

This capital injection will represent the first time that money has been put into Anglo, although the Government had signalled its readiness to do so last December before the bank was nationalised. The Board of Anglo is currently finalising its Business Plan, which will provide a detailed framework within which the bank, with Government support, will work though its current problems.

Tax Collection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when a tax refund will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22179/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that while returns of income for 2006 and 2007 have been submitted by the person concerned the documentation submitted is not sufficient to support the refund claims. Additional information was requested on 11 May 2009 and has not been received to date. A reminder issued on 28 May 2009.

Banking Sector Regulation.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

100 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if he has received a report from the Financial Regulator following the investigation requested by him into the cost to mortgage holders of breaking fixed rate mortgages and into the cost to the financial institutions of breaking their own funding arrangements; if he has not received such a report, when it is anticipated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22184/09]

The Financial Regulator has confirmed to my Department, that all mortgage lenders have provided it with the formula used by that lender when calculating the early redemption fee applying to fixed rate mortgages. The Financial Regulator has also sought independent verification by an actuary that the fee charged by a number of lenders recouped only the loss in funding costs incurred by the lenders due to the early redemption of a fixed rate mortgage. The Financial Regulator has received the majority of the actuarial independent verifications from lenders and is currently reviewing the information received.

The verifications received to date indicate that the formulae applied by lenders seek to recoup the loss to the lender arising from the early redemption of the fixed rate mortgage and do not apply a penalty charge on the borrower. The Financial Regulator is also examining whether any additional costs are being charged. The Financial Regulator has advised that further analysis may be necessary once all of the information is received and reviewed. Should the remaining analysis by the Financial Regulator indicate that further consideration of this issue is required, it will be carried out.

Tax Code.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

101 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance his views on reviewing the rate of VAT on bands here in the current economic climate as gigs become harder to secure for persons whose only source of income is derived from gigs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22198/09]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

102 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a reduced VAT rate on band equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22199/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.

With regard to the VAT on band equipment, the VAT rate applicable to the supply of band equipment is the standard rate of 21.5%. In matters relating to the VAT rating of goods and services I am constrained by the requirements of EU law with which Irish law must comply. As band equipment is not listed in Annex III of the EU VAT Directive the reduced VAT rate cannot be applied to those goods. With regard to the VAT on bands, performances in the state by a band established in the state are a taxable activity for VAT purposes and VAT is charged at the standard rate. The band must register and account for VAT if the turnover from its activities exceeds an annual threshold of €37,500. In the case of performances outside the State, there is no Irish VAT chargeable, but the band may be liable to register and account for VAT on performances in other Member States.

There are no plans to review the rate of VAT applying to the performance of a band, especially given that admission to such performances are for the most part exempt from VAT, which is not the case in many other EU Member States. A VAT registered band can claim VAT input credit in respect of allowable goods and services used by it in connection with supplies it makes both within and outside the state.

Where a band not established in the state supplies performance services to a person acting in a private capacity in the State, then the band must register and account for VAT at 21.5% on all supplies of such services it makes in the State. No registration threshold applies in such cases. Where a band not established in the State supplies performance services to a person acting in a business capacity in the State, including an agent or promoter, then that person, agent or promoter will be deemed to be the person supplying the services and must register and account for any VAT due on such services. Again no registration threshold applies in such cases.

Flood Relief.

John McGuinness

Question:

103 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Finance if he is in receipt of the report on recent flooding in County Kilkenny compiled by Kilkenny County Council; the action the Office of Public Works will take relative to the report and its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22230/09]

I am advised by my officials in the Office of Public Works (OPW) that the said flooding report, in draft format, has been received from the Consultant. The draft report was discussed at a meeting between Kilkenny County Council (KCC) and OPW officials at a meeting held on 4 June 2009 when further details and clarifications were sought prior to a final report being accepted. It is expected that the final report will be available from the Consultant in early July 2009. A further meeting between KCC and OPW officials will be arranged shortly thereafter to discuss the final report and its recommendations, with a view to determining what solutions are viable, and deciding on the development and prioritisation of flood alleviation measures.

State Banking Sector.

Joan Burton

Question:

104 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if persons (details supplied) have in the past received special or preferential loans from Anglo Irish Bank; if any family members of other directors of Anglo Irish Bank have in the past received preferential loans from Anglo Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22231/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, certain matters relating to corporate governance at Anglo Irish Bank before it was taken into public ownership, are the subject of ongoing investigations, including by the Financial Regulator and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on or prejudge the outcome of these investigations. As I have stated previously, any breach of regulatory or legal requirements in relation to directors' loans identified on foot of these investigations will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Tax Collection.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

105 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance the circumstances in the matter of the dispute between the Revenue Commissioners and a person (details supplied) culminating in the seizure of product and subsequent losses to the person’s firm; the full extent of grievance to the offended party outstanding; the extent of compensation paid or outstanding; if it is intended to address the recovery issues; the action which will be taken to resolve such issues; the reason there was a delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22307/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the matter referred to by the Deputy is in dispute between the person in question and the Commissioners. The dispute is ongoing and there is potential for litigation. The matter has also been examined by the Ombudsman's Office. In these circumstances, the Commissioners advise me that they feel themselves constrained in replying in detail to the Deputy.

By way of general remarks, the Revenue Commissioners have advised me that:

Full and comprehensive material addressing the matters raised in the Deputy's questions has already been supplied to the person in question and a reply to his further correspondence will issue shortly.

The rationale and analysis underpinning Revenue's position has also been supplied to him, including a report from an external expert.

The Commissioners approached this case in good faith, with a view to achieving a negotiated settlement, but fundamental differences between the parties remain.

Given the complexities of the case, and its responsibilities for public funds, Revenue does not consider that there was unreasonable delay in its dealings with the person in question.

Departmental Expenditure.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

106 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Finance the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22326/09]

The amount spent on bottled water by my Department for each of the past three years is outlined in the table below. Expenditure relates to containers of water which are supplied for general consumption through water dispensers. The majority of water dispensers are mains fed but this is not feasible in all cases.

Year

2006

4,379.00

2007

4,000.00

2008

3,612.00

Tax Code.

Brian Hayes

Question:

107 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if a pensioner who derives income from a deposit account and has put the account into joint names with their daughter, who derives no benefit, for the purposes of easy access for expenses relating to the account holder’s funeral, can claim a DIRT refund; and the financial institutions to which such a refund applies. [22370/09]

An individual can claim a refund of DIRT if: he/she (or his/her spouse) is aged 65 or over during the year and ·his/her gross income from all sources (i.e., old age pension, deposit interest, etc.) is less than €20,000 (or €40,000 in the case of a married couple).

In general, joint accounts where one of the account holders is aged 65 or over will only qualify for the refund of DIRT where the other account holder is that person's spouse. However if another person, such as a daughter or son, has authority to operate an individual's bank account on his or her behalf, and is named as an account holder for this purpose only, the individual will continue to qualify for the refund provided that his or her beneficial ownership of the account is not affected. In the circumstances set out in the question the pensioner should, when making the DIRT refund claim to Revenue, include a declaration that he/she is beneficially entitled to all of the interest paid in respect of the deposit. Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) is deducted at source from interest paid on deposits held by banks, building societies, credit unions and the Post Office Savings Bank.

Financial Services Regulation.

Brian Hayes

Question:

108 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if he plans to index section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997 in view of the current climate when longer repayment schedules may be needed by borrowers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22371/09]

A core objective of the legislative and regulatory framework for Credit Unions in Ireland is to ensure the safety and soundness of credit unions. This requires prudent lending and investment decisions by Boards of credit unions to safeguard members' savings. The restrictions contained in Section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997, as amended, are an important asset and liability tool for credit unions as the funding of credit unions is predominantly provided on a short term basis in the form of on-demand savings and consequently the limits on longer term-term lending are necessary.

I am aware that credit unions are seeking to facilitate revised repayment instalments for credit union members currently experiencing difficulty in meeting loan repayments due to unfavourable changes in their financial circumstances but that these endeavours, in certain circumstances, run up against the current Section 35 limits on longer-term lending. Subject to the over-arching considerations that the financial position of a credit union, the security of members' savings and accurate reporting of the financial status of a credit union is maintained, it should be possible to explore all reasonable steps to allow a member, in carefully monitored and controlled circumstances, to re-schedule their repayments to a level which is affordable to them. Of course, each credit union must fully and properly recognise arrears situations where they exist, and where members are in difficulty the process of facilitating them must be transparent to board members and regulators so that a credit union is never in doubt as to its own position.

I have asked my Department to reconvene the Group, representative of stakeholders, the Regulatory Authority and my Department, which successfully reviewed the Section 35 lending limits in 2006. The mandate for this Group will be to find a solution to this complex issue.

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

109 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if funding for the purchase of decentralisation properties identified as having been approved by Government to proceed in budget 2009 has been or will be committed in the context of the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22411/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

110 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he has informed individual Departments that funding previously anticipated as available for decentralisation projects will no longer be made available by his Department; if he will provide details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22412/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 110 together.

The 2009 Revised Estimates for the Public Service provide sufficient funding this year in respect of those projects identified as priority projects in Budget 2009 that are ready to commence during the current year. My Department has also taken account of the full multi-annual costs of the priority projects in preparing its projections for 2010 and 2011. As you will be aware from my Statement to the Dáil in respect of the Supplementary Budget, the Government has set new strict expenditure ceilings for both capital and current expenditure for 2010 and 2011. Within these tighter expenditure limits, priorities will have to be determined over that period having regard to other demands on the OPW's capital budget. The timing of the commencement of individual projects, and consequently the expenditure incurred in respect thereof, will be determined having regard to such other emerging priorities.

Procurement Policy.

Denis Naughten

Question:

111 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the turnover threshold conditions being placed on tenders in view of the financial pressure facing many small businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22422/09]

The Department of Finance does not specify turnover thresholds for businesses applying for public contracts. While public authorities must be satisfied as to the technical and financial capacity of those to whom they award public contracts, the general guidance is that pre-qualification criteria must be proportionate and relevant to the needs of the contract. It is a matter for each authority to specify the criteria having regard to what is necessary and appropriate in each case. It would be contrary to public procurement rules to set requirements that are disproportionate or are otherwise over-restrictive.

Pension Provisions.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

112 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his plans to reform the rules whereby holders of approved retirement funds are compelled to take 3% per annum of their accumulated fund and pay tax on it at the highest marginal rate, in view of the deterioration in value of pension funds in the past 18 months and the desire of ARF holders to defer drawing down funds until such time as the value of their investment improves; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22441/09]

An ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) is an investment vehicle into which certain individuals can invest the proceeds of their pension plans. An ARF offers such individuals considerable flexibility and freedom as regards when they draw income in retirement and acts, in that regard, as an alternative to a retirement annuity which provides a regular income stream for life. In common with annuity income, draw-downs from ARFs are subject to taxation at the ARF owner's marginal rate of income tax. This was always the intention.

The 2006 Budget and Finance Act introduced an imputed or notional distribution of 3% of the value of the assets in an ARF on 31 December each year, with the notional amount taxed at the ARF owner's marginal income tax rate. The level of imputed distribution at 3% is not considered excessive, given that ARFs are intended to provide an income stream in retirement for their owners and generous tax relief is provided on the contributions to, and growth of, pension funds the proceeds of which are invested in ARFs.

The notional distribution was introduced following an internal review of tax relief for pensions provision undertaken by my Department and the Revenue Commissioners in 2005 (published in 2006) which found that the ARF option was largely not being used as intended, to fund an income stream in retirement, but instead was being used to build up funds in a tax-free environment over the long-term. The imputed distribution measure is designed to encourage the use of ARFs as planned. It is not unreasonable that there should be an expectation that the benefits from these funds will be subject to tax at some point. Funds actually drawn down by ARF owners are credited against the imputed distribution in a year to arrive at a net imputed amount, if any, for that year, although there is no compulsion to draw funds from the ARF so long as the tax due on the notional distribution is paid.

The 3% rate was phased in over a transitional period commencing in 2007, with 1% applying in 2007, 2% in 2008 and the full 3% in 2009 and each subsequent year. The new regime applies to ARFs created on or after 6 April 2000 where the ARF holder is 60 years of age or over for the whole of a tax year. This provision does not impact on Approved Minimum Retirement Funds (AMRFs). Given the rationale for the introduction of the measure, I have no plans at this time to make changes to the imputed distribution arrangements for ARFs.

Tax Collection.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

113 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance when payment of tax refund will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22456/09]

I have been informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a cheque in respect of tax refund due, issued to the individual in question on 1st May last. If the individual has any further queries, regarding his tax affairs, he may contact the office of the Revenue Commissioners at 1890 22 24 25.

Tax Code.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

114 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if the VAT rebate for tour operators will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22476/09]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the VAT Margin Scheme which is being introduced in respect of the services of tour operators from 1 January 2010. To date, the services provided by tour operators have been exempt from VAT in Ireland. Under the Margin Scheme, tour operators will account for VAT on the profit realised on the supply of a travel package and will be entitled to deduct/recover VAT incurred on the overheads associated with delivering their services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

115 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Finance the position in relation to the tax of €10 on every person leaving Ireland; if it will include a group (details supplied) in County Kildare; if in view of the circumstances they will be exempt from this tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22480/09]

A part of this Government's response to the current unprecedented fiscal challenges, an air travel tax on passengers departing Irish airports was introduced on and from 30 March 2009. A general rate of €10 per passenger applies, with a lower rate of €2 for shorter journeys. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2008 provides for a number of exemptions from the air travel tax including that a disabled person and a person accompanying the disabled person for the purpose of providing care and assistance are exempt from the tax. I have no plans to extend the exemptions from the air travel tax.

Jack Wall

Question:

116 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance the mechanisms available to a person who has issues or problems surrounding the information on their P45 regarding the date of commencement of employment and the date of leaving; the way a person can seek to readdress such an issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22497/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that a correctly completed form P45 is required, under PAYE regulations, to be given by an employer to an employee on cessation of employment. The form P45 is a notification to Revenue that an employee has ceased employment with that employer. The form also contains details of the employee's pay, tax and PRSI contributions from the start of the year to the date of cessation of employment. The P45 will show the date of commencement of that employment if the period of employment commenced since 1st January in the current tax year.

If an employee does not get a form P45 when leaving, or the form is incorrectly completed, he or she should ask the employer for a correct P45 and repeat the request if necessary. If the employer still fails to provide a correct P45, the employee should notify their local Revenue office by telephone, email or in writing that they have failed, after several attempts, to get a correct P45 and stating what the problem is. The matter will then be followed up quickly by Revenue with the employer.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

117 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22668/09]

The amount spent on taxis by my Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is contained in the following table.

Spend by the Department of Finance on taxis for 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009

2007

2008

2009 to Date

€117,350.00

€80,690.00

€16,109.00

I am informed by the various agencies under the remit of my Department that the following amounts were spent on taxis in the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009.

Office

2007

2008

2009 to date

Valuation Office

815

1,103

423

Commission for Public Service Appointments

742

537

46

Public Appointments Service

2,975

2,906

737

Office of the Revenue Commissioners

110,250

80,988

25,189

State Laboratory

2,661

3,721

919

Office of Public Works*

9,105

6,485

1.063

National Treasury Management Agency

32,050

34,138

14,333

Special EU Programmes Body**

£566

£459

£682

*The Office of Public Works have advised that in addition to these payments, taxi fares claimed through the travel system are included in a "Public Transport" category. While the figures include taxi fares it also includes payments such as train and bus fares. Taxi fares are not easily identifiable in isolation.

**These figures are in pound sterling and the amounts do not all relate to funding from the Department of Finance, as costs are either split 50/50 with the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel, or funded by EU Programmes.

The total amounts for public transport are as follows:

Year

Amount

2007

139,532

2008

171,332

2009

29,347

Tax Code.

Joe McHugh

Question:

118 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the process that applies for cars without VRT that are seized by customs; the location at which these vehicles are stored; if they are used while they are in storage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22681/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that vehicles that are seized by Revenue Officers on the grounds of evasion of VRT are dealt with in the following manner.

Where the seized vehicle meets the conditions governing local release that have been set down by the Commissioners, the seizing officer will calculate the VRT and the penalty due and will notify the person concerned accordingly. The vehicle is released once the penalty and the VRT due have been paid. In certain circumstances the owner may be allowed a short period of time to register and pay the VRT due. In other circumstances, the details of the case are reported to the Revenue VRT Prosecution Unit, which considers an appropriate course of action, including whether the vehicle should be retained as a seizure and/or whether proceedings should be instituted.

Where the seized vehicle is likely to be held by Revenue for a short period of time pending its release, it is normally kept in short term official storage facilities that are located in various parts of the country where local enforcement units are based. Most vehicles that are not to be released in the short term, are removed for storage at the State Warehouse in Dublin pending the final outcome of the case. Such vehicles are normally driven from the local station to the State Warehouse and are not used otherwise.

Joe McHugh

Question:

119 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the reason cohabiting couples are not treated as married couples for taxation purposes, but are treated as married couples for social welfare purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22682/09]

Cohabitating couples are expressly recognised for the purpose of social welfare law but are not recognised for the purposes of income tax law. Although this may appear contradictory, the main aim of both the welfare code and the tax code is to uphold the constitutional right of married couples not to be treated less favourably than unmarried couples. The basis for the current tax treatment of married couples derives from the Supreme Court decision in Murphy vs the Attorney General (1980) which held that it was contrary to the Constitution for a married couple to pay more tax than two single people living together and having the same income.

The treatment of cohabiting couples for the purposes of social welfare is primarily a matter for the Minister for Social Community and Family Affairs. However, it is also based on the principle that married couples should not be treated less favourably than cohabiting couples. This was given a constitutional underpinning following the Supreme Court decision in Hyland v Minister for Social Welfare (1989) which ruled that it was unconstitutional for the total income a married couple received in social welfare benefits to be less than the couple would have received if they were unmarried and cohabiting.

Jack Wall

Question:

120 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if there is tax relief available to persons who have children with special needs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22688/09]

There is no provision in tax law to allow relief for expenses relating specifically to dyslexia treatment or instruction. However, in recent years the Government has increased significantly the supports available through the direct expenditure system for children with disabilities. In 2005, approval was given for the Department of Education and Science to move from individual allocation of resource teaching support for children with special needs, on foot of a psychological assessment, to an approach whereby all mainstream primary schools are allocated resources based on their enrolment without the need for individual psychological assessments for the high incidence categories of need, such as dyslexia and mild general learning disability. In all, it is projected that, of the total budget of the Department of Education and Science of almost €9.5 billion, over €1 billion is allocated across services for special needs.

As with many areas where State support may be required, the question arises as to whether such support may be more effectively provided through the direct expenditure route rather than through the tax system. One advantage of the former mechanism is that the support may be better targeted at those in need, irrespective of family income, whereas support through the tax system can only benefit those whose incomes are high enough to benefit from tax relief.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

121 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his views on abolishing the 2% betting levy and replacing it with a profit based tax on bookmakers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22738/09]

During the Finance Bill, I indicated that discussions would commence as to how best betting duty might be applied in the future, in the context of the 2010 Budget including looking at the UK's gross profit tax model. A number of different proposals in that regard have been received from various sectors of the industry. I also indicated that it is my intention to widen if possible the tax base on which betting duty would be applied. My officials are continuing to explore all options on an ongoing basis.

Question No. 122 answered with Question No. 88.

Tax Collection.

Michael McGrath

Question:

123 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that a VAT refund is issued to a company (details supplied) in County Cork. [22767/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the VAT refund was paid by direct credit to the company's bank account on 26 May 2009.

Jack Wall

Question:

124 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is entitled to a tax refund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22774/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that PAYE Balancing Statements P21 for the years 2004 to 2007 inclusive issued to the person concerned in April 2008 and that all refunds due have been made. In relation to the tax year 2008 the person concerned paid no tax.

Pension Provisions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

125 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance his views on exempting employer personal retirement savings account contributions from the income levy in view of the fact that he allows an employer to pay money into a pension scheme without the income levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22905/09]

This query is similar to Parliamentary Question No. 125, [21099/09] submitted by the Deputy, to which I replied on 26 May last. The income levy applies to all emoluments of an employment including perquisites and taxable benefits-in kind. The income levy liability is calculated before any relief, allowance or credits which may be due under the income tax code. As previously stated, the income levy treatment follows the income tax treatment in both the cases referred to by the Deputy. That position, as set out in my earlier reply, remains unchanged.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

126 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he sanctioned a post of head of translation unit in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, recently advertised at a salary of €130,000, when there is an embargo on recruitment and when there is a translation unit, Rannóg an Aistríucháin, which operates under the Houses of the Oireachtas; if so, the reason for same; if he envisages sanctioning further recruitments in this translation unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22919/09]

The Government decision on the moratorium on recruitment is not a complete embargo on the filling of all posts in the Civil Service. It allows me, as Minister for Finance, to sanction the filling of vacancies where the business case for continuity of service so requires. Having considered issues arising in connection with a Supreme Court case concerning the translation of statutory instruments into Irish I decided as an exceptional measure to sanction the filling of a post of head of translation unit and five other translation posts in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in accordance with the agreed Government strategy. I have ensured, by means of a staff levy on the main Departments and Offices producing statutory instruments, that there will be no addition to the overall total of Civil Service numbers. There will be a review of the new translation unit at the end of the first nine months of operation and the staff requirement will be addressed at that stage. The translation unit, Rannóg an Aistriúcháin, attached to the Houses of the Oireachtas primarily deals with the quite separate issue of the translation of Acts of the Oireachtas into Irish, but not with the translation of statutory instruments.

Tax Collection.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

127 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance the number of persons registered with the Revenue Commissioners who have declared their income source as taxi operator, taxi driver or small public service vehicle driver; the number of PAYE workers who have a TC2 designation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22926/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant information available to May 2009 indicates that some 30,000 individual income earners have declared income from the operation of taxi-cabs, chauffeur-driven hire cars and analogous activity. Other individuals on tax records may also have income from the same activity but are not so identified in the statistics as the records are kept by reference to the primary source of income only.

The sector identifier used on the tax records is based on the 4 digit "NACE code" which is an internationally recognised economic activity code system. NACE code classifications on tax records are compiled by reference to the primary area of economic activity reported by an individual. While the accuracy of the NACE codes on tax records is sufficient to underpin broad sector-based analyses there will undoubtedly be some inaccuracies at individual level.

It is assumed that the query regarding the number of PAYE workers who have a TC2 designation also refers to those working as taxi drivers. In regard to this query, I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they are not in a position to provide this information within the timeframe for issue of this reply. Accordingly, they will contact the Deputy directly on this issue at a later date.

Decentralisation Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

128 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 116 of 3 March 2009, the position in relation to the completion of decentralisation to the town in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22940/09]

Having received the necessary Department of Finance sanction to place a contract for the construction of new decentralised offices for the Property Registration Authority at Roscommon, the Office of Public Works has informed the preferred tenderer of its intention to place a contract subject to acceptance of a number of conditions. Subject to these conditions being satisfied, it is expected that a contract will be placed shortly and that construction work will be completed by autumn 2010.

Health Services.

Pat Breen

Question:

129 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a psychology service is being withdrawn from a group (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22072/09]

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.

Child Care Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

130 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when payment for the free pre-school year will be granted to service providers; in particular, if someone commences their pre-school year in September 2009 and if the funding is introduced in January 2010, will they be able to claim the free pre-school payment for the remainder of the year from January 2010; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22127/09]

As the Deputy will be aware I have responsibility for the implementation of the new scheme to provide a free Pre-School year of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) which will commence in January 2010. The scheme will allow children to avail of a free playschool place in their pre-school year, which will be provided for three hours per day, five days per week for 38 weeks. It will also allow children in their pre-school year who are attending a full or part-time day-care service to avail of a free session of two hours and 15 minutes per day, five days per week for 50 weeks. Participating children must, normally be aged between three years three months and four years six months on 1 September of each year.

An annual capitation fee of over €2,400 will be paid to participating services. This equates to €64.50 per week where children attend for 38 weeks, and €48.50 where they attend for 50 weeks of the year. Participating services will receive the capitation payment at the beginning of each term. Participating services will receive the capitation fee for all qualifying children enrolled in the service in January 2010, regardless of whether or not the children were enrolled at an earlier date. As the first full year of the scheme will commence in September 2010, children availing of the scheme in January 2010 will have a reduced period of free pre-school provision.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

James Bannon

Question:

131 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a wheelchair for a child (details supplied), who suffers from cerebral palsy and has grown out of their primary chair and needs a larger one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22545/09]

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.

Children in Care.

Dan Neville

Question:

132 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for the fostering payment will be processed as soon as possible for a person (details supplied). [22618/09]

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

Pension Levy.

Bernard Allen

Question:

133 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork is obliged to pay the pension levy despite the fact that they have a private pension. [22621/09]

All employees, including full time and part time employees on the payroll, who are or are entitled to be members of a public service occupational pension scheme or pension arrangement are subject to the deduction provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. I can confirm that the levy applies to all employees of the Cope Foundation as this employer is deemed to be a public sector employer for the purposes of the legislation (sections 1(i), 2(1)(b)(i) and 2(1)(b)(iii) refer). In this case the employer provides access to and makes a contribution to a private defined benefit pensions scheme; therefore the levy applies.

Departmental Staff.

Tom Hayes

Question:

134 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff allocated to process the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; the number of staff allocated to process this scheme in 2008; the funding spent on that scheme to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22628/09]

In 2009 a total of 200,246 children at a cost of €47.6 million benefited from the BSCFA scheme. No figures are yet available for 2009 as the scheme commenced on 1 June and will run to 30 September 2009. Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As the allocation of staff is a service matter, the relevant part of the Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Water Quality.

Phil Hogan

Question:

135 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the public concern in relation to fluoride concentration in drinking water; if she is proposing the monitoring of this fluoride concentration; the equipment that is available to carry out automatic on-line monitoring and automatic fail safe shut down systems; her views on whether it is appropriate to introduce that type of equipment in order to allay public concerns in relation to fluoride concentration and to avoid overdosing the product in drinking water supplies to comply with Health and Safety Authority regulations 2007 regarding chemicals application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22641/09]

All fluoridated public water supplies are monitored on a monthly basis by the Environment Health Officers (EHOs) and an analysis of the water samples is undertaken by the Public Analyst laboratories. New supplies are sampled on a fortnightly basis for the first 6 months and monthly thereafter. Any deviations from the relevant standard are notified to the relevant local authority for corrective action.

My Department established the Forum on Fluoridation in 2002. Its main conclusion was that the fluoridation of public piped water supplies should continue as a public health measure. One of the recommendations of the forum was to amend the Fluoridation of Water Supplies Regulations 1965 to redefine the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water from 0.8 to 1.0 parts per million (ppm) to between 0.6 and 0.8ppm. I signed regulations in 2007 to give legal effect to this change.

On foot of a recommendation from the forum, The Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health was set up in 2004 to oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the forum; to advise the Minister and evaluate ongoing research — including new emerging issues — on all aspects of fluoride and its delivery methods and to report to the Minister on matters of concern. The Expert Body has produced a Code of Practice to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the technical aspects of the fluoridation of drinking water by all personnel involved. This Code of Practice has been sent to all local authorities. Furthermore, the Expert Body has also appointed consulting engineers to undertake a national audit of the water fluoridation process at water treatment plants in Ireland.

My Department does not hold any details in regard to the equipment, either currently in use or that which it is planned to use, in water treatment plants. This is a matter for the relevant local authorities.

Children in Care.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

136 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the Health Service Executive’s child protection services are properly resourced to carry out all their competing functions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22058/09]

Children's services provided by the HSE aim to promote and protect the health and well being of vulnerable children and families. A wide range of services are provided including early years services, family support services, child protection services, alternative care, services for homeless youth, search and reunion (post adoption) services, psychological services, child and adolescent psychiatric services, registration and inspection of children's residential centres in the voluntary sector and monitoring of children's residential centres in the voluntary and statutory sectors.

The HSE service plan for 2009, which was approved by the Minister for Health & Children on 9 December 2008, envisages that Child and Family service provision in 2009 will be in line with that provided in 2008. In her letter of approval, the Minister asked the Board and management of the HSE to pay particular attention in 2009 to the absolute necessity for the HSE to operate within the limits of its Voted allocation in delivering, at minimum, the levels of service specified in the service plan. I will be working with the HSE to try to ensure that provision of these important services to some of the most vulnerable members of our society can be maintained at existing levels notwithstanding the ongoing budgetary adjustments aimed at restoring balance to the public finances. Implementation of the service plan will be monitored formally throughout 2009 by means of regular monitoring reports to the Department of Health and Children.

As regards human resource issues I would point out that social workers are exempted from the Government's moratorium on recruitment. In addition, proposals for an ICT system to support social work services for children has received HSE approval and is with the Department of Finance for review. If approved, the objective is to have this system operating as quickly as possible to enable better exchange of information and improved communication between relevant staff throughout the HSE.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

137 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent of the backlog in post-adoption placement assessment reports from before 2008; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this backlog has caused the Russian Federation to suspend inter-country adoptions with Ireland; if the Health Service Executive has informed her of the way it will direct resources to clear this backlog; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22059/09]

My Office is continuously working to create the appropriate legislative, policy and administrative frameworks that will ensure a well regulated regime of adoption. Our aim is to support and protect the children for whom adoption services are devised and provided and prospective parents. A number of regions of the Health Service Executive were recently listed by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as having failed to provide them with post-placement reports. As the Deputy is aware, post-placement reports are a requirement of a number of countries that send children to be adopted by Irish applicants.

While the Health Service Executive continues to facilitate the preparation of post-placement reports, it has no statutory function in relation to the provision of same. The key commitment given is the legal affidavit to co-operate with the provision of such reports that is required by the Russian Government from all applicants. Where parents do not co-operate, there is no legal basis to enforce their co-operation with post-adoption reporting in this jurisdiction.

My Office was in touch with the Health Service Executive to clarify the situation in relation to any such list of outstanding reports as soon as this matter was raised. The Executive confirmed that reports continue to be supplied from all regions and that it was following up in respect of reports that may be completed but not yet transmitted. Over 450 such reports were required in respect of 2008, and it is anticipated that around 400 will be required in respect of 2009 (not all due yet). Officials from my Office raised the matter with the Russian Embassy at a recent meeting. The Russian side has provided a list of outstanding post-placement reports. This list, which was collated by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, is currently being validated by the Embassy. In the meantime, I asked the relevant authorities to assist me in pursuing the resolution of this issue as a matter of urgency.

An extensive examination of the list of alleged "missing" post-placement reports has been carried out by the Adoption Board and the Health Service Executive. While I await final numbers, it appears that the list supplied by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science is inaccurate. In short, the majority of the outstanding reports (which are estimated to be around 30) have been completed and are with the adoptive parents for translation, apostilling and notarisation — that is, the Social Workers have already conducted the home visit and the report. In a small number of cases, parents have neglected or have been unwilling or unable to arrange for a home visit with their Social Worker. Further contact has been made again to arrange for all outstanding visits to be undertaken and is being prioritised by the Health Service Executive Adoption Services to ensure that the parents can have the required reports forwarded to the Russian Embassy.

1229 children from the Russian Federation have had their names entered into the Register of Foreign Adoptions in the period 1991 — 2008. This equates to approximately 5,000 post placement reports. Of the total number of reports required, just over one half of one per cent have not been transmitted to the Russian authorities. Despite the current difficulties, I believe these statistics make it clear that the vast majority of parents are complying with the commitment which they gave to co-operate with such reports and are being fully assisted in doing so by the HSE and the Adoption Board.

Officials have indicated to the Russian side the importance that we are attaching to resolving the matter. Once finalised, the Adoption Board has advised that it will contact the Russian authorities with the validated list. The Health Service Executive and the Adoption Board have already contacted any families where reports are outstanding.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

138 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the lapse of the inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the suspension of inter-country adoptions from the Russian Federation are no fault of prospective adoptive parents; if she will urge the Adoption Board to grant extensions including second extensions to the declaration of eligibility and suitability of prospective parents where the board has discretion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22060/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

180 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in dealing with the problems that have arisen with regard to inter-country adoptions between Ireland and Vietnam and Ireland and Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22262/09]

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 138 and 180 together.

My Office is continuously working to create the appropriate legislative, policy and administrative frameworks that will ensure a well regulated regime of adoption. Our aim is to support and protect the children for whom adoption services are devised and provided and prospective parents. A number of regions of the Health Service Executive were recently listed by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as having failed to provide them with post-placement reports. As the Deputies are aware, post-placement reports are a requirement of a number of countries that send children to be adopted by Irish applicants.

While the Health Service Executive continues to facilitate the preparation of post-placement reports, it has no statutory function in relation to the provision of same. The key commitment given is the legal affidavit to co-operate with the provision of such reports that is required by the Russian Government from all applicants. Where parents do not co-operate, there is no legal basis to enforce their co-operation with post-adoption reporting in this jurisdiction.

My Office has been in touch with the Health Service Executive to clarify the situation in relation to any such list of outstanding reports. The Executive has confirmed that reports continue to be supplied from all regions and that it is following up in respect of reports that may be completed but not yet transmitted. Over 450 such reports were required in respect of 2008, and it is anticipated that around 400 will be required in respect of 2009 (not all due yet). The Health Service Executive in all ten areas listed by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science has conducted an extensive search for these alleged "missing" post-placement reports. The majority of the outstanding reports have been completed and are with the adoptive parents for translation, apostilling and notarisation — that is, the Social Workers have already conducted the home visit and the report.

I have dealt with this matter in some detail in the House. I must emphasise that there is no evidence that there is a backlog on post-placement reports in respect of the Russian Federation and that the numbers of alleged "missing" reports is not substantiated by the investigation under way. I believe that in the vast majority of cases parents are complying with the commitment which they gave to co-operate with such reports and are being fully assisted in doing so by the HSE and the Adoption Board. I must also acknowledge that, in a small number of cases, parents have neglected or have been unwilling or unable to arrange for a home visit with their Social Worker. Further contact has been made again to arrange for all outstanding visits to be undertaken and is being prioritised by the Health Service Executive Adoption Services to ensure that the parents can have the required reports forwarded to the Russian Embassy.

With regard to the issue of inter-country adoptions between Ireland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, as the Deputy is aware, the Government is presently working towards securing a strengthened intercountry adoption agreement with the Vietnamese authorities. There has been on-going dialogue with the Vietnamese authorities — with the focus on achieving the requisite strengthening of procedures for the protection of children. All options, including an interim agreement, are actively being pursued to allow for the conclusion of discussions on a strengthened bilateral agreement and to facilitate continuity of the strong and positive relationship between both jurisdictions.

I am anxious to conclude discussions on the text of the inter-country adoption agreement already under consideration. However, that is not to say that any guarantee can be provided in relation to the outcome of that process. In addition, it must be pointed out that the wider policy agenda priority is the enactment of the Adoption Bill and the subsequent ratification of the Hague Convention. The agreement must have regard to these forthcoming changes in our national adoption legislation.

Declarations of Eligibility and Suitability are governed by the Adoption Act, 1991. Under its provisions, a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability is only valid for 12 months. However, the Adoption Board may grant an extension for a further period if it is satisfied that it is reasonable and proper to do so having regard to any material changes to the living circumstances of the applicants. This procedure applies to all countries equally. The provisions contained in the Adoption Bill, 2009, allow for a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability to be valid for 24 months, with the possibility of a further 12-month extension — subject to the discretion of the Adoption Board.

Ambulance Service.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

139 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ascertain from the Health Service Executive the reason the private ambulance service-level agreement has been extended from December 2009 to December 2010 without allowing new providers the opportunity to offer their services after the original termination date of December 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22061/09]

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

251 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ascertain from the Health Service Executive the reason the national ambulance service is not supporting the allocation to specific private ambulance services citing that they are un-inspected while at the same time refusing to provide an inspection service which can assess capacity to meet demand. [22692/09]

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 139 and 251 together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

140 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hours of home help provided in County Donegal for the month of April 2009; and the projected figure for May and June 2009. [22063/09]

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

Pat Breen

Question:

141 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to a clinic (details supplied) at Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22074/09]

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

Accident and Emergency Services.

Phil Hogan

Question:

142 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money owed to the various accident and emergency departments here by persons who have used same in the past two years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22079/09]

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

Health Services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

143 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the facilities available for a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22093/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

144 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to address the unresolved issue of a €9.9 million deficit in the 2007 budget for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, which was promised to the hospital but never materialised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22094/09]

Catherine Byrne

Question:

145 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will commit to retaining vital services at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin; if she will stop further ward closures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22095/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

179 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will engage with the management of Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin and the Health Service Executive in order to identify funding that will enable the hospital to keep wards and theatres operating at normal capacity in order to treat ill children as speedily as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22261/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

276 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will call on the Health Service Executive to meet the board of management of Crumlin children’s hospital with a view to securing savings without affecting front-line services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22939/09]

I propose to takes Questions Nos. 144, 145, 179 and 276 together.

In common with all hospitals, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin is addressing the challenge of delivering a high quality service to its patients, while remaining within budget. The Hospital is committed to providing the full level of services that it promised in its service plan for 2009. The top priority will be to protect patient care.

So far this year, Crumlin Hospital has delivered more treatments to patients than for the same period last year. In the first four months of 2009 there were 3,704 treatments for children as in-patients and 5,095 as day cases– up by 234 over 2008. Crumlin also had 28,040 attendances at the out-patient department for the first four months. The allocation to Crumlin for 2009 is €139.6m, an increase of some 39% over the last five years. This includes a reduction of 3% this year over 2008, in line with the budgetary contraints facing the entire public sector and the wider economy. A particular challenge for the Hospital is that it is currently operating at some 91 posts above its employment ceiling — it employed 1,641 people (wholetime equivalents) at the end of April compared with its ceiling of 1,550. This is contributing to its current financial difficulties.

The HSE is working closely with Crumlin Hospital to achieve an agreed programme of savings, totalling €6.5m this year. The focus of these savings will be on non-pay areas of expenditure and on protecting front-line services. On this basis, the HSE believes that the Hospital will achieve a break-even position this year.

I believe that we need to look more strategically at the way in which we provide paediatric services in Dublin. In 2009 the Government will provide over €250m for the running of three paediatric hospitals in Dublin — Crumlin, Temple Street and Tallaght. We can achieve significant cost savings if services and practices are more closely integrated across the three hospital sites, even before the new National Paediatric Hospital has been completed. With this in mind, the HSE is pursuing ways in which services across the three hospitals can best be co-ordinated, to avoid unnecessary duplication and to achieve savings that can be put back into patient care. The HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy on the service issues raised.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

146 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure the retention of scoliosis treatment and surgery in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22096/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

147 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will award a doctor-only medical card to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12. [22097/09]

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

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

148 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare was seen as an emergency case in a dental clinic in Athy and advised that they required treatment; the reason their treatment was not provided at this dental clinic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22098/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

149 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for a medical card by persons (details supplied) in County Cork is being expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22104/09]

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

Sean Sherlock

Question:

150 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a decision on an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22105/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Joe Carey

Question:

151 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the discharge policy and procedures and its implementation for geriatric patients from Mid-West Regional Hospital Limerick subsequent and previous to the adopting of the Teamwork reconfiguration of accident and emergency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22113/09]

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

Joe Carey

Question:

152 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the timeframe for implementation of outstanding elements in relation to medical services as outlined in the Teamwork report on the reconfiguration of acute services in the mid-west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22114/09]

Noel Coonan

Question:

201 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Health and Children when all beds, paramedics, emergency department consultants and ambulances promised for a hospital (details supplied) in County Limerick in the Teamwork report commissioned by the Health Service Executive will be delivered; the timeframe for same; the number that have already been put in place since services have been transferred to this hospital from Nenagh General Hospital as recommended in the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22418/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

205 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in advance of an estimated extra 3000 surgical cases being transferred from Nenagh, Ennis and St. John’s to the Mid-West Regional Hospital, Limerick in July 2009, she will ensure that recommendation 13.3 of the Health Information and Quality Authority report on Ennis Hospital is implemented; if she will also ensure that the MWRH, Limerick has adequate capacity and staff to cope with the increased case load; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22436/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 152, 201 and 205 together.

The fundamental objective of Government health policy is to achieve the best possible health status for the population. The Government is committed to ensuring quality health services are delivered efficiently and effectively. Ensuring patient safety is paramount, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes are achieved. The HSE has commissioned a number of reviews in relation to how acute hospital services should be organised in particular regions. These reviews have highlighted the need for changes to be made in the provision and organisation of acute hospital services in the regions concerned, particularly in relation to accident and emergency services, critical care, and surgical services.

The first phase of the reconfiguration of acute hospital services in the HSE Mid West involves the reorganisation of the arrangements in Ennis and Nenagh so that these hospitals provide an urgent care/minor injuries service for 12 hours a day as part of a regional Accident and Emergency structure. This took effect on the night of 6/7 April. In the context of the re-configuration process, the level of staffing of the ambulance services in Clare and North Tipperary has been enhanced and an advanced 24-hour paramedic service is also now in operation. Advanced paramedics are trained to a standard which equips them to provide more complex pre-hospital care than other personnel. This includes the administration of a wider range of drugs and the urgent assessment and treatment of patients with life threatening conditions. Protocols are in place to ensure that all trauma, paediatric and obstetric emergency cases brought directly to the major tertiary centre at Limerick Regional Hospital rather than to Ennis or Nenagh.

The Government is committed to a process of change which is incremental and which involves appropriate consultation and discussion with those affected. The HSE is proceeding on this basis. I am satisfied that the measures being taken by the HSE are necessary and appropriate in order to ensure the provision of safe and effective health services to the people of the Mid West region. My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputies in relation to the matters that they have raised.

Health Services.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

153 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in County Dublin will obtain a psychological assessment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22126/09]

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.

John McGuinness

Question:

154 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a medical card was refused in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the application will be reviewed; and if a full medical card will be issued for them. [22135/09]

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

Health Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

155 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting hearing tests in the Health Service Executive south and the average waiting period for these tests; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22146/09]

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

Hospital Staff.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

156 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status regarding the appointment of a paediatric orthopaedic consultant to Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22147/09]

I understand that, following interviews held last December for posts of permanent Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, two applicants were offered posts; one appointee took up duty last month. The HSE placed a further advertisement for permanent posts and hopes to be in a position to fill a minimum of two further posts in Cork University Hospital from this process. The HSE is seeking to ensure that one of the appointments made will have a special interest in paediatric orthopaedic surgery. In the interim, the current service at St. Mary's Orthopaedic Hospital which is provided by visiting Paediatric Consultant Surgeons from Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin will continue.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

157 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people on the hip replacement waiting list in the Health Service Executive south; and the average waiting period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22148/09]

The management of waiting lists generally 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.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

158 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for the admission of a child (details supplied) in County Laois to Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin; if they will be considered under the National Treatment Purchase Fund scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22159/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Dan Neville

Question:

159 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide assistance to blind people here by insisting that braille is put on food products and on medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22160/09]

European medicines legislation was changed in October 2005 to introduce explicit requirements for Braille to appear on the packaging of medicines. This legislation also requires pharmaceutical companies to ensure that the patient information leaflets for their medicines are made available, on request from patients' organisations, in formats appropriate for the blind and partially sighted. This legislation requires that the name (and in some cases the strength and the pharmaceutical form) of the medicine is expressed in Braille on the product packaging, allowing for the improved differentiation of medicines by blind and partially sighted people.

These new Braille provisions became effective across the EU in October 2005 and are being phased in over a five year period. This means that, by October 2010, all packs of medicines on the market in Ireland that may be given to patients will carry Braille on their packaging, and all pharmaceutical companies that market authorised medicines in Ireland must ensure that the patient information leaflets for their medicines are available, on request, in formats that are suitable for the blind and partially sighted.

At present EU food labelling legislation is harmonised by Council Directive 2000/13/EC, transposed in 2002, with several amendments since. In January 2008, the European Commission proposed a new regulation to update and harmonise this legislation. While it is not proposed to include braille on food labels, there is broad support, at working group level, for improvements to the presentation of information on food labels, including the introduction of a minimum 1.2mm text size and ensuring a significant contrast between the printed text and the background of the label. These improvements will be of benefit to the partially-sighted.

Health Services.

Joan Burton

Question:

160 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the practice of general practitioners charging patients supplementary fees for blood tests, or other treatments or services, to make up for the reduction in the amounts being reimbursed by the Health Service Executive; if she will take steps to eradicate this process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22169/09]

Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, either capitation or fee-per-item, the general practitioner (GP) undertakes to provide all proper and necessary treatment of a kind generally undertaken by a GP to these patients. Accordingly, under these contracts a GP should not demand or accept any payment or consideration for services provided by him/her, including blood tests, where they are indicated as part of a recognised treatment of an ongoing medical condition of a patient.

I am aware that some GPs charge for the transport of patients' blood samples to the hospital as this is not covered under the GMS Scheme. However the option of attending the public hospital directly for phlebotomy services is always available to GMS clients. If the HSE is made aware of specific instances where GMS patients are being inappropriately charged by GP contractors, it will arrange to have them investigated as appropriate.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

161 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22180/09]

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

Health Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

162 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in orthodontic treatment for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 9 who was previously assessed by an orthodontist and placed on the category V listing; and in view of their age and development, if she will arrange for them to receive treatment. [22182/09]

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

Health Service Allowances.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

163 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kerry was refused mobility allowance and their diabetic and rent allowances were taken from them. [22186/09]

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:

164 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a date for a speech therapy and psychological assessment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22194/09]

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.

Brian Hayes

Question:

165 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a centre (details supplied) has been closed for the week commencing 24 May 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22195/09]

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

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Michael McGrath

Question:

166 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive their appointment for a hip operation under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [22203/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22208/09]

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

Health Services.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

168 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if a property (details supplied) in Dublin 8 is owned and operated by the Health Service Executive; if there is a manager or supervisor on site; the number of people who avail of this facility on a daily basis; if there is a charge for accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22209/09]

I understand that this facility is owned by Dublin City Council and that services at the facility are jointly funded by Dublin City Council and the HSE. I have asked the HSE to reply directly to you in relation to the services which it funds at the facility.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Billy Timmins

Question:

169 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who is waiting for a hip replacement; if they will be admitted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22210/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Joan Burton

Question:

170 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card applications received in relation to people over 70 years; the number granted; the number refused; the number of discretionary cards granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22214/09]

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 figures provided to my Department by the HSE reflect the position on 30th April 2009. The total number of medical card holders aged 70 years and over on that date was 334,652.

The information sought by the Deputy is not provided as a matter of routine by the Executive to my Department. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to address this matter and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Joan Burton

Question:

171 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff who have been allocated to the over 70 years medical card service in the primary care reimbursement service; the number of these who are permanent Health Service Executive staff; the number who are not HSE staff; the person who is their employer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22215/09]

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

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

172 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a decision on an application for a new wheelchair in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22223/09]

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:

173 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for a situation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22227/09]

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

Departmental Reports.

Denis Naughten

Question:

174 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a copy of the final report of the Health Service Executive-funded adult day services review; if she will publish the report; if she will outline the recommendations in this report and the steps that are to be taken to implement these recommendations as they apply to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22240/09]

I have not received the final copy of the National Review of HSE Funded Adult Day Services. I understand that the National Working Group adopted a final draft report on the 7th May 2009 and that the completed report will be provided to the HSE National Disability Steering Group for their consideration. As I have not received a copy of the final report, it is not possible for me to comment, at this time, on the recommendations or their implementation.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

175 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the occupational therapy available through the Health Service Executive to a child with dyspraxia in Dublin 17. [22242/09]

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.

Long-Term Illness Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

176 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No: 212 of 26 May 2009, if she will include haemochromatosis under the long-term illness scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22256/09]

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

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

Mary Upton

Question:

177 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will have their application for the health repayment scheme addressed and responded to promptly and in detail; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22258/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Mary Upton

Question:

178 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16; if she will expedite their request; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22259/09]

Mary Upton

Question:

182 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16 will be issued with a medical card as a matter of urgency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22288/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 182 together.

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

Question No. 179 answered with Question No. 144.
Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 138.

Hospital Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

181 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an appointment at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, sooner than has been arranged in view of the worry and distress which is being caused. [22280/09]

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

Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 178.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

183 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22309/09]

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

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Jack Wall

Question:

184 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for a digital hearing aid; the cost involved to the individual; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22322/09]

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

Health Research Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

185 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding provided for research into Friedreich’s ataxia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22325/09]

The Health Research Board (HRB) is the statutory agency with responsibility for funding health research in Ireland with a view to improving health and health outcomes. In line with best practice, all HRB funding is awarded based on the principles of open competition and international peer review and assessed against specific explicit criteria. The HRB has worked closely with the Medical Research Charities Group to (a) increase the amount of funding available to support research projects relevant to charities and specifically for rare diseases and (b) develop a research management capacity among research charities. To date, very few grant applications dealing exclusively with Friedrich's Ataxia have been received by the HRB, and none has been successful.

Health Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

186 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a home care package has been withdrawn from a person (details supplied) in County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person was making good progress with the help that was given to them but they will now be under pressure to leave their home should a satisfactory level of home care not be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22332/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Billy Timmins

Question:

187 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with respect to the medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22339/09]

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

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

188 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an MRI scan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22346/09]

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

Catherine Byrne

Question:

189 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if scoliosis screening was carried out in a school (details supplied) in Dublin 12 in the academic year 2004/2005; if not, the reason for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22353/09]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

190 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 on the waiting list for spine corrective surgery; if she will provide a date for this operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22354/09]

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

Joe Costello

Question:

191 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) will have their operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22362/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Brian Hayes

Question:

192 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if the breast cancer services in Tallaght, Dublin, are to be moved; if the alternative locations have the capacity to deal properly with the waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22372/09]

Under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP), there are four managed cancer control networks and eight cancer centres. These centres were designated by the HSE following a recommendation from the Advisory Group set up under the NCCP. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has designated St. James's Hospital and St. Vincent's University Hospital as the two cancer centres in the Managed Cancer Control Network for the HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster region. The general catchment area for Tallaght Hospital incorporates both St Vincent's University Hospital and St James's Hospital, and the transfer of services from Tallaght will take place in a coordinated way to these two designated centres.

Symptomatic breast disease services are the first to be transferred. The NCCP has overseen a detailed planning process with Tallaght Hospital, St. Vincent's Hospital and St. James's Hospital. The resources that will be transferred have been identified and the designated centres have completed a capacity equipping plan that ensures they are able to receive additional referrals from GPs in the Tallaght catchment area. It is expected that the transfer will take place within the next couple of months. Only initial diagnosis and surgery are transferring from Tallaght. Medical oncology services will continue to be provided at Tallaght as part of a regional network of medical oncology for the Dublin-Mid Leinster area. The oncology day ward opened by me in June 2006 will continue to operate.

Departmental Reports.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

193 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the report of the cardiovascular health policy group which she established in September 2007 to draw up a new policy framework for all aspects of cardiovascular health, including stroke; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22381/09]

The Cardiovascular Health Policy Group will complete its work in October 2009. The strategy will be accompanied by an implementation plan. Both reports will be brought to Government thereafter with a view to publication.

Departmental Agencies.

Billy Timmins

Question:

194 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of the Health Service Executive budget spent on wages and administration when it commenced its operation; and the percentage spent on wages and administration as of 1 May 2009. [22385/09]

The HSE Annual Financial Statements indicate that the HSE spent €4.546b on pay and administration in 2005. This pay figure relates to all staff including front line personnel. This represents 41% of total gross expenditure (€11.000b) in 2005. The 2008 Annual Financial Statements which contain the latest audited accounts indicate that the HSE spent €5.636b on pay and administration. This represents 38% of total gross expenditure (€14.683b) in 2008. The figures above outline the level of expenditure on pay and administration in respect of the HSE only. They do not include pay and administration costs for bodies directly funded by the HSE under Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act, 2004.

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

195 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in County Cork will receive orthodontic treatment. [22388/09]

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

Departmental Reports.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

196 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department has received a report, leaked this week in the national media, on the reconfiguration of hospital services in the south east; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the reported content of this report has caused dismay and anger in County Wexford; if she has had direct input into this report; her views on its contents; and if she will cause a full copy of the report to be laid before Dáil Éireann to allow a full democratic debate on its contents. [22398/09]

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the Teamwork Review of Acute Hospital Services in the HSE South. The Teamwork Review was concerned primarily with acute hospital services in Cork and Kerry and did not make detailed recommendations in relation to services in the South East. The HSE has not made any determination in relation to the future configuration of acute hospital services in the South East.

The Executive established a Steering Group in April, 2009 to review the current service configuration and to prepare proposals for the future organisation of acute hospital services in the South East. The Steering Group, which includes the Clinical Directors of the four acute hospitals concerned, will work with a number of specialty advisory groups to assist in evidence-based decision making. It is anticipated that the Group will bring forward proposals in late 2009.

The fundamental objective of Government health policy is to maximise the health status of the population. The Government is committed to ensuring quality health services, delivered efficiently and effectively. Ensuring patient safety is paramount, so that people can have confidence in the services and that the best possible patient outcomes are achieved. I believe that the approach being taken by the HSE in relation to the configuration of acute hospital services is the best way forward.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

197 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if complaints have been received by the Health Service Executive from former employees regarding the treatment of residents of a nursing home (details supplied) in County Offaly; the action that has been taken by the HSE as a result of inspections of this facility; if the HSE is represented in current legal proceedings in relation to this nursing home; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22399/09]

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

Michael McGrath

Question:

198 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork and ensure that an adult day care place is provided by an appropriate service provider for the person. [22400/09]

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.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

199 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has finalised details of the public consultation process on the national positive aging strategy; if so, if she will outline the process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22404/09]

I am finalising plans for the public consultation phase of the National Positive Ageing Strategy at the moment, and I will make an announcement about these shortly.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

200 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason it takes up to five years in some parts of the country to assess couples for adoption from overseas; if she expects that this timeframe will be shortened when the Adoption Bill 2009 is implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22405/09]

Requests for assessment for inter-country adoption are continuously increasing. The ‘Study on Inter-country Adoption Outcomes in Ireland', undertaken by the Children's Research Centre, Trinity College, between December, 2004, and April, 2007, revealed that Ireland has one of the highest rates for inter-country adoption in Europe. It is against this background that the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is continuing to work to create the appropriate legislative, policy and administrative frameworks that will ensure a well regulated regime of adoption. Its aim is to support the children for whom adoption services are devised and provided and to protect prospective parents.

A family that wishes to adopt should be recognised beforehand as being able to promote, safeguard and support the development and well-being of a child in need of adoption in a lasting manner. However, it is acknowledged that persons applying for inter-country adoption are experiencing delays as regards waiting times for assessment, and that there are also concerns regarding the standardisation of the service across the country.

It should be noted that the increasing numbers of children adopted from abroad create additional pressures on inter-country adoption teams within the Health Service Executive. This is because these same teams provide post-adoption reports to the sending countries, at the request of those countries, and with the agreement of the adoptive parents. This is an important component in the willingness of countries to consider Irish applicants for adoption. It must also be acknowledged that the Health Service Executive's Child Welfare and Protection Services must continue to be the priority in managing the overall resources available to the Executive in respect of all of these services.

It is also important to note that, following the assessment process, if successful, applicants must then wait before receiving a referral for a child from the sending country. The waiting times for referral are outside the jurisdiction of both the Health Service Executive and the Adoption Board and are dependant on the regulations that each individual country has with regard to inter-country adoption.

At a practical level, the development of standards for the assessment of applicants for inter-country adoption has been advanced through the conjoint working of the Adoption Board, the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Health Service Executive. This work was based on a report commissioned by the Department of Health and Children and submitted to Government in June, 1999, entitled "Towards a Standardised Framework for Inter-country Adoption Assessment Procedures". The standardised framework which emerged from that process in 2000 was founded on evidence-based practice and developed with the assistance of international agencies in the field. The implementation of this framework is continually under review by all parties as inter-country adoption practice and experience continues to evolve and with particular regard to the new statutory framework likely to emerge from the recently published Adoption Bill, 2009.

The Bill, which has now passed all stages in the Seanad, provides for a new regime for the accreditation of a range of agencies providing adoption services. This modernised regime more fully recognises the phenomenon of inter-country adoption and makes provision for the accreditation of agencies to provide both assessment services or mediation services. The Bill also proposes changes to the regulation of the activities, management and financial arrangements of such agencies. If enacted, there will be opportunity for the development of new agencies to assist in the reduction of waiting times in those areas where the waiting times are longest.

Question No. 201 answered with Question No. 152.

Mental Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

202 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of plans for the development of the mental health day hospital in Roscommon town; the capital allocation for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22424/09]

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

Health Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

203 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the maximum possible home help support is provided to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22431/09]

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

Michael McGrath

Question:

204 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to an application for respite on behalf of a child (details supplied) in County Cork. [22435/09]

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.

Question No. 205 answered with Question No. 152.

Hospital Staff.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

206 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of permanent nursing posts and temporary posts in each of the Health Service Executive acute public hospitals; if she will ensure that the restrictions on renewing temporary contracts do not adversely impact on hospitals that have a high ratio of temporary nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22437/09]

In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government has decided that, with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010, no post in the public sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. The decision will apply to all grades of permanent and temporary staff, including nursing, notwithstanding a number of specific exemptions, some of which are highlighted below. A HSE circular has issued which gives effect to the Government decision in the public health services and other specific aspects of the employment control framework for the health services.

The Government decision has been modulated to ensure that key services are maintained insofar as possible in the health services, particularly in respect of children at risk, older people and persons with a disability. The HSE will be focussing on the scope that exists within the health services for reorganising and restructuring of work in order to minimise the impact on essential service delivery. The redeployment and reassignment of existing staff will also support the reorientation of care from hospitals to the community and to facilitate the development of integrated care. It is seeking a high level of flexibility from staff and unions to achieve this.

In addition, the employment control framework specifically exempts the following front line grades in the health sector from the moratorium: Medical Consultants, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Clinical Psychologists, Behaviour Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers, and Emergency Medical Technicians. The framework actually allows for a growth in the number of those posts within the overall approved employment ceiling (111,800 wtes) for the health sector. The framework also includes provision for the creation of 225 new development posts this year for cancer and disability services.

The focus on these key grades is in line with existing Government policy on the prioritisation of certain development areas, for which significant funding has already been provided. The overall result will be to assist in the reorientation of health employment to services delivered in primary and community care. The number of permanent nursing posts and temporary posts in each of the Health Service Executive acute public hospitals is a service matter and has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Charges.

Damien English

Question:

207 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the recent 33% increase in car parking charges at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22438/09]

Damien English

Question:

208 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money raised in parking charges at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, County Meath, for each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 in tabular readable form. [22439/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 207 and 208 together.

As these are service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Child Care Services.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

209 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children when an application for a Montessori school will be finalised and funding advanced to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22453/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010 under which capital grant funding is made available to community and commercial child care providers for the development of child care facilities.

With the economic downturn Government expenditure, particularly in the area of new capital commitments, was reviewed earlier this year. As a result, with the exception of a limited number of projects, it was necessary to inform all NCIP capital grants applicants, including the applicant referred to by the Deputy, that the programme was closed to additional applications. Existing capital commitments will continue to be processed during 2009 and 2010. The City and County Childcare Committees will be advised by my Office if and when additional capital funding becomes available to my Office in 2011 and 2012.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

210 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will qualify for assistance towards a hearing aid; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22455/09]

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

Mental Health Services.

Michael Creed

Question:

211 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a child (details supplied) in County Cork who has recently been diagnosed as autistic will have access to all of the required therapy supports as outlined in the child’s assessment of needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22467/09]

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.

EU Directives.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

212 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has requested input from the professionally trained nutritional therapists and dieticians on the implementation of the food supplements directive (2002/46/EC); and if she will make a statement on her policy on the role of food supplements in preventative health care here. [22468/09]

The Food Supplements Directive, 2002/46/EC, has been transposed into Irish law by Statutory Instrument No. 506 of 2007. The principle behind the legislation is to ensure 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. The Directive also makes 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 legislation is implemented by the Health Service Executive, under a Service Contract Agreement with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). I am informed that the Division with responsibility for Food Supplements within the FSAI is staffed with personnel who are qualified dieticians, registered nutritionists and a medical doctor. The FSAI provide any necessary professional nutritional and dietary advice to my Department.

Based on advice and information received from the FSAI, I am fully aware of the preventative health care benefits of food supplements containing vitamins and minerals taken at recommended levels in terms of helping people at risk of dietary inadequacy. However, I am also advised that they should not be used to compensate for a poor diet. My Department is committed to ensuring that all supplements on sale in Ireland are safe in terms of the amount of vitamins and minerals they provide and this informs our approach to ongoing discussions in Europe to agree maximum and minimum levels of vitamins and minerals in food supplements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

213 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children if community welfare officers are compiling data on the numbers of self-employed people applying to community welfare officers for emergency social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22469/09]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Willie Penrose

Question:

214 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take steps to ensure a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is admitted to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22471/09]

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 Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

215 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for an operation at Portlaoise General Hospital, County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22479/09]

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

Care of the Elderly.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

216 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will grant an increase in the home help service hours for a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22484/09]

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

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

217 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [22485/09]

The Deputy may be aware that the Special Housing Aid Scheme for the Elderly previously operated by the Health Service Executive is no longer operational. The scheme was replaced by the Housing Aid for Older People (HAOP) in August 2008 which is being administered by the local authorities. The HSE no longer takes applications under the old scheme, however, it continues to process outstanding applications received before August 2008. In this regard an allocation of €3.5m was made by my colleague Minister Finneran to the HSE recently to deal with these cases. The Executive has confirmed that it does not have an application from the individual referred to by the Deputy before this cut-off date and therefore I would suggest that he apply directly to his local authority under the new scheme.

Child Care Services.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

218 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if the early childhood care and education scheme will, when fully established after August 2010, still allow care services to accommodate children on a pro rata basis and not have their capitation grant unduly affected as a result; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22486/09]

As the Deputy will be aware I have responsibility for the implementation of the new scheme to provide a free Pre-School year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), which will commence in January 2010. From September 2010, services participating in the scheme will be required to provide full rather than pro-rata pre school year places. Parents will be encouraged to avail of the free pre-school year on the basis of full attendance and participating services will be required to give priority to parents using the service on this basis.

However during January to August 2010, to take account of the fact that some pre-school services currently accommodate a greater number of children than they have daily places for, transitional arrangements will apply. To facilitate these services and the children attending them, they may continue to accommodate children on a pro-rata basis during this period and services will receive a capitation grant set by reference to the number of children attending each day rather than the total number of children in a week.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

219 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive to Parliamentary Question No. 199 of 28 April 2009. [22488/09]

My Department has been informed by the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive that a reply has issued to the Deputy.

National Drugs Strategy.

Seán Barrett

Question:

220 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the action she plans to take to deal with the sale of potentially dangerous stimulant substitutes for a drug substance (details supplied) banned under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22490/09]

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and regulations made thereunder regulate and control the import, export, production, supply and possession of a range of named narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances listed in the Schedules to the Act. Substances are scheduled under the Act in accordance with Ireland's obligations under international conventions and/or where there is evidence that the substances are causing significant harm to public health in Ireland. Items available for sale in so-called ‘head shops' such as "Spice", "Snow", "Smoke" and "Zo-hai" are currently not scheduled under Misuse of Drugs legislation. The list of scheduled substances is kept under ongoing review. For example, in 2006 psychotropic (‘magic') mushrooms, which were on sale in such outlets, were banned and their possession and sale is now illegal. On 31 March 2009, BZP was similarly subjected to legislative control measures and criminal sanctions.

My colleague Mr John Curran, Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, who has responsibility for co-ordinating the National Drugs Strategy, has identified head shops as an area of concern, and is currently considering the options available to more effectively control the activities of head shops.

General Medical Services Scheme.

Willie Penrose

Question:

221 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the grounds upon which a general practitioner can exclude patients from their GMS panel; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22505/09]

Under the terms of the General Medical Services (GMS) contract which general practitioners (GPs) hold with the Health Service Executive (HSE), a GP shall ordinarily accept all eligible persons, who so request, onto his / her GMS patient list. The number of persons on a GP's patient panel may not exceed 2,000, save in exceptional circumstances. In some cases, a GP may decide not to accept an eligible person onto their list, the principal reason being where they already have a significant patient panel and coping with any additional workload would cause them difficulty. In a small number of cases, a GP may ask to have a patient who is placing excessive demands on the GP's time, and thus impacting on the GP's ability to provide a service to other patients, removed from his/her panel.

Where a GP requests the HSE to arrange for the removal of a patient from his / her GMS list, he / she must give where requested the reason, in confidence, for such a request to a medical officer acting on behalf of the Executive. The HSE shall thereupon notify the person accordingly and supply them with information to enable them to apply for inclusion on the list of another GMS contracted GP.

The Executive has the power to assign an eligible person to a GP's GMS patient list where the person has been removed from another GP's list or refused entry onto a GP's list and the person has unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area, who are contracted to provide services under the GMS. If the Deputy is aware of any particular case where a GP is excluding a patient from his / her GMS panel, he may wish to refer the details to the HSE for investigation.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Willie Penrose

Question:

222 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when three community houses (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be fully staffed, in order to allow them to accommodate persons with intellectual disabilities who wish to move in there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22510/09]

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:

223 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be made available to enable a person (details supplied) in County Kerry to continue their education. [22521/09]

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.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

224 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the planning status of the proposed co-located hospital on the grounds of Cork University Hospital; when it will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22522/09]

The Board of the HSE has approved preferred bidder status for the development of a co-located project at Cork University Hospital and a Project Agreement has also been signed. Planning permission for this development has been granted by the local authority concerned and appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Medical Cards.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

225 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22523/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

226 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of psychologists working in the public sector for the Dublin north area; if she will increase this number to address the waiting times for children in need of a psychology service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22530/09]

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

Ambulance Service.

James Reilly

Question:

227 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when the advanced paramedic scheme will come into operation in the Dublin area in view of the substantial population in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22531/09]

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

Services for People with Disabilities.

Tom Hayes

Question:

228 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available under the remit of disability services in south Tipperary; the amount that has been planned in respect of south Tipperary for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22532/09]

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.

Child Care Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

229 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if pre-school providers will be able to qualify for the new free pre-school education year programme if they open four days a week but are willing to work the 15 hours allocated to pre-school care over four days. [22534/09]

As the Deputy will be aware I have responsibility for the implementation of the new scheme to provide a free Pre-School year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), which will commence in January 2010.

A range of options is available to participating pre-school services to provide for the flexible delivery of the new ECCE scheme. A full or part-time day-care service will be required to provide a pre-school service for 2 hours 15 minutes per day, five days a week for 50 weeks (241 days) per year, in return for the capitation fee of €48.50 per week. A playschool sessional service will be required to provide a pre-school service for 3 hours a day, five days a week for 38 weeks (183 days) a year, in return for a capitation fee of €64.50 per week. However, where for good reason a sessional service is unable to operate over 5 days, consideration will be given to allowing it to participate in the scheme on the basis of providing the pre-school year for 3 hours 30 minutes a day for 4 days a week. In such cases, a service will be required to provide the pre-school year over 41 weeks (157 days).

Further flexibility is provided for in that, a full or part-time service may choose to provide a sessional service over 38 weeks of a year (or 2 sessional services each day) while a sessional service may choose to provide 2 hours 15 minutes per day over 50 weeks. Also in cases where children attend a full or part-time day-care service for 3 days a week only, consideration will be given to allowing the service to participate in the scheme on the basis of providing the pre-school year to those children for 3 hours 45 minutes a day for 3 days a week. In such cases, a service will be required to provide the pre-school year over 50 weeks.

Tom Hayes

Question:

230 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if pre-school providers will be allowed to share places between families under the new free pre-school year in view of the fact that, if this is not allowed, and the number of places are full with people taking up the full amount of the pre-school year, some children may have to be turned down as there will be a lack of capacity to take all the new children applying. [22535/09]

As the Deputy will be aware I have responsibility for the implementation of the new scheme to provide a free Pre-School year of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) which was announced recently by the Minister for Finance.

During January to August 2010, to take account of the fact that some pre-school services currently accommodate a greater number of children than they have daily places for, transitional arrangements will apply. These will facilitate these services and the children attending them in that they may continue to accommodate children on a pro-rata basis and receive a capitation grant set by reference to the number of children attending each day rather than the total number of children in a week. However, from September 2010, services participating in the scheme will be required to provide full rather than pro-rata pre school year places. Parents will be encouraged to avail of the free pre-school year on the basis of full attendance and participating services will be required to give priority to parents using the service on this basis.

It is expected that the majority of the almost 5,000 existing private and voluntary pre-school services currently in operation, will participate in the scheme. Many of these will have already received capital grant aid under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) and or the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP). More than 65,000 additional childcare places, many of which are playschool sessional places, will have been created by the end of 2010 as a result of this investment.

I am aware from representations received from pre-school services in recent months that many are currently reporting vacancy rates of up to 25% in their facilities and I also understand that a number of people are considering setting up a pre-school service as the new scheme will allow them a degree of certainty which exists in very few areas of economic life today. In addition, many services which up to now have operated in the mornings only, citing lack of demand for an afternoon session, are now considering offering an additional session to meet an increase in local demand. As I said at the time of the announcement, some instances of under-supply may arise in the initial period of implementation of the scheme, however my Office and the city and County Childcare Committees will monitor the situation carefully, to maximise the beneficial impact of the scheme for parents and children.

Health Insurance.

James Reilly

Question:

231 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date on the new risk equalisation scheme in view of the fact that it is ten months since the Supreme Court struck down her original scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22542/09]

Since the Supreme Court Decision of July 2008 that found the previous risk equalisation scheme to be ultra vires, my Department, the Health Insurance Authority and other interests in the Irish private health insurance market have met to discuss the creation and development of a replacement scheme to support the principles of community rating and intergenerational solidarity. The Supreme Court did not find against the principle of risk equalisation. Submissions have also been received regarding the development of a new scheme from a number of interested parties. The Health Insurance Authority will begin a consultation process in relation to the new scheme in the coming months.

Following the Supreme Court judgement the Health Insurance Authority noted that there was an urgent need for measures to protect the interests of consumers in a community rated market to address the fact that as persons get older they become more unprofitable for insurers and in the absence of any intervention the overall effect would be that on average older people would pay higher premiums for health insurance.

Given the importance of protecting the market and supporting the principles of community rating, intergenerational solidarity and recognising the higher costs that arise for older age groups, the Government decided that interim measures, as announced on 19th November need to be put into place in order to support community rating until such time as the new scheme is put in place. It is anticipated that they will remain in place for the next three years. These measures are set out in the Health Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008.

The interim solution consists of two distinct elements: an age-related private health insurance relief provided to individuals who hold private health insurance policies which aims to secure a health policy objective of achieving inter-generational solidarity in terms of assisting individuals to meet their health insurance costs on the basis of age and a levy charged on health insurance companies. This Bill also provides for additional measures that will enhance consumer protection and increase the regulatory powers and functions of the Health Insurance Authority.

Hospital Services.

Billy Timmins

Question:

232 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin and the National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22550/09]

Services at the National Children's Hospital Tallaght, Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin and Temple Street Children's University Hospital will transfer to the new National Paediatric Hospital. Pending completion of the project, the HSE will continue to finance the provision and development of services at each of the transferring hospitals.

The development of the National Paediatric Hospital is a priority project for the Government. The project is proceeding as planned and 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, which is scheduled for completion and commissioning in 2014. The new hospital will be based at the Mater Hospital and will include an associated Ambulatory and Urgent Care Centre at Tallaght which is to open in advance of the new hospital. This Centre will offer a wide range of services including urgent care consultations, outpatient services and day surgery. This will ensure that many children who do not require admission can continue to access care locally.

Health Service Staff.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

233 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adult psychologists and child psychologists currently employed by the Health Service Executive in Kildare and west Wicklow; the number of positions required to meet existing demands; the number of vacant posts currently left unfilled; and the posts that will be filled. [22586/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

234 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in finalising two medical card application forms which were submitted at end January 2009 in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Cork. [22588/09]

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

Care of the Elderly.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children her policy for the provision of emergency respite care for persons whose carer and family member has to undergo surgery for cancer, as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose spouse and carer is hospitalised; if it is the case that it is her policy not to make provision by way of respite care in such circumstances; if specific or dedicated beds exist or are expected to be provided in the public sector to cater for such needs in the near future; if provision of such needs have been met in the past two months; if she will initiate policy to meet such contingencies in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22615/09]

It is Government Policy that Community and Home Based Care should be developed to maintain older people in their homes and communities for as long as possible and to support the important role of the family and informal carer. Respite is a resource that provides a temporary break for a family, or an informal carer, and is an important element in the range of community supports available to allow an older person to remain at home.

An additional €7 million was made available to the HSE over 2007-2008 to expand Day Care and Respite services. In addition, significant residential respite care continues to be provided in public community nursing units (including community hospitals/long stay residential units) across the country. There are over 700 such designated respite care beds provided nationally. It is estimated that approximately 19,000 people benefit over the course of a full year — based on an average length of stay of 2 weeks per person.

It is a matter for the HSE to deliver Respite care services, in line with its agreed Vote and Service Plan. This includes addressing the need for emergency respite care in individual cases. Accordingly, the matter has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Service Allowances.

Bernard Allen

Question:

236 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on the application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for domiciliary care allowance. [22619/09]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

237 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a date for an operation at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22630/09]

The management of waiting lists generally 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. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

238 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid by the Exchequer to a firm of solicitors (details supplied) in Dublin 2 since the health repayment scheme 2006 was enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22631/09]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

239 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid to the scheme administrator (details supplied) since the enactment of the health repayment scheme 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22632/09]

Sean Sherlock

Question:

240 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount paid out under the health repayment scheme since the enactment of the scheme in 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22633/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 238 to 240, inclusive, together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. As per the contract agreement with the Scheme Administrator the HSE make payments to the consortium on foot of invoices received from KPMG Accountants and payments are payable to KPMG accountants on behalf of the consortium. A total of €12.8m has been paid to the Scheme Administrator since the launch of the scheme in August 2006. Since the Health Repayment Scheme was launched in August 2006, in excess of 17,400 payments have been made to claimants under the scheme at a value of €385m.

A total of €406m has been expended to date on the Health Repayment Scheme and a breakdown of the costs is as follows:

€m

Repayments to May 2009

385.0

Overheads

Payments to Scheme Administrator

12.8

Other Overheads

8.2

Total Expenditure

406.0

Overheads include payments to the Scheme Administrator, Advertising, Legal Expenses, H.S.E. Pay Costs, Appeal Function Costs and General Office Expenses.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

241 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of appeals currently being considered with regard to the health repayment scheme 2006; the number of administrators appointed to deal with these appeals; the number of successful appeals since 2006 to date in 2009; the average waiting period for processing of appeal applications and the pay out on appeal since the enactment of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22634/09]

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. Two Appeals Officers have been appointed to consider appeals. Up to 29 May 2009 the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office had received 5,593 completed appeal forms. Decisions have issued in 3,421 of these cases and 663 of these decisions have disagreed with the decision of the Scheme Administrator. The current average waiting time for an Appeals Officer's decision is 264 calendar days.

Appeals Officer decisions relating to amounts of recoverable health charges due are forwarded to the Scheme Administrator and to the Health Service Executive for implementation. 798 appeals determined by the Appeals Office have been implemented by the Scheme Administrator at a value of approx. €10.5m. These determined appeals are comprised of appeal decisions where the Appeals Officer has disagreed with the amount offered by the Scheme Administrator and also appeal decisions where the Appeals Officer has agreed with the original amount offered by the Scheme Administrator.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

242 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy in relation to dealing with representations made by Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to applicants under the health repayment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22636/09]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the Health Repayment Scheme. Accordingly representations made by members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to individual applications under the Health Repayment Scheme are referred to the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive so that the matter may be investigated and a reply issued to the member concerned.

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

243 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if Health Service Executive approval will be given for a package of care in respect of a patient (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [22646/09]

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 Waiting Lists.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

244 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons currently on waiting lists for admission to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire; the estimated number or proportion of these in acute hospital beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22647/09]

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.

John O'Mahony

Question:

245 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to open a rheumatology unit in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22650/09]

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

John O'Mahony

Question:

246 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of rheumatology units in the Health Service Executive west area and HSE north-west area; the location of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22651/09]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

247 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount her Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22670/09]

The amounts spent by the Department of Health and Children on taxis for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 are €21,280, €15,238 and €5,425 respectively. The expenditure on taxis by bodies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the bodies in question and my Department does not routinely compile or hold this information. My Department has asked the Health Service Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the spend in the Executive.

Health Services.

Joe McHugh

Question:

248 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children when international standards of Duchenne muscular dystrophy care and research will be introduced here in view of the recent commitments (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22680/09]

I am meeting with Duchenne Ireland in the near future and the issue raised by the Deputy is on the agenda for discussion.

Jack Wall

Question:

249 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the occupational therapists available to children who are dyslexic and attending primary or secondary school in the Kildare-west Wicklow areas of the Health Service Executive; the mechanism available to parents to obtain such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22687/09]

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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

250 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will contact the family to discuss the matter. [22691/09]

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

Question No. 251 answered with Question No. 139.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Jack Wall

Question:

252 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a date for a hip replacement operation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22700/09]

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

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

253 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if the discretionary payment awarded by the appeals officer on 7 May 2009 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be awarded; if she will provide the funding required to cover such awards; her plans to pay these outstanding sums; if she will consider each on a case by case basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22706/09]

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

John O'Mahony

Question:

254 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children when the report of the Health Service Executive working group on arthritis and allied conditions will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22708/09]

The position in relation to this matter remains as indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 8 and 94 on 21 May 2009.

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

255 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the stroke unit at Sligo General Hospital; the plans for the future development of this unit; the number of patients treated in the unit in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22729/09]

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

Pharmacy Services.

Michael Ring

Question:

256 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when sections of an Act (details supplied) will be brought before Dáil Éireann. [22752/09]

The sections of the Act which the Deputy refers to are included in the third, and final, stage of the implementation process for the Pharmacy Act 2007. This final stage deals with the introduction of provisions under Part 6 of the Act (Complaints, Inquires and Discipline). The commencement process for the Act was planned as being a three stage process in view of the complexity and number of new policies and procedures to be implemented by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) under each stage (especially stages 2 and 3). The first stage of the process involved the establishment of a Council of the new PSI in May 2007 with a lay majority for the first time. The second stage, commenced and put into effect in November 2008, established a new regulatory regime, operated by the PSI, for the registration of pharmacists and retail pharmacy businesses. The third, and final stage of the commencement process will deal with the Complaints, Inquiries and Discipline provisions of the Act.

The PSI is currently in the process of drawing up rules and procedures for the implementation of Part 6 of the Act. Following the receipt, and examination of, these rules and procedures, I will be in a position to commence the final stage of the Pharmacy Act 2007. It is hoped to have this process completed in the autumn.

Health Service Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

257 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown on a yearly basis for the past ten years, in tabular form, of the number of the administrative staff at a location (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22753/09]

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

Ambulance Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

258 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the breakdown on a yearly basis for the past ten years, in tabular form, of the number of ambulances and ambulance crew at a location (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22754/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

259 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount in relation to a section (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the cost to put it there and to relocate it. [22755/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

260 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding supplied by the Health Service Executive to a programme (details supplied). [22756/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

261 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding supplied by the Health Service Executive to a programme (details supplied); and the amount of funding provided annually. [22757/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

262 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive is using a service (details supplied); and the areas covered by this service. [22758/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 258 to 262, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Michael McGrath

Question:

263 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an appointment for assessment at a hospital in Cork city. [22775/09]

The management of waiting lists generally 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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

264 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of banking charges paid by her Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22884/09]

The amount of bank charges paid by my Department for the three years 2006 to 2008 amounted to €3,519. This includes annual fees for credit cards of €730, late payment charges of €216 and foreign currency transaction charges of €2,573.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

265 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by her Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22898/09]

The cost of bottled water purchased by my Department each year for the past three years is detailed as follows:

Year

Cost

2006

17,312.00

2007

10,901.00

2008

2,336.00

2009 to date

1,324.00

These figures include the cost of bottled water and the cost of water coolers. During 2007 a mains water filtration system was installed in my Department in Hawkins House. This has greatly reduced the costs of bottled water.

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

266 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin is awaiting orthodontic assessment at the Dublin Dental Hospital; if their case will be prioritised due to the long delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22909/09]

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

Health Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

267 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department provides funding through any of the agencies for which it has responsibility for persons who have to travel to have dialysis treatment as in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22911/09]

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

Hospital Services.

James Reilly

Question:

268 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds allocated under the delayed discharge initiative to St. Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, St. Michael’s Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, and St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, in the period 2006 to 2009; when the next allocation of DDI beds will be made to these hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22916/09]

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

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

269 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of providers of refuge and support services for victims of domestic violence who are given funding by the Health Service Executive; the funding given to each of the providers for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22921/09]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

270 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a service (details supplied) in County Meath has provided crisis refuge accommodation to 1,377 women and 2,343 children during the time of its operation; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that the Health Service Executive has cut its budget by €10,000 per month; and the reason for the cutbacks in funding to these services for which there is no other provider in Meath. [22922/09]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

271 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Service Executive have cut funding to a service (details supplied) in County Meath by 30% when the average cut to other similar service providers in the HSE region is between 3% to 5%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22923/09]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

272 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people over 18 years of age and the number of children under 18 years of age who availed of refuge services and supports in each of the Health Service Executive regions for each of the past five years. [22924/09]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

273 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has had meetings with representatives from the Department of Finance or other relevant Departments to discuss funding for refuges and other support services during the past year; the outcome of these meetings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22925/09]

My Department deals directly with the Department of Finance in regard to the Vote of the Department of Health and Children, the Vote of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Vote of the Health Service Executive. Funding for refuges is allocated from the Vote of the HSE and, accordingly, no discussions took place between officials of my Department and their counterparts in the Department of Finance in regard to this issue.

James Reilly

Question:

274 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to home support hours for children with special needs in County Kilkenny; if children currently receiving home support hours will continue to receive their agreed hours for this assistance; the position in regard to provision of home support assistance to new applicants to this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22929/09]

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 Waiting Lists.

James Reilly

Question:

275 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22, who is waiting for the past two months for heart surgery in St. James’s Hospital in Dublin can expect to have this surgery take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22937/09]

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

Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 144.

Departmental Reports.

James Reilly

Question:

277 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a definitive date for the release of the report of the vaccine damage steering group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22946/09]

I have recently received the report of the Vaccine Damage Steering Group and I am currently considering its recommendations. It is my intention to publish the report when I have completed my deliberations. I expect to be in a position to publish the report shortly.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

278 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Meath can expect to receive an appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22949/09]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

279 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has been referred to Waterford General Hospital can expect to have the procedure carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22950/09]

The management of waiting lists generally 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. The National Treatment Purchase Fund arranges treatment for patients who have been on a surgical waiting list for more than three months. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

280 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for access to a speech and language therapist in County Roscommon; the number of children currently awaiting a service and those that are receiving a service; the steps that are being taken to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22971/09]

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:

281 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children when a child (details supplied) in County Cork will be assessed for Asperger’s syndrome. [22975/09]

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.

Michael Ring

Question:

282 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when persons (details supplied) in County Mayo can expect a decision in relation to their over 70s medical card application. [22985/09]

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

Hospital Facilities.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

283 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will re-designate a sheltered smoking area in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, as a non-smoking area for patients to use in order that they can receive fresh air to assist in the recovery process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22993/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

284 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in processing the medical card application by a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will ensure that it is processed. [22999/09]

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

Mental Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

285 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be offered urgent psychiatric services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23073/09]

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

Child Care Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

286 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 209 of 24 February 2009, if the figures provided include children who went missing from State care; if so, the categories provided which include these children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23078/09]

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

Foster Care.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

287 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if children have been transferred abroad by the Health Service Executive to foster care rather than to a residential care institution; if so, the number of children for each of the past five years whowere transferred abroad for foster care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23079/09]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

288 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify what will happen to children who are referred to a foster family under the Health Service Executive emergency place of safety service if the intended foster family is at full capacity at the time of referral; if the children in such cases will be compelled to travel to another region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23080/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

289 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason only ten families were selected as part of the emergency place of safety service; the estimated cost of this programme to the Health Service Executive on annual basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23081/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 289 together.

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

Child Abuse.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

290 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the average length of time between when a child protection report is made to the Health Service Executive and the report is dealt with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23082/09]

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

Social Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

291 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has begun a process of ensuring that the Health Service Executive allocates social workers to areas in which they are most needed; if so, the details of this process; and when it will be completed. [23083/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

293 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there has been a 10.6% rise in reports to social work departments; the number of full-time and part-time social workers employed by her Department and the Health Service Executive for each of the past ten years; and the number of social workers employed in each HSE and health board jurisdiction for each of the past ten years. [23085/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

294 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to address the fact that there are 900 children here who are in need of a social worker but have not been allocated one; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23086/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 291, 293 and 294 together.

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

Children in Care.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

292 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a legal definition for a children’s home; the number of children who must be fostered in a home before it is deemed to be a children’s home or residential institution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23084/09]

Under the Child Care Act 1991, as amended, "children's residential centre" means an institution for the residential care of children in the care of the Health Service Executive or of other children in need of adequate care and protection but does not include:

(a) an institution managed by or on behalf of a Minister of the Government,

(b) an institution in which a majority of the children being maintained are being treated for acute illnesses or are being provided with palliative care,

(c) an institution for the care and maintenance of children with a disability,

(d) an institution approved in accordance with the Mental Health Acts 1945 to 2001,

(e) a children's detention school as defined in section 3 of the Children Act 2001.

Children who are placed in the care of the Health Service Executive can be placed in, inter alia, foster care, relative care or residential care as provided for under Section 36 of the Child Care Act, 1991. The Child Care Regulations 1995 provide the regulatory framework for the placement of children in the different types of care settings.

The Health Service Executive must assess all potential foster/relative carers under the Child Care Regulations, 1995. This assessment includes an assessment of the suitability of those persons and their homes by authorised persons.

Questions Nos. 293 and 294 answered with Question No. 291.

Child Care Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

295 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the children’s services which are outsourced to private companies by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23087/09]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

296 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the date on which the child service task force will publish its recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23088/09]

I understand that the work of the taskforce has recently been completed and that arrangements are being made for the publication of the resulting report and recommendations.

Child Abuse.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

297 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the definitions of child abuse and child welfare used by social workers within the Health Service Executive; if different HSE branches use differing definitions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23089/09]

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

Social Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

298 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of social workers or other Health Service Executive staff dealing with migrant families who have reported difficulties in managing their workloads as a result of difficulties in accessing interpretation services; and the average amount of time it takes for a social worker or other HSE worker to access interpretation services for each of the HSE regions. [23090/09]

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

299 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has sought extra resources in order to provide training to staff working with international families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23091/09]

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

Children in Care.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

300 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that one of the predominant reasons children are admitted to care is family difficulties in terms of accessing housing and finance; and if she has approached the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with regard to providing higher levels of social housing to persons on low incomes which would enable children to stay within the family. [23092/09]

My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, has the lead policy responsibility in relation to social housing. The most recent complete information available to the Health Service Executive indicates that in 2007, 2,991 families were reported to have child welfare concerns. Of these, 193 — or 6% — were deemed to be experiencing difficulty with housing/finance issues. The statistics further state that 1,342 children were placed in care under the broad heading "Parent Unable to Cope/Family Difficulty re: housing/finance". This represents 25% of the total number of children in care (5,307). The Health Service Executive has been asked to forward a copy of these statistics to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for its consideration.

Social Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

301 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the family support services that are not directly provided by the Health Service Executive but are either wholly or partially funded by the HSE. [23093/09]

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

Child Abuse.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

302 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who were admitted to care for each of the past five years as a result of sexual abuse; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23094/09]

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

Social Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

303 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has developed a strategy to better co-ordinate the work of the various early intervention teams; the details of this strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23095/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

304 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the date on which the Health Service Executive will publish guidelines for hospitals on recognising gay and lesbian relationships and the partners of patients during their treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23096/09]

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

Child Care Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

305 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children admitted specifically to aftercare for each of the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23097/09]

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

Departmental Reports.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

306 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will undertake to complete a new SAVI report in conjunction with the relevant organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23098/09]

The SAVI Report was published by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre in 2002, based on research undertaken by the Health Services Research Centre, established by the Department of Psychology of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Funding towards this valuable research project was provided by my Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. A follow-up report was published in 2005.

Children in Care.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

307 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce independent inspections for children’s care facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23099/09]

The Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) was set up, on an administrative basis in 1999. The SSI currently inspects Health Service Executive (HSE) run children's residential centres and foster care services provided under the Child Care Act 1991. The SSI has recently inspected the children's detention schools operated under the aegis of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The HSE registers and inspects children's residential services for children operated by private and voluntary service providers under the Child Care Act 1991.

The Office of the Chief Inspector of Social Services was established by the Health Act 2007, as part of the Health Information and Quality Authority. Staff from the SSI transferred to HIQA in 2007. The Health Act 2007 is being commenced on a phased basis and will give responsibility for the registration and inspection of designated centres to the Chief Inspector including residential centres for children with a disability. The designated centres include all HSE, voluntary and privately run children's residential centres.

Mental Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

308 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to facilitate children suffering from mental illness within the health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23100/09]

At present there are 55 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams in place throughout the country. The HSE has prioritised the development of child and adolescent mental health services in 2009. An additional 8 consultant led child psychiatry teams to further support the provision of child and adolescent psychiatric services will be developed. In addition, funding was provided in Budget 2009 for the provision of 35 additional therapy posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. This will enable the HSE to increase the number of Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams to 69 by the end of 2009.

With regard to in-patient capacity in the child and adolescent mental health service, there are currently 22 child and adolescent beds in the country, 10 in Galway and 12 in Dublin (6 in St. Vincent's Fairview, 6 in Warrenstown). An additional 8 interim beds in St. Stephen's Hospital, Cork have recently been completed and it is anticipated that these beds will be commissioned shortly. Construction has commenced on two 20 bed units in Bessboro, Cork and Merlin Park, Galway. Construction is scheduled to be completed on both of these developments in late 2009 and the beds commissioned in 2010.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

309 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the aftermath of the publication of the Ryan report, there has been an increase in the number people contacting advocacy groups for abuse survivors; if she will increase funding for those groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23101/09]

The Government has accepted all of the recommendations of the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and is committed to their full implementation. Included in the recommendations is the need for continued provision of counselling, educational and family tracing services. As Minister of State with responsibility for Children and Youth Affairs, I have been tasked with developing a plan for the implementation of the recommendations. In developing this plan I will consider the various issues which need to be addressed and what actions are necessary, feasible and effective. This implementation plan will be brought to Government for its approval by the end of July.

Departmental Agencies.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

310 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding allocated to the standards advisory group under the Health Information and Quality Authority; if any of this funding has been cut; the level of funding that would be required to move to full statutory implementation of the recommended standards; the manner in which progressive implementation of the standards will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23102/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

311 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when further discussions will take place with the Health Information and Quality Authority standards advisory group regarding external validation of the relevant settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23103/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.

A Standards Advisory Group was established by HIQA to develop National Quality Standards on Residential Services for People with Disabilities. The Group comprised officials of HIQA, my Department, the HSE, service providers, organisations representing people with disabilities and service users, and met on a number of occasions during 2008. Following a public consultation process initiated by HIQA, the proposed standards were formulated and have now been published. These standards will provide a national framework for quality, safe services for people with disabilities in a residential setting and relate only to adult services at present. The Standards Advisory Group has completed its work. No funding was allocated by my Department to the Standards Advisory Group so the issue of cuts in funding does not arise.

My Department is currently working with the HSE and HIQA to quantify the level of funding that would be required to move to full statutory implementation of the Standards. However, given the current economic situation, a move to full statutory implementation of the standards, including regulation and inspection, would present significant challenges at this time. Notwithstanding the difficulties of immediate statutory implementation, my Department, the HSE and HIQA have agreed that progressive implementation of the Standards will now commence, and that they will become the benchmark against which the HSE assesses both its own directly operated facilities and other facilities that the HSE funds. Discussions are also taking place regarding the introduction of an appropriate level of external validation for relevant settings.

Child Abuse.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

312 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide survivors of abuse with well resourced counselling, support and advocacy services as a right. [23105/09]

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. The need for additional supports is also being considered in the context of the implementation of the Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse and I will be bringing proposals to Government in July in this regard.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

313 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will introduce legislation to put the guidelines on child protection on a statutory footing and to establish an implementation body to provide for the outworking of the guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23106/09]

In July of last year I launched the National Review of Compliance with Children First. The key finding of that review conducted by my Office, is that the Guidelines themselves are fundamentally sound and that a renewed focus on implementation is required. The consistent application of the Children First Guidelines is being addressed by the HSE through the standardisation of Child Welfare and Protection business processes and the refocusing of social work services through the ongoing Social Work Reform programme. I am currently considering a number of legal issues in the context of ensuring the most effective implementation of the Children First Guidelines.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

314 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will establish a national therapy and assessment service for children who are currently suffering abuse, and national treatment facilities for children, teenagers and adults who have exhibited harmful sexual behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23107/09]

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

Child Care Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

315 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on a submission by a school (details supplied) in County Cork in relation to the operation of the new free pre-school year in early childhood care and education. [23130/09]

As the Deputy will be aware I have responsibility for the implementation of the new scheme to provide a free Pre-School year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), which will commence in January 2010. The ECCE is being introduced to benefit children in the key developmental period prior to commencing school. Services can participate in the scheme on the basis of a number of options. A full or part-time day-care service will be required to provide a pre-school service for 2 hours 15 minutes per day, five days a week for 50 weeks (241 days) per year, in return for the capitation fee of €48.50 per week.

A playschool sessional service, such as a Montessori, will be required to provide a pre-school service for 3 hours a day, five days a week for 38 weeks (183 days) a year, in return for a capitation fee of €64.50 per week. However, where for good reason a sessional service is unable to operate over 5 days, consideration will be given to allowing it to participate in the scheme on the basis of providing the pre-school year for 3 hours 30 minutes a day for 4 days a week. In such cases, a service will be required to provide the pre-school year over 41 weeks (157 days).

Further flexibility is provided for in that, a full or part-time service may choose to provide a sessional service over 38 weeks of a year (or 2 sessional services each day) while a sessional service may choose to provide 2 hours 15 minutes per day over 50 weeks. Also in cases where children attend a full or part-time day-care service for 3 days a week only, consideration will be given to allowing it to participate in the scheme on the basis of providing the pre-school year to those children for 3 hours 45 minutes a day for 3 days a week. In such cases, a service will be required to provide the pre-school year over 50 weeks.

As a free pre-school year, participating services must agree to provide the service in return for the capitation grant. This does not preclude a service from charging for additional services provided these are clearly optional to parents. Optional services can include additional hours, over and above the free pre-school year requirement, and additional services in the form of various one-off, or on-going, activities or services such as outings, birthday parties, specific teaching resources such as dance or music or food. By their nature, full or part-time services will offer additional hours to the pre-school provision and sessional playschools can offer an additional 30 minutes per day. However, services must ensure that all such additional services are offered and charged for on an optional basis and are not compulsory. A parent's agreement cannot be a condition of initial or continued enrolment. It is also essential that appropriate programme based activities must be provided to children not participating in an optional activity where this takes place during the required period of pre-school provision.

It is accepted that not all pre-school services will wish to participate in the ECCE, in the same way that some primary schools continue to be fee-paying rather than join the national school system. However, the Government is committed to introducing the pre-school year as a free and universal scheme. I understand that the United Kingdom provision in relation to pre-school, is based on an entitlement to a free pre-school educational place which must be provided without any additional fees or charges, other than minor amounts for snacks and trips, with providers being paid directly by the local authorities to in return for provision of the free pre-school place.

Road Network.

Pat Breen

Question:

316 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the status of a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22103/09]

The provision of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area is a function of the relevant road authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants provided by my Department. Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary County Councils have undertaken the development of a proposal for a new Shannon Crossing.

From 2004 to the end of 2008, State road grants totalling €819,318 have been provided to develop proposals for the proposed new bridge. In February 2008, Clare County Council, in association with North Tipperary County Council, appointed consultants to carry out a constraints study, route selection and preliminary design for the scheme. A further grant of €600,000 was allocated in 2009 to Clare County Council, which is now the lead authority for the project, to finance continuation of that work. Further progression of the project is a matter for Clare County Council.

Road Traffic Offences.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

317 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport the person who has the authority to clamp a vehicle; if there are regulations in regard to the charges they can impose; the legislation by which the matter is covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22282/09]

An authorised person under Section 101b of the Road Traffic Act 1961, as amended, can fix an immobilisation device (clamp) to a vehicle parked in contravention of any prohibition or restriction imposed under Sections 35, 36 and 36A of the Road Traffic Act 1994. The employment of private companies as authorised persons to carry out statutory functions is a matter for each local authority. The Road Traffic (Immobilisation of Vehicles) Regulations, 1998 (SI No. 247 of 1998) prescribes, inter alia, the amount that can be charged for the removal of an immobilisation device.

The Road Traffic (Traffic and Parking) Regulations, 1997 to 2006 sets out parking controls for the purposes of section 35. Parking controls for the purposes of sections 36 and 36A are set out in any bye-laws made by a local authority under those provisions. These regulations and bye-laws only have application in respect of vehicles illegally parked on public roads or in local authority car parks. Powers to clamp vehicles are also available to the Gardaí and local authorities under Section 97 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. The practice of clamping or the removal of vehicles on private property does not come within the scope of Road Traffic legislation.

Michael McGrath

Question:

318 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the legislative position in relation to the regulation of noise emanating from modified car exhausts. [22768/09]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (SI No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for matters relating to vehicle standards. It is a requirement for the registration and entry into service of new motor vehicles in the European Union that they have type-approval in accordance with Directive 70/157/EEC, as amended, which sets down the permissible sound levels and exhaust systems for motor vehicles. Vehicles in-service standards are specified in the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963 which require vehicles to be fitted with a silencer or other device to reduce to a reasonable level the noise caused by the escape of exhaust gases from the engine. Article 85 of these regulations prohibits the use in a public place of a vehicle which causes excessive noise.

Light Rail Project.

Joan Burton

Question:

319 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the metro north project including the expected start date; the time line for completion of the project; the funding allocation to the project for both 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22044/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

320 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the metro west project; the expected start date; the time line for completion of the project; the funding allocation to the project for both 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22045/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

321 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the DART underground project; the expected start date; the time line for completion of the project; the funding allocation to the project for both 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22046/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 319 to 321, inclusive, together.

I gave an update on the Metro North project in reply to Question Nos. 53, 87 and 94 on 26 May last and that remains the position. The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is continuing with the planning and design work to facilitate the preparation of an application for a railway order to An Bord Pleanála (ABP) for the Metro West project and the Agency is aiming to submit that application early next year. In relation to the DART Underground project, CIE anticipates that it will lodge an application for a railway order with ABP towards the end of this year.

The provision of increased capacity is a key consideration in determining public transport investment priorities in the period ahead. In that context, the DART Underground and Metro North are particularly important rail investments as they form a core part of the planned integrated public transport network for the Greater Dublin Area envisaged by Transport 21.

The start and completion dates for projects which are yet to commence construction, including Metro North, Metro West and the DART Underground will be determined as appropriate by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the funding available during the current difficult economic climate. The Exchequer capital amounts currently allocated from my Department's Estimate for 2009 in respect of Metro North, Metro West and the DART Underground are €35 million, €10 million and €15 million respectively. The allocation for these projects next year will be decided in the context of the Estimates for 2010.

Rail Network.

Joan Burton

Question:

322 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the progress of the rail spur project from the Maynooth line to Dunboyne; the expected start date; the time line for completion of the project; the funding allocation to the project for both 2009 and 2010; when the Hansfield station is due to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22047/09]

Transport 21 provides for the development of the Navan Rail Link on a phased basis in the period to 2015. Work commenced on the Clonsilla — Dunboyne section (Phase 1) in late 2008 and is due for completion in September 2010. My Department has allocated grants totalling €43.6 million to Iarnród Éireann towards the cost of the project this year and the allocation for next year will be decided in the context of the Estimates for 2010. Hansfield station will open at the same time as the line is opened in September 2010.

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Question:

323 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if, further to the completion of the ERM report on public safety zones at the State airports, he will provide a complete list of all documents, meetings, maps, submissions and so on pertaining to the said process since its inception; the location at which such documents are available for inspection by members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22050/09]

Most of the information sought by the Deputy is contained in the ERM Report on Public Safety Zones at the State Airports. The Report is on my Department's website, and includes detailed maps. In addition ERM engaged in a public consultation process including open days. Full details of these public consultations, including submissions and comments received, and responses to the submissions, are set out in an Annex to the Report. As part of the normal policy making process my Department has additional material on file related to this issue. However the deliberative process on this issue is not yet completed. Accordingly it would not be appropriate nor would it be normal practice to make all documents associated with this process available to the public at this stage.

Public Transport.

Seán Barrett

Question:

324 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to the application by a group (details supplied) for a licence to operate bus passenger services between Dalkey and Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22081/09]

As I advised the Deputy in my previous reply of 24th February 2009, the company to which the Deputy refers was advised on 16th January of the terms on which a licence could be granted in respect of the operation of the services in question. The Company appealed that decision and in that context submitted proposals for significant changes to their proposed service. That submission has been considered by my Department and new terms on which a licence could be granted were presented to the company on 26th May 2009. A response is now awaited. In the event that the offer is not accepted, an application from another operator to operate a similar service on the route will then be considered

State Airports.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

325 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a breakdown of the pre-tax profits or losses made by Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports in 2007 and 2008. [22237/09]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

326 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport the revenues generated by the Dublin Airport Authority through the use of Shannon Airport in each of the years 2003 to 2008. [22238/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.

The published annual reports and accounts of Aer Rianta/Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) for the years 2003 to 2008 are available in the Oireachtas library. DAA is a single legal entity and the results of the three airports are reported in aggregate as part of its company financial statements. There is no requirement to publish separate financial statements for each airport. I am therefore not in a position to give the detailed breakdown requested by the Deputy.

Transport Regulations.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

327 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by Irish tour operators that the introduction of the 12 day driver working rule specifically disadvantages seven day Irish cross-Border international coach tours; and if he will take the matter up at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers. [22241/09]

I have received representations from Irish tourism interests regarding the proposed re-introduction of the "12 day rule" i.e. the derogation which allowed postponement of a weekly rest period to allow drivers of international occasional passenger services to drive for 12 consecutive days which was removed in 2006, and have noted their concerns. I understand that any re-introduction of the "12 day rule" for drivers of international occasional passenger services, would apply to qualifying Irish cross-border services of seven days duration, i.e. where the service lasts at least 24 consecutive hours in a Member State other than the one in which the service started. There are no discussions proposed on the Land Transport Package in general or the "12 day rule" in particular proposed at this week's Transport Council.

Taxi Regulations.

Joe Costello

Question:

328 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Transport the reason people who have had a public service vehicle licence for many years should now have to sit a new driving test and pay a fee of €250 for the licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22375/09]

The regulation of the taxi industry, including the setting of small public service vehicle driver licence fees, is a matter for the Commission for Taxi Regulation under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003. Among the improvements to the quality of service provision being implemented by the Commission is the new skills development programme for new drivers from this year and for existing drivers from 2012.

The recent representation made by the Taxi Union Representative Bodies to my Department has outlined concerns within the industry regarding this provision as it applies to existing drivers. These representative Bodies will, I understand, be pursuing these concerns within the consultative and advisory framework provided for under the Taxi Regulation Act, 2003.

Driving Tests.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

329 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent granting of a second extension of the exemption for driving instructors who are not fully qualified as approved driving instructors; the reason the two exemptions were granted; when it will end; the number of driving instructors operating who are fully qualified ADI instructors, have been granted an exemption and are operating illegally as driving instructors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22393/09]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority (RSA). An exemption for all unapproved driving instructors was granted at the end of December 2008 up to 30 April 2009. At that time there were just over 500 driving instructors through all three Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) stages, the RSA considered this was an insufficient number of qualified driving instructors to cater for the demand from learner drivers. The RSA state the reason for the granting the second exemption, from 30th April 2009, was to allow those driving instructors who had passed Stage 1 (The Theory Test) continue to operate as a driving instructor for a period up to 31 July 2009.

The RSA inform me that at present there are 1292 approved ADIs, 848 were granted an exemption up to 31 July 2009. Neither my Department nor the RSA have figures in relation to driving instructors who are operating illegally.

National Car Test.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

330 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport the minimum time allowed between notification of the national car test and the date set to take the test; the appeals process in place if a driver receives a penalty points fine due to an out-of-date NCT certificate being shown as a result of the driver receiving notification of the due date of the NCT too late to get an appointment for an NCT before the certificate expired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22470/09]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. A driver can only receive penalty points, following a court conviction, for using a vehicle in a public place without a test certificate. Any such court conviction is open to appeal to a higher court.

State Airports.

Pat Breen

Question:

331 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 330 of 22 April 2009, the situation regarding the provision of full US pre-clearance facilities at Shannon Airport; if the facility will be operational on 1 July 2009; if the legislation has been finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22477/09]

I am informed by the Shannon Airport Authority that the construction of the pre-clearance facility at the airport is due to be completed shortly and that they hope to have the facility operational by end-July. The Deputy will be aware that I published the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 last week. The second stage of the Bill is included in the schedule for Seanad Éireann later today and if passed in the Seanad, I hope to introduce it in Dáil Éireann as soon as possible thereafter to enable it to be enacted before the Summer recess.

My officials are working closely with the US authorities on the final aspects of the operating procedures between the two administrations to ensure that pre-clearance will work to the benefit of both countries. I am confident that these talks can be finalised to allow pre-clearance to be inaugurated in Shannon before the end of July.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Damien English

Question:

332 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the number of buses and the number of wheelchair accessible buses that are in service on the Dublin to Athboy, Dublin to Navan, Dublin to Trim and Navan to Dundalk Bus Éireann routes; if he will provide the information in tabular readable form; the plans he has to increase the availability of wheelchair accessible buses on these routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22483/09]

The deployment of buses on particular routes is an operational matter for Bus Éireann.

Driving Tests.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

333 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Transport if assistance will be offered to a person with a provisional licence who wishes to obtain a full licence but understands that there is a computer test to be completed for same; if there is a way that the test can be completed without the computer element; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22642/09]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) this is a matter for the Road Safety Authority.

Ministerial Orders.

Pat Breen

Question:

334 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 557 of 18 October 2005, if he will make available a copy of the Air Navigation and Transport (Compulsory Acquisition of Land) Order 1974 with all associated maps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22644/09]

I have arranged for a copy of this document to be forwarded to the Deputy.

Planning Issues.

Pat Breen

Question:

335 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a list of all the planning applications to which his Department objected or appealed against within the red zones at the State airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22645/09]

Red zones were established over 40 years ago. Some of the relevant functions have since been passed to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) or the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), formerly Aer Rianta. Accordingly, the scope of the Deputy's request is too wide to enable me to give a definitive response as some of the necessary records are no longer in the custody of this Department. Given the wide scope of the request, I am not in a position to definitively state how many planning applications within the red zones were objected to or appealed against by my Department.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

336 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22674/09]

The amount spent by my Department on the use of taxis was €41,331.18 in 2007, €23,736.96. in 2008 and €6,486.81 to date in 2009. The amount spent on the use of taxis by each individual agency is a matter for the agencies themselves.

Parking Regulations.

David Stanton

Question:

337 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport, further to Parliamentary Question No. 120 of 27 February 2008, if he has plans to increase fines or other enforcement measures for people who park illegally in places designated for disabled drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22701/09]

As I indicated in my reply to Question 120 of 27 February 2008 measures have been put in place through amendments made to the Road Traffic Acts from 2004 to 2007 to strengthen enforcement against illegal use of disabled persons parking permits. It is an offence to submit a false declaration in the application for a permit and in relation to forgery, alteration or other illegal use or lending of a permit. On-street enforcement against illegal use of permits has been strengthened in that Gardaí and local authority traffic wardens have been given power to inspect permits and to detain any permit that is invalid or is being used in an illegal manner.

Under the fixed charge system that was introduced in April 2006 the fixed charge of €80 (increasing to €120 after 28 days) that applies to illegal parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay is double the amount of fixed charge that applies to any other illegal parking offence. I am satisfied with the level of fixed charge that applies to parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay and I have no plans to alter them.

The focus of the elements of the review of the disabled persons' parking scheme ongoing in my Department completed to date has been on enforcement to safeguard against illegal use of permits. The issue of eligibility is the next element to be addressed this year.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

338 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the penalties for parking in designated disabled parking bays by non-permit holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22726/09]

Under the fixed charge system that was introduced in April 2006 the fixed charge of €80 (increasing to €120 after 28 days) that applies to illegal parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay is double the amount of fixed charge that applies to any other illegal parking offence. I am satisfied with the level of fixed charge that applies to parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay and I have no plans to alter them.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

339 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22888/09]

The amount of banking charges paid by my Department over the past three years was €1,201.08 in 2006, €1,192.85 in 2007 and €1,291.85 in 2008. Charges paid in each year were for annual fees and government stamp duty on credit cards, fees for Departmental bank accounts and currency conversion charges.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

340 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Transport the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22902/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the amount spent by my Department on bottled water (including refills for bottle water dispensers) for each of the past three years is: 2006 — €4,073.65; 2007 — €5,849.16; 2008 — €6,330.54. Filtered mains water is predominantly used in my Department and it is the intention to replace most of the bottle water dispensers with filtered mains water units. This will be done on a phased basis on the grounds of cost and environmental efficiencies.

Parking Regulations.

Denis Naughten

Question:

341 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport if he will review the legislation and penalties for persons who use parking spaces designated for disabled drivers without the appropriate sticker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22938/09]

Measures have been put in place through amendments made to the Road Traffic Acts from 2004 to 2007 to strengthen enforcement against illegal use of disabled persons parking permits. It is an offence to submit a false declaration in the application for a permit and in relation to forgery, alteration or other illegal use or lending of a permit. On-street enforcement against illegal use of permits has been strengthened in that Gardaí and local authority traffic wardens have been given power to inspect permits and to detain any permit that is invalid or is being used in an illegal manner.

Under the fixed charge system that was introduced in April 2006 the fixed charge of €80 (increasing to €120 after 28 days) that applies to illegal parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay is double the amount of fixed charge that applies to any other illegal parking offence. I am satisfied with the level of fixed charge that applies to parking in a designated disabled persons parking bay and I have no plans to alter them.

A review of the disabled persons' parking scheme is ongoing in my Department with a view to ensuring that the designated parking bays are reserved for use by persons for whom those bays are a necessity.

Regional Road Network.

Denis Naughten

Question:

342 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the reason there is no multi-annual funding for EU co-financed regional road programmes; if he will review this situation in the interest of value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22941/09]

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each individual local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants paid by my Department. Prior to 2007, grants were provided to local authorities under the then EU co- financed Specific Improvement grants scheme. EU aid is no longer available for improvement works on regional and local roads. However, projects previously funded under the former EU co-financed scheme are now eligible for grant aid under a new Specific Improvement grants scheme introduced in 2007.

Light Rail Project.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

343 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that all ramps and dished footpaths constructed by the Railway Procurement Agency along both Luas lines have been constructed following best practice guidelines; if these ramps and dishings conform to guidelines published by the Dublin Transportation Office, the National Disability Authority and the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22989/09]

The issue raised by the Deputy is a technical matter for the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) and I have no function in the matter.

Taxi Regulations.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

344 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport the action he proposes to deal with the concerns of taxi drivers throughout the Dublin region; if his attention has been drawn to the frustrations being expressed in respect of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22996/09]

Representatives from the Joint Taxi Council, submitted to me last week their evaluation of the Economic Review into the Small Public Service vehicle industry undertaken on behalf of the Commission for Taxi Regulation which I am now considering. Separately, the Commission for Taxi Regulation has completed a major public consultation on the economic review and are now preparing a response to all the ideas suggested and will be submitting its proposals to the Advisory Council. In that context you will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt the consultations and considerations of the Commission for Taxi Regulation. I have however, forwarded a copy of the evaluation to the Commission.

The representatives of the Joint Taxi Council met with officials from my Department last week to discuss the key issues of concern to their members. As a part of this dialogue, I intend to meet with the representatives of these bodies in the coming weeks.

Legal Costs.

Denis Naughten

Question:

345 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost to date incurred by the Chief State Solicitor in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22066/09]

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

EU Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

346 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the moneys unallocated and the corresponding figure for funds not drawn down under the European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals for 2007-2008; when such funds will be reallocated and distributed; if he plans to review the conditions for matched funding and additionally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22116/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

348 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money which remains unallocated by Pobal from its 2007-2008 round of the EU Fund for Integration of Third Country Nationals; if these funds will be re-released; and if so, if the conditions for matching funding and additionality will be relaxed in any way. [22518/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 346 and 348 together.

Following a call for proposals by Pobal on behalf of my Office for the years 2007 and 2008, projects entailing expenditure of €542,220 from the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals are being implemented. This is less than the amounts Ireland was entitled to receive which were, for 2007, €748,000 and, for 2008, €758,000. I am considering seeking further proposals in respect of the amounts unallocated for 2008. Because of concerns on the part of many Member States about their capacity to effectively exhaust the funds allocated to them, the European Commission proposes to extend the eligibility period for actions under the 2008 Programme from the end of this year to 30 June 2010.

I wish to ensure that Ireland's allocations are availed of as far as possible. I am aware that the availability of matching funding is an issue in this regard and I am considering if this might be addressed. One change I propose to make is that future calls for proposals will be directed at local authorities, other public bodies, NGOs and any other organisations that have the capacity to carry out the actions in question and not just at NGOs and partnership companies as was the case with the previous call for proposals. However, the rules applicable to the Fund as set out in the Council Decision establishing it and in subsequent Decisions of the European Commission must be observed.

Official Languages.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

347 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if sign language is treated as an official language by the State; if not, the reason sign language is not an official language; if he will address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22516/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 257 of 28 April 2009. I have nothing further to add to the details of that reply.

Question No. 348 answered with Question No. 346.

Employment Rights.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

349 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date the working group to review the provision of maternity leave and paternity leave was set up; if the working group has completed its work; the conclusions the working group has come to; if he will introduce paid paternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22932/09]

The Interdepartmental Working Group, established in early 2008 to review maternity, parental and paternity leave under a commitment in the Agreed Programme for Government and the Social Partnership Agreement "Towards 2016", is expected to report in the near future. I look forward to receiving the report and to formulating proposals, as may be appropriate, on the basis of the recommendations contained in it.

Prison Inspections.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

350 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of inspections which have occurred in St. Patrick’s Institution over the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23104/09]

I take the Deputy's query to refer to inspections of St. Patrick's Institution by bodies other than the Irish Prison Service. The Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) visited St. Patrick's Institution in October 2006. The facility has been visited twice by the Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly, since his appointment in January 2008 and was the subject of two reports by his predecessor, Mr Justice Dermot Kinlen. St. Patrick's Institution has also been visited in recent years by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe, Mr Thomas Hammarberg, and was visited in an informal capacity by the Ombudsman for Children, Ms Emily Logan. The Institution is subject to monthly visits by members of the St Patrick's Institution Visiting Committee.

Residency Permits.

Joe Costello

Question:

351 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the application for subsidiary protection by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22102/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 22 March 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. The person concerned initiated Judicial Review Proceedings in the High Court, challenging the decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in his case. In May 2008 the High Court refused the Judicial Review Leave Application with the consequence that the earlier decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal stood.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 May 2008, 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. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

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 is passed to me for decision.

Citizenship Applications.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

352 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon who seeks naturalisation. [22154/09]

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 November 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 late 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.

Officials inform me that the application is at an advanced stage of processing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course. 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.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Dan Neville

Question:

353 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that there is equality for people with a disability by providing assistance to blind people here by ensuring that braille is put on medicines, cleaning products and food items; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22161/09]

I refer the Deputy to the details of the reply to his Question No. 130 of 20 May 2009 on the packaging and labelling of products. The law in this area is primarily one of consumer information and protection based on international standards and specifications. Equality laws have no application.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

354 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22175/09]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his recent Parliamentary Question, No. 134 of Thursday, 26 March, 2009, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

355 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of the application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22176/09]

Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that there is no record of an application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

356 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will revisit the refusal of a naturalisation application in the case of a person (details supplied); his views on whether it is fair to deny naturalisation due to circumstances outside the person’s control when the applicant has fulfilled all the necessary criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22192/09]

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 May 2007 and I decided in my absolute discretion not to grant a certificate of naturalisation. The reasons for refusal were disclosed to the person concerned in a letter issued to her on 6 May, 2009. It is open to the person in question to lodge a new application with the Citizenship Division of this Department at any time.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

357 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22202/09]

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 June 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 late 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. 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.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

358 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timescale as of 1 May 2009 for a decision to be taken on an application for naturalisation for what might be considered a straightforward case; when the process of scrutiny will begin on an application submitted in August 2006; the average timescale from the date the process of dealing with a straightforward application starts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22233/09]

In the absence of details relating to a specific case, the Deputy will appreciate that I am unable to provide a definitive response. However, I can advise of the position generally. Applications for certificates of naturalisation are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. Each application is processed on its own merits. Less complicated cases would be expected to have a processing timescale around or below the current average processing time of 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in late 2007.

All applications received in August 2006 are being further processed or have been finalised. 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. Statistics are not broken down between straightforward and more complicated cases as these are not discrete categories. 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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

359 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the security costs to his Department incurred in the prevention of incursions by anti-war activists at Shannon Airport in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22234/09]

I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the cost of policing arrangements at Shannon Airport in 2006, 2007 and 2008 is as follows:

Shannon Operation

2006

2007

2008

Total

Subhead Description

Salaries & Allowances (Incl Em. PRSI)

2,142,553

1,385,742

1,284,205

4,812,500

Overtime

1,334,002

813,377

618,272

2,765,651

Travel and SubsistenceExpenses

596,313

352,061

138,961

1,087,335

Other Non-Pay Expenditure

7,869

7,135

5,520

20,524

Total

4,080,737

2,558,315

2,046,958

8,686,010

The Deputy will appreciate that operational decisions are a matter for the Garda Commissioner. The deployment of Garda resources is based on an assessment by the Garda Authorities of the measures necessary to ensure the safety and security of personnel, staff, passengers and property at Shannon Airport.

Citizenship Applications.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

360 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in view of the time taken by his Department to process applications for naturalisation, it is equitable that persons who applied when the fee was €650 are required to pay the increased fee of €950; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22301/09]

Certificates of naturalisation are issued on payment of the prescribed fee at the time of certification as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. Certification fees for Citizenship were last changed in 1993. The regulations that came into force on 1st August 2008 were the result of a review of citizenship fees that began some time prior to that date and merely bring the amounts in line with inflation for the period 1993-2008. While the fees are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing the different categories of applicant, the current certification fees do not recoup the full cost of processing in any category. As this is a certification fee, it is the date of issue rather than the date of application that must be taken into account. Certificates of naturalisation can only be issued on payment of the prescribed fee at the time of certification.

The Deputy will be aware that the increased resources that I have allocated to this area have resulted in a considerable improvement in processing times over the past year even though the number of applications for a certificate of naturalisation has continued to see significant growth. However, 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.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

361 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the application for residency or subsidiary protection in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22310/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 15 February, 2005. 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 21 November, 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. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The 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. The person concerned has not submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State. Neither has he, to date, submitted written representations as to why he should be permitted to remain temporarily in the State. The case file of the person concerned 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 overall consideration has been completed, the file is passed to me for decision.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

362 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 389 of 22 April 2009, if a further copy of the information sought by the Irish naturalisation and immigration service will be forwarded to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22311/09]

I am currently unable to answer the Deputy's Question due to the lack of information provided by the Deputy. I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that further information was sought regarding details of the person referred to by the Deputy from the Deputy's office in April 2009. This information has not yet been received by my officials.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

363 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for citizenship will be processed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22312/09]

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 July 2008. Applications for certificates of naturalisation are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. 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 late 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. 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.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

364 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review on humanitarian grounds the deportation order in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22313/09]

I would refer the Deputy to the Reply I gave to his Dáil Question No. 225 of Thursday 18 December 2008. The first person concerned is the subject of a deportation order following a comprehensive examination of her asylum claim and of her application to remain temporarily in the State. As a matter of policy, I do not intend to reward persons who have failed a very fair and comprehensive asylum process by granting such persons residency in the State. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there has been a change in the circumstances of the first person concerned, or if new information has come to light which has a direct bearing on her case, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of her Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.

As previously advised in my Reply to his Dáil Question No. 318 of Tuesday 31 March 2009, the second person concerned was born in the State in late 2005 and an application for asylum was made on his behalf to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner on 15 December 2008. Said application is still under consideration.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

365 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22314/09]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 347 of Tuesday, 18 November, 2008 and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned arrived in the State on 7 March, 2003 and applied for asylum. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

The person concerned was informed, by letter dated 22 September, 2004, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him and afforded him three options in accordance with Section 3(3)(b)(ii) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) namely to leave the State voluntarily, to consent to the making of a Deportation Order or to submit, within 15 working days, written representations setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement.

Consideration was given to representations received on his behalf from his legal representatives for temporary leave to remain in the State. On 10 December, 2004, the then Minister refused temporary leave to remain in the State and signed a Deportation Order in respect of the person concerned. Notice of this Order was served by registered post requiring him to ‘present' to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, on 20 January, 2005, in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The person concerned failed to ‘present' as requested and was classified as evading his deportation.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

366 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22315/09]

The person concerned holds refugee status in the State.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

367 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position with regard to the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22316/09]

The person concerned claimed asylum in the State on 1/11/2006 and had her claim examined by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, following which it was recommended that she should be recognised as a refugee. Based on this recommendation, the person concerned was issued with a formal declaration of refugee status by letter dated 24/07/2008. This communication also advised the person concerned of the rights and entitlements accompanying refugee status in the State. The person concerned continues to hold the status of refugee in the State.

Asylum Applications.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

368 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received an application on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath for subsidiary protection here in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. [22334/09]

The person concerned has submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) 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 is passed to me for decision.

Human Trafficking.

Denis Naughten

Question:

369 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding available to the gardaí to deal with the issue of trafficking of humans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22343/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

370 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding available to his Department to deal with the issue of trafficking of humans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22344/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 369 and 370 together.

Further to Parliamentary Questions No. 202 of 3 July 2008 and 285 of 9 December 2008 I can confirm funding for human trafficking activities are paid for as part of the general expenditure from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Garda Votes. Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform expenditure: In addition to the resources deployed in my Department's Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, staff in the Crime, Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, the Reception and Integration Agency, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner are also involved in anti-human trafficking related measures. Garda Síochána expenditure: There are currently over 275 personnel (Garda and civilian) attached to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The Gardaí are dedicated to dealing with immigration law and the law on trafficking of persons. Within the GNIB there is a Human Trafficking Investigation and Coordination Unit which provides assistance and investigative expertise in the investigation of these crimes. The work undertaken by the Garda Síochána in relation to human trafficking is assisted by a network of members of the Garda Síochána who are employed as liaison officers in major cities in a number of EU Member States and in international organisations such as Europol and Interpol.

In addition there are dedicated Immigration Officers attached to each Garda District throughout the State who also deal with trafficking in human beings issues. The GNIB, in conjunction with the Garda College, has trained over 500 Gardaí in the identification of victims of trafficking in persons and the investigation of crimes of human trafficking. These trained Gardaí are strategically placed in Districts throughout the State. Since 2008 all student Gardaí are receiving training in human trafficking with over 700 having received such training to date.

Garda Equipment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

371 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the continuing delay in the roll-out of secure digital radio for the Garda Síochána. [22367/09]

The roll out of the National Digital Radio Service for the Garda Síochána is dependent, among other factors, on the availability of the network infrastructure which is being put in place by the service provider, Tetra Ireland. I am advised by the Garda authorities that roll out of the radio service in the Dublin Metropolitan Region is planned to commence from the middle of this month and be completed by the end of August. Other Garda Regions will follow in line with the provision of the network infrastructure. Although there has been a short delay in commencing the DMR Region, I am advised that it will be completed on schedule.

Garda Deployment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

372 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 30 April 2009, which detailed the factors and model used to determine the allocation of gardaí and in view of the Garda Representative Association conference motion which called for his Department to publish the minimum number of front-line operational gardaí deemed necessary to police each district, if he will provide a table listing the actual minimum number of gardaí required as derived from the Garda establishment redistribution model for each Garda division and district. [22379/09]

The allocation of Garda personnel is determined by Garda Management taking a number of factors into account including population, crime trends and as the policing needs of each individual Division dictates. The GERM model referred to by the Deputy, assists Garda Management in this task and provides guidance on how the level of resources available to the Commissioner, should best be allocated throughout the country.

The following are the most readily available figures of the policing strengths of each District and Division in the country, as determined by the Commissioner:-

Division

District

Total

D.M.R. East

Blackrock

199

D.M.R. East

Dun Laoghaire

275

D.M.R. East

Total

474

D.M.R. North

Balbriggan

87

D.M.R. North

Coolock

247

D.M.R. North

Raheny

194

D.M.R. North

Santry

281

D.M.R. North

Total

809

D.M.R. North Central

Bridewell

176

D.M.R. North Central

Fitzgibbon Street

224

D.M.R. North Central

Store Street

306

D.M.R. North Central

Total

706

D.M.R. South

Crumlin

187

D.M.R. South

Rathmines

173

D.M.R. South

Tallaght

275

D.M.R. South

Total

635

D.M.R. South Central

Donnybrook

187

D.M.R. South Central

Kevin Street

230

D.M.R. South Central

Pearse Street

348

D.M.R. South Central

Total

765

D.M.R. West

Blanchardstown

376

D.M.R. West

Clondalkin

213

D.M.R. West

Lucan

177

D.M.R. West

Total

766

Carlow / Kildare

Carlow

127

Carlow / Kildare

Kildare

86

Carlow / Kildare

Leixlip

79

Carlow / Kildare

Naas

119

Carlow / Kildare

Total

411

Laois / Offaly

Abbeyleix

45

Laois / Offaly

Birr

48

Laois / Offaly

Portlaoise

143

Laois / Offaly

Tullamore

101

Laois / Offaly

Total

337

Meath

Ashbourne

89

Meath

Kells

60

Meath

Laytown

29

Meath

Navan

83

Meath

Trim

50

Meath

Total

311

Westmeath

Athlone

94

Westmeath

Mullingar

149

Westmeath

Total

243

Wicklow

Baltinglass

64

Wicklow

Bray

178

Wicklow

Wicklow

107

Wicklow

Total

349

Cavan / Monaghan

Bailieboro

69

Cavan / Monaghan

Ballyconnell

43

Cavan / Monaghan

Carrickmacross

95

Cavan / Monaghan

Cavan

85

Cavan / Monaghan

Monaghan

130

Cavan / Monaghan

Total

422

Donegal

Ballyshannon

96

Donegal

Buncrana

88

Donegal

Glenties

54

Donegal

Letterkenny

192

Donegal

Milford

52

Donegal

Total

482

Louth

Ardee

38

Louth

Drogheda

115

Louth

Dundalk

149

Louth

Total

302

Sligo / Leitrim

Ballymote

39

Sligo / Leitrim

Carrick-On-Shannon

57

Sligo / Leitrim

Manorhamilton

45

Sligo / Leitrim

Sligo

178

Sligo / Leitrim

Total

319

Tipperary

Cahir

66

Tipperary

Clonmel

73

Tipperary

Nenagh

56

Tipperary

Templemore

63

Tipperary

Thurles

94

Tipperary

Tipperary Town

37

Tipperary

Total

389

Waterford / Kilkenny

Dungarvan

63

Waterford / Kilkenny

Kilkenny

121

Waterford / Kilkenny

Thomastown

50

Waterford / Kilkenny

Tramore

51

Waterford / Kilkenny

Waterford

183

Waterford / Kilkenny

Total

468

Wexford

Enniscorthy

52

Wexford

Gorey

62

Wexford

New Ross

56

Wexford

Wexford

114

Wexford

Total

284

Cork City

Anglesea Street

350

Cork City

Gurranabraher

94

Cork City

Mayfield

109

Cork City

Togher

132

Cork City

Total

685

Cork North

Cobh

65

Cork North

Fermoy

88

Cork North

Mallow

72

Cork North

Middleton

82

Cork North

Total

307

Cork West

Bandon

106

Cork West

Bantry

48

Cork West

Clonakilty

52

Cork West

Kanturk

49

Cork West

Macroom

54

Cork West

Total

309

Kerry

Caherciveen

47

Kerry

Killarney

99

Kerry

Listowel

62

Kerry

Tralee

138

Kerry

Total

346

Limerick

Askeaton

43

Limerick

Bruff

47

Limerick

Henry Street

366

Limerick

Newcastle West

45

Limerick

Roxboro Road

145

Limerick

Total

646

Clare

Ennis

215

Clare

Ennistymon

37

Clare

Killaloe

43

Clare

Kilrush

40

Clare

Total

335

Galway

Ballinasloe

60

Galway

Clifden

36

Galway

Galway

260

Galway

Gort

36

Galway

Loughrea

53

Galway

Salthill

71

Galway

Tuam

74

Galway

Total

590

Mayo

Ballina

60

Mayo

Belmullet

29

Mayo

Castlebar

91

Mayo

Claremorris

42

Mayo

Swinford

58

Mayo

Westport

42

Mayo

Total

322

Roscommon / Longford

Boyle

44

Roscommon / Longford

Castlerea

54

Roscommon / Longford

Granard

41

Roscommon / Longford

Longford

74

Roscommon / Longford

Roscommon

84

Roscommon / Longford

Total

297

Decentralisation Programme.

Noel Coonan

Question:

373 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a decentralisation project (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the stage this project is at; the number of staff transferred to the site; the number of staff who remain to be transferred; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22417/09]

There are currently 16 administrative staff in the Equality Authority's decentralised office in Roscrea. As with decentralisation plans for other Government bodies, the question of the decentralisation of further staff will be reviewed in 2011 and decided upon in the light of relevant factors at that time.

Garda Stations.

Noel Coonan

Question:

374 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there are plans to close Garda stations that are manned by one garda in a constituency (details supplied); if not, if he will give a guarantee that rural stations in the area will not be shut down in the near future; if such a move will leave rural areas vulnerable to crime; the locations of stations that may be closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22419/09]

As I have stated previously, I am unaware of any proposal to close rural Garda stations including the one-man stations referred to by the Deputy. I have set out the position in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 262 of the 28th of April 2009.

Garda Training.

Noel Coonan

Question:

375 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the proposed development of land in north Tipperary purchased by a group (details supplied) will become operational for tactical training as planned; the cost of the development; the timeframe for the commencement and completion of same development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22420/09]

It is proposed to develop the lands referred to by the Deputy for the training of members of An Garda Síochána across a range of practical disciplines. I am advised by the Garda authorities that as the proposed plan, which is being progressed in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, is at an early stage of development, it is not possible to provide definite timeframes or cost estimates at this stage.

Departmental Bodies.

Denis Naughten

Question:

376 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the ministerial council on integration will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22423/09]

I am currently reviewing the structure of the proposed Ministerial Council on Integration and I will make an announcement as soon as possible.

Juvenile Offenders.

Joe Carey

Question:

377 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offenders currently held in St. Patrick’s Institution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22440/09]

I wish to inform the Deputy that on 4 June, 2009 there were 223 persons in custody in St. Patrick's Institution which has a bed capacity for 217 offenders. St. Patrick's Institution is a closed, medium security place of detention for males aged 16 to 21 years of age, accommodating both remand and sentenced prisoners, serving sentences up to life. It contains a special unit for 16 and 17 year olds, however in the longer term the Irish Youth Justice Service, an executive office within my Department responsible for an integrated response to youth offending, will take responsibility for the detention facilities for all boys under 18 years of age.

Refugee Status.

Willie Penrose

Question:

378 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons who are awaiting a determination of their refugee status at a reception centre (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22461/09]

174 persons residing in the accommodation centre referred to by the Deputy are awaiting a refugee status determination at present.

Public Order Offences.

Martin Ferris

Question:

379 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of times the gardaí have been called to tackle anti social behaviour in an area (details supplied) in County Kerry within the past three months; and the number of arrests that have been made in connection with these incidents. [22512/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management is aware of difficulties relating to anti-social behaviour being experienced by residents in the area referred to by the Deputy. A number of reports of such behaviour was received by An Garda Síochána in the area and during the period referred to and were followed up. As a result, a number of arrests were made. I am further informed that the area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including from the Community Policing, Garda Mountain Bike and District Drug Units and personnel from the Divisional 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.

Citizenship Applications.

Billy Timmins

Question:

380 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22551/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the person referred to by the Deputy has been contacted by my Department and that his request has now been granted.

Visa Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

381 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the EU family stamp for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22561/09]

I am informed by officials in the Immigration Division of my Department that no application for an EU Family Card has been received from the person referred to by the Deputy.

Citizenship Applications.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

382 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of the naturalisation application in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22562/09]

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 Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in late 2007. The average processing time from application to decision is currently 23 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straightforward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale. Applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants.

Criminal Assets.

Finian McGrath

Question:

383 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [22572/09]

I refer the Deputy to the recent Adjournment debate in this House on 28 May concerning this matter where my colleague Minister of State John Curran T.D., set out the Government's current position in relation to the issues being raised.

Visa Applications.

Jack Wall

Question:

384 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on correspondence (details supplied); the action this person has to take to advance their application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22583/09]

Where an applicant demonstrates a compliant travel history to Ireland, the Visa Office may, under such circumstances, issue a multi-entry visa.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

385 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if travel documents will be extended in the case of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22600/09]

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informs me that the persons in question were refused Refugee Status in 2002 and are therefore not entitled to be issued with an Irish Travel Document. The persons concerned were granted temporary permission to remain in the State on 09/05/2007, for 3 years until 9 May 2010.

The persons in question were issued with temporary Irish Travel Documents on the 19/07/2007, valid for 1 year, to allow them obtain their own national passports. The applicants were advised at that time that these documents would not be renewed. They then applied in May 2009 for the documents to be renewed and were advised to contact their national Embassy in order to obtain their national passports. In all cases, INIS must be satisfied, prior to issuing a temporary Irish Travel Document, that there is no alternative open to the applicant and that they are prevented from procuring a national passport.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

386 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for temporary residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22601/09]

The person concerned has been granted an extension of her temporary permission to remain in the State for a one year period until 14 April 2010. This decision was conveyed to the person concerned by letter dated 21 May 2009.

Deportation Orders.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

387 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will review the circumstances in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath in respect of whom a deportation order has issued and having particular reference to their circumstances. [22602/09]

I would refer the Deputy to the reply I gave to his Dáil Question No. 240 on Thursday 24 April 2008. The person concerned is the subject of a deportation order following a comprehensive examination of her asylum claim and of her application to remain temporarily in the State.

As a matter of policy, I do not intend to reward persons who have failed a very fair and comprehensive asylum process by granting such persons residency in the State. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there has been a change in the circumstances of the person concerned, or if new information has come to light which has a direct bearing on her case, there remains the option of applying to me for revocation of her Deportation Order pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act, 1999, as amended. However I wish to make clear that such an application would require substantial grounds to be successful.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

388 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, further to a previous reply to a parliamentary question in March 2009, a review will be undertaken in view of the fact that the person (details supplied) in County Dublin has been issued with a deportation order and who submitted further details to his Department in March 2009 for consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22603/09]

Further to my previous response to parliamentary question 133 of 5 March 2009 and following the receipt of up to date medical reports and representations from the person's legal representatives a new consideration was carried out on the case in May of this year, as a result of which a Transfer Order to Belgium was signed under the Dublin II Regulations, Council Regulation (EC) No 343/2003. This person is not the subject of a Deportation Order. The applicant instituted Judicial Review proceedings on 27 May, 2009 challenging the Transfer Order made in respect of her and accordingly, as the matter is sub judice, I do not propose to comment further.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

389 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding residency or citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if they can work here based on their current status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22604/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 20 August 2002. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. The person concerned was advised of her entitlement to appeal this determination to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal but she did not do so. Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 31 March 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of her. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why she should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. The person concerned undertook to leave the State voluntarily. Her departure from the State was confirmed on 14 December 2004.

On 4 December 2008, the legal representative of the person concerned notified my Department that she had returned to the State on a visa and wished to be granted temporary permission to remain in the State under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). However, the Deputy might wish to note that my Department has no record of the person concerned being granted a visa to enter the State. The person concerned does not have permission to be in the State and is therefore residing here illegally.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

390 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a review will be undertaken in the case of the asylum application by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22605/09]

The person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 17/08/2006. The claim was assessed by the Refugee Applications Commissioner who concluded that the person concerned did not meet the criteria for recognition as a refugee. The Commissioner's recommendation was communicated to him by letter dated 02/12/2008. This communication advised the person of his entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which he duly did.

The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject his claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 18/05/2009. In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file has been forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of the Asylum claim. A letter will issue to him from my Department advising him formally that his asylum claim has been rejected and affording him three options as follows:

1. Return home voluntarily

2. Consent to the making of a deportation order, or

3. Make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 518 of 2006).

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

391 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a review will be undertaken by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22606/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 10 January 2005. 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 8 May 2009, 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. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The person concerned has 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 is passed to me for decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

392 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is expected that the application for residency or citizenship will be concluded in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22607/09]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of Thursday, 11 December, 2008 and the written reply to that Question. The person concerned applied for asylum on 16 April 2003. His asylum 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 16 August, 2005, 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. Due to the high volume of cases awaiting processing, it is not possible to say when the outstanding application of the person concerned will be finalised. However, the Deputy can be assured that there will be no avoidable delay in having the case of the person concerned processed to finality.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

393 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when a green card will issue to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22608/09]

The permission of the person concerned to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1st January 2005, known as the IBC/05 Scheme, has been renewed until 2 November 2010. This permission to remain only comes into effect following registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. I have arranged for officials within my Department to re-issue the letter informing the person in question of this decision, to the address provided by the Deputy.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

394 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a green card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22609/09]

The Deputy should note that the person concerned is the daughter and not the wife of the other person referred to in the additional information accompanying his Question. The person concerned was initially included as a child dependant on her father's asylum application which was lodged on 16 April 2003. However, her status in this State was complicated by a subsequent custody battle between her parents which resulted in custody being granted to the child's mother by a Court in another jurisdiction. In light of this complication, an official from my Department will be writing to the person concerned in the coming days in an effort to obtain clarification on custody related and other matters relevant to her position in this State. The position in the State of the person concerned can be considered further upon receipt of this information.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

395 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected position in relation to the application for residency in the case of person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22610/09]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 170 of Thursday, 13 November 2008, and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned applied for asylum on 14 July 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 16 May 2005, 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 from the person concerned at that time.

The person concerned has also submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006) 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:

396 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a stamp four will issue to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22611/09]

The permission of the person concerned to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non-EEU parents of children born in Ireland prior to 1st January 2005, known as the IBC/05 Scheme, has been renewed until 10 August 2010. This permission to remain only comes into effect following registration with the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

397 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22671/09]

I would refer the Deputy to the details contained in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 5th February 2009. The amount spent by my Department so far in 2009 is in the region of €18,000. Given the large number of agencies and associated bodies attached to my Department, which include the Courts Service, An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prisons Service, as well as more than twenty other smaller agencies, it is not possible to provide accurate or comprehensive details in respect of this expenditure for these bodies.

Road Safety.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

398 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the national speed camera programme; the stage the tendering process is at; when the national speed camera programme will be fully operational; the reason there is an ongoing delay with rolling out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22676/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

399 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the delay in the roll out of the national speed camera programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22677/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.

The emphasis of Garda speed enforcement is on the use of mobile speed cameras, and their capacity in this area has been substantially enhanced recently. In September, 2008 the Garda Commissioner and I launched eight new Garda mobile speed detection vehicles. These state of the art vehicles represent a substantial upgrading of the resources available to An Garda Síochána to address the problem of speeding on our roads, particularly in collision prone zones. An Garda Síochána also has over 400 hand held speed detection devices.

The Garda authorities support the action in the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 to implement a safety camera network. Consequently, An Garda Síochána is engaging in a procurement process, in accordance with EU Directives, national public procurement procedures and relevant legislation, for the provision and operation of safety cameras. As a result, a preferred supplier has been selected. Discussions are taking place between my Department, the Departments of Transport and Finance and An Garda Síochána with a view to making every effort to proceed with this project as speedily as possible. Until contract discussions are concluded, it is not possible to indicate a specific timescale for the project.

Departmental Inquiries.

John O'Mahony

Question:

400 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the report which was the subject matter of a Parliamentary Question No. 302 of 19 May 2009 was brought before Dáil Éireann; and if it was the subject of a Dáil debate. [22727/09]

The report was laid before the Dáil on 5 December 2000. The provisions of the Courts of Justice (District Court) Act 1946 under which this inquiry took place specify that the Judge who conducted the inquiry shall report the result to the Minister upon conclusion of the investigation or inquiry. There was no requirement for a Dáil debate and Judge Murphy's report dealt fully with the issues in question.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

401 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22885/09]

My Department incurred the following bank charges over the last three years: 2006 — €28,341; 2007 — €57,384; 2008 — €64,147. These charges arose in the normal course of the Department's operations across a range of different areas, including the processing of Immigration VISA applications.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

402 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22899/09]

As a matter of general practice, my Department does not purchase individual bottles of water. The practice is to use a filtered system, via the mains water supply, or in the alternative, fresh water dispensers. The cost of supplying water via these dispensers, which incidentally, are being phased out in favour of the filtered system, has varied between approximately €16,000 to €21,000 over the years in question.

Sex Offender Treatment Programme.

Alan Shatter

Question:

403 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the programmes in place in prisons to provide treatment for convicted sex offenders; the details of the programmes and the prisons in which they are available; and the number of sex offenders engaged in such programmes. [22933/09]

Alan Shatter

Question:

404 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convicted sex offenders in prison; the prisons in which they are held; the number convicted of sex offences against children and against adults; and the number of such offenders due for release or expected to be released within 12 months. [22934/09]

Alan Shatter

Question:

405 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of convicted sex offenders released from prison in the past ten years; the number of such offenders subject to supervision; and the nature of such supervision. [22935/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 to 405, inclusive, together.

The Deputy will be aware that on 22 April 2009 I announced a new policy on the management of sex offenders in prison. The new policy document is available on the website of the Irish Prison Service (www.irishprisons.ie). The policy is aimed at bringing about changes in offenders' lives that reduce risk of re-offending and enhance public protection. It forms an integral of the wider range of interventions by criminal justice and community-based agencies. Therapeutic interventions with convicted sex offenders comprise notably one-to-one interventions, offence-related group interventions, approved in-reach services and interventions available to prisoners generally.

Individual therapeutic work with sex offenders serves a number of functions, including support for offenders in their early commitment to change and integration and extension of progress made in group work. It also has a key role in addressing the risks and needs of offenders who are unable to undertake group programmes. Individual counselling is provided in all prisons that accommodate sex offenders by the Psychology Service of the Irish Prison Service and by the Probation Service.

A new programme of group interventions commenced in January 2009. The programme, "Building Better Lives", comprises three modules: exploratory open groups ("Exploring Better Lives"); practice open groups ("Practising Better Lives"), and maintenance groups ("Maintaining Better Lives"). The programme replaces the Sex Offender Programme initiated in 1994 and concluded last year, allowing more responsive and flexible delivery to a greater number of offenders. The programme is delivered in Arbour Hill Prison and offenders will be transferred there from other prisons in order to avail of it. The new approach allows for interventions to take greater account of individual risk, needs and capacity. Higher risk offenders, for example, can spend longer on offence-based work, if necessary.

The number of offenders in each group will average 8. Three exploratory, two practice and two-to-three maintenance groups are envisaged per annum, allowing interventions with up to 60 offenders when fully operational. To date, six offenders have completed the first module and another eight offenders are currently doing so. The practice group will begin shortly.

The Irish Prison Service recognises the potential for community-based services to provide interventions with this group of offenders and is committed to exploring the potential of community and voluntary groups to engage with sex offenders within the prison environment. Their participation will be within the framework described above and require commitments such as liaising with and reporting to the Irish Prison Service. Interventions in 2009 will include motivational enhancement groups provided by the Granada Institute in the Midlands and Wheatfield prisons and interventions with young sex offenders provided by the Northside Inter-Agency Project (NIAP) in St Patrick's Institution. These interventions will be provided with financial support from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Sex offenders will continue to benefit from other group programmes not specifically designed for sex offenders but addressing their needs, including stress management, anger management and cognitive skills training, as well as interventions by visiting psychiatrists.

The compilation of specific statistics relating to the number of sex offenders released in the last 10 years would take an inordinate amount of staff time and could not be justified given other demands on resources. However I would refer the Deputy to the range of statistical information pertaining to sex offenders contained in the significant Discussion Document on the matter which I published in January this year. Furthermore, the Probation Service is at present supervising 109 sex offenders of which 81 have served a custodial sentence prior to commencing supervision. Of the 109 persons under supervision, 22 have received a fully suspended sentence.

The Probation Service carries out formal risk assessments on offenders using validated risk assessment instruments. This informs both the level of supervision and the targets for intervention during supervision. Evidence from research indicates that the higher the level of risk, the greater the level of intervention required. Supervision levels therefore vary depending on the level of assessed risk. Supervision incorporates a multi agency and cross sectorial approach.

Additionally my Department, through the Probation Service, financially supports a broad range of community programmes to support the supervision process. For example, in partnership with the Granada Institute, the Probation Service runs the Lighthouse Sex Offender Treatment Programme. This is a therapeutic group work programme which aims to reduce the risk of re-offending. There are two group work programmes running currently in Dublin and one in Cork. The three programmes offer places to a total on 24 sex offenders at any one time.

The Discussion Document on the management of sex offenders alluded to above sets out a range of enhanced initiatives that will result in more strategic targeting of higher risk offenders by the Gardaí and the Probation Service with the full support of the Irish Prison Service. As part of the management of sex offenders I have asked my Department to examine how we might use electronic monitoring technology to monitor sex offenders during the first six months following release from prison. The Project Board set up to look at this matter — which is led by the Probation Service — is due to report to me in the coming months. In addition, my Department is also examining whether legislation will be necessary to supplement the existing enabling provisions in the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007 should a pilot phase of electronic monitoring be introduced in this jurisdiction for a specific group or groups of offenders, such as sex offenders.

The details of prisoners in custody under sentence for offences of a sexual nature on 5 June, 2009, are detailed in the following table.

Prison

No. Sentenced

Arbour Hill

97

Castlerea

22

Cork

3

Dochas

1

Limerick

2

Midlands

104

Mountjoy

1

St. Patrick’s

3

Wheatfield

92

Total

325

Citizenship Applications.

Sean Fleming

Question:

406 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois will be dealt with. [22964/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have approved the application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person in question and an approval letter informing the applicant of same issued on 27 May 2009.

John O'Mahony

Question:

407 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, who has been able to prove to his Department their Irish heritage, has been refused the right to residency here and served with a deportation order; and if he will state the requirements that need to be met by the applicant in order to regularise their application for residency and citizenship through naturalisation. [22966/09]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that the person referred to by the Deputy has been resident in the State since 2001 and failed to re-register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau during that period as required under section 4 and 5 of the Immigration Act of 2004 . I have further been informed by them that he has not made an application to regularise his status in the State and that neither has he submitted an application for Irish Citizenship during this time. My Department will be in touch with the person referred to by the Deputy with regard to the regularisation of his immigration status in the State.

Garda Stations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

408 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason voicemail facilities are not available on unattended telephones in many Garda stations; and his proposals in this regard. [22988/09]

I have requested this information from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy when it is to hand.

Citizenship Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

409 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received correspondence from the Immigrant Council of Ireland expressing concerns about certain aspects of the naturalisation process, in particular the policy of deferral of decisions and the excessive delay and cost when compared to several other countries; his views on this correspondence and on these concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22995/09]

In a reply to recent correspondence from the Immigrant Council of Ireland I outlined the following:

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended provides that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation, provided certain statutory conditions are fulfilled. In less than one per cent of cases, the Minister may in his absolute discretion defer making a decision on an application for a particular period of time, in order to consider that application further. This deferral is almost always to the advantage of an applicant whose application would otherwise have been refused, allowing them time to establish a more favourable track record. This practice enhances the fairness of the process.

There are currently over 16,000 applications for naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of this Department that are still awaiting a decision. This is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications received in the last number of years. In 2002 there were 3,500 applications whereas in 2008, the number of such applications was 10,885. This upward trend seems set to continue and it is anticipated that applications for naturalisation will increase to over 15,000 in the present year.

Recently, substantial increased resources have been made available to this Department in order to reduce backlogs and provide a better quality service to all applicants. This has also had a positive impact on processing times. The average processing time from application to decision for the generality of valid applications for certificates of naturalisation is now at twenty three months. The Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in late 2007.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks and the time taken waiting for resources to become available to perform those checks.

Upon receipt, an initial examination of each application is carried out to determine that the application form is completed fully and correctly and that all requested supporting documentation has been submitted. Passports and other documentation are then examined in detail and enquiries with the Garda National Immigration Bureau may also be necessary to determine if the applicant meets the statutory residency criteria as set out in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. A significant number of applications are initially found to be invalid for a variety of reasons and these are now being dealt with and returned to the applicant within a week.

Further processing takes place at a later stage and involves assessing an applicant's financial status in respect of their ability to support themselves in the State. Enquiries with the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Social and Family Affairs may be necessary in this regard. Investigations are also undertaken to determine if the applicant can be considered to be of good character. Depending on the complexity of any given case, these processes can take a lengthy time to complete. Once all enquiries are completed, the file is referred to the Minister for a decision.

I am sure that the Deputy will appreciate that a certificate of naturalisation is an exceptional and important document that facilitates a non-national becoming a citizen of Ireland. Therefore, 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. The procedures involved have been developed and refined over a number of years and the Minister is satisfied that they are necessary to maintain the integrity of the naturalisation process.

Certificates of naturalisation are issued on payment of the prescribed fee at the time of certification. Certification fees for citizenship were last changed in 1993. The regulations that came into force on 1 August 2008 were the result of a review of citizenship fees that began some time prior to that date and merely bring the amounts in line with inflation for the period 1993 to 2008. While the fees are designed to reflect the effort and cost involved in processing the different categories of applicant, the current certification fees do not recoup the full cost of processing in any category.

The increased resources that have been allocated to this area have resulted in a considerable improvement in processing times over the past year, even though the number of applications for a certificate of naturalisation has continued to see significant growth. However, as I have pointed out, 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.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

410 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23072/09]

An application for long-term residency by the person referred to by the Deputy was made on 18/11/2008. Officials in the Long-Term Residency section of my Department have advised me that applications from September 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Northern Ireland Issues.

Finian McGrath

Question:

411 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the recent sectarian murder and violence in Northern Ireland with the British Prime Minister. [22130/09]

I condemn the horrific murder of Kevin McDaid in Coleraine on 24 May, in attacks which led to injuries to Mr. McDaid's wife, Evelyn, and severe injury to Damien Fleming. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the McDaid family on their terrible loss and to wish Damien Fleming a full recovery. The PSNI investigation is progressing and has led to a number of arrests, with cases being prepared by the relevant authorities. I would again urge anyone with relevant information to share it immediately with the PSNI.

Sectarianism needs to be confronted by the entire community in Northern Ireland. It cannot be permitted to continue to blight the progress already made. The Government regularly raises its concerns regarding sectarian incidents, and the need to pursue the wider battle against sectarianism, in its ongoing contacts at all levels with the British Government and with the Northern parties. It will continue to do so.

The Government recognises that sectarianism is a threat to lasting peace, but one which must be met if the progress made at political level is to be consolidated and developed. In this context, in February 2008 the Government launched the Anti-Sectarianism Fund with the purpose of assisting local efforts to tackle sectarianism and division in society, and to promote tolerance. The Government remains committed to providing assistance from this Fund, and the Reconciliation Fund also administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, to those working to develop new and effective strategies to build trust and understanding, and to allow people to build genuine relationships while celebrating their diversity.

Foreign Conflicts.

Seán Barrett

Question:

412 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the post-conflict humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka in which thousands of innocent civilians remain trapped in the battle zone with the International Committee of the Red Cross humanitarian workers refused entry to assist them; if he will call on the international community to prepare a package of measures to help Sri Lanka to deal with this crisis; if he will urge the international community to prevail on the Sri Lankan Government to permit access of food, medicine and medical personnel into the internment camps; if he will support EU calls for an independent inquiry into alleged war crimes; if he will press for a mediated just and lasting political solution involving both Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22224/09]

Although the conflict in Sri Lanka has ended, significant humanitarian needs and challenges remain. Almost 300,000 people are now in camps for the displaced, many in very difficult circumstances. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has stated that, in principle, it now has access to all such camps. However, despite the best efforts of the ICRC and other humanitarian organisations, working together with the Sri Lankan Government, urgent needs remain to be addressed, especially in the sectors of shelter, water and sanitation, and food. It is essential that the ICRC, UN agencies and other international humanitarian organisations continue to have unhindered access to all areas where there are displaced people.

In response to the humanitarian crisis, the Government has so far provided over €300,000 in funding to Non-governmental Organisations for emergency relief activities, such as medical and nutrition support, the provision of shelter, and distribution of food and non-food items. In addition, a member of Irish Aid's Rapid Response Corps has been deployed to Sri Lanka to assist in the emergency response effort of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

It is clear that enormous suffering was inflicted on the civilian population in the course of the conflict. EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Sri Lanka at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 18 May. They reiterated the need for all parties to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law and called for the alleged violations of these laws to be investigated through an independent inquiry. This call was repeated by the EU Presidency at a Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 26 and 27 May at which Ireland also called for an independent inquiry. I would see any inquiry as one element in the overall response of the international community to the post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction of Sri Lanka. It should be coupled with increased humanitarian relief efforts and by a longer-term focus on reconstruction, economic and social development, and the restoration of basic services.

An inclusive reconciliation and peace process must be initiated, based on the principles of parity of esteem, consent, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights. I welcome President Rajapakse's stated intention to pursue a negotiated settlement with the Tamil community and very much hope that this can begin at an early date. It will be essential that arrangements and mechanisms are in place to ensure the representation of the Tamil population. As I have stated previously, should the relevant parties seek our advice in relation to the peace process, we would be happy to consider any such request.

Overseas Development Aid.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

413 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent on overseas aid for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22554/09]

In 2008, the Government spent €918 million on Official Development Assistance (ODA). Of this total, €768 million was administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, through Irish Aid. The remaining €150 million was administered by other Government Departments, primarily for Ireland's allocation of the EU Development Cooperation budget, contributions by the Department of Finance to the World Bank Group, and contributions by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.

This level of expenditure on ODA last year amounted to 0.58% of GNP, making Ireland the sixth most generous aid donor internationally, and the fifth most generous in the European Union, in per capita terms. The Government continues to work towards achieving the target of spending 0.7% of GNP on ODA in 2012. We are already well ahead of most of our EU partners in making progress on the EU commitment to reach the 0.7% target by 2015.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

414 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22669/09]

The Department of Foreign Affairs taxi policy is based on the principle that taxi use by officers should only take place where it is clearly required for the conduct of official business. The policy operated by my Department provides that taxis may be used for official business when public transport is not available or feasible and when officers are required, because of work or official travel commitments, to travel early in the morning or late at night. Officers frequently need to use taxis when travelling to and from airports, when travelling abroad on official business, particularly to locations where public transport is either unavailable or unsafe. The Department's Missions abroad also need to use taxis on a regular basis, particularly in locations in developing countries where taxi use is often the only viable means of transport.

This policy provides a balance between the need to minimise the cost to the exchequer while recognising that the particular nature of the Department's work will, inevitably, require continued use of taxis. The Department's expenditure on taxi usage is monitored and was recently the subject of an internal review. This has resulted in a reduction in the use of taxis, as reflected in the figures below. I am confident that the Department will continue to make savings over the course of the current year. The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following table.

2007

2008

2009 (Jan-May)

Headquarters

253,213

269,750

79,254

Missions Abroad

189,695

174,803

56,577

The figures for Headquarters show expenditure on taxis by the Department in both Limerick and Dublin (in Dublin, the Department has accounts with two taxi companies), as well as expenditure incurred by officials of the Department travelling overseas on official business. The figures for the Department's 75 missions abroad (Embassies, Consulates and other offices) show expenditure on taxis by officers assigned abroad.

Phil Hogan

Question:

415 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22883/09]

My Department is responsible for operating the Irish diplomatic network of 75 Missions overseas. The transfer of funds to operate these Missions, whose aggregate running costs amount to approximately €70 million per annum, incurs unavoidable banking charges. In addition, there are banking charges incurred by the Passport Office when accepting credit card payments from citizens for passport services.

The Irish Aid programme, which is managed by the Development Cooperation Division of my Department, also incurs banking charges on the transfer of funds to the various Irish Aid programme countries and recipients. In 2008, the total programme expenditure of Irish Aid amounted to €734 million.

The following table sets out details of banking charges incurred by my Department, in Ireland, over the past three years.

2006

2007

2008

Allied Irish Banks Plc

40,384

39,534

42,300

American Express Ireland Ltd

705

1,210

1,013

Bank of Ireland

6,455

14,403

14,436

Citibank

1,279

6,243

Local Government Computer Services Board (LGCSB)*

19,079

21,907

16,113

Total

66,623

78,333

80,105

*Payments made through the LGCSB to Realex for discounted fees for credit card transactions in respect of passport applications.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

416 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22897/09]

The Department of Foreign Affairs maintains a stock of bottled water for use at meetings and other official events which take place at headquarters. The amount spent by the Department on bottled water for such events over the past three years is as follows: 2006 — €3,780; 2007 — €5,597; 2008 — €4,154; 2009 (to date) — €1,624.

Human Rights Issues.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

417 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will investigate media reports regarding the execution of gay men in Iraq; if he will raise Ireland’s concerns with the Iraqi Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22912/09]

I am aware of some disturbing reports in early April this year, alleging the detention of numbers of Iraqi men, on the grounds of their sexual orientation, with suggestions that they are to be executed. The situation in Iraq is, of course, complex and I understand that international NGOs have been unable to get confirmation that these men are in custody, what charges they may be held on, or whether they are facing execution.

Ireland does not have diplomatic representation on the ground in Baghdad but I have asked my officials to engage in fact-finding with EU member states and other concerned parties and we will continue to follow this matter closely. The EU has repeatedly affirmed the principle of non-discrimination, which requires that human rights apply equally to every human being, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Ireland joins with the EU in rejecting and condemning any manifestation of homophobia as a blatant violation of human dignity.

I am deeply concerned by all violations of human rights, including those based on sexual orientation and, in particular, the recourse to the death penalty on such grounds. I very much welcomed the de facto suspension of the death penalty which had been observed in Iraq from August 2007 until very recently. It is regrettable that this moratorium appears to have ended and executions resumed, with the carrying out of death sentences against 12 individuals in Kadhamiyah Prison on 3 May. I strongly support the European Union's call for the resumption of this suspension, pending legal abolition of the death penalty in Iraq.

Along with our EU partners, Ireland will continue to support steps by the Iraqi authorities to protect and promote human rights for all Iraqis. Human rights issues are likely to be one of the principal issues addressed in the EU's future political dialogue with Iraq. Arrangements for such political dialogue will form one of the main provisions of the proposed Partnership and Cooperation Agreement currently under discussion between the EU and Iraq.

More generally, the EU continues to be actively engaged in efforts within the United Nations to tackle racism and discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation. The French Presidency delivered a statement at the UN General Assembly debate in December 2008 in which the EU urged States to take all necessary measures to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity should under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detentions.

Most recently, the Czech Presidency issued a declaration on behalf of the EU on the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia on 17 May, expressing concerns about violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in particular the use of death penalty on these grounds, the practice of torture or other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, arbitrary arrest or detention, denying the right to peaceful assembly, and deprivation of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health.

Martin Ferris

Question:

418 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the latest reports on human rights abuses in prison camps in North Korea; if he has had representations from human rights groups on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22920/09]

I am aware of recent reports from a range of reliable sources, including the US State Department, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, about prison conditions in North Korea. To date, my Department has not received representations from human rights groups regarding these recent reports.

I am gravely concerned about the evidence which exists that serious human rights violations, including the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment, as well as appalling living conditions, are systemic in the North Korean prison system. My concerns extend also to the grounds upon which severe prison sentences are imposed, not only on individuals, but also on their family members, including children. These issues — and others relating to human rights violations — are raised bilaterally with the North Korean authorities by our Ambassador in Seoul, who is accredited to North Korea, during his regular visits to the North. They have also been raised by senior officials visiting from my Department. Our representations have been met with strong denials and accusations of interference in North Korea's international affairs.

North Korea broke off the human rights dialogue which the EU initiated with it some years ago, after the EU had spearheaded the successful move in the UN's Human Rights Council to have a Special Rapporteur on Human Rights appointed for North Korea. EU meetings with North Korea continue to take place and human rights concerns, including issues relating to prisoners, are always raised by the EU side. The most recent such meeting, at senior official level, took place during an EU Troika visit to Pyongyang from 21-23 March 2009. Other EU countries, including Ireland, continue to raise human rights issues in bilateral contacts with North Korea.

North Korea has consistently refused to recognise, or to co-operate in any way with, the Human Rights Council's Special Rapporteur on Human Rights for North Korea, Vitit Muntarbhorn. The country's human rights record will be subject to review under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism of the Human Rights Council in December 2009. Ireland will be actively involved in this review.

Nuclear Safety.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

419 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been at least eight radioactive leaks from radioactive waste storage facilities at a British naval base at Faslane, Scotland, during the past ten years; if he has discussed the potential danger this may present for Ireland with any member of the British Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23076/09]

The Government is aware of reports from the relevant UK authorities of a number of leaks of radioactive material into the Firth of Clyde, Scotland, from the Faslane naval base in recent years. The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) has advised that ongoing environmental monitoring by them and other agencies shows no evidence of an increase in radioactivity concentrations in the Irish Sea that could be attributable to releases from the base in question. The RPII's environmental monitoring programme has been in place for a number of decades. It is a comprehensive, robust and well developed programme which is designed to detect any anomalies that might arise as a result of radioactive leaks into the Irish Sea. As such it offers a high level of confidence that any anomalies resulting from the Faslane leaks would be detected.

In view of the RPII advice, the specific issue of radiation releases at Faslane has not been raised with the British authorities in our ongoing contacts with them. These contacts have been expanded and enhanced significantly in recent years and issues of concern to the Government are raised with the British authorities in this framework of enhanced co-operation.

The Government takes seriously the issue of any actual or potential radioactive contamination of the Irish Sea by UK nuclear installations. This is evidenced by our continuing efforts to bring about the decommissioning and closure of the Sellafield plant in Cumbria, as well as our work through the Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) to achieve progressive and substantial reductions of radioactive discharges into the Irish Sea. OSPAR is one of a number of international bodies through which the Government seeks continuing improvements in nuclear safety and radiological protection. In addition, Ireland's strong stance on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament is well known internationally and I and my officials underline it at all appropriate fora.

Arts Funding.

Finian McGrath

Question:

420 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will support a person (details supplied). [22131/09]

My Department does not provide grants for the specific type of funding requirement as described by the Deputy. Funding decisions including bursaries are a matter for the Arts Council.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

421 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the nature of the projects for which grants were secured by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann during the past five years; the location of said projects, their construction status and ownership structure; if he will supply a copy of the grant applications as received and processed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22360/09]

In 2004, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann launched a five-year Capital Development Programme with the aim of enhancing its network of regional development resource centres and outreach centres around the country, in order to build on and support its existing activities.

Stemming from this agreed Capital Development Programme and following consultations with the Department of Finance and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs my Department paid capital grants to the value of €15.6m in respect of works to the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann projects listed in the table below during the period 2005 to 2008. The table also sets out the location, construction status and ownership status of each project.

Project

County

Type

Owner/Leased

Construction Status

Clasac, Clontarf

Dublin

Regional Centre

Lease from Dublin City Council

Complete

Cultúrlann, Monkstown

Dublin

Regional Centre

Owner occupier

Ongoing

Dundalk Gaol

Louth

Regional Centre

Lease from Louth Co. Co.

Ongoing

Cois na hAbha, Ennis

Clare

Regional Centre

Owner occupier

Complete

Coleman Centre, Gurteen

Sligo

Regional Centre

Leasehold

Complete

Brú Ború, Cashel

Tipperary

Regional Centre

Leasehold

Ongoing

Dún Uladh, Omagh

Tyrone

Regional Centre

Owner occupier

Complete

St Senan’s, Kilrush

Clare

Outreach Centre

Leasehold

Complete

Morrison Cottage, Riverstown

Sligo

Outreach Centre

Leasehold

Complete

Brú na Sí, Youghal

Cork

Outreach Centre

Leasehold

Complete

Dún na Sí, Moate

Westmeath

Outreach Centre

Owner occupier

Complete

Ceolann, Lixnaw

Kerry

Outreach Centre

Owner occupier

Complete

It is not the usual practice of my Department to attach copies of grant applications to PQ replies. However, if there is information which the Deputy requires in relation to any specific element of the application or assessment process I would be prepared to consider a request for such information.

Community Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

422 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will make particular or specific allocations to address the issues of social deprivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22443/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

423 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will give particular consideration to the allocation of funding to address social and recreational needs in inner city areas such as north-central Dublin, with particular reference to the provision of after-school recreational activities and facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22444/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 422 and 423 together.

While it does not fall within the direct ambit of the Department to allocate Voted Exchequer funds for the specific purpose of addressing social deprivation a number of the Department's various funding schemes and programmes in the sports and arts sectors contribute to this goal indirectly by providing financial assistance for the development of arts and sports infrastructures at the local, regional and national levels. These schemes and programmes have particular regard to applications for funding in respect of disadvantaged areas throughout the country.

For example, the Department's Sports Capital Programme (SCP) targets and prioritises projects identified as being located in areas designated as disadvantaged, or as serving disadvantaged areas, including RAPID and Local Drugs Task Force areas. In particular, such projects are permitted to have a lower level of minimum own funding available towards their projects, and they can also receive extra marks during the assessment process. Through these measures, the SCP has invested more than €146 million in designated disadvantaged areas. Under the 2008 SCP, 265 projects from disadvantaged areas were allocated funding of €16.8 million. Full details of these projects are available on the Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

424 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which he will target areas of social deprivation in the context of provision of grants for major sporting and recreational facilities in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22445/09]

My Department is currently finalising a five-year strategic plan to inform the future development of necessary sporting facilities throughout the country. The aim of the strategy is to provide high-level policy direction for future investment and grant assistance at national, regional and local level. The strategy also identifies the wider economic, health and social case for continued investment in sports facilities. It aims to prioritise areas for future investment and to ensure continued impact in the relevant areas. The strategy will also take into account the results of the National Audit of Sports Facilities, which is ongoing at the moment.

The National Sports Facilities Strategy will address future sports facility funding and provision and will inform future rounds of the Sports Capital Programme. One of the stated aims and objectives of the existing programme is to prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of facilities. Since 2002, those areas that have been designated by Government for special support through the schemes administered by Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, i.e. RAPID, Local Drugs Task Force (LDTF) and CLÁR areas are treated as disadvantaged under the programme.

Projects identified as being located in areas designated as disadvantaged are targeted and prioritised in a number of ways during the assessment of applications. They are permitted to have a lower level of minimum own funding available towards their project and extra marks are also awarded to such projects during the assessment process by the application of socioeconomic disadvantage criterion. Indeed under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme, I was happy to reduce the level of own funding required by applicants from RAPID and Local Drugs Task Force areas to 10% from 20%. This is in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government. Successful projects under the Sports Capital Programme RAPID areas may also qualify to receive top-up funding of up to 30% of their Sports Capital allocation, payable by the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, in addition to their sports capital allocation.

Arts Funding.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

425 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his proposals to generate interest and support for the arts throughout urban and rural communities with particular reference to the implementation of measures to address emerging needs in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22446/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

427 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans for the promotion of the arts in urban and rural areas throughout County Kildare in the course of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22448/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 425 and 427 together.

Government Policy on the Arts is set out in the Programme for Government and is elaborated further in my Department's Statement of Strategy. My policy on the arts is to promote and strengthen the arts in all its forms, increase access to and participation in the arts, and make the arts an integral and valued part of our national life. The State appreciates and values the contribution the arts sector makes to the internationally renowned artistic reputation of this country. Within the current economic constraints, that investment in the arts, culture and creative sectors is more important than ever due to the employment intensity of the sector.

The Arts Council is the State agency charged primarily with the promotion and funding of the arts. I continue to monitor and review the resources at my disposal to facilitate the Council in its vital work so as to enable it to provide ongoing support and encouragement to the arts in its various forms at local and national level.

Tourism Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

426 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he will issue any particular direction or instructions to encourage the tourism industry in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22447/09]

There is no doubt that 2009 will be a very difficult year for tourism globally. Nevertheless it is important to remember that, despite the downturn, millions of people across the world will still take holidays this year. I know that the industry and the tourism agencies are fighting hard for every bit of this business. To assist the tourism sector through this current difficult period, an extensive range of marketing, product development, festival and sporting events, training and business supports are being rolled out by the Tourism State Agencies under the Tourism Services budget of the Department. For example, despite cutbacks in public expenditure, the core overseas marketing spend has been maintained in 2009 at over €47 million, in recognition of the key contribution which tourism makes to the Irish economy.

Tourism Ireland is telling customers in key markets that Ireland is easily accessible and offers great value for money at present, as well as rolling out its new destination campaign "Go Where Ireland Takes You". I am assured that Tourism Ireland is keeping all of its marketing programmes for 2009 under review to ensure they maintain the flexibility and responsiveness that is required.

On the domestic front, Fáilte Ireland has committed to its largest ever campaign to promote home holidays in 2009, on foot of research indicating that more Irish people will consider swapping their overseas trips for breaks in Ireland. Fáilte Ireland is also working closely with tourism businesses all over Ireland, supporting enterprises and helping them to achieve real cost savings and efficiencies.

While I know that our businesses and tourism agencies are responding positively to current challenges, it is just as important that the strategic framework for tourism development responds to the changing environment. Accordingly, I established the Tourism Renewal Group, which has been tasked with reviewing and, where appropriate, renewing the current tourism strategy to ensure that it is focused for the short term and, looking further ahead, that the tourist industry is well placed to benefit from the upturn when it comes. I expect the Group to report back to me in the near future with recommendations in the form of a Framework for Action for the period to 2013.

The industry deserves great credit for its commitment to quality in responding to the current challenging economic conditions through more flexible pricing and offering special value offers and packages. I am confident that, with the support of the agencies, the tourism sector here has the capacity to manage the current cyclical slowdown and that, looking further ahead, the Renewal Group's Review will help the sector to return to sustainable growth in the medium term.

Question No. 427 answered with Question No. 425.

Sports Capital Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

428 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his plans to offer grant aid to the various applicants that have applied for assistance for major and minor sporting and recreational facilities throughout County Kildare in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22449/09]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. Over 7,400 projects providing a range of essential sports facilities have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998 bringing the total allocation in that time to over €725 million. While grantees, including grantees in Kildare, in receipt of allocations under previous rounds of the Programme continue to draw down funding in 2009, no decision has been taken about the timing of future rounds of the Programme.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

429 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he, directly or in conjunction with other relevant Government Departments, has received any indication from local community groups or other interested parties in the matter of development of recreational facilities at Donadea Forest Park, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22451/09]

Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department, funding is allocated towards the provision of sports facilities at national, regional and local level. The Guidelines, Terms and Condition of the Programme specify that only projects with a clear sporting aspect are considered for funding. There is no record in my Department of any application under the Programme having been received in respect of the facility in question.

Departmental Expenditure.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

430 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he grant-aided a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the extent of same; if he on behalf of the taxpayer has, or has sought, a lien on that property; if he has an independent representative on the board; if conditions were attached to the State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22546/09]

In 2004, the group referred to by the Deputy launched a five-year Capital Development Programme with the aim of enhancing its network of regional development resource centres and outreach centres around the country in order to build on and support its existing activities. Stemming from the agreed Capital Development Programme my Department paid out capital grants to the value of €372,012 in respect of works at the project referred to in the Deputy's question since 2005.

The letter of offer contains a number of conditions that are required to be completed for all projects in receipt of grant aid under the Cultural Infrastructure programme. The Minister does not seek to have a representative on the board of projects receiving funding under the Cultural Infrastructure programme. One of the conditions for all projects where the amount of grant aid exceeds €300,000 is that the Minister be given a lien on the property for the value of the grant. The Chief State Solicitors Office is currently processing a legal agreement in respect of this project which will give the Minister such a lien for a period of at least 22 years. This is expected to be completed shortly.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

431 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22661/09]

The amount spent by the Department on the use of taxis for the period in question is set out in the following table:

Year

Amount

2007

25,590

2008

23,425

2009 (to date)

7,365

Expenditure on taxis is kept under constant review in the Department and under the terms of the Department's Travel and Subsistence Expenses Policy, officials may only avail of taxis in circumstances where no other form of transport is available or suitable. The amount spent on the use of taxis by the Agencies under the aegis of the Department is a matter for the Agencies themselves.

Sports Capital Programme.

John McGuinness

Question:

432 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when payment will be made to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kilkenny under the sports capital programme. [22704/09]

The organisation in question was provisionally allocated €175,000 under the Sports Capital Programme in 2006 for dressing rooms only. The guidelines, terms and conditions for the programme specify that the Department will pay grants in stages as an approved project proceeds by reimbursing the applicant's costs when they submit original, paid, valid invoices or certificates of payment. The Department typically pays 70% of the value of the valid paid invoices submitted. In addition, the Department reserves 5% of the grant pending confirmation from a consultant or architect that the facility has been satisfactorily completed in all respects and that the defects liability period has expired. In the case of the grantee in question, the Department has already authorised the payment of €98,000 on 27 May 2009 on foot of the valid, paid invoices received to date. In order for the balance of the funding to be drawn down, subject to the retention arrangements already outlined, it is necessary that additional valid, paid invoices for works carried out in respect of the dressing rooms be submitted.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

433 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22876/09]

In June 2005, my Department outsourced its accounts payable function to the Financial Shared Services Centre of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform as part of the development of the Management Information Framework. As part of this transfer of functions, my Department proceeded to close all commercial and other bank accounts and therefore my Department has incurred no banking charges over the last three years in respect of commercial or other accounts.

My Department has eight active credit cards for officers who may be called upon to incur expenditure in the course of official Departmental duties. These credit cards carry an annual credit card fee of €200 each. The Financial Shared Services Centre incurs commission charges on foreign payments made on behalf of my Department which are in turn charged to my Vote. The total of these commission charges from 2006 to 2009 (year to date) was €2,210.45.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

434 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22890/09]

The Department took occupancy of a new building in Killarney in December 2008 that utilises a filtered water system for staff, which eliminates the requirement for bottled water. Prior to that, the amount spent by the Department on bottled water across all our buildings is as follows:

Year

National Archives Use

Departmental Offices Use

Total Amount

2007

4,663

6,514

11,177

2008

5,095

7,725

12,820

2009 (to date)

2,127

1,029

3,156

Bottled water costs at the National Archives covers the provision of water for public consumption given the nature of its activities. In addition, it should be noted that the Department's temporary accommodation at Fossa, Killarney was in a converted business premises which required bottled water to be available as no alternative drinking water source was available.

Charities Act.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

435 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reporting obligations in terms of annual accounts and assets of religious orders under the Charities Act 2009; if these returns are to be made publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22739/09]

The Charities Act 2009, which was signed into law on 28 February 2009, demonstrates the Government's commitment to deliver reform of the law relating to charities to ensure accountability and protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud. The Act is intended to boost public confidence in the sector through increased transparency and proportionate regulation. It will provide a legislative framework for better administration of charitable organisations.

On commencement, section 47 of the Act provides that every registered charity will be required to keep proper books of accounts. Furthermore, section 48 provides that registered charities, apart from those explicitly exempted in the Act, will be required to provide an "annual statement of accounts" to a new Charities Regulatory Authority. The detail as to what should be contained in the annual statement of accounts is to be prescribed in regulations made by the Minister. Incorporated charities will continue to be subject to the relevant accounts and audit requirements under company law. To avoid imposing a dual filing obligation on such entities, the Companies Registration Office will forward such accounts to the new authority.

Under section 50, any charity that is required to provide an annual statement of accounts to the new authority will, if its annual income or expenditure is below a threshold to be prescribed by the Minister, up to a maximum of €500,000, be required to have its accounts examined by an independent person. If the annual income or expenditure of a charity is above the prescribed threshold, it will be required to provide audited accounts to the new authority. There is also a reserve power in section 53(4) for the authority to require a charity whose income or expenditure is below the threshold to have its accounts audited.

In addition, section 52 of the Act provides that all registered charities will be required to provide an "annual report" on their charitable activities to the new authority and attach the annual statement of accounts thereto, where applicable. Section 54 provides that both the annual report and any documents attached thereto will be made available for public inspection. Section 39 further provides that the authority shall also cause to be established and maintained a "register of charities" that shall be available to the public, including on the Internet. The register will contain a broad range of information, both financial and otherwise, on any charity that raises funds from the public.

The present position is that the Charities Act 2009, which is a substantial piece of legislation, has not yet been commenced. There is a considerable body of work to be undertaken in preparation for statutory regulation and my Department is currently finalising an implementation plan in that regard. This plan will ensure that the essential elements are in place to enable the introduction at the appropriate time of the statutory regulatory framework provided for in the Act. In other countries, it has taken a number of years after enactment of the legislation for the new regulatory system for charities to be fully introduced. This is likely to be the case in Ireland too. I should inform the Deputy that I have initiated an examination of the feasibility of commencing some individual provisions in the Act at an early date, subject to legal advice.

School Closures.

Dan Neville

Question:

436 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make a statement regarding a school (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22218/09]

I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that the school referred to by the Deputy was established by a company limited by guarantee over ten years ago. The údarás provided support in the form of a building leased to the company and grants in excess of €150,000. However, this special purpose school closed after five years. The building in which the school was located has since been leased to another business and is no longer available. The údarás has informed me that, as in the case of all projects, the matter of re-establishing such a school would have to be assessed in terms of funding and viability, value for money and benefit to the area. It would also have to be in line with the organisation's statutory functions regarding developing and maintaining industries and productive schemes in the Gaeltacht. The údarás has not received any application in respect of the re-establishment of the school referred to by the Deputy.

Forbairt Fostaíochta.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

437 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Dinny McGinley den Aire Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta cé mhéad monarchan atá lonnaithe i gceantar Bhaile na Finne, Contae Dhún na nGall, agus cad é an líon daoine atá fostaithe i ngach ceann acu. [22287/09]

Tá sé curtha in iúl dom ag Údarás na Gaeltachta go bhfuil 6 ionad gnó san iomlán ar Eastát Gnó an Údaráis i mBaile na Finne sa Ghaeltacht Láir. Tá gnóthaí lonnaithe i dtrí cinn dóibh sin faoi láthair agus gnó nua innealtóireachta le tosú sa cheathrú ceann go luath. Chomh maith leis sin, tá trí theach iompaithe ina n-ionaid gnó agus gnóthaí seirbhíse lonnaithe iontu. Tá na sonraí maidir le líon na bhfostaithe sna gnóthaí éagsúla á réiteach ag an Údarás faoi láthair agus cuirfear na sonraí sin díreach chuig an Teachta a luaithe is féidir.

Rural Social Scheme.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

438 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the overall budget for the rural social scheme for 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22327/09]

Expenditure under the Rural Social Scheme for 2007, including both capital and current elements, was €47.675 million. The equivalent figure for 2008 was €49.316 million. In each of these years, the respective expenditure figures included €16 million provided under the Dormant Accounts fund. Funding of €49.401 million is provided for the scheme for 2009. Funding for 2010 will be finalised in the context of the annual Estimates process for next year.

Grant Payments.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

439 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the nature of the projects for which grants were secured by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann during the past five years; the location of said projects, their construction status and their ownership structure; if he will supply a copy of the grant applications as received and processed by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22359/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, my Department provides core funding to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to enable it to promote the use of Irish within the organisation and in its activities. This funding also assists Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to meet its administrative costs and to maintain its headquarters. The amount of core funding provided for the period 2005-09 is as follows:

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

€560,000

€575,000

€600,000

€630,000

€607,200*

The 2009 figure includes an allocation of €55,000 in respect of costs relating to the Brú Ború Centre in Cashel. It also includes an amount of €27,600 in respect of the Coleman Heritage Centre. Annual allocations of €30,000 had been provided separately for the Centre in 2006, 2007 and 2008. The funding for 2009 has been subsumed into the core funding provision. My Department has also provided current funding to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann as set out in the following table for the period 2006-09 in respect of a development programme being advanced by it on a regional basis:

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Regional Development Programme

€865,000

€950,000

€1,249,928

€1,343,200

This funding was provided on foot of a policy decision made following a composite approach from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann to the Minister for Finance in November 2005 seeking both current and capital funding over this period for its proposed regional development programme. In this regard, I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 109 of 29 April 2009 in which I indicated that capital funding in respect of the development of regional centres by the organisation is provided by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism, while my Department provides related current funding. I am arranging to have a copy of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann's aforementioned letter of November 2005 sent directly to the Deputy. In light of the foregoing, the Deputy will appreciate that information in relation to the location of the specific projects involved in the regional development programme, their construction status and their ownership structure is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism.

National Drugs Strategy.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

440 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the names of the residents’ associations in Dublin 8 which received funding from the south inner city drugs task force in 2007, 2008 and 2009; the amount of money that was allocated for each association for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22366/09]

The South Inner City Local Drugs Task Force includes the Dublin 8 area. Funding has been provided through the Task Force to the following groups in that area:

Project

Nature of funding

2007 Exp.

2008 Exp.

Alloc. 2009 (Jan-June)

Mercy Family Centre

Family Support Worker

46,370

54,000

27,000

Whitefriar St. Community Centre

Family Support Worker

46,608

48,554

24,277

CAP Oliver Bond

Family Support Worker

43,176

64,271

32,136

Fountain Resource Group

Project Manager & Counselling

20,253

83,873

41,937

Donore Community Drug Team

Manager, Counsellor, Outreach workers & Admin.

180,530

192,807

96,404

Community Response

Family Support & Drug Addiction Programme

50,374

54,961

27,481

SWICN

Education Worker & Support Worker

66,135

107,529

53,765

Marrowbone Lane Residents/Tenants Associations

Support for activities

0

13,330

6,666

School Street & Thomas Court Bawn Residents Association

Support for activities

0

16,154

8,077

Michael Mallin Residents Association

Support for activities

0

6,665

3,333

Community Awareness of Drugs

Two part-time tutors & Development worker

83,154

99,171

49,586

School St. & Thomas Court Family Resource Centre

Project Leader

36,825

55,574

27,787

Community Development.

Joan Burton

Question:

441 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his intentions towards the community development groups; the number of community development projects there are in each county; the number of them that are limited companies; the funding they get; his proposals in relation to their future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22403/09]

All projects funded under the Community Development Programme are either companies limited by guarantee in their own right or, in the case of a small number of projects, are hosted by a company limited by guarantee. The number of Community Development Projects/groups funded under the Community Development Programme per county for 2009 is set out in the table that follows this reply.

Following the recent supplementary budget, the allocation for the Community Development Programme for 2009 is €20.9 million. As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is undertaking a review of the Community Development Programme. There is an ongoing need to ensure that resources are directed in a targeted and effective manner and that we are constantly subjecting our activities to critical appraisal. In that way, we can continue to ensure that those we work to assist will receive the maximum benefit.

County

No. of funded groups under the Community Development Programme: 2009

Carlow

1

Cavan

2

Clare

3

Cork

15

Donegal

10

Dublin

70

Galway

10

Kerry

5

Kildare

3

Kilkenny

1

Laois

1

Leitrim

2

Limerick

10

Longford

1

Louth

3

Mayo

10

Meath

2

Monaghan

3

Offaly

2

Roscommon

2

Sligo

2

Tipperary

5

Waterford

7

Westmeath

2

Wexford

6

Wicklow

6

Total

184

Decentralisation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

442 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position with regard to the decentralisation of his Department to Charlestown County Mayo; the amount that has been spent to date on temporary accommodation for the staff transferring; if funding has been committed and confirmed by the Department of Finance for the purchase of the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22406/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, under the Decentralisation Programme it has been agreed that the headquarters of my Department will relocate to Charlestown, County Mayo. The programme is well advanced in my Department. From a total of 140 staff due to decentralise, 100 have now relocated to an interim location in Tubbercurry, County Sligo, where two properties are being leased by the OPW to accommodate the staff concerned. I understand from the OPW that the cost of leasing both properties in Tubbercurry is just under €175,000 per year, while fit-out costs to date for both buildings have amounted to some €402,000. In relation to the acquisition of a permanent site for my Department's headquarters at Charlestown, I am advised that the OPW is liaising with the Department of Finance on the purchase of such a site, including the commitment of funding in this regard.

Michael Ring

Question:

443 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when his Department was first approached with regard to the possibility of an alternative decentralisation site in Kiltimagh, County Mayo; if the property developer who approached his Department has ever received funds from his Department in the context of schemes under the scope of his Department’s remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22408/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

444 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the site identified as a possible decentralisation location in Kiltimagh, County Mayo, is owned by a company previously funded by his Department; if his Department has had dealings with the construction of this building or a leasing agreement with the owners or occupiers of this building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22409/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 443 and 444 together.

I can confirm to the Deputy that IRD Kiltimagh Limited, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Cairn International Trade Centre Limited, wrote to my Department in July 2008 offering accommodation and workspace at the Cairn International Trade Centre, Kiltimagh, County Mayo, which was being developed at the time. My Department was again approached in April 2009 in relation to this matter. I am arranging to have copies of both letters forwarded directly to the Deputy for his information. I should add that IRD Kiltimagh Limited approached the Minister for Finance on the matter in April. These approaches were made in the context of the proposed relocation of my Department's headquarters to County Mayo under the Decentralisation Programme.

In relation to the provision of funding from my Department to the property developer in this case, I understand that IRD Kiltimagh Limited acted as the agent of the Western Rural Development Company, which was the entity previously contracted by my Department to administer the LEADER programmes and Rural Social Scheme in East Mayo and to which my Department provided funding in the normal way for those purposes. Following the cohesion process, these contracts are now held by Mayo North East LEADER Partnership Teo.

In relation to the issue of funding from within the ambit of my Department for the development at Cairn International Trade Centre, I understand that IRD Kiltimagh Limited approved two grants under the LEADER+ programme 2000-2006 of €12,000 and €9,675 respectively towards a feasibility study and marketing project in respect of the property concerned. I am advised that the Western Development Commission approved a loan of €1 million to IRD Kiltimagh Limited towards the construction of Cairn International Trade Centre. This loan is repayable in 2013. I am further advised that, as security on this loan, the commission has a first charge on certain assets of IRD Kiltimagh Limited.

In relation to the construction of the building, I understand that the commission's conditions that were attached to the loan required, inter alia, that a fixed price contract be put in place for the construction of the building to guard against cost overruns and to protect their investment. I can confirm that my Department has had no direct dealings with the construction of this building nor has it entered into any leasing agreement with the owners or occupiers of the building. As I previously informed the House, it was decided that the OPW should examine the property in question on foot of the approach made to the Department of Finance regarding the turn-key potential of the building. I emphasise again that this is a prudent response on the part of the OPW and implies no decision.

Departmental Expenditure.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

445 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he grant-aided a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the extent of same; if he on behalf of the taxpayer has, or has sought, a lien on that property; if he has an independent representative on the board; if conditions were attached to the State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22547/09]

A grant of €55,200 in respect of current expenditure was sanctioned by my Department, under Ciste na Gaeilge, for 2009 to the organisation concerned in the Deputy's Question. Organisations in receipt of such funding are required to fulfil a number of conditions, including providing an annual business plan and annual audited accounts. As the funding is in respect of current expenditure, the issue of a lien on property does not arise. The day-to-day running of an organisation funded under Ciste na Gaeilge is strictly a matter for the organisation. Consequently, my Department is not involved in the day-to-day operations or management of such organisations. The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that it would not be appropriate for my Department to seek the appointment of an independent representative on the board of the organisation concerned.

National Day of Volunteering.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

446 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans for the National Day of Volunteering 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22549/09]

My Department funds a network of 21 volunteer centres across the country, in Donegal, Galway, Sligo, Limerick City, Kerry, Wicklow, Kildare, Carlow, Dublin City South, Tallaght, Cork, Westmeath, Drogheda, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Dublin City North, west Limerick, south Tipperary, Monaghan, Meath and Mayo. These centres provide a valuable service in promoting and co-ordinating voluntary activities throughout Ireland.

The "Give it a Swirl" day is an initiative promoted by Volunteer Centres Ireland through the network of volunteer centres, as part of the National Day of Volunteering. It is an excellent example of an innovative approach to encouraging people of all ages and from all walks of life — individuals, families, community groups and businesses — to become involved in a hands-on volunteer project in their local community. The events countrywide include activities such as community clean-ups, tree planting, decorating homes for the elderly and painting murals. Further details on events planned for the Deputy's constituency would be available from his local volunteer centre. Finally, I should mention that the Steering Group on Active Citizenship established by the Taoiseach is considering options for national initiatives and events in support of volunteering.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

447 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22663/09]

My Department spent €25,778 on the use of taxis in 2007, spent €23,672 in 2008 and has spent €7,151 to date in 2009. Details of such expenditure in the years in question communicated to my Department by agencies and bodies funded from my Department's Vote Group are set out in the following table:

Agency or Body

2007

2008

2009 to date

Western Development Commission

1,562

1,673

519

Waterways Ireland*

458

210

173

Oifig Choimisinéir na dTeangacha Oifigiúla**

***

286

168

Commissioners for Charitable Donations & Bequests

374

427

117

Foras na Gaeilge

3,706

3,971

1,275

Údarás na Gaeltachta****

1,164

4,796

1,219

Tha Boord o’ Ulster-Scotch

STG£136

STG£87

STG£42

*Any associated sterling costs were converted at annual average spot rate.

**An independent statutory office.

***Payments in respect of 2007 were incorporated into Departmental figures.

****Based on computer printout.

Departmental Programmes.

Michael Ring

Question:

448 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a section was deferred from a grant programme (details supplied); when this decision was made; and the persons who made this decision. [22750/09]

The Deputy will be aware that Local Action Groups contracted to deliver the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 are companies limited by guarantee. Each individual group allocates project funding on the basis of detailed local development strategies and following extensive evaluation and approval processes. In line with the bottom-up nature of the LEADER approach, the Group is the principle decision-maker in the allocation of project funding. My Department does not have any role to play in this regard. In the case in question, I understand that the Group has decided that self-catering accommodation projects are not a priority for them in 2009. The situation will be reviewed by them in 2010.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

449 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22878/09]

Bank charges paid by my Department from 2006 to end of May 2009 are set out in the table:

2006

2007

2008

2009 to end May

1,443

1,357

2,083

1,065

These charges consist of a quarterly account maintenance charge of €5.08 and transaction charges in respect of specific items such as direct debits, automated money transfers, cheques, and file processing.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

450 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22892/09]

Details of the amount of money spent by my Department each year in the past three years on bottled water are outlined in the table below:

Period

Cost

June 2006 to May 2007

14,091

June 2007 to May 2008

11,927

June 2009 to May 2009

11,335

Total

37,353

My Department is working to reduce costs arising under its administration budget and in this regard is in the process of changing to the provision of filtered mains water rather than bottled water at all of our offices.

Departmental Programmes.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

451 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding he has provided under the RAPID programme to Cork City Council and Cork County Council for each year from 2005 to date in 2009; the criteria within which that funding may be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22917/09]

The RAPID Programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within the 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/Funding%20Programmes/ Rapid/Pages/Funding.aspx — and the Deputy may find it useful to access this information.

I initiated the RAPID leverage schemes in 2004 in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes are co-funded by the relevant agencies and fund projects that focus on estate enhancement, graffiti removal, traffic calming, community closed-circuit television, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds and multi-use games areas.

The funding provided under the RAPID programme to Cork City Council and Cork County Council for each year in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is outlined in the following tables.

Cork City Council

Year

LAHEES

Traffic

Playgrounds

Sports

Totals

2005

95,025.88

0.00

0.00

0.00

95,025.88

2006

32,107.59

1,466.42

413,227.92

30,000.00

476,801.93

2007

83,564.05

38,147.50

59,585.23

0.00

181,296.78

2008

56,118.10

0.00

0.00

0.00

56,118.10

2009

12,575.50

16,922.29

123,207.72

0.00

152,705.51

279,391.12

56,536.21

596,020.87

30,000.00

961,948.20

Cork County Council

Year

LAHEES

Traffic

Playgrounds

Sports

Totals

2005

0.00

7,648.83

0.00

21,000.00

28,648.83

2006

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

2007

0.00

11,451.17

0.00

0.00

11,451.17

2008

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

2009

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

19,100.00

0.00

21,000.00

40,100.00

The criteria within which that funding may be spent is outlined below.

Local Authority Housing Estate Enhancement Scheme (LAHEE)

Local authorities consult with RAPID Area Implementation Teams (AIT) to agree details of the projects to be supported. Works such as landscaping, paving, improvement of open spaces, seating areas, lighting, boundary walls and works to make open spaces in flat complexes amenable to recreational use may be undertaken under this scheme.

Traffic

This scheme is designed to improve road safety in RAPID areas through works such as dishing and improvement of footpaths, road improvements and the provision of speed ramps and pedestrian lights. It is co-funded on a 50/50 basis by this Department and the relevant Local Authorities.

Playgrounds

This scheme supports the development of new playgrounds or refurbishment of existing playgrounds in RAPID areas. It is funded on a 50/50 basis by this Department and the Department of Health and Children through the Health Service Executive.

*€33,000 from my Department and €33,000 from the Department of Health and Children through the Health Service Executive.

Sports Capital Top-up

Projects are assessed by the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism and my Department provides top-up funding of up to 30% to successful projects in or serving RAPID areas that have been endorsed by the relevant AIT.

Security of the Elderly.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

452 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will reinstate the system of grants for personal alarms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22969/09]

The Scheme of Community Support for Older People was suspended on 7th April in order to afford my Department the opportunity to review its operation. I recently met with representatives of organisations involved with issues affecting older people. We agreed a process setting out the broad parameters for a review of the Scheme and for the necessary consultation which is currently ongoing as part of it. I am confident that this review will be completed by mid September, at which time I expect to be in a position to re-launch a revised Scheme.

All applications received by my Department prior to the suspension of the Scheme are being processed and approved, as appropriate, in line with the current eligibility criteria. In addition, it is important to note that the temporary suspension of the Scheme in no way affects those who already have received a monitored alarm device.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

453 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason supplementary weekly basis payment has been terminated in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22308/09]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive. The person concerned was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance from January 2008 to the end of April 2009. Payment was made in respect of the person concerned, her spouse and four dependent children. The payment of supplementary welfare allowance was made on the basis that a decision regarding her entitlement to Jobseekers Allowance was pending. Her claim for Jobseekers Allowance was subsequently refused on the basis that she had not demonstrated that she was genuinely seeking employment, as required under social welfare legislation and she also did not provide evidence of household income. She did not appeal against this decision.

The community welfare officer terminated payment of supplementary welfare allowance at the end of April 2009 as the person concerned was deemed to be not genuinely seeking employment and had not provided additional information relating to household income in order that supplementary welfare allowance could continue to be paid. This information has not been provided to date.

The Health Service Executive has advised that an appeal by the person concerned, against a decision regarding her application for supplementary welfare allowance, is currently before an Appeals Officer of the Executive. The person concerned will be advised of the outcome of the appeal when a decision has been made.

Social Welfare Code.

Brian Hayes

Question:

454 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will investigate the situation of a cap on the issuing of the rent supplement imposed by the Ballymun Health Service Executive office, Dublin, on housing within its ambit that is in the Finglas area that otherwise fulfils the requirements for the supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22373/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

463 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties being faced by people renting in Ballymun, Dublin, and homeowners needing to rent out their properties, due to the directive issued that rent supplement will not be paid in the area; if, in view of the exceptional economic circumstances she will reverse this directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22275/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 454 and 463 together.

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division 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 people 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.

The Government decided in 1997 to approve the redevelopment of Ballymun and a regeneration programme commenced in 1998. The provision of rent supplement in the Ballymun designated area was identified by housing authorities as a risk to the tenure diversity objective of the project which is to achieve a more balanced tenure mix by providing additional private market housing. It is envisaged that by the end of the regeneration project the tenure balance will be around 44% public and 56% private compared to the 80% public at the start of the project. In response to the concerns about achieving a tenure balance mix, Section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007 provided that a payment of rent supplement can be refused in respect of accommodation which is situated in an area notified to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs by the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government, as being an area of regeneration.

The Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government advised in 2008 that, on the advice of Dublin City Council, he had decided that the Ballymun area merited designation as an area of regeneration for the purposes of Section 25 of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007. Accordingly, with effect from 27 November 2008, rent supplement is not paid in respect of accommodation situated in the Ballymun regeneration area, as outlined by the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The measures provided for in Section 25 are not a blanket refusal of rent supplement in areas of regeneration. Specific provision is made to ensure that:

people already residing in such areas and in receipt of rent supplement may continue to receive payment; and

people already residing in such areas in private rental accommodation and who may have recourse to rent supplement in the future would not have their entitlement restricted.

It is not intended that the Section 25 provisions will be open-ended and they will be reviewed jointly by the Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the Ballymun regeneration is completed in 2012 or earlier, if appropriate.

The area designated as being in the Ballymun regeneration project includes the neighbourhoods of Coultry and Shangan, Dublin 9 and the neighbourhoods of Poppintree, Balcurris and Silloge/Sandyhill, Dublin 11. It reflects the area within Dublin City Council where Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. is actively engaged in the regeneration programme. Claims for rent supplement from people residing in the Finglas area are processed in the normal way by the community welfare service in Finglas.

Social Welfare Benefits.

David Stanton

Question:

455 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the time it currently takes for a carer’s allowance application to be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22084/09]

The average time to award a claim for carer's allowance is currently just under 9 weeks. Entitlement to carer's allowance is based on satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. In determining entitlement to the allowance there are, in certain cases, unavoidable time lags involved in making the necessary investigations and enquiries to enable accurate decisions to be made. Delays can also arise if people applying for the allowance are not in a position to supply all the necessary information in support of their claim.

The number of claims for carers allowance submitted in 2008 was 18,900. A total of 7,460 new applications for Carer's Allowance has been received this year to date (week end 29 May 2009), and a total of some 8000 claims has been finalised. The staff and other resources available to the Department are regularly reviewed having regard to the workload arising and other competing demands. The Department monitors available resources against workload on an ongoing basis with a view to ensuring optimum processing times for claims. A review of the existing processes and procedures has been completed by the Department for Carer's Allowance with the objective of reducing claim processing times, and improvements have been implemented. The position continues to be kept under close review.

Social Welfare Code.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

456 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she is taking to ensure that proposed changes to rent supplements will not result in tenants and those depending on such payments becoming homeless; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22123/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

477 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the changes to the system of rent supplement (details supplied). [22766/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 477 together.

There are currently over 88,000 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 48% since the end of December 2007. The recent Supplementary Budget provided for an increase in the weekly minimum contribution payable towards rent from €18 to €24 a week, with effect from 1 June 2009. It also provided that payments currently being made to existing rent supplement tenants be reduced by 8% from the same date. While tenants may be contractually obliged to pay the rent agreed to in their lease, it is expected that landlords will decrease the rent in recognition of the fact that rents have fallen generally and that there is now a large number of vacant rental properties nationally.

Data published by the CSO show that rents fell by almost 7% between November 2008 and February 2009. A leading property website recently reported that rents have fallen by almost 16% in the twelve months to March 2009 with 5% of the fall occurring since the start of 2009. It is essential that state support for tenants who form a substantial section of the rental market, does not give rise to inflated rental prices. Other changes in the Supplementary Budget provided for new maximum rent limits to be prescribed in regulations to take effect from 1 June 2009 to reflect the general reductions in private sector rent levels.

Existing recipients of rent supplement were advised by letter in advance of the change being made to their rent payment from 1 June 2009 and this communication can be shown to landlords as evidence of the revised rent supplement in payment in individual cases. Landlords were advised through advertising in national and provincial newspapers of the general reduction in rent supplement payments. A number of organisations representing landlords and tenants were also contacted and advised of the changes to the rent supplement scheme. In the current climate, where there is a large number of vacant rental properties, it is expected that people will be able to get accommodation at the appropriate rental level.

Community Welfare Officers have discretion to provide assistance where exceptional circumstances exist in any individual case e.g. where homelessness might result due to the inability of a person to meet their rent payment. The Department is also in discussions with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government regarding the role of local authorities who are responsible for providing a wide range of social housing supports for those with a long-term housing need.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

457 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide details of the free schemes available within her Department; the number of people eligible for free schemes during the past five years; the amount of money spent on free schemes during the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22129/09]

The free travel scheme and household benefits package are additional benefits available to customers who satisfy the required qualifying criteria. The household benefits package comprises the electricity or gas allowance, telephone allowance and free lifetime television licence.

Details of the number of people benefiting from each allowance and the cost of each allowance for the last five years are set out in the following tables.

Customer Numbers

Allowance Type

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Electricity

287,613

298,918

309,450

316,724

331,315

Telephone

297,967

311,353

318,828

327,336

351,924

TV licence

311,134

323,256

309,450

353,417

372,152

Gas

24,817

26,948

29,810

32,088

36,266

Free Travel

624,345

639,657

641,315

637,312

664,767

Cost of Allowances

Allowance Type

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Electricity

87,992

103,919

108,323

147,225

156,740

Telephone

85,697

89,143

90,333

98,855

112,196

TV licence

47,859

46,224

48,966

51,672

55,698

Gas

5,614

6,424

8,515

15,359

15,627

Free Travel

52,400

55,333

58,042

64,125

68,428

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

458 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when jobseeker’s benefit will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22178/09]

The person concerned claimed jobseeker's benefit on 26 January 2009. The Department's records show that he has insufficient qualifying contributions paid and/or credited in the governing contribution year (2007). Following an investigation into the insurability of his employment between 1 March 2007 and 11 October 2007 it was decided that his employment in this period was insurable at PRSI Class A. The decision was issued on 29 May 2009 and because the decision can be appealed by the person concerned or by the employer within 21 days the jobseeker's benefit claim cannot be decided until the period for appeal expires on the 19 June 2009. It is open to the person concerned to apply for jobseeker's allowance or supplementary welfare allowance in the meantime.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

459 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a rent support review will be undertaken in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if this question will be accepted as an appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22206/09]

The position remains as advised in Parliamentary Questions 320 and 168 which I answered for the Deputy on the 12 and 28 May 2009 respectively. The Executive has advised that rent supplement was refused as total household income was deemed to be sufficient to meet the accommodation costs of the person concerned. He appealed against this decision to an Appeals Officer of the Executive but that appeal was unsuccessful. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer's decision on 19 February 2009 and advised of a further right of appeal to the Chief Appeals Officer of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. No such appeal has been received to date.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements. This parliamentary question has been accepted as an appeal to the Chief Appeals Officer of the Department, on behalf of the person concerned who will be in contacted by the Appeals Office and requested to outline in writing the specific grounds of his appeal.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

460 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal was first received in the social welfare appeals office; the length of time the appeal has been there; the progress that has been made on the appeal to date; and when a decision can be expected on this appeal. [22219/09]

An application for carer's allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 5 November 2008 on the grounds that the person concerned was not providing full-time care and attention in respect of the care recipient.

An appeal was received on 16 November 2008 and I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Department was requested for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. These were received on 15 April 2009 and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when 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.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

461 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason conflicting information has been given in a letter (details supplied). [22232/09]

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. The mortgage interest supplement scheme is designed to help those who have difficulty meeting their mortgage repayment schedule where their means are insufficient to meet their needs. A supplement may be paid in respect of mortgage interest only, to eligible people in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned was in receipt of mortgage interest supplement of €295 per month from 16 June 2008, based on his mortgage interest payment at that time. Following a recent review of his entitlement to mortgage interest supplement, payment was reduced to €152.59 a month due to the reduction in the rate of interest payable since June 2008.

The recent Supplementary Budget provided that the weekly minimum contribution payable towards mortgage interest supplement be increased by €6 from €18 to €24 a week, with effect from 1 June 2009. As the person concerned is paid on a calendar-monthly basis, the €6 increase in the weekly minimum contribution is calculated as follows: [€6 multiplied by 52] divided by 12 = €26 per calendar month. Taking into account the increase in the minimum contribution, the person concerned is currently entitled to mortgage interest supplement of €126.89 per month.

Denis Naughten

Question:

462 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No 335 of 26 May 2009, if she will confirm that she cannot furnish a figure for the average cost of each unemployment claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22257/09]

Jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance are among a number of payments administered by the Department to meet the income needs of people of working age. The cost of a jobseeker claim is related to the circumstances of the person making the claim. A jobseeker payment is comprised of a number of variables including the rate of payment which the individual may be entitled to, the rate of payment for adult or child dependents and the duration of the claim. In addition the person may qualify for supplementary payments such as fuel allowance, rent supplement/mortgage interest supplement or Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance.

In view of the number of people claiming jobseeker payments and the individual variables involved it is not possible to give an average cost of each unemployment claim. However, the estimated costing, in 2009, for 1,000 jobseekers' claims is some €13 million if the cost of "add ons" such as rent supplement etc. is taken into account. The programme expenditure outturn for jobseeker's allowance and jobseeker's benefit 2008 was just under €2.1 billion and provision has been made in the 2009 estimate for expenditure of over €4.612 billion.

Question No. 463 answered with Question No. 454.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

464 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when supplementary allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [22317/09]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. The Executive has advised that it has no record of an application from the person concerned. If he wishes to make an application for supplementary welfare allowance, the person concerned should contact the community welfare officer at his local health centre.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

465 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the advice she would give to tenants on rent allowance whose landlord will not reduce the rent in accordance with the reductions being imposed and who have an existing tenancy agreement which cannot be broken without losing their deposit; if such tenants are expected to pay the balance themselves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22376/09]

There are currently over 88,000 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 48% since the end of December 2007. The recent Supplementary Budget provided that the weekly minimum contribution payable towards rent be increased from €18 to €24 a week, with effect from 1 June 2009. It also provided that payments currently being made to existing rent supplement tenants be reduced by 8% from the same date. New maximum rent limits have also been introduced from 1 June 2009 to reflect the general reductions in private sector rent levels.

Data published by the CSO show that rents fell by almost 7% between November 2008 and February 2009. A leading property website recently reported that rents have fallen by almost 16% in the twelve months to March 2009 with 5% of the fall occurring since the start of 2009. It is essential therefore that state support for tenants who form a substantial section of the rental market, does not give rise to inflated rental prices.

Existing recipients of rent supplement were notified in advance of the change being made to their rent payment from 1 June 2009 and advised that this communication could be shown to landlords as evidence of the revised rent supplement in payment in individual cases. Landlords have also been advised through advertising in the national and provincial newspapers of the general reduction in rent supplement payments and a number of organisations representing landlords and tenants were contacted and advised of the changes to the rent supplement scheme.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004, once the tenancy is at least a year old and where the rent has not been reviewed in the previous twelve months, the tenant is entitled to ask a landlord to review the rent in payment where the tenant feels that the rent exceeds the market rate for the property. While tenants may be contractually obliged to pay the rent agreed to in their lease, it is expected that landlords will decrease the rent in recognition of the fact that rents have fallen generally and that there are now a large number of vacant rental properties nationally. In this climate, it is expected that people will be able to get accommodation at the appropriate rental level if a landlord is unwilling to reduce the rent in any particular case.

The obligations of landlords and tenants in relation to tenancy terminations, including the refund of deposits, is also provided for in the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. Under these provisions, tenants are entitled to a refund of a deposit paid at the commencement of the tenancy where there is no rent or utility bills owing, no damage to the dwelling beyond normal wear and tear and the proper notice prescribed in the Act is served. Disputes between landlords and tenants about any aspect of rent or the return of a deposit may be referred to the Private Residential Tenancies Board.

While a person may have a tenancy agreement with a landlord, such agreements or leases cannot take away from the rights and obligations provided for under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. Where a tenant is bound by the terms of a fixed term contract, they generally may not terminate a tenancy before the expiry of the term of the contract. The Act does, however, allow the tenant to seek to assign or sublet the tenancy, with the consent of the landlord. In circumstances where the tenancy has not been validly terminated, the landlord has the discretion to retain the deposit to cover any outstanding rent due under the lease, if they suffer financial loss from the early termination. However, landlords would be expected to take steps to mitigate any such losses.

Community Welfare Officers have discretion to provide assistance where exceptional circumstances exist in any individual case. Officers have been advised that support, appropriate to the circumstances of the particular case, may be provided to rent supplement tenants for up to two months, while alternative accommodation is being sourced within the existing rent limits.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

466 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in payment of jobseeker’s benefit to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will arrange for payment. [22474/09]

The person concerned claimed jobseekers benefit on 17th February 2009. There is a discrepancy in his contribution record for 2007 and enquiries are being made with his former employer. A decision on his entitlement to jobseekers benefit will be made as soon as these enquiries are completed and the current PRSI contributions applicable is determined. In the meantime it is open to the person concerned to apply for jobseekers allowance or for supplementary welfare allowance.

Willie Penrose

Question:

467 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will take steps to review the decision to abolish the Christmas bonus for persons, which was announced in supplementary budget of 7 April 2009; if steps will be taken to immediately announce the reversal of this decision, which has impacted upon thousands of elderly people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22504/09]

The Deputy will be aware that in the context of the current economic circumstances, it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure in order to restore order and stability in the public finances. This has involved reviewing all public expenditure programmes, including social welfare programmes, which at some €21.3 billion in 2009 form a substantial portion of overall public expenditure.

In order to avoid cutting all the weekly social welfare payment rates, while trying to keep the welfare budget at a level the State can afford, it has been necessary to discontinue funding for the Christmas bonus. Payment of a 100% Christmas bonus in 2009 would cost an estimated €223 million. The net savings which will be achieved in the decision not to pay the Christmas bonus could not be effected by any other measure. The decision not to pay the Christmas bonus was the most difficult the Government had to make in framing the supplementary Budget.

While very difficult decisions have been taken in order to restore order and stability in the public finances, I have been successful in keeping expenditure control measures in the social welfare area to an absolute minimum and in ensuring that the most vulnerable in society have been protected from their effects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

468 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason maintenance payments in excess of €95.23 are assessed in rent allowance calculations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22513/09]

Rent Supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. Rent supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances less a weekly minimum contribution of €24, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €24 because recipients are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic supplementary welfare allowance rate towards their accommodation costs.

Social welfare legislation provides that all income, subject to certain disregards, is assessable for supplementary welfare allowance purposes. Under section 196(1)(b) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 "the weekly means of any person for the purpose of ascertaining his or her entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance shall be calculated in accordance with the Rules contained in Part 4 of Schedule 3" of the Act. Rule 1(2) provides that all income in cash is assessable as means for the purpose of entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance.

However, in assessing the means of a person for rent supplement purposes, the first €75 a week of earnings or maintenance payments, together with 25% of any additional such income above €75 can be disregarded. This is to ensure that the family benefits from the extra earnings/maintenance income up to that level before it affects entitlement to rent supplement.

As explained previously, vouched housing costs of up to €95.23 per week (rent or mortgage) are disregarded in assessing maintenance payments as means when determining entitlement to one-parent family payment. However, this amount is assessable in deciding the appropriate level of rent supplement payable to a lone parent with income from maintenance payments, as the rent supplementation payment is based on the net amount that a person has available to meet their accommodation costs from their own resources. In these circumstances, the earnings/maintenance disregard for a one parent family claimant claiming rent supplement support is applicable only to such income in excess of the sum of €95.23 a week.

Overall, the means assessment rules are designed to give an incentive to lone parents to seek maintenance payments to improve their household income position, while ensuring that families in that situation have access to the appropriate levels of rent supplementation to meet their accommodation needs.

James Bannon

Question:

469 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the application for disability benefit of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath which was submitted more than six months ago when the applicant lost a limb in an accident; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22544/09]

The person concerned was paid Illness Benefit (formerly known as Disability Benefit) from 25 May 2007 to 26 May 2008. Under Department of Social and Family Affairs Regulations, a person with less than 260 paid contributions is not entitled to payment of Illness Benefit for more than 52 weeks (312 days). In this case, the person concerned has a total of 205 paid reckonable contributions, therefore entitlement to payment of Illness Benefit was limited to 52 weeks. To re-qualify for payment of Illness Benefit, the person would need a further 13 reckonable contributions. This person remains qualified for credited contributions for medical evidence submitted and he is certified to a current date.

The person concerned applied for Disability Allowance on 14 July 2008 Disability Allowance is a weekly Allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged over 16 and under 66. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and a habitual residency test. The application for Disability Allowance was refused on 15 December 2008 due to the non disclosure of means. His file was subsequently returned to his local Social Welfare Inspector who has recently carried out another means test. The person concerned will be notified of the outcome upon receipt of the Social Welfare's Inspector's report.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

470 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to restore Christmas bonus payments for social welfare recipients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22559/09]

The Deputy will be aware that in the context of the current economic circumstances, it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure in order to restore order and stability in the public finances. This has involved reviewing all public expenditure programmes, including social welfare programmes, which at some €21.3 billion in 2009 form a substantial portion of overall public expenditure.

In order to avoid cutting all the weekly social welfare payment rates, while trying to keep the welfare budget at a level the State can afford, it has been necessary to discontinue funding for the Christmas bonus. Payment of a 100% Christmas bonus in 2009 would cost an estimated €223 million. The net savings which will be achieved in the decision not to pay the Christmas bonus could not be effected by any other measure. The decision not to pay the Christmas bonus was the most difficult the Government had to make in framing the supplementary Budget.

While very difficult decisions have been taken in order to restore order and stability in the public finances, I have been successful in keeping expenditure control measures in the social welfare area to an absolute minimum and in ensuring that the most vulnerable in society have been protected from their effects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

471 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the application for rent allowance rate in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22612/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division 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 people 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.

The recent Supplementary Budget provided for the weekly minimum contribution that a person is expected to pay towards their rent to be increased from €18 to €24 from 1 June 2009. The Supplementary Budget also provided that payments currently being made to existing rent supplement tenants be reduced by 8% from the same date.

The Executive has advised that prior to 1 June 2009, the person concerned was in receipt of rent supplement of €190.20 per week, based on household income of jobseekers and disability allowance. A deduction of €10.00 a week was being made to discharge an overpayment of supplementary welfare allowance which arose in 2008, leaving him with a net weekly rent supplement payment of €180.20. When the reductions to rent supplement payments, provided for in the Supplementary Budget, were applied from 1 June 2009, his entitlement to rent supplement of €190.20 was reduced by €21 to €169.20 per week or a net €159.20 when the €10 a week deduction is made in respect of the overpayment of supplementary welfare allowance in 2008. If the circumstances of the person concerned have changed, he should contact the community welfare officer at the local Health Centre and request a review of his entitlement to rent supplement.

Michael Creed

Question:

472 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22620/09]

The person concerned made a claim for jobseekers allowance on 4 June 2009 and this has been forwarded to a social welfare inspector for investigation of his means. The person concerned will be advised of the outcome in due course. The claim will be decided as soon as possible and the person concerned will be advised of the outcome immediately thereafter.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

473 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 was refused a request for an oral hearing in respect of an application for carer’s allowance and if, in view of the fact that this person is the sole carer in this case, she will arrange for a hearing to be scheduled as originally requested. [22639/09]

A claim for Carer's Allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 24 September 2008 on the grounds that she was not providing full time care and attention to the person being cared for. She appealed this decision on 8 October 2008 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer made a summary decision disallowing the appeal. Legislation provides that summary decisions may be made where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that a case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined on the basis of documentary evidence and without an oral hearing. The Appeals Officer does not intend to reopen this case by way of an oral hearing. 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.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

474 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount her Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22672/09]

Expenditure on taxi services by the Department and its agencies since the beginning of 2007 is outlined here: 2007 — €47,641; 2008 — €46,151; 2009 — €14,311(to 31st May). Taxi services are availed of by the Department only where it is considered to be absolutely necessary and the use of such services is monitored closely within the Department.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

475 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason rent supplement was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if a fresh application can be submitted. [22746/09]

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 people 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. The Executive has advised that rent supplement was refused on the basis that the person concerned was not in a position to afford the rent at the commencement of the tenancy in question. He was in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance at that time. Under Article 9 (2)(b)(i)(1) of the Social Welfare (Consolidated Supplementary Welfare Allowance) Regulations 2007 (S.I. 412 of 2007) it is a condition of a person’s entitlement to rent supplement that they “could reasonably have afforded the rent at the commencement of the tenancy”.

The person concerned appealed against the decision on his rent supplement claim to an Appeals Officer of the Executive but that appeal was unsuccessful. He subsequently appealed to the Chief Appeals Officer of the Department of Social and Family Affairs but that appeal was also unsuccessful. He was notified of this decision on 17 February 2009. If the circumstances of the person concerned have changed, it is open to him to make a new application for rent supplement.

Michael Ring

Question:

476 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive jobseeker’s benefit. [22747/09]

A Deciding Officer disallowed the jobseeker's benefit claim of the person concerned from 20 April 2009 on the grounds that he is not available for work and not unemployed as he has a fixed contract for 24 hours work per week with an employer. He has appealed this decision and his file is being forwarded to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Question No. 477 answered with Question No. 456.

Richard Bruton

Question:

478 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on changing the scheme of household benefits in order that a person (details supplied) would be eligible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22777/09]

A person under age 70 must satisfy one of the following conditions in order to qualify for the household benefits package. They must either reside alone, or with a qualified adult and/or dependent child(ren) under age 18 or up to age 22 if in full-time education. The person concerned does not qualify for the household benefits package as a member of the household is aged over 22 and not in a receipt of a qualifying payment. There are no plans to change the qualifying conditions for the scheme at this time.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

479 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of banking charges paid by her Department during the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22886/09]

The following table sets out the information requested by the Deputy.

Bank Charges

2008 Amount Paid

2007 Amount Paid

2006 Amount Paid

Clearing charges

96,487

86,398

81,452

Debit/Credit & Maintenance charges

84

0

0

Total

96,571

86,398

81,452

The Department in general does not pay direct charges for banking. Clearing charges represent costs associated with processing. i.e. the clearing of cheques through the banks computer centre. The clearing charge is at the rate of €0.0152 per cheque. In 2008 in addition to clearing charges a total of €83.94 was paid in respect of debit/credit and maintenance charges.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

480 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount spent by her Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22900/09]

The following is the data requested by the Deputy and is in respect of the Department's 154 offices around the country: 2006 — €32,211.22; 2007 — €34,724.65; 2008 — €35,646.58; 2009 — (to 30/4/09) €10,655.65. The Department makes every effort to keep such costs to a minimum.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael McGrath

Question:

481 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to a jobseeker’s allowance payment. [22910/09]

The person concerned made a claim for jobseeker's benefit on 13 May 2009. Her claim will be decided by a deciding officer as soon as possible and she will be advised of the outcome.

Michael Ring

Question:

482 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an application for farm assist for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22931/09]

The person concerned recently provided farm account details as requested by the Social Welfare Inspector in connection with her claim. These are currently being examined and on completion of enquiries, a decision will be made as soon as possible and she will be notified of the outcome. Under Social Welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.

Michael McGrath

Question:

483 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when eligibility for jobseeker’s benefit will expire for a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22974/09]

The person concerned has been in receipt of jobseeker's benefit for a total of 312 days (12 months) and exhausted her entitlement to benefit on 27 May 2009. She has now made a claim for credited contributions and this will be examined by a Deciding Officer as soon as possible.

Michael Ring

Question:

484 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the free schemes have been removed from a bill to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22984/09]

The person concerned had her connection to the ESB ceased due to a house fire and notification of this to the Department caused her Household Benefits allowance to be stopped. The electricity supply has since been reconnected and her Household Benefits were restored on 28 May 2009. Any credit due will appear on her revised ESB bill.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

485 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the free schemes have been removed from a bill to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [23000/09]

The person concerned claimed jobseeker's allowance on 27 May 2009 and the claim has been forwarded to the social welfare inspector for investigation of the person's means. The claim will be decided by a deciding officer as soon as possible and the person concerned will be advised of the outcome immediately thereafter.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

486 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent supplement will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare whose rent has been reduced twice in the last number of months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23075/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division 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 people 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 normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to family circumstances less a minimum contribution which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than the minimum contribution of €24 a week because they are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have over and above the appropriate basic rate of supplementary welfare allowance towards their accommodation costs.

As part of Budget 2009, the minimum weekly contribution which a person is required to contribute towards their rent was increased from €13 to €18 with effect from January 2009. The recent Supplementary Budget provided that the weekly minimum contribution payable towards rent was increased from €18 to €24 from 1 June 2009. It also provided that payments currently being made to existing rent supplement tenants be reduced by 8% from the same date. These measures account for the reduction in the rent supplement payments to the person concerned this year. The Executive has advised that she should contact her local community welfare officer if there has been a change in her circumstances so that her entitlement to rent supplement can be reviewed.

Michael Creed

Question:

487 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is entitled to unemployment assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23108/09]

The person concerned has not made an application for jobseeker's allowance. Until such time as an application is received, no determination can be made as regards his entitlements.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

488 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for jobseeker's benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23134/09]

The person concerned claimed jobseeker's benefit on 13 March 2009. Her claim was disallowed by a Deciding Officer as she had not suffered a substantial loss of employment. The person concerned appealed this decision on 28 May 2009 and her appeal is being forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for consideration. That office will be in touch with her in due course.

Departmental Expenditure.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

489 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Defence the security costs to his Department incurred in the prevention of incursions by anti-war activists at Shannon Airport in the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22235/09]

An Garda Síochána have the primary responsibility for law and order, including the protection of the internal security of the State. Among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces is the provision of aid to the civil power (meaning in practice to assist, when requested, an Garda Síochána), which duties include the protection and guarding of vital installations, the provision of certain security escorts etc.

The Gardaí, who undertake threat assessments for Shannon Airport on an ongoing basis, requested the Defence Forces to provide assistance in securing the Airport. Such assistance has been rendered by the Defence Forces since 5 February 2003, and liaison between the Gardaí and the Defence Forces in this regard is continuing. It would not be appropriate for me, for reasons of security, to indicate the number of Defence Forces personnel involved in such operations. However, the estimated costs to the Defence Forces for personnel on security duty at Shannon Airport for the years in question are outlined below. These costs are met from within the Defence Vote.

The following items are taken into consideration when calculating the costs involved in providing aid to the civil power at Shannon Airport i.e. Security Duty Allowance, rations and fuel. The following table sets out the amount of costs incurred for the period in question. The amount of costs incurred in 2006 take into account extra requirements for the visit of President George Bush in March and anti-war protests in October 2006.

Year

Approx. Amount

2006

403,375.15

2007

275,054.25

2008

286,273.07

Defence Forces Equipment.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

490 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the amount that has been spent over the past five years in the smelting of leftover shells fired; the location at which this work takes place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22368/09]

The Defence Forces do not smelt any shells. Fired or leftover cartridge cases and shells (scrap brass) are collected for disposal and certified free of any live rounds, dirt and grit. From time to time my Department holds tender competitions for the sale of the scrap brass that is ready for disposal. When a competition is held, the tender documentation is published on the eTenders website, offering the scrap material for sale. The contract is awarded to the tenderer who has offered the highest price subject to possession of the necessary collection permit issued by the relevant local authority and compliance with the Waste Management Acts. There is no cost to the Department of Defence or the Defence Forces associated with this process.

Proposed Legislation.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

491 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence if the review of the strategic procedural and technical issues relating to the proposed establishment of a statutory authority to manage the Curragh of Kildare has been completed; if he will proceed with the Curragh of Kildare Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22380/09]

The establishment of the proposed Curragh Authority was recommended by the Interdepartmental Task Force on the Future Management and Development of the Curragh of Kildare. On 21 July 2004 the Government approved the Heads of Bill following the recommendation by the Inter-Departmental Task force.

The Bill is with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government for drafting. However, certain strategic, procedural and technical issues have arisen relating to the role of the proposed Statutory Authority which my department is currently examining. The main technical issue relates to the demarcation of roles between the Minister and the Authority. This concerns the use of lands by the Defence Forces that would be the responsibility of the proposed Authority but over which the Minister is the final arbiter in the event of any dispute. Amongst other issues, the Department is also looking at the varying usage of the lands by a range of different interests, not least the Defence Forces and how these can be accommodated and managed within the overall framework of the Authority's mandate and in a manner which provides an effective value for money solution for the State.

It is not possible to progress the drafting of the Bill further pending completion of the current review and a resolution of the related technical issues.

Defence Forces Staff.

Ulick Burke

Question:

492 Deputy Ulick Burke asked the Minister for Defence if a person (details supplied) in County Galway had any injury claim against his Department at any time during the period 1972 to 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22413/09]

Details of any individual's claims are regarded as confidential to the individual concerned and are not disclosed to other parties except with the individual's consent or as required by law.

Defence Forces Property.

Pat Breen

Question:

493 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Defence when the restricted area in the immediate vicinity of Baldonnel Aerodrome was designated by his Department; the Act or regulation that gave effect to such restricted area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22643/09]

Section 36 of the Defence Act, 1954 provides the Minister of Defence with the authority to introduce protected area orders in respect of the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome or other military aerodrome. These zones were first introduced in 1955. Since the introduction of the Planning and Development Act the details of these restrictions have been incorporated into the various Development Plans for South Dublin County Council. The zones have been reviewed on a number of occasions and my Department is currently considering the most recent review. South Dublin County Council will be advised of the out come of this review in the context of the latest revision of the Development Plan.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

494 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22664/09]

The amount spent by my Department and its agencies in respect of the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and from January to May 2009 is set out in the following table.

Year

Amount

2007

27,853

2008

34,604

Jan-May 2009

10,194

Phil Hogan

Question:

495 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22879/09]

The amount of banking charges paid by my Department over the past 3 years on bank accounts in overseas locations and in Ireland are set out in the following table.

Year

Overseas Bank Accounts

Irish Bank Accounts

Total Bank Charges

2006

20,434

31

20,465

2007

18,265

508

18,773

2008

12,870

138

13,008

Bank accounts are operated in a number of overseas locations to fund local expenditure on EU and UN missions and these attract the bulk of the total banking charges.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

496 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Defence the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22893/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

Expenditure by the Department of Defence on bottled water

Year

2006

1,218.38

2007

1,576.17

2008

1,499.47

EU Directives.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

497 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on altering the regulations pertaining to the spreading of slurry on farmland; his further views on permitting farmers to spread slurry when the weather is dry, instead of during the set period as currently outlined in the regulations pertaining to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22092/09]

The Nitrates Directive and Ireland's National Nitrates Action Programme are given legal effect by the consolidated European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2009. The objective of the Regulations is to protect ground and surface waters, including drinking water sources, primarily through the management of livestock manures and other fertilisers.

Good agricultural practice involves the land spreading of slurry as early as practicable in the growing season in order to maximise the uptake of nutrients by crops and to minimise pollution risks to water courses and groundwaters. In accordance with the requirements of the Nitrates Directive, the Regulations include provisions regarding periods when the land application of certain types of fertilisers is prohibited. In addition, the Regulations prohibit such application at any time of the year when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or heavy rain is forecast. There are no proposals to amend the Regulations in this regard.

Turbary Rights.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

498 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Galway for the sale of a bog to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22119/09]

Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority will be given under the scheme this year to those wishing to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation in 1999. For these sites, the derogation given by the Government which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, expires in 2009. The person in question in this case owns land within Kilmore Bog, a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004, and the 10 year derogation period will not expire until 2014. Land transactions within this area, accordingly, will not qualify for priority attention this year.

Fire Service.

Noel Coonan

Question:

499 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the remuneration paid to firefighters by each local authority and city borough; the date of the last wage increase; when the next increase is due; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22137/09]

Figures relating to the actual remuneration paid to fire fighters across every local authority are not available in my Department; however, the current applicable salary scales are contained in the following tables. The last wage increase due under the national partnership agreement, Towards 2016, was paid with effect from 1 September 2008. Any further increases are a matter for future determination.

Annual Salary Scales for PART TIME (RETAINED) Fire Fighters

Length of Service

Salary

0 – 5 years

8,844

5 – 10 years

9,935

10 years +

10,929

Hourly rate of attendance

Drill Rate per hour

21.07

Fire Rate per hour

Day

1st hour

42.15

Subsequent hour

21.07

Night/Weekend

1st hour

84.30

Subsequent hour

42.15

Weekly Salary Scales for FULL TIME Fire Fighters

Dublin, Cork and Limerick City Council

Waterford City Council Galway, Kilkenny and Sligo County Council Drogheda Borough Council Dundalk Town Council

Scale (Point)

Effective from 01/09/2008

Scale (Point)

Effective from 01/09/2008

1

502.46

1

501.15

2

594.62

2

593.32

3

651.38

3

650.08

4

708.41

4

707.11

5

765.04

5

763.74

6

783.12

6

781.82

7

829.71

7

828.41

LSI 1 11 yrs

864.05

LSI 1 12 yrs

862.75

LSI 2 17 yrs

902.97

LSI 2 20 yrs

901.67

Housing Adaptation Grants.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

500 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify the position in respect of funding recently announced in respect of 2009 housing grant allocations to local authorities; and if this funding has been awarded to the local authorities as the relevant local authority is stating in its correspondence that it has not been advised of the 2009 housing grant allocations to date (details supplied). [22181/09]

Allocations totalling €79.562 million for 2009 were notified to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and the old Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes on 7 May 2009. In the case of Cork County Council, the 2009 allocation amounts to €6,285,000 compared to an initial allocation of €5,516,160 in 2008, an increase of almost 14%.

Recycling Policy.

Joe Carey

Question:

501 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken to support a domestic recycling industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22255/09]

The Government's policy statement, Preventing and Recycling Waste — Delivering Change, identified the 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 have appointed a full time executive team and am providing funding of €13 million to implement the recommendations set out in the Market Development Programme for Waste Resources. The programme aims to promote sustainable demand for recovered materials and support the achievement of economies of scale in the production of products made from recycled materials. It will also identify new applications and markets for recyclable material and secondary recycled products. In this context, I recently launched the programme's inaugural Action Plan for 2009 which sets out the team's priorities for the year ahead.

I am also fully committed to the continuing development of the 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. Funding at the rate of up to 85% of approved costs will continue to be made available from the Environment Fund to support local authorities in the further development of waste recycling infrastructure. In addition, my Department also provides a subvention to local authorities to assist with the operational costs associated with running their recycling facilities. Payments amounting to €6.4 million have recently been made to the local authorities to cover operational costs incurred during the six month period from July to December 2008.

Local Authority Staff.

Jimmy Devins

Question:

502 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the breakdown of the number of people, both permanent and temporary, in each local authority at county council, city council and borough council level. [22290/09]

Based on the information supplied by local authorities, the numbers of staff, expressed in whole time equivalents, employed by each local authority at the end of March 2009 are set out in the following table. The borough councils are included in their relevant Local Authority.

Local Authority

Permanent Staff

Contract Staff (excludes Temp/Seasonal)

Total Staff

Temporary/Seasonal

Carlow

318

19

337

13

Cavan

439

12

451

3

Clare

754

93

847

27

Cork

2,383

96

2,479

44

Donegal

995

124

1,119

20

Dun Laoghaire

1,155

42

1,197

15

Fingal

1,505

41

1,546

23

Galway

868

130

998

42

Kerry

1,167

52

1,219

71

Kildare

927

52

979

22

Kilkenny

557

26

583

15

Laois

415

21

436

9

Leitrim

311

16

327

1

Limerick

733

28

761

5

Longford

334

18

352

16

Louth

707

14

721

5

Mayo

1,123

154

1,277

14

Meath

648

114

762

4

Monaghan

432

11

443

9

Offaly

464

21

485

13

Roscommon

528

34

562

13

Sligo

524

32

556

6

South Dublin

1,264

74

1,338

107

Tipperary North

442

8

450

79

Tipperary South

679

14

693

5

Waterford

531

39

570

2

Westmeath

474

20

494

22

Wexford

798

36

834

23

Wicklow

761

71

832

65

Cork City

1,422

47

1,469

25

Dublin City

6,712

117

6,829

23

Galway City

406

47

453

36

Limerick City

520

12

532

13

Waterford City

386

65

451

11

Total

31,682

1,700

33,382

801

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

503 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 353 of 26 May 2009, the fully automated major treatment plants funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22292/09]

The information requested is not available in my Department. My Department approves capital funding for the provision of water services infrastructure through the Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes. While budgets are approved for individual schemes included in the Water Services Investment Programme, information on the amounts spent on particular elements of capital costs arising on schemes is not aggregated by my Department. Information in relation to day to day costs involved in the running of treatment plants may be sought locally from water services authorities and the Group Water Sector, as appropriate.

Local Authority Staff.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

504 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in respect of the appointment of county managers, he will ask the Public Appointments Service which conducts the interviewing and appointment process to ensure that all candidates for the post of county manager have an adequate knowledge of and commitment to heritage, conservation, development and promotion, as an integral part of the job of a county manager; the steps his Department has taken in this regard, to advise the Public Appointments Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22297/09]

Under section 160 of the Local Government Act, 2001 the Minister may, having consulted with the Public Appointments Service, declare qualifications of such classes and descriptions as he/she thinks fit for a specified employment under a local authority or for employments belonging to a specified class, description or grade. The qualifications set out general criteria in relation to such matters as broad experience and education for the office of county manager, office of city manager and town clerk, office of assistant county manager and office of assistant city manager. These qualifications are complemented by the competency-based approach used in the selection process undertaken on behalf of local authorities by the Public Appointments Service.

The Public Appointments Service, in co-operation with my Department and the relevant local authorities, conducts the interview process which precedes the appointment by a county or city council of a county or city manager. Each candidate's knowledge in areas of relevance to the performance and functions of local government is assessed through a comprehensive competency based interview process. Preliminary interviews are based on career achievements, personal contribution, and managerial efficiency, with final interview competencies based on strategic management, resource management, and people management / leadership skills. These competencies are kept under constant review.

Local Authority Funding.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

505 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if funding has been awarded to a council (details supplied) in respect of Agenda 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22305/09]

The financial information requested in the question is provided in the table which follows. The Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level. The Fund has been in operation since 1997 when 65 projects received funding directly from the Department. Following a review, administration of the scheme was devolved to city and county councils in 2001. In 2008 the number of projects funded reached 387.

It is a condition of the scheme that Departmental funds allocated to a project must be matched by a similar amount from the local authority. It is also desirable that the combined local authority/Departmental funding be supplemented by other funding sources to maximise the potential of partnership arrangements. I have recently announced details of the 2009 Local Agenda Partnership Fund and applications are currently being received by Local Authorities from interested parties.

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government allocations to Wexford County Council under the Local Agenda 21 Environment Partnership Fund

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Total

€6,350

€6,350

€6,350

€6,350

€7,000

€7,386

€9,597

€11,860

€61,243

Local Authority Staff.

Pat Breen

Question:

506 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his policy in respect of the appointment of traffic wardens to deal with traffic management plans here (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22335/09]

Under the terms of the Government's decision on implementation of savings in public service numbers, no public service post, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. This decision is effective from 31 March 2009 and stands until the end of 2010. My Department has, accordingly, written to all local authorities requesting their compliance. However, in recognition of the priority attaching to the maintenance of key frontline services, my Department is consulting with the Department of Finance in regard to the management of relevant staffing needs.

House Prices.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

507 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he plans to introduce amending legislation to require the publication of prices actually secured in house sales in order to make accurate market data available to potential house buyers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22340/09]

My Department collates and publishes a wide range of house price statistics that inform the preparation and evaluation of housing policy. Among the areas of activity covered are statistics on:

House prices, broken down under a number of headings, including new and second hand properties;

Lending activity for both loans approved and drawn down;

House purchaser demographics (buyer status, age, income ranges).

These data are aggregated on a regional basis and provide a useful yardstick in relation to house price trends. The full range of data compiled can be viewed on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. However, with regard to specific sales prices achieved for individual houses, the Data Protection Act, which comes under the remit of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, precludes the publication of such data without the consent of the purchaser and vendor involved in each transaction.

Building Energy Rating.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

508 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the financial supports available for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick on low income who wishes to carry out a building energy rating survey on their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22374/09]

The statutory requirement to obtain a Building Energy Rating (BER) certificate and advisory report only arises when a home is offered for sale or rent. No specific proposals to assist persons on low income with the cost of BER certificates are under consideration by my Department at present. Households who qualify for Fuel Allowance payments may also qualify for upgrade works provided at a low cost to improve the energy efficiency of their home under the Warmer Homes Scheme administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland.

National Parks.

Billy Timmins

Question:

509 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of land that he recently purchased in County Wicklow; the exact location of this land; the cost of this land; the persons who previously owned the land; the implications for local landowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22383/09]

In accordance with the strategies outlined in the Management Plan for Wicklow Mountains National Park 2005-2009, my Department recently purchased from Curraghmore Estates, the fee simple, sporting rights and certain grazing rights in 7,107 acres of land in County Wicklow at a cost of €4,500,000. The land, situated west of the Wicklow Gap and on either side of the Laragh to Hollywood Road (R756), is spread over the townlands of Ballyknockan (364 acres), Ballynastockan (647 acres), Granamore (1,119 acres), Knocknadroose (2,147 acres), Oakwood (876 acres) & Glenbride (1,954 acres). The purchased lands also include a further 29% share of 742 acres of commonage in Glenbride townland. A total of sixty one existing grazing rights will be unaffected by the change of ownership. In addition, as the lands have had Special Area of Conservation status since 1997, no new implications arise for local landowners as a result of ownership being transferred to the State.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Dan Neville

Question:

510 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the sewerage scheme for Mungret, County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22487/09]

The Mungret Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007- 2009. My Department approved Grant Assistance of over €1.5 million towards the scheme in 2006. Limerick County Council's request that this level of funding be reviewed is being examined in my Department.

Air Quality.

Seán Connick

Question:

511 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the ban on the sale and distribution of bituminous fuel in certain parts of Ireland; if he will extend this ban to other parts of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22494/09]

Currently a ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal applies in sixteen towns and cities around the country (Dublin since 1990, Cork since 1995, Arklow, Drogheda, Dundalk, Limerick and Wexford since 1998, Celbridge, Galway, Leixlip, Naas and Waterford since 2000, Bray, Kilkenny, Sligo and Tralee since 2003). The selection of these areas took account of air quality monitoring data and population size.

In addition to the above, in October last year the Solid Fuel Trade Group (SFTG Ltd) and the Minister of State at the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr Michael Kitt, T.D., signed a new voluntary agreement to maintain low levels in the sulphur emissions of bituminous coal and petcoke, and to maintain existing limitations, through smokeless zones, on the marketing, sale and distribution of solid fuels. The agreement also provides that in the towns and environs of Athlone, Carlow, Clonmel and Ennis, SFTG Ltd. will maintain the smokeless fuel market penetration level of 75%, as a percentage of overall solid fuel sales, as set out in previous agreements. These four towns are additional to those already covered by smokeless zones. A copy of the agreement is available to download from my Department's website www.environ.ie.

The question of extending the areas subject to a ban on the marketing and sale of smokeless fuels is kept under review in consultation with local authorities and having regard to the need to ensure good air quality. Monitoring at permanent and mobile monitoring stations by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local authorities confirms that air quality in Ireland is good and the data currently available do not support any such extension at present. However, at my Department's request, in line with the Programme for Government commitment on monitoring air quality, the EPA recently completed a review of the mechanism by which ambient air quality is monitored. The adequacy of the air quality monitoring network, in light of population change in urban areas, is relevant in that context. It is anticipated that the final report from the EPA to the Department will be available in the near future.

Local Authority Housing.

Willie Penrose

Question:

512 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the exact amount of finance that will be made available by his Department to Athlone Town Council in respect of its application to upgrade and regenerate an estate (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22511/09]

I recently approved funding of €205,000 for Athlone Town Council in respect of an environmental improvement works project for the estate in question. The Council has submitted to my Department a vision plan for the sustainable communities-based renewal of the wider area. The approved environmental improvement works are the first phase of this overall plan which is currently being examined in my Department.

Departmental Reports.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

513 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent on the White,Young and Green report on the former Irish Steel plant at Haulbowline, Cobh, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22524/09]

In summer 2008 my Department engaged consultants, White Young Green (WYG), to carry out an independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions on Haulbowline, following works on the area of the site known as the East Tip. Their work was the subject of formal peer review. The total amount spent was €394,948.61. This comprised all costs associated with environmental testing, analysis, monitoring and reporting in respect of assessing quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves in the vicinity; assessment of any health or environmental risks posed by the site conditions and ambient air monitoring.

The report on the assessment of site conditions was made publicly available on my Department's website in December 2008. The WYG assessment found that there was no immediate health or environmental threat posed by the site and did not suggest a risk to the health of people on site undertaking normal activities or to those in the Cork harbour area including the Naval Base. Recommendations arising out of the WYG and peer review reports have informed proposals which are currently being considered by Government. Dust deposition and PM10 monitoring, which is carried out at two locations in the vicinity of the site and at a location in Cobh, is still ongoing. The ongoing cost of this monitoring is c.€12,000 per annum.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

514 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a hen harrier payment will be made available to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22548/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

517 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when a hen harrier payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22598/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 514 and 517 together.

There is no record in my Department of a National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Hen Harrier Farm Plan being submitted by or on behalf of the person in question.

Turbary Rights.

James Bannon

Question:

515 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not received payment under the bog purchase scheme for land at Ballyrevagh, which has been cleared for payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22575/09]

Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority will be given under the scheme this year to those wishing to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation in 1999. For these sites, the derogation given by the Government, which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, expires in 2009. The person in question in this case owns land within Forthill Bog, a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004, and the 10 year derogation period will not expire until 2014. Land transactions within this area, accordingly, will not qualify for priority attention this year.

Housing Adaptation Grants.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

516 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Kildare County Council cannot process further housing adaptation grants for disabled persons in housing and the older persons grants due to the fact that prior commitments have exhausted its 2009 allocation; and his views on its request for further funding. [22585/09]

Allocations totalling €79.562 million for 2009 were notified to local authorities under the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant Scheme and the old Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs Grant Schemes on 7 May 2009. The 2009 allocation to Kildare County Council amounts to €1,870,000 compared to an initial allocation of €1,642,680 in 2008, an increase of almost 14%. The administration of the grant schemes and decisions on individual applications in Kildare are the responsibility of Kildare County Council.

At this stage, I do not envisage making further allocations to local authorities in respect of the operation of these schemes in 2009. However, I will review the funding position later in the year, in the event of any under-spend by local authorities of their allocations for the grant schemes or other allocations under the wider social housing investment programme.

Question No. 517 answered with Question No. 514.

Bullying in the Workplace.

Finian McGrath

Question:

518 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a letter dated 12 January 2009, Sligo County Council sought advice from the Local Government Management Services Board regarding the appointment of suitably qualified experienced professionals to conduct an investigation under the council’s dignity at work policy, and that a senior official of the board in a letter to the council dated 14 January 2009, stated that the board would recommend persons (details supplied) as suitable, qualified and independent investigators; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the Local Government Management Services Board did not hold a meeting in the period 12 January 2009 to 14 January 2009 and therefore the board was unable to consider the letter of 12 January 2009 from Sligo County Council; his views, in view of the significant number of suitably qualified experienced professionals, solicitors and consultants who are capable of conducting such an investigation, on whether it is appropriate that a senior official of the Local Government Management Services Board should be allowed to use their position to select and recommend particular individuals to carry out such contracts for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22648/09]

I understand that an independent and statutory investigation is being carried out at Sligo County/Borough Councils in accordance with the Health and Safety Authority's Code of Practice for prevention and resolution of bullying at work and the Dignity at Work Policy of the Sligo local authorities. I have no function in this matter. However, I understand it would be normal practice for local authorities to seek advice from the Local Government Management Services Board or its officials in relation to such matters.

Environmental Policy.

Michael Creed

Question:

519 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the statement (details supplied) which suggests that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will meet the inspection requirements of the nitrates directive regulations recently published by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22652/09]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 507 of 6 May, 2009. The position is unchanged.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

520 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22667/09]

Expenditure on taxis for my Department amounted to €69,016 in 2007 and €73,459 in 2008. The corresponding figure for expenditure on taxis to the end of May 2009 was €23,906. Details of expenditure on taxis by bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the bodies concerned. It is my Department's policy that public transport should be used wherever possible for travel in the course of official business. Accordingly, staff have been directed that taxis should only be hired where no suitable public transport is available and expenditure in this area is being closely monitored.

The Department also launched a Workplace Travel Plan in October 2008 to encourage greater use of sustainable transport options in the conduct of official business. The Plan aims to ensure that: use is made of public transport, to the greatest possible extent, in the course of official business; and walking/cycling to meetings within reasonable distance is encouraged and taxis are used only where absolutely necessary.

Parking Regulations.

David Stanton

Question:

521 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, further to Parliamentary Question No. 46 of 27 February 2008, the contact he has had with the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána in respect of increasing fines or improving enforcement measures for people who park illegally in disabled parking places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22702/09]

The Department of Transport's Sectoral Plan, prepared under the Disability Act 2005, sought to ensure that access to bus stops and disabled parking bays is not obstructed by illegal parking by substantially increasing fixed charge fines for such offences and through better enforcement by An Garda Síochána and local authority traffic wardens. The plan further indicated that the Department of Transport would liaise with An Garda Síochána and my Department concerning improved enforcement.

My Department is represented on the Public Transport Access Committee of the Department of Transport, and the latter Department is represented on the Disability Act Sectoral Plan Advisory Committee at my Department. Meetings between the two Departments are held regularly to review respective objectives in both Sectoral Plans. The responsibility for Road Traffic legislation is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Transport and An Garda Síochána are responsible for the enforcement of road traffic and parking regulations.

Question No. 522 withdrawn.

Local Authority Staff.

Michael Ring

Question:

523 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the person who is responsible for supervising the code of conduct for employees, 2007; and the way it is supervised and monitored (details supplied). [22759/09]

The ethical framework that applies to local authority councillors and employees is contained in the Local Government Act 2001 and Codes of Conduct that have been issued under that Act. The Act requires such councillors and employees to maintain proper standards of integrity, conduct and concern for the public interest. It also provides that they may not accept any reward or favour for anything done or not done by virtue of their office or employment. The issue of the acceptance of hospitality is also dealt with in the Codes of Conduct which, inter alia, specify that every care must be taken by councillors and employees to ensure that any acceptance of hospitality does not influence them in discharging their official functions.

All offers of hospitality from commercial interests, which have had or might have contractual relations with the local authority, must be reported by the employee to his/her supervisor for direction. Under the Act, certain categories of employees must furnish an annual declaration of "declarable interests." Where a possible contravention of the framework arises, it is the responsibility of the locally-appointed Ethics Registrar to bring the issue to the attention of the Cathaoirleach and/or the manager, as appropriate, who have responsibility for considering such matters under the Act. The Act provides for offences and penalties for breaches of the framework. I have no function in considering such matters.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

524 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22882/09]

Details of the bank charges paid by my Department in respect of the past three years are set out in the table.

2006

2007

2008

Transaction and fee charges

1,612.31

1,682.10

919.07

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) charges

3,196.50

3,376.25

3,322.85

Credit card charges*

3,645.86

4,578.59

5,492.75

Total

8,454.67

9,636.94

9,734.67

*The majority of the costs relate to merchant service charges in respect of credit card payments for services provided by Met Eireann and also for admissions to Muckross House.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

525 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22896/09]

The total cost of supplying drinking water to my Department's offices for the period in question is set out in Table 1 below. It should be noted that a substantial portion of the cost is related to the rental, maintenance, service and sanitation of water coolers. Specific costs for bottled water are not available, other than for the Custom House, as these are not identified separately in the Department's accounts. Costs for the supply of bottled water to the Custom House are set out in Table 2 below.

The Department has installed plumbed units, operating from the mains supply, in our main offices to minimise the cost of buying bottled water. A small number of coolers are supplied by bottled water, mainly situated in meeting rooms.

Table 1: Total water cooler supplies and rental for the period 01 January 2006 to 28 May 2009

Year

Amount (inc V.A.T.)

2006

41,160.00

2007

41,419.00

2008

33,921.21

01 January-28 May 2009

12,298.33

Total

128,798.54

Table 2: Cost of bottled water purchased for the water coolers in the Custom House for the period 01 January 2006 to 28 May 2009

Year

Amount (inc V.A.T.)

2006

422.24

2007

601.42

2008

831.71

01 January-28 May 2009

328.06

Total

2,183.43

Traveller Accommodation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

526 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of a housing project (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22942/09]

A proposal by Roscommon County Council for the refurbishment of Traveller accommodation at Turpanbeg, Ballyforan, together with a request for approval to proceed to tender stage, was received in my Department on 22 May, 2009. The proposal is being examined at present and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

527 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the proposed new sewerage scheme for Cheekpoint, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22945/09]

I understand that Waterford County Council is currently in the process of preparing contract documents for the Cheekpoint Sewerage Scheme with the view to seeking tenders in due course.

Joe Carey

Question:

528 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when loan approval will be approved for Clare County Council in respect of the development of the Broadford sewerage scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22972/09]

My Department recently approved loan borrowings of €700,000 by the local authority concerned in respect of the substantially completed Ennis Water Treatment Plant as part of a first tranche of borrowing approvals issued for completed water services schemes and schemes on which there was an outstanding loan approval balance. Other borrowing requirements for water services schemes, including Broadford Sewerage Scheme, will be considered in the context of the next tranche of local authority loan approvals, which are expected to be made shortly.

Nuclear Plants.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

529 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there have been at least eight radioactive leaks from radioactive waste storage facilities at a British naval base at Faslane, Scotland over the past ten years; if the Environmental Protection Agency has met with or had correspondence with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency regarding this issue and the potential danger this presents for Ireland; if so, the detail of these meetings and so on; if he is satisfied that these leaks present no danger to the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23077/09]

The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII) is the statutory agency with regulatory, advisory and monitoring responsibility with regard to ionising radiation in Ireland. The EPA has no function in these areas.

I am aware of reports from the relevant UK authorities of a number of leaks of radioactive material into the Firth of Clyde, Scotland, from the Faslane naval base in recent years. I understand that the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) does not have formal regulatory powers in respect of the holding of radioactive material in, or radioactive releases from UK Ministry of Defence premises, which includes the Faslane base. This issue has not therefore been the subject of meetings or correspondence between the RPII and SEPA.

The Government takes seriously the issue of any actual or potential radioactive contamination of the Irish Sea by UK nuclear installations. This is evidenced by our continuing efforts to bring about the decommissioning and closure of the Sellafield plant in Cumbria, as well as our work through the Oslo-Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) to achieve progressive and substantial reductions of radioactive discharges into the Irish Sea. OSPAR is one of a number of international bodies through which the Government seeks continuing improvements in nuclear safety and radiological protection. In addition, Ireland's strong stance on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament is well known internationally and continues to be articulated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

With regard to the question of any danger posed to Ireland by these leaks, I am advised by the RPII that ongoing monitoring by them and other agencies shows no evidence of an increase in radioactivity concentrations in the Irish Sea that could be attributable to releases from the Faslane naval base in Scotland. The RPII's environmental monitoring programme has been in place for a number of decades. It is a comprehensive, robust and well developed programme which is designed to detect any anomalies that might arise as a result of radioactive leaks into the Irish Sea. As such it offers a high level of confidence that any anomalies resulting from the Faslane leaks would be detected. The RPII also works in close co-operation with its Northern counterpart, the Environment Agency of Northern Ireland, on issues of common interest and concern, such as monitoring of the Irish Sea.

On a broader level, communication on radiological matters between Ireland and the UK at both official and regulator level has been expanded and enhanced in recent years. I am confident that any issues of concern to the Government can be raised with the UK authorities in this context of enhanced co-operation.

Energy Efficiency.

Richard Bruton

Question:

530 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some insulation systems for cavity blocks are not accepted for the purpose of the SEI grant; and his views on relaxing the rules in order that householders would not be forced to use the high cost systems that are being permitted under the scheme. [22065/09]

There are three different types of wall insulation solution grant-aided under the Home Energy Savings scheme, which is administered by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). These are cavity wall insulation, internal dry-lining insulation and external wall insulation. The appropriate insulation solution will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the structure of the wall and the internal size and features of the rooms.

SEI advises that the "u-value" of a wall is the commonly used measure of the insulation properties of a wall. The lower the u-value, the less heat is lost through the wall. Injection of insulating product from the outside is an ideal method for insulating cavity walls and can reduce the u-value of such a wall by almost 70%. This is an excellent low-cost insulation solution. A grant of €400 is available under the scheme for this approach.

However, this insulation solution is not suitable for a cavity block wall, which is a fundamentally different structure from a cavity wall. Typically, cavity walls consist of two rows of brick or concrete block, with a complete cavity or space between them. Cavity block walls contain hollows inside each block. Most heat loss in such walls occurs through the cavity block ends and spine. Filling the hollows with insulation material will not address this and therefore such an insulation solution would reduce the u-value by only about 22%. This estimate assumes that the hollows can be completely filled. This is not certain, as it can be affected by mortar blockages. There is also a high risk of damp occurring on the internal walls with this solution.

For cavity block walls, SEI recommends either internal dry-lining insulation or external wall insulation. These solutions will reduce the u-value of the wall by approximately 80%. Grants of €2,500 and €4,000 respectively are available for these solutions, reflecting their higher installation cost. The internal dry-lining option is to be preferred, because of its considerably lower cost, compared to external insulation and for this reason the grant available for this represents a higher percentage of the installation cost, to encourage homeowners to favour this option.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

531 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if there is a code of practice regarding electrical contractors, particularly in regard to personnel who are not qualified carrying out electrical works that are then subsequently signed off by suitably qualified persons who have the necessary certification but did not actually carry out the work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22329/09]

The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 provided for a new framework for the safety regulation of electrical contractors by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). I am advised by the CER that, following detailed consultations, the new system for the regulation of electrical contractors with respect to safety came into operation on January 5th 2009. Both the Electrical Contractors Safety & Standards Association (ECSSA) and the Register of Electrical Contractors of Ireland (RECI) are the regulatory bodies appointed by the CER to carry out this function on its behalf. These bodies are referred to as the Electrical Safety Supervisory Bodies.

This new system replaced a voluntary system for safety with regard to electrical contracting works that had been in operation for some time. Under the voluntary system any party or individual could carry out electrical work with no legal requirement or enforcement in place with regard to the qualifications of those carrying out electrical work or with regard to the certification, testing or inspection of electrical work. The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 provided for the introduction of a mandatory regime in the interest of public safety.

Under the new regulatory scheme, I am advised that the majority of electrical installation work undertaken will require certification. The only party that can legally certify work is a Registered Electrical Contractor. To become a Registered Electrical Contractor, an individual must register with one of the electrical safety supervisory bodies and must meet specified standards in terms of qualification and training.

Electrical works which require certification must be carried out and tested in line with the relevant technical rules, and in particular the National Wiring Rules, which are developed by the Electro Technical Council of Ireland. The certification of electrical work by a Registered Electrical Contractor provides the customer with assurance that the electrical installation has been tested and verified in line with those rules and is therefore safe. By certifying the electrical installation the Registered Electrical Contractor is declaring that he or she is taking responsibility for the full installation and its safety. The onus therefore is placed on the certifying Registered Electrical Contractor to ensure that all of the electrical installation is compliant with the requirements of the National Wiring Rules.

All Registered Electrical Contractors are also obliged to adhere to the requirements of Rules of Registration of the relevant regulatory body to which they are a member. Under these rules Registered Electrical Contractors are prohibited from certifying work that they are not responsible for, unless they seek express permission from the relevant regulatory body.

In order to qualify to certify work, a Registered Electrical Contractor must have served a recognised apprenticeship as an electrician and been awarded a National Craft Certificate; or another suitable electrical award, equivalent to level 6 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications; and have successfully completed a recognised course in Testing and Verification and Certification in the previous 3 years. All Registered Electrical Contractors will be subject to ongoing inspection and audit as regards their work. These arrangements are designed to protect lives and property from the risk of electrical safety incidents.

Fisheries Protection.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

532 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when studies on salmon stocks for 2008 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22454/09]

The report on the Status of Irish Salmon Stocks in 2008 and Precautionary Catch Advice for 2009 has been prepared by the Standing Scientific Committee and can be downloaded from the Department's website at the following address: www.dcenr.gov.ie/Natural/Inland+Fisheries+Division

Salmon Hardship Scheme.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

533 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals in regard to the driftnet salmon fishermen who did not opt for the compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22947/09]

I have no proposals regarding the driftnet salmon fishermen who did not opt to avail of the Salmon Hardship Scheme. The Salmon Hardship Scheme which was a voluntary scheme was administered by BIM and was intended to provide a measure of relief to individuals in line with the level of hardship likely to be experienced on foot of the cessation of mixed stock fishing for wild salmon.

Fisheries Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

534 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals in regard to the eel fishery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22970/09]

Scientific research conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), indicated that the European eel stock is now outside safe biological limits. It advised that a recovery plan be developed for the whole stock of European eel and that exploitation and other human activities affecting the stock be reduced to as close to zero as possible. As required under EU Council Regulation, Ireland submitted a Government approved draft Eel Management Plan to the Commission for approval.

Last month two bye-laws were introduced to give effect to the National Eel Management Plan put in place to protect our dwindling eel stocks. These closed the commercial and recreational eel fishery until June 2012. The decision to cease the eel fishery was taken to support a recovery of the stock in the shortest time possible. Under the Regulation, all aspects of the Plan must be reviewed in 2012. This review will consider 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. At that stage, the bye-laws which were introduced to close the commercial and recreational eel fishery until June 2012 will be reviewed.

The ESB, as part of their implementation of the eel plan, have recently advertised for tenders to undertake trap and transport operations. Ambitious targets have been set within the plan including the trapping and transport of at least 40 tonnes of eel around the turbines at Ardnacrusha and Ballyshannon. Experienced eel fishermen would be in a very strong position to tender competitively for the provision of the trap and transport operations. There will also be a limited amount of fishing associated with the research and monitoring to be carried out under the plan. This will be in the region of 150 man days spread over six river basin districts.

Telecommunications Services.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

535 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when broadband will be available to people in the Tiaquinn area of Colemanstown, Ballinasloe, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22120/09]

In order to provide broadband services to areas that are not currently served by broadband, my Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service. The general area of Colemanstown, Ballinasloe, County Galway will be provided with broadband services under this scheme in the coming weeks. A marketing campaign to announce the forthcoming service availability will commence shortly. Details of the areas to be covered by 3 under the NBS are available at www.three.ie/nbs.

Departmental Reports.

Enda Kenny

Question:

536 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of complaints received by his Department regarding the publication in 2008 by his Department of the all-island grid study; when the complaints were received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22151/09]

My Department received one complaint in October 2008 regarding the search facility on the CDs of the report of the All Island Grid Study. The report is now available in a searchable PDF format on the Department's website.

Telecommunications Services.

Joe Carey

Question:

537 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason Ennis town was not included in the metropolitan area network programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22270/09]

Joe Carey

Question:

538 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the next metropolitan area network scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22271/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 537 and 538 together.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) are high-speed, open access, carrier neutral electronic communications networks, which facilitate competition in the electronic communications market in regional towns and cities nationwide. Phase I of this Programme was aimed at facilitating the delivery of broadband services in cities and towns that did not have broadband at that time. The Government approved the building of the Phase I MANs in March 2002. Phase I has so far delivered optical fibre based networks to twenty-seven towns and cities throughout the country. All twenty-seven are operational and open for business.

A further ninety-four towns were identified as locations for MANs under Phase II of the Programme on the basis that there was no DSL broadband available from the incumbent service provider in each of the locations. The Government approved the building of the Phase II MANs in November 2003. Fifty-nine of these MANs covering sixty-five towns have been completed to date. Ennis was not included under Phase II of the MANs Programme as DSL Broadband was available in the town at the time of the Government decision. Ennis was however identified as a candidate town for any further phases of the MANs Programme.

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 and published in July 2008 (iii) any other analysis as appropriate and (iv) the availability of resources.

Billy Timmins

Question:

539 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the situation with respect to the provision of broadband in Clonmore, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22384/09]

In order to provide broadband services to areas that are not currently served by broadband, my Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service.

The general area of Clonmore, County Carlow will be provided with broadband services under this scheme. Challenging roll out targets have been agreed with 3. Services were launched in a small number of rural areas at the end of April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010. However, 3 is not in a position at this juncture, to predict the progression of site rollout in advance of obtaining the necessary planning permissions. One month prior to the NBS being launched in any given area, 3 will implement a marketing campaign to announce the forthcoming service availability. Details of the areas to be covered by 3 under the NBS are available at www.three.ie/nbs.

John Perry

Question:

540 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the plans in place to ensure that access to broadband is available to all residents in the Sooey and Ballintogher area of County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22493/09]

Broadband services can now be provided over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre by the private sector service providers. I understand that broadband is available in Ballintogher, County Sligo from wireless and satellite service providers and in Sooey, County Sligo from mobile, wireless and satellite service providers.

Details of the availability of broadband services in specific areas are available at www.broadband.gov.ie and are attached for your information.

Ballintogher

Platform

Service Provider

Website

Phone

Wireless

Digiweb Wireless

http://wireless.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

Fastcom Broadband ltd

http://www.fastcom.ie

1890 717171

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

Ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom Satellite

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Sooey

Platform

Service Provider

Website

Phone

Mobile

O2 Ireland

http://www.o2.ie/broadband

1800 226 086

Wireless

Digiweb Wireless

http://wireless.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

Fastcom Broadband ltd

http://www.fastcom.ie

1890 717171

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Ltd

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 925 5428

Digiweb Satellite

http://broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303 333

Ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409 109

Eircom Satellite

http://www.eircom.ie

1800 242 633

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303 746

Media Satellite Ireland Ltd

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Ltd

http://nbb.ie

045 982 130

Orblink

http://www.orblink.ie

01 860 1995

Pure Telecom Satellite

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 289 5555

Satellite Broadband Ireland Ltd

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland .ie

044 937 2514

Alternative Energy Projects.

Enda Kenny

Question:

541 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the average cost of a wind farm here; if so, the average cost of a wind farm here; if the figure for Ireland is higher than the European Union average which according to the European Wind Energy Association is on average €1.2 million per megawatt capacity; if so, the action he will take in order to rectify this cost difference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22563/09]

A report prepared by Sustainable Energy Ireland for the International Energy Agency (IEA) on wind turbine costs in Ireland in 2008 estimated typical costs for developing a wind farm in Ireland in 2008 in the range of m€1.7/MW to m€2/MW according to the specific characteristics of the project and other relevant factors, including grid connection charges, land prices and exchange rates.

The IEA has concluded there is insufficient clarity in the methodology for assessing the comparative costs of wind projects in different countries. The IEA has therefore proposed a new research task, IEA Wind Task 26, which, among other purposes, will provide a common methodology for comparing the cost of developing wind energy among participating countries as well as development of a methodology that could be used by external observers to estimate wind generation costs. This will facilitate more accurate comparisons of costs in different countries based on harmonised cost calculation methods.

Costs vary from country to country for a number of reasons. Primary factors include the typical scale of wind farm developments within a country, the structure of the wind energy development sector in a country i.e. whether dominated by small-scale project developers or large developers with multiple projects with balance sheet finance, geographic factors such as typical topography and terrain, soil types and average distances from infrastructure such as ports, roads and electricity networks.

In Ireland the electricity market is fully liberalised and wind farms projects are typically developed by both large and small-scale independent developers. Actual costs at any site depend on the purchasing power of the individual project developer, which can affect turbine prices, price variability for wind turbines from year to year, the cost of land, the local topography and terrain and distance from the site to ports, roads and the electricity network.

Electricity Generation.

Enda Kenny

Question:

542 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the round trip efficiency figure for the Turlough Hill, County Wicklow, generating facility used in the modelling of the all-island grid study; the way this figure was calculated; if the figure is accurate in view of the fact that according to EirGrid, the round trip efficiency of Turlough Hill in 2008 was approximately 62.66% (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22564/09]

The purpose of the All-island Grid Study was to quantify the ability of the electricity system on the island of Ireland to increase the contribution from renewable energy resources to electricity consumption while maintaining a secure and affordable supply to customer. The study assesses non-renewable energy technologies including pumped storage, coal-fired Moneypoint and combined cycle gas turbines in the context of their ability to work effectively with a system that includes various amounts of intermittent technologies.

The Study was commissioned from Risø National Laboratory. In table 36 of the "Work-stream 2(b) Wind Variability Management Studies", the authors reference the data sources used which in the case of Turlough Hill is taken from the All-island modelling project website with additional data supplied by Eirgrid. In addition in considering pumped storage constraints (A.1.4.14) the authors apply energy efficiency factors for Turlough Hill between 71% when pumping and 50% in the minimum generating state. A recorded averaged actual round trip energy efficiency of the order of 64% is therefore within the range considered by the authors of the study having regard to its concentration on prioritising renewable energy technologies. There is no conflict between the Eirgrid actual figures for 2008 and the range applied in the All-Island Grid Study which was published in January 2008.

Fisheries Protection.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

543 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding fishing rights (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will clarify the person who owns these fishing rights. [22590/09]

I have been advised by the Southern Regional Fisheries Board (SRFB) that the areas mentioned by the Deputy are not rated fisheries. The SRFB charge rates on ‘rated fisheries' and would only have details of ownership of rated fisheries.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

544 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22662/09]

The amount spent by my Department on taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is set out in the following table.

Year

Amount

2009 (Jan to 8th June)

14,728.19

2008

55,501.34

2007

70,417.03

Expenditure on taxis by any agency under the aegis of my Department is a day to day operational matter for the agency concerned.

Telecommunications Services.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

545 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the exchange in Creeslough, Letterkenny, County Donegal will be enabled to provide broadband in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22690/09]

The enabling of exchanges for broadband purposes is a matter for the owners of the relevant exchanges. It is anticipated that the facilitation of greater competition via the introduction of broadband from different technology platforms should encourage the more rapid enabling of exchanges for broadband. In order to provide broadband services to areas that are not currently served by broadband my Department has entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are within the NBS area and who seek a service. The general area of Creeslough, County Donegal, will be provided with broadband services under this scheme.

3 is currently planning the construction and roll out of the infrastructure required for the provision of the service. Challenging roll out targets have been agreed with 3. Services were launched in a small number of rural areas at the end of April 2009 and the entire NBS area must be covered by September 2010. However, 3 is not in a position at this juncture, to predict the progression of site roll out in advance of obtaining the necessary permissions. One month prior to the NBS being launched in any given area, 3 will implement a marketing campaign to announce the forthcoming service availability. Details of the areas to be covered by 3 under the NBS are available at www.three.ie/nbs.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

546 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22877/09]

The amount of banking charges paid by my Department over the past three years is presented in the following table. Details are shown from the date of formation of the Department in June 2007. The amount paid includes payments to a financial services provider in relation to foreign currency transactions and payments to suppliers in other Eurozone countries.

Year

Amount Paid

January 2009 to date

972

January to December 2008

2,147

June to December 2007

2,022

Total

5,141

The charges paid were in respect of banking online services, foreign currency transactions, payments to suppliers in other Eurozone countries and the provision of credit card payment facilities. The commercial bank accounts maintained by my Department are operated in accordance with public financial procedures and are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General's Office.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

547 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22891/09]

The amount spent by my Department since 2006 on bottled water is as follows:

Year

Spend

2006

4,416.12

2007

4,713.20

2008

3,075.23

2009

627.54 (to the end of May)

From late 2008 my Department has ceased purchasing bottled water for dispensers with the exception of one machine at the public reception area.

Harbours and Piers.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

548 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are plans to carry out necessary repair work at Portnablagh Pier, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22285/09]

Portnablagh Pier is owned Donegal County Council and therefore, responsibility for its repair, maintenance and development is the responsibility of the Local Authority in the first instance. However, each year my Department does invite applications for funding under the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Donegal County Council did submit a number of applications for inclusion in the 2009 Programme but the Pier at Portnablagh was not included. Any application by Donegal County Council in future years will be considered based on Exchequer funding and overall national priorities going forward.

Farm Waste Management.

Joe McHugh

Question:

549 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the State has an obligation to pay interest repayments on farm waste management loans; if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal as a case in point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22347/09]

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. Payment of the initial 40% to farmers approved for payment will begin this week and will continue as claims are approved over the next few months. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5% 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. 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.

Grant Payments.

Noel Coonan

Question:

550 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the breakdown of the amount to be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22070/09]

The REPS 4 application for the person named was received on 5th September 2008 with a start date of 1 January 2009. Under EU Regulations, payment on any individual REPS 4 application for 2009 cannot be made until completion of administrative and area checks on all applications received up to the closing date of 15 May 2009. At that stage 75% of the payment to each participant can be released, with the balance being paid when the last of the on-farm inspections for the year has taken place.

EU Directives.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

551 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by farmers whereby they could be penalised in their 2009 single farm payments, if they have extra stock on their holdings due to either the slow down in the economy or increased rainfall; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22089/09]

The EU Nitrates Directive, implemented in Ireland by the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2009 (SI no. 101 of 2009), requires that the total amount of livestock manure applied to land in any calendar year must not contain more than 170 kgs of nitrogen per hectare.

Non-compliance with the Regulations, such as exceeding the 170 kgs nitrogen limit, may result in sanctions being applied to a farmer's payments under the Single Payment or other EU funded schemes. The vast majority of Irish farmers operate well below this limit however. It is the responsibility of each farmer to ensure that he or she meets the obligations imposed by the Regulations, including compliance with the 170 kgs limit. My Department provides retrospective information to farmers on the quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus produced by grazing livestock on holdings to assist farmers in planning their nitrogen per hectare for the coming year. In addition approximately 60,000 farmers are participating in REPS and working to an approved nutrient management plan.

Farmers who applied to my Department for a derogation in respect of 2009 may exceed the 170 kgs limit up to a maximum of 250 kgs of nitrogen per hectare, subject to certain conditions. The closing date for derogation applications has now expired. The original closing date was extended to ensure farmers had the maximum opportunity to avail of the derogation in 2009.

There are other options available to farmers who estimate that they may exceed the 170 kgs limit, such as exporting slurry or taking additional land. It is essential that farmers take early action in such cases. My Department has established a Farm Advisory System (as required under Article 13 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1782/2003) by training a large number of agricultural advisors/consultants in all aspects of cross compliance. These advisors are listed on my Departments website. Where farmers are in any doubt about their situation or the possible options, it is strongly recommended that they talk to their farm advisor.

Farm Waste Management.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

552 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by farmers with their cash flow due to the payment schedule under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/09]

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.

EU Regulations.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

553 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on altering the regulations pertaining to the spreading of slurry on farmland; his further views on permitting farmers to spread slurry when the weather is dry, instead of during the set period as currently outlined in the regulations pertaining to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22091/09]

The Nitrates Regulations (S.I. No. 101 of 2009) are a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in the first instance. The objective of the Regulations is to protect water quality and the various provisions are designed to control the management of fertilisers, including the timing, method of application and maximum amounts that may be applied, in order to prevent nutrient losses to ground and surface waters. The Regulations give legal effect to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme.

The EU Nitrates Directive requires Member States' Nitrates Action Programmes to include rules regarding periods when the land application of certain types of fertilisers is prohibited. The purpose of these prohibited periods is to ensure that fertilisers are not applied at times of the year when there is little or no growth and crops are not able to use them, and when there is a high risk of those fertilisers finding their way into waters instead. Outside of these prohibited periods, fertilisers may be applied to land provided that weather and ground conditions are suitable and that buffer zones, as specified in the Regulations, are respected.

The Regulations were the subject of extensive consultation with stakeholders, including the farming bodies, and were finalised following negotiations with the EU Commission. At the conclusion of this process, the Nitrates Regulations (S.I. No. 378 of 2006) were made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Revised Regulations (S.I. No. 101 of 2009) were made recently following a further consultation process conducted by my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Fishing Industry Development.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

554 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his strategic proposals to ensure the survival and expansion of the native fishing industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22107/09]

The Cawley report — Steering A New Course is the national strategic plan for the Irish fishing industry and the wider seafood sector. The review of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) will also have a determining factor on the future of the Irish fishing industry.

In relation to the Cawley report, the Seafood Strategy Implementation Group (SSIG) was set up in 2007 under the chairmanship of Dr Noel Cawley, comprised of stakeholders from all sectors of the industry as well as representatives from the relevant state agencies and from my Department. The group is charged with overseeing and driving the implementation of the strategic recommendations contained in the Cawley Report. Substantial progress has been made on a number of fronts, including the completion of a decommissioning scheme which was a key recommendations of the Cawley report. Implementing certain strategies contained in the Cawley report involves State support for the sector and progress in these areas will be dependent on the availability of funds. However, many of the measures involve improved practices, improved organisation and better co-ordination and co-operation and are not dependent on public funds. I am confident that significant progress on the delivery of this strategy will be achieved over the coming year.

With regard to the review of the CFP I am instigating a broad consultation process with all stakeholders, to feed into Ireland's response to the issues raised in the EU Commission's green paper published on 21 April 2009 on the CFP review. Dr Noel Cawley has been appointed to oversee these consultations. I will continue to work closely with all parties to drive both processes forward to deliver on and further develop the strategic change necessary to support Ireland's fishing industry.

Afforestation Programme.

Bobby Aylward

Question:

555 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on extending the forestry premium from 20 to 22 years to compensate for the recent reduction in this premium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22115/09]

Following the Supplementary Budget in April and the subsequent reduction in the annual forestry premium I have received a number of suggestions from forestry industry representatives for maintaining confidence in the sector. Several proposals have been made including one of the nature referred to by the Deputy. All proposals are being examined but will of course be subject to the budgetary situation for next year and subsequent years.

Harbours and Piers.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

556 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals to carry out remedial work on the grid at Dunmore East Fisheries Harbour, County Waterford (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22145/09]

Funds have been allocated for the renewal of the existing West Wharf Timber Skids also referred to as the grid, as part of the ongoing Safety and Maintenance Programme of works at Dunmore East Fishery Harbour Centre. My Department's Engineering Division will shortly engage in consultation with the various harbour users in order to agree a suitable time to carry out the works in 2009.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

557 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the development of Screggane Pier, Castlegregory, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22152/09]

The pier at Scraggane, Castlegregory is owned by Kerry County Council and responsibility for its operation, maintenance and development rests with that local authority. My Department has however in the past provided funding towards works to upgrade and extend the pier under the Fishery Harbours and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme. Kerry County Council has not submitted an application in respect of Scraggane for funding under the 2009 Fishery Harbour & Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme.

Grant Payments.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

558 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when farm grants will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [22158/09]

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 concerned and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Afforestation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

559 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 20 May 2009, the reason that the terms of an agreement (details supplied) relating to forestry grants were changed in view of the fact that farmers had entered into a long-term contract with his Department. [22183/09]

Although the Deputy refers to "forestry grants" I presume that he is referring to the recent decision to reduce the annual forestry premium by 8%. The Supplementary Budget in April reduced the funding available for the Forestry Programme in 2009 and it was necessary for my Department to ensure that this allocation is spent as effectively and efficiently as possible. I decided to maintain the Afforestation Grant Scheme given its employment potential and contribution to climate change mitigation and funding for this in 2009 remains in place. The reduction in annual premiums was one of a number of measures that were necessary to take to deal with the new budgetary position.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

560 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be granted single farm payment in view of the fact that all requested information has been submitted to his Department. [22243/09]

An application was received on the 15 May 2008 requesting the transfer of 12.42 Single Payment Scheme entitlements to the person named from his late father. As the person named was not the legal owner of a herd-number, he was advised to contact his District Veterinary Office to request the transfer of the herd-number from his late father to himself. As the requested transfer of entitlements was by way of inheritance, the person named was also asked to supply the normal testamentary documentation in support of his claim. In addition, the transfer form was incomplete and this was returned with a request that the executor of the estate also sign it.

As the person named did not obtain a herd-number during the 2008 Scheme year, it was not possible to process the transfer of entitlements for that year and consequently the application was rejected. Any Single Payment Scheme payments due for 2008 and previous years will be allowed to issue to the representatives, of the father of the person named. To allow these payments to issue, the person named must supply a copy of Probate or, if not available, alternative documentation.

While the Transfer of Entitlement application could be processed under the 2009 scheme year, to date the person named has not supplied a copy of his late father's Will or Probate or any other related documentation. In addition, the person named is still not in possession of a herd-number. When the person named supplies the normal documentation required to prove his entitlement to the Single Payment previously held by his father, and when he obtains a herd-number, the application to transfer entitlements will be processed without delay.

Departmental Agencies.

Michael Ring

Question:

561 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if an agency (details supplied) has made recommendations to cut staff; and if he has a role in this. [22244/09]

Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988. Day-to-day operational matters, such as the management of human resources, are the responsibility of the company.

Animal Diseases.

Michael Creed

Question:

562 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will clarify the regulations and obligations regarding the importation from the UK of animals (details supplied); if these animals, when imported, will be subject to the same regulations governing tuberculosis and brucellosis testing as currently apply for bovines here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22264/09]

EU legislation governing intra community trade in cattle prescribes the conditions for trade and these rules also apply to the importation of water buffaloes from the UK. All cattle imported into Ireland from the UK must be accompanied by an official health certificate from DEFRA as the competent authority of the exporting country confirming that the animals have undergone all appropriate tests and have not come from an area affected by any animal disease. In the case of bovines (including water buffaloes) such tests include bovine TB, brucellosis and leucosis.

In addition, all of the territory of Great Britain is included in a bluetongue Protection Zone. As such, additional certification for this disease applies to susceptible animals (including water buffaloes) from such zones. As Ireland is free of bluetongue it has availed of arrangements whereby it can limit the type of animals to be imported to those under 90 days old OR to those who have proven natural or vaccinal immunity to bluetongue (and only then if they pass particular pre-export tests and are treated with insecticide prior to and during transport). These immune animals will not develop a viraemia. Additional rules apply to female animals due to the established risk of possible transplacental transmission of bluetongue.

Certification issues will arise regarding vaccination of water buffalo for bluetongue. It is my understanding that the current EMEA approved vaccines for bluetongue are not authorised for water buffalo. However as the intended import is from the UK it is a matter for DEFRA to decide on this matter. If DEFRA cannot certify vaccination, they will not be in a position to issue a health certificate thus export of this species from Great Britain to Ireland cannot take place or will be confined to animals under 90 days old.

I have consistently advised that all importers should not import any animals from bluetongue-affected areas as the highest risk of the introduction of the disease into Ireland is via an imported animal. By so doing they are putting their farms and the entire industry in jeopardy. If importers choose to ignore this advice and post-import testing shows that an imported animal is bluetongue virus positive, it will be immediately slaughtered without compensation. Importers should be aware of the financial exposure as well as the disease risk they are facing both to their own herd and to the national herd.

Grant Payments.

Pat Breen

Question:

563 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding an appeal of suckler welfare scheme payment by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22266/09]

The person named has 13 animals for consideration under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. To date, nine have qualified for payment, and payments totalling €720 have issued. The remaining four have not been paid. Under the rules of the scheme, a gradual weaning procedure must be followed and from the records provided, it appears that it was not followed in this case. An officer from my Department will contact the person named.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

564 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive their REPS 4 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22276/09]

This person's case has been reviewed and payment will issue shortly.

Food Labelling.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

565 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the way country of origin labelling of imported meat is verified, and prosecuted in infringement cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22304/09]

My Department is responsible for the operation of EU harmonized controls on imports of products of animal origin for human consumption. These are applied under its service contract with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and in compliance with the Community's rules for the hygiene of food and feed. The FSAI, under service contracts with its official agencies, including this Department, enforces legislation requiring country of origin labelling of imported meat. EU hygiene of food rules stipulate that food products of animal origin from EU sources must be traceable, come from an approved food business establishment, be health marked and be accompanied to destination by a commercial document or by 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 all products of animal origin are required to be submitted for import control at an EU approved Border Inspection Post (BIP) following prior notification. The checks applied at the BIP ensure they have originated in a country approved by the EU for trade in such products, have been produced in an approved establishment (with the exception of honey), have been appropriately labelled and transported and are accompanied by a veterinary health certificate in accordance with the models laid down by Community legislation and signed by the Competent Authority of the country responsible for the guarantees. The checks include documentary, identity and physical checks as well as sampling of imported products for analysis under the national residue monitoring programme or EU safeguard measures, when required.

Import consignments 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.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Pat Breen

Question:

566 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Teagasc REPS scheme service will become largely inoperable if the proposal to terminate contract planners goes ahead; the proposals he will put into place in order that there will be no interruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22320/09]

Subject to remaining within the level of resources available to Teagasc the delivery of a REPS service is an operational matter for Teagasc itself. The REPS planners are employed on temporary fixed term contracts by Teagasc. The recently announced moratorium on Public Service recruitment prevents Teagasc from renewing such contracts. I understand that Teagasc propose to tender for registered contractors for a REPS planning service and that current contract planners will be well placed to avail of this opportunity.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten

Question:

567 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 392 of 3 February 2009, when a person will receive their payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22323/09]

The person concerned is an applicant under the Installation Aid Scheme. My Department is still waiting on the information requested from the person concerned and his application cannot be processed further until this information is received.

Meat Processing Sector.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

568 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are incentives for development in respect of small primary and secondary meat processors in the new grant aid scheme announced in the week commencing 24 May 2009; the amount this scheme ring-fenced for small primary and secondary processors; the strategic objectives he is accomplishing in publishing this scheme at this time; the conditions governing the scheme; the verification procedure for work carried out; and if grant aid payments will be made on completion of work after verification or made on a phased basis over a period of time. [22336/09]

In 2008 my Department awarded particular financial support to the small meat sector, which includes small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat establishments. Following a call for applications in December 2007, and a detailed selection and evaluation process in 2008, my Department awarded a total of €7.8m in grant assistance to 31 enterprises. This funding will assist food business operators in the sector to improve efficiency, add quality and value to products, produce new and innovative products and develop new markets.

The awards of €69 million under the Beef and Sheepmeat Investment Fund, which were announced recently, are part of a strategy to position the industry to face the challenges and grasp the opportunities that lie ahead. This grant aid will contribute to an actual investment in projects in the region of €168 million. The objective of the Fund is to support capital investment to increase scale and efficiency in primary processing, and to increase added value in further processing for retail, food service and manufacturing outlets. The investments are expected to increase net sales and exports by €400 million and ensure a net expansion in employment, with over 800 additional jobs to be provided by 2012 when the investment package is due to be completed.

Each application for the Beef and Sheepmeat Investment Fund was carefully considered and all eligible projects were assessed and evaluated according to strict commercial and technical criteria by an expert committee comprising members from Enterprise Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Bord Bia, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, private industry and an academic expert.

The funding awarded is being provided over a multi-annual period. In the case of eligible capital investments carried out up to 31 December 2008, grant aid will be paid out at the latest by 30 June 2010. Grant aid in respect of eligible capital investments carried out after 31 December 2008 will be paid out in the years 2011-2012.

Grant payments, which fit within the timelines above, will only be made when: All the conditions relating to the executed grant agreement covering the grant approvals are fulfilled by the promoters. The normal submission of independent auditors certification and supporting schedules of the costs which have been expended. A formal inspection by the Enterprise Ireland inspection team of the assets upon which grant is being claimed and their satisfaction that the assets are in place, are in line with the objectives of the investment programme and represent good value for money. Payments can be made on an instalment basis so as to facilitate the cash flow requirements of projects and in line with the actual expenditure actually undertaken. It is expected that the final grant amounts will be expended in 2012 or 2013 depending on the speed of actual investment by the beneficiaries.

Grant Payments.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

569 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a REPS 4 grant will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22357/09]

My officials wrote to the person named on 4th June 2009 and the file cannot be progressed until the issues raised in this letter are addressed.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

570 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Offaly under the farm waste management scheme; if he will confirm the works which have been included in same application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22361/09]

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 concerned and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Dan Neville

Question:

571 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement regarding a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22377/09]

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 processing the application concerned and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

John Deasy

Question:

572 Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REP scheme payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will ensure that payment issues immediately. [22489/09]

Tom Hayes

Question:

573 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment in respect of REP scheme will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22496/09]

Payment will issue to the person named within the next 10 days.

Farm Waste Management.

Willie Penrose

Question:

574 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will request his officials dealing with the farm waste management scheme to carry out an inspection of a slatted shed erected by a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath which was approved under the scheme in order to allow matters to progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22509/09]

The person named above is an applicant under the Farm Waste Management Scheme. An inspection will be carried out in this case as soon as possible. However, the grant cannot be paid until all documentation has been received by my Department.

Dairy Sector.

Michael Creed

Question:

575 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to announce the details of the scheme to facilitate new entrants into dairying; if the scheme will be so devised as to facilitate farmers who in anticipation of such a scheme have already purchased additional quota under the trading schemes but have not produced this milk to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22514/09]

Following my announcement on 14th April that one quarter of the one per cent milk quota increase under the Health Check would be set aside for a scheme to attract new entrants into dairying, officials in my Department have been in consultation with the farming organisations and with ICOS on the most efficient and equitable means of achieving this. Work is nearing completion on the eligibility criteria for applicants and detailed rules for the scheme are being prepared. I hope to publish the details shortly.

Commonage Division.

Jack Wall

Question:

576 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there are regulations or guidelines under his remit on the use of commonage lands, specifically by community groups seeking to provide facilities for their community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22556/09]

Commonage land in this Country is for the most part privately owned by a number of owners in common. As this is a private law matter my Department does not have regulations or guidelines in relation to privately owned commonage land if or were it to be used for community purposes.

Departmental Staff.

James Bannon

Question:

577 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has sanctioned the employment of people outside his Department to carry out meat inspections in view of the fact that his Department already has 250 technical staff employed and trained to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22573/09]

My Department engages part-time Temporary Veterinary Inspectors (TVIs), as and when required, to assist the Department's official veterinarians in the performance of ante mortem and post mortem tasks at approved meat processing plants. Other than these professional veterinarians, my Department has not sanctioned the engagement of persons from outside the Department to carry out meat inspection duties.

The technical staff that are referred to by the Deputy, while trained to a level commensurate to carry out all the inspection tasks which they are currently performing, are not fully trained to carry out post-mortem meat inspection except in relation to poultry meat. The Department has assigned some post mortem inspection duties to technical staff working in poultry processing establishments. The food hygiene regulations require that a veterinarian carry out ante mortem inspection of all animals before slaughter.

Departmental Offices.

James Bannon

Question:

578 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has plans to close local agriculture offices; if so, which ones and when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22574/09]

My Department is currently reviewing its local office structure. No decisions have been taken regarding the future of any local office, other than the Dublin local office, already announced.

Grant Payments.

James Bannon

Question:

579 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not been granted their entitlements under the single payment scheme despite submitting all requested medical certification and documentation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22576/09]

The person named applied to consolidate their Single Payment Scheme entitlements on 3rd May 2006. This application was successful resulting in the granting of 18.16 National Reserve entitlements. The regulations governing the consolidation of entitlements under the 2006 scheme year provide that the consolidated entitlements must be used in full for a period of 5 years and may not be transferred to another farmer during that period.

An application was received on 15 May 2008 requesting the transfer of 18.16 National Reserve entitlements by way of lease from the person named to another farmer for the 2008 scheme year. The application was rejected since the entitlements concerned were consolidated in 2006 and subject to the 5-year usage rule. An application was received on 23 February 2009 requesting Force Majeure in relation to the five-year restriction on trading of National Reserve entitlements. The person named supplied medical evidence in support of this application. My Department having fully examined the circumstances of this case deemed that the medical evidence provided was insufficient to warrant the granting of Force Majeure.

However, under the C.A.P. recent Health Check, changes have been made to the rules governing the transfer of National Reserve entitlements which now allow for the transfer of National Reserve entitlements with effect from the 2009 scheme year. An official from my Department has contacted the person named regarding the transfer of his 18.16 entitlements in 2009 and arrangements are now being made for this transfer.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

580 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment of a farm waste management grant will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [22589/09]

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 processing the application concerned and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

581 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a REPS 4 payment will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22597/09]

The REPS 4 2008 agri-environmental plan belonging to the person named was rejected for payment. This rejection was successfully appealed on 13th May 2009 and the file is currently being re-processed.

Denis Naughten

Question:

582 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to Parliamentary Question No. 533 of 6 May 2009, when payment will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22623/09]

This person applied for 5 animals and payment has already issued for 3 animals. Payment for 1 further animal has been approved and will issue shortly. Payment will not be made for the fifth animal as this calf and the cow were sold before all the measures were completed.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

583 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22660/09]

The amount spent on taxis by my Department since 2007 is set out in the following table. These figures comprise payments to both the firms with whom my Department has accounts and taxis used by officials in my Department as part of normal work related travel arrangements, both home and abroad.

Year

Amount Spent on Taxis

2007

79,418

2008

86,171

2009 to-date

26,133

The use of taxis by agencies under the remit of my Department is an operational matter for the agencies themselves.

Installation Aid Scheme.

John McGuinness

Question:

584 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be re-examined to determine if the person has qualified for a grant under the installation aid scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22703/09]

There is no record of a formal application received in my Department under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme from the person concerned.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

585 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded their REP scheme payment. [22741/09]

Under EU rules payments in respect of REPS 4 are to be made in two instalments. The first instalment consists of 75% of the total payment due for the year and is paid to individual applicants once all administrative checks on all plans have been completed. The person named has received the first instalment of his payment and my officials expect to release the remaining 25 % shortly.

Michael Ring

Question:

586 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded the remaining 25% of their REP scheme payment. [22742/09]

Under EU rules payments in respect of REPS 4 are to be made in two instalments. The first instalment consists of 75% of the total payment due for the year and is paid to individual applicants once all administrative checks on all plans have been completed. The person named has received the first instalment of his payment and my officials expect to release the remaining 25 % shortly.

Michael Ring

Question:

587 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason 75% of a payment did not issue to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [22743/09]

Unlike previous REPS Schemes, REPS 4 is paid on a calendar year basis. The person named received a 75% payment of € 9,000 in respect of the 7 months in which they participated in REPS 4 in 2008. Payment for a full calendar year in this case will fall due in 2009 and in successive years in the Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

588 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded REP scheme three. [22744/09]

Payment to person named issued on 28th May 2009.

Michael Ring

Question:

589 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be awarded REPS 4. [22760/09]

Payment to the person named issued on 19th May 2009.

Afforestation Programme.

Michael Ring

Question:

590 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the grant aid available to a person who wishes to plant native trees (details supplied). [22762/09]

Grant aid is available to plant native trees under the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme. Details of the scheme are available on my Department's website www.agriculture.gov.ie or by contacting the Forestry Division at Johnstown Castle Estate, Co. Wexford Lo-call 1890 200 223.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

591 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo did not receive full payment for all the animals applied for under a scheme. [22763/09]

The person named has 12 animals for consideration under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. To date, payment totalling €480 has issued in respect of 6 animals. Two further animals have been cleared for payment. A further three animals are in eligible, two have late registrations and one animal is missing the sire details. The remaining animal has not been confirmed as having been weaned. The person named is now deceased and it still has to be determined as to who is legally entitled to the balance of the monies due. In this regard, and also to allow a follow-up of the outstanding queries, an official from my Department will contact the next of kin.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

592 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22875/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.

Year

Nature of Bank Charges

Total

Electronic Fund Transfers*

Credit Card Accounts

Purchase of Foreign Currency

Bank Commission charges

2006

7,848.60

371.73

237.73

411.40

8,869.46

2007

15,419.71

435.60

765.82

36.35

16,657.48

2008

**40,688.49

731.28

236.76

495.00

42,151.53

2009 (to date)

**58,782,28

150.00

79.49

129.20

59,140.97

*Government policy to make payments by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) rather than by cheque (payable order) as a more efficient method of payment and the EU requirement that all payments to farmers be made by EFT from 16 October 2008 account for the increase in charges since 2006.

**The Department has reviewed the amounts charged in respect of the EFT fees in 2008 and 2009 and is in discussion with the bank on the matter.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

593 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22889/09]

The Department is required by law to supply drinking water, conveniently accessible to all staff, in all its offices. In some cases this requirement is met through the provision of bottled water, the cost of which averaged some €5,700 per annum over the last 3 years.

Crop Spraying.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

594 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his proposals to ban crop spraying except before sunrise and after sunset as is the case in England, France and Germany in the interest of protecting the bee population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22944/09]

I am not aware of any blanket ban on crop spraying during daylight hours in the UK or in any other EU Member State. All plant protection products sold and used in Ireland must receive prior approval from my Department. The effect of a plant protection product on bees is one of the criteria assessed as part of the approval procedure. Products with an unacceptable effect on bees are restricted in the manner of their use. For example, some products must not be used on crops during flowering or when bees are foraging.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

595 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the delay in payment of a suckler cow grant to a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22952/09]

The person named submitted an application for the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme on 12 March 2008. With effect from 1 April 2008 the herd number was transferred into the name of another family member. Both parties have signed a Form of Undertaking agreeing that monies due will issue in the name of the original applicant. A total of 17 animals are under consideration for payment. Ten animals have been cleared and payment will issue shortly. A query regarding another animal has been resolved, and it will be validated for payment shortly. A further five animals, which were born in October 2008 have not yet been confirmed as having been weaned. The remaining animal has a query regarding the dates of meal introduction and weaning.

Meat Processing Sector.

Michael Creed

Question:

596 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of companies which are beneficiaries of the recent meat investment fund; the number of jobs which each company expects to create on foot of this grant aid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22955/09]

David Stanton

Question:

600 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the grant aid made available or committed to meat processing companies in the past 12 months; the amount and companies involved; the conditions attached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23136/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 596 and 600 together.

Grant aid was made available to the meat processing sector in the last 12 months under two funding programmes following detailed selection and evaluation processes. A grant aid scheme for the small meat sector, which includes small slaughterhouses and low throughput meat establishments, culminated in my Department awarding a total of €7.8m in grant assistance to 31 enterprises in December 2008. Details are at Appendix 1. The awards will assist the meat businesses to improve efficiency, add quality and value to products, produce new and innovative products and develop new markets.

Under the Beef and Sheepmeat Investment Fund, grant assistance of over €69 million was recently announced in respect of 15 investment projects, each exceeding €2 million. The awards, which are part of a strategy to position the industry to face the challenges and grasp the opportunities that lie ahead, will contribute to total investment in the region of €168 million. The objective of the Fund is to support investment to increase scale and efficiency in primary processing, and added value in further processing for retail, food service and manufacturing outlets. No overall increase in processing capacity within the sector is envisaged. The individual investments supported by the Fund will have a range of impacts on sales and employment. The overall net impact planned by companies in this multi-annual programme of investment is expected to achieve over €400 million in additional sales and exports and a net expansion of 800 in employment following completion of the package of investments in 2012. Details of the awards are at appendix 2. For reasons of commercial confidentiality and because the investments will take place over a number of years it would not be appropriate to provide further details of individual projects at this stage.

The awards carry the condition that beneficiaries undertake not to dispose of equipment or buildings in respect of which grant aid has been paid for a period of five years from the date that the final grant instalment is payable or is paid.

Appendix 1: Grant Aid Awarded Towards Capital Investment in Small Meat Sector

County

Project(s)

Location

Investment

Grant

Carlow

Carlow Foods Ltd

Fenagh

1,022,269

306,681

Cork

Gubbeen Farmhouse

Schull

124,923

49,96

Cork

Skeaghanore Fresh Farm Duck

Ballydehob

828,840

248,65

Hodgins Sausage Ltd

Mitchelstown

1,106,450

331,935

Finns Meats

Mitchelstown

596,145

178,844

Cork

Jack McCarthy Ltd Craft Butchers

Kanturk

249,732

99,893

Donegal

Swilly Meats Ltd

Ballybofey

1,548,514

464,554

Dublin

M&K Meats

Rathcoole

251,428

100,571

Sandyford Meats

Sandyford

268,868

107,547

Courtney Food Services

Kimmage

91,056

36,422

Hicks Foods Ltd

Ballymount

209,218

83,687

Galway

Heaney Meats Catering Co

Connemara

2,123,699

637,110

Kerry

PLM Foods

Glenfisk, Killarney

558,728

167,619

Kildare

Brady Family Food

Timahoe, Naas

1,892,296

567,689

McConnon’s Meats

Rathangan

1,625,232

487,570

Laois

Festa Fine Foods

Portlaoise

650,384

195,115

Leitrim

Campbell Meats

Drumshanbo

719,324

215,797

Limerick

Ashgrove Meats

Newcastle West

111,900

44,760

Longford

Louis Herterich

Longford

462,329

138,700

Sheelin Meats Ltd

Granard

558,916

167,675

Louth

Ashbrook Foods Ltd

Dundalk

248,984

99,594

Mayo

Imam Casing & Foods

Ballyhaunis

1,359,481

407,846

Meath

Traditional Meat Company

Oldcastle

2,233,641

670,093

Boyne Valley Meats

Garristown

1,199,415

359,825

Monaghan

Farney Foods Ltd

Carrickmacross

329,436

98,831

Connolly Meats

Scotstown

422,322

126,696

Roscommon

O’Brien Butchers

Whitehall

580,890

174,267

Gilligans Farm Fresh Meats

Four Mile House

746,183

223,855

Tipperary

Darcy Meats

Nenagh

732,688

219,806

Wexford

Thomas Kinsella Meats

Enniscorthy

416,965

125,090

Wicklow

Michael Whelan Puddings

Blessington

2,063,077

618,923

Total

25,333,333

7,755,615

Appendix 2: Grant Aid awarded under Beef and Sheepmeat Investment Fund

Company name and location

Project

Capital spend Proposed

Grant awarded

€m

€m

Kilbeggan Abattoir Services Ltd. (KASL), Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath

Invest in greenfield slaughter plant in in Co Westmeath

24.984

11.243

AIBP t/a AIBP Cahir, Cahir, Co. Tipperary

Add value & expand beef processing facilities at Cahir, Co Tipperary

19.364

6.777

Dawn Meats Ireland Ltd., t/a Charleville Foods, Charleville, Co. Cork

Develop larger scale slaughtering and further processing facility in Charleville, Co. Cork

14.223

5.689

Dawn Country Meats Ltd t/a Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Develop high value slaughtering & processing plant for beef and lamb

13.491

5.396

AIBP t/a AIBP Clones, Clones,Co. Monaghan

Develop high value portioned meat business, Clones Co. Monaghan

15.245

5.336

Dunbia (Slane), Beaupark, Navan, Co. Meath

Consolidation to one site and development of added value product in Slane ,Co. Meath

13.173

4.611

Kepak Longford, Rathmore, Ballymahon, Co. Longford

Develop high volume state of the art deboning operation

11.361

4.544

Slaney Foods International, Bunclody, Co. Wexford

Investment in consolidated beef slaughtering and processing facilities

11.268

4.507

Kepak Athleague, Athleague,Co. Roscommon

Integrated beef & lamb project to improve product quality & efficient processing

9.988

3.995

AIBP t/a AIBP Nenagh, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary

Development of high value portioned meat business

10.691

3.742

Irish Country Meats (Sheepmeat), Baylands, Camolin, Co. Wexford

Capital expansion to improve value added output and improve efficiencies

8.860

3.544

Donegal Meat Processors, Drumnashear, Carrigans, Co. Donegal

Investment to improve efficiency and increase value added production

8.050

3.220

Dawn Meats (Exports) Ltd –Grannagh, Wateford

development of facility to improve capacity, structure, and scale in Grannagh, Co. Waterford

7.427

2.599

Liffey Meats (Cavan), Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan

Upgrade to increase production of value added products

6.581

2.632

Kildare Chilling Company Ltd., Kildare Town, Kildare

Produce more efficient value added beef products

3.600

1.260

Total

167.641

69.095

Fisheries Protection.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

597 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the national fish stocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22970/09]

Scientific research conducted by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), indicated that the European eel stock is now outside safe biological limits. It advised that a recovery plan be developed for the whole stock of European eel and that exploitation and other human activities affecting the stock be reduced to as close to zero as possible. As required under EU Council Regulation, Ireland submitted a Government approved draft Eel Management Plan to the Commission for approval.

Last month two bye-laws were introduced to give effect to the National Eel Management Plan put in place to protect our dwindling eel stocks. These closed the commercial and recreational eel fishery until June 2012. The decision to cease the eel fishery was taken to support a recovery of the stock in the shortest time possible. Under the Regulation, all aspects of the Plan must be reviewed in 2012. This review will consider 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. At that stage, the bye-laws which were introduced to close the commercial and recreational eel fishery until June 2012 will be reviewed.

The ESB, as part of their implementation of the eel plan, have recently advertised for tenders to undertake trap and transport operations. Ambitious targets have been set within the plan including the trapping and transport of at least 40 tonnes of eel around the turbines at Ardnacrusha and Ballyshannon. Experienced eel fishermen would be in a very strong position to tender competitively for the provision of the trap and transport operations. There will also be a limited amount of fishing associated with the research and monitoring to be carried out under the plan. This will be in the region of 150 man days spread over six river basin districts.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

598 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded a grant. [22997/09]

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 processing the application concerned and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

599 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a decision will be made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for REPS 4 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23071/09]

The REPS 4 agri-environmental plan belonging to the person named was rejected for payment. The person named appealed this decision unsuccessfully and was informed of this decision on 7th May 2009. In this letter,the applicant was informed of the right to appeal to the Agriculture Appeals Office (AAO). My officials have been in touch with the AAO and no appeal has been received to date.

Question No. 600 answered with Question No. 596.

Capitation Grants.

Dan Neville

Question:

601 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount that is granted per student to schools which have swimming on their curriculum; the amount of money that has been allocated for a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22421/09]

My Department does not provide specific grants to schools for swimming. Schools, such as that referred to by the Deputy, have flexibility to prioritise their needs and to use their general capitation funding to support the implementation of the curriculum, including Physical Education. Primary school capitation grants have been increased substantially in recent years. The primary school capitation grant has increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €200, which was an increase of €21 on last year. This represents an increase of 146% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Question:

602 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the action he will take in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22980/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The NCSE will undertake to review a decision taken by a SENO on foot of a request from a school or parents/guardians, when accompanied by relevant additional information, which may not have been to hand at the time of the decision. The NCSE has outlined this process in its Circular 01/05.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the information provided by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.

Schools Refurbishment.

Joan Burton

Question:

603 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools in the Dublin 15 area which have made applications to have works carried out under the summer works scheme 2009; the applications which have been successful; the details and amount of each successful application; the applications which have not been successful; the reason for which these applications were refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22043/09]

The details sought by the Deputy relating to schools in the Dublin 15 area whose applications were approved for funding under the current Summer Works Scheme are included in a tabular statement relating to the complete Fingal Area. It would not be appropriate at this stage to make public the level of funding approved for schools as to do so might compromise the tendering process.

Details of the unsuccessful schools in the Dublin 15 area are given in a second tabular statement. Unsuccessful applications generally fall into two categories:

Invalid applications;

Unapproved applications.

Applications are deemed invalid where schools do not submit an application consistent with the terms of the Scheme. Most commonly, schools apply for works which are not within the scope of the scheme or they have not engaged suitably qualified Consultants.

The Department operates a free phone service each year for schools to assist them in completing application forms and to provide general information on the Scheme to avoid the submission of invalid applications as far as possible. Frequently Asked Questions are published on my Department's website and the governing Circular Letter also contains full details in relation to qualifying applications. Unapproved applications generally arise where the works had already been completed under another funding mechanism or where the works were deemed not to be absolutely necessary at this point in time. Letters issue to the individual schools setting out the reasons why their applications are unsuccessful and a school may appeal the decision made in its case if it so wishes.

The Deputy will be aware that €80m will be spent on 1,180 projects in 967 schools this year. This investment will improve structural, mechanical, electrical, gas and other works in schools right across the country. I have already announced that, later this year, I will invite applications for a 2010 Summer Works Scheme.

County

Sector

Roll No.

School

Reason

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

00697S

St Brigids Mxd N S Castleknock

Windows

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

16844S

Scoil N. Breandan Loughshinny

Mechanical

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

16844S

Scoil N. Breandan Loughshinny

Mechanical

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

17284L

Baldoyle B N S Scoil Naisiunta Baile Duill

Toilets

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

17569E

Blessed Oliver N S Baile An Ridire

Toilets

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

17785K

San Nioclas Myra Kinsealy

External Environment

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

17928G

Sn N Sailbheastar Nfa Malahide

Toilets

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

18976W

S N Cholmille B Swords

Windows

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

19456B

St Cronan Brackenstown

Electrical

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

19470S

St Francis Xavier Senior N S Coolmine

Windows

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

19627C

John Paul Ii N S Sonesta

Mechanical

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

19721R

Holy Family Junior N S Forest Fields

Toilets

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

19988L

St Marys National School Grange Road

Toilets

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

60380C

St Dominic’S High School Santa Sabina,

Roofs

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

70010V

Balbriggan Community College Pine Ridge

Structural Improve-ments

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

70081V

Riversdale Community College Blanchardstown Rd North

Windows

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

70120F

St Finians Community College Swords

Toilets

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

76078Q

Skerries Community College Skerries

Windows

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

76085N

Gealcholáiste Reachrann Bóthar Mhainistir Na Gráinsí

Access For All

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

91315O

Scoil Phobail Chuil Mhin Cluain Saileach

Structural Improve-ments

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

91324P

Portmarnock Community School Carrickhill Road

Toilets

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

91325R

Malahide Community School Broomfield

Toilets

Summer Works Scheme 2009

Unapproved Applications for the Dublin 15 Area

County

Sector

Roll No.

School

Reason

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

19636D

St Patrick’s Senior School Corduff

Large scale project announced to commence architectural planning in 2009

Dublin Fingal

Primary School

19643A

St Philips Senior N S Mountview

Project not absolutely necessary

Invalid Applications for the Dublin 15 Area

County

Sector

Roll No.

School

Reason

Dublin Fingal

Post Primary School

76062B

Castleknock Community College Carpenters-town Road

Works applied for outside scope of Scheme

School Completion Programme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

604 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the latest figures for school retention rates to leaving certificate in Dublin, broken down by Dublin postcode; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22049/09]

The latest Retention Report published by the Department of Education and Science provides data on the cohort of pupils who entered the first year of the junior cycle in 1997, 1998 and 1999 most of whom completed their senior cycle five to six years following the year of intake. This is the third such report tracking pupil retention and the trend is showing yearly improvements in retention rates — rising from an estimated 81 to 84% for entrants to second level in 1996 and 1999 respectively. It is compiled from data on the Department's Post Primary Pupils Database and tracks students in State aided schools (with an estimate of those attaining their Leaving Cert in private institutions). It does not take into account students pursuing other educational pathways such as Youthreach or apprenticeship training. Retention rates of pupils in Second-Level School 1999 Cohort can be found on my Department's website — www.education.ie under Statistics.

Average retention rates to leaving certificate for Dublin City, Dublin South, Dublin Fingal and Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown for the 1999 Entry cohort were 72.1%, 74.6%, 80.7% and 83.2% respectively. Retention rates for each Dublin postcode area have not been published in the most recent Report due to concerns about the use of such information to narrowly compare individual schools without taking full account of other differences. Data relating to the cohort of pupils who entered the first year of the junior cycle in 2000 and 2001 will be available in August.

My Department has adopted a broad-based approach to tackling early school leaving. This includes the work of the National Educational Welfare Board, established under the Education Welfare Act, 2000, to monitor attendance and help to get young people back to school. Enhancing attendance, progression, retention and attainment are central elements of DEIS. Targeted interventions include the School Completion Programme, Home School Community Liaison services, visiting teacher service for Travellers, additional funding for pupils at risk of early school leaving and alternative curricular options.

On Monday 18th May, I announced that from the start of the next school year, in September 2009, a single co-ordinated School Support Programme involving the Home School Community Liaison Scheme, the School Completion Programme and the Visiting Teachers Service for Travellers will be integrated under the National Educational Welfare Board. This development will put in place structures to facilitate closer integration of the services at local, regional and national levels, increase effectiveness and help bring about real and meaningful improvements in services to confront in a cohesive way the underlying causes that impact negatively on the school life of children, particularly as they relate to school attendance, retention and attainment.

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. 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.

Schools Building Projects.

Jack Wall

Question:

605 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Kildare will proceed to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22054/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of Architectural Planning. As the Deputy will be aware, in February, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning. The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement. Therefore the project is unlikely to progress further this year.

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.

School Accommodation.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

606 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Education and Science if the new generic classroom dimensions are based on the revised curriculum or the old curriculum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22067/09]

The standard size of a classroom being delivered for primary schools, whether through the generic repeat design (GRD) concept or traditional design, at primary level is 80 sq metres, including wet area, w/c's, storage and cloakroom facilities. 80 sq. metres is considered to be the optimum size of classroom and was determined by studies carried out by my Department and in line with international best practice. This has been the standard size for rooms constructed in recent years. It allows plenty of space for the range of activities carried out under the modern school curriculum.

The Professional and Technical staff in my Department continuously review and update the design of school buildings in general. A suite of technical guidance documents is available on my Department's website (www.education.ie) to assist design teams in best practice in the design and development of projects and to encourage them to take a complete design team approach from project conception. These documents cover all aspects of the development of a building project for both internal and external works. The level of facilities to be provided in schools will vary depending on the brief of accommodation needed for the school.

Special Education Needs.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

607 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Education and Science when the general allocation classification will be revised in view of the fact that supports given to schools may no longer be in line with the number of students that attend the school as in the case of a school (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22068/09]

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. When the model commenced, a commitment was given to carry out a review after three years of operation. This review commenced in 2008. The process involves engaging with the Education Partners which includes parent, management and union interests in the context of securing their views on the model's operation. It is expected that the review will be completed in 2009.

Where schools meet the criteria for Developing School Status as outlined in Department circular 0002/2009, an appropriate adjustment will automatically be made to the school's allocation under the General Allocation Model. Applications for additional resource teaching support under developing school criteria must be submitted to the Primary Teacher Allocations Section by 13 October, 2009. It is open to the school referred to by the Deputy to submit such an application.

School Staffing.

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

608 Deputy Paul Gogarty asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will clarify whether school chaplains in community schools are paid by the State; if this is the case in other types of non-fee paying second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22075/09]

Historically the State funds chaplains in Community and Comprehensive schools and designated Community Colleges under the VEC. It does so in accordance with agreements reached with Church Authorities at the time of first establishment of those types of schools and reflected in the Deed of Trust for Community Schools and the Model Agreement for Community Colleges. The relevant religious authorities have raised the matter of extending State support for chaplaincy provision and this has been one of a number of related matters covered in broad ranging discussions with my Department. However, the allocation of such posts must be considered in the context of priority needs and available resources.

Schools Building Projects.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

609 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the application by a school (details supplied) in County Donegal for capital development which was made in September. [22083/09]

I can confirm to the Deputy that an application for an extension/refurbishment was received from the school to which he refers. The application was assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects by my Department and assigned a Band rating of 2.4. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, 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.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath

Question:

610 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin. [22109/09]

I wish to assure the Deputy that there will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to support from 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. Pupils with a mild general learning disability have, and will continue to have access to additional teaching resources to support their education. 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 children with MGLD who are in the classes being suppressed will be able to receive teaching support through the teaching resources allocated to primary schools under the General Allocation Model. Schools decide themselves how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils and how to adjust their support in line with the changing needs of pupils as they mature. My Department provided a circular SP ED 02/05 to schools to assist them in deploying the General Allocation Model resources.

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. A pupil's whose educational needs falls within the low incidence disability category may be entitled to additional teaching support through the National Council for Special Education. In such circumstances, a school makes an application for this resource to the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO). All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

I wish to reiterate that pupils with a mild general learning disability have, and will continue to have, access to additional teaching resources to support their education. 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.

Schools Building Projects.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

611 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Dublin has not been relocated to alternative premises as was intended nearly ten months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22111/09]

My Department procured the premises to which the Deputy refers initially to act as a temporary home for a special school pending the delivery of a building project for that school and then to accommodate, on a permanent basis, the school to which the Deputy refers. The building project for the special school is currently in the early stages of architectural planning. Earlier this year I announced details of 25 projects to commence architectural planning in 2009. The project for the special was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed in 2009.

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 my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time. In the circumstances, it is not possible, at this point, to say when the school to which the Deputy refers can move into the building.

Joe Carey

Question:

612 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet with a delegation from a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22112/09]

Due to other diary commitments, I will not be in a position to meet with this delegation for several weeks but I have asked officials in my Department to contact the school directly to arrange a meeting at official level in relation to the project.

Special Educational Needs.

Pat Breen

Question:

613 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22124/09]

My Department has sanctioned the purchase of a Laptop, Scanner and Printer for the use of the pupil referred to by the Deputy. The school was advised of this by letter issued by my Department on the 28th May 2009 last. Payment will be made to the school on submission of the relevant Receipts accompanied by a completed Equipment Purchase Form.

School Closures.

Noel Coonan

Question:

614 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to re-open a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the cost involved to the community; the time frame for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22138/09]

My Department has not received any application from a Patron to open a school in the area referred to by the Deputy. The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future years.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

615 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date on the construction of a school (details supplied); when the school will progress to the next stage of its building project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22150/09]

The development of a building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time. However, the school has recently been allocated an all-in grant for the provision of an additional classroom to meet current needs.

School Placement.

Michael Noonan

Question:

616 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will assist in securing a suitable place in a post-primary school for a pupil (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22153/09]

The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. In this regard a Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected. Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Vocational Educational Committee or to the Secretary General of my Department. In the case of the latter, only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB advises parents to apply to more than one school in order to assist in securing a school placement. The Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700. I understand that in this instance, the NEWB is working closely with the family concerned in seeking an alternative school placement and that applications have been made to a number of schools to date.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

617 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of companies that were invited to tender for the bundle of schools that included the two new primary schools for Gorey, County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22162/09]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

618 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will list the tender prices of unsuccessful bidders for the school bundle which included the two new primary schools at Gorey, County Wexford and itemise in full detail the tender price by the successful bidder, with a breakdown by school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22163/09]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

619 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of other occasions a company (details supplied) has been contracted by his Department to build schools for the past 20 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22164/09]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

620 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if a company (details supplied) has done previous construction work for his Department; if so, if he is satisfied that all sub-contractors were fully paid for that same 20 year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22165/09]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

621 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the contract price agreed between companies (details supplied) for the four primary schools in the bundle which included the two new primary schools in Gorey, County Wexford; the price per school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22166/09]

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

622 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if a company (details supplied) was contracted by the State to build other facilities on behalf of the State; the unsuccessful bidders and their prices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22167/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 617 to 622, inclusive, together.

A total of 12 companies tendered for the bundle of schools (which included the two primary schools for Gorey) under the rapid delivery programme in 2008. Information on the tender prices of the unsuccessful tenders is commercially sensitive and it would be inappropriate of me to release such information as it could undermine future tender competitions. A school building project is a complex arrangement of contractual relationships between the client, the main contractor, specialist sub-contractors, domestic sub-contractors, suppliers of materials, suppliers of plant etc. In general all sub-contractors employed on school building projects are employed directly by the Main Contractor or indirectly by the Main Contractor through other sub-contractors.

It is a matter for all sub-contractors to agree terms and conditions and a schedule of payments with the Main Contractor or with the entity with whom they are in contract. The Department has no control over sub-contracts entered into by the main contractor and holds no information relating to same. There is no contractual relationship between my Department and any of the sub-contractors engaged on the projects to which the Deputy refers. As such, I am satisfied that no responsibility or power rests with my Department to resolve contractual issues relating to those sub-contractors.

Regarding the number of contracts placed by the Department with the company in question and detailed information on each tender process, information relating to the tender and award process for projects is held on individual project files. There is no centralised database where such information is recorded. It would take an inordinate amount of administrative resources to examine each individual file to obtain the information requested.

It should be noted, also, that the vast majority of contracts for both major and minor school's capital projects are between individual school authorities and main contractors and are placed following a public tendering process operated by the school authorities in conjunction with their design team. Generally, my Department is the contracting authority only in those cases where the property/site is in the ownership of the Minister for Education & Science.

Schools Refurbishment.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

623 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the outstanding remedial works at a school (details supplied) in County Wexford for which applications for funding have been made to his Department; when these works will be sanctioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22173/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school in question has been approved for funding under the Emergency Works Grant scheme to carry out major roof works to the school building. The approval letter issued to the school management on 5th May 2009.

Schools Building Projects.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

624 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the timescale envisaged for the provision of the secondary school to serve the expanding population in the area covered by the Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council action area plans for Stepaside and Kilternan. [22188/09]

Forward Planning Section of the Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level over coming years. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area. Educational accommodation requirements in the Stepaside/Kilternan areas, and any subsequent issues which may arise, will be considered in this context.

The Department has requested Dunlaoire/Rathdown County Council to make reservations for two sites for future post primary education in this area. While my Department has no immediate plans to purchase these sites it will continue to monitor the demand for school places in the Stepaside/Kilternan area to ensure that any extra demand for post primary school places is met in a timely manner.

Simon Coveney

Question:

625 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in the past six months on a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and the progress that he expects will be made in the next six months. [22200/09]

The school to which the Deputies refer was included in my announcement on 12 February of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction during 2009. Representatives from the board of management and the design team of the school attended a briefing in my Department's offices in Tullamore on 26 March at which they were apprised of the next steps necessary to progress the project to tender and construction.

A Stage 2(a) submission was approved by my Department in March 2009. The Design Team are currently working on a Stage 2(b) submission which, when completed, they will then submit to my Department. To assist the work on Stage 2(b) my Department has recently approved the appointment of a consultant planner to assist the design team in responding to issues raised by the local authority. The school will then apply for planning permission, following which a Stage 2(b) report, including detailed design, bill of quantities, planning permission, pre-tender cost check and final tender documents will be submitted to my Department for approval. Following receipt of the Stage 2(b) submission my Department will revert to the school regarding next steps in the progression of the project towards tender and construction.

Simon Coveney

Question:

626 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in the past six months on a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and the progress he expects that will be made in the next six months. [22201/09]

Officials in my Department have been in touch with the Patron and the school authorities recently. I can confirm that detailed designs for the school to which the Deputy refers are finalised and a pre-planning meeting will take place this week with my officials, the school authorities and the Planners in Cork County Council. The Department expects to be ready to lodge planning permission in July. Further progression of this project to tender and construction is dependent on the Patron confirming title to the two plots of land which he is currently in the process of acquiring for the school project.

Schools Recognition.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

627 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in regard to the request from Educate Together to become a patron of second level schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22212/09]

My Department is currently considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools. To facilitate full consideration of all of the issues involved, my Department has sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the system of patronage at second level. Officials from my Department have recently met with their counterparts in the Office of the Attorney General to discuss the matter. I can assure the Deputy that the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level will be fully examined within the context of the legal, financial and other factors that I must consider.

Special Educational Needs.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

628 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason home tuition has not been sanctioned for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; if he will review this matter in view of the fact that reports, stating that this person requires home tuition, have been lodged with his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22213/09]

Michael Creed

Question:

639 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been denied 20 hours of home tuition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22265/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 628 and 639 together.

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 for the child in question as he did not meet the criteria under the terms of the scheme. Additional information subsequently submitted to support the application is currently under consideration by my officials. A decision will be conveyed to the parent as soon as this process has been completed.

School Enrolments.

Dan Neville

Question:

629 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement regarding a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [22217/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of the school concerned. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department.

Where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General of my Department may direct a school to enrol a pupil. As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The responsibility also includes identifying appropriate educational placements for individual children with special educational needs.

My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. It is open to the parents concerned to raise any queries they may have relating to their child's special educational needs directly with the school authorities or with the local SENO. The parent may contact the SENO using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Schools Building Projects.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

630 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the priority accorded to the construction of a permanent school (details supplied) in Dublin 16 to replace the dangerous building in which children with severe mental and physical disabilities are currently schooled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22225/09]

The proposed building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently awaiting the appointment of a Design Team. In accordance with the published prioritisation criteria of my Department, the project has a Band 1 rating. The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Schools Refurbishment.

Billy Timmins

Question:

631 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation with respect to the application for accommodation enforcement works at a school (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22226/09]

Liz McManus

Question:

655 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the condition of a school (details supplied); if, in view of the poor condition of this school, a new building is now an urgent matter; the action he will take to help this school; if at this stage remedial work to improve the building is too costly and if a new building would make more financial sense; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22401/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 631 and 655 together.

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputies 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 my Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Individual school authorities are responsible in the first instance for health and safety issues relating to schools. The school authority, in this instance, has been informed that it is open to it to apply to the Planning and Building Unit of my Department for emergency works funding for capital works of an urgent nature. Grants from this fund are available for very urgent works, primarily of a major health and safety nature, to schools that require them.

School Accommodation.

Brian Hayes

Question:

632 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that in 2008 a school (details supplied) in County Meath was offered temporary accommodation free of charge for the purposes of four specific classrooms, but that his Department chose not to accept this offer, and instead provided at full cost temporary accommodation by way of two specific prefabs in the normal way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22239/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers received an offer of second hand temporary accommodation. However, on investigation of the offer further by the school, it was discovered that substantial ancillary charges including, refurbishment costs, consultants' fees, re-location of the accommodation, planning permission etc., would have to be paid by the school authorities. As there were no efficiencies to be achieved by using the proposed accommodation, the Department provided 4 temporary classrooms to meet the school's accommodation needs.

School Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

633 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if children (details supplied) in County Mayo will be provided with a school transport service. [22245/09]

Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest suitable national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport. The parents of the pupils living in the area referred to by the Deputy should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office in order to determine eligibility for school transport.

Schools Refurbishment.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

634 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the timeframe for the refurbishment works at a school (detail supplied) in Dublin 20; if the application for tenders has been completed; if a tender has been accepted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22249/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers is one of ten projects announced in January to be re-tendered with a view to going on site as soon as possible. My Department has reviewed the Stage 2b (detailed design) submission from the Design Team, and identified a number of issues to be addressed. A meeting was subsequently held with the school authorities and their Design Team to discuss their recent Stage 2b submission. The Department is currently awaiting confirmation from the school that all outstanding issues with the Stage 2b submission have been resolved. Upon receipt of this letter, my Department will consider the project for progression to Stage 3 (Tender Action).

School Accommodation.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

635 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the schools at which he will spend the €48 million for prefab accommodation; if it is open to schools to apply; the procedure in relation to the application; the criteria for which it will be applied; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22250/09]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

636 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedure if a school wished to place prefab accommodation on a new site; if this would require a new application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22251/09]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

637 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the legal size of classrooms which must be supplied when there is prefab accommodation in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22252/09]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

638 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school board of management can make an application for funding in respect of prefabs needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22253/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 635 to 638, inclusive, together.

My Department estimates that approximately €48m will be spent this year on the rental of school accommodation. The funding is to cover costs relating to continuing existing rentals and any new approvals for the next school year. It is too early at this stage to provide details of new school approvals for the coming year. Details of the schools currently renting temporary accommodation are given in the attached tabular statement.

Schools requiring additional temporary accommodation from next September must apply to my Department for approval. An application form can be downloaded for completion from my Departments website at www.education.ie. The school should indicate in a covering letter any particular issues involved such site issues. It should also demonstrate to my Department why the additional accommodation is required such as for increasing pupil numbers resulting in the appointment of an additional teacher etc.

A number of factors are taken into account in determining an appropriate size for a prefabricated primary school classroom such as curricular development, the pupil/teacher ratio and the fact that the number of pupils in a classroom may vary from year to year to take account of departing classes, and new enrolments. Generally it is the current practice of my Department to use a guideline of 80m2 as a standard size of general classroom. This is sufficiently large to comfortably cater for a class size in excess of 30 pupils. It should be stressed however that this is a guideline and it may not be possible or viable to achieve it particularly due to factors such as site constraints. It is also the case that where the accommodation is required for purposes other than as a general classroom the size of unit provided may vary.

Schools Renting Prefabs —2009

Roll No.

Name

Address

County

01415K

Scoil Phadraig

Rathoe

Carlow

04077I

St Brigids NS

Grange, Tullow

Carlow

11135K

St Mary's NS

Bagenalstown

Carlow

13607M

St Columba's NS

Tullow

Carlow

16080N

St Phadraig Naofa

Tullow

Carlow

16080N

St Phadraig Naofa

Tullow

Carlow

17053P

Bishop Foley NS

Station Rd

Carlow

17053P

Bishop Foley NS

Station Rd

Carlow

17994T

SN Fhoirtcheim

Muinebeag

Carlow

17994T

SN Fhoirtcheim

Muinebeag

Carlow

18424G

St Josephs NS

Carlow

Carlow

18609S

S.N. Fiontain Naofa

Rathmore, Tullow

Carlow

19477J

Holy Family BNS

Askea, Tullow Rd

Carlow

19477J

Holy Family BNS

Askea, Tullow Rd

Carlow

19478L

Holy Family GNS

Askea, Tullow Rd

Carlow

19478L

Holy Family GNS

Askea, Tullow Rd

Carlow

61140K

St. Leo's College

Dublin Road

Carlow

61140K

St. Leo's College

Dublin Road

Carlow

61140K

St. Leo's College

Dublin Road

Carlow

61140K

St. Leo's College

Dublin Road

Carlow

61140K

St. Leo's College

Dublin Road

Carlow

61140K

St. Leo's College

Dublin Road

Carlow

08143P

Scoil Mhuire

Swanlinbar

Cavan

08453H

Crubany NS

Crubany

Cavan

08453H

Crubany NS

Crubany

Cavan

08490N

St Clare's PS

Ardmhuire

Cavan

08490N

St. Clare's PS

Ardmhuire

Cavan

08490N

St. Clare's PS

Ardmhuire

Cavan

14732U

Scoil BhrôÂde

Mountnugent

Cavan

16057S

Convent of Mercy NS

Belturbet

Cavan

16057S

Convent of Mercy NS

Belturbet

Cavan

16083T

St Mary's NS

Bailieboro Road, Virginia

Cavan

16083T

St Mary's NS

Bailieboro Road, Virginia

Cavan

16083T

St Mary's NS

Bailieboro Road, Virginia

Cavan

16083T

St Mary's NS

Bailieboro Road, Virginia

Cavan

16083T

St Mary's NS

Bailieboro Road, Virginia

Cavan

16083T

St Mary's NS

Bailieboro Road, Virginia

Cavan

16083T

St Mary's NS

Bailieboro Road, Virginia

Cavan

16959M

Curravagh NS

Curravagh, Glangevlin

Cavan

17326B

St Felim's NS

Farnham St

Cavan

17625L

Knocktemple NS

Knocktemple, Virginia

Cavan

17625L

Knocktemple NS

Knocktemple, Virginia

Cavan

18059J

St Anne's NS

Bailieborough

Cavan

18857O

Carrigabruise NS

Cavan

19608V

St Kilian's NS

Mullagh

Cavan

19608V

St Kilian's NS

Mullagh

Cavan

19608V

St Kilian's NS

Mullagh

Cavan

19608V

St Kilian's NS

Mullagh

Cavan

19608V

St Kilian's NS

Mullagh

Cavan

19608V

St Kilian's NS

Mullagh

Cavan

19608V

St Kilian's NS

Mullagh

Cavan

19679V

St Aidan's NS

Bawnboy

Cavan

19871N

Scoil Naomh Padraig

Killinagh, Blackloin

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

19983B

St Clare's NS

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

61051L

St Clare's College

Ballyjamesduff

Cavan

04919H

St John's NS

Cratloe

Clare

04919H

St John's NS

Cratloe

Clare

08241P

Scropul NS

Mullagh

Clare

13418J

Ballyea NS

Ennis

Clare

13870E

Kilkishen NS

Ennis, Ennis

Clare

14111L

Cross NS

Kilrush, Kilrush

Clare

14622N

St. Flannan's NS

Ennis

Clare

14757N

Scoil na Mainstreach

Quin

Clare

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis

Clare

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis

Clare

14830U

Barefield NS

Ennis

Clare

15042A

Ennis NS

Ennis

Clare

15042A

Ennis NS

Ennis

Clare

15301V

Kildysart NS

Ennis Road, Ennis

Clare

15301V

Kildysart NS

Ennis Road, Ennis

Clare

16186G

Inch NS

Ennis, Ennis

Clare

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis

Clare

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis

Clare

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis

Clare

16677C

CBS Bunscoil Inis Senior School

Ennis

Clare

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge

Clare

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge

Clare

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge

Clare

16908S

Sixmilebridge NS

Sixmilebridge

Clare

16946D

Parteen NS

Parteen

Clare

16946D

Parteen NS

Parteen

Clare

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

17583V

Knockanean NS

Knockanean

Clare

18032M

Clonmone NS

Newmarket-on-Fergus

Clare

18190H

St Cronan's NS

Carron, Ennis

Clare

18526O

Ballycar NS

Newmarket-on-Fergus

Clare

18639E

Ballynacally NS

Ennis, Ennis

Clare

19274S

St. Conaire's NS

Shannon

Clare

19274S

St. Conaire's NS

Shannon

Clare

19274S

St. Conaire's NS

Shannon

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19559L

Scoil Chriost RôÂ

Cloughleigh Road, Ennis

Clare

19838P

Gaelscoil Mhicil

Ennis

Clare

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

BoÂthar Linne, Sionna

Clare

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

BoÂthar Linne, Sionna

Clare

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

BoÂthar Linne, Sionna

Clare

19849U

GS Donncha Rua

BoÂthar Linne, Sionna

Clare

20041C

St. Senan's Conv

Kilrush

Clare

20041C

St. Senan's Conv

Kilrush

Clare

20041C

St. Senan's Conv

Kilrush

Clare

20075T

St. Mochulla's NS

Tulla

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20086B

Ennis Educate Together NS

Gort Road, Ennis

Clare

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon

Clare

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon

Clare

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon

Clare

20245S

Scoil Mhainchin, Ennistymon NS

Ennistymon

Clare

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon

Clare

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon

Clare

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon

Clare

20313J

Mol an Oige NS

Ennistymon

Clare

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton

Cork

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton

Cork

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton

Cork

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton

Cork

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton

Cork

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton

Cork

00512D

St. Brigid's Presentation Convent Primary

Midleton

Cork

01272O

Glandore NS

Glandore

Cork

02114B

Ballygiblin NS

Mitchelstown

Cork

02114B

Ballygiblin NS

Mitchelstown

Cork

02452V

St Colman's NS

Cloyne

Cork

02452V

St Colman's NS

Cloyne

Cork

04118T

Bishop Ahern NS

Leamlara

Cork

06342L

Vicarstown Mixed NS

Vicarstown

Cork

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe

Cork

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe

Cork

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe

Cork

07242M

Cloghroe NS

Cloghroe

Cork

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom

Cork

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom

Cork

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom

Cork

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom

Cork

10047I

Macroom Convent NS (St Joseph's)

Macroom

Cork

10523O

Fermoy Adair NS

Fermoy

Cork

11496T

Shandrum NS

Newtownshandrum, Charleville

Cork

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton

Cork

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton

Cork

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton

Cork

11992I

Whitegate Mixed NS

Whitegate, Midleton

Cork

12004A

Mallon No1 NS

Shortcastle St., Mallow

Cork

12015F

Liscarroll NS

Liscarroll, Mallow

Cork

12041G

St. John the Baptist, Midleton NS

Dungourney Road, Midleton

Cork

12041G

St. John the Baptist, Midleton NS

Dungourney Road, Midleton

Cork

12446J

Glenahulla NS

Mitchelstown

Cork

12447L

Baltydaniel NS

Newtwopothouse, Mallow

Cork

12456M

Scoil Malaga

Timoleague

Cork

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGroÂs (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street

Cork

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGroÂs (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street

Cork

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGroÂs (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street

Cork

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGroÂs (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street

Cork

12473M

Scoil Mhuire na nGroÂs (Greenmount Monastery NS)

Green Street

Cork

12505W

Kilbarry NS

Kilbarry, Macroom

Cork

13031I

St Joseph's Convent NS

Smith's Rd., Rathluirc

Cork

13031I

St Joseph's Convent NS

Smith's Rd., Rathluirc

Cork

13234W

Cloughduv NS

Cloughduv, Crookstown

Cork

13234W

Cloughduv NS

Cloughduv, Crookstown

Cork

13375R

Scoil BhrôÂde

Cros MhathuÂna, Bandon

Cork

13375R

Scoil BhrôÂde

Cros MhathuÂna, Bandon

Cork

13375R

Scoil BhrôÂde

Cros MhathuÂna, Bandon

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Rushbrooke, Cobh

Cork

13483U

SN Atha na LôÂonta

Mourneabbey, Mallow

Cork

13483U

SN Atha na LôÂonta

Mourneabbey, Mallow

Cork

13512B

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes

Carrigaline

Cork

13512B

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes

Carrigaline

Cork

13512B

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes

Carrigaline

Cork

13512B

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes

Carrigaline

Cork

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen

Cork

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen

Cork

13728B

Castletownshend NS

Castletownshend, Skibbereen

Cork

13779S

Dromahane NS

Dromahane, Mallow

Cork

13779S

Dromahane NS

Dromahane, Mallow

Cork

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy

Cork

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy

Cork

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy

Cork

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy

Cork

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy

Cork

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy

Cork

13889C

Shanbally NS

Shanbally, Ringaskiddy

Cork

13976U

St Matthias National School

Ballydehob

Cork

14052V

St Colmans BNS

Percival St., Kanturk

Cork

14784Q

Scoil Phadraig Naofa

Dunmanway

Cork

14839P

Clondrohid NS

Macroom

Cork

15165Q

Ballintotas NS

Ballintotas, Castlemartyr

Cork

15165Q

Ballintotas NS

Ballintotas, Castlemartyr

Cork

15380U

Dromagh NS

Dromagh, Mallow

Cork

15484J

SN an ChroôÂ Naofa

Glounthaune

Cork

15484J

SN an ChroôÂ Naofa

Glounthaune

Cork

15484J

SN an ChroôÂ Naofa

Glounthaune

Cork

15484J

SN an ChroôÂ Naofa

Glounthaune

Cork

15484J

SN an ChroôÂ Naofa

Glounthaune

Cork

15563F

Lisheen NS

Church Cross, Skibereen

Cork

15563F

Lisheen NS

Church Cross, Skibereen

Cork

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy

Cork

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy

Cork

15594Q

Grange NS

Grange, Fermoy

Cork

15597W

St Colman's BNS

Macroom

Cork

15597W

St Colman's BNS

Macroom

Cork

15646J

Coomhala NS

Bantry

Cork

15701O

Bartlemy NS

Fermoy

Cork

15781P

Ballintemple NS

Crab Lane, Ballintemple

Cork

15792U

SN Naomh MicheaÂl

Upper Glanmire, White's Cross

Cork

16087E

Kealkil NS

Bantry

Cork

16087E

Kealkil NS

Bantry

Cork

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill

Cork

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill

Cork

16271U

Watergrasshill NS

Watergrasshill

Cork

16339F

St Joseph's NS

The Mardyke

Cork

16339F

St Joseph's NS

The Mardyke

Cork

16684W

Bunscoil na mBraithre Criostai

Middleton

Cork

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan

Cork

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan

Cork

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan

Cork

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan

Cork

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan

Cork

16746S

Ballygarvan NS

Ballygarvan

Cork

16945B

Lisgriffin NS

Lisgriffin, Buttevant

Cork

17011W

St MochomoÂg's NS

Cappabue, Kealkill, Bantry

Cork

17103E

Scoil Chlochair Mhuire

Carrigtwohill

Cork

17103E

Scoil Chlochair Mhuire

Carrigtwohill

Cork

17112F

Ballyhea NS

Ballyhea, Charleville

Cork

17112F

Ballyhea NS

Ballyhea, Charleville

Cork

17152R

Knockskeagh NS

Clonakilty

Cork

17168J

SN Inis Eoghain

Innishannon

Cork

17251T

Oven's NS

Ovens

Cork

17281F

Togher NS

Dunmanway

Cork

17297U

St Fergal's NS

Killeagh

Cork

17297U

St Fergal's NS

Killeagh

Cork

17360B

SN Mhuire

Rathpeacon, Mallow Rd

Cork

17360B

SN Mhuire

Rathpeacon, Mallow Rd

Cork

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow

Cork

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow

Cork

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow

Cork

17533G

Rahan NS

Mallow

Cork

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton

Cork

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton

Cork

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton

Cork

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton

Cork

17600S

Scartleigh NS

Saleen, Midleton

Cork

17609N

Scoil BhrôÂde

Rathcormac

Cork

17609N

Scoil BhrôÂde

Rathcormac

Cork

17609N

Scoil BhrôÂde

Rathcormac

Cork

17609N

Scoil BhrôÂde

Rathcormac

Cork

17609N

Scoil BhrôÂde

Rathcormac

Cork

17609n

Scoil BhrôÂde

Rathcormac

Cork

17609N

Scoil BhrôÂde

Rathcormac

Cork

17609N

Scoil BhrôÂde

Rathcormac

Cork

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown

Cork

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown

Cork

17639W

CBS PS

Mitchelstown

Cork

17667E

Whitechurch NS

Whitechurch

Cork

17667E

Whitechurch NS

Whitechurch

Cork

17667E

Whitechurch NS

Whitechurch

Cork

17667E

Whitechurch NS

Whitechurch

Cork

17765E

Reenascreena NS

Reenascreena, Rosscarbery

Cork

17765E

Reenascreena NS

Reenascreena, Rosscarbery

Cork

17804L

SN Cnoc Na Manach

Minane Bridge

Cork

17823P

Glantane NS

Glantane, Mallow

Cork

17921P

Moing na MôÂol

Clashbee, Mallow

Cork

17921P

Moing na MôÂol

Clashbee, Mallow

Cork

17972J

Killmurry NS

Ballymichael, Lissarda

Cork

17993R

Scoil Mhuire Gan SmaÂl (B) (Glasheen BNS)

School Avenue, Glasheen

Cork

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill

Cork

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill

Cork

18000W

Scoil Mhuire Naofa

Carrigtwohill

Cork

18100D

Lissagriffin NS

Gouleen, Skibbereen

Cork

18128C

Scoil Mhuire NS

Kiskeam, Mallow

Cork

18217B

Scoil Padre Pio

Churchfield

Cork

18217B

Scoil Padre Pio

Churchfield

Cork

18246I

Ballymoney NS

Ballineen

Cork

18279A

Carrigaline No 3 NS

Waterpark, Carrigaline

Cork

18279A

Carrigaline No 3 NS

Waterpark, Carrigaline

Cork

18377A

St Joseph's NS

Oliver Plunkett Hill, Fermoy

Cork

18428O

BailenoÂra NS

BailenoÂra, Tobar an Iarla

Cork

18428O

BailenoÂra NS

BailenoÂra, Tobar an Iarla

Cork

18428O

BailenoÂra NS

BailenoÂra, Tobar an Iarla

Cork

18468D

St Mary's NS

Castledonovan, Drimoleague

Cork

18483W

School of the Divine Child

Lavanagh Centre, Ballintemple

Cork

18483W

School of the Divine Child

Lavanagh Centre, Ballintemple

Cork

18497K

Scoil Inse Ratha

Little Island

Cork

18497K

Scoil Inse Ratha

Little Island

Cork

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd., Carrigaline

Cork

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd., Carrigaline

Cork

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd., Carrigaline

Cork

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd., Carrigaline

Cork

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd., Carrigaline

Cork

18535P

St John's GNS

Ballea Rd, Carrigaline

Cork

18713N

SN FionaÂn Reanna

Belgooly

Cork

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile,

Kinsale

Cork

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile,

Kinsale

Cork

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile,

Kinsale

Cork

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile,

Kinsale

Cork

18829J

SN Chobh Chionn tSaile,

Kinsale

Cork

19256Q

Scoil Ghobnatan

Mallow

Cork

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge

Cork

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge

Cork

19351K

Cill Chriodain

Kilcredan, Ladysbridge

Cork

19381T

Rathmore NS

Baltimore,Skibereen

Cork

19404F

Scoil Mhuire SN

Ballyhooly

Cork

19404F

Scoil Mhuire SN

Ballyhooly

Cork

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear

Cork

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear

Cork

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear

Cork

19415K

Scoil an Athar Tadhg

Carraig na bhFear

Cork

19557H

Caheragh NS

Caheragh, Drimoleague

Cork

19637F

Scoil Fhionnbarra

BeÂal Athan Ghaorthaidh

Cork

19637F

Scoil Fhionnbarra

BeÂal Athan Ghaorthaidh

Cork

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota , Glanmire

Cork

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota , Glanmire

Cork

19760E

Scoil Triest

Lota , Glanmire

Cork

19761G

St Peter's NS

Dungourney

Cork

19801P

Drimoleague Junior School

Drimoleague

Cork

19801P

Drimoleague Junior School

Drimoleague

Cork

19839R

GS Ui Riordain

Cul Rua, Baile an Chollaigh

Cork

19839R

GS Ui Riordain

Cul Rua, Baile an Chollaigh

Cork

19839R

GS UôÂ RôÂordaÂin

CuÂl Rua, Baile an Chollaigh

Cork

19881Q

GS Charraig UôÂ Leighin

Carraig UôÂ Leighin

Cork

19881Q

GS Charraig UôÂ Leighin

Carraig UôÂ Leighin

Cork

19881Q

GS Charraig UôÂ Leighin

Carraig UôÂ Leighin

Cork

19881Q

GS Charraig UôÂ Leighin

Carraig UôÂ Leighin

Cork

19881Q

GS Charraig UôÂ Leighin

Carraig UôÂ Leighin

Cork

19881Q

GS Charraig UôÂ Leighin

Carraig UôÂ Leighin

Cork

19906G

Cork School Project NS

Grattan St

Cork

19978I

Maulatrahane Central NS

Leas, Skibereen

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

19993E

GS an Ghoirt Alainn

Aibhinne Murmont, Gort Alainn

Cork

20001N

GS BheantraôÂ

AN PhrôÂomhshraÂid, BeanntraôÂ

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20006A

GS Chloch na gCoillte

Scartagh, Cloch nagCoillte

Cork

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

PaluÂn CLG, Droichead na Banndan

Cork

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

PaluÂn CLG, Droichead na Banndan

Cork

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

PaluÂn CLG, Droichead na Banndan

Cork

20025E

GS Droichead na Banndan

PaluÂn CLG, Droichead na Banndan

Cork

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy

Cork

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy

Cork

20049S

Ringaskiddy Lower Harbour NS

Loughbeg, Ringaskiddy

Cork

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull

Cork

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull

Cork

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull

Cork

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull

Cork

20088F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Meenvane, Schull

Cork

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West

Cork

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West

Cork

20105C

Star of the Sea

Passsage West

Cork

20106E

Scoil NioclaÂis

Frankfield Grange, Cork

Cork

20106E

Scoil NioclaÂis

Frankfield Grange, Cork

Cork

20106E

Scoil NioclaÂis

Frankfield Grange, Cork

Cork

20106E

Scoil NioclaÂis

Frankfield Grange, Cork

Cork

20106E

Scoil NioclaÂis

Frankfield Grange, Cork

Cork

20106E

Scoil NioclaÂis

Frankfield Grange, Cork

Cork

20106E

Scoil NioclaÂis

Frankfield Grange, Cork

Cork

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann

Cork

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann

Cork

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann

Cork

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann

Cork

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann

Cork

20107G

Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann

Ionad an Phobail, Mainistir na Corann

Cork

20222G

Scoil Chuil-Aodha/Barr dInse

Ciul-Aosha, Maghcromtha

Cork

20265B

Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile

Cappagh, Cionn tSaile, Kinsale

Cork

20265B

Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile

Cappagh, Cionn tSaile, Kinsale

Cork

20310D

Carrigaline Ed Tog NS

Rivendale, Mountain Rd

Cork

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown

Cork

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown

Cork

20335T

Rochestown NS

Rochestown

Cork

20336V

Midleton Educate Together NS

Midleton

Cork

20336V

Midleton Educate Together NS

Midleton

Cork

62170B

Sacred Heart Sec School

Clonakilty

Cork

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown

Cork

62421A

Presentation Sec School

Mitchelstown

Cork

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown

Cork

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown

Cork

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown

Cork

62460K

St Francis College

Rochestown

Cork

62730N

St Patricks College

Gardiners Hill

Cork

91499E

Kinsale Community School

Kinsale

Cork

00697S

St. Brigid's Mixed NS

Castleknock

Dublin

00697S

St. Brigid's Mixed NS

Castleknock

Dublin

00697S

St. Brigid's Mixed NS

Castleknock

Dublin

00697S

St. Brigid's Mixed NS

Castleknock

Dublin

00714P

Lucan BNS

Lucan

Dublin

00752A

Central Model Senior Mixed NS

Marlborough St

Dublin

01170G

Naul National School

Naul

Dublin

01170G

Naul National School

Naul

Dublin

01170G

Naul National School

Naul

Dublin

01795A

Central Model Infants School

Marlborough St

Dublin

03359N

Ballyroan Boys NS

Ballyroan Road, Rathfarnham

Dublin

06200O

St Mary's BNS

Grotto Place, Boosterstown

Dublin

07546J

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Goldenbridge, Inchicore

Dublin

07546J

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Goldenbridge, Inchicore

Dublin

07546J

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Goldenbridge, Inchicore

Dublin

07546J

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Goldenbridge, Inchicore

Dublin

07546J

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Goldenbridge, Inchicore

Dublin

07546J

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Goldenbridge, Inchicore

Dublin

07546J

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Goldenbridge, Inchicore

Dublin

09492W

Balscadden School

Balscadden, Balbriggan

Dublin

09492W

Balscadden School

Balscadden, Balbriggan

Dublin

09750S

St Joseph's BNS

Terenure Road, Terenure

Dublin

09932B

Stanhope St Convent

Mandr St

Dublin

12014D

St Andrew's NS

Chapel Hill, Lucan

Dublin

12014D

St Andrew's NS

Chapel Hill, Lucan

Dublin

12014D

St Andrew's NS

Chapel Hill, Lucan

Dublin

14180H

Holmpatrick NS

Convent Lane, Skerries

Dublin

15569R

Scoil Moibhi

Skerries, Skerries

Dublin

15618E

Sandford Parish NS

Sandford Close, Ranelagh

Dublin

15618E

Sandford Parish NS

Sandford Close, Ranelagh

Dublin

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons

Dublin

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons

Dublin

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons

Dublin

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons

Dublin

16461C

St Finian's NS

Newcastle Lyons

Dublin

16577V

St Brigid's GNS

Old Finglas Rd., Glasnevin

Dublin

16577V

St Brigid's GNS

Old Finglas Rd., Glasnevin

Dublin

16577V

St. Brigid's GNS

Old Finglas Rd., Glasnevin

Dublin

16860Q

Corpus Christi NS

Home Farm Rd, Drumcondra

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16970A

St Molagas NS

Balbirggan

Dublin

16972E

SS Peter & Paul JNS

Chapel Street, Balbriggan

Dublin

16972E

SS Peter & Paul JNS

Chapel Street, Balbriggan

Dublin

16972E

SS Peter & Paul JNS

Chapel Street, Balbriggan

Dublin

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Saggart

Dublin

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Saggart

Dublin

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Saggart

Dublin

17055T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Saggart

Dublin

17083B

Scoil Mhuire gan Smal

Dublin 8

Dublin

17472M

Hedgestown NS

Hedgestown, Lusk

Dublin

17559B

St. Mary's NS

Garristown

Dublin

17569E

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Balrothery, Balbriggan

Dublin

17569E

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Balrothery, Balbriggan

Dublin

17683C

Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2

Crumlin Rd

Dublin

17683C

Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2

Crumlin Rd

Dublin

17683C

Scoil Mhuire Ogl 2

Crumlin Rd

Dublin

17820J

Rolestown NS

Rolestown, Swords

Dublin

17912O

St John Boscos SBS

Navan Rd

Dublin

17912O

St John Boscos SBS

Navan Rd

Dublin

17912O

St John Boscos SBS

Navan Rd

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17914S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17941S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17941S

St Oliver Plunkett

Grove Rd, Malahide

Dublin

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide

Dublin

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide

Dublin

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide

Dublin

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide

Dublin

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide

Dublin

17928G

SN N Sailbheastar NFA

Malahide

Dublin

17944E

St Mary's School for deaf girls

Dominician Convent, Cabra

Dublin

17944E

St Mary's School for deaf girls

Dominician Convent, Cabra

Dublin

17953F

Edmondstown NS

Edmondstown, Rathfarnham

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17961E

Lusk NS

Chapel Rd, Lusk

Dublin

17977T

Scoil Aine

Raheny

Dublin

17978V

Naiscoil Ide

All Saints Drive, Raheny

Dublin

17978V

Naiscoil Ide

All Saints Drive, Raheny

Dublin

18046A

Scoil BhrôÂde BNS

Church Ave, Blanchardstown

Dublin

18046A

Scoil BhrôÂde BNS

Church Ave, Blanchardstown

Dublin

18046A

Scoil Bhride BNS

Church Ave, Blanchardstown

Dublin

18046A

Scoil Bhride BNS

Church Ave, Blanchardstown

Dublin

18047C

Scoil Bhride GNS

Blanchardstown

Dublin

18047C

Scoil Bhride GNS

Blanchardstown

Dublin

18047C

Scoil Bhride GNS

Blanchardstown

Dublin

18047C

Scoil Bhride GNS

Blanchardstown

Dublin

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle

Dublin

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle

Dublin

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle

Dublin

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle

Dublin

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle

Dublin

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle

Dublin

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle

Dublin

18210K

St Michaels House Special School

College St, Baldoyle

Dublin

18386B

Marist NS

Crumlin

Dublin

18386B

Marist NS

Crumlin

Dublin

18411U

St Marys NS

Bancroft Ave, Tallaght

Dublin

18411U

St Marys NS

Bancroft Ave, Tallaght

Dublin

18412W

Scoil Phadraic C

Donabate

Dublin

18623M

Castleknock NS

Main St, Castleknock

Dublin

18632N

SN Eoin Bosco

Navan Rd

Dublin

18671A

St Michaels House

16/17 Grosvenor Rd, Rathgar

Dublin

18763F

St Michaels Special NS

Ballymun Rd

Dublin

18673F

St Michaels Special NS

Ballymun Rd

Dublin

18673F

St Michaels Special NS

Ballymun Rd

Dublin

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla

Dublin

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla

Dublin

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla

Dublin

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla

Dublin

18778S

St. Mochta's NS

Porterstown Road, Clonsilla

Dublin

18815V

Our Lady of Lourds

Rochestown Ave, Dun Laogharie

Dublin

18817C

Scoil Bhride

Ranelagh

Dublin

18976W

St Colmcilles BNS

Chapel Lane, Swords

Dublin

18976W

St Colmcilles BNS

Chapel Lane, Swords

Dublin

18977B

St Colmcilles GNS

Chapel Lane, Swords

Dublin

18977B

St Colmcilles GNS

Chapel Lane, Swords

Dublin

18977B

St Colmcilles GNS

Chapel Lane, Swords

Dublin

19066L

Loreto Primary

Dalkey

Dublin

19220S

Scoil Ide

New Rd, Clondalkin

Dublin

19221U

Scoil Aine

New Rd, Clondalkin

Dublin

19221U

Scoil Aine

New Rd, Clondalkin

Dublin

19221U

Scoil Aine

New Rd, Clondalkin

Dublin

19259W

St. Patricks GNS

Foxrock

Dublin

19319O

St Olafs NS

Balally Drive, Dundrum

Dublin

19319O

St Olafs NS

Balally Drive, Dundrum

Dublin

19319O

St Olafs NS

Balally Drive, Dundrum

Dublin

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan

Dublin

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan

Dublin

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan

Dublin

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan

Dublin

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan

Dublin

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan

Dublin

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan

Dublin

19355S

Ballyowen Meadows

Beechpark, Stillorgan

Dublin

19374W

Our Lady's Grove NS

Goatstown Rd, Goatstown

Dublin

19374W

Our Lady's Grove NS

Goatstown Rd, Goatstown

Dublin

19374W

Our Lady's Grove NS

Goatstown Rd, Goatstown

Dublin

19390U

St. Marks SNS

Tallaght

Dublin

19435Q

St Francis Xavier JNS

Roselawn Rd, Castleknock

Dublin

19435Q

St Francis Xavier JNS

Roselawn Rd, Castleknock

Dublin

19435Q

St Francis Xavier JNS

Roselawn Rd, Castleknock

Dublin

19470S

St Francis Xavier JNS

Coolmine, Castleknock

Dublin

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallagh

Dublin

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19472W

St Marks JNS

Springfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19474D

St Colmcilles JNS

1 Drone Ave, Knocklyon

Dublin

19496N

St Fiachras JNS

Montrose Park, Beaumount

Dublin

19515O

St. Teresa's NS

Balbriggan Rd, Balbriggan

Dublin

19515O

St. Teresa's NS

Balbriggan Rd, Balbriggan

Dublin

19515O

St. Teresa's NS

Balbriggan Rd, Balbriggan

Dublin

19515O

St. Teresa's NS

Balbriggan Rd, Balbriggan

Dublin

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords

Dublin

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords

Dublin

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords

Dublin

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords

Dublin

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords

Dublin

19535U

St Cronan's SNS

Brackenstown, Swords

Dublin

19545A

St Patricks JNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown

Dublin

19574H

Divine Word NS

Marley Grange, Rathfarnham

Dublin

19574H

Divine Word NS

Marley Grange, Rathfarnham

Dublin

19589U

Gaelscoil Inchicore

South Circular Rd, Islandbridge

Dublin

19601H

St Philip the Apostle JNS

Mountview, Clonsilla

Dublin

19605P

Scoil Mhuire JNS

Blakestown

Dublin

19624T

St Catherine's NS

Kenure, Rush

Dublin

19624T

St Catherine's NS

Kenure, Rush

Dublin

19624T

St Catherine's NS

Kenure, Rush

Dublin

19625V

Scoil Realt na Mara

Balbriggan Rd, Skerries

Dublin

19625V

Scoil Realt na Mara

Balbriggan Rd, Skerries

Dublin

19625V

Scoil Realt na Mara

Balbriggan Rd, Skerries

Dublin

19628E

St Fiachras SNS

Montrose Park, Beaumount

Dublin

19628E

St Fiachras SNS

Montrose Park, Beaumount

Dublin

19628E

St Fiachras SNS

Montrose Park, Beaumount

Dublin

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown

Dublin

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown

Dublin

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown

Dublin

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown

Dublin

19636D

St Patricks SNS

Corduff, Blanchardstown

Dublin

19643A

St Philips SNS

Clonsilla

Dublin

19643A

St Philips SNS

Clonsilla

Dublin

19643A

St Philips SNS

Clonsilla

Dublin

19644C

St. Ciaran's NS

Hartstown, Clonsilla

Dublin

19652B

Sacred Heart NS

Tallaght

Dublin

19660A

Rush NS

Rush

Dublin

19660A

Rush NS

Rush

Dublin

19660A

Rush NS

Rush

Dublin

19660A

Rush NS

Rush

Dublin

19676P

Scoil Aine Naofa

Esker, Lucan

Dublin

19676P

Scoil Aine Naofa

Esker, Lucan

Dublin

19757P

St Michaels Special NS

Skerries

Dublin

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19782O

St Brigids JNS

Brookfield, Tallaght

Dublin

19785U

St Bernadettes SNS

Quarryvale, Clondalkin

Dublin

19785U

St Bernadettes SNS

Quarryvale, Clondalkin

Dublin

19785U

St Bernadettes SNS

Quarryvale, Clondalkin

Dublin

19785U

St Bernadettes SNS

Quarryvale, Clondalkin

Dublin

19817H

Scoil Mhuire

Woodview, Lucan

Dublin

19817H

Scoil Mhuire

Woodview, Lucan

Dublin

19817H

Scoil Mhuire

Woodview, Lucan

Dublin

19834H

St Aidans NS

Brookfield

Dublin

19834H

St Aidans NS

Brookfield

Dublin

19834H

St Aidans NS

Brookfield

Dublin

19834H

St Aidans NS

Brookfield

Dublin

19865S

Archbishop Ryan JNS

Balgaddy, Lucan

Dublin

19877C

Holy Family SNS

River Valley, Swords

Dublin

19877C

Holy Family SNS

River Valley, Swords

Dublin

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse

Dublin

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse

Dublin

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse

Dublin

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse

Dublin

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse

Dublin

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse

Dublin

19878E

Holy Rosary PS

Old Court Avenue, Firhouse

Dublin

19898K

Scoil an Duinninigh

Draighnean, Feltrim, Swords

Dublin

19907I

Gaelscoil Mologa

Charleville Road

Dublin

19949B

Muslim NS

19 Roebuck Rd, Clonskeagh

Dublin

19949B

Muslim NS

19 Roebuck Rd, Clonskeagh

Dublin

19949B

Muslim NS

19 Roebuck Rd, Clonskeagh

Dublin

20012S

Griffith Barracks Multi D School

The Old Guard House, South Circular Rd

Dublin

20015B

Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna

Bothar Choltrai, Baile Munna

Dublin

20015B

Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna

Bothar Choltrai, Baile Munna

Dublin

20015B

Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna

Bothar Choltrai, Baile Munna

Dublin

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille

Cill Tiarnain

Dublin

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille

Cill Tiarnain

Dublin

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille

Cill Tiarnain

Dublin

20020R

Gaelscoil Thaobh na Coille

Cill Tiarnain

Dublin

20028K

Setanta Special School

Stillorgan

Dublin

20028K

Setanta Special School

Stillorgan

Dublin

20028K

Setanta Special School

Stillorgan

Dublin

20028K

Setanta Special School

Stillorgan

Dublin

20035H

St. Gabriels NS

Cowper St

Dublin

20043G

Gaelscoil Chnoc liamhna

Sean Bhothar Chnoc Liamhna, Cnoc Liamhna

Dublin

20047O

Gaelscoil Bharra

Ascal an Fhasaigh, Cabra

Dublin

20047O

Gaelscoil Bharra

Ascal an Fhasaigh, Cabra

Dublin

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac

Dublin

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac

Dublin

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac

Dublin

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac

Dublin

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac

Dublin

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac

Dublin

20056P

Gaelscoil Phadraig

Ascaill Shileann, Baile Breac

Dublin

20139T

Inchicore NS

Sarsfield Road, Inchicore

Dublin

20139T

Inchicore NS

Sarsfield Road, Inchicore

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20161M

Donabate/Portrane Educate Tog NS

Portrane Rd, Donabate

Dublin

20168D

Glasnevin Educate Together NS

Church Ave, Glasnevin

Dublin

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown

Dublin

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown

Dublin

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown

Dublin

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown

Dublin

20190T

Holy Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown

Dublin

20190T

Holly Trinity NS

Glencairn Drive, The Gallops, Leopardstown

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20202A

Balbriggan Educate Together

Moylaragh, Balbriggan

Dublin

20334R

Gaelscoil Ros Eo

Rush

Dublin

60092U

Clonkeen College

Clonkeen Rd, Blackrock

Dublin

60092U

Clonkeen College

Clonkeen Rd, Blackrock

Dublin

60092U

Clonkeen College

Clonkeen Rd, Blackrock

Dublin

60343T

St Josephs Sec School

Convent Lane, Rush

Dublin

60343T

St Josephs Sec School

Convent Lane, Rush

Dublin

60343T

St Josephs Sec School

Convent Lane, Rush

Dublin

70010V

Balbriggan Community College

Chapel Street, Balbriggan

Dublin

70010V

Balbriggan Community College

Chapel Street, Balbriggan

Dublin

70230M

Killester College

Collins Avenue

Dublin

76062B

Castleknock Community College

Castleknock

Dublin

76062B

Castleknock Community College

Castleknock

Dublin

76085N

Gaelcholaiste Reachrann

Grange Abbey Rd, Donaghmede

Dublin

76085N

Gaelcholaiste Reachrann

Grange Abbey Rd, Donaghmede

Dublin

76085N

Gaelcholaiste Reachrann

Grange Abbey Rd, Donaghmede

Dublin

76085N

Gaelcholaiste Reachrann

Grange Abbey Rd, Donaghmede

Dublin

76104O

Donabate Community College

Donabate

Dublin

76104O

Donabate Community College

Donabate

Dublin

76104O

Donabate Community College

Donabate

Dublin

76104O

Donabate Community College

Donabate

Dublin

76104O

Donabate Community College

Donabate

Dublin

81002K

Mount Temple Comprehensive School

Malahide Road

Dublin

81002K

Mount Temple Comprehensive School

Malahide Road

Dublin

81002K

Mount Temple Comprehensive School

Malahide Road

Dublin

07143K

Monreagh NS

Carrigans, Lifford

Donegal

11843O

Niall Mor NS

Killybegs

Donegal

12077E

Scoil Naomh Fiachra

Illistrin, Letterkenny

Donegal

12077E

Scoil Naomh Fiachra

Illistrin, Letterkenny

Donegal

12077E

Scoil Naomh Fiachra

Illistrin, Letterkenny

Donegal

12077E

Scoil Naomh Fiachra

Illistrin, Letterkenny

Donegal

13755E

Gartan NS

Chruchill

Donegal

16138S

Raphoe Central NS

Raphoe, Lifford

Donegal

16242N

Scoil Padraig Naofa

Port an tSallainn, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St. Patricks GNS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Lurgybrack, Letterkenny

Donegal

16821G

St Patricks GNS

Convent Rd, Carndonagh

Donegal

16821G

St Patricks GNS

Convent Rd, Carndonagh

Donegal

16821G

St Patricks GNS

Convent Rd, Carndonagh

Donegal

16836T

St Brigid's NS

Glenmakee, Carndonagh

Donegal

16836T

St Brigid's NS

Glenmakee, Carndonagh

Donegal

17057A

Scoil Phadraig

Dromcaoin, Beal Atha Feidh

Donegal

17268N

Creevy NS

Ballyshannon

Donegal

17564R

SN an Choimin

Clochan, Leifear

Donegal

17721H

Scoil Treasa Naofa

Lifford

Donegal

17728V

SN Talamh na Coitle

Roughpark, Letterkenny

Donegal

17728V

SN Talamh na Coitle

Roughpark, Letterkenny

Donegal

17729A

Magherabeg NS

Magherabeg, Letterkenny

Donegal

17729A

Magherabeg NS

Magherabeg, Letterkenny

Donegal

17831O

Glebe NS

The Glebe

Donegal

18052S

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal

Cnoc na Faire, Letterkenny

Donegal

18520C

Scoil Phadraig

Rasheeny, Clonmany

Donegal

18625Q

Scoil Cholmcille

Convent Rd

Donegal

18652Q

Scoil Cholmcille

Convent Rd

Donegal

18737E

Scoil Bhride

Conmhaigh, Leifear

Donegal

19310T

St. Ernan's NS

Ballintra

Donegal

19313C

Glenswilly NS

Newmills, Letterkenny

Donegal

19313C

Glenswilly NS

Newmills, Letterkenny

Donegal

19313C

Glenswilly NS

Newmills, Letterkenny

Donegal

19333I

Dooish NS

Ballybofey

Donegal

19343L

SN Dhubhthaigh

Annagry, Letterkenny

Donegal

19491D

Scoil Mhuire

Ramelton

Donegal

19553W

St Crona's NS

Dungloe

Donegal

19724A

Little Angels Special School

Knocknamona, Letterkenny

Donegal

19724A

Little Angels Special School

Knocknamona, Letterkenny

Donegal

19724A

Little Angels Special School

Knocknamona, Letterkenny

Donegal

19927O

Scoil Mhuire

Stranorlar

Donegal

19927O

Scoil Mhuire

Stranorlar

Donegal

19927O

Scoil Mhuire

Stranorlar

Donegal

19927O

Scoil Mhuire

Stranorlar

Donegal

19959E

Scoil Naomh Fionan

Whitecastle, Quigleys Point

Donegal

19967D

Scoil Iosagain

Buncrana

Donegal

19967D

Scoil Iosagain

Buncrana

Donegal

19967D

Scoil Iosagain

Buncrana

Donegal

19967D

Scoil Iosagain

Buncrana

Donegal

19967D

Scoil Iosagain

Buncrana

Donegal

19967D

Scoil Iosagain

Buncrana

Donegal

19971R

Gaelscoil Adhamhnain

Gleann Cearra, Letterkenny

Donegal

19971R

Gaelscoil Adhamhnain

Gleann Cearra, Letterkenny

Donegal

20096E

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistri

Brookfield

Donegal

20096E

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistri

Brookfield

Donegal

20096E

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistri

Brookfield

Donegal

20096E

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistri

Brookfield

Donegal

20096E

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistri

Brookfield

Donegal

20096E

Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maistri

Brookfield

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

20235P

Letterkenny Educate Together

Letterkenny

Donegal

71140Q

Crana College

Buncrana, Letterkenny

Donegal

71140Q

Crana College

Buncrana, Letterkenny

Donegal

71140Q

Crana College

Buncrana, Letterkenny

Donegal

76081F

ColaÂiste Ailigh

BoÂthar Ard, Letterkenny

Donegal

76081F

ColaÂiste Ailigh

BoÂthar Ard, Letterkenny

Donegal

01328P

St Patricks NS

Kiltormer, Ballinasloe

Galway

03607G

Leitrim NS

Loughrea

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

04506F

Oranmore BNS

Oranmore

Galway

05754G

SN Chreachmhaoil

Craughwell

Galway

05754G

SN Chreachmhaoil

Craughwell

Galway

05754G

SN Chreachmhaoil

Craughwell

Galway

07551C

Ballinderreen NS

Ballinderreen, Kilcolgan

Galway

07551C

Ballinderreen NS

Ballinderreen, Kilcolgan

Galway

08512U

SN Iomair

Killimor, Ballinasloe

Galway

08512U

SN Iomair

Killimor, Ballinasloe

Galway

08512U

SN Iomair

Killimor, Ballinasloe

Galway

09833W

Lettergesh NS

Lettergesh, Renvyle

Galway

10095T

Scoil Naomh Treasa

Ahascragh

Galway

11675T

Annagh BNS

Ballyglunin, Tuam

Galway

11675T

Annagh BNS

Ballyglunin, Tuam

Galway

12706J

Scoil Sailearna

Indreabhan

Galway

12706J

Scoil Sailearna

Indreabhan

Galway

12954F

Scoil Bhride

Lackagh, Turloughmore

Galway

12954F

Scoil Bhride

Lackagh, Turloughmore

Galway

13208V

Convent Primary School

Gort

Galway

13208V

Convent Primary School

Gort

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire

Oranmore

Galway

13686L

St Joseph's NS

Cong

Galway

13856K

St James' NS

Bushypark

Galway

13856K

St James' NS

Bushypark

Galway

13856K

St James' NS

Bushypark

Galway

13856K

St James' NS

Bushypark

Galway

13914V

SN Sheosaimh

Buaile Beag, Bearna

Galway

14377D

St Gabriel's NS

Kilconnell, Ballinasloe

Galway

14377D

St Gabriel's NS

Kilconnell, Ballinasloe

Galway

14377D

St Gabriel's NS

Kilconnell, Ballinasloe

Galway

14394D

Kilbeacanty NS

Kilbeacanty, Gort

Galway

15027E

Eglish NS

Eglish, Ahascragh

Galway

15071H

Kilnadeema NS

Kilnadeema, Loughna

Galway

15228O

Corgary NS

Mountbellew

Galway

15331H

Scoil Bhaile Nua

Moycullen

Galway

15900U

The Glebe NS, Ballinasloe

Galway

16071M

Scoil ChroôÂ Naofa

Athenry

Galway

16071M

Scoil ChroôÂ Naofa

Athenry

Galway

16091S

Scoil Eoin

Tubber Rd, Gort

Galway

16293H

Kilrickle NS

Kilrickle, Loughrea

Galway

16804G

SN Chlair na Gaillimhe

Baile Clar na Gaillimhe

Galway

16804G

SN Chlair na Gaillimhe

Baile Clar na Gaillimhe

Galway

16943U

St Nicholas NS

Claddagh

Galway

16943U

St Nicholas NS

Claddagh

Galway

16943U

St Nicholas NS

Claddagh

Galway

16982H

Ahascragh NS, Ballinasloe

Galway

17444H

Scoil Seosaimh NS

Carrabane, Athenry

Galway

17444H

Scoil Seosaimh NS

Carrabane, Athenry

Galway

17613E

Scoil Chaitriona Naofa

Eachroim, Ballinasloe

Galway

17613E

Scoil Chaitriona Naofa

Eachroim, Ballinasloe

Galway

17668G

Scoil na bhForbacha

Na Forbacha, Spiddal

Galway

17759J

Scoil Bhride

Mionlach, Castlebar

Galway

17782E

Scoil Bhride

Shantalla

Galway

17782E

Scoil Bhride

Shantalla

Galway

17782E

Scoil Bhride

Shantalla

Galway

17782E

Scoil Bhride

Shantalla

Galway

17782E

Scoil Bhride

Shantalla

Galway

17782E

Scoil Bhride

Shantalla

Galway

17807R

Cahergal NS

Tuam

Galway

17807R

Cahergal NS

Tuam

Galway

18089S

Scoil Mhuire an Gharran

Maree, Oranmore

Galway

18112K

Scoil Eanna

Bullaun, Loughrea

Galway

18112K

Scoil Eanna

Bullaun, Loughrea

Galway

18112K

Scoil Eanna

Bullaun, Loughrea

Galway

18125T

St Marys NS

Mountbellew

Galway

18125T

St Marys NS

Mountbellew

Galway

18514H

Scoil Cholmcille

An Tulach, Baile an Abhainn

Galway

18514H

Scoil Cholmcille

An Tulach, Baile an Abhainn

Galway

19241D

Scoil Rois

Rosary Lane, Taylor's Hill

Galway

19401W

Scoil Chaitriona Jnr

Renmore

Galway

19401W

Scoil Chaitriona Jnr

Renmore

Galway

19401W

Scoil Chaitriona Jnr

Renmore

Galway

19401W

Scoil Chaitriona Jnr

Renmore

Galway

19449E

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Newcastle, Athenry

Galway

19468I

Scoil Chaitriona Senior

Renmore

Galway

19468I

Scoil Chaitriona Senior

Renmore

Galway

19468I

Scoil Chaitriona Senior

Renmore

Galway

19468I

Scoil Chaitriona Senior

Renmore

Galway

19468I

Scoil Chaitriona Senior

Renmore

Galway

19468I

Scoil Chaitriona Senior

Renmore

Galway

19468I

Scoil Chaitriona Senior

Renmore

Galway

19544V

Kilchreest NS

Kilchreest, Loughrea

Galway

19544V

Kilchreest NS

Kilchreest, Loughrea

Galway

19803T

Scoil Sheamais Naofa

Bearna

Galway

19858V

GS Dara

Renmore

Galway

19858V

GS Dara

Renmore

Galway

19858V

GS Dara

Renmore

Galway

19858V

GS Dara

Renmore

Galway

19858V

GS Dara

Renmore

Galway

19858V

GS Dara

Renmore

Galway

19858V

GS Dara

Renmore

Galway

19858V

GS Dara

Renmore

Galway

19965W

Scoil Mhuire

Clarinbridge

Galway

19965W

Scoil Mhuire

Clarinbridge

Galway

19994G

GS Mhic Amhlaigh

An Coimin Mor, Bothar na gCeapach, Cnoc na Cathrach

Galway

19994G

GS Mhic Amhlaigh

An Coimin Mor, Bothar na gCeapach, Cnoc na Cathrach

Galway

19994G

GS Mhic Amhlaigh

An Coimin Mor, Bothar na gCeapach, Cnoc na Cathrach

Galway

19996K

St Brendan's NS

Portumna

Galway

19996K

St Brendan's NS

Portumna

Galway

19998O

GS De hIde

Bothar an Phortaigh, Oranmore

Galway

19998O

GS De hIde

Bothar an Phortaigh, Oranmore

Galway

19998O

GS De hIde

Bothar an Phortaigh, Oranmore

Galway

19998O

GS De hIde

Bothar an Phortaigh, Oranmore

Galway

19998O

GS De hIde

Bothar an Phortaigh, Oranmore

Galway

19998O

GS De hIde

Bothar an Phortaigh, Oranmore

Galway

19998O

GS De hIde

Bothar an Phortaigh, Oranmore

Galway

19998O

GS De hIde

Bothan an Phortaigh, Oranmore

Galway

20000L

Galway Educate Together

Tomas Hynes Rd, Newcastle

Galway

20000L

Galway Educate Together

Tomas Hynes Rd, Newcastle

Galway

20042E

Scoil an Chroi Naofa Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe

Galway

20042E

Scoil an Chroi Naofa Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe

Galway

20042E

Scoil an Chroi Naofa Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe

Galway

20042E

Scoil an Chroi Naofa Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe

Galway

20042E

Scoil an Chroi Naofa Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe

Galway

20042E

Scoil an Chroi Naofa Ballinasloe

Ballinasloe

Galway

20070J

Rosedale School

Woodlands Centre, Renmore

Galway

20070J

Rosedale School

Woodlands Centre, Renmore

Galway

20070J

Rosedale School

Woodlands Centre, Renmore

Galway

20070J

Rosedale School

Woodlands Centre, Renmore

Galway

20070J

Rosedale School

Woodlands Centre, Renmore

Galway

20070J

Rosedale School

Woodlands Centre, Renmore

Galway

20123E

Gaelscoil Riabhach

Baile Locha Riach

Galway

20123E

Gaelscoil Riabhach

Baile Locha Riach

Galway

20123E

Gaelscoil Riabhach

Baile Locha Riach

Galway

20123E

Gaelscoil Riabhach

Baile Locha Riach

Galway

201990O

Oughterard NS

Oughterard

Galway

20211B

Claregalway ETNS

Cloonbiggen Rd, Claregalway

Galway

20237T

Gaelscoil Riada

Athenry

Galway

20237T

Gaelscoil Riada

Athenry

Galway

20237T

Gaelscoil Riada

Athenry

Galway

20237T

Gaelscoil Riada

Athenry

Galway

62870G

Presentation College

Athenry

Galway

62870G

Presentation College

Athenry

Galway

62870G

Presentation College

Athenry

Galway

62870G

Presentation College

Athenry

Galway

62870G

Presentation College

Athenry

Galway

62870G

Presentation College

Athenry

Galway

62870G

Presentation College

Athenry

Galway

62870G

Presentation College

Athenry

Galway

62880J

St Joseph's College

Garbally Park, Ballinasloe

Galway

71330V

Colaiste na Coirbe

Bothar Thuama

Galway

71330V

Colaiste na Coirbe

Bothar Thuama

Galway

71330V

Colaiste na Coirbe

Bothar Thuama

Galway

03132I

Sliabh A'Mhadra NS

Slievadara, Ballyduff

Kerry

04062S

Listowel Convent PS

Listowel

Kerry

06227L

Scoil Mhaolcheadair

Baile na nGall, Tra Li

Kerry

07841L

Kilgobnet N S

Kilgobnet, Kilarney

Kerry

08320L

St Clare's GNS

Kenmare Convent, Railway Rd, Kenmare

Kerry

10014Q

Coolick NS

Coolick, Kilcummin

Kerry

12701W

Scoil an Fhaill Mor

Cahirciveen

Kerry

13530D

Scoil Mhuire

Tralee

Kerry

13530D

Scoil Mhuire

Tralee

Kerry

13530D

Scoil Mhuire

Tralee

Kerry

13615L

Scoil Eoin

Ballonagh, Tralee

Kerry

15592M

Scoil Cheann Tra

Ceann Tra, Tralee

Kerry

15945T

Firies NS

Church Rd, Firies, Killarney

Kerry

16217O

Scoil Bhreac Chluain

Annascaul

Kerry

16898S

SN Breandan Naofa

Blennerville, Tralee

Kerry

17646T

O'Brennan NS

Kielduff, Tralee

Kerry

17646T

O'Brennan NS

Kielduff, Tralee

Kerry

17915U

Freastogail Mhuire Mixed NS

Killahan, Abbeydorney

Kerry

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee

Kerry

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee

Kerry

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee

Kerry

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee

Kerry

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee

Kerry

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee

Kerry

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee

Kerry

18247K

CBS Tralee

Tralee

Kerry

18702I

Spa NS

Fenit, Tralee

Kerry

18832V

Scoil Naoimh Iosef

Castlemaine

Kerry

19487M

Holy Cross Mercy NS

New Road, Killarney

Kerry

19448C

Scoil Realt na Mara

Ardea, Tuosist

Kerry

19512I

St Oliver's NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney

Kerry

19512I

St Oliver's NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney

Kerry

19512I

St Oliver's NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney

Kerry

19512I

St Oliver's NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney

Kerry

19512I

St Oliver's NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney

Kerry

19512I

St Oliver's NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney

Kerry

19512I

St Oliver's NS

Ballycasheen, Killarney

Kerry

19547E

St Francis Spec School

Beaufort

Kerry

20013U

GS Lios Tuathail

Bothar na Leabhaelainne, Listowel

Kerry

00788V

Lisdowney NS

Lisdowney, Ballyragget

Kilkenny

15160G

Marymount NS

The Rower, Thomastown

Kilkenny

15632V

St Joseph's GNS

Kilmacow

Kilkenny

16140F

Skeaghvasteen NS

Skeaghvasteen

Kilkenny

16875G

St Patricks NS

Strangsmills, Kilmacow

Kilkenny

17093E

St Brendans NS

Muckalee, Ballyfoyle

Kilkenny

17108O

St Johns Junior NS

Michael St

Kilkenny

17589K

SN Chiarain Naofa

Stonyford

Kilkenny

17675D

Burnchurch NS

Burnchurch, Cuttesgrange

Kilkenny

18078N

Scoil Bhride

Paulstown

Kilkenny

18660S

St Nicholas NS

Windgap

Kilkenny

19344N

St Aidans NS

Kilmanagh

Kilkenny

19523N

School of the Holy Spirit (SS)

Gaol Road, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19523N

School of the Holy Spirit (SS)

Gaol Road, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19523N

School of the Holy Spirit (SS)

Gaol Road, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19523N

School of the Holy Spirit (SS)

Gaol Road, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19523N

School of the Holy Spirit (SS)

Gaol Road, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19523N

School of the Holy Spirit (SS)

Gaol Road, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19626A

St Canices Co-Ed NS

Granges Road

Kilkenny

19626A

St Canices Co-Ed NS

Granges Road

Kilkenny

19856R

Gaelscoil OsraôÂ

Loch BuôÂ, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19856R

Gaelscoil OsraôÂ

Loch BuôÂ, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19856R

Gaelscoil OsraôÂ

Loch BuôÂ, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19856R

Gaelscoil OsraôÂ

Loch BuôÂ, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19856R

Gaelscoil OsraôÂ

Loch BuôÂ, Kilkenny

Kilkenny

19930D

Scoil an Chroi Naofa Urlingford NS

Urlingford, Via Thurles

Kilkenny

01821V

Scoil Cheile Chriost, Rathmore N S

Rathmore, Naas

Kildare

01821V

Scoil Cheile Chriost, Rathmore N S

Rathmore, Naas

Kildare

06209J

Athy Model School

Athy

Kildare

08099P

St. Laurences N S

Sallins

Kildare

08099P

St. Laurences N S

Sallins

Kildare

08099P

St. Laurences N S

Sallins

Kildare

08099P

St Laurence's N S

Sallins

Kildare

09414C

St Laurence's N S

Crootown, Athy

Kildare

09414C

St Laurence's N S

Crootown, Athy

Kildare

11976K

Scoil Choca Naofa

Kilcock

Kildare

11976K

Scoil Choca Naofa

Kilcock

Kildare

11976K

Scoil Choca Naofa

Kilcock

Kildare

12747A

Scoil na Mainistream De La Salle

Bride Street, Kildare

Kildare

12747A

Scoil na Mainistream De La Salle

Bride Street, Kildare

Kildare

13328I

St Patricks NS

Morristown, Newbridge

Kildare

13350B

Scoil Bride

Athgarvan, Curragh Camp

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent Primary School

Sallins Road, Naas

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent Primary School

Sallins Road, Naas

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent Primary School

Sallins Road, Naas

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent Primary School

Sallins Road, Naas

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent Primary School

Sallins Road, Naas

Kildare

15040T

Mercy Convent Primary School

Sallins Road, Naas

Kildare

15599D

St. Brigid's Primary School

Kildare Town

Kildare

15957D

St. Patrick's Boys Primary School

Rathangan

Kildare

16302F

Scoil Naomh Brid, Ballysax NS

The Curragh

Kildare

16654N

Scoil Bhride

Milltown, Newbridge

Kildare

16654N

Scoil Bhride

Milltown, Newbridge

Kildare

16706G

St Joseph B.N.S

Kilcock

Kildare

16706G

St Joseph B.N.S

Kilcock

Kildare

16706G

St Joseph B.N.S

Kilcock

Kildare

16707I

St Peter's BNS

Drogheda St, Monasterevin

Kildare

16707I

St Peter's BNS

Drogheda St, Monasterevin

Kildare

16707I

St Peter's BNS

Drogheda St, Monasterevin

Kildare

16845U

St Mochuo's N S

Rathcoffey, Naas

Kildare

16845U

St Mochuo's N S

Rathcoffey, Naas

Kildare

16845U

St Mochuo's N S

Rathcoffey, Naas

Kildare

16845U

St Mochuo's N S

Rathcoffey, Naas

Kildare

17254C

St Corbans

Fairgreen, Naas

Kildare

17254C

St Corbans

Fairgreen, Naas

Kildare

17254C

St Corbans

Fairgreen, Naas

Kildare

17662R

Scoil Bhride

Kill

Kildare

17674B

St Anne's NS

Kill

Kildare

17968S

Two Mile House NS

Naas

Kildare

17968S

Two Mile House NS

Naas

Kildare

17968S

Two Mile House NS

Naas

Kildare

18018S

Scoil Bhride NS

Rathangan

Kildare

18018S

Scoil Bhride NS

Rathangan

Kildare

18018S

Scoil Bhride NS

Rathangan

Kildare

18018S

Scoil Bhride NS

Rathangan

Kildare

18130M

St Patricks NS

Johnstown Bridge, Enfiled

Kildare

18288B

Scoil Mhichil Naofa

Athy

Kildare

18288B

Scoil Mhichil Naofa

Athy

Kildare

18288B

Scoil Mhichil Naofa

Athy

Kildare

18288B

Scoil Mhichil Naofa

Athy

Kildare

18288B

Scoil Mhichil Naofa

Athy

Kildare

18449W

St. Conleth's NS

Derrinturn, Carbury

Kildare

18449W

St. Conleth's NS

Derrinturn, Carbury

Kildare

18449W

St. Conleth's NS

Derrinturn, Carbury

Kildare

18449W

St. Conleth's NS

Derrinturn, Carbury

Kildare

18449W

St. Conleth's NS

Derrinturn, Carbury

Kildare

18449W

St. Conleth's NS

Derrinturn, Carbury

Kildare

18515J

Scoil an Lenbh Iosa

Prosperous, Naas

Kildare

18644U

Straffan NS

Straffan

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18654A

Caragh NS

Caragh, Naas

Kildare

18988G

St. Raphaels SS

Celbridge

Kildare

18988G

St. Raphaels SS

Celbridge

Kildare

18988G

St. Raphaels SS

Celbridge

Kildare

19550Q

Scoil Mhuire Junior

Ballymony, Newbridge

Kildare

19550Q

Scoil Mhuire Junior

Ballymony, Newbridge

Kildare

19597T

Scoil an Lenbh Iosa

Ballycane, Naas

Kildare

19597T

Scoil an Lenbh Iosa

Ballycane, Naas

Kildare

19597T

Scoil an Lenbh Iosa

Ballycane, Naas

Kildare

19597T

Scoil an Lenbh Iosa

Ballycane, Naas

Kildare

19675N

Scoil Bhride

Kilcullen

Kildare

19675N

Scoil Bhride

Kilcullen

Kildare

19675N

Scoil Bhride

Kilcullen

Kildare

19675N

Scoil Bhride

Kilcullen

Kildare

19786W

Scoil Diarmada

Main St., Castledermot

Kildare

19786W

Scoil Diarmada

Main St., Castledermot

Kildare

19786W

Scoil Diarmada

Main St., Castledermot

Kildare

19796C

Scoil Phadraig

Prosperous Rd, Clane

Kildare

19796C

Scoil Phadraig

Prosperous Rd, Clane

Kildare

20023A

Gaelscoil Chill Dara

AN Bothar Glas, An Currach

Kildare

20023A

Gaelscoil Chill Dara

AN Bothar Glas, An Currach

Kildare

20058T

Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich

Chill Droichid, Maigh Nuad

Kildare

20058T

Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich

Chill Droichid, Maigh Nuad

Kildare

20058T

Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich

Chill Droichid, Maigh Nuad

Kildare

20058T

Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich

Chill Droichid, Maigh Nuad

Kildare

20058T

Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich

Chill Droichid, Maigh Nuad

Kildare

20058T

Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich

Chill Droichid, Maigh Nuad

Kildare

20058T

Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich

Chill Droichid, Maigh Nuad

Kildare

20058T

Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich

Chill Droichid, Maigh Nuad

Kildare

20087D

Killashee Multi D and European L NS

Kilcullen Road, Naas

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Rosetown, Newbridge

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Rosetown, Newbridge

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Rosetown, Newbridge

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Rosetown, Newbridge

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Rosetown, Newbridge

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Rosetown, Newbridge

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Rosetown, Newbridge

Kildare

20177E

Newbridge Educate Together

Rosetown, Newbridge

Kildare

20192A

Gaelscoil Atha I

AFC, Bothar Atha Cliath, Baile Atha I

Kildare

20192A

Gaelscoil Atha I

AFC, Bothar Atha Cliath, Baile Atha I

Kildare

20192A

Gaelscoil Atha I

AFC, Bothar Atha Cliath, Baile Atha I

Kildare

20192A

Gaelscoil Atha I

AFC, Bothar Atha Cliath, Baile Atha I

Kildare

20192A

Gaelscoil Atha I

AFC, Bothar Atha Cliath, Baile Atha I

Kildare

20192A

Gaelscoil Atha I

AFC, Bothar Atha Cliath, Baile Atha I

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20271T

Scoil Na Naomh Uilig

Station Road, Newbridge

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth ET

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth ET

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth ET

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth ET

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth ET

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth ET

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth ET

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

20292E

Maynooth ET

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

68072I

Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

68072I

Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

68072I

Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

68072I

Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

68072I

Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

68072I

Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

68072I

Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

68072I

Gaelcholaiste Chill Dara

Celbridge Road, Maynooth

Kildare

70710D

St. Patrick's Sec School

Naas

Kildare

70710D

St. Patrick's Sec School

Naas

Kildare

70710D

St. Patrick's Sec School

Naas

Kildare

70710D

St. Patrick's Sec School

Naas

Kildare

70710D

St. Patrick's Sec School

Naas

Kildare

01556F

Scoil Bhride NS

Ballyroan

Laois

07183W

St Josephs GNS

Davitt Road, Mountmellick

Laois

07183W

St Josephs GNS

Davitt Road, Mountmellick

Laois

07636K

St Fintan BNS

New Line Road, Mountrath

Laois

12692B

Kiladooley NS

Ballybrophy, Portlaoise

Laois

13643Q

Emo NS

Emo, Portlaoise

Laois

13643Q

Emo NS

Emo, Portlaoise

Laois

13643Q

Emo NS

Emo, Portlaoise

Laois

13643Q

Emo NS

Emo, Portlaoise

Laois

13643Q

Emo NS

Emo, Portlaoise

Laois

13643Q

Emo NS

Emo, Portlaoise

Laois

13643Q

Emo NS

Emo, Portlaoise

Laois

13741Q

Rath NS

Ballybrittas, Portlaoise

Laois

14260F

South NS

Ballacolla Road, Abbeyleix

Laois

14838N

Maryboro NS

Stradbally Road, Portlaoise

Laois

15446B

Gaelscoil Thromaire

Trumera, Mountrath

Laois

17064U

St Patricks NS

Ballylinan, Athy

Kildare (Laois)

17064U

St Patricks NS

Ballylinan, Athy

Kildare (Laois)

17064U

St Patricks NS

Ballylinan, Athy

Kildare (Laois)

17557U

St Abbans NS

Killeen, Mageney

Laois

17557U

St Abbans NS

Kileen, Mageney

Laois

17604D

Ratheniska NS

Ratheniska, Portlaoise

Laois

17604D

Ratheniska NS

Ratheniska, Portlaoise

Laois

17604D

Ratheniska NS

Ratheniska, Portlaoise

Laois

17617M

Scoil Chomhghain Naofa

Killeshin

Laois

17692D

Stradbally BNS

Stradbally

Laois

18150S

Scoil an Fraoich Mhoir

The Heath, Portlaoise

Laois

18150S

Scoil an Fraoich Mhoir

The Heath, Portlaoise

Laois

18150S

Scoil an Fraoich Mhoir

The Heath, Portlaoise

Laois

18547W

Faolan Naofa NS

Baile Ui Ruain, Portlaoise

Laois

18828H

St Pauls Primary

Borris Road, Portlaoise

Laois

18828H

St Pauls Primary

Borris Road, Portlaoise

Laois

18828H

St Pauls Primary

Borris Road, Portlaoise

Laois

18828H

St Pauls Primary

Borris Road, Portlaoise

Laois

18828H

St Pauls Primary

Borris Road, Portlaoise

Laois

18828H

St Pauls Primary

Borris Road, Portlaoise

Laois

19747M

Scoil Bhride NS

Knockmay, Portlaoise

Laois

19747M

Scoil Bhride NS

Knockmay, Portlaoise

Laois

19747M

Scoil Bhride NS

Knockmay, Portlaoise

Laois

19747M

Scoil Bhride NS

Knockmay, Portlaoise

Laois

19747M

Scoil Bhride NS

Knockmay, Portlaoise

Laois

19747M

Scoil Bhride NS

Knockmay, Portlaoise

Laois

20071L

Scoil Bhride NS

Rathdowney, Rathdowney

Laois

20224K

Gaelscoil an tSli Dala

An Bealach MoÂr, Buirios Mor Osrai

Laois

20224K

Gaelscoil an tSli Dala

An Bealach MoÂr, Buirios Mor Osrai

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

63440J

Patrician College

Ballyfin, Portlaoise

Laois

16474L

St. Mary's NS

Carrigallen

Leitrim

17233R

St Clare's NS

Station Road, Manorhamilton

Leitrim

17233R

St Clare's NS

Station Road, Manorhamilton

Leitrim

19423J

St. Patrick's NS

Drumshambo

Leitrim

19423J

St Patrick's NS

Drumshambo

Leitrim

20203C

Mohill NS

Mohill

Leitrim

20203C

Mohill NS

Mohill

Leitrim

20203C

Mohill NS

Mohill

Leitrim

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc

Leitrim

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc

Leitrim

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc

Leitrim

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc

Leitrim

20212D

Gaelscoil Liatroma

Attifinlay, Cora Droma Ruisc

Leitrim

02007A

Cronagh National School Rathleale

Croagh, Rathkeale

Limerick

06539H

Knockea NS

Knockea, Ballyneety

Limerick

07857D

Killinure NS

Killinure, Brittas, Boher

Limerick

09296W

Our Ladys Abbey NS

Adare

Limerick

11422N

Mahoonagh

Castlemahon

Limerick

14305B

Ballylanders NS

Ballylanders, Kilmallock

Limerick

16264A

St Marys Boys National School

Church Street, Abbeyfeale

Limerick

16264A

St Marys Boys National School

Church Street, Abbeyfeale

Limerick

16264A

St Marys Boys National School

Church Street, Abbeyfeale

Limerick

16439J

Barne NS

Pallisgrean

Limerick

16443A

Scoil PhaÂdraig Naofa BuachaillôÂ

Dublin Road

Limerick

16444C

St Patricks GNS

Dublin Road

Limerick

16444C

St Patricks GNS

Dublin Road

Limerick

16508C

Ahane NS

Laught, Lisnagry

Limerick

17298W

Kilbehenny National School

Kilbehenny, Mitchelstown

Limerick

17445J

Scoil Lile Naofa

Kileely

Limerick

17937H

Monaleen NS

Monaleen Road, Castletroy

Limerick

18161A

Castleconnell NS

Castleconnell

Limerick

18161A

Castleconnell NS

Castleconnell

Limerick

18161A

Castleconnell NS

Castleconnell

Limerick

18177P

St Annes Primary

Rathkeale

Limerick

18177P

St Annes Primary

Rathkeale

Limerick

18177P

St Annes Primary

Rathkeale

Limerick

18367U

Tineteriffe NS

Cappamore

Limerick

18426K

Scoil Ide Naofa

Raheenagh, Ballagh

Limerick

18653V

St Josephs BNS

Rathkeale

Limerick

18692I

Catherine McAuley School. (SS)

Asbourne Ave

Limerick

18991S

John F. Kennedy Memorial School

Ennis Road

Limerick

18991S

John F. Kennedy Memorial School

Ennis Road

Limerick

19336O

St Pauls NS

Dooradoyle

Limerick

19336O

St Pauls NS

Dooradoyle

Limerick

19336O

St Pauls NS

Dooradoyle

Limerick

19336O

St Pauls NS

Dooradoyle

Limerick

19336O

St Pauls NS

Dooradoyle

Limerick

19336O

St Pauls NS

Dooradoyle

Limerick

19336O

St Pauls NS

Dooradoyle

Limerick

19475F

St Brigids NS

Singland

Limerick

19475F

St Brigids NS

Singland

Limerick

19894C

An Mhodhscoil

Bealach Ui Chonaill

Limerick

19894C

An Mhodhscoil

Bealach Ui Chonaill

Limerick

19894C

An Mhodhscoil

Bealach Ui Chonaill

Limerick

19894C

An Mhodhscoil

Bealach Ui Chonaill

Limerick

19931F

Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy

Teach an Choic Theas, Cnoc Theas

Limerick

19931F

Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy

Teach an Choic Theas, Cnoc Theas

Limerick

19931F

Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy

Teach an Choic Theas, Cnoc Theas

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh

Br. Mhoin a Lin, Moin a Lin

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh

Br. Mhoin a Lin, Moin a Lin

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh

Br. Mhoin a Lin, Moin a Lin

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh

Br. Mhoin a Lin, Moin a Lin

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh

Br. Mhoin a Lin, Moin a Lin

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh

Br. Mhoin a Lin, Moin a Lin

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh

Br. Mhoin a Lin, Moin a Lin

Limerick

20148U

Gaelscoil Chaladh an Treoigh

Br. Mhoin a Lin, Moin a Lin

Limerick

20175A

Limerick East Educate Together NS

c/o Young Munster, Roundwood, Robrien

Limerick

20175A

Limerick East Educate Together NS

c/o Young Munster, Roundwood, Robrien

Limerick

20181S

Gaelscoil an Raithin

Cumann Rugbai Gharrai Eoin, Tuar an Daill

Limerick

20181S

Gaelscoil an Raithin

Cumann Rugbai Gharrai Eoin, Tuar an Daill

Limerick

20181S

Gaelscoil an Raithin

Cumann Rugbai Gharrai Eoin, Tuar an Daill

Limerick

20181S

Gaelscoil an Raithin

Cumann Rugbai Gharrai Eoin, Tuar an Daill

Limerick

20181S

Gaelscoil an Raithin

Cumann Rugbai Gharrai Eoin, Tuar an Daill

Limerick

20185D

St Marys Boys National School

Island Road

Limerick

20185D

St Marys Boys National School

Island Road

Limerick

00860D

Forgney NS

Ballymahon

Longford

07518E

Melview NS

Melview

Longford

07518E

Melview NS

Melview

Longford

12813K

St Columbas NS

Cloonagh, Dring

Longford

19467G

St Mels

Ardagh

Longford

19987J

Scoil Mhuire

Newtownforbes

Longford

20083S

Gaelscoil Longfoirt

Fearann ui Dhuagain

Longford

20124G

St Marys NS

Granard Road, Edgeworthstown

Longford

20124G

St Marys NS

Granard Road, Edgeworthstown

Longford

20124G

St Marys NS

Granard Road, Edgeworthstown

Longford

20124G

St Marys NS

Granard Road, Edgeworthstown

Longford

20128O

St Matthews NS

Mainstreet, Ballymahon

Longford

20128O

St Matthews NS

Mainstreet, Ballymahon

Longford

00851C

Presentation Primary School

Drogheda

Louth

01434O

St Colmcilles NS

Tullydonnell, Togher

Louth

01434O

St Colmcilles NS

Tullydonnell, Togher

Louth

01554B

Ballapousta NS

Smarmore, Drogheda

Louth

01554B

Ballapousta NS

Smarmore, Drogheda

Louth

01554B

Ballapousta NS

Smarmore, Drogheda

Louth

14069P

Dun Dealgan NS

Jocelyn Street, Dundalk

Louth

14207B

Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal

Kilsaran, Castlebrllingham

Louth

14651U

Castletown GNS

Castletown Rd, Dundalk

Louth

15259C

St Malachys Girls Sch

Anne St., Dundalk

Louth

15259C

St Malachys Girls Sch

Anne St., Dundalk

Louth

15259C

St Malachys Girls Sch

Anne St., Dundalk

Louth

16208N

Termonfeckin Mixed NS

Termonfeckin, Drogheda

Louth

16208N

Termonfeckin Mixed NS

Termonfeckin, Drogheda

Louth

17059E

Iosaif na mBraithre

Geata an Domhnaigh, Droich

Louth

17195M

CBS Primary Dundalk

Chapel St., Dundalk

Louth

17195M

CBS Primary Dundalk

Chapel St., Dundalk

Louth

17195M

CBS Primary Dundalk

Chapel St., Dundalk

Louth

17726R

Tullyallen NS

Tullyallen, Drogheda

Louth

17726R

Tullyallen NS

Tullyallen, Drogheda

Louth

17726R

Tullyallen NS

Tullyallen, Drogheda

Louth

17856H

Scoil Naomh Mhuire

Donore

Louth

17862C

Realt na Mara Sois

Mill Street, Dundalk

Louth

17865I

St Mary's BNS

Congress Ave, Drogheda

Louth

17949D

SN Padraig Naofa

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda

Louth

17949D

SN Padraig Naofa

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda

Louth

17949D

SN Padraig Naofa

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda

Louth

17965M

SN Bhride

Ardaghy, Omeath

Louth

18069M

St Josephs NS

Mell, Drogheda

Louth

18069M

St Josephs NS

Mell, Drogheda

Louth

18069M

St Josephs NS

Mell, Drogheda

Louth

18069M

St Josephs NS

Mell, Drogheda

Louth

18098T

Scoil N Bhride C

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda

Louth

18098T

Scoil N Bhride C

Bothar Brugha, Drogheda

Louth

18101F

Rampark NS

Jenkinstown, Dundalk

Louth

18148I

Scoil Bhride Lann Leire

Ardee Rd, Dunleer

Louth

18148I

Scoil Bhride Lann Leire

Ardee Rd, Dunleer

Louth

18504E

St Malachys Boys

Anne St., Dundalk

Louth

18504E

St Malachys Boys

Anne St., Dundalk

Louth

18635T

St Buite's NS

Tenure, Dunleer

Louth

18635T

St Buite's NS

Tenure, Dunleer

Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda

Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda

Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda

Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda

Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda

Louth

19215C

SN Ard Mhuire

Ballsgrove, Drogheda

Louth

19223B

SN Padraig Naofa

Monasterboice, Drogheda

Louth

19223B

SN Padraig Naofa

Monasterboice, Drogheda

Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19479N

Rathmullen NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19598V

Scoil Mhuire na nGael

Bay Estate, Dundalk

Louth

19598V

Scoil Mhuire na nGael

Bay Estate, Dundalk

Louth

19598V

Scoil Mhuire na nGael

Bay Estate, Dundalk

Louth

19598V

Scoil Mhuire na nGael

Bay Estate, Dundalk

Louth

19673J

St Josephs NS

Avenue Rd, Dundalk

Louth

19673J

St Josephs NS

Avenue Rd, Dundalk

Louth

19673J

St Josephs NS

Avenue Rd, Dundalk

Louth

19673J

St Josephs NS

Avenue Rd, Dundalk

Louth

19673J

St Josephs NS

Avenue Rd, Dundalk

Louth

19673J

St Josephs NS

Avenue Rd, Dundalk

Louth

19673J

St Josephs NS

Avenue Rd, Dundalk

Louth

19678T

St Pauls Senior NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19678T

St Pauls Senior NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19678T

St Pauls Senior NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19678T

St Pauls Senior NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

19678T

St Pauls Senior NS

Rathmullen, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20146Q

Le Cheile Educate Together NS

Mornington Rd, Drogheda

Louth

20171P

Ardee Educate Together NS

Dundalk Rd, Ardee

Louth

20171P

Ardee Educate Together NS

Dundalk Rd, Ardee

Louth

20171P

Ardee Educate Together NS

Dundalk Rd, Ardee

Louth

20259G

St Francis NS

Blackrock

Louth

20259G

St Francis NS

Blackrock

Louth

20259G

St Francis NS

Blackrock

Louth

63900R

St Vincents Secondary School

Seatown Place, Dundalk

Louth

04796R

Brackloon NS

Brackloon, Westport

Mayo

04796R

Brackloon NS

Brackloon, Westport

Mayo

07054L

Scoil Naomh BrôÂd

Culleens, Killalla Rd, Ballina

Mayo

07054L

Scoil Naomh BrôÂd

Culleens, Killalla Rd, Ballina

Mayo

07054L

Scoil Naomh BrôÂd

Culleens, Killalla Rd, Ballina

Mayo

07054L

Scoil Naomh BrôÂd

Culleens, Killalla Rd, Ballina

Mayo

11725I

Behymore NS

Behymore NS, Ballina

Mayo

11725I

Behymore NS

Behymore NS, Ballina

Mayo

11725I

Behymore NS

Behymore NS, Ballina

Mayo

11725I

Behymore NS

Behymore NS, Ballina

Mayo

12206M

SN Padraig

Corrabheagain, Knockmore, Ballina

Mayo

12568A

Inver NS

Inver, Bar na Tra, Ballina

Mayo

13152U

St Josephs NS

Derrywalsh, Castlebar

Mayo

13152U

St Josephs NS

Derrywalsh, Castlebar

Mayo

13389F

St Josephs NS

Midfield, Swinford

Mayo

13758K

Templemary NS

Carbed, Killala

Mayo

13781P

St. John's NS

Breaffy, Castlebar

Mayo

13781P

St. John's NS

Breaffy, Castlebar

Mayo

13945J

Eskeragh NS

Eskeragh, Bellalorick, Ballina

Mayo

14400S

Richmond NS

Crossmolina

Mayo

15113U

St James' NS

Barnacogue, Swinford

Mayo

15539I

St Johns NS

Claremorris

Mayo

15555G

Breaffy NS

Breaffy, Ballina

Mayo

16021U

Lisaniska NS

Lisaniska, Foxford

Mayo

16021U

Lisaniska NS

Lisaniska, Foxford

Mayo

16122D

Scoil Mhuire

Knock, Claremorris

Mayo

16170O

Cloghans NS

Cloghans, Knockmore, Ballina

Mayo

16173U

Kinaffe NS

Swinford

Mayo

16832L

St Augustine's NS

Murrisk, Westport

Mayo

16904K

Lankill NS

Lankill, Westport

Mayo

16911H

Lahardane NS, Ballina

Mayo

16984L

St Joseph's NS

Shrule

Mayo

17082W

Scoil Chomain Naofa

Hollymount

Mayo

17119T

Sn Ball Alainn

Balla, Castlebar

Mayo

17119T

Sn Ball Alainn

Balla, Castlebar

Mayo

17209U

Caoneal NS

Caoneal, Ballina

Mayo

17483R

Carrowholly NS

Carrowholly, Westport

Mayo

18070U

Muire Gan Smal

Claremorris

Mayo

18070U

Muire Gan Smal

Claremorris

Mayo

18070U

Muire Gan Smal

Claremorris

Mayo

18145C

St Tiernans NS

Ballyhaunis

Mayo

18542M

St. Patrick's NS

Castlebar

Mayo

18561Q

St Josephs NS, Ballina

Mayo

18922W

Cloonliffen NS

Ballinrobe

Mayo

19375B

St Brid's Spec NS

Pavilion Road, Castlebar

Mayo

19375B

St Brid's Spec NS

Pavilion Road, Castlebar

Mayo

19375B

St Brid's Spec NS

Pavilion Road, Castlebar

Mayo

19402B

Ballyvary Central NS

Ballyvary, Castlebar

Mayo

19402B

Ballyvary Central NS

Ballyvary, Castlebar

Mayo

19451O

Holy Family NS

Newport

Mayo

19773N

St Nicholas School

Convent Hill, Ballina

Mayo

19773N

St Nicholas School

Convent Hill, Ballina

Mayo

19903A

Kiltimagh Central (St Aidan's NS)

Kiltimagh

Mayo

19972T

GS Uileog de Burca

Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris

Mayo

19972T

GS Uileog de Burca

Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris

Mayo

19972T

GS Uileog de Burca

Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris

Mayo

19972T

GS Uileog de Burca

Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris

Mayo

19972T

GS Uileog de Burca

Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris

Mayo

19972T

GS Uileog de Burca

Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris

Mayo

19972T

GS Uileog de Burca

Lochan na mBan, Clar Chlainne, Mhuiris

Mayo

20084U

Scoil na gCeithre Maol

Beal an Atha

Mayo

20084U

Scoil na gCeithre Maol

Beal an Atha

Mayo

20084U

Scoil na gCeithre Maol

Beal an Atha

Mayo

20084U

Scoil na gCeithre Maol

Beal an Atha

Mayo

20084U

Scoil na gCeithre Maol

Beal an Atha

Mayo

20084U

Scoil na gCeithre Maol

Beal an Atha

Mayo

20084U

Scoil na gCeithre Maol

Beal an Atha

Mayo

20084U

Scoil na gCeithre Maol

Beal an Atha

Mayo

20089H

St Josephs NS

Ballinrobe

Mayo

20142I

Scoil Iosa

Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis

Mayo

20142I

Scoil Iosa

Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis

Mayo

20230F

Scoil Iosa

Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis

Mayo

20230F

Scoil Iosa

Abbeyquarter, Ballyhaunis

Mayo

20256A

Tourmakeady NS

Tourmakeady

Mayo

64570E

Our Lady's Sec School

Belmullet

Mayo

64570E

Our Lady's Sec School

Belmullet

Mayo

64570E

Our Lady's Sec School

Belmullet

Mayo

64570E

Our Lady's Sec School

Belmullet

Mayo

00883P

St Annes

Fairgreen, Navan

Meath

00885T

Ratoath Junior NS

Fairhouse Road, Ratoath

Meath

01309L

St Patricks NS

Stackallen, Navan

Meath

02905J

SN Naomh Padraig

Baconstown

Meath

04210H

St Josephs NS (Kilmessan Mxd NS)

Kilmessan

Meath

04210H

St Josephs NS (Kilmessan Mxd NS)

Kilmessan

Meath

05630L

St Michaels NS Trim

Patrick Street, Trim

Meath

09238I

Ballinlough NS

Ballinlough, Kells

Meath

10801Q

Drumbarragh NS

Drumbarragh, Kells

Meath

11039O

Kilbeg NS

Kilbeg, Carlonstown, Kells

Meath

11978O

Scoil Mhuire Moylagh

Moylagh, Oldcastle

Meath

12488C

Gilson NS

Chapel Street, Oldcastle

Meath

12488C

Gilson NS

Chapel Street, Oldcastle

Meath

15104T

Scoil Bhride

Canninstown, Navan

Meath

15104T

Scoil Bhride

Canninstown, Navan

Meath

16100Q

St Josephs Mercy P.S

Railway Street, Navan

Meath

16100Q

St Josephs Mercy P.S

Railway Street, Navan

Meath

16100Q

St Josephs Mercy P.S

Railway Street, Navan

Meath

16100Q

St Josephs Mercy P.S

Railway Street, Navan

Meath

16100Q

St Josephs Mercy P.S

Railway Street, Navan

Meath

16100Q

St Josephs Mercy P.S

Railway Street, Navan

Meath

16549Q

Scoil Naoimh Pio

Knockcommon, Beauparc

Meath

16646O

St Marys Primary School

Patrick Street, Trim

Meath

16991I

Carnaross NS

Carnaross, Kells

Meath

17088L

Scoil Ui Chramhnaigh

Rath Cairn, Ath Bui

Meath

17088L

Scoil Ui Chramhnaigh

Rath Cairn, Ath Bui

Meath

17088L

Scoil Ui Chramhnaigh

Rath Cairn, Ath Bui

Meath

17203I

Scoil Ultain Naofa

Baile Ghib

Meath

17480L

Kentstown NS

Kentstown, Navan

Meath

17494W

Rathmore NS, Rathmore, Athboy

Meath

17520U

Robinstown NS

Robinstown, Navan

Meath

17520U

Robinstown NS

Robinstown, Navan

Meath

17623H

O'Growney NS

O'Growney Street, Athboy

Meath

17623H

O'Growney NS

O'Growney Street, Athboy

Meath

17623H

O'Growney NS

O'Growney Street, Athboy

Meath

17623H

O'Growney NS

O'Growney Street, Athboy

Meath

17705J

Whitecross Primary School

Julianstown

Meath

17705J

Whitecross Primary School

Julianstown

Meath

17705J

Whitecross Primary School

Julianstown

Meath

17705J

Whitecross Primary School

Julianstown

Meath

17705J

Whitecross Primary School

Julianstown

Meath

17705J

Whitecross Primary School

Julianstown

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17821L

St Marys, Enfield

Johnstown, Enfield

Meath

17839H

Duleek BNS, Duleek

Meath

17839H

Duleek BNS, Duleek

Meath

17840P

Scoil Bhainin Naofa/Duleek GNS

Duleek

Meath

17840P

Scoil Bhainin Naofa/Duleek GNS

Duleek

Meath

18016O

St Columbanns

Ballyvor

Meath

18016O

St Columbanns

Ballyvor

Meath

18016O

St Columbanns

Ballyvor

Meath

18106P

Lismullen NS

Garlow Cross, Navan

Meath

18106P

Lismullen NS

Garlow Cross, Navan

Meath

18106P

Lismullen NS

Garlow Cross, Navan

Meath

18132Q

Scoil Mhuire

Carlanstown, Kells

Meath

18445O

SN Scoil Treasa

Kilshanroe, Enfield

Meath

18448U

Rathbeggan NS

Dunshaughlin

Meath

18650P

Newtown NS

Newtown, Enfield

Meath

18650P

Newtown NS

Newtown, Enfield

Meath

18762D

Realt na Mara BNS

Donacarney

Meath

18762D

Realt na Mara BNS

Donacarney

Meath

18762D

Realt na Mara BNS

Donacarney

Meath

18767N

Realt na Mara GNS

Donacarney, Mornington

Meath

18767N

Realt na Mara GNS

Donacarney, Mornington

Meath

18767N

Realt na Mara GNS

Donacarney, Mornington

Meath

18767N

Realt na Mara GNS

Donacarney, Mornington

Meath

18767N

Realt na Mara GNS

Donacarney, Mornington

Meath

18767N

Realt na Mara GNS

Donacarney, Mornington

Meath

18767N

Realt na Mara GNS

Donacarney, Mornington

Meath

18767N

Realt na Mara GNS

Donacarney, Mornington

Meath

19253K

Scoil Naomh Barra

Wilkinstown, Navan

Meath

19253K

Scoil Naomh Barra

Wilkinstown, Navan

Meath

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Blackcastle, Navan

Meath

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Blackcastle, Navan

Meath

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Blackcastle, Navan

Meath

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Blackcastle, Navan

Meath

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Blackcastle, Navan

Meath

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Blackcastle, Navan

Meath

19476H

St Oliver Plunkett NS

Blackcastle, Navan

Meath

19560T

Saint Marys Special School

Johnstown, Navan

Meath

19560T

Saint Marys Special School

Johnstown, Navan

Meath

19671F

St Pauls NS

Abbeylands, Navan

Meath

19671F

St Pauls NS

Abbeylands, Navan

Meath

19671F

St Pauls NS

Abbeylands, Navan

Meath

19671F

St Pauls NS

Abbeylands, Navan

Meath

19768U

St Marys NS

Asbourne

Meath

20032B

Dunboyne Junior School

Dunboyne

Meath

20032B

Dunboyne Junior School

Dunboyne

Meath

20033D

Dunboyne Senior Primary School

Main Street, Dunboyne

Meath

20033D

Dunboyne Senior Primary School

Main Street, Dunboyne

Meath

20033D

Dunboyne Senior Primary School

Main Street, Dunboyne

Meath

20082Q

Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg

Br. Ruisc, Dun Buinne

Meath

20164S

Navan Educate Together NS

Carriage Road, Navan

Meath

20164S

Navan Educate Together NS

Carriage Road, Navan

Meath

20164S

Navan Educate Together NS

Carriage Road, Navan

Meath

20164S

Navan Educate Together NS

Carriage Road, Navan

Meath

20180Q

Scoil Naomh Eoin

Windtown, Navan

Meath

20180Q

Scoil Naomh Eoin

Windtown, Navan

Meath

20180Q

Scoil Naomh Eoin

Windtown, Navan

Meath

20180Q

Scoil Naomh Eoin

Windtown, Navan

Meath

20180Q

Scoil Naomh Eoin

Windtown, Navan

Meath

20191V

St Peters National School, Church Of Ireland

Maynooth Road, Dunboyne

Meath

20191V

St Peters National School, Church Of Ireland

Maynooth Road, Dunboyne

Meath

20191V

St Peters National School, Church Of Ireland

Maynooth Road, Dunboyne

Meath

20191V

St Peters National School, Church Of Ireland

Maynooth Road, Dunboyne

Meath

20191V

St Peters National School, Church Of Ireland

Maynooth Road, Dunboyne

Meath

20191V

St Peters National School, Church Of Ireland

Maynooth Road, Dunboyne

Meath

20191V

St Peters National School, Church Of Ireland

Maynooth Road, Dunboyne

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20200T

Ratoath Senior NS

Ratoath

Meath

20215J

St Pauls NS

Ratoath

Meath

20215J

St Pauls NS

Ratoath

Meath

20215J

St Pauls NS

Ratoath

Meath

20215J

St Pauls NS

Ratoath

Meath

20215J

St Pauls NS

Ratoath

Meath

20215J

St Pauls NS

Ratoath

Meath

20215J

St Pauls NS

Ratoath

Meath

20215J

St Pauls NS

Ratoath

Meath

91508C

Boyne Community School

Trim

Meath

10429W

Scoil Mhuire

Rockcorry

Monaghan

15142E

Donaghmoyne NS

Donaghmoyne, Carrickmacross

Monaghan

16769H

Latnamard NS

Latnamard, Smithboro

Monaghan

16923O

SN iorball Sionnaigh

An Bhoth

Monaghan

16954C

St Michaels NS

Rackwallace, Castlehare

Monaghan

17099Q

St. Josephs NS

Carrickmacross

Monaghan

17099Q

St. Josephs NS

Carrickmacross

Monaghan

17099Q

St. Josephs NS

Carrickmacross

Monaghan

17686I

Scoil Mhuire BNS

Carrick Rd, Castleblaney

Monaghan

17686I

Scoil Mhuire BNS

Carrick Rd, Castleblaney

Monaghan

18028V

Scoil Naomh Padraig

Corracra, Enquale

Monaghan

19162H

St Mary's NS

Threemilehouse

Monaghan

19736H

Scoil Phadraig

Corduff, Carrickmacross

Monaghan

19936P

Gaelscoil Ultain

An Cnoc

Monaghan

72170H

Ballybay Community School

Ballybay

Monaghan

72170H

Ballybay Community School

Ballybay

Monaghan

72170H

Ballybay Community School

Ballybay

Monaghan

72170H

Ballybay Community School

Ballybay

Monaghan

07949I

Oxmantown NS

Birr

Offaly

10353P

Charleville NS

Church View, Tullamore

Offaly

15556I

Presentation Convent Primary School

Patrick St, Portarlington

Offaly

16013V

St Mary's NS

St Mary's Rd

Offaly

16013V

St Mary's NS

St Mary's Rd

Offaly

16013V

St Mary's NS

St Mary's Rd

Offaly

16013V

St Mary's NS

St Mary's Rd

Offaly

16013V

St Mary's NS

St Mary's Rd

Offaly

17523D

Scoil Chronain Naofa

Dromakeenan, Roscrea

Offaly

17637S

St Joseph's NS, Ballinagar

Tullamore

Offaly

17827A

St Patrick's NS

Patrick St, Portarlington

Offaly

17827A

St Patrick's NS

Patrick St, Portarlington

Offaly

17827A

St Patrick's NS

Patrick St, Portarlington

Offaly

17827A

St Patrick's NS

Patrick St, Portarlington

Offaly

18057F

Scoil Mhuire NS

Kilcruttin, Tullamore

Offaly

18364O

Scoil Muire Banrion

Edenderry

Offaly

18406E

St Francis BNS

Clara

Offaly

20267F

Scoil Bhride PS

Carrick Rd, Edenderry

Offaly

20267F

Scoil Bhride PS

Carrick Rd, Edenderry

Offaly

20267F

Scoil Bhride PS

Carrick Rd, Edenderry

Offaly

65620V

Sacred Heart School

Tullamore

Offaly

65620V

Sacred Heart School

Tullamore

Offaly

01086R

St. Paul's NS

Church Hill, Castlerea

Roscommon

01607T

Cornafulla NS

Cornafulla, Athlone

Roscommon

01607T

Cornafulla NS

Cornafulla, Athlone

Roscommon

12754U

Summerhill NS

Summerhill, Athlone

Roscommon

12754U

Summerhill NS

Summerhill, Athlone

Roscommon

12964I

Ballymurray NS

Ballymurray

Roscommon

14356S

Lisaniskey NS

Ballydooley PO, Donamon

Roscommon

15083O

Scoil Mhuire

Convent Rd

Roscommon

15083O

Scoil Mhuire

Convent Rd

Roscommon

15083O

Scoil Mhuire

Convent Rd

Roscommon

15531P

Newtown NS

Creagh, Ballinasloe

Roscommon

15531P

Newtown NS

Creagh, Ballinasloe

Roscommon

15531P

Newtown NS

Creagh, Ballinasloe

Roscommon

15557K

Cloonfad NS

Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis

Roscommon

16034G

Tulsk NS

Tulsk, Castlerea

Roscommon

16034G

Tulsk NS

Tulsk, Castlerea

Roscommon

16291D

Cloonagh NS

Strokestown

Roscommon

17255E

Scoil na Mainistreach (Abbey NS)

Circular Rd

Roscommon

18012G

Croghan NS

Boyle, Boyle

Roscommon

18729F

Ballintleva NS

Curraghboy

Roscommon

65100S

Scoil Mhuire

Strokestown

Roscommon

04487E

Achonry NS

Achonry, Tubbercurry

Sligo

13242V

Castlerock NS

Castlerock, Adare

Sligo

14636B

Scoil Naomh Eanna

Carraroe

Sligo

15571E

Kilglass NS

Kilglass, Enniscrone

Sligo

16492N

Rathlee NS

Rathlee, Easkey

Sligo

18053U

Sooey NS

via Boyle

Sligo

18298E

Culfadda NS

Ballymote

Sligo

18334F

Knockminna

Ballymote

Sligo

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise

Grange

Sligo

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise

Grange

Sligo

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise

Grange

Sligo

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise

Grange

Sligo

18979F

Scoil Ursula

Strandhill Rd

Sligo

18979F

Scoil Ursula

Strandhill Rd

Sligo

18979F

Scoil Ursula

Strandhill Rd

Sligo

19495L

Carbury

The Mall

Sligo

19495L

Carbury

The Mall

Sligo

19495L

Carbury

The Mall

Sligo

19495L

Carbury

The Mall

Sligo

19495L

Carbury

The Mall

Sligo

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain

Sligo

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain

Sligo

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain

Sligo

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain

Sligo

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain

Sligo

20044I

Gaelscoil Chnoc Na Re

Baile Ui Dhugain

Sligo

00590A

Borrisoleigh BNS

Borrisoleigh, Thurles

Tipperary

01594N

Scoil Eoin Naofa

Golden Grove Road, Roscrea

Tipperary

01594N

Scoil Eoin Naofa

Golden Grove Road, Roscrea

Tipperary

02670I

Scoil San Isadoir

Boherlahan, Cashel

Tipperary

08903M

Nano Nagle Spec School

Rocklow Rd, Fethard

Tipperary

09190G

Boher NS

Boher, Ballina

Tipperary

10120P

Our Lady of Mercy NS

Cahir

Tipperary

10120P

Our Lady of Mercy NS

Cahir

Tipperary

11605V

St Thomas the Apostle NS

Rosegreen, Cashel

Tipperary

11872V

Presentation Primary School

Greenside, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

11872V

Presentation Primary School

Greenside, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

11872V

Presentation Primary School

Greenside, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

12540B

Clonmore NS

Templemore

Tipperary

14460N

Killea NS

Templemore

Tipperary

15157R

Mount Bruis NS

Mount Bruis

Tipperary

15778D

St Mary's NS

Nenagh

Tipperary

16077B

Ardfinnan NS

Clonmel

Tipperary

16211C

Scoil Mochaomhog Naofa

Two-Mile-Borris, Thurles

Tipperary

16276H

Carrig NS

Ballycommon, Nenagh

Tipperary

16276H

Carrig NS

Ballycommon, Nenagh

Tipperary

17640H

Terryglass NS

Terryglass, Nenagh

Tipperary

17779P

Powerstown NS

Powerstown, Clonmel

Tipperary

17779P

Powerstown NS

Powerstown, Clonmel

Tipperary

17779P

Powerstown NS

Powerstown, Clonmel

Tipperary

17779P

Powerstown NS

Powerstown, Clonmel

Tipperary

18062V

Grange NS

Clonmel

Tipperary

18062V

Grange NS

Clonmel

Tipperary

18135W

Scoil Angela

Ursuline Primary, Thurles

Tipperary

18345K

Scoil Iosef Naofa

Corville, Roscrea

Tipperary

18345K

Scoil Iosef Naofa

Corville, Roscrea

Tipperary

18345K

Scoil Iosef Naofa

Corville, Roscrea

Tipperary

18345K

Scoil Iosef Naofa

Corville, Roscrea

Tipperary

18538V

Scoil Mhuire

Newcastle, Clonmel

Tipperary

18538V

Scoil Mhuire

Newcastle, Clonmel

Tipperary

18716T

Cahir BNS

Cahir

Tipperary

18716T

Cahir BNS

Cahir

Tipperary

18716T

Cahir BNS

Cahir

Tipperary

19230V

Scoil Chormaic

Golden Rd, Cashel

Tipperary

19230V

Scoil Chormaic

Golden Rd, Cashel

Tipperary

19230V

Scoil Chormaic

Golden Rd, Cashel

Tipperary

19230V

Scoil Chormaic

Golden Rd, Cashel

Tipperary

19230V

Scoil Chormaic

Golden Rd, Cashel

Tipperary

19615S

Scoil Aonghusa

Cahir Road, Cashel

Tipperary

20085W

GS Charraig Na Siuire

Bothar Cul na Muc, Carraig Beag, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

20085W

GS Charraig Na Siuire

Bothar Cul na Muc, Carraig Beag, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

20085W

GS Charraig Na Siuire

Bothar Cul na Muc, Carraig Beag, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

20085W

GS Charraig Na Siuire

Bothar Cul na Muc, Carraig Beag, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

20085W

GS Charraig Na Siuire

Bothar Cul na Muc, Carraig Beag, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

20085W

GS Charraig Na Siuire

Bothar Cul na Muc, Carraig Beag, Carrick-on-Suir

Tipperary

01395H

Aglish National School

Aglish, Cappoquin

Waterford

12007G

Our Lady of Good Counsel GNS

Ferrybank

Waterford

15046I

St Stephens

25 Patrick Street, Waterford

Waterford

15046I

St Stephens

26 Patrick Street, Waterford

Waterford

15318P

Glenbeg NS

Glenbeg, Dungarvan

Waterford

15318P

Glenbeg NS

Glenbeg, Dungarvan

Waterford

17159I

Garranbane NS

Dungarvan

Waterford

17525H

Light of Christ School

Dunmore East

Waterford

17535K

S.N. Fionnabhair (Fenor NS)

Fenor

Waterford

17535K

S.N. Fionnabhair (Fenor NS)

Fenor

Waterford

17535K

S.N. Fionnabhair (Fenor NS)

Fenor

Waterford

17535K

S.N. Fionnabhair (Fenor NS)

Fenor

Waterford

18094L

Scoil Mhuire

Abbeyside, Dungarvan

Waterford

18094L

Scoil Mhuire

Abbeyside, Dungarvan

Waterford

18167M

St Annes National School

Seafield, Kilmacthomas

Waterford

18235D

St Marys BNS

Ferrybank

Waterford

18235D

St Marys BNS

Ferrybank

Waterford

18235D

St Marys BNS

Ferrybank

Waterford

18380M

Faithlegg NS

Faithlegg

Waterford

19108B

St Martins Special School

Ballytrunkle Road

Waterford

19108B

St Martins Special School

Ballytrunkle Road

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19629G

Holy Cross School

Ballycarnane, Tramore

Waterford

19726E

St James National School

Church Lane, Stradbally

Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun

Cruabhaile Uachtarach, Tra Mhor

Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun

Cruabhaile Uachtarach, Tra Mhor

Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun

Cruabhaile Uachtarach, Tra Mhor

Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun

Cruabhaile Uachtarach, Tra Mhor

Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun

Cruabhaile Uachtarach, Tra Mhor

Waterford

19970P

Portlaw NS

Portlaw

Waterford

20076V

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh

Lismore

Waterford

20143K

Waterpark National School

Park Road

Waterford

20170N

Bunscoil Chill Mhic Thomaisin

Kilmacthomas

Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Cannon Street

Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Cannon Street

Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Cannon Street

Waterford

64970U

Presentation Secondary School

Cannon Street

Waterford

68078U

GaelcholaÂiste Phort LaÂirge

Bothar Kilbarry

Waterford

68078U

GaelcholaÂiste Phort LaÂirge

Bothar Kilbarry

Waterford

68078U

GaelcholaÂiste Phort LaÂirge

Bothar Kilbarry

Waterford

68078U

GaelcholaÂiste Phort LaÂirge

Bothar Kilbarry

Waterford

68078U

GaelcholaÂiste Phort LaÂirge

Bothar Kilbarry

Waterford

68078U

GaelcholaÂiste Phort LaÂirge

Bothar Kilbarry

Waterford

68078U

GaelcholaÂiste Phort LaÂirge

Bothar Kilbarry

Waterford

68078U

GaelcholaÂiste Phort LaÂirge

Bothar Kilbarry

Waterford

00934G

Presentation College

Mullingar

Westmeath

05916G

St Annes Ns Tyrrellspass

Tyrrellspass

Westmeath

14603J

Convent Primary School

Rochfortbridge

Westmeath

14603J

Convent Primary School

Rochfortbridge

Westmeath

17025K

The Downs NS

The Downs, Mullingar

Westmeath

17102C

Cluain Buinne

Clonbonny, Athlone

Westmeath

17327D

Curraghmore NS

Curraghmore, Mullingar

Westmeath

17327D

Curraghmore NS

Curraghmore, Mullingar

Westmeath

17327D

Curraghmore NS

Curraghmore, Mullingar

Westmeath

17327D

Curraghmore NS

Curraghmore, Mullingar

Westmeath

17903N

Cornamaddy NS

Cornamaddy, Athlone

Westmeath

18262G

SN Lochan a'Bhealaigh

Mullingar

Westmeath

18405C

St Paul's NS

Athlone

Westmeath

18505G

St Clares NS

Tubberclare, Athlone

Westmeath

18505G

St Clares NS

Tubberclare, Athlone

Westmeath

18640M

St Josephs NS

Rathwire, Killucan

Westmeath

18640M

St Josephs NS

Rathwire, Killucan

Westmeath

18640M

St Josephs NS

Rathwire, Killucan

Westmeath

18864L

Coosan NS

Castlequarter, Athlone

Westmeath

18864L

Coosan NS

Castlequarter, Athlone

Westmeath

18864L

Coosan NS

Castlequarter, Athlone

Westmeath

19205W

St Tolas NS

Killulagh, Delvin

Westmeath

19650U

St Colmans

Bellview, Mullingar

Westmeath

19848S

St Etchens NS

Kinnegad NS

Westmeath

19848S

St Etchens NS

Kinnegad NS

Westmeath

19848S

St Etchens NS

Kinnegad NS

Westmeath

20063M

Scoil an Chlochair

Kilbeggan

Westmeath

20073P

St Marys NS

Grace Pk Rd, Athlone

Westmeath

20238V

GS an Choillin

An Coillin Mor, Mullingar

Westmeath

20238V

GS an Choillin

An Coillin Mor, Mullingar

Westmeath

20238V

GS an Choillin

An Coillin Mor, Mullingar

Westmeath

03633H

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Hospital Hill, Bunclody

Wexford

03633H

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Hospital Hill, Bunclody

Wexford

03633H

Our Lady of Lourdes NS

Hospital Hill, Bunclody

Wexford

05070W

Scoil Chroi Ro Naofa

Ballymurn, Enniscorthy

Wexford

05070W

Scoil Chroi Ro Naofa

Ballymurn, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

08221J

St Senans Primary

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy

Wexford

11986N

Mercy National School

Kennedy Park

Wexford

11986N

Mercy National School

Kennedy Park

Wexford

11986N

Mercy National School

Kennedy Park

Wexford

15407O

Ballythomas NS

Ballythomas, Gorey

Wexford

15407O

Ballythomas NS

Ballythomas, Gorey

Wexford

15407O

Ballythomas NS

Ballythomas, Gorey

Wexford

15420G

Ballycanew NS

Ballycanew, Gorey

Wexford

16023B

Scoil Naomh Aine

Rathgarogue, New Ross

Wexford

16023B

Scoil Naomh Aine

Rathgarogue, New Ross

Wexford

16409A

St Marys NS

Ballygarrett, Gorey

Wexford

16605A

Kilrane NS

Kilrane, Rosslare Harbour

Wexford

16605A

Kilrane NS

Kilrane, Rosslare Harbour

Wexford

16828U

Oylegate NS

Oylegate, Enniscorthy

Wexford

16828U

Oylegate NS

Oylegate, Enniscorthy

Wexford

17017L

St Patricks NS

Sion, Crossabeg

Wexford

17017L

St Patricks NS

Sion, Crossabeg

Wexford

17610V

Scoil Baile Fada

Gorey

Wexford

17768K

Castletown NS

Castletown, Gorey

Wexford

17768K

Castletown NS

Castletown, Gorey

Wexford

17769M

Scoil Mhuire

Tagoat

Wexford

17769M

Scoil Mhuire

Tagoat

Wexford

17800D

Bree NS

Bree, Enniscorthy

Wexford

17800D

Bree NS

Bree, Enniscorthy

Wexford

17841R

Scoil Mhuire

Ballyhogue, Enniscorthy

Wexford

17913Q

Our Lady of Fatima NS

Barntown

Wexford

17913Q

Our Lady of Fatima NS

Barntown

Wexford

17913Q

Our Lady of Fatima NS

Barntown

Wexford

18280I

St Josephs Boys Primary

Gorey

Wexford

18280I

St Josephs Boys Primary

Gorey

Wexford

18280I

St Josephs Boys Primary

Gorey

Wexford

18336J

Boolavogue NS

Ferns, Enniscorthy

Wexford

18558E

Piercestown NS

Piercestown, Drinagh

Wexford

18558E

Piercestown NS

Piercestown, Drinagh

Wexford

18687P

Ballyduff NS

Ballyduff, Camolin

Wexford

18707S

St Ibars NS

Castlebridge

Wexford

18839M

Screen NS

Screen, Enniscorthy

Wexford

18839M

Screen NS

Screen, Enniscorthy

Wexford

19240B

St. Patrick's Special School

Bohreen Hill, Enniscorthy

Wexford

19240B

St. Patrick's Special School

Bohreen Hill, Enniscorthy

Wexford

19240B

St. Patrick's Special School

Bohreen Hill, Enniscorthy

Wexford

19240B

St. Patrick's Special School

Bohreen Hill, Enniscorthy

Wexford

19240B

St. Patrick's Special School

Bohreen Hill, Enniscorthy

Wexford

19240B

St. Patrick's Special School

Bohreen Hill, Enniscorthy

Wexford

19240B

St. Patrick's Special School

Bohreen Hill, Enniscorthy

Wexford

19317K

Rathangan NS

Rathangan, Duncormick

Wexford

19317K

Rathangan NS

Rathangan, Duncormick

Wexford

19739N

Scoil Mhuire

Coolcotts

Wexford

19739N

Scoil Mhuire

Coolcotts

Wexford

19739N

Scoil Mhuire

Coolcotts

Wexford

19739N

Scoil Mhuire

Coolcotts

Wexford

19739N

Scoil Mhuire

Coolcotts

Wexford

20003R

St Aidans Primary

Convent Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford

20003R

St Aidans Primary

Convent Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford

20003R

St Aidans Primary

Convent Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford

20003R

St Aidans Primary

Convent Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford

20003R

St Aidans Primary

Convent Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford

20003R

St Aidans Primary

Convent Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford

20003R

St Aidans Primary

Convent Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford

20003R

St Aidans Primary

Convent Road, Enniscorthy

Wexford

63640R

CBS Wexford

Wexford

01782O

SN Padraig

Bearna Chle, Arklow

Wicklow

10683N

St Brigid's NS

Manor Kilbride, Blessington

Wicklow

10683N

St Brigid's NS

Manor Kilbride, Blessington

Wicklow

11372B

Scoil Mhuire Realt Na Mara

Brittas Bay

Wicklow

11649S

Nun's Cross

Ashford

Wicklow

12529N

St Saviour's NS

Station Rd, Rathdrum

Wicklow

13932A

St Michaels GNS

St. Mary's Road, Arklow

Wicklow

14045B

Carysfort NS

Arklow

Wicklow

14045B

Carysfort NS

Arklow

Wicklow

14398L

Glebe NS

Church Hill, Wicklow Town

Wicklow

14398L

Glebe NS

Church Hill, Wicklow Town

Wicklow

14398L

Glebe NS

Church Hill, Wicklow Town

Wicklow

16573N

St Brigid's NS

Trafalgar Rd, Greystones

Wicklow

16573N

St Brigid's NS

Trafalgar Rd, Greystones

Wicklow

16573N

St Brigid's NS

Trafalgar Rd, Greystones

Wicklow

16573N

St Brigid's NS

Trafalgar Rd, Greystones

Wicklow

16634H

St Laurence O'Toole's NS

Roundwood

Wicklow

16872A

St Cronan's BNS

Vevay Crescent, Vevay Rd, Bray

Wicklow

16872A

St Cronan's BNS

Vevay Crescent, Vevay Rd, Bray

Wicklow

16872A

St Cronan's BNS

Vevay Crescent, Vevay Rd, Bray

Wicklow

16874E

St Joseph's GNS

Rathnew

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17181B

St Joseph's NS

Templerainey, Arklow

Wicklow

17826V

Na Coroine Mhuire Mixed

Ashford

Wicklow

17826V

Na Coroine Mhuire Mixed

Ashford

Wicklow

18242A

Scoil Aodan Naofa

Carnew

Wicklow

18242A

Scoil Aodan Naofa

Carnew

Wicklow

18365Q

Kilmacanogue NS

Kilmacanogue NS, Bray

Wicklow

18962L

St Ernan's BNS

Rathnew

Wicklow

19522L

St Catherine's Spec School

Kilmullen Lane, Newcastle

Wicklow

19522L

St Catherine's Spec School

Kilmullen Lane, Newcastle

Wicklow

19522L

St Catherine's Spec School

Kilmullen Lane, Newcastle

Wicklow

19522L

St Catherine's Spec School

Kilmullen Lane, Newcastle

Wicklow

19522L

St Catherine's Spec School

Kilmullen Lane, Newcastle

Wicklow

19522L

St Catherine's Spec School

Kilmullen Lane, Newcastle

Wicklow

19573F

St Laurences NS

Greystones

Wicklow

19734D

St Francis's NS

Newcastle

Wicklow

19734D

St Francis's NS

Newcastle

Wicklow

19754J

Bray School Project NS

Killarney Rd, Bray

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20045K

Gaelscoil Chill Mhantain

An Casadh Moidhreach, Rath Naoi

Wicklow

20080M

GS An Inbhir Mhoir

Bothar Emoclew, An t-Inbhear Mor

Wicklow

20080M

GS An Inbhir Mhoir

Bothar Emoclew, An t-Inbhear Mor

Wicklow

20080M

GS An Inbhir Mhoir

Bothar Emoclew, An t-Inbhear Mor

Wicklow

20080M

GS An Inbhir Mhoir

Bothar Emoclew, An t-Inbhear Mor

Wicklow

20243O

GS Na Lochanna

Adult Ed Centre VEC, Baile Coimin

Wicklow

20243O

GS Na Lochanna

Adult Ed Centre VEC, Baile Coimin

Wicklow

20243O

GS Na Lochanna

Adult Ed Centre VEC, Baile Coimin

Wicklow

20243O

GS Na Lochanna

Adult Ed Centre VEC, Baile Coimin

Wicklow

70740M

Arklow Community College

Coolgreaney Rd, Arklow

Wicklow

70740M

Arklow Community College

Coolgreaney Rd, Arklow

Wicklow

70790E

Colaiste Bhride

Carnew

Wicklow

70790E

Colaiste Bhride

Carnew

Wicklow

70790E

Colaiste Bhride

Carnew

Wicklow

70790E

Colaiste Bhride

Carnew

Wicklow

70790E

Colaiste Bhride

Carnew

Wicklow

Question No. 639 answered with Question No. 628.

Joan Burton

Question:

640 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents at a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15 have been notified that two classes are to be housed in another school building from September 2009 due to a shortage of space and that this school agreed to take on extra pupils on the basis that funds would be provided for the necessary extension and refurbishment; the timescale for the allocation of these funds and the completion of the project; when the classes will be re-housed in their own school building; his views on whether the separation of two classes from the rest of the school is far from optimal for the social and educational development of the pupils concerned; if funds have been allocated to these projects under the summer works scheme 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22272/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of Architectural Planning and the school in question has recently been authorised to progress this project to Stage 2A — Developed Sketch Scheme. As an interim measure, to alleviate pressure on the school to which the deputy refers, my Department has approved the use of existing temporary accommodation by the school on the site of another nearby school. The classrooms which are currently being used by the second school will become vacant at the end of the current school year and both schools have agreed to their use by the first school from September. The first school was allocated funding for window replacements under the Summer Works Scheme 2009.

Special Educational Needs.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

641 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to fund the cross-Border autism centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22273/09]

The Deputy will be aware that I have been anxious to develop this Centre to provide for the promotion of excellence in the development and harmonisation of education and associated services for children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders. A lot has been achieved already in collaboration with the Department of Education, Northern Ireland, with the Centre currently delivering training programmes and commissioning research. Our current economic climate has meant a thorough review of all educational projects and programmes requiring expenditure. Given the competing demands within the education sector and the overall demands on Government finances, it has not proven possible to provide additional funding to fully develop all projects currently underway.

The outcome of this process means that, unfortunately, my Department is not in a position to provide the funding required to expand the Middletown Centre as had been intended this year or to enable the capital project to proceed as planned. I wish to assure the Deputy that this decision does not mean that funding is been withdrawn from Middletown and it will continue to be enabled to provide services and, indeed, to develop some additional services. My Department is anxious to ensure the continuation of ongoing training and research programmes. The Department will, of course, keep the expansion of the Middletown Centre under review in the context of improved financial circumstances.

School Staffing.

Jimmy Devins

Question:

642 Deputy Jimmy Devins asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on changing the date for calculation of teacher numbers from September of the previous year to 31 May of the current year, if necessary getting the board of management and the parents to certify that the enrolling pupils are applied to enroll in one school only. [22291/09]

In terms of the position at individual primary school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September of the previous school year. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools takes place in the autumn of each year and enables the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins each September.

This process involves my Department writing to schools in the early part of each calendar year. The final position for any one school is dependent on a number of other factors such as additional posts for primary 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.

It would not be feasible to carry out the above process in advance of the start of each school year if the date for calculation of teacher numbers was changed to 31 May. However, I want to assure the Deputy that the current system at primary level takes account of the needs of schools that have rapidly rising enrolments by the allocation of developing posts to these schools based on current year enrolments.

I am of course committed to providing information in relation to the allocation of teachers to schools in as timely a fashion as possible and as a new feature on my Department's website. The process has begun with the provision earlier this year of initial information on the allocation of teachers to schools. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

Special Educational Needs.

Frank Feighan

Question:

643 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will audit a school (details supplied) in connection with an application of directives to be used to reduce special needs assistant cover at this school. [22302/09]

Frank Feighan

Question:

644 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science if, in relation to special needs assistants, audits of these roles are being used to reduce or remove positions from schools; if he is satisfied with directives in relation to the tasks of special needs assistants in classrooms when the non-teaching provisions may be interpreted as to preclude SNAs from assisting pupils by way of management or guidance to help with concentration and so on; and if he will examine the working of directives in this area. [22303/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 643 and 644 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the National Council for Special Education has been requested by my Department to arrange for its Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) to review special needs assistant (SNA) allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. I wish to clarify that there has been no change in these criteria and the current review will be carried out by reference to those criteria. The review is currently underway and it is intended that it will be completed during 2009.

SNAs are sanctioned by SENOs to schools specifically to assist in the care of pupils and students with disabilities in an educational context. SNAs may be appointed to a special school or a mainstream school to assist school authorities in making suitable provision for children who have been assessed as having such needs.

For some pupils, as they mature, their care needs may diminish over time. Pupils may move to a different school or on to a post-primary school. In such circumstances, the NCSE will review and adjust the overall level of SNA support in the school concerned. This may mean that some pupils who had previously been supported by a full time SNA may have their needs met through the shared support of an SNA or perhaps they may have no need for SNA support.

A value for money and policy analysis review of the SNA scheme is also underway. This is a comprehensive review of the rationale for this scheme, including the role of the SNA, and is expected to be completed during this year.

Pension Provisions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

645 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when a reply to correspondence relating to an application for a pension quote will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22306/09]

My Department received a written request on 28 May 2009 from the person in question for an estimate of pension benefits should she decide to retire at this time. A detailed written response issued to the person on 4 June 2009.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Richard Bruton

Question:

646 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if placements supervised by the State of persons in foster homes have been covered by the investigation and redress process established for the investigation of child abuse in institutional care; his views on whether such abuse needs further assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22324/09]

People who were in foster care as children were covered by the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse Act, 2000 and had access to both the Investigative and Confidential Committees of the Commission. During the passage of the legislation governing the establishment of the Redress Scheme (Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002) through both Houses, the issue of including children who were in foster care was discussed and it was decided not to extend the legislation, as children in foster care were not in a residential institution.

Having said that, however, under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002, special provision is made relating to the "residence" requirement. One such provision states that abuse of a child "in an institution" includes any case in which the abuse took place, not in the institution itself, but while the child was residing or being cared for in the institution and the abuse was committed or aided by a person engaged in the management or supervision of the institution or a person otherwise employed in or associated with the institution. I understand that this covers persons who were officially resident in a scheduled institution but who may have been temporarily placed outside the institution during the period of their residency.

As I have pointed out previously, a person's ineligibility to be considered for an award under the terms of the Redress Scheme does not effect their statutory right to pursue any other legal avenues which may be open to them.

Special Educational Needs.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

647 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provisions being made to ensure that a unit in a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be operational by September 2009 and that sufficient funding is being made available to fund the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22337/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including the approval of special classes for autism. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the information requested by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Martin Ferris

Question:

648 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a former orphanage (details supplied) in County Galway did not come under the remit of the redress board. [22348/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department did consider the inclusion of this institution on the Schedule to the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002. This particular institution, as with many others listed, did not operate under the jurisdiction of my Department and, consequently, it was necessary for officials at my Department to consult with other Government Departments to ascertain their eligibility for inclusion.

Section 4(1) of the Residential institutions Redress Act, 2002, states that the Minister for Education & Science, may, by Order, provide for the insertion of any industrial school, reformatory, orphanage, children's home, special school which was established for the purpose of providing education services to children with a physical or intellectual disability or a hospital providing medical or psychiatric services to people with a physical or mental disability or illness in which children were placed and resident and in respect of which a public body had a regulatory or inspection function.

In relation to the orphanage referred to by the Deputy, my Department consulted with the Department of Health and Children to ascertain if it was eligible to be considered for inclusion on the Schedule. It appears that this institution actually operated as a Mother and Baby Home which was a privately operated facility. The institution did not satisfy the terms of the criteria referred to above and consequently, it was not considered to be eligible for inclusion. I should however point out that ineligibility to be considered for redress under the terms of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002, does not affect a person's statutory right to pursue other legal avenues which may be open to them.

Schools Building Projects.

Liz McManus

Question:

649 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received correspondence from persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22351/09]

My Department has received correspondence from the persons to whom the Deputy refers. The building project for the above school is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. I met with a deputation from the school last October when the school's situation was fully outlined. 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. In the meantime, however, the school authority has been informed that it is open to it to apply to the Planning and Building Unit of my Department for emergency works funding for capital works of an urgent nature. Grants from this fund are available for very urgent works, primarily of a major health and safety nature, to schools that require them.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

650 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish the terms of the protocols referred to in paragraph 10 of the deed of indemnity dated 5 June 2002 (details supplied) between him and the Minister for Finance and certain religious congregations; the subsequent operation of these protocols; if he will summarise the discount achieved by the State, in valuing the land transferred to it by the congregations, by reference to the taking into account in that valuation of any grants or other payments previously provided by the State to the contributing congregations for the acquisition, development or improvement of those lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22364/09]

I have asked officials at my Department to compile the information requested and furnish it to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Educational Disadvantage.

John O'Mahony

Question:

651 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 451 of 26 May 2009 confirming the difference in pupil-teacher ratio for DEIS schools in rural and urban areas, the way this difference can be justified for rural schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22365/09]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an 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 the Department and supported by quality assurance work co-ordinated through the Department's regional offices and the Inspectorate. There are 876 schools in DEIS. These comprise 673 primary schools (199 Urban Band 1, 141 Urban Band 2 and 333 Rural) and 203 second-level schools.

Primary schools serving rural communities, including towns with populations below 1,500, are designated as rural. The indicators used in identifying schools for participation in DEIS took into account the differences between urban and rural disadvantage. The ERC's overall approach was guided by the definition of educational disadvantage in the Education Act (1998), as: "the impediments to education arising from social or economic disadvantage which prevent students from deriving appropriate benefit from the education in schools".

Educational disadvantage is present in both the urban and rural context in Ireland. Both urban and rural disadvantage share many characteristics, such as poverty, unemployment and poor housing conditions, but there are also a number of ways in which rural disadvantage differs from urban disadvantage. Firstly, in rural areas, disadvantage may occur in single families or in small pockets. Secondly it is usually widely dispersed. As a result, its presence and effects will be less noticeable than in urban areas where it appears in a concentrated form. Thirdly, disadvantage in rural areas may be associated with a degree of isolation from a range of services available in towns and cities. As a result the school commute may prove problematic, while the availability of other services may be very limited or non-existent. Isolation and dispersal also present difficulties when it comes to providing intervention to help pupils cope with disadvantage.

The pupil teacher ratios of 20:1 in junior classes (infants through second-class) and 24:1 in senior classes (third through sixth-class) apply to the 199 urban/town primary schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. The rationale for this decision is to ensure that resources are targeted in particular, though not exclusively, at schools where disadvantage is most concentrated. For schools other than those that benefit from lower PTR under DEIS, the mechanism used to allocate classroom teachers to primary schools is the staffing schedule and with effect from September 2009 the enrolment bands will be based on an average of 28 pupils per class teacher.

In the current climate my Department's main focus is to retain, where possible, key resources in the schools targeted under the DEIS initiative. This approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General in his report on Primary Disadvantage in 2006, which suggested that the Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged.

School Enrolments.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

652 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth cannot be enrolled in a school in County Louth despite repeated assurances by the principal; if he will make arrangements to accommodate this pupil in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22369/09]

The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and the Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. The Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act, 1998. In this regard a Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

Under section 15(2)(d) of the Education Act 1998, each school is legally obliged to disclose its enrolment policy and to ensure that as regards that policy that principles of equality and the right of parents to send their children to a school of the parents choice are respected. Section 29 of the Education Act 1998, provides parents with an appeal process where a Board of Management of a school or a person acting on behalf of the Board refuses enrolment to a student. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to either the relevant Vocational Educational Committee or to the Secretary General of my Department. In the case of the latter, only where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld can the Secretary General of my Department direct a school to enrol a pupil.

I understand that in this instance, that a Section 29 appeal has been lodged on behalf of the child concerned, and that the appeal will be heard on 22nd June, if agreement cannot be reached in the interim. The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The NEWB advises parents to apply to more than one school in order to assist in securing a school placement. The Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Alan Shatter

Question:

653 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on extending the period for the making of late applications for compensation to the redress board by survivors of abuse in residential institutions (details supplied); and if he will introduce legislation to amend the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 and provide for an extended period for the making of such applications other than leaving them to the discretion of the board to be considered only where there are exceptional circumstances. [22389/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that Section 8(1) of the Residential Institutions Redress Act 2002 provides that all applications should be made to the Board within 3 years of the establishment date. Consequently, the closing date for receipt of applications expired on 15th December 2005. Significant public notice and advertisement was given of this date. However, there is provision under Section 8(2) and (3) of the Act for the making of late applications to the Board in exceptional circumstances. As the Board is completely independent in the performance of its functions, it is entirely a matter for the Board as to whether individual late applications may be accepted.

The issue as to whether any further arrangement should be made in relation to extending the period for making late applications to the Redress Board was among a range of issues raised by representatives of survivor groups when they met with the Taoiseach and relevant Ministers recently. Representatives of former residents also indicated that further views might be submitted in the coming weeks. All of the issues raised by these groups will of course be considered.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

654 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary schools that appealed the decision of his Department to reduce the number of teachers in such schools from September 2009 in view of the recent change in the staffing schedule; the number of these appeals that were successful; if the information will be set out on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22397/09]

The Primary Staffing Appeal Board met on 14th May 2009 to consider staffing appeals for the 2009/2010 school year. The Board will hold its second meeting on Thursday next 11 June, 2009. Following this meeting I will arrange for the officials in my Department to forward the details requested by the Deputy in respect of the outcome of the appeals heard at both meetings.

Question No. 655 answered with Question No. 631.

Schools Recognition.

Joe Carey

Question:

656 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the Educate Together philosophy application towards the development of secondary level educational services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22402/09]

My Department is currently considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools. To facilitate full consideration of all of the issues involved, my Department has sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the system of patronage at second level. Officials from my Department have recently met with their counterparts in the Office of the Attorney General to discuss the matter. I can assure the Deputy that the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level will be fully examined within the context of the legal, financial and other factors that I must consider.

Schools Refurbishment.

Noel Coonan

Question:

657 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and locations of schools in north Tipperary whose application for funding under the summer works scheme has been unsuccessful; the reason for their applications being unsuccessful; the works the funding was for in each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22414/09]

Noel Coonan

Question:

658 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of north Tipperary schools currently waiting on summer works scheme funding; the number of applications in total that have been made from this constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22415/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 657 and 658 together.

The details sought by the Deputy relating to schools from the area in question whose applications were approved for funding and those that were unsuccessful under the current Summer Works Scheme are contained in the following tabular statements.

Unsuccessful applications generally fall into two categories:

Invalid applications

Unapproved applications.

Applications are deemed invalid where schools do not submit an application consistent with the terms of the Scheme. Most commonly, schools apply for works which are not within the scope of the scheme or they have not engaged suitably qualified Consultants.

The Department operates a free phone service each year for schools to assist them in completing application forms and to provide general information on the Scheme to avoid the submission of invalid applications as far as possible. Frequently Asked Questions are published on my Department's website and the governing Circular Letter also contains full details in relation to qualifying applications. Unapproved applications generally arise where the works had already been completed under another funding mechanism or where the works were deemed not to be absolutely necessary at this point in time. Letters issue to the individual schools setting out the reasons why their applications are unsuccessful and a school may appeal the decision made in its case if it so wishes.

The Deputy will be aware that €80m will be spent on 1,180 projects in 967 schools this year. This investment will improve structural, mechanical, electrical, gas and other works in schools right across the country. I have already announced that, later this year, I will invite applications for a 2010 Summer Works Scheme.

Summer Works Scheme 2009

Unapproved Applications in North Tipperary

County

Sector

Roll No.

School

Works requested

Reason

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

17543J

Cloughjordan N S Cloughjordan

Roof works

Works carried under contingency fund

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

17653Q

Castle Iny N S Luach Magh

Roof works/toilet upgrade/conversion works

Works carried out under Small Schools Scheme

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18087O

S N Odhran Naofa Baile Na Cloiche

Roof works

Works carried out under Small Schools Scheme

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18345K

S N Iosef Naofa Cor An Bhile

(1) Mechanical upgrade (2) Insulation works

(1) Works not absolutely necessary at this time. (2) Separate Scheme announced for this type of work

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

65380E

St Mary’s Secondary School Nenagh

Toilet upgrade/ electrical upgrade//roof works/window replacement

Works not absolutely necessary at this time

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

65450W

C.B.S. Thurles O’Donovan Rossa St

Project too large for delivery over summer months also contained a new build element, which does not qualify under the Scheme

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

72370P

Borrisokane Community College Borrisokane

Sewerage works

Works carried out under contingency fund

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

72470T

St. Sheelan’s College Templemore

Window replacement/tarmacing

Works not absolutely necessary at this time

Summer Works Scheme 2009

Invalid applications submitted by schools in North Tipperary

County

Sector

Roll No.

School

Reason

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

17237C

S N Cill Barfhionn Coolbawn

Consultant not properly qualified under the terms of the Scheme

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

19640R

Scoil Mhuire Lismackin

Consultant not properly qualified under the terms of the Scheme

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

19677R

Scoil Iosagain Upperchurch Central NS

Consultant not properly qualified under the terms of the Scheme

Approved SWS Projects

County

Sector

Roll No.

School

Works

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

02428B

Lackamore N S Newport

Roofs

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

02428B

Lackamore N S Newport

External Environment

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

12124K

Rear N S Newport

Windows

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

13867P

Roscrea N S No. 2 St Cronans Ns

External Environment

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

13867P

Roscrea N S No. 2 St Cronans Ns

External Environment

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

13991Q

Birdhill N S Killaloe

Structural Improvements

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

15778D

St Marys N S Nenagh

Mechanical

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

16211C

Two Mile Borris N S Thurles

Windows

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

16979S

St Colmcilles Primary School Templemore

Roofs

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

17512V

S N Flannain Naofa Rath Chobain

Toilets

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

17634M

Scoil Ailbhe Thurles

Toilets

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

17703F

S N Ard Croine Nenagh

Mechanical

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

17731K

S N Iosef Naofa Templemore

Roofs

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

17940T

S N Na Mbuachailli Tulach Seasta

Windows

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18135W

Scoil Angela Ursuline Convent

Toilets

Approved SWS Projects —continued

County

Sector

Roll No.

School

Works

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18285S

S N Cill Chuimin Thurles

Roofs

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18350D

S N Na Hinse Thurles

Roofs

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18396E

S N Rath Eilte Thurles

Roofs

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18465U

S N Lios An Halla Nenagh

Mechanical

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18465U

S N Lios An Halla Nenagh

Windows

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18557C

S N Teampall Doire Nenagh

Structural Improvements

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18559G

S N Cill Na Naomh Killeen

Toilets

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

18559G

S N Cill Na Naomh Killeen

Windows

Tipperary N.R.

Primary School

19874T

Scoil Na Toirbhirte Presentation Convent Ns

External Environment

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

65370B

St. Joseph’S C.B.S Summerhill

Toilets

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

65410K

Cistercian College Roscrea

Curricular Requirements

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

65460C

Presentation Secondary School Thurles

Mechanical

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

65470F

Ursuline Secondary School Thurles

External Environment

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

72450N

St Joseph’S College Newport

Windows

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

72490C

Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed Castlemeadows

Windows

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

76069P

Colaiste Phobáil Ros Cré Corville Rd

Toilets

Tipperary N.R.

Post Primary School

76069P

Colaiste Phobáil Ros Cré Corville Rd

Structural Improvements

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Noel Coonan

Question:

659 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class size in north Tipperary schools; the pupil/teacher ratio in schools in the same constituency; the way it compares with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22416/09]

Information in relation to average class size and pupil teacher ratio is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the summer. The average class size in North Tipperary in 2007/2008 was 23.2. Pupil Teacher Ratio in respect of all primary schools is currently only available at national level and not disaggregated by county or any other variable. The PTR at first level in 2007/2008 was 16.0.

The Deputy has introduced the issue of comparability of Irish pupil/teacher ratios with the position in schools internationally. I have to say to the House that given the momentous challenges that most countries are facing to cope with economic recession, and in the case of some countries to even maintain financial solvency, raising the matter of educational comparisons misses the point. The first priority for Governments throughout the world at present is to ensure economic survival. Ensuring that public services like education can be maintained at a reasonable level is but a subset of that greater priority of securing national solvency. Without economic and fiscal stability is axiomatic that public services like education will suffer.

The Government is about the business of securing Ireland's future. It is the number one priority. In the budget we tried to shelter education services as best we could. Some changes to how schools are to be staffed from next September were unavoidable. Of course it would be desirable to make improvements as originally intended let alone have to take a step back. However this is a changed world and it would be sheer folly to allow the overall number of teachers spiral upwards as if nothing had changed. I have faith in the quality of our teachers and our schools and in their capacity to deliver as well from September 2009 as they did just over a year ago from a similar level staffing and class size position. We need to come through this difficult period and then and only then can we look at what further improvements we can make in how we staff schools and reduce class sizes.

As the full extent of the global crisis seeps into public consciousness I believe that parents will accept that taking difficult decisions now in order to secure future economic prosperity and secure employment for them and ultimately their children is the first imperative of Government.

Third Level Education.

Joan Burton

Question:

660 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will set out the allocation of funds under the strategic innovation fund from its inception; the amount that has been allocated in each year to each higher education institution here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22426/09]

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) was established in 2006 with a major emphasis on promoting inter-institutional collaboration in bringing about substantial change and quality improvement within the Irish higher education system. Projects approved under the Fund are aimed at institutional reform, enhancing teaching and learning, improving access and life long learning and enabling the development of fourth level activity.

There have been two cycles of funding approved under the SIF to date. Cycle 1 was approved in October 2006 with an allocation of €42 million and cycle 2 was approved in February 2008 with an allocation of €101 million. I have attached, for the information of the Deputy, details of the projects that were approved under cycles 1 and 2, and details of funding provided to date by my Department to the lead institutions for these projects.

Funding to Projects Under SIF Cycle 1

Lead Institution

Project title

Overall Project Allocation

Partners

Funding 2006

Funding 2008

Funding (to date) 2009

AIT

Regional Assessment & Resource Centre

900,000

GMIT, IT Sligo, LYIT, NUIG

243,257

150,322

107,834

CIT

Education in Employment

2,600,000

GMIT, DIT, AIT, DKIT, IT Sligo, LYIT, UCC, NUIG

956,906

357,941

264,798

CODIT (IOTI, IT Sectoral)

Delivering Systemic Change

3,800,000

All IOTs and DIT

1,450,888

676,250

515,166

GMIT

GET-AHEAD — Internship development for the region

400,000

AIT, DKIT

141,141

50,526

42,202

IT Sligo

Institute of Technology Graduate Research Alliance- Research Support Network

295,000

AIT, IT Carlow, CIT, DKIT, IADT, GMIT, ITB, IT Tallaght, LYIT, LIT, IT Tralee, WIT, NUIG, NUIM

95,187

41,115

32,666

IT Tallaght

Collaborative Network for Teaching & Innovation & Inclusive Education — initiative to improve access and retention

2,000,000

IT Tallaght, ITB, IT Carlow, IADT

686,470

452,008

213,702

IUA Sectoral

1. Creating a World Class 4th Level Ireland

2,250,000

All universities

2. Reform and Innovation at 3rd level

250,000

3. Enabling Initiatives

950,000

1,269,510

838,703

313,274

LIT

Work based Learning Programmes

100,000

35,275

64,730

0

NUIG

Reforming 3rd level & Creation of 4th level

2,400,000

TCD, UCC

Graduate Studies

2,000,000

TCD, UCC

Student learning

1,400,000

Access to Education

1,500,000

AIT, DKIT, GMIT, LYIT, NUIM, AIT

2,460,918

479,843

1,040,020

Funding to Projects Under SIF Cycle 1 —continued

Lead Institution

Project title

Overall Project Allocation

Partners

Funding 2006

Funding 2008

Funding (to date) 2009

NUIM

Restructuring & Modernisation

195,000

Graduate Education & Research

500,000

Teaching & Learning

500,000

Enhancing Participation & Extending the Regional Role of the University

340,000

961,923

104,126

122,426

TCD

Continuing Academic & Administrative Restructuring

2,200,000

UCC, NUIG

Development of Graduate Education

500,000

UCC, NUIG

903,416

416,650

293,400

UCC

A: Restructuring — Change Management

2,200,000

TCD. NUIG

B: Enabling 4th Level Ireland — Development of Graduate Studies

500,000

C: Teaching & Learning

3,000,000

NUIG, TCD, CIT, WIT

2,224,887

1,083,720

621,834

Funding to Projects Under SIF Cycle 1 —continued

Lead Institution

Project title

Overall Project Allocation

Partners

Funding 2006

Funding 2008

Funding (to date) 2009

UCD

Reforming 3rd level

900,000

Institutional Leadership — UCD leadership development programme

1,000,000

540,755

464,193

222,744

UL

A:Shannon Consortium

LIT, IT Tralee, MIC

Strand 1. Shannon Regional Learning Gateway

2,950,000

Strand 2. Regional Approach to Outstanding Teaching Learning & Learner Support

2,700,000

Strand 3: Regional Training Development Network

950,000

Expansion & Development of Post Graduate Education

1,500,000

Digital Education Information System

1,500,000

UL, LIT, IT Tralee, CIT, DKIT, NUIG

3,029,467

1,538,176

1,241,822

TOTAL

42,280,000

15,000,000

6,718,303

5,031,888

Funding to Projects under SIF Cycle 2

Lead Institution Project Title

Partners

Overall Project Allocation

Funding 2008

Funding (to date) 2009

National University of Ireland, Galway

NUI Galway — GMIT Strategic Partnership (Knowledge Region)

NUIG, GMIT

824,000

Student Mental Health — Online Mental Health

NUIG, UCC, DKIT & TCD

410,000

152,609

133,900

University College Cork

Institutional Reform

UCC & UCD

1,700,000

Widening Participation — Bridges to Learning

UCC, CIT

2,314,000

Widening Participation — Connections

UCC, CIT

574,000

Post Graduate Capacity — Developing Infrastructure

UCC, NUIG

2,125,000

758,000

675,108

University of Limerick

Shannon Consortium

Widening participation — Regional Learning Centres

UL, MIC, IT Tralee & LIT

1,457,000

Widening participation — Targeting Social Disadvantage

UL, MIC, IT Tralee & LIT

4,376,000

Procurement Network

UL, MIC, IT Tralee & LIT

473,000

Regional Teaching and Learning Incubation Centre

UL, MIC, IT Tralee & LIT

3,240,000

National Centre for Excellence in Maths and Science

UL,MIC,IT Tralee & LIT

2,954,000

1,422,874

1,294,446

National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Data Information Systems for Strategic Decision Making

NUIM

320,000

35,556

32,000

Waterford Institute of Technology

Post Graduate Capacity

Establishing the governance and management structures

WIT, UCC & CIT

721,000

Doctoral Programme Development

WIT, UCC & CIT

607,000

Teaching & Learning

WIT, UCC & CIT

575,000

217,865

176,706

Athlone Institute of Technology

Regional Assistive Technology Connection to Higher Education

AIT, LYIT

238,000

25,000

22,900

Cork Institute of Technology

Roadmap for Employer — Academic Partnership

CIT, DIT, WIT, NUIG, UCC, ITS, AIT & ITTD

4,205,000

352,046

312,206

Dublin Institute of Technology

Strategic Management and Change

DIT, CIT & WIT

4,385,000

742,428

591,624

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Creating the Entrepreneurial Graduate

DKIT, ITB, ITS, CIT & NUIG

1,988,000

109,185

136,160

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology

Student Led Learning

GMIT & AIT

1,498,000

Curriculum Reform

GMIT & NUIG

551,000

273,135

138,696

Limerick Institute of Technology

A Work-Based Learning approach to progression for craft persons on the National Framework of Qualifications

LIT, IT Tralee & ITC

383,000

Shannon Consortium Strand 4. Library Network Support Services

LIT, UL, MIC & IT Tralee

495,000

139,053

106,474

Blanchardstown Institute of Technology

ERA Transitions

ITB, ITC, DKIT & ITTD

515,000

63,325

36,976

LYIT

North West Gateway Strategic Alliance

LYIT & UU

893,000

148,833

133,950

Trinity College Dublin

Deaf Studies

TCD & ITB

1,471,000

Certificate in Contemporary Living

TCD

885,000

178,348

134,998

IOTI

Supported Flexible Learning

All IOTs and DIT

8,523,000

Research Capacity

All IOTs and DIT

1,438,000

632,500

1,007,508

DRHEA

Enhancement of Learning

DCU, IADT, DIT, ITB, ITTD, NUIM, TCD & UCD

21,640,000

Graduate Education

DCU, ITTD, DIT, NUIM, TCD & UCD

15,276,000

Widening Participation

ITB, TCD, DCU, DIT, IADT, ITTD, NUIM & UCD

2,563,000

Internationalisation

DIT, NUIM, DCU, ITTD, TCD & UCD

4,225,000

2,778,797

2,766,648

Carlow IT

Consolidating Services for increased capacity

ITC, DKIT, ITB & ITTD

1,460,000

Repositioning Learner Assessment

ITC, DKIT, ITB & ITTD

579,000

557,965

162,658

IUA

Equity of Access

All universities

415,000

Sectoral Human Resource Capacity Building

All universities

382,000

Full Economic Costing

All universities

1,891,000

Building Strategic Information/Decision Support Capacity

All universities

2,200,000

Towards an Integrated Knowledge Transfer Platform

All universities

221,000

Access to Irish National Bibliometric Data

All universities

350,000

673,726

745,586

Total Overall

101,340,000

9,261,245

8,608,544

Special Educational Needs.

Michael McGrath

Question:

661 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the assistance of a reader for a person (details supplied) in County Cork with a mild general learning disability who is doing the leaving certificate applied. [22433/09]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations. I can inform the Deputy that the Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the certificate Examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Schools Building Projects.

Willie Penrose

Question:

662 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that his Department’s forward planning unit has received an application to erect a new primary school at Rathwire Killucan, County Westmeath; the status of this proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22459/09]

I can confirm that my Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. I recently met with a deputation from the school to discuss its accommodation needs and I am aware that the Patron has donated a site for the provision of a new school building. The deputation was advised that the Forward Planning Section of my Department is currently identifying the areas throughout the country where significant additional accommodation will be needed at primary and post primary level in the medium to long term. Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolment, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. The accommodation needs of the school in question will be considered both in this context and that of the competing demands on my Department's capital budget.

Willie Penrose

Question:

663 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application to construct a new school by a school (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22460/09]

The new post primary school project in County Westmeath referred to by the Deputy is included in the list of seven schools which I approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership in December 2008. This Bundle is in the pre procurement stage. Detailed output specifications and Public Sector Benchmark are being prepared and outline local authority planning permission applications are being prepared where necessary. On successful completion of this process, it is my intention that the Bundle will be handed over to the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) for procurement. The indicative timeframe for the delivery of a PPP school currently stands at approximately 4 years from the date the Bundle is announced.

School Services Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

664 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 208 of 27 May 2009, in respect of the junior certificate school programme demonstration library programme, if he will provide a commitment to maintain the JCSP school librarian, as a front line member of staff and sole provider of specialised and essential literacy services for the most disadvantaged students in schools here and without whom a school will struggle to maintain the progress in literacy development achieved to date. [22465/09]

As the Deputy is aware, Library staff, like other public servants in the Education Sector, other than teachers and SNAs, are subject to the public sector recruitment moratorium at the current time. My Department also funds the various other literacy and numeracy supports for second level schools through the JCSP Literacy and Numeracy Strategies. These strategies encourage schools to adopt a co-ordinated, school-wide approach to literacy and numeracy difficulties.

An integral part of the strategy are the local, action research based initiatives undertaken by particular schools which are used to inform the wider network of schools on imaginative, effective responses to promoting literacy and numeracy. These interventions include:

Paired Maths;

Cross Aged Paired Maths;

Flashmaster;

Number Millionaire;

Make your Own Opoly;

Paired Reading;

Cross Age Peer Tutoring;

Readalong;

Reading Challenge;

Word Millionaire.

There are currently 220 second level schools availing of these supports, 163 of which are DEIS Schools. Invitations to join JCSP for 2009/10 have been issued to those not already included and to date 22 applications have been received. In addition to this, approximately €9m has been invested in the JCSP Demonstration Library Project since its establishment in 2002. While managing a difficult economic climate my Department remains committed to supporting schools in the area of Literacy and Numeracy into the future.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Creed

Question:

665 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will approve an application by a school (details supplied) in County Cork for the provision of laptops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22466/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENO) for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. SENOs also make recommendations to my Department where assistive technology is required.

My Department has no record of receiving a recommendation for laptops for pupils with special educational needs attending the school in question. The existing assistive technology scheme is targeted at individual circumstances where pupils have very specific educational needs and the purpose of the grant-aid is to provide the pupils in question with equipment of direct educational benefit to them. Grant aid in accordance with this scheme is provided for individual pupils with special educational needs. The scheme does not extend to the provision of laptops for resource classes.

Under my Department's School Building Programme, new post-primary school buildings projects include ICT equipment budgets and as the Deputy may also be aware, some €2.2m was recently provided in ICT equipment grants to 72 primary schools in which a newly constructed school or large-scale extension was completed in 2008. Grants were also issued to some 500 post-primary schools to upgrade their facilities to provide the new Technology syllabus and the revised Design and Communication Graphics syllabus with effect from September 2007. It is understood that some 11,000 computers have been acquired in this context, with schools using their own funding in some instances. In addition, the Grant Scheme for Minor Works to National School Properties includes ICT equipment within the range of approved school expenditure.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Third Level Fees.

Michael McGrath

Question:

666 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding fees in third level institutions (details supplied). [22491/09]

Under the terms of my Departments Free Fees Initiative, the Exchequer meets the cost of tuition fees of eligible students who are attending approved undergraduate courses in the State. One of the main conditions of the scheme is that students must be first-time undergraduates. Therefore where a student already holds an undergraduate qualification, regardless of when obtained, they are not eligible for free tuition fees under the scheme. The Deputy may be aware that Section 473A of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997 provides for tax relief on tuition fees, at the standard rate of tax in respect of approved courses at approved colleges of higher education including approved undergraduate courses.

Schools Refurbishment.

Willie Penrose

Question:

667 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm having received correspondence from a principal of a school (details supplied) in County Longford, seeking additional funding in respect of the cost of window replacement and a contribution towards a significant deficit; if he will take steps to try and facilitate the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22506/09]

I can confirm to the Deputy that a letter dated 13th May from the Principal Teacher of the school in question relating to additional funding has been received in my Department. As part of the expansion of the Small Schools Scheme, a grant was sanctioned in March 2007 under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme to enable the management authority of the school to build 3 permanent classrooms. The initiative allows Boards of Management to address their accommodation and building priorities with a guaranteed amount of funding and gives Boards of Management control of the building project.

The letter in question is being treated as an appeal and the school will be informed of the decision as soon as possible. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a separate application under the Summer Works Scheme for sewerage works has been approved and the school has been informed of the position.

Third Level Education.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

668 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason applications by mature students for the Central Applications Office entry process to third level close on 1 May 2009, while the deadline for non-EU citizen applications is 1 July 2009; the measures he is taking in view of the rise in unemployment to ensure that there is a need to be flexible with admitting potential students to third level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22517/09]

The application procedures for entry to third level undergraduate courses including the closing dates applicable to different classifications of applicant are determined by the individual third level institutions. While the initial CAO closing date is 1 February, late applications are accepted up to 1 May and 5,945 such applications were received this year, an increase of 51% on 2008. On 2 July next the CAO will publish details of its Available Place courses where places are likely to be available following the first round of CAO offers in August. A further opportunity will be available for people to apply for places on such courses from 18 August 2009.

Where applications are made through the CAO the closing dates are the same for both EU and non-EU applicants. However, applicants seeking entry on grounds of mature years may be subject to an additional assessment procedure to determine eligibility and may be required to apply directly to the institution concerned. Many institutions also require EU and non-EU applicants presenting examination results other than the Leaving Certificate, FETAC and GCE to apply by 1 February in order to allow time for assessment of the qualification based on submitted documentation. Where Institutions require non-EU students to apply directly to the institution the closing date for such direct applications is determined by the institution concerned and varies.

A range of initiatives have already been put in place to assist unemployed people engage in upskilling in the third level sector. These include the rolling out of a range of accelerated level 6 programmes between February and April this year which afforded unemployed persons the opportunity to complete the first year of a standard two year programme in an accelerated manner so that they can move to the second year of the programme in September 2009. The majority of these courses are 15 weeks duration with exams being held over 1/2 weeks. These programmes are currently running in the Institutes of Technology in Athlone, Carlow, Letterkenny and Sligo. The cost of the programmes are being met from within existing resources and there is no charge to participants.

Institutes of Technology are also utilising spare capacity to provide over 900 places on a range of newly developed part time transition programmes. These programmes have been developed to assist unemployed people who may be some time out of the formal education system to find out more about the type of third level courses that may be suited to them and to build their confidence to return to education by developing some of the necessary skills for studying at third level. Courses are free of charge to participants. It is hoped that a significant number of participants on these courses will be encouraged to apply for a range of third level certificate and degree programmes commencing in September 2009. The programmes are being run on a part time basis, with participants remaining available for opportunities to re-enter employment. The courses are being delivered over a period of 10 to 15 weeks with participants committed to between 6 and 10 contact hours per week. These programmes are currently running in the Institutes of Technology in Blanchardstown, Carlow, Cork, Dun Laoghaire, Galway-Mayo, Letterkenny, Sligo, Tallaght, Tralee and in DIT.

The accelerated programmes and third level transition courses are targeted specifically at unemployed persons. The Institutes have worked closely with local FÁS and Department of Social and Family Affairs offices both in terms of marketing the courses and advising participants of their entitlements in relation to social welfare payments. Further information on these programmes is also available directly from the participating Institutes.

In addition, 1,500 places will be provided to enable persons who are unemployed to pursue third level certificate or degree programmes on a part time basis. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will provide funding to support this initiative and arrangements for the operation of the programme are being developed jointly by officials of my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with a view to implementation from September 2009. The scope to further develop these initiatives and to identify other appropriate responses which the third level sector can make to support the up-skilling of unemployed people is being examined by a Higher Education Labour Market Response Group which I have asked the HEA to establish and to report to me by the end of June.

School Transport.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

669 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on spreading the times at which school transport fees must be paid over monthly periods, rather than the current twice yearly requirements at September and Christmas, two of the most costly periods in all households with children; if he will implement this new payment scheme in time for the 2009/10 school year to reduce hardship on families struggling on low income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22536/09]

The school transport scheme, which is operated by Bus Éireann on my Department's behalf, facilitates the transportation of over 135,000 children to primary and post-primary schools each day. School transport is a very significant operation involving about 42 million journeys and over 82 million kilometres on 6,000 routes every school year. The introduction of the annual charge which replaces the term payment system will enable Bus Éireann to streamline the current payments system and the allocation of tickets. It will also ensure that route planning and seating arrangements are managed in a more efficient and cost effective manner.

The revised charges have been confined to eligible post-primary children and children availing of concessionary transport. Charges continue to be waived in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card. Eligible children attending primary schools and children with special needs will still travel free. A maximum family rate of €650 will also be applied.

School transport ticket invoices for the 2009/2010 School Year will be issued by Bus Éireann in July 2009. The payment options being offered to parents are as follows:

Payment of the full amount by the deadline date of 31 July 2009

Spreading the amount due over two payments payable in July and December 2009.

Parents who pay the full annual charge, in advance, will benefit from ticket(s) being issued for the full school year. This arrangement includes pupils on concessionary travel. Parents who pay 50% of the annual amount by the deadline date of 31 July, 2009 will be issued with a ticket valid for travel up to 22 December, 2009. The balance due must be paid by 4th December, 2009. Upon receipt of this payment a second ticket valid for travel up to the end of the school year in June, 2010 will be issued.

On-line payment facilities have been introduced by Bus Éireann to make it more convenient for parents to make their payment from home, if desired. This facility is made available when ticket invoices are issued and the option to use a credit or debit card is offered. While I appreciate the Deputy's concerns, given the factors that I have outlined, it is not envisaged that there will be a change in the payment arrangements as outlined above.

Special Educational Needs.

Denis Naughten

Question:

670 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science when a special needs assistant designated to a child (details supplied) in County Roscommon will commence employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22538/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including special needs assistants. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the information provided by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply. I wish to advise the Deputy that the responsibility for the recruitment and employment of Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) rests with the Board of Management of individual schools.

Schools Recognition.

Pat Breen

Question:

671 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22539/09]

My Department is currently considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools. To facilitate full consideration of all of the issues involved, my Department has sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the system of patronage at second level. Officials from my Department have recently met with their counterparts in the Office of the Attorney General to discuss the matter. I can assure the Deputy that the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level will be fully examined within the context of the legal, financial and other factors that I must consider.

Third Level Charges.

James Bannon

Question:

672 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason there is no centralised application process in place for masters degrees, as currently each application made on line to individual colleges costs €40, which restricts the number of programmes for which an applicant can apply in view of the financial constraints; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22543/09]

The online application fee for post graduate courses varies between universities and is currently in the range of €35.00 to €37.50. In general the fee charged will cover applications for between 3 and 5 programmes of study within an individual institution. Applicant suitability for the majority of postgraduate courses is generally assessed on the applicants' own merits, and may include consideration of completed projects, relevant work experience, or other relevant criteria. Therefore, it is not readily converted to a numeric score as is done by the CAO for applicants to undergraduate courses.

The Postgraduate Applications Centre (www.pac.ie) provides a central applications point for taught and research programmes in DCU, UCC, NUIG, NUIM and TCD. Unlike the CAO process, applications through the PAC or directly to institutions are entirely independent of each other, which affords students flexibility in applying for and accumulating offers before making their choice. The system also provides for a rolling offer and acceptance process throughout the year.

School Transport.

Billy Timmins

Question:

673 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the school transport fee for students which has been increased so that it is almost doubled to more than €300; if, in view of the hardship that this will cause for parents who are not in a position to pay this and that many will now choose to drive their children to school rather than pay this increase, causing more congestion on the roads, this will be reduced as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22552/09]

The annual charges for school transport services are being increased from the first term of the 2009/10 school year as follows: Eligible post-primary pupils (junior) from €168 to €300 (78% increase) Eligible post-primary pupils (senior) from €234 to €300 (28% increase) Concessionary post-primary pupils from €234 to €300 (28% increase) Concessionary primary pupils from €120 to €200 (66% increase) Maximum family charge from €495 to €650 (31% increase).

The cost of school transport in 2009 is now estimated to be €192 million. However, this still represents a significant increase of over €82 million (over 75%) since 2004, up from €109.8 million.

I wish to point out that, despite the escalating costs of the service, charges for school transport had not been increased from 1998 until the third school term in the 2007/08 school year. A further increase was put in place at the start of the 2008/09 school year and the new charges come into effect from September 2009. The total contribution of charges from parents in 2009 will still only represent about 8.6% of the overall expenditure for school transport.

In the overall context and in order to minimise the overall effects, charge increases have been confined to the eligible post-primary and children availing of concessionary transport. Charges continue to be waived in the case of eligible post-primary children where the family is in possession of a valid medical card. Eligible children attending primary schools and children with special needs will still travel free. A maximum family rate of €650 will also be applied.

Parents are also being given the option of spreading the amount due over two payments payable in July and December 2009. Those who pay the full annual charge, in advance, will benefit from a ticket being issued for the school year and this includes pupils on concessionary travel. In relation to any decision made by parents for their children not to avail of school transport, my Department will continue to monitor this aspect with Bus Éireann over the coming months.

While I appreciate the Deputy's concerns, given the factors that I outlined, it is not envisaged that there will be a change in the payment arrangements as outlined above.

School Maintenance.

Phil Hogan

Question:

674 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny for school maintenance; the progress made on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22565/09]

My Department has no record of an application for capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. Officials from my Department are contacting the school authority to discuss this matter further with them. I should point out that maintenance is a matter for the school authority. To assist primary schools with the maintenance of their buildings, my Department issues them with an annual devolved grant. The school in question received €7,239 for the 2008/09 academic year under this grant scheme.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Phil Hogan

Question:

675 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost to the State of property transferred to it (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22566/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the properties referred to are two of the properties included in the Indemnity Agreement. The cost to the State of the transfer of these properties are in the main legal costs and these costs are not met directly by the Department of Education and Science. Such costs are met by the Chief State Solicitor's Office (CSSO).

Special Educational Needs.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

676 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 450 of 26 May 2009, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a crisis exists in relation to places for September 2009; the action he will take to resolve this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22584/09]

As I previously advised the Deputy, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including the approval of special classes for autism. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. I have arranged for the information requested by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.

Enda Kenny

Question:

677 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made to date in relation to the negotiation of the pilot programme for ABA schools; the reason a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow has been excluded from this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22617/09]

Officials in my Department have met on a regular basis with the relevant groups in relation to the commitment in the current programme for Government to long-term funding for the centres that are in the ABA pilot scheme subject to agreement with my Department on standards that will enable them to be supported as primary schools for children with autism. I am pleased to advise that broad agreement has been reached on the core conditions to enable the centres to be recognised as special schools for children with autism and discussions are ongoing in relation to existing contractual arrangements. I wish to clarify that the discussions are solely in relation to the centres which are part of the pilot scheme. The school in question is not involved in these discussions as it is not part of the pilot scheme and already has special school status.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

678 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will facilitate the allocation of additional hours for a special needs assistant in a school to assist in the education of a child (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22637/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including special needs assistants. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. In this context, I wish to advise the Deputy that SNA posts are allocated to schools to assist with the care needs of pupils with disabilities.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the information provided by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.

School Staffing.

Denis Naughten

Question:

679 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the situation whereby a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon will lose a teacher from 1 September 2009; if his attention has been drawn to the impact that this will have on the class sizes and on the education of the pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22649/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers has in fact been allocated an additional mainstream class post under the staffing schedule for the coming school year, 2009-2010. The Board of Management of the school was notified in this regard earlier this year. I am committed to providing information in relation to the allocation of teachers to schools and as a new feature on my Department's website. The process has begun with the provision earlier this year of initial information on the allocation of mainstream classroom teachers to primary schools under the revised schedule for 2009/10.

In terms of the position at individual primary 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 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.

Educational Disadvantage.

Joe McHugh

Question:

680 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will facilitate a school (details supplied) that wishes to use its school lunches budget to retain its special needs assistant, and its non-DEIS scheme shared rural co-ordinator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22653/09]

The provision of school meals which is primarily funded by the School Meals Programme, administered by my colleague, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, is among the many measures available to schools participating in DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the Action Plan for Educational Inclusion and other schools included in older disadvantaged schemes. Educational research has shown that good nutrition improves the concentration levels of students and that students from low-income families are less likely to have access to an adequate diet. The provision of healthy school meals is therefore a priority for the Government in tackling educational disadvantage.

The 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. This school together with some 120 other schools retained resources, including the rural coordinator post under pre-existing schemes and programmes for addressing educational disadvantage. When DEIS was introduced, a commitment was given as a concessionary measure to these schools that they would retain a level of support for the duration of the DEIS Initiative, i.e. 2010.

However, in light of the recent economic downturn, the Government has had to make a number of difficult and challenging decisions in Budget 2009. This means that it is now necessary to withdraw additional resources from all NON DEIS schools with effect from 31 August 2009. These resources will be retained for the remainder of this school year after which they will then be withdrawn.

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers, for allocating resource teachers and special needs assistants to schools to support children with special needs. Applications for SNAs may be considered by the NCSE where a pupil has a significant medical need for such assistance, a significant impairment of physical or sensory function or where their behaviour is such that they are a danger to themselves or to other pupils. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

For some pupils, as they mature, their care needs may diminish over time. Pupils may move to a different school or on to a post-primary school. In such circumstances, the NCSE will review and adjust the overall level of SNA support in the school concerned. This may mean that some pupils who had previously been supported by a full time SNA may have their needs met through the shared support of an SNA or perhaps they may have no need for SNA support.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Under no circumstances should a school use funding provided under the School Meals Programme for other purposes. Funding under the Department of Social and Family Affairs School Meals (Local Projects) Scheme is for food items only. At the end of every school year, appropriate accounting records showing vouched income and expenditure for each school year must be submitted to the School Meals Section of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Funding is provided to viable projects only.

Any school that no longer has a requirement for funding to provide school meals, should relinquish the funding to the Department of Social and Family Affairs for redispursement to other eligible schools in need of such supports.

Psychological Service.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

681 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will explain the purpose of the recent change in the certification of completion of assessments under the scheme for the commissioning of individual psychological assessments whereby individual pupils are identified; if he will confirm such assessments are subject to the same degree of confidentiality as privately funded assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22654/09]

As the Deputy will be aware all primary and post-primary schools have access to psychological assessments either directly through the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) or through the Scheme for Commissioning Psychological Assessments (SCPA). Schools that do not currently have NEPS psychologists assigned to them may avail of the SCPA, whereby the school can have an assessment carried out by a member of the panel of private psychologists approved and paid for by NEPS. The SCPA was first put in operation for the 2001/02 academic year as a temporary measure in advance of the full staffing of the NEPS service.

As the number of psychologists employed by NEPS has increased over the past two academic years the proportion of pupils in schools to whom a NEPS psychologist is assigned has increase for 67% to a current level of 84%. The number of schools therefore availing of SCPA has dropped proportionately. It is my intention to continue to expand the number of NEPS psychologists and consequently as the balance has changes between both elements of the service it has been decided to more closely align the processes of both.

In this regard my Department took the opportunity during the current academic year to refresh the panel of SCPA psychologists and changes made to the Parental Consent Process which would allow for NEPS to receive a copy of the assessment report by a psychologist on the panel. Previously, copies were made available to the parent and the school involved and an anonymised certificate in respect of the assessment submitted to NEPS to allow for payment to the SCPA psychologist involved. The retention of such individual pupil records is a normal practice for NEPS psychologists and lends itself the maintenance of a continuous record of involvement with a student throughout their school career. Strict confidentiality is, of course, maintained in relation to these records.

The practice has now been extended to students who are assessed under the SCPA which, in turn, will enhance the future direct services provided by NEPS personnel to an increasing number of students and schools. In addition the change in practice in this regard also allows for more rationalised quality control on the range of assessments provided and paid for by my Department under the SCPA.

Departmental Expenditure.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

682 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount his Department and its agencies spent on the use of taxis in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22665/09]

The amount spent on taxis in 2007 and 2008 was €30,184.37 and €26,996.34 respectively. The total spent to date in 2009 is €8,453.54. Taxis used by my Department's officials are strictly for business purposes and staff are required to ensure that every effort is made to minimise the use of taxis. Expenditure on taxis by agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual agencies.

School Staffing.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

683 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will address the situation at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin at which three classes have been merged into two classes because of the loss of teachers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22683/09]

I am committed to providing information in relation to the allocation of teachers to schools and as a new feature on my Department's website. The process has begun with the provision earlier this year of initial information on the allocation of mainstream classroom teachers to primary schools under the revised schedule for 2009/10. In terms of the position at individual primary 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 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.

School Transport.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

684 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a school bus service for pupils travelling from Palmerstown, Dublin 20 to a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22684/09]

Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest suitable national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport. The parents of the pupils living in the area referred to by the Deputy should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office in order to determine eligibility for school transport.

Special Educational Needs.

Jack Wall

Question:

685 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the grants available to persons or families who seek to provide extra curricular activities for children who are dyslexic; the grants his Department pays to groups who assist in such activities; if there are such groups in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22686/09]

As the Deputy may be aware a key focus and priority of my Department is to provide for resources in schools to support pupils with special educational needs, including those with dyslexia. For mainstream primary schools, this is done through the General Allocation Model. This model was introduced in September 2005 and ensures that mainstream primary schools have the additional teaching resources already in place to enable them cater for children with high-incidence special educational needs, including dyslexia.

It is a matter for the individual school to use its professional judgement to identify pupils that will receive this support and to use the resources available to the school to intervene at the appropriate level with such pupils. My Department issued a comprehensive circular, SP ED 02/05, to schools to provide guidelines and advice on the manner in which they should use the resources that have been allocated to them to best effect.

My Department also provides funding for a number of special schools and special classes attached to mainstream primary schools which have been sanctioned to meet the needs of children with dyslexia. All special schools and special classes for such children operate at a reduced pupil teacher ratio and pupils attending such facilities attract a special increased rate of capitation grant.

My Department supports teachers with additional training needs in the area of dyslexia. The Special Education Support Service (SESS) manages, co-ordinates and develops a range of supports in response to identified teacher training needs. The SESS provides fees' subsidies for the online training course, "Dyslexia: Identification and Early Interventions". Fees' subsidies are also provided for teachers to enable them to avail of the Dyslexia Association of Ireland courses.

In addition, my Department provides funding to schools for the purchase of specialised equipment such as computers to assist children with special educational needs, including children with dyslexia, with their education once relevant professionals recommend the equipment. Schools can apply to the local special educational needs organiser (SENO) directly for this support.

The Deputy may be aware that my Department has developed an information resource pack on dyslexia in CD-Rom, DVD and video format, in association with the Department of Education in Northern Ireland. This product has been made available to all primary and post-primary schools. The DVD and video provides support for parents of pupils with dyslexia while the CD-Rom assists teachers who are teaching children with dyslexia in the mainstream classroom.

My Department has provided funding to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland at national level which helps the organisation operate an information service for members and the public as well as assisting in meeting the costs associated with the attendance of some children from disadvantaged backgrounds at workshops and programmes organised by the association. I understand that these workshops are organised throughout the country. My Department does not have access to funds to support the extra curricular activities referred to by the Deputy.

Jack Wall

Question:

686 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding available from his Department to meet the demands of a child (details supplied) in County Kildare who needs special equipment for the development of their education; the means available to the person to continue their studies if his Department has no such provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22689/09]

My Department provides for a scheme of grants towards the purchase of equipment for the use of students in second-level schools who have been diagnosed as having serious physical and/or communicative disabilities of a degree which makes ordinary communication through speech and/or writing impossible for them. The purpose of the grant-aid is to provide such students with equipment of direct educational benefit to them. Examples of such equipment include computers, word processors, tape recorders, software, etc.

The scheme is driven by applications from schools on behalf of individual students, as and when specific needs present. Following the establishment of the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), all applications for assistive technology are submitted by school management to the Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) with assigned responsibility for the school. The SENO examines applications and makes a recommendation to my Department. An application for a grant for assistive technology, made on behalf of the student referred to by the Deputy, has been examined by a SENO. The SENO has concluded, based on documentation provided, that the student does not meet the criteria for a grant towards assistive technology. However, I understand that the student in question is currently being assessed for another condition. When the assessment report is made available to the school the application will be re-considered.

John McGuinness

Question:

687 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if a reader will be provided in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will expedite a response. [22694/09]

The State Examinations Commission has statutory responsibility for operational matters relating to the certificate examinations including organising the holding of examinations and determining procedures in places where examinations are conducted including the supervision of examinations. I can inform the Deputy that the Commission operates a scheme of Reasonable Accommodations in the certificate Examinations. Applications for such accommodations are submitted by schools on behalf of their students. In view of this I have forwarded your query to the State Examinations Commission for direct reply to you.

Education Projects.

John McGuinness

Question:

688 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will re-appoint the learning support resource teacher attached to a school (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and the homework club of a centre; if he will make the appointment for a three year period to remove the uncertainty in view if the fact that the project is having a positive impact on this marginalised community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22695/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers, is an Afterschool Support Project, which my Department has funded since 2000 under the Fund for the Development of Targeted Educational Responses to Certain Children at Risk. This project is among a number of projects which are currently being evaluated by the Evaluation, Support and Research Unit in conjunction with the Inspectorate of the Regional Directorate of my Department. Post-evaluation meetings are currently taking place to provide feedback to the projects involved.

Following the outcome of the evaluation, a decision will be made as to the future funding arrangements , staffing, and mainstreaming of appropriate projects or models of intervention. Projects will be informed shortly in this regard.

Special Educational Needs.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

689 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Meath is entitled to receive special needs assistance hours for the 2009-10 academic year. [22699/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the information provided by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.

Residential Institutions Redress Scheme.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

690 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the case made by a person (details supplied) regarding the award made by the redress board to their spouse, now deceased, has been abated by stamp duty, brokers’ commission and exit tax and investment loss; if he is satisfied that these deductions are in order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22731/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that under Section 22 of the Residential Institutions Redress Act, 2002, income consisting of an award under this Act shall be disregarded for the purposes of income tax assessment under the Income Tax Acts. Any payment in respect of an award under this Act shall be treated in all respects as if it were a payment following a civil action for damages in respect of personal injury.

In relation to the payment of any form of tax or other deductions on such monies in the form of inheritance, this is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners having regard to their regulations and I would respectfully suggest that the Deputy may wish to contact that office for confirmation as to the appropriate deductions.

School Accommodation.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

691 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason for the delay in allowing permission for a school (details supplied); when it will it be given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22733/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers commenced operation, with provisional recognition from my Department, in September 2007. It has a current enrolment of 21 pupils. When granting provisional recognition, the school was informed by my Department that the provision of accommodation was the responsibility of the school Patron. My Department grant aids the rental of such accommodation. My Department approved a rental arrangement for the school, which facilitated it to secure its current accommodation until the end of the 2009/2010 school year.

The school has submitted proposals for alternative accommodation for the 2009/2010 school year, which will substantially increase the cost to my Department of providing funding for its accommodation. This matter is under consideration in the context of the level of the school's accommodation needs and competing demands on the resources of my Department.

Education Research Schemes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

692 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the date on which he received the recommendations of the International Assessment Board in relation to the IRCHSS Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Scheme 2009; the date on which he was informed that these recommendations were accepted by the Research Council; the reason for his delay in approving these recommendations in view of the fact that the results of the scheme were due to be announced in mid-May 2009; when he expects to approve these recommendations; and when he expects that IRCHSS will announce the results of the scheme. [22751/09]

The Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Sciences (IRCHSS), which was established in 2000, provides funding for cutting-edge research in the humanities, social sciences, including business and law. The IRCHSS operates a suite of interlinked research schemes, including the Government of Ireland Post-Graduate Scholarship Scheme.

The International Assessment Board for the 2009/2010 IRCHSS Postgraduate Scheme met in late April 2009 to consider over 600 applications to the Scheme. The Board's recommendations were accepted by the Research Council at its meeting in mid-May and subsequently conveyed to my Department. Given the multi-annual nature of these awards, the IRCHSS has been working closely with my Department on the finalisation of the award process. These discussions have now concluded and I understand that the Council will be contacting applicants in the coming days.

School Accommodation.

James Reilly

Question:

693 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science the provisions he has made to provide new school places in Balrothery, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22764/09]

As the Deputy will be aware the Department has provided significant additional school accommodation in that general area, which should relieve pressure on enrolments at the school to which he refers. The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future years and the area referred to by the Deputy will be included in this process.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within the area.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

694 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to an inquiry regarding the phasing of a new school development (details supplied) in County Cork from a procurement perspective. [22769/09]

The Department will deliver a new 8 classroom building this year, as the first phase, to meet the needs of the school to which the Deputy refers. The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future years and the area referred to by the Deputy will be included in this process.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within the area and any further development at the school in question will be considered in that context.

Departmental Expenditure.

Phil Hogan

Question:

695 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of banking charges paid by his Department over the past three years; the breakdown of these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22880/09]

The Department of Education and Science operates a number of bank accounts with commercial banking organisations. These accounts are principally used to make payments by Electronic Funds Transfer or to receive funds which are subsequently transferred to this Department's Exchequer account in the Central Bank. Generally my Department does not have fees levied on its accounts. My Department makes payments to overseas suppliers/grant recipients and operates a foreign currency bank account to facilitate these types of payments. In relation to this account my Department paid an average of less than €10 per year in charges in respect of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008.

A small volume of my Department's payments continue to be made by payable order drawn on the Paymaster General (PMG), who is for all practical purposes the bank of Government Departments. Under the Ministers and Secretaries Act, 1924, the PMG functions are assigned to the Department of Finance. The cost of the PMG's services are met under Vote 6 — Office of the Minister for Finance.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

696 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount spent by his Department each year for the past three years on bottled water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22894/09]

The amount spent by my Department on bottled water for the last three years was €5,869.74 in 2006; €2,998.32 in 2007 and €3,259.74 in 2008. My Department's policy is to replace bottled water dispensers with filtered tap water where possible.

Educational Disadvantage.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

697 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will clarify the status of the millennium partnership fund as administered by the Higher Education Authority; if the level of funding for this scheme has changed in recent budgets; if he is committed to supporting the continuation of the fund in view of the rise in unemployment and the need for people to re-enter education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22908/09]

The Millennium Partnership Fund has been in operation since 2000. It forms part of the European Social Fund-aided package for education disadvantage. Funding for the scheme in 2001-02 was €1m. This increased to €2m in 2002-03. The allocation for 2008-9 academic year was €2.18m. This allocation was distributed among 56 Partnerships/community groups around the country.

An external review of the 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.

Following consultations with the various stakeholders, including local area partnerships, third level institutions and relevant government agencies, my Department, the National Access Office of the HEA and Pobal are currently engaged in discussions on the future direction of the Fund, with a view to developing a model for community-based access programmes. This work on the development of the re-oriented fund is continuing and discussions are ongoing.

It is not proposed that a replacement fund focused on financial support will be implemented following the re-orientation of the Millennium Partnership Fund to a community-based access focused fund. However, financial assistance will continue to be available for individual students including those currently unemployed who wish to re-enter education, under the maintenance grant schemes and the other access measures funded by my Department.

Information on financial supports to students across the country, including students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds is contained on the website www.studentfinance.ie. This website, a result of collaboration between my Department and the National Access Office, outlines the full range of financial supports available.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten

Question:

698 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review the tender conditions on a project (details supplied) in County Roscommon as per correspondence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22943/09]

The correspondence to which the Deputy refers relates to the requirement for contractors to demonstrate economic capacity to carry out a project. Economic and Financial Standing is one of the criteria laid down in the EU Procurement Directives for pre-selection of contractors tendering for building contracts. Contracting Authorities have an obligation to ensure that, as part of suitability assessment for placing on tender lists for projects, contractors have adequate economic and financial capacity.

One of the key criteria for assessing financial and economic capacity is the average annual turnover of the contracting company over the previous three years. The purpose of this is to ensure that the firm has adequate capacity and will not be overstretched if it is successful in winning the tender competition. Turnover is the measure of financial and economic standing consistently used across the public sector.

The turnover requirement for school building projects has been reduced from 2.5 times the estimated contract value in 2007 to twice the estimated contract value in 2009 and this is also reduced pro-rata for projects exceeding 12 months in duration (e.g. 1.5 times the estimated contract value for an 18 month contract). With pre-tender estimates (on which the turnover requirement is calculated) also reflecting the significantly reduced tender levels, this also serves to reduce, on an ongoing basis, the turnover threshold for contractors applying for projects.

In the case of the school building project referred to by the Deputy, the contract notice seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors has already been published on the public procurement portal www.etenders.gov.ie. Therefore, in this instance, it is not possible to review the tender conditions as the Contract Notice has already been placed and the tender competition is underway.

School Transport.

Dan Neville

Question:

699 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will make a statement on a matter (details supplied). [22948/09]

Under the terms of my Department's Primary School Transport Scheme, pupils who reside 3.2 kilometres or more from, and are attending, their nearest suitable national school as determined by my Department, are eligible for free school transport. Children who are not eligible may avail of concessionary transport subject to a number of terms and conditions, including the availability of spare seats on an existing service and provided there is no extra State cost involved by way of altering or extending the route of the service or by providing an additional or larger bus. The parents of the pupils living in the area referred to by the Deputy should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office in order to determine eligibility for school transport.

Special Educational Needs.

Michael Creed

Question:

700 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application for a special needs assistant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22953/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through the local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports including special needs assistants. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the information provided by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.

Schools Building Projects.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

701 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Galway; if this is included in the next public private partnership bundle and when it is expected that this will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22957/09]

I am pleased to confirm that my Department has recently provided funds to the Galway City Vocational Education Committee to enable them to close the sale on the site for the school mentioned by the Deputy. This school is included in my Department's PPP school building programme. The make up and timing of further school bundles from this programme will be determined by my Department in consultation with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). The issues to be considered in the timing and bundling of these schools include site availability for each school, geographical spread and the estimated total cost of the proposed school bundle.

Student Support Schemes.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

702 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to provide additional assistance to third level students who have to leave home to attend college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22991/09]

The three third level student support schemes, administered by the Local Authorities and the Vocational Education Committees on behalf of my Department, offer financial assistance to eligible students attending approved third-level courses. Financial assistance will continue to be available for individual students through the maintenance grant schemes, the Special Rate of maintenance grant, the Student Assistance Fund, the Fund for Students with Disabilities and the Department of Social and Family Affairs Back to Education Allowance scheme.

Under the student support schemes, maintenance grants are payable at either the adjacent or the non-adjacent rate. The adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable where the grant holder's normal residence is 24 km or less from the college which he/she is attending. The non-adjacent rate of maintenance grant is payable in most other cases.

School Staffing.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

703 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the situation of a school (details supplied) in County Galway which took in 48 pupils in 2008 after being told that was the figure needed in order for it to qualify for three teachers and which has now been told that the criterion has been changed to 49 pupils which will be applied retrospectively, meaning it faces losing one of its teachers; and if he will ensure that such criteria are not applied retrospectively. [23135/09]

I am committed to providing information in relation to the allocation of teachers to schools and as a new feature on my Department's website. The process has begun with the provision earlier this year of initial information on the allocation of mainstream classroom teachers to primary schools under the revised schedule for 2009/10.

In terms of the position at individual primary 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 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.

I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeal Board. Following consideration of the case at its meeting on 14 May 2009, the Board refused the appeal. The Board of Management of the school has been notified in this regard. The decision of the Appeal Board is final.

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