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 6, inclusive, answered orally.

Questions Nos. 7 to 30, inclusive, resubmitted.

Questions Nos. 31 to 39, inclusive, answered orally.

Companies Registration Office.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

40 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she is satisfied with the processing times achieved by the Companies Registration Office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27546/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

I am satisfied that the majority of submissions received by the Companies Registration Office are being recorded, scanned and made available for public inspection within the published target times. Checking and registration times are also generally on target.

However, I am aware of delays in the registration of Business Names and Notifications of Changes of Director/Secretary. The Office is increasing the automation of the registration of those documents which should help to ameliorate these delays. I can assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to reduce these delays and to ensure that customers of the Companies Registration Office receive the best possible service.

Banking Sector.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

41 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the continuing difficulties being faced by small and medium sized companies which are being refused credit by banks; if she has had discussions with the banks on this issue, particularly in view of the importance of maintaining employment in this sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27432/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

A properly functioning banking sector is an essential element for the maintenance and development of enterprises, especially SMEs.

A key principle of all these actions is the recognition of the importance of business lending particularly in relation to SMEs. SMEs are central to our economy and the provision of bank credit to the sector is a primary target of all these initiatives. The Banks' Recapitalisation Package contains a range of initiatives to directly assist our enterprise sector, including the following:

The recapitalised banks have committed to increasing their lending capacity to SMEs by 10% over 2008. This should ensure that sound businesses will receive support from their banks.

A €100m environmental and clean energy innovation fund is also being established by each bank as well as a further €15m each to new or existing seed capital funds. Much of this funding will flow to small and medium enterprises.

SMEs are also covered by the Code of Conduct on Business Lending to SMEs. This Code which was published by the Financial Regulator came into effect from 13 March 2009. The application of the Code will promote fairness and transparency in the treatment of SMEs by the banks and should facilitate access to credit for sustainable and productive business propositions.

Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank will also provide funding for SMEs on foot of €300m facilities provided by the European Investment Bank to assist developing SMEs.

My colleague the Minister for Finance has responsibility for the banking system and the Tánaiste and I are in regular contact with him on the matter as are officials of both our Departments. In addition the Tánaiste and I have met with the business representative bodies, the banks and the enterprise support agencies to ensure that all sides have a common understanding of the issues and a common commitment to support viable businesses. We will continue with these contacts.

The recapitalised banks agreed to pay for and co-operate with the carrying out of an Independent Review of Bank Lending to SMEs. Additional banks have now participated in this Review with the result that the 5 major lending banks are now included. The purpose of the review is to ascertain the position on credit availability to SMEs here and to recommend appropriate action to improve credit availability. The Independent Review has now been submitted to my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and will be published immediately. I welcome the completion of this Review as it should allow all stakeholders have an objective view of the state of lending from the banks to SMEs.

Arising from the Recapitalisation Package, the Tánaiste, along with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, also established a Credit Supply Clearing Group with bank, business (including ISME and SFA) and State representation. This Group is responsible for identifying patterns of events where the flow of credit to viable businesses appears to be blocked and for seeking to identify credit supply solutions relating to these patterns. The Group is however, not an appeals mechanism for cases where credit has been refused by the banks. Individual business decisions remain the responsibility of the banks. The Credit Supply Clearing Group is being chaired by my Department and will work to provide a clear picture of any emerging lending patterns while facilitating direct discussion by all the relevant interests in addressing problems.

The Group met for the first time on 28 May 2009 and will meet again shortly following the publication of the Independent Review of Bank Credit.

To assist and complement the work of the Credit Supply Clearing Group, I personally have held seven regional meetings beginning in Cork on Monday 29 June to discuss with representatives of business, banks and the state sector, their experience of gaining access to bank credit at local and regional level. I have to date, held meetings in Cork, Waterford, Dublin, Bundoran, Shannon, Galway and Athlone. The last meeting will be held in Dundalk on Monday next 13 July. In the course of these meetings, I met with local representatives of the major banks, business representatives from local Chambers of Commerce, ISME, SFA, IFA and the Irish Hotels Federation. Local representatives from the various State Agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, City and County Enterprise Boards and Fáilte Ireland, also attended. The outcome of theses meetings should facilitate a greater understanding of the issue at both regional and national levels.

Outside of the banking sphere, my Department's continuous support for enterprises arises through maintaining a positive business environment and through particular interventions from the State development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County and City Enterprise Boards. The significant allocations in my Department's Estimates for 2009 for the development agencies ensures that we can continue to build on this strategy for the future.

Government has also introduced formal arrangements to reduce the payment period by central Government Departments to their business suppliers from 30 to 15 calendar days. This commitment has effect on all valid invoices received on and from 15 June 2009 and should help ease cash flow difficulties for SMEs.

Comptroller and Auditor General Report.

John Deasy

Question:

42 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she will publish the Comptroller and Auditor General report on misappropriation and misuse of public money by FÁS; the action she will take on its findings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27544/09]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

65 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to receive the report commissioned from the Comptroller and Auditor General into the effectiveness of FÁS’s financial management and control systems; if pending the receipt of the report, she will take action arising from allegations of financial irregularities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27445/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 65 together.

When issues of concern relating to expenditure in FÁS were brought to my attention following my appointment as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment last year, I acted quickly to seek assurances from FÁS that the issues highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General's value for money report had been addressed. I then proceeded to request the Comptroller and Auditor General to carry out an examination of the activities of FÁS Corporate Affairs since 2000 and to report on the effectiveness of management and control systems across the FÁS organisation. I have recently received a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General that deals with the examination of advertising and promotion in FÁS, which forms part of this investigation. This report will be laid before the House in due course.

The report is being examined by officials in my Department and will be laid before the House, as required under Section 11 of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993, in due course.

I understand from the Comptroller and Auditor General that a further report will be issued in the coming months, which will examine the arrangements for internal control and governance that pertained in FÁS.

In the meantime, a number of measures have been taken by FÁS in order to improve financial control and governance across the organisation. These include the following:

The Corporate Affairs function, which is at the centre of the C&AG's investigation, has been restructured and controls in this area have been tightened.

The Board of FÁS has approved a revised structure for its Internal Audit including resources for additional staff and external co-sourced audits. An external quality review of its Internal Audit has also been completed and a number of recommendations have been made that identify how the function can develop in line with best practice.

A full audit of all procurement locations has been scheduled by FÁS Internal Audit for completion by the end of the year.

All executive credit cards have been cancelled. The one credit card retained by FÁS has a maximum credit limit of €7,000 and is used primarily to purchase research material, textbooks, and other support material to assist the work of the organisation.

All foreign travel requests by staff are now subject to the approval of the Director General of FÁS.

The FÁS advertising budget has been reduced to a minimum and a new communications strategy will be developed to ensure efficient customer communications.

Job Losses.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

43 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has caused an estimate to be made of loss of jobs and damage to the economy arising from the activities of a major supermarket chain (details supplied) and in particular in relation to its new purchasing and display policy which discriminates against Irish produced goods; and the action she proposes to take in this regard. [27460/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed by some commentators in relation to the recent initiative by the retailer concerned to change the manner in which it sources certain products. The Deputy will appreciate that issues in relation to the strategies employed by businesses, including in the area of sourcing supplies, are primarily matters for the businesses themselves. The need to reduce costs and streamline operations at all stages of the supply chain is an established feature of modern business practice. This has been the reality for manufacturing firms in Ireland and elsewhere for some considerable time and has brought undoubted benefits to consumers in terms of lower prices for manufactured goods. Nevertheless, I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed in relation to the possible implications for employment in Ireland particularly if changes in supply chain arrangements reduce the level of purchases by retailers from Irish producers.

Undoubtedly, the significant downturn in retail sales, as recorded in the Central Statistics Office's most recent bulletin, is putting pressure on all those involved in the retail sector, including retailers themselves and those who supply them, not least in the grocery goods sector. Whilst the reality is that most sectors of the economy are suffering as a result of the current downturn, its effects are more acute in sectors such as construction, the motor trade and the retail sector. Indeed the Quarterly National Household Survey published last month by the Central Statistics Office shows that the wholesale and retail trade as a whole suffered the second largest annual decrease in employment after the construction sector. Given these circumstances it is most important that the primary focus of all elements of the retail chain must be to secure existing jobs to ensure that Ireland continues to have a vibrant retail sector.

In this regard, the Government fully appreciates the importance of successful food and retail sectors to the national economy. The Government acknowledges the need to ensure that there is a balance in the relationship between the various players in the grocery goods sector, which takes account of the interests of all the various parties, including the interests of consumers. My Department is currently working on the details of a Code of Practice in this area which will have as its key objective the need to achieve a balance in the relationships between grocery goods undertakings, taking into account the need to enhance consumer welfare and the need to ensure that there is no impediment to the passing-on of lower prices to consumers.

It is my intention to seek the views of all stakeholders in relation to the details of the provisions of the Code, which I hope to publish for public consultation in the coming weeks. The Code in setting out the framework in which the different elements of the retail chain can enter into negotiations and agree contractual arrangements between themselves will help to ensure that those arrangements are balanced and fair and ultimately ensure that interests of all parties, including consumers, are respected.

EU Directives.

Liz McManus

Question:

44 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the report of the sales law review group on the proposed consumer rights directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27435/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I established the Sales Law Review Group in November 2008 to report on several issues relating to consumer and commercial law, including the proposal for a Directive on Consumer Rights published in October 2008.

The Review Group's report is a thorough, expert analysis of the provisions of the proposed Directive. The proposed Directive will have a major influence on the future of Irish consumer law and it is important that we are in a position fully to understand its provisions and their implications while discussions on the proposal are still at a relatively early stage. The report identifies a number of areas where the proposed Directive might adversely affect Irish consumer rights and suggests ways in which these potential adverse effects can be ameliorated. The Review Group's report is a substantial input into the Irish response to the proposed Directive and its contents have already been of significant benefit to the officials of my Department involved in discussions on the proposal.

Job Losses.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

45 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date by the mid west task force established following the announcement of major job losses at a company (details supplied) in County Limerick; if she has received the promised interim report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27436/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The Mid-West Task Force, which I established under the Chairmanship of Mr Denis Brosnan, has now completed an interim Report. I am most grateful to Mr Brosnan and the other members of the Task Force for their commitment and work completed.

The report was presented to me by Mr Brosnan on the 2nd of July and is currently being considered by Government.

At the time Dell announced on eighth January last its intention to reduce its workforce by 1,900 at its plant in Limerick, I also established a group of the relevant State Agencies to prepare for a major job loss situation. Since then, FÁS has had in place a Mid West team to specifically deal with the needs of workers made redundant in Dell and other companies in the Region.

At the same time, IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development have been working diligently to secure new investments for the region. Over the last year companies like Vistakon, Zimmer, Intel, Cook, DTS and Microsemi have had announcements in the Mid West. Further agency-supported investments are currently under consideration and the agencies will continue to do everything possible to speed up such development in the region.

Proposed Legislation.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

46 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made with regard to preparation of the promised legislation to ban cross directorships and to prevent chief executives from becoming chairman of their companies; when she expects that the legislation will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27431/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

These matters are being considered by me in the context of company law and by the Minister for Finance as part of his reform of the banking sector.

The Company Law Consolidation and Reform Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. It sets out the corporate duties of directors, company secretaries and auditors on a general basis across all sectors. The Bill will implement the recommendations of the Company Law Review Group in that the fiduciary duties owed by directors to the company will be stated in the new companies code.

At present company law does not prohibit cross directorships, whereby a person is a director of more than one company at the same time. The general position is that a person may not be a director of more than 25 companies subject to certain specific exceptions. Directorships of public limited companies (plcs) are not included in the limit of 25. Any consideration of a change in this position for the general cohort of companies operating in Ireland would need to take account of the contribution that non-executive directors make by imparting their mix of expertise and the cross fertilisation of ideas from other areas of the business community.

In relation to the issue of a chief executive becoming a chairman of the company, at present there is no prohibition in the Companies Acts that would prevent this taking place in the case of companies generally. However, this issue is dealt with on a "comply or explain" basis in the Combined Code of Corporate Governance that applies to companies whose securities are listed and traded on the Irish Stock Exchange. The "comply or explain " guideline requires companies to meet the best practice guidelines or explain publicly why not.

The Government and I are committed to ensuring that our corporate governance regime for the corporate sector generally accords with best international practice. We will take account of the lessons which emerge from current enquiries and reviews arising from recent developments and we will address, as appropriate, any concerns in this area including by way of legislation if necessary.

Codes of Conduct.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

47 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on proposals for a statutory imposed code of conduct governing the relationship between supermarkets and their suppliers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20180/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I am aware of the suggestions made in a number of quarters that a Code of Practice be introduced to regulate the relationships between the various elements in the retail chain.

These suggestions have arisen in the context of the wider debate in relation to prices and in particular the differential in prices between this jurisdiction and Northern Ireland and the UK.

Since the publication of the Forfás report on the Cost of Running Retail Operations in Ireland in December 2008, the focus of the debate in relation to grocery prices and the differential in prices between here and Northern Ireland and the UK has shifted to issues in relation to the cost of sourcing products and distribution/supply arrangements attaching to the supply of products.

Retailers have strongly contended that the cost of sourcing grocery goods products is much dearer in Ireland than the cost of sourcing such products in the UK and elsewhere.

On the other hand suppliers and distributors have contended that there is a significant imbalance in the relationship between retailers and suppliers, which is giving rise to suppliers being squeezed by the increasingly difficult demands being made by retailers.

It is disappointing that there should be such significant differences between the various elements within the retail chain as to the reasons for the current north south price differentials.

The Government, for its part, is concerned to ensure that we continue to have vibrant and successful food and retail sectors, given the important role these sectors play in the national economy. In this regard, the Government accepts the importance of ensuring that there is a balance in the relationship between the various players in the grocery goods sector, which takes account of the interests of all the various parties, including the interests of consumers. My Department, in cooperation with Minister Brendan Smith and Minister Trevor Sargent, is currently working on the details of a Code of Practice in this area which will have as its key objective the need to achieve a balance in the relationships between grocery goods undertakings, taking into account the need to enhance consumer welfare and the need to ensure that there is no impediment to the passing-on of lower prices to consumers.

Bilateral Agreements.

Joe Carey

Question:

48 Deputy Joe Carey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will reconcile references in the 2006 bilateral agreement on an all-island economy (details supplied) with the differences between packages offered to investors by Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI; if she will address same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27530/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The 2006 Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy sets out the economic rationale for North/South collaboration as well as making concrete proposals for economic initiatives. The case for an all island approach is made where market failure arises from the existence of the border or where public goods and services could be more efficiently produced on a co-ordinated basis.

In the matter of enterprise, the Study identified a number of areas where co-ordinated policy intervention could prove beneficial including co-operation on trade and investment promotion, enhanced co-operation in support of enterprise and business development and improved regulatory environment.

The clients of Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland are faced with similar challenges wherever their location on the island and, in many instances, both agencies offer largely parallel solutions to their clients where such an approach is appropriate. The Irish Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are working together to ensure that the potential for development is exploited and that the challenges are met. In keeping with this goal, Enterprise Ireland's approach is to work in partnership with Invest NI and InterTradeIreland in an effort to maximise the benefits to all their clients.

In so far as Enterprise Ireland is concerned, financial support is tailored to the requirements of individual companies (i.e. the business plan) on the basis of clearly demonstrated need and value for money. The funding EI provides is in the form of both direct grants to companies, and equity provision, typically depending on the stage of company development (i.e. early stage start-ups or established companies) in line with the risk profiles and development objectives involved. EI offers grant aid through two major funds, namely the Growth and R&D Funds, along with a wide range of smaller grants available for exploring new opportunities. These supports target company development in areas such as management development and leadership, capital acquisition, research and development, market support, innovation and production capability.

Furthermore, the State, through Enterprise Ireland has invested significant resources in developing the Seed and Venture Capital market in Ireland as a valuable source of capital for early and expansion stage companies, while also promoting other avenues of finance such as the Business Angel networks in conjunction with InterTradeIreland, and certifying client companies for Business Expansion Scheme investments.

Enterprise Ireland's grant aid offer must comply with the stipulations of the European Commission with regard to State Aid. Grants for industry are one instrument which can be used in order to develop enterprise and Enterprise Ireland's broad view is that the differential aid rates allowed in the BMW Region have been of benefit not solely with regard to the rate of start-ups but in terms of the development of existing companies.

Non-financial supports are available for all EI supported projects. These include access to the Enterprise Ireland overseas office network for marketing/market research, technical/technology and training advice, knowledge events and seminars.

Economic Competitiveness.

Liz McManus

Question:

49 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the mid year statement from the National Competitiveness Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27434/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I welcome the recent publication of the National Competitiveness Council's mid-year Statement ‘Getting Fit Again: the Short Term Priorities for Restoring Ireland’s Competitiveness’.

The NCC Statement reiterates that the Government is taking the necessary steps to restore fiscal stability and ensure we maintain a vibrant enterprise sector capable of sustainable export-led growth. Restoring Ireland's competitiveness and, in particular, cost competitiveness is a key priority for this Government and essential for sustaining and creating employment. There are a wide range of competitive strengths which we retain, including a young and comparatively well educated work force, growing levels of research and development activity, a modern internationally-traded enterprise base as well as a long track record as an attractive location for overseas investment.

The NCC statement is a balanced and realistic assessment of the current economic challenges that face us. The statement broadly endorses the actions that this Government is taking in line with our medium term strategy for sustainable growth set out in the Framework for Economic Renewal.

Proposed Legislation.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

50 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to publish anti-victimisation legislation, designed to protect those workers who choose to join a trade union and which was promised by March 2009 under the review of Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27442/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009 provides that the Government will bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit victimisation, including dismissal, and incentivisation, and to provide effective protection and means of redress to employees when engaged in the proper and legitimate exercise of their rights to trade union membership or activity on behalf of a trade union or non-membership of a manager discharging his or her managerial functions.

The issue will be developed in parallel with the review process, also provided for under the Transitional Agreement, which will consider the legal and other steps which are required to enable the mechanisms regarding employee representation which were established under previous Agreements to operate as they had been intended. This review will be carried out under the auspices of the Department of the Taoiseach. In this context, I understand that, notwithstanding the priority which is being accorded to the ongoing discussions with the Social Partners aimed at agreeing an integrated response to the current fiscal and economic difficulties, it is intended to get the process underway at the earliest possible date.

Export Credit Insurance.

Michael Creed

Question:

51 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has discussions with officials from other Departments with regard to introducing export credit insurance measures to assist the agri-food sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20291/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

My Department's continuous support for enterprises arises through maintaining a positive business environment and through particular interventions from the State development agencies such as Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County and City Enterprise Boards. The significant allocations in my Department's Estimates for 2009 for the development agencies ensures that we can continue to build on this strategy for the future. Irish exporters can avail of the support of these agencies.

In addition, the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund was established by Government to support viable but vulnerable exporting companies who are experiencing difficulties because of the current economic climate. €100m has been allocated to the fund to the end of 2010. Client companies of Enterprise Ireland, IDA, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Shannon Development across all sectors within manufacturing and internationally traded services are eligible to apply. The fund is administered by Enterprise Ireland. To date, approximately €26m of the 2009 allocation of €50m has been approved or is being processed. 16 projects have been approved support of approximately €6m and a further 30 projects are being processed. In addition there are over 100 further enquiries that are live.

A properly functioning banking sector is an essential element for the maintenance and development of enterprises, especially exporting enterprises.

A key principle of all these actions is the recognition of the importance of business lending. The Banks' Recapitalisation Package contains a range of initiatives to directly assist our enterprise sector, including the following:

The recapitalised banks have committed to increasing their lending capacity to SMEs by 10% over 2008. This should ensure that sound businesses will receive support from their banks.

The recapitalised banks agreed to pay for and co-operate with the carrying out of an Independent Review of Bank Lending to SMEs. Additional banks have now participated in this Review with the result that the 5 major lending banks are now included. The purpose of the review is to ascertain the position on credit availability to SMEs here and to recommend appropriate action to improve credit availability. The Independent Review has now been submitted to my colleague, the Minister for Finance, and will be published immediately. This Review should allow all stakeholders have an objective view of the state of lending from the banks.

Allied Irish Bank, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank will also provide funding for SMEs on foot of €300m facilities provided by the European Investment Bank to assist developing SMEs.

Arising from the Recapitalisation Package, the Tánaiste has, along with the Minister for Finance, also established a Credit Supply Clearing Group with bank, business (including ISME and SFA) and State representation. This Group is responsible for identifying patterns of events where the flow of credit to viable businesses appears to be blocked and for seeking to identify credit supply solutions relating to these patterns. The Group is however, not an appeals mechanism for cases where credit has been refused by the banks. Individual business decisions remain the responsibility of the banks. The Credit Supply Clearing Group is being chaired by my Department and will work to provide a clear picture of any emerging lending patterns while facilitating direct discussion by all the relevant interests in addressing problems.

Economic Competitiveness.

Pat Breen

Question:

57 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the assertion of the Competition Authority that the problem of the Republic of Ireland’s higher cost base is a much more long-term threat to the competitiveness of retailers, suppliers and all businesses here; the action she is taking to lower the business cost base here; and the action she is taking to tackle energy costs to business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27523/09]

Michael Noonan

Question:

59 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the International Monetary Fund view that Ireland is the most expensive country in the eurozone for business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27579/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

58 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies which have applied for funding from the enterprise stabilisation fund; the number of applications accepted and the number rejected; the amount paid out to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27574/09]

Willie Penrose

Question:

84 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money paid out to date under the €100 million enterprise stabilisation fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27423/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 84 together.

The Government approved a total of €100m for the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund to be disbursed over 2009 and 2010. €50m has been included in the estimate of my Department for this purpose in 2009. Under the scheme, Enterprise Ireland can give up to €500,000 to viable companies with robust business models that are facing difficulties as a result of the current economic environment. The fund will supply direct financial support to internationally trading enterprises that are investing in cost reduction or other measures to gain sales in overseas markets. This fund will also be a key factor in sustaining client company employment.

The provision of grant assistance to individual companies is a matter for the development agency or body concerned, and not one in which I have a direct function. However, I have been informed by Enterprise Ireland that to date €6.8 million has been approved for 19 projects, a further €22 million is under active negotiation with 35 companies nationwide and over 100 further enquiries have been received.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 57.

Job Initiative.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

60 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the introduction of a social economy or job initiative schemes to help deal with the unemployment situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27437/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

On 1 January 2006 responsibility for the Social Economy Programme transferred to the Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs and it has been re-named as the Community Services Programme. FÁS as an agency of my Department operates Job Initiative (JI).

The Job Initiative Programme (JI) was launched in July 1996 and provides full time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, unemployed for 5 years or more, and in receipt of Social Welfare payments over that period.

The main purpose of the programme is to assist long-term unemployed people to prepare for work opportunities by providing participants with work experience, training and development opportunities. The programme is sponsored by voluntary organisations and public bodies involved in not-for-profit activities.

Following changes introduced on 10 November 2004 by Minister Micheál Martin no new entrants have been admitted onto the Job Initiative Schemes. However, contracts for existing participants are renewed and CE participants to support the service being provided may replace those who leave voluntarily.

This Government will continue to support the positive role of FÁS Employment Schemes in meeting the needs of long-term unemployed persons while at the same time providing essential services to communities. The operation of the Scheme is being kept under constant review in the context of the current difficult unemployment situation.

Job Creation.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

61 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the terms of reference of the high level action group on green enterprise; when she expects to receive this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27425/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Following a commitment in the Government's Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal, Building Ireland's Smart Economy, the High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise was launched in May 2009. The Group is chaired by Mr Joe Harford and comprises representatives of industry as well as senior Government Departments and State Agencies.

In establishing this Group, the Government was cognisant of a Study recently completed by Forfás and InterTradeIreland "Environmental Goods and Services Sector on the Island of Ireland” on enterprise opportunities in the environmental goods and services sector on an all-island basis. The Action Group will build on this report and take into account:

relevant commitments in the Government's Framework for Economic Renewal,

the current configuration of supports for businesses operating in or seeking to develop products or services in the green economy,

knowledge and skills deficits which hinder the growth of employment in the sector. Specifically the Action Group will identify the steps to be taken to:

Develop green enterprise through encouragement of entrepreneurship, supports for indigenous enterprise and inward investment.

Further develop education and training structures and systems, at all levels, to best address knowledge and skills deficits.

Advance the potential for research and development in green technology to enhance Ireland's capacity in this area.

Ensure that indigenous industry can meet the challenges and avail of the opportunities to supply goods and services to meet green public procurement (GPP) needs domestically and throughout the EU.

The full Terms of Reference and Membership of the Group are available on my Department's website, http://www.entemp.ie/trade/environment/greenenterprisedevelopment.htm.

I expect the Group to Report to the Cabinet Committee on Economic Renewal by October 2009.

Departmental Schemes.

Olwyn Enright

Arising from the Recapitalisation Package, the Tánaiste has, along with my colleague, the Minister for Finance, also established a Credit Supply Clearing Group with bank, business (including ISME and SFA) and State representation. This Group is responsible for identifying patterns of events where the flow of credit to viable businesses appears to be blocked and for seeking to identify credit supply solutions relating to these patterns. The Group is however, not an appeals mechanism for cases where credit has been refused by the banks. Individual business decisions remain the responsibility of the banks. The Credit Supply Clearing Group is being chaired by my Department and will work to provide a clear picture of any emerging lending patterns while facilitating direct discussion by all the relevant interests in addressing problems.

The Group met for the first time on 28 May 2009 and will meet again shortly following the publication of the Independent Review of Bank Credit.

Question No. 65 answered with Question No. 42.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

66 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if training courses for unemployed persons are to be concentrated in economic black spots; if these economic black spots of unemployment will be given preferences in the allocation of places; the way the budget for re-training for the unemployed will be allocated nationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27101/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

There are 8 FÁS Regions (Dublin; Midlands; Mid-West; North-East; North-West; South-East; South-West; and West) covering the 26-counties, each region in consultation with the relevant regional stakeholders, develop appropriate plans regarding the range, mix and type of training courses appropriate to the needs of that region.

As part of the process each region identifies their training needs based on the regional profiles, which include; responses to the live-register activity of the region, the demand for specific training courses from jobseeker's living in the region, the response to regional redundancy situations, the skills required by local enterprises to sustain businesses and the current or future (short — long term) labour market needs of the region.

The budgets for FÁS training courses are allocated across regions based on the responses to the live-register activity of the region, the demand for specific training courses from jobseeker's living in the region, the response to regional redundancy situations, the skills required by local enterprises to sustain businesses and the current or future (short — long term) labour market needs of the region.

Proposed Legislation.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

67 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on moves to facilitate continuing growth and development of the co-operative sector by reviewing co-operative legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20187/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

The co-operative movement has made a huge contribution to economic and social development in Ireland over many years. We have only to think of agricultural co-ops, credit unions and other sectors such as social housing, group water schemes and community development in which the co-op model has been used with great success. A very good description and analysis of the co-operative sector was provided by the Forfás study "Ireland's Co-operative Sector" commissioned by my Department and which was published in November 2007. (available at www.forfas.ie/media/cooperative_sector_2007.pdf)

Most co-operatives in Ireland, particularly those which undertake economic or business activities, register as "industrial and provident societies" under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, the principal Act being that of 1893. While this legislation has served us well over the years, it is time to carry out a comprehensive and full review of the current arrangements and this is now under way. Credit Unions, since 1997, have their own modern legislation, separate from the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts.

The initial focus of the current review is on identifying any practical difficulties or problems for co-operatives in the existing legislation. To assist in this work, we published in April 2009 a consultation paper on the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1893 — 2005 and invited views and observations from interested members of the public. I am glad to say that we have had a good response to this paper. I would also encourage any interested parties who have not yet submitted views or observations to do so as soon as possible. Copies of the consultation paper are available in the Oireachtas library and also on my Department's website (www.entemp.ie/commerce/cooplaw).

On completion of the consultation process, I intend to bring appropriate policy recommendations to the Government. These will address the question of whether, in the light of the public consultation, there is a need for change in the current legislation and, if so, the general lines such change might take.

I would like to take this opportunity to assure the House that the primary objective of the current review and of any legislative initiatives resulting from it will be to ensure and provide a regulatory environment that is supportive of the co-operative movement and of its capacity to contribute to economic and social well being into the future.

Health and Safety Regulations.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

68 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace accidents and workplace deaths recorded in each year from 2002 to 2008 and to date in 2009; her proposals to ensure a reduction in the number of such accidents and deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27446/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The Health and Safety Authority is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated statutory provisions.

There have been 18 workplace deaths reported to the Authority to date in 2009 (as at 02.07.09). The numbers of workplace deaths reported to the Authority for the years 2002-2008 are as follows: 57 in 2008; 67 in 2007; 51 in 2006; 74 in 2005; 50 in 2004; 68 in 2003 and 61 in 2002.

Non-fatal accidents, resulting in an absence of more than three days from normal work following the accident, are required to be reported to the Authority.

There have been 3,147 non-fatal work related accidents reported to the Authority to date in 2009 (as at 02.07.09). There were 6,998 in 2008, 7,816 in 2007, 7,844 in 2006, 8,104 in 2005, 8,453 in 2004, 6,622 in 2003, and 7,746 in 2002.

While the reduction in workplace fatalities since 2007 is welcome, we still had 57 fatalities and thousands of workplace injuries in 2008, many of them preventable. We cannot afford to relax our vigilance in this area. In these times when we are tempted to look at costs, we have to continually emphasise the message that keeping people safe and healthy at work and saving money are not mutually exclusive concepts.

The Health and Safety Authority's 2009 Programme of Work, which was launched in February last, sets out a comprehensive range of activities to make workplaces safer and it contains a good balance between prevention, advice and enforcement.

This year the Authority is again focusing on the high-risk sectors of agriculture and construction, which have seen the highest proportions of fatalities in the last four years — in 2008, 21 fatalities occurred in Agriculture and 15 in Construction.

Day to day responsibility for workplace safety rests with those in the workplace — employers and employees and safe workplaces can ultimately only be delivered by those who control and work in them.

The Health and Safety Authority publishes guidelines, codes of practice and other advice on safety on a regular basis as well as organising sectoral seminars or conferences to promote the occupational safety and health message, as part of its advocacy role. These activities, together with the information on the Authority's website, are of critical importance to all those in the workplace if Ireland's safety record is to be improved.

Job Losses.

Mary Upton

Question:

69 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the announcement of the loss of 107 jobs at a company (details supplied) in County Dublin; the discussions, she has had with the industrial development agencies with a view to securing replacement jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27450/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I am aware of the announcement of the job losses. A global review of the organisation in question has been in place since February of this year with a view to reducing costs and numbers employed worldwide.

While the news of the job losses is very disappointing, Enterprise Ireland continues to work extensively with the company in Dublin on the implementation of Research and Development projects which are proceeding as planned. Over the next three years, Diageo will invest €24m in expanding its R&D activity across an extensive range of innovative project areas. This investment will be underpinned by a management development initiative to lead the development of the R&D Centre and drive the delivery of the new projects. These R&D projects are expected to contribute to increasing annual sales by €250m over three years with a significant percentage of this coming from export sales, making a major contribution to growing exports from the Irish economy.

The Enterprise Development agencies adopt a co-ordinated response to deal with such situations. The agencies work together in making employees aware of the supports available to assist in finding new employment or start their own businesses. The agencies will also work to attract new investment and jobs to the area. However, the final decision as to where projects locate rests with the promoters of the particular projects.

Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

70 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she will take to promote, incentivise or generate job creation and retention with particular reference to the need arising from the current economic situation; the measures she will take to assist small medium enterprises who are prepared to offer employment; if she has carried out an assessment of the best way to improve the employment creating environment with the objective of meeting the needs of employers and potential employees at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27514/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I am very much aware that the key to creating employment is to provide the necessary support to the enterprise sector. In this regard, the Government made provision in the recent Supplementary Budget for in excess of €500 million for capital investment in enterprise. In doing so, the Government has prioritised investment in the most productive sectors of our economy and is investing in the creation of jobs by cementing the foundations of export led recovery and growth.

The Enterprise Development agencies under the aegis of my Department are working together and with local interests in order to maintain an integrated approach to investment and enterprise development. The strategies and policies being pursued by the Enterprise Development agencies will continue to support enterprise development and bring about job creation and retention throughout the country. I recently announced the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund which will enable internationally trading companies survive the current global downturn by supporting their drive to reduce costs and gain sales in overseas markets. Sustainable economic recovery will be driven by enterprises focused on increasing their exports of innovative products and services in global markets.

Enterprise Ireland, in recognising the significant changes in the current economy both in Ireland and globally, has prepared a new recovery strategy to identify the actions that will be undertaken to help clients in 2009. Enterprise Ireland has refocused its efforts on strengthening and sustaining companies of strategic importance through a range of initiatives focused on the needs of its client base.

The focus of IDA Ireland is on securing inward investment from new and existing clients and on working with its existing client base to further embed their investments in Ireland. It has an active programme of engagement with its clients to target new investment opportunities from them. The agency assists its client companies to move up the value chain in terms of both carrying out higher skilled operations and expanding their presence in Ireland. These activities are aimed at improving the quality of employment opportunities and retaining existing jobs.

The County and City Enterprise Boards were established to develop indigenous potential and stimulate economic activity at a local level, primarily through the provision of financial and technical support for the development of small and micro enterprises. The Boards form a nationwide support network for small business, continue to be actively involved in the area of economic development and continue to ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development regionally and nationally.

A properly functioning banking sector is an essential element for the maintenance and development of enterprises, especially Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Government focus has been on creating a fit for purpose banking system as is evidenced by the bank guarantee scheme, the recapitalisation scheme, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank and the establishment of the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA). Substantial guarantees and funding have been committed to the banking sector in order to keep the banks functioning to support the broader economy. A key principle of all these actions is the recognition of the importance of business lending particularly in relation to SMEs. The SMEs are central to our economy and the provision of bank credit to the sector is a primary target of all these initiatives. The Banks' Recapitalisation Package contains a range of initiatives to directly assist our enterprise sector.

Proposed Legislation.

Jack Wall

Question:

71 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to publish legislation to address employee representation at work which was promised by June 2009 under the review of Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27443/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009 provides for the establishment of a review process which will consider the legal and other steps which are required to enable the mechanisms addressing the issue of employee representation, which were established under previous agreements, to operate as they had been intended. This review will be carried out under the auspices of the Department of the Taoiseach. In this context, I understand that, notwithstanding the priority which is being accorded to the ongoing discussions with the Social Partners aimed at agreeing an integrated response to the current fiscal and economic difficulties, it is intended to get the process under way at the earliest possible date.

Job Creation.

Martin Ferris

Question:

72 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employment opportunities will exist after re-training programmes have finished; if these upcoming sectors have developed sufficiently to absorb the new skill intensive workers; if job opportunities are not available after training, when she expects them to become available; the alternatives which will exist for jobseeker’s if they can not be absorbed into the workforce after training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27102/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Despite the present unemployment challenge which we are currently facing I would like to point out that in the twelve months to the end of May 144,000 people left the live register as they had secured employment. This means that even in the most difficult period in terms of employment creation, jobs are still being created in our economy.

According to the FÁS paper Job Opportunities in the Downturn, and the more recent National Skills Bulletin by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs a number of areas are currently showing demand for labour, these include:

Repairs and Maintenance;

Green Energy — installation and maintenance;

Healthcare sector;

Financial — Accountants/risk managers and regulatory compliance;

Marketing and Sales;

Engineering — Software, design and process diagnostic engineering;

IT –networking experts, programmers, telecommunications experts.

The activation places that are available in both the education and training sectors are aimed at providing individuals with the skills so they can secure employment in areas that will be in demand. For instance my Department is currently providing through FÁS in excess of 129,000 training places for the unemployed. The majority of this provision, 92,000 are being provided under FÁS Training Initiatives Strategy and are short courses in specific skills training. These courses are designed to develop new skills and competencies for the unemployed to assist them in securing employment in specific sectors, where employment opportunities exist.

Those who are unemployed may also apply to participate in the Work Placement Programme, which provides 2000 unemployed individuals with a six-month work placement, while retaining their social welfare entitlements.

County Enterprise Boards.

Denis Naughten

Question:

73 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to support the role of county enterprise boards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27138/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) are the principal deliverers of State support to the micro-enterprise sector in Ireland. They provide support to businesses with 10 or less employees in the start-up and expansion phases, promote indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. As locally based enterprise development agencies the Boards are well positioned to meet the needs of their local economy.

I have secured a Capital Allocation for the CEBs of over €20m for provision of both financial and non-financial supports to the micro-enterprise sector in 2009. This was secured against a background of savings in other areas of Government activity and is an acknowledgement of the importance of the Boards and of the need that exists for their services particularly at this time. Using this funding the Boards will continue to ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development.

Given the challenges which the business sector is currently facing I will, in association with the CEB Central Co-ordination Unit within Enterprise Ireland (CCU), and with the CEB network itself, continue to monitor the level of funding and range of supports offered by the CEBs in order to ensure that the CEBs are able to respond appropriately to these challenges and I will continue to support the CEBs, in the delivery of assistance to the micro-enterprise sector, to the greatest extent possible given the significant pressures on public finances.

Job Creation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

74 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the proposed job subsidy scheme which is proposed to form part of the national recovery plan; the companies to which it will apply; and the way it will be funded. [27535/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The Government is working on the detail of a Temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme. The purpose of this scheme will be to:

Help the economy to retain its productive capacity and help employers to retain the labour, knowledge and skills of the workforce, thereby supporting a faster return to sustainable growth;

Help employees to retain their jobs, and

Ensure that economic and fiscal stability is promoted by avoiding the costs of unemployment including statutory redundancy payments and the longer-term cost of social welfare.

It is proposed that the scheme will involve paying a subsidy to firms to retain a person in employment who may otherwise have been made redundant.

It is proposed that the Temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme will apply to companies in the manufacturing or internationally traded service sectors that are currently engaged in exporting. In addition in order to qualify for support it is intended that a company must not have been in difficulty on 1st July 2008, and a financial assessment must establish that it is now facing such difficulties as a result of the global and financial economic crisis that redundancies are likely to have to be considered within 12 months. It is also intended that a company must also be judged to be viable and capable of growth in the medium term in order to receive support under the scheme.

In the discussions with the Social Partners a figure of €250 million was referred to in relation to this scheme.

The Government will continue these discussions with the Social Partners with a view to implementing the Temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme over the coming period.

Departmental Staff.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

75 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of vacancies expected to arise by end of 2009 which will remain unfilled as a result of the circular issued by the Department of Finance on 27 March 2009 in respect of her Department and each of the State agencies or boards for which she has responsibility. [27430/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

It is not possible to accurately predict the number of vacancies expected to arise in my Department by the end of 2009, which will remain unfilled as a result of the circular issued by the Department of Finance on 27 March 2009 placing a moratorium on the filling of vacancies in the Public Service.

The only area where predictions can be made relate to those staff who will retire in accordance with the compulsory retirement scheme. Since 27 March 2009 ten staff members have retired from the Department with a further two compulsory retirements to take place before the end of 2009. Consequential vacancies will not be filled. Additional vacancies will be created as a result of the following incentives introduced by the Minister for Finance in recent months:

Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (Circular 12/09), whereby employees of 50 years of age and over who have already accrued entitlement to preserved superannuation benefits under a public service scheme, and who have not yet reached normal preserved pension age can apply for early retirement. The Scheme is open to applications from 1 May 2009 until 1 September 2009 after which the scheme will be reviewed in the context of Budget 2010. The scheme will result in some staff retirements with consequential vacancies; however at this early stage it is not possible to predict what the take up will be in relation to this scheme.

Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme 2009 (Circular 13/2009) whereby staff can avail of applying for a three year career break and will be paid an incentive payment of a third of gross basic pay to a maximum of €12,500, per year, payable quarterly in arrears, for each year of the 3 year period of the career break incentive scheme (this figure is based on staff who work full time). My Department has received 32 applications from staff wishing to avail of the scheme.

County Enterprise Boards

Based on information to hand it is expected that there will be at least 6 vacancies across the CEB network by the end of 2009, which will be unfilled. However this does not take account of the take-up on the ISER scheme and the Career Break Scheme as no formal decisions on the expressions of interest received to date have yet been made. It is expected that a clearer picture will emerge in coming weeks.

FÁS

The number of vacancies expected to arise in FÁS by the end of 2009, which will remain unfilled is 105.18 (full-time equivalent posts).

IDA Ireland

IDA Ireland expects that 14 vacancies will arise by the end of 2009, which will remain unfilled.

Additional vacancies will be created as a result of the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (Circular 12/09), and the Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme 2009 (Circular 13/2009). Both schemes will result in some staff retirements and career breaks with consequential vacancies, however at this stage it is not possible to predict what the take up will be in relation to these schemes.

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board expects to have 4 vacancies arising in 2009, which will remain unfilled (1 application for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement, 3 fixed term contracts due to expire).

The Competition Authority

Currently the Competition Authority has 7 vacancies and, at this time, is aware of 1 further vacancy that will arise during 2009. The Competition Authority cannot predict if any other vacancies might arise between now and the end of 2009. Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) IAASA currently has 3 vacancies. It is not aware of further vacancies that will arise in 2009.

Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland expects that 53 vacancies will arise by the end of 2009.

Forfás

Forfás expects that 17 vacancies will arise by the end of 2009.

InterTradeIreland

InterTradeIreland expects 2 vacancies to arise by the end of 2009.

Shannon Development

Currently, Shannon Development has 2 vacancies for which there can be no external recruitment. The Health and Safety Authority expects 5 vacancies to arise before the end of 2009.

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)

The National Standards Authority of Ireland expects 13 vacancies to arise by the end of 2009. It is anticipated that this could rise to at least 25 by year end, through normal retirements and the take up of initiatives announced by the Minister for Finance.

The National Consumer Agency

A staffing complement of 80 was approved for the National Consumer Agency. This complement was never reached. Numbers have declined to the current level of 45. By end 2009 the National Consumer Agency expects to employ 39 whole time equivalents. Discussions are currently taking place with the Department of Finance with a view to returning the Agency, as an interim measure, to its early 2009 staffing level of 51.

Job Losses.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

76 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the announcement of the loss of 200 jobs at plants in Coolock, Dublin and Rathmore, County Kerry; the discussions she has had with the industrial development agencies with a view to securing replacement jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27453/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I am aware of the job losses at the company in its plants at Coolock and Rathmore. The company is a client of Enterprise Ireland and the agency has been maintaining close contact with the company.

There have been large scale voluntary redundancies at the company in recent years. While significant progress was made over the last two to three years, the Irish operations continue to be under pressure. It was clear that further redundancies were necessary from the company's point of view.

While the news that 170 jobs in Coolock and 30 jobs in Rathmore will be lost is extremely disappointing, I am encouraged by the plans that the company has for a large scale investment in new moulded equipment and technology. The agency has provided significant support to the company's operations in relation to capital, human resource development and research and development over the years.

The Enterprise Development agencies adopt a co-ordinated response to deal with such situations. The agencies work together in making employees aware of the supports available to assist in finding new employment or start their own businesses. The agencies will also work to attract new investment and jobs to the areas. However, the final decision as to where projects locate rests with the promoters of the particular projects.

Labour Inspectorate.

Denis Naughten

Question:

77 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the cross-departmental joint labour investigation teams will be operational; the current number of labour inspectors actively performing inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27139/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The joint investigation teams between the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA), the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners have been operational since 2007.

The Social Partnership Agreement ‘Towards 2016', provided for greater co-ordination between organisations concerned with employment rights compliance, with a view to realising the considerable potential for synergy that exists in this area. In particular, the Agreement provides that authorised officers of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) will join with officers of the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units. The role of these Joint Investigation Units, or JIUs, is to address areas where evidence suggests that non-compliance with employment rights legislation exists.

The Social Welfare and Pensions Act, 2007, which came into operation on 30 March 2007, provides for the disclosure of relevant employment data between the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment/NERA. This legislation effectively enables NERA to join with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Office of the Revenue Commissioners to work together in Joint Investigation Units.

Since the enactment of the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2007, exchange of information activity has taken place between the bodies in a number of specific cases. In addition, JIUs, involving NERA with Revenue and/or Social and Family Affairs have also taken place. In 2007, joint investigation activity, involving NERA for the first time, took place during the Construction Industry Campaign in May-July 2007. In 2008, joint investigation activity has been undertaken in a number of sectors including the catering, the hotel and the haulage sector. In 2009, joint investigation activity has continued both through exchange of information and through joint inspections.

The three bodies are proactively promoting and encouraging joint activity at a central and local level. I understand that a series of regional meetings were held late last year involving the relevant inspectors in those regions. These meetings have ensured that all officers understand their respective roles and potential synergies arising from working together within the parameters set out in the legislation.

I believe that the effective operation of JIUs provides a key opportunity for us to maximise the work of the three inspectorates. This has been proven in the past with JIU operations between Revenue and the Department of Social and Family Affairs. NERA's experience to date of JIU activity, both exchange of information and joint inspections, has been very positive and has added greatly to their ability to provide an effective inspection service.

In relation to the number of inspectors, NERA currently has in place a team of 77 inspectors. Recruitment competitions have been held to bring the number of inspectors from the original level of 31 inspectors up to the level of 90 committed to under Towards 2016. Sixty inspectors were assigned to NERA from these competitions. Fourteen inspectors have left NERA over the past year as a result of promotion or internal and external Departmental transfers and re-assignments. As a result, the total number of NERA inspectors currently stands at seventy seven. One of the seventy seven inspectors is currently not actively performing inspections due to maternity leave.

The Minister for Finance recently introduced a moratorium on the filling of vacancies until the end of 2010, in light of which NERA will not be in a position to fill current and future inspector vacancies during that timeframe.

Community Employment Schemes.

Michael Ring

Question:

78 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if specific drug community employment schemes have been introduced on foot of the report of the working group on drugs rehabilitation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23047/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The role of FÁS in relation to the National Drugs Strategy is to facilitate the rehabilitation of stabilised drug users and to prepare them to re-enter the active labour market through focused training which will enable them to re-integrate into working life. This is being achieved through participation in a range of FÁS programmes, including Community Employment (CE), and also integration into mainline training aimed at progression into the active labour market.

FÁS aims to promote labour market re-integration through targeted and mainstream initiatives including guidance and support from the referral point which is the FÁS Employment Services/Local Employment Services and pre-CE initiatives to support stabilisation.

Currently, there are 1,000 ring fenced places for drug users on Community Employment based in approximately 100 rehabilitative schemes. In addition, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to implement the recommendation of the Working Group on Drugs Rehabilitation to increase the number of places on specific Drug Rehabilitation Community Employment schemes.

Proposed Legislation.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

79 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to publish the legislation to amend the Competition Acts to uphold the rights of certain freelance workers such as actors and musicians to collective bargaining, which was promised as part of the review of Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27444/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

During the course of Social Partnership talks in 2008, the Government committed itself to introducing legislation amending Section 4 of the Companies Act 2002 to the effect that certain categories of vulnerable workers, formerly or currently covered by collective agreements, when engaging in collective bargaining, would be excluded from the Section 4 prohibition. The commitment will take into account that there would be negligible negative impacts on the economy or on the level of competition and will have regard to the specific attributes and nature of the work involved, subject to consistency with EU competition rules. It is proposed that three specific categories of worker, namely voice-over actors, freelance journalists and session musicians will be covered by the exclusion.

How best to give effect to this commitment, in a manner consistent with EU competition law, is being examined in the context of the ongoing work on the drafting of a new Bill which, inter alia, will include amendments to the Competition Act, 2002 (following a review process in 2008) and the merger of the Competition Authority and the National Consumer Agency. It is intended to publish this Bill before the end of the year.

Question No. 80 withdrawn.

Competition Authority Report.

Joan Burton

Question:

81 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the publication of the Competition Authority report on the retail related import and distribution sector; the action, she will take arising from the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27424/09]

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

117 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she will take to deal with the issues raised in the report by the Competition Authority into trading in the grocery, clothing and pharmaceutical sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27342/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 117 together.

The publication last week of the study by the Competition Authority of the retail-related import and distribution sector is part of my own and the Government's ongoing commitment to bring greater transparency to structure and pricing in the retail sector.

I asked the Competition Authority to carry out the study following the findings of a Forfás report, which suggested that the strong Euro, which had failed to translate into lower import costs on goods from the United Kingdom, could be indicative of a lack of competition in the import, distribution and retail sectors. This study will, I believe, greatly assist in informing the wider debate on why Irish consumers have not seen the full benefits of the strengthening Euro against Sterling over the past year in the prices they were paying for certain goods.

Overall, this study confirms that while there are no major systemic problems in the overall retail market, the market dynamics can differ across the various retail sectors with some being more flexible than others.

The study also shows that price adjustment to currency movements varies across sectors while also providing evidence which suggests that the ‘high low' pricing policy that operates in this country, while less transparent than the everyday low prices policy that operates in the UK and Northern Ireland, is in fact a function of what the Irish consumer had grown to know.

However, it is now clear that demand for the ‘high low' policy is changing and that Irish consumers now want everyday lower prices. This is evidenced by the success of new entrants to the market, by consumers travelling to shop in other markets and by more recent changes in certain supply, distribution and pricing structures.

The report also finds that increasingly price-conscious consumers are shopping around for the best prices, which in turn spurs more competition between retailers and their suppliers. This is causing prices to fall. For example, between January and May 2009 grocery prices fell by over 2% with additional grocery price reductions signalled this month.

Reductions in the cost of goods cannot be viewed in isolation however. Continued focus on reducing the cost of doing business in this country is necessary in order to help suppliers increase and maintain their competitiveness. The development of any policy affecting the grocery goods sector must reflect the importance of the indigenous food industry and of the retail sector, both of which must be vibrant and competitive while also best serving the consumer and their welfare.

As regards future steps, I can confirm that work is ongoing in my Department on the drafting of a Code of Practice for the grocery sector that would aim to bring further transparency and ensure a balanced relationship between all elements of that retail chain, including retailers, suppliers, distributors and consumers.

The study has been brought to the attention of the European Commission and also to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment in order to assist with their respective retail sector examinations.

I have also arranged for copies of the report to be distributed to all Deputies in the House.

EU Directives.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

82 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made with regard to the implementation of the temporary agency workers directive, agreed at the Council of Ministers meeting on 23 May 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27439/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Directive 2008/104/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on Temporary Agency Work was adopted, on 19 November 2008. Under the terms of this directive there is a three-year period within which Member States will be required to transpose the Directive into national legislation i.e. by 5 December 2011.

Some months ago, I invited the Social Partners to discussions with my Department, with the aim of agreeing a framework within which agency workers in Ireland would achieve equal treatment within an agreed timeframe having regard also to the need for flexibility in enterprises. The Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009 concluded by the Social Partners and the Government contains a commitment to developing such a framework.

My Department has already facilitated an initial meeting between the Social Partners to help them to develop a national framework within the parameters established in the EU Directive. The successful conclusion of a Framework Agreement will enable the Government to consider transposing the terms of the Directive, including the terms of the Framework Agreement, at a date in advance of the maximum period allowed under the Directive i.e. end 2011.

Job Creation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

83 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the economic black spots of unemployment here; if she is working in co-operation with regional groups to stimulate employment; if strategic planning has taken part on her behalf to counteract regional disparities in unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27099/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The latest Quarterly National Household Survey published on 25 June, 2009, shows that unemployment in the Border, Midlands and Western region was 11.4%. For the Southern and Eastern region the figure was 9.7%. The figure for the country as a whole was 10.2%.

The Enterprise Development agencies under the aegis of my Department are working closely and with local interests in order to maintain an integrated approach to investment and enterprise development. The strategies and policies being pursued by the State Development agencies will continue to support enterprise development and bring about job creation throughout the country. However, the final decision as to where a particular project will locate rests with the promoter of that project.

The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) provide support for micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases, promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. The CEBs deliver a series of programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The unemployed can access the services of their local CEB if they are considering setting up their own business.

FÁS is providing in excess of 129,000 training and work experience activation places this year. These places are designed to give the unemployed opportunities to improve their skills levels and increase their employability. Places are allocated throughout the 8 FÁS Regions in consultation with the relevant region. In this process each region will identify its training needs based on regional profiles, which include:

Response to the live-register activity of the region

The demand for specific training courses from jobseeker's living in the region

Response to regional redundancy situations

The skills required by local enterprises to sustain businesses

Current or future (short — longer term) labour market needs of the region

Regional variations in the type and level of training provided to meet the above will exist across regions. Budgets for training courses are allocated across regions based on the above factors.

Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 58.

Labour Inspectorate.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

85 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace inspections carried out by the labour inspectorate to date in 2009; the way this compares with the same period in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27449/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) has carried out a total of 10,445 calls, visits and inspections up to 26 June 2009. This compares with 11,499 for the corresponding period in 2008. The number of actual inspections increased by 94 while the number of calls and interviews decreased by 688 and 460 respectively.

NERA conducted almost twice as many workplace inspections in 2008 when compared with 2007 — almost 28,000 workplace inspections in 2008 as against 14,500 in 2007. This increased level of inspection activity in 2008 and 2009 is reflective of the greater level of inspection resources available to NERA, from the original level of 31 inspectors in 2007 to a current complement of 77 NERA inspectors.

Since it commenced operations on an interim basis in 2007, NERA has had considerable success in raising awareness of employment rights. Early in 2008, NERA undertook a nationwide information and awareness campaign, which has been instrumental in bringing about a much greater level of awareness both by employers and by employees of their respective rights and obligations under employment law. The information role has been enhanced through the inspection process. This information and awareness role continues to play a significant part in NERA's employment rights compliance and information strategy.

Job Losses.

Willie Penrose

Question:

86 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to stem the number of job losses in view of the further increase in the number of people on the live register published on 1 July 2009; her plans to provide new training opportunities for persons who have lost their jobs and to encourage the creation of new employment opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27422/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Despite the recent increase in the live register figures for June I would point out that in the twelve-month period to the end of May 2009, 144,000 people left the live register as they had secured employment. This is important as it shows that jobs are still being created.

In response to the rising numbers of unemployed the Government has already taken a number of actions, including doubling the capacity of the job search supports system provided by FÁS Employment Services and the partnership-based Local Employment Service to 147,000 places per year for referrals under the National Employment Action Plan.

In addition, my Department is now funding approximately 128,000 activation training and work experience places through FÁS. This is a substantial increase on the 66,000 places, which were available at the end of last year. This has been achieved by redeploying significant resources towards activating the unemployed.

Included in these places are specific new measures such as a work placement programme, which is providing 2,000 six-month places to individuals who are unemployed and includes the placement of graduates. A new training programme of 277 places at a cost of €1 million is being introduced. Under this programme 277 workers who are on a three-day week and receiving social welfare payments for the days they are not working will receive 2 days training a week for a period of 52 weeks. Also 2,500 places are being provided for those who are unemployed to participate in part-time third level education.

The Government is also assisting redundant apprentices complete their apprenticeships through a number of special measures which will result in over 3600 redundant apprentices being able to progress their training this year.

The Government recently presented proposals to the Social Partners which focused on measures to prevent job losses including the possible introduction of a temporary employment subsidy scheme which aims to helps employees retain their jobs and employers their skilled workforce in these difficult times.

While activation measures will assist individuals in securing employment and enhancing their skills, the key to addressing our unemployment problem is the creation of more jobs. Enterprise Ireland has refocused its efforts on strengthening and sustaining companies of strategic importance through a range of initiatives focused on the needs of their client base which includes the management of the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund which provides €100 million to assist viable but vulnerable companies overcome the present economic difficulties.

The key to IDA Ireland's strategy is to progress the development of a knowledge based economy so that the county can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment. IDA has an active programme of engagement with its clients to identify and target new investment opportunities. The aim of this is to retain existing clients, improve the quality of employment opportunities in Ireland and increase the positive economic impact.

Social Inclusion.

David Stanton

Question:

87 Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the employment rate of people with disabilities; the progress being made in meeting the goal nine target of the National Action Plan Against Social Inclusion for employment of people with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27512/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy John Moloney)

Based on an analysis of the figures contained in the National Census 2006 carried out by the National Disability Authority, the total number of people with disabilities in the 20 — 64 years age group who were in employment was 72,889, representing an employment rate of 35.1%.

The Government is committed to increasing the overall employment participation of people with disabilities in the open labour market. The immediate objective under the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005, and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016, is to have an additional 7,000 people with disabilities who do not have a difficulty in retaining a job in employment by 2010. The longer term target under the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007-2016 is to increase the employment rate of people with disabilities from 37% to 45% by 2016, as measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey.

In the period 2006-2008 a total of 5,210 people with disabilities have been placed in jobs from the various FÁS programmes.

The Sectoral Plan of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment includes as a key commitment the development of a comprehensive employment strategy for people with disabilities. The Department has led on the advancement of such a strategy in discussions with other relevant Government Departments, and with key stakeholder representatives who form the Consultative Forum on an Employment Strategy established under the Department's Sectoral Plan. The aim of this strategy is to address the diversity of circumstances, needs and abilities of people with disabilities, and to work towards achieving the highest possible levels of employment for them.

Discussions on the further development and finalisation of the comprehensive employment strategy are being actively pursued with the Consultative Forum and inter-departmental groups with a view to completing the strategy as soon as possible.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

88 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the training programmes she is introducing to upskill persons left unemployed; the number of places there will be in each programme; the basis on which the allocation of places in these programmes will be made; the body which will be in charge of allocation of these places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27100/09]

Tom Hayes

Question:

114 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional courses that have been organised by FÁS in view of the increase in the number of people who are unemployed. [27205/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 114 together.

This year the Government has almost doubled the number of FÁS activation training and work experience places for the unemployed to over 129,000. This is a substantial increase on the 66,000 places, which were available at the end of last year. The majority of these additional places are on short courses and will be delivered through three core-training initiatives, Short Courses, Night Courses and Online Courses. These courses are designed to develop new skills and competencies for the unemployed to assist them in securing employment.

The Short Time Working Training Programme will provide two days training a week for 277 workers over a 52-week period who are on systematic short time. Participants on this programme will also continue to receive their existing social welfare entitlements. Information on the range of training programmes offered by FÁS for the unemployed is provided in tabular format.

In terms of the allocation of training places each of the 8 FÁS Regions in consultation with the relevant regional stakeholders — develop appropriate plans regarding the range, mix and type of training courses appropriate to the needs of that region. In this process each region will identify its training needs based on regional profiles, which include:

Response to the live-register activity of the region

The demand for specific training courses from jobseeker's living in the region

Response to regional redundancy situations

The skills required by local enterprises to sustain businesses

Current or future (short — longer term) labour market needs of the region

Regional variations in the type and level of training provided to meet the above will exist across regions. Budgets for training courses are allocated across regions based on the above factors.

FÁS Activation Training for the Unemployed
Programme	Programme Type	Number of Places in a Year
Bridging Foundation Training	Aimed at disadvantaged clients	4,643
Return to Work Programme	Bridging Programme specifically for persons wishing to return to employment	855
Specific Skills Training	Wide range of skills training with an appropriate vocational qualification	10,237
Short Course Programme	Short courses targeted at redundant people	15,710
Evening Courses	Provided for unemployed persons and fee paying employed clients to upskill and obtain accreditation	30,448
On-line learning	Training in a wide range of skills and knowledge for persons with access to PC	6,200
Blended Learning	On-line learning with tutor support and workshops	16,120
Traineeship	Occupational specific and industry endorsed training	4,015
Redundant Apprenticeship Training	Skills and knowledge training and assessment for apprentices	3,600
Community Employment	Employment programme	22,700
Job Initiative (closed to new recruitment November 2004)	Employment programme	1,450
Community Training Centres	Training programme	2,300
Local Training Initiatives	Training programme	2,340
Job Clubs	Training programme	7,840
Work Placement Programme	A work placement programme for the unemployed including graduates. Participants on the scheme will retain their social welfare entitlements.	2,000
Short Time Working Training Programme	Will provide training to people on systematic short-time for the days they are not working	277
Total		130,735

Departmental Payments.

Joe Costello

Question:

89 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken to ensue compliance by Departments with the new arrangements announced on 20 May 2009 to reduce the payment period by Departments to their business suppliers from 30 to 15 days; if there are plans to extend this arrangement to semi-State companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27426/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Responsibility for implementing the terms of the Government Decision relating to the payment by Central Departments of business suppliers within 15 days rests with each individual Department. Suppliers experiencing difficulties with payments should contact the relevant Departmental section with which the contract was arranged.

The Secretary General of my Department wrote to all Government Departments on 26 May, asking them to take the necessary steps to implement this commitment and to ensure that Department line staff and Finance Units are made aware of the need to prioritise payments to suppliers to meet the 15 day deadline.

The Government Decision of 19 May included a requirement for Departments to report quarterly to my Department on their performance in meeting these requirements. These reports are to be submitted by the 15th day of the month following the end of the quarter and the first such report will now be due by 15 October 2009. Departments are also required to include information on the implementation of the measures in their subsequent Annual Reports.

In addition to the commitment for Departments, the Government also stated that an assessment would be completed of the impact of extending this requirement to the local authority, health and education sectors. This assessment is currently under way. Specific proposals in relation to these sectors will be developed following the completion of the assessment.

Departmental Schemes.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

90 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether the work placement programme and the pilot short time working training programme are adequate in responding to the number of unemployed people seeking work experience and training; her plans to extend eligibility to these schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23443/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

In response to the rising numbers of unemployed, the Government has formulated and implemented a realistic and practical strategy to prioritise the activation and training of such individuals. My Department, along with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Education and Science, have been working closely together to ensure a significant response to the unemployment situation. The Work Placement Programme and the Short Time Working Training Programme, which were announced in the Supplementary Budget, are but two initiatives that have been created to contribute to the challenge of activating and training the unemployed. It should be noted that these Programmes form only an element of the Government's response to the unemployment challenge, which also includes a substantial increase in job search, training and education supports.

The Work Placement Programme has been created to provide 2,000 six-month work experience places for graduates and other individuals. The aim of this scheme is to provide invaluable work experience to individuals who are unemployed, who have recently graduated from college or have very limited experience of the workplace.

To date the number of individuals who have expressed an interest with FÁS in the Programme and who meet the eligible criteria stands at 192. In terms of places, FÁS has received 180 enquiries to date from potential providers, which has resulted in 155 actual places being offered by providers. Considering that FÁS is in the process of finalising its targeted publicity campaign of the Programme, it is encouraging that it is experiencing a considerable level of interest from individuals and providers in the Programme.

FÁS is in the process of allocating the places on this Programme across a number of regions using either their Local Employment Services office or their Local Services to Business Unit. To date approximately 120 places have been allocated across two FÁS regions. FÁS is continuing to explore a number of other possible enquiries from other FÁS regions in relation to the allocation of the remaining places. It is intended that these places will be allocated in the coming weeks.

Finally, it is my intention to review the effectiveness and impact of the Programmes upon the satisfactory completion of their roll-out. It will be in this context that any potential changes, such as changes to the eligibility and scale of these Programmes will be considered.

Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 57.

Job Creation.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

92 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures she will introduce to create employment at this time; her plans in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27096/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The main focus of IDA Ireland on securing inward investment is from new and existing clients in the areas of high-end manufacturing, global services, research and development and innovation. The agency is working with its existing client base to further embed their investments in Ireland. It has an active programme of engagement with its clients to identify and target new investment opportunities from them. The agency continues to assist its client companies to move up the value chain in terms of both carrying out higher skilled operations and expanding their presence in Ireland. These activities are aimed at improving the quality of employment opportunities in Ireland.

Enterprise Ireland has prepared a new recovery strategy to identify the actions that will be undertaken to help clients in 2009. The agency has refocused its efforts on strengthening and sustaining companies of strategic importance through a range of initiatives focused on the needs of its client base. In identifying the short term issues, the agency has developed a series of proposals which deal with access to finance, winning new sales, encouraging competitiveness, continuous innovation/research and development and development of entrepreneurship. The medium term focus of the revised strategy is to continue to drive a sound, sustainable, competitive export-oriented indigenous sector. I also recently announced the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund which will enable internationally trading companies survive the current global downturn by supporting their drive to reduce costs and gain sales in overseas markets. Sustainable economic recovery will be driven by enterprises focused on increasing their exports of innovative products and services in global markets.

The County and City Enterprise Boards provide support for small businesses with ten employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases. The CEBs promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level, with priority being given to manufacturing and internationally traded services. The boards recognise that business growth and job creation are inherent considerations in their activities. They deliver a series of programmes to underpin this role and can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter.

Departmental Schemes.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

93 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the scheme to retrain workers in certain employment sectors; the person who will administer the fund; the timeframe involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27093/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

It is crucial that with the increasing numbers of people who are now unemployed that we seek to further enhance the activation and training opportunities to assist these individuals. It is vital that we ensure jobseeker's are supported, and have access to appropriate and relevant guidance, education and training services.

Specifically in relation to responding to the significant numbers of people who have been made redundant from the construction sector, the Government is committed to providing assistance to these workers. We will achieve this through increasing their skills levels and, in some cases, helping them develop new skills sets that will allow them take advantage of opportunities in new emerging growth areas within the construction sector. These include the installation of energy efficient and renewable technologies, together with compliance and energy rating work.

At present FÁS offer courses in Gas Safety and Gas Installation; Sustainable Energy equipment installation; Building Energy Ratings; Smart/Intelligent Buildings design; Insulation Technologies and Techniques, with a total of over 3,000 training places available in these disciplines.

Plans are well advanced for the provision of additional courses that are due to come on stream later this year: Micro-Electricity Generation Wind Turbine and Photovoltaic Courses and Passive House Building.

In addition to these type of courses unemployed individuals from the construction sector can access the other FÁS training courses, in order to develop new skills. Since the end of last year this Government has almost doubled the number of my Department's activation training and work experience places to 129,000 from the 66,000 that were provided last year.

The majority of these additional places, 92,000 are being provided under FÁS Training Initiatives Strategy and are short courses in specific skills training. These courses are designed to develop new skills and competencies for the unemployed to assist them in securing employment. FÁS is providing such courses for a broad range of different sectors including the retail, IT, construction, manufacturing and services sectors.

These training courses represent a substantive commitment on the part of this Government to assist those affected by the current downturn in the construction sector.

Redundancy Payments.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

94 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of redundancies notified to her in respect of each year from 2002 to 2008 and to date in 2009; the number of projected redundancies for 2009; the amount of money paid out in statutory redundancy payment in respect of each year from 2002 to 2008; the projected figure for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27438/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

Table 1 sets out the number of statutory redundancies for years 2002 to 2008 and provisional figures for January to June 2009. These figures reflect the number of employees who actually qualified for statutory redundancy lump sum payments. They do not reflect those who lost their jobs with less than two years service in employment. It is not possible to project the number of redundancies which will accrue in 2009 as this will depend on a number of factors, including economic indicators, and the rate of recovery in the economy.

Table 2 sets out the moneys paid out of the Social Insurance Fund in respect of redundancy claims for the years 2002-2008 up to and including the end of June, 2009. It should be noted that the figures provided for 2008 and to date in 2009 are provisional figures. Equally, it is not possible to project the amounts which will be paid out in 2009 given that this will hinge on a number of variables including the number of claims received, the length of service of the claimants etc.

Table 1: Actual Statutory Redundancies for years 2002 to 2008 and to date (end of June 2009)
2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009*
24,432	25,769	25,041	23,156	23,684	25,459	40,607	42,724

*Provisional.

Table 2: Expenditure on Statutory Redundancies for years 2002 to 2008 and (provisional figure up to end of June, 2009)
(€000)
2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008*	2009*
53.978	88.933	152.162	149.172	166.483	183.328	183.206	126.789

*Provisional.

Departmental Staff.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

95 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons working on temporary contracts, and the number of such contracts that are due to expire by the end of 2009 in respect of her Department and each of the State agencies or boards for which she has responsibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27429/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

There is one person working in my Department whose temporary contract will expire before the end of 2009. The expiry date for the contract is 14th August 2009.

Science Foundation Ireland

Science Foundation Ireland has 25 staff on fixed term contracts, none of which is due to expire by the end of 2009.

FÁS

FÁS has 23 persons (21.7 full time equivalent posts) on temporary contracts, 11 of which will expire by end of 2009.

The National Consumer Agency

The NCA has 2 students on a training placement scheme, which will run until the end of September 2009.

County Enterprise Boards

The CEBs currently have 4 posts, which are the subject of temporary contracts, 3 of which are due to expire by the end of 2009.

IDA Ireland

The number of persons working on temporary contracts in IDA Ireland is 29, 5 of which are due to expire by end of 2009.

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board

The Personal Injuries Assessment Board currently has 5 staff employed on Fixed Term Contracts (including the CEO). 3 of which are due to expire during 2009.

National Employment Rights Authority (NERA)

Currently NERA has 3 posts that are held on the basis of 5- year appointments, which commenced in 2007.

Health and Safety Authority

The Health and Safety Authority has one staff member employed on a fixed term contract.

Enterprise Ireland

The number of persons working on temporary contracts in Enterprise Ireland is 31 and they will all expire by end 2009.

Forfás

The number of persons working on temporary contracts in Forfás is 14, 6 of which are due to expire by end 2009.

Shannon Development

The number of persons working on temporary contracts in Shannon Development is 16 with a whole time equivalent job number of 4.5. They will all expire by the end of 2009.

The Labour Court

The Labour Court has 9 members on temporary contracts. 2 of these contracts are due to expire by end of 2009.

The Labour Relations Commission

16 members of the LRC are appointed on temporary contract. 2 of these appointments are due to expire by the end of 2009.

National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI)

The National Standards Authority of Ireland has 10 staff on temporary contract.

InterTradeIreland

There is 1 person working on temporary contract in InterTradeIreland, and this is due to expire by the end of 2009.

Job Losses.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

96 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the announcement of the loss of 177 jobs at a company (details supplied) in County Waterford; the discussions she has had with the industrial development agencies with a view to securing replacement jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27452/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

On 25 June 2009 ABB advised IDA that it has decided to close their electrical transformer manufacturing operation in Waterford with the loss of all 185 jobs. Closure will take place by March 2010. The plant has sufficient contracts in place to ensure that the factory remains open until March 2010. The Waterford operation has been operating at break-even and an expected upturn in business from growth in wind generation has not materialised.

Key to IDA Ireland's Strategy for County Waterford within the South East Region is to progress the development of a knowledge based economy so that the county and particularly the Gateway of Waterford City can compete both nationally and internationally for foreign direct investment. IDA Strategy for County Waterford includes:

The provision of world class property solutions of scale in the Waterford City area and also developing property solutions in the county town of Dungarvan, with appropriate supporting infrastructure in both cases.

Working with local development partner agencies in Waterford City and County to advance critical infrastructure, both hard and soft, which will contribute to a sustainable business environment for the long term.

IDA Ireland is also actively engaged with the existing IDA client base in the City and County to encourage their transition to continually higher value activities and to promote further investment in Ireland.

Waterford has a long and strong track record as a centre of manufacturing expertise. Waterford has a key strength in engineering, in both indigenous and overseas sectors. In more recent years however, these have been giving way to newer, more advanced manufacturing, particularly in the Life Sciences sector and also to International & Financial Services activities. For companies in lower value manufacturing, the business environment has become more challenging in recent years.

Currently there are 31 IDA Ireland supported companies in Waterford City and County employing approximately 5,960 people. Clear evidence of a transition to more knowledge based and higher value activity is seen in the resilience of companies such as Bausch & Lomb, Teva, Honeywell, GlaxoSmithKline, as well as newer additions to the county's portfolio, such as Citi Hedge Fund Services, Genzyme and Sun Life Financial. In marketing Waterford for new foreign direct investment (FDI), IDA Ireland is focused on attracting overseas companies in the services and knowledge-based industries, including advanced manufacturing. Sectors of focus in the medium term are Life Sciences, International and Financial Services and High Technology Engineering.

Key interventions in support of the above efforts in recent years have been the development of the Waterford Business & Technology Park (28 hectares), the Dungarvan Business Park (additional 14 hectares developed) and a large scale 55 hectare Greenfield site in Belview.

IDA Ireland recognises that Waterford City has some way to go before it has developed the critical mass of infrastructure, population and economic development to assert itself as a true regional gateway. Key positive developments that have occurred or are about to take place that will enhance Waterford's attractiveness for FDI and greatly encourage Waterford's economic success and national profile into the future include the following:

The completion of the outer ring road in Waterford City has already eased local traffic congestion and improvements on all radial routes into the City are also progressing well.

Construction of the Waterford City By-pass including a new cable stay bridge is under way and is due for completion in Q4 2009. The N9 upgrade to high specification dual carriageway between Waterford and Dublin has also commenced and is targeted for completion by 2010.

Major commercial/retail developments in Waterford City such as the Railway Square development and the planned development by KRM of a large scale shopping facility, Hotel and Conference Centre, apartments and car-parking on a 5 acre site in the City Centre.

The City Council is investing €20m on the development of a Historic Quarter in the City Centre including the redevelopment of the Theatre Royal.

High profile national and local events such as the Tall Ships Race 2005 and the Spraoi Street Festival. The Tall Ships Race is due to be staged in Waterford for a second time in 2011 and this will bring a lot of additional visitors to Waterford.

Further development of WIT, particularly the development of the new Campus at Carriganore with its flagship project being the Arc Labs facility which houses the Telecoms Software and Systems Group, itself a key magnet of attraction for Waterford.

Recent completion of the Metropolitan Area Networks in Waterford City and Dungarvan.

Developments at Waterford Port — a 190 metre quay extension has been constructed involving investment of €10m by the Port of Waterford.

These and other developments will provide a critical mix that will be a vital stimulus for further investment and economic development in Waterford City and the wider county including Dungarvan.

Proposed Legislation.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

97 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when it is intended to publish the Employment Agency Regulation Bill which was promised under the review of Towards 2016; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27441/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

I am confident the Employment Agency Regulation Bill can be published shortly as drafting has now been completed.

Retail Sector.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

98 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the evidence of the removal of some Irish products and the downgrading of other Irish products from the shelves of a major supermarket chain (details supplied); and if she has any proposals to deal with the situation. [27459/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

134 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which she has identified a trend whereby supermarkets source their products outside the jurisdiction thereby putting Irish jobs at risk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28003/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 98 and 134 together.

Issues in relation to the strategies employed by businesses, including in the area of sourcing supplies, are primarily matters for the businesses themselves. The need to reduce costs and streamline operations at all stages of the supply chain is particularly more pressing in these difficult economic times. Nevertheless, I do appreciate the concerns that have been expressed in relation to the possible implications for employment in Ireland particularly if changes in supply chain arrangements reduce the level of purchases by retailers from Irish producers.

In this regard, the Government is anxious to ensure that we continue to have vibrant and successful food and retail sectors, given the important role these sectors play in the national economy. The Government accepts the importance of ensuring that there is a balance in the relationship between the various players in the grocery goods sector, which takes account of the interests of all the various parties, including the interests of consumers. My Department is currently working on the details of a Code of Practice in this area which will have as its key objective the need to achieve a balance in the relationships between grocery goods undertakings, taking into account the need to enhance consumer welfare and the need to ensure that there is no impediment to the passing-on of lower prices to consumers.

Unemployment Levels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

99 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach the number of persons registered as unemployed in County Kildare on a monthly basis in each of the past five years to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27996/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach (Deputy Pat Carey)

The live register series gives a monthly breakdown of the number of people claiming Jobseeker's Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance and other registrants as registered with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Figures are published for each county and each social welfare office. The most recent information is for June 2009.

The table contains the number of persons signing on in County Kildare on the last Friday in each month from January 2004 to June 2009. The County Kildare social welfare offices are situated in Athy, Maynooth and Newbridge. It should be noted that the areas served by these offices do not correspond to specific geographic boundaries. Therefore, registrants at a given local office do not necessarily come from a particular region or area which can be precisely delineated.

Persons on the Live Register (Number) in County Kildare by month January 2004-June 2009
County Kildare	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
January	4,921	4,430	4,817	5,292	6,606	13,279
February	4,832	4,452	4,903	5,359	7,110	14,428
March	4,745	4,432	4,859	5,375	7,327	15,057
April	4,788	4,365	4,840	5,434	7,330	16,046
May	4,708	4,344	4,772	5,411	7,614	16,553
June	4,912	4,684	5,252	5,827	8,324	17,311
July	5,294	5,002	5,471	6,195	9,096
August	5,212	5,076	5,543	6,187	9,538
September	4,605	4,543	4,987	5,735	9,556
October	4,329	4,440	4,950	5,662	9,851
November	4,216	4,459	5,010	5,731	10,718
December	4,350	4,662	5,187	6,061	11,533

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

100 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Taoiseach the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27124/09]

The Taoiseach

The following table details the cost of my Departmental mobile telephone for the periods May to December 2008 and January to June 2009, it includes the percentage of the cost relating to data and roaming charges:

Period	Cost	Data Charges as % of Total	Roaming as % of Total
	€	%	%
May to December 2008	1,482.80	2.3	40.3
January to June 2009	478.37	2.4	39.3

Enda Kenny

Question:

101 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27185/09]

The Taoiseach

In 2008 my Department appealed a decision of the Commissioner for Environmental Information that on foot of Directive 2003/4/EC on Public Access to Environmental Information, a document that records discussion at a meeting of the Government should be released notwithstanding the terms of the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No 133 of 2007) which transposed the Directive in Ireland and the terms of Article 28.4.3 of the Constitution concerning the confidentiality of discussions at meetings of the Government.

Leave for Judicial Review and Appeal Motion were granted on 8 December 2008 and the case is scheduled to commence in the High Court on 29 July 2009. The Department has paid no costs to date.

The amount of money paid in respect of delegates allowance to officials in my Department in accordance with the terms specified by the Department of Finance for each of the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 to date are detailed as follows:

Year	Amount Paid
	€
2006	20,459.50
2007	15,301.87
2008	10,554.55
2009 (6 Months)	5,824.21

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

105 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Taoiseach the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27843/09]

The Taoiseach

No printing contracts have been awarded by my Department to companies based outside the State.

In one case, a Dublin-based Irish publishing company, with whom my Department has a three-year contract (since January, 2008) for the production and distribution of a newsletter, has sub-contracted printing work in respect of five recent editions of that newsletter to a firm based in Northern Ireland. A small number of copies of a report published last year (200 out of 5,200) were also printed by the same firm, with the remainder printed by a company within the State.

The publishing company involved have stated that the selection of the printer is based on capacity issues and was conducted through a transparent tendering process open to companies in Ireland (North and South) as well as across Europe, which is in line with tendering procedures.

Departmental Schemes.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

106 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the mechanism which has been put in place to enable graduates who are unemployed to gain professional experience with businesses unable to hire as a result of financial difficulties; the provision which has been made to enable unemployed graduates to progress their professional development in conjunction with professional bodies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27164/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

In response to the rising numbers of unemployed including graduates, the Government has formulated and implemented a realistic and practical strategy to prioritise the activation and training of such individuals. My Department, along with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Department of Education and Science, have been working closely together to ensure we respond to this unemployment challenge in a significant manner. The Work Placement Programme, which was announced in the Supplementary Budget, is an initiative that has been created to provide valuable professional work experience for unemployed individuals, including graduates.

The Work Placement Programme has being created to provide 2,000 six-month work experience places for graduates and other individuals. The aim of this scheme is to provide invaluable work experience to individuals who are unemployed, who have recently graduated from college or have very limited experience of the workplace.

To date the number of individuals who have expressed an interest with FÁS in the Programme and who meet the eligible criteria stands at 192. In terms of places, FÁS has received 180 inquiries to date from potential providers, which has resulted in 155 actual places being offered by providers. Considering that FÁS is in the process of finalising its targeted publicity campaign of the Programme, it is encouraging that it is experiencing a considerable level of interest from individuals and providers in the Programme.

Finally, it is my intention to review the effectiveness and impact of the Programmes upon the satisfactory completion of their roll-out. It will be in this context that any potential changes, such as changes to the duration of the Programme, an increase in the number of places and the eligibility criteria of this Programme will be considered.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

107 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans for apprentices who have been unable to complete their training due to the unavailability of work placements; the way they can continue their apprenticeships; the number of apprentices that have had their apprenticeships on hold in the past 18 months due to this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27203/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The number of apprentices notified to FÁS as redundant since 1 January 2008 is 4,933, of these 1,322 have been referred, hence leaving a balance of 3,611.

An apprentice who has been referred has not yet successfully completed all elements of their required assessments and is therefore required to re-sit their outstanding off-the-job modular assessments before they can progress in their apprenticeship.

FÁS has responded to the increase in the level of redundant apprentices, especially in the construction and related sectors, by providing the following supports for redundant apprentices. Over 4,000 places will be provided under the various measures outlined as follows:

The Department of Social and Family Affairs immediately refers redundant apprentices to FÁS for assistance.

Following this immediate referral, the FÁS Employment Services and FÁS Services to Business divisions work in collaboration to provide guidance and support in sourcing a new employer and in considering further options. Referred Apprentices are provided with guidance in relation to preparation for a re-sit of their outstanding off-the-job modular assessments.

FÁS has amended the scheduling rules for off-the-job training to permit redundant apprentices to progress to their next off-the-job training, at phase 2, phase 4 and phase 6, in accordance with the existing scheduling criteria. The number of apprentices who have been scheduled to off-the-job training at phase 2, phase 4 and phase 6 in 2008 was 619. The number of redundant apprentices provided with off-the-job training in the year to the end of June 2009 is 1507, and it is expected that up to a further 900 will be provided with off-the-job training phases before the end-year.

FÁS introduced an Employer Based Redundant Apprentice Rotation Scheme to provide support for employers to provide on-the-job training for up to 500 redundant apprentices during 2009. This scheme assists them in taking on redundant apprentices when they have released their own apprentices to a scheduled phase 4 and phase 6 off-the-job training phase in the Institutes of Technology. There are currently 197 apprentices participating on the scheme and 49 apprentices have completed their period of rotation and their performance has been assessed. Employers will be requested during the June and September 2009 rotation periods to provide redundant apprentices with on-the-job training with assessments.

Léargas has provided funding under the EU's Leonardo da Vinci programme to support the placement of 37 redundant apprentices with overseas employers to complete their phase 7 on-the-job training with assessments. Recently 19 redundant apprentices returned from Germany having completed a phase 7 placement with employers, and 12 apprentices are due to travel on 5 August 2009 for a placement in Germany. Leargas have recently provided additional funding to support the placement of an additional 60 apprentices with overseas employers.

ESB Networks have agreed a programme with FÁS to provide on-the-job training to eligible redundant electrical apprentices at phase 5 and phase 7. This programme will provide up to 400 places over a period of eighteen months and will be funded by ESB Networks. There are currently 100 previously redundant electrical apprentices in employment with ESB Networks, 25 redundant electrical apprentices have completed their off-the-job training with assessments and a further 75 redundant electrical apprentices will be provided with an opportunity to complete their on-the-job training before the end of December 2009.

Redundant apprentices may also avail of existing specific skills training courses, which are trade related to enhance their employable skills. Redundant apprentices may also avail of the range of trade related night courses, which are available in FÁS Training Centres.

The Institutes of Technology are providing 700 places per annum on an 11-week certified training programme for those redundant apprentices who have completed their phase 4 training but where an on or off-the-job training opportunity is not currently available for them. The programme is divided into Construction and Engineering streams and provides redundant apprentices with education and training support in a number of relevant trade's areas. The programme is expected to commence in September 2009.

FÁS will be providing redundant apprentices in the autumn with an opportunity to undertake phase 7 assessments where an on-the-job assessment opportunity is not currently available.

FÁS will also be providing in the autumn a facility for redundant apprentices who have reached the minimum qualifying standard in all phases 1-7 inclusive and who have not completed the minimum duration in employment as an apprentice to make an application for consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning for the Award of an Advanced Craft Certificate.

State Agencies.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

108 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are plans for redundancies at the injuries board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27728/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Consideration of issues of this kind would, in the first instance, be a matter for the Board. However, I have been advised by their Chief Executive, Ms Patricia Byron, that there are currently no plans for redundancies at the Board.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

109 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the training and other programmes available to people who have recently become unemployed. [28146/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to incentivise a return to the workforce for persons currently on the live register; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28008/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 139 and 109 together.

In terms of unemployment the Government is acutely aware of the negative impacts that unemployment can have on an individual, their family and society as a whole and has invested substantial resources in addressing the unemployment problem.

FÁS employment services together with Local Employment Services have put in place measures designed to increase capacity for the rise in referrals from the Department of Social and Family Affairs (DSFA). Job Search/National Employment Action Plan annual referral capacity has been increased to 147,000 persons in 2009.

The total number of training, activation and work experience places funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment through FÁS in 2009 now stands at over 129,000. This is a substantial increase when compared with those available at the end of last year.

In addressing the current challenges in the labour market the Department, in conjunction with FÁS, have enacted several significant measures to improve existing suite of services available to the unemployed. These measures include:

92,000 training places on short courses are available to the unemployed and people on short-time work and will be delivered through three core-training initiatives, Short Courses, Night Courses and Online Courses.

500 places on the employer based redundant apprentices rotation scheme to assist redundant apprentices progress their apprenticeships this year, which involves a subsidy being paid to employers who provide redundant apprentices with the necessary on-the-job experience.

700 places on the Institutes of Technology training programme for redundant apprentices. Combined with existing initiatives for redundant apprentices this means that approximately 3,600 redundant apprentices will now be able to progress their apprenticeships or receive training.

2000 places on the work placement programme which is providing six-month places to individuals who are unemployed including graduates. Participants on the scheme will retain their social welfare entitlements.

277 places on a short-time training programme which is providing training to people on systematic short-time for the days they are not working

2,500 places for those who are unemployed to participate in part-time third level education of which my Department is funding 1,500.

400 places on Community Employment Schemes, which has increased places to 22,700 this year.

Through these initiatives Government is providing these unemployed individuals with the opportunities to improve their skills and competencies. Furthermore we are not only increasing their employability but we are also improving the skills level of our entire labour force, which will benefit us all in the years ahead

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

110 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to her by her Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27117/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated at present and will be issued to him with a response as soon as the necessary data has been gathered.

Enda Kenny

Question:

111 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the accumulated cost of court cases taken by her Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27178/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The information sought by the Deputy in relation to my Department and its Offices is set out in the tables. Employment Rights Prosecutions and Civil Enforcement Cases

NERA, and its predecessor the Employment Rights Compliance Section of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, processes both the enforcement of awards of both the Labour Court and the Employment Appeals Tribunal through the Courts (civil enforcement cases) and prosecution cases on behalf of Inspection Services where employers fail to comply with certain employment rights legislation and in situations where employers in the construction industry fail to comply with Orders of the Labour Court.

Tables 1 and 2 show the number of prosecution and civil enforcement cases referred in the years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and to end June, 2009.

The majority of the legal costs relating to these cases was borne by the Chief State Solicitor's Office and is not known to NERA. However, NERA did incur costs in respect of legal searches and the registration of a judgement mortgage carried out in advance of certain civil enforcement cases being referred to the Chief State Solicitor's Office. These costs are shown in Table 2.

The provision of legal services by the Chief State Solicitor's Office in support of NERA's prosecution and civil enforcement activities ceased in October 2008. NERA entered into contracts with legal firms in April 2009 for the provision of legal services to NERA. As none of these cases have yet been concluded, the actual costs in each case cannot be determined at this time. For example, of the 29 prosecution cases referred in 2009 to date, summonses have issued in 15 cases.

Table 1: Employment Rights-Prosecutions Referred 2004-2009
Number of Cases Referred	Date initiated	Case initiated by	Nature of Cases	Costs
29 Cases	2009*	Minister	Breaches of Employment Rights Legislation	Costs (to be borne by NERA) not yet determined
70 Cases	2008	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO
98 Cases	2007	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO
62 Cases	2006	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO
61 Cases	2005	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO
54 Cases	2004	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO

*To end June, 2009.

Table 2: Employment Rights-Civil Enforcement cases Referred 2004-2009
Number of Cases referred	Year initiated	Case initiated by	Nature of Case	Costs	Legal Searches and other Costs
					€
0	2009*	—	—	Nil	0
12	2008	Minister	Enforcement of Labour Court or Employment Appeals Tribunal Awards	Costs borne by CSSO	3,135
17	2007	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO	3,232
19	2006	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO	3,283
24	2005	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO	4,195
35	2004	Minister	As above	Costs borne by CSSO	4,097

*To end June, 2009.

Table 3: Freedom of Information cases
Name of Case	Date Initiated	Case Initiated by	Nature of Case	Costs	Any other Information for the Minister (may or may not be used in Final Reply)
Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment v The Information Commissioner Appeal under S42 of the FOI Act as amended.	14 Dec 2004	Minister	Regarding a decision of the Information Commissioner on 18 October 2004 directing the Department to release records relating to Waterford City Enterprise Board under FOI.	CSSO represented the Department.	Judgment was delivered on 25 January 2006 in favour of the Department. On the advice of the CSSO the Department did not seek costs, as this would entail a transfer from one vote to another.

The Department is unable to supply the details for each individual case, as requested by the Deputy, in the time given. An aggregate number of the cases and costs per annum is provided as follows.
Table 4: Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs cases
Year	Aggregate Number of Court Cases*	Nature of Prosecutions	Cost Incurred including VAT	Case Initiated by
			€
2004	8	Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order, 1999 and contrary to Section 22 of the Prices Acts 1958 to 1972 as amended by the Restrictive Practices (Amendment) Act 1987	10,666	Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs
	3	Consumer Information Act, 1978
	1	European Communities (Labelling of Footwear) Regulations, 1996 and contrary to Section 3 of the European Communities Act 1972
	9	European Communities (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations 2002 and contrary to Section 3 of the European Communities Act, 1972
	4	Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987 and contrary to Section 20 of Restrictive Practices Act, 1972 as amended by the Restrictive Practices (Amendment) Act, 1987
	3	Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, as amended by Section 4(2) of the Consumer Information Act,1978
	1	Consumer Credit Act, 1995: Contrary to Sections 21(1) and 26(1)
2005	8	Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order, 1999	**180,334	Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs
	4	EC (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations, 2002
	1	Prices Act, 1958 to 1972
	4	Restrictive Practices Act 1972, as amended by the Restrictive Practices (Amendment) Act, 1987 and of the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order, 1987
	1	Consumer Information Act, 1978

Table 4: Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs cases —*continued*
Year	Aggregate Number of Court Cases*	Nature of Prosecutions	Cost Incurred including VAT	Case Initiated by
			€
2006	14	Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order, 1999	20,243	Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs
	22	EC (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations, 2002
	5	Consumer Information Act, 1978
	1	Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, as amended by Section 4(2) of the Consumer Information Act, 1978
2007	1	Retail Price (Beverages in Licensed Premises) Display Order, 1999	2,148	Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs
	5	EC (Requirements to Indicate Product Prices) Regulations, 2002
	1	Consumer Information Act, 1978
	1	Charges (Hairdressing) Display Order, 1976
	1	EC (Labelling, Presentation and Advertising of Foodstuffs) Regulations, 2002 and 2003
	1	Retail Price (Food in Catering Establishments) Order 1984
Totals	99		213,391

*The Aggregate number of cases taken refers to cases taken in the year 01 January-01 December inclusive, with the exception of 2007 in which the ODCA was is in existence for the period 01 January-30 April 2007.

**Costs include legal advice sought for a prosecution & appeal brought under the Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order, 1987

In the course of discharging its functions, the ODCE are involved in taking numerous court proceedings each year. These include a range of civil actions such as applications for the disqualification of directors and applications for directions to comply with legal requirements and criminal prosecutions for breaches of company law as well as a range of other forms of proceedings. Details of the various legal proceedings involving the Office are outlined in the Office's annual report each year (Appendix 3.2.).

The total legal expenses incurred by the Office for each of the years is as follows:

Table 5: Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement cases
Year	€000s
2004	136
2005	207
2006	452
2007	913
2008	630
2009 (to end-June)	594

In some cases, costs orders in favour of the Office are made. The amount of costs recovered each year is as follows:

Year	€000s
2004	154
2005	109
2006	27
2007	24
2008	139
2009 (to end-June)	1

Company and Director prosecutions were taken by the CRO in respect of the failure by companies to file annual returns as required under section 125 of the Companies Act 1963. These cases were prosecuted by the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the full legal costs relating to these cases are not known to the CRO. The only expenses for the CRO were the cost of swearing the Declaration of Service that has to be sworn for each individual summons before the summonses can be entered in the District Court Office — that is usually 10 euro per Declaration. The expenses incurred for each of the years are as follows:

Table 6: Companies Registration Office cases
Year	€
2004	250
2005	1,660
2006	1,470
2007	1,030
2008	1,220
2009 (to end-June)	—

CRO has also initiated several cases under section 371 of the Companies Act 1963 as amended, seeking an order from the High Court directing companies and their directors to file overdue annual returns. Papers are sent to the Chief State Solicitors Office to serve summonses and the only cost that arises for the CRO is the cost of having an affidavit signed and sworn in each case, which amounts to €12 per affidavit plus €2 for each exhibit that accompanies the affidavit.

The costs incurred for each of the years are as follows:

Year	€
2004	—
2005	—
2006	56
2007	—
2008	280
2009 (to end-June)	294

The following information should be borne in mind in relation to the data being supplied.

(1) The costs above relate to legal bills only and do not include internal Department staff costs.

(2) In addition to the cases listed above, the Multilateral Trade Policy Section of my Department is dealing with a case at the European Court of Justice. In that case, Ireland is intervening in a situation where the European Commission has asked the Court for an Opinion on the operation of the EU's Common Commercial Policy (i.e. the EU trade policy). To date the work in this case, which was initiated on 18 February 2009, has been carried out by the Office of the Attorney General and the Chief State Solicitor's Office and no fee notes for this work have yet been received.

Job Creation.

Finian McGrath

Question:

112 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support investment and jobs on the north side of Dublin, particularly Dublin 3, 5, 9 and 17. [27189/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

For the purpose of promoting investment and jobs in Dublin, the Enterprise Development agencies do not distinguish between individual postal districts of the city.

As regards foreign direct investment, there are some 450 IDA Ireland supported companies in the city employing over 50,000 people. In the past week IBM Corporation, the largest information technology company in the world, announced its intention to make an investment of over €25 million in an expansion of its Ireland Software Lab. The expansion will see the company create 100 new software engineering positions in its Ireland Software Lab located in Dublin. In addition, Rottapharm, which is located in Mulhuddart, announced a significant expansion of its Irish manufacturing with a €7 million investment and an increase in employment of 35 people in new high level positions, which will bring employment at the site to 150 people.

In relation to indigenous industry, Enterprise Ireland is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs who are setting up High Potential Start-Up Companies. The agency is also focused on the retention and creation of jobs in existing companies. Since the beginning of 2008, Enterprise Ireland has approved over €47m and made payments of over €30m in support of development projects for indigenous companies in the north Dublin area. These include support for development and expansion of campus company activity to encourage and support the commercialisation of research and development carried out in the third level sector.

The recently established Enterprise Stabilisation Fund will enable internationally trading companies survive the current global downturn by supporting their drive to reduce costs and gain sales in overseas markets. Sustainable economic recovery will be driven by enterprises focused on increasing their exports of innovative products and services in global markets.

Enterprise Ireland has also provided funding for Campus Incubation Centres in Dublin City University, Blanchardstown Institute of Technology, Dublin Institute of Technology and in the National College of Ireland located in the International Financial Services Centre. Enterprise Ireland also supports Third Level Colleges to foster links with industry thereby encouraging industry to increase its use of technology. Under the Innovation Partnership and Research Funding Programme, Enterprise Ireland approved over €33m in supports and made payments in excess of €24m since the beginning of 2007 in support of such projects in the north Dublin area.

The agency has made significant investment in Community Enterprise Centres in the North Dublin area to support the establishment and expansion of micro enterprises through local community participation. Under the various Community Enterprise Centre Schemes, Centres were supported in Coolock and Darndale. Those centres are now fully occupied and provide vital accommodation for micro enterprise companies in their formative years. Enterprise Ireland has also funded Community Enterprise Centres in Ballymun, Gloucester Place, North King Street, Oxmantown Lane, the Bolton Trust Centre at East Wall Road and at Mulhuddart and Balbriggan.

Finally, the Dublin City Enterprise Board provides support to micro-enterprises in the start-up and expansion phases in manufacturing, tourism and services. The Board supports individuals, firms and community groups.

Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 62.

Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 88.

Job Initiative.

Joan Burton

Question:

115 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the difficulties facing professional researchers both in terms of securing permanent employment and choosing a career path; her views on whether meeting these challenges is particularly important in order to enhance Ireland’s position as an attractive research location for Irish and international researchers and that meeting these challenges is an urgent matter in view of the rapid increase in PhD graduates here; the steps she has taken to implement the Forfás report Towards a Framework for Researcher Careers since its publication in October 2008; the number of times the researcher careers working group has met since the publication of the report; the progress it has made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27301/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Conor Lenihan)

The Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013 aims to ensure that Ireland, by 2013, will be internationally renowned for the excellence of its research, and will be to the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social progress, within an innovation driven culture. The SSTI recognises the vital contribution that highly educated, professional and effective researchers can make to the development of Ireland's knowledge economy. It acknowledges the importance of putting conditions in place to facilitate our Higher Education Institutions, Public Sector Research Institutes and private enterprise in the recruitment and retention of such researchers. The Strategy highlights the importance of people embarking on 4th level studies having a clear sense of career path options, whether they be in academia, enterprise or administration and calls for the development of a sustainable career path for researchers.

Following publication of the SSTI, the Advisory Science Council (ASC) was requested to consider how the Government could best facilitate the development of researcher careers and to prepare recommendations. The Council's report ‘Towards a Framework for Researcher Careers' was published in October 2008. The report contains a number of key recommendations including:

The establishment of a distinctive and transparent Framework for Developing Professional Careers within the HEIs which would also be recognised and have relevance for the enterprise sector;

That terms and conditions under which researchers are employed should be consistent irrespective of the sources of funding for their positions;

That funding agencies and HEIs should establish a programme to ensure Ireland reaches the EU average of female participation rates among senior academic levels by 2018;

That funding agencies should increase the level of funding available to humanities and social sciences to further support researcher careers in these disciplines;

That the HEIs, public sector research institutes and enterprise need collectively to develop and implement a researcher careers competency framework;

That a national programme should be established providing career information, including information on the personal and professional researcher skills required by each sector — HEIs, the public sector and enterprise,

That, as the first stage of professional career development of researchers, Graduate Schools should be developed to ensure PhD students learn practical business skills such as project management, people and financial management, marketing and skills required for the commercialisation of research;

That funding agencies should facilitate international mobility, both inward and outward, among all researchers by providing continuity of funding to those seeking international experience and those that seek to return to Ireland.

The Higher Education Research Group (HERG), which is chaired by the Department of Education and Science, oversees and has responsibility for the coherent development of policy and funding initiatives arising under the SSTI which pertain to the higher education and research sector. Following publication of the ASC's report, a Researchers Careers Working Group was subsequently established under the aegis of the Higher Education Research Group to focus on the development of a clearly and broadly consistent path for career progression across the higher education sector. The group is chaired by the Department of Education and Science and comprises representatives of employers, funders and promoters of research, the Higher Education Authority and Forfás.

My colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, has informed me that the Researcher Careers Group has met on three occasions to date. In addition DES have engaged in bilateral meetings with a number of key stakeholders. The Group has recently concluded its work and has prepared a report containing proposals to develop a framework for a national researcher careers structure which incorporates clear definitions of title, a performance development and appraisal system, continuing professional skills development and is underpinned by the guiding principle that attainment of titles must be based on a transparent, open and competitive process. An initial briefing on the Researchers Careers Working Group report has been given to the HERG and it is proposed to formally submit the report to the next scheduled meeting of the HERG in September.

Job Creation.

Tom Hayes

Question:

116 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs clubs here; the number of clients they have dealt with individually for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on their role in tackling unemployment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27327/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

FÁS Job Clubs were introduced in 1999 to assist people who were actively seeking employment by providing support for the job search process and an environment in which it could be carried out. Independent Sponsor Groups are contracted by FÁS on a year to year basis to run the programme.

Job Clubs are seen as an important resource and intervention for those who have recently completed training programmes or have recently become unemployed. They provide both a formal and structured input as well as a drop-in resource facility. They also help the individual in overcoming the personal effects of unemployment by providing a mutual support forum from people in a similar situation.

56 Job Clubs nationwide provided formal programmes to the following numbers of clients for the past three years:

2006: 6,417;

2007: 7,100;

2008: 8,814.

I understand that the number of "drop-ins" would be approximately double these figures. During 2009 it is proposed to increase the number of Job Clubs to over 60.

Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 81.

Redundancy Payments.

Community Employment Schemes.

John O'Mahony

Question:

121 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs which have been lost due to the curtailment of the community employment schemes in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for each county in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27660/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis. The purpose of CE is to help unemployed people to re-enter the open labour market by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to work routine and to assist them to enhance/develop both their technical and personal skills.

As can be seen from the following table, the numbers on CE have increased from year-end 2006 to year-end 2008.

Year-End Statistics for Community Employment, by County/Location
Location/County	2006	2007	2008
Dublin	5,647	6,105	6,001
Carlow	319	322	325
Cavan	254	223	224
Clare	573	578	573
Cork	2,064	2,088	2,125
Donegal	1,109	1,128	1,145
Galway	1,415	1,421	1,447
Kerry	889	958	973
Kildare	613	624	628
Kilkenny	407	381	401
Laois	318	310	310
Leitrim	154	144	149
Limerick	1,227	1,224	1,221
Longford	305	304	301
Louth	740	777	754
Mayo	749	796	800
Meath	424	425	422
Monaghan	355	385	354
Offaly	398	375	373
Roscommon	284	310	300
Sligo	409	411	415
Tipperary	1,133	1,165	1,130
Waterford	547	581	557
Westmeath	512	492	511
Wexford	775	796	794
Wicklow	661	669	663
Actual TOTAL	22,281	22,992	22,896

Note: The figures include supervisors.

Departmental Schemes.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

122 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to extend the duration of the work placement programme scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23248/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

123 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to extend the number of places on the work placement programme scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23243/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

The aim of the Work Placement Programme is to put in place a structured mechanism that will provide vital work experience and training opportunities for the broadest number of individuals and also provide invaluable work experience for unemployed persons, including graduates, to improve their skills and to help them into employment as soon as possible.

At this moment in time beyond the 2,000 places currently being offered for 6 months to individuals, I have no immediate plans to extend the number of places or the duration of the Work Placement Programme.

However, during and following completion of the Work Placement Programme it is my intention to review and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the Programme. It will be in this context that I will consider any potential extensions of numbers and duration of the Programme.

Redundancy Payments.

Sean Fleming

Question:

124 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a copy of the original RP50 form signed by a person (details supplied) in County Laois in respect of a claim for redundancy. [27695/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department has received a redundancy lump sum application in the case of the individual concerned.

I understand that the person concerned has been in direct contact with the Redundancy Payments Section recently and a copy of the RP50 form was sent by post to the individual last week.

Community Employment Schemes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

125 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 124 of 30 June 2009, the Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas who sit on sponsoring committees of community employment projects; the relevant sponsoring committee in each instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27747/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

I am advised that FÁS is aware that there are a number of sitting Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas on the Sponsoring Committees of Community Employment (CE) projects. In order to accurately establish and confirm the exact numbers and names, it will be necessary to contact all of the CE Sponsors (over 1,100 Sponsors with at least 7 members on each) through our regional management to ascertain who are currently listed as members of the Sponsoring Committees and whether any of them are Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas. When this information is available I will communicate it directly to the Deputy.

Labour Inspectorate.

John McGuinness

Question:

126 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of inspectors employed by the National Employment Rights Authority; if this number will be increased over the coming months; if all of the inspectors are on contract or employed under the usual terms and conditions of the Civil Service; if the inspectors are entitled to subsistence and other expenses; the overall cost to date of all of those employed in this category; the number of premises visited in each region here; the number of cases prosecuted through the courts; the numbers of prosecutions or cases pending; the type of breaches being discovered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27816/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) currently has in place a team of 77 inspectors. They are all employed under the standard terms and conditions governing civil servants in general. Inspectors are entitled to receive travel and subsistence in respect of expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their official duties.

There are no proposals at present to increase the number of inspectors. The Minister for Finance has recently introduced a moratorium on the filling of vacancies in the Public Service until the end of 2010, which will impact on NERA in common with all other public bodies.

The total costs, comprising pay and travel and subsistence costs, in relation to activities and operations of NERA's Inspection Services are set out in Table 1. It has not been possible, in the time available, to apportion other non-pay costs between the different services within NERA.

Data in relation to inspection activity is currently maintained on a case basis and information in relation to the number of unique employers visited is not readily available. The data provided in Table 2 below represents an indicative estimate by NERA of the number of employers visited.

The inspection process includes calls, visits and inspections in respect of each case. In 2008 a total of 27,900 were carried out. The figure to date in 2009 is 10,445. NERA inspectors have an enforcement role under aspects of the following legislation:

Industrial Relations Acts 1946-2004 — (1) Employment Regulation Orders (Joint Labour Committee system) and (2) Registered Employment Agreement system,

The National Minimum Wage Act 2000 –

Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996 –

Organisation of Working Time Act 1997

Payment of Wages Act 1991- statement of wages aspect only.

Carer's Leave Act 2001

Employment Agency Act 1971

Protection of Employment Act 1977

Protection of Employees (Employers' Insolvency) Acts 1984 to 2003

Parental Leave Act 1998 (Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform).

Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006

NERA will shortly be commencing inspections under the Employment Permits Acts 2003 and 2006.

In the course of 2008, prosecution proceedings were initiated by NERA in 70 cases. Proceedings were concluded in 88 cases, which included cases initiated in 2007. Convictions were obtained in 41 cases while in the balance of 47 cases the breaches were rectified before the court hearing or the cases were withdrawn or struck out.

In the course of 2009 to date prosecution proceedings have been initiated by NERA in 29 cases. Proceedings were concluded in 59 cases. Convictions were obtained in 13 cases while in the balance of 46 cases the breaches were rectified before the court hearing or the cases were withdrawn or struck out.

NERA inspections indicate a very broad variance in the level of compliance with employment legislation. The level of compliance ranges from over 90% in Protection of Young Persons and National Minimum Wage to 55% in respect of Organisation of Working Time Act and is as low as 15% in relation to compliance with some Employment Regulation Orders. It would appear the higher the level of awareness the higher the compliance level. This supports the view that most employers want to comply with employment law.

Some of the more serious illegal practices NERA has uncovered include:

Failure to pay the appropriate rate;

Falsifying records including payslips and timesheets;

Paying employees for significantly fewer hours than they actually worked;

Making unlawful deductions from employees wages;

Failure to keep records;

Failing to produce any records for inspection;

Not providing employees with payslips/statement of wages;

Providing documentation that purports to show arrears of wages have been paid to employees when this is not the case;

Inadequate public holiday/annual leave provision.

Table 1: NERA Inspection Services Costs, 2008 and 2009 (to end June)
Category	2008	2009 (to end June)
	€000s	€000s
Pay	4,813	2,430
Travel & Subsistence	914	243
Total	5,727	2,673

Table 2: Estimate of Number of Employers visited by NERA in 2008 and 2009 (to end June)
Region	Regional HQ	No. of Employers Visited
		2008	2009 (to end June)
South East	Carlow	3,287	1,230
South	Cork	1,339	372
North East	Dublin	3,080	894
West	Shannon	1,318	827
North West	Sligo	1,065	239
Totals		10,089	3,562

Redundancy Payments.

John McGuinness

Question:

127 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her preferential claim against a company (details supplied) under the Redundancy Payments Acts will be struck out; and if she will expedite a response in view of the circumstances of the case. [27817/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

It is up to the employer in the first instance to pay statutory redundancy entitlement to employees. When an employer does so, he is entitled to claim a rebate of 60% from the Social Insurance Fund. If the employer is unable to pay the statutory amount, then the employee can, ultimately, be paid directly by my Department from the Fund. In such cases, 40% of each statutory redundancy lump sum paid is recoverable from the assets of the employer by the Department for the Fund.

This statutory Redundancy Recoveries function is provided for in Sections 42 and 43 of the Redundancy Payments Act, 1967 (as subsequently amended). Section 42 of the Redundancy Payments Acts 1967 — 2007 confers on the Minister, preferential creditor status in a winding-up situation in recovering amounts paid from the Social Insurance Fund. Thus, a redundancy lump sum (or part thereof) is made a priority debt under Section 285 of the Companies Act, 1963, in cases of winding-up, and a priority debt under Section 81 of the Bankruptcy Act, 1988, in cases of a bankrupt or arranging debtor. Section 43 of the 1967 Act also makes general provision whereby all monies due to the Fund (whether in a winding-up situation or not) are debts, which can be recovered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

In the present case, my Department paid a statutory redundancy lump sum in favour of a former employee of the company from the Social Insurance Fund and the Department was involved in written communication with the company at the time. The company was also advised of the fact that given that the payment was made directly from the Social Insurance Fund, the Minister, in line with the provisions of the Redundancy Payments Acts referred to, had preferential creditor status.

The Minister has no discretion with regard to the 40% due to the Social Insurance Fund in terms of any legal powers to divert, from the Social Insurance Fund, monies which may be recovered from the assets of the company at some future point and the Minister is not in a position to strike off the outstanding liability to the Social Insurance Fund.

Job Losses.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

128 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the full extent of job losses and job creation throughout County Kildare in each of the past five years to date in 2009 in the manufacturing service or knowledge based areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27997/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Employment data in respect of companies supported by the Enterprise Agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Shannon Development) is collated by Forfás on an annual basis only, and accordingly data is not available for 2009. The knowledge agenda transcends all sectors of the economy and data is not categorised on this basis. Data on job gains and job losses in Kildare County in Manufacturing and Services for the years 2004-2008 is shown in the table. This table indicates that 1,055 jobs net were lost in the manufacturing sector in the 5 year period, while there was a net increase of 310 in the numbers employed in the Services sector in the same period. At end 2008 the numbers employed in Co. Kildare in enterprise agency assisted firms stood at 14,478.

The enterprise development agencies are committed to promoting Co. Kildare as a location for investment as part of an integrated East Region, with access to a population base of 1.5 million people, as well as supporting and developing businesses already present in the county. The agencies are working closely with educational institutions in the county, and with FÁS in developing the skill sets necessary to attract high value added employment to the county and to provide guidance in developing the skills needed by those already in the workforce, who are interested in upskilling.

At present there are 25 IDA Ireland supported companies in Kildare County employing 9,837 people, and in recent years IDA have succeeded in attracting some world class manufacturing companies such as Intel, Wyeth Medica, Braun Oral B and Hewlett Packard. In the present competitive global markets, it is increasingly difficult to continue to attract such facilities, as manufacturing companies, in particular, are going to low cost destinations. Despite the downturn, Kildare remains very attractive for FDI as evidenced by the recent announcement by Hewlett Packard of the expansion of its Global Service Desk operation at its Liffey Park Technology Campus in Leixlip, which will result in the creation of 500 jobs over the next 12 months in the areas of technical support, R&D and training. A further example of the attractiveness of the county is the recent announcement of the expansion of the Oral B facility creating 100 jobs in Newbridge.

Enterprise Ireland activity is focused on the creation of new jobs through supporting entrepreneurs in manufacturing and internationally traded services companies who are setting up new High Potential Start-Up Companies. Since the beginning of 2005, Enterprise Ireland has approved over €15m in support to companies in Kildare to help them grow their sales and exports and improve innovation and new product development in order that they can compete on world markets. The consumer foods sector in particular has shown rapid growth in recent years. The last two years have seen significant investment by Green Isle Foods and Dawn Farm Foods Ltd, both supported by Enterprise Ireland, leading to significant employment increases in both of these facilities.

In 2009, EI's priority is to consolidate the position of existing Irish exporters in key markets (notably UK and US), and to identify and exploit new export opportunities across the Eurozone and in other selected markets. Enterprise Ireland is focusing additional resources on the Eurozone, with the objective of helping Irish companies to win sales in these markets. A number of markets have also been identified that are less affected by the global downturn, including Brazil, Russia, India, China and the Gulf region. Enterprise Ireland Trade Missions, international buyer programmes and client promotional activities at trade fairs, conferences and exhibitions are vital in establishing presences in international markets for goods and services.

During 2008, Enterprise Ireland launched a new Growth Fund, which provides clients with funding of up to €450,000 to help them achieve greater competitiveness by investing in new equipment, implementing new processes, training staff, or hiring key managers or consultants. In 2008, a total €26.23 million was approved under the Growth Fund to support 84 competitiveness improvement projects. This fund will continue to support companies' competitiveness over the next two years.

Enterprise Agency Supported Jobs (Gains/Losses) in Co. Kildare 2004-2008
		2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	Total
Manufacturing	Job Gains	896	797	752	526	238	3,209
	Job Losses	-709	-332	-687	-1,216	-1,320	-4,264
International & Financial Services & Other	Job Gains	224	227	165	88	116	820
	Job Losses	-100	-115	-32	-108	-155	-510

Question No. 129 answered with Question No. 57.

Economic Competitiveness.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

130 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs in the manufacturing and service areas which have relocated from Ireland to more competitive economies in each of the past ten years to date in 2009; the extent to which she monitors this situation; the action in relation to same; the result of the action; her future proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27999/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

131 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to manufacturing and service job relocation to more competitive economies in the course of the past ten years; the action she has taken to address such issues; the effect of such action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28000/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 131 together.

There are many differing and complex factors, apart from costs, that influence a firm's decision to relocate. Therefore, it is not currently possible to say how many jobs have ‘relocated' from Ireland over the past ten years. Job ‘churn' occurs in the internationally trading sector of the economy, in a number of ways and for a variety of reasons. Companies adjust their plant location and utilisation strategies to address matters such as accessing new markets, moving production nearer to customers, meeting firm or market specific customer relationship issues, accessing technology, in addition to business takeovers and consolidations. For much of the last decade this churn has been positive for Ireland, with companies replacing lower value activities with activities of higher value, resulting in better paid, more highly skilled jobs.

The phenomenon of globalisation is changing the way economic production is organised the world over. Lower barriers to trade and improvements in transport technology are increasing the specialisation of production, resulting in global supply chains. Ireland experiences both benefits and costs resulting from globalisation. Inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) illustrates the clearest demonstration of the benefits to Ireland from globalisation. This has been one of the principal causes of the strong economic performance of Ireland over the last two decades. However, as Ireland has gained from the mobility of modern production and supply chain models, competition from other locations for mobile investment has intensified. This shift in the structure of international trade poses challenges to economic policy makers in all countries.

Of course, some churn can be negative, when it results in a net loss of employment. Total job numbers employed in enterprise agency supported companies, (which represents a large portion of employment in the internationally traded sector of the economy), increased by approximately 7.5%, in the 10 years to 2008. The global economic downturn has seen a decline in the number of people employed in the internationally trading element of the economy in 2008/09, but this is a phenomenon being experienced by economies at every stage of development around the globe. The International Labour Organisation forecasts global unemployment to rise considerably, over the immediate term. The decline in the level of employment in Ireland's internationally trading sectors cannot therefore be simply related to job ‘relocation' alone.

Competitiveness can naturally decline in certain areas when an economy becomes more advanced — for example, developed economies cannot compete with developing countries in certain areas of low value, labour intensive production. However, competitiveness is vital to ensure Ireland continues to win investment in the areas of manufacturing and service activity in which it competes with other developed economies, such as high value manufacturing and internationally traded services.

A principal task of government is to ensure that Ireland continues to be an attractive place to do business, and to help foster economic competencies higher up the value chain. This government has made significant attempts to maintain and enhance our framework competitive conditions, and to promote new areas of competitive advantage by developing our R&D base, investing in critical physical and communication infrastructures, and promoting tertiary education and lifelong learning. The Enterprise Strategy Group report outlines the strategy being pursued by Government to move all enterprises in Ireland towards higher value added and knowledge based activities. Subsequent reports and strategies including the "Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation, 2006-2013”, the “National Skills Strategy” and “Building Ireland’s Smart Economy” further develop and build on these objectives.

Competitiveness is a key driver of economic development and my Department closely monitors Ireland's competitiveness for this reason — by a variety of means including the National Competitiveness Council's annual work in the area, which involves benchmarking the country's competitiveness performance against key competitors across more than 140 competitiveness indicators. The results of this analysis highlight areas where action needs to be taken to improve Irish competitiveness for enterprise, and informs the policy measures formulated to support Irish economic development.

The model of manufacturing in developed countries is changing and Irish enterprises are adapting to those changes. The "Report of the High-Level Group on Manufacturing” contains some 26 recommendations directed at key areas of innovation and productivity leading to transformational change, reskilling and management development, which will ensure Irish manufacturers, can continue to compete successfully on international markets and provide high value sustainable employment.

We continue to be one of the world's leading service exporting countries. The report of the Services Strategy Group, "Catching the Wave: A Services Strategy for Ireland”, sets out new policy proposals on how we can ensure the continued development and growth of Ireland’s services sector and outlines how to maximise the future returns to the country from services activities in all enterprises, both current and potential. Implementation of the recommendations – some of which are already being acted on by the Enterprise Agencies — will enable Irish service companies to exploit new and exciting opportunities, such as eLearning, business and financial services, professional and consultancy services and others.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

132 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has examined the trends in imports and exports in each of the past five years to date; if she has identified issues requiring attention; the action she has taken or proposes to take in response; the effect of such corrective action to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28001/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

In the period 2003-2008, annual growth in total Irish exports has averaged 5.5%. Over the five years in question our services exports have risen steadily from €37.1bn or 31.1% of total exports in 2003 to €69.2bn or 44.5% in 2008.

With regard to total imports, the annual growth rate averaged 6.6%. The growth in Merchandise imports showed an average annual growth rate of 3.9%, while the average annual growth in our Services imports was 9.1%. Between 2003-2008 our Services imports rose from being 50.7% to 56.6% of our total Services imports. Our trade surplus in 2008 was €23.79bn.

These healthy trade levels were achieved despite poor economic growth in many of our trading partners and also against the backdrop of adverse exchange rate trends in our two biggest export markets, the United States and the United Kingdom. Our performance is especially significant when compared to our EU partners. The latest figures released by Eurostat, demonstrate that in several of the major Member States, exports declined by over 20% in the first quarter of this year, whereas Ireland's were virtually unchanged at -0.01%. Over recent years, net exports have made a very significant contribution to GDP growth. In 2008 the contribution of net exports was 2.7% and in the first quarter of 2009 it was 6.09%.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through Enterprise Ireland, is active both in assisting Irish indigenous companies to find new markets for their products and services and to increase their existing level of market share. Both my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan T.D. and I, have been active in leading trade missions to develop new opportunities for Irish exporters, in association with Enterprise Ireland. We will continue to do so, to both existing long- established markets, to the new EU Member States and also to other emerging high-growth markets, with a view to increasing the share of exports by Irish companies worldwide. To illustrate the success of these efforts, our exports to the eight priority countries identified in our Asia Strategy, have more than doubled in five years to over €11bn.

The importance of our Services trade to the economy is growing. The future performance in services activities will therefore be increasingly important to overall growth in the economy. The Services Strategy Group, which was set up in 2007 by Forfás and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, published its report — "Catching the Wave: A Services Strategy for Ireland”, in September last. The report sets out new policy proposals on how the State can ensure the continued development and growth of Ireland’s services sector. The recommendations in this report will guide the development of our services strategy into the future, to further exploit the opportunities that this sector presents.

The manufacturing sector is in transition but is well positioned to meet future challenges. Ireland's manufacturing future depends on a manufacturing sector that is capital intensive, knowledge intensive and skills intensive, focused on developing innovative products, services and solutions and meeting the needs of markets and customers. The 2007 report of the High Level Group on Manufacturing identifies the focused actions needed by employers, employees and Government to respond to challenges and take advantage of opportunities to further develop the sector in Ireland and these are being pursued through the Government Framework for Economic Renewal.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

133 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has identified any issues that are currently deemed to negatively impact on economic growth here; the steps she will take in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28002/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

There are a number of factors which impact on economic growth. These are level of investment, consumption, government spending and net exports. The impact of the fall in housing and construction volumes is well understood and has had a negative impact on economic growth.

One of the primary areas of focus in my Department is on growing exports. The most recent export figures are encouraging. Year-on-year Irish exports to April rose by 6%. Year-on-year pharmaceutical exports rose by 19%. Our export performance is in turn dependant on our productivity levels and our competitiveness. The Government has taken and will continue to take the necessary steps to improve our competitiveness and productivity in order to return to economic growth at sustainable levels.

Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 98.

Question No. 135 answered with Question No. 57.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

136 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to address the concerns of small and medium enterprises with reference to costs, credit and competitiveness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28005/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Under the framework for Economic Renewal we are taking a number of measures across Government to improve our competitiveness. Cost competitiveness is a particular focus of action and we are already seeing results. Firstly, Irish inflation declined by 4.7% in the year to May 2009. We have also seen a decline in unit labour costs which has a direct effect on competitiveness. We will continue to exert further downward pressure on costs including reviewing the recommendations of the Competition Authority which have most effect on competitiveness. We are working to ease costs to enterprise in administered sectors of the economy under state control such as local authority charges. We are also easing the administrative burden that regulations can create.

Energy prices have come down in recent months and I will continue to work closely with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to ensure that we continue to exert downward pressure on energy costs. Across Government there is a concerted approach to eliminate structural rigidities that have contributed to high costs. The current initiative to legislate against upward only rent reviews is a further example of this cross Government effort.

With regard to credit, we have taken determined action to address the fundamental issue of access to finance for business, by way of the new code of practice for banks linked to the re-capitalisation scheme. The Minister for Finance and I have, furthermore, recently established the Credit Supply Clearing Group to examine where the flow of credit to viable business appears to be blocked and develop solutions that enable adequate business credit flow.

In addition the Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher TD, is holding a series of regional meetings around the country to assess the factors affecting access to bank credit at local and regional level. These meetings allow the Government to hear at first hand the views and experiences of local business representative groups, local bank representatives and state agencies on access to bank lending. This will complement the work of the Credit Supply Clearing Group and feed into future Government policies on the issue.

To improve the competitive strengths of firms we continue to implement a series of policies to encourage a move to higher productivity levels and the production of higher value added goods and services. Our competitiveness priorities also include a strong focus on skills, education and training.

Furthermore, our long-term commitment to investing in and supporting science will, I am confident, bring an additional dimension to our competitiveness as well as taking us to a new level of innovation and entrepreneurial activity.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

137 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to improve the competitiveness of the economy with reference to improving export opportunities on world markets for Irish products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28006/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Billy Kelleher)

Ultimately it is individual businesses that must take advantage of global markets but it is my responsibility to ensure that no barriers are placed in their way. In this regard, my immediate competitiveness objectives are to ensure that the broad business environment is conducive to improved export opportunities and to facilitate a return to sustainable export growth. We will continue to provide the appropriate supports to the enterprise sector, restore our cost competitiveness and safeguard the significant achievements of recent years.

Our current enterprise policies are focused on driving export growth momentum by supporting companies to pursue aggressive and progressive growth strategies. Our priorities include strengthening and sustaining companies of strategic importance through a series of targeted initiatives provided by the development agencies. A central priority is to ensure that companies with high growth potential and in which the State has already invested are brought through this difficult period. These are companies that will continue to be successful on world markets and will provide essential high-value employment in the future.

Irish exporters have proved themselves well able to compete decisively on world markets. Between 2003 and 2007 our total Irish exports increased by more than 6% per annum year-on-year. Merchandise exports for the first quarter of 2009 were up by 2% and rose further in April, giving us a trade surplus for that month of just over €4bn, the highest monthly surplus in eight years and the second highest on record.

Our performance is especially significant when compared to our EU partners. The latest figures released by Eurostat, demonstrate that in several of the major Member States, exports declined by over 20% in the first quarter of this year.

Over recent years, net exports have made a very significant contribution to GDP growth. In 2008 the contribution of net exports was 2.7% and in the first quarter of 2009 it was 6.09%. In both cases this made a significant contribution to counteracting the other GDP elements that were negative.

Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

138 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created or lost here on a monthly basis for each of the past 12 months to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28007/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Employment and Unemployment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey or QNHS and published by the Central Statistics Office. Employment in the last 12 months has decreased by 158,500 while unemployment has increased by 96,100 in the 12 month period (Quarter 2 2008 to Quarter 1 2009).

QNHS Quarter	Unemployment	Change in Quarter Unemployment	Employment	Change in Quarter Employment
Apr-Jun 08	126,700	+17,300	2,112,800	-11,300
Jul-Sep 08	159,400	+32,700	2,107,100	-5,700
Oct-Dec 08	169,700	+10,300	2,054,600	-52,500
Jan-Mar 09	222,800	+53,100	1,965,600	-89,000
Total		+113,400		-158,500

There is no exact measure of the number of jobs lost over the last 12 months. However, my Department records the number of redundancies notified to them on a monthly basis. The following table sets out the number of redundancy notifications received for the last 12 months.

Redundancies for last 12 months
Date	Total
Jul-08	3,852
Aug-08	3,147
Sep-08	3,971
Oct-08	4,623
Nov-08	5,361
Dec-08	3,350
Jan-09	6,640
Feb-09	6,279
Mar-09	7,759
Apr-09	7,201
May-09	8,032
Jun-09	6,813

Question No. 139 answered with Question No. 109.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent of the incentives available to employers who might be in a position to increase their workforce with reference to the need to incentivise job creation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28009/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The Enterprise Development agencies under the aegis of my Department, namely IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, together with the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and the Employment Training agency FAS, provide incentives to assist with jobs.

As part of its marketing strategy to attract foreign direct investment into Ireland, IDA Ireland offers a range of assistance to its clients. The four main types of grants available are employment grants, capital grants, research and development grants and training grants. The agency also offers a range of tailored property solutions.

Enterprise Ireland delivers a wide range of supports to Irish companies, targeted at the specific requirements of clients throughout all regions to ensure that they develop to their full potential in terms of employment, innovation and exports, which in turn, stimulates job creation. The agency, in recognising the significant changes in the current economy both in Ireland and globally, has prepared a new recovery strategy to identify the actions that will be undertaken to help clients in 2009. Enterprise Ireland has refocused its efforts on strengthening and sustaining companies of strategic importance through a range of initiatives focused on the needs of its client base. The Enterprise Stabilisation Fund is a new initiative which I announced recently. This Fund, which is being administered by Enterprise Ireland, will help internationally trading companies to survive the current global downturn by supporting their drive to reduce costs and gain sales in overseas markets. Sustainable economic recovery will be driven by enterprises focused on increasing their exports of innovative products and services in global markets.

The types of direct grant-aid available from the CEBs include capital grants, feasibility study grants and employment grants. The 2009 allocation for the CEBs will enable the Boards to continue to be actively involved in the area of economic development and will ensure that available funds are targeted to maximise entrepreneurial development. This will be done not just by direct grant aid to businesses but also through the provision of a range of other important business supports such as mentoring, business training and business advice, all of which help to stimulate indigenous enterprise creation.

In relation to FÁS, the agency provides a range of incentives that are available for clients and employers. The recently announced Work Placement Programme is designed to offer unemployed people, including unemployed graduates, the opportunity to obtain 6 months quality experience in a work situation. The benefit to providers is that they will, by giving someone the opportunity to gain work experience in their field, ensure the future supply of qualified and experienced people for their business or sector. Additionally, should a position become available within the business, they would have a prospective applicant with relevant work experience. The agency also promotes a range of supports and grants including the Wage Subsidy Scheme and the Supported Employment Programme. The Wage Subsidy Scheme provides financial incentives to employers, outside the public sector, to employ disabled people who work more than twenty hours per week. Subsidies available through this scheme are structured under three separate strands and employers can benefit under one or all, simultaneously. The Supported Employment Programme is an active labour market initiative to assist jobseeker's with a disability to find employment in the open labour market. The programme facilitates the integration of people with disabilities into paid employment in the open labour market and provides support for the jobseeker and employer through a job coach to assist with the integration process.

I am satisfied that the range of actions which I have outlined will continue to address the jobs situation.

Job Losses.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

141 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which she has monitored the number of jobs lost or created on a county or regional basis in each of the past five years to date; the initiatives she has taken to address issues arising therefrom; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28010/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The number of people in employment is measured by the Quarterly National Household Survey or QNHS and published by the Central Statistics Office. In the first quarter of 2009, the most recent quarter for which data is available, employment increased by 48,500 in the five-year period, while unemployment increased by 139,100 over the same period.

The most recent data on employment levels in each of the past five years (on a year on year quarterly basis) are set out in the table:

	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
Employment	1,917,100	2,009,400	2,088,500	2,124,100	1,965,600
Unemployment	83,700	92,900	98,100	109,400	222,800

Source: CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey, Q1 2009 (January-March 2009).

There is no exact measure of the number of jobs lost, however, the Department records the number of redundancies notified to them on a monthly basis. The following table sets out the number of redundancy notifications received on a monthly basis for the years 2004 to 2008.

Actual Redundancies 2004-2009 broken down by month
	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009
January	2,771	1,653	2,314	2,777	2,764	6,640
February	2,468	1,656	1,970	1,587	2,838	6,279
March	2,035	1,017	1,589	2,214	2,311	7,759
April	2,335	2,567	1,879	2,155	3,114	7,201
May	1,959	2,426	2,173	1,942	2,462	8,032
June	2,153	2,144	1,906	2,046	2,914	6,813
July	2,636	2,225	2,066	2,287	3,852
August	1,656	1,842	1,836	2,319	3,147
September	1,618	1,795	1,591	1,859	3,971
October	1,692	2,089	2,202	2,174	4,623
November	2,397	2,092	2,077	2,380	5,261
December	1,321	1,650	2,081	1,719	3,350

Employment data in respect of companies supported by the Enterprise Agencies (Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and Shannon Development) is collated on an annual basis only, and accordingly monthly figures cannot be supplied. The following table sets out the number of full-time jobs created in enterprise agency assisted firms only, for the years 2004 to 2008.

Full-time Job Gains in Enterprise Agency assisted firms
Full-time Job Gains	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	Totals 2004 to 2008
Enterprise Ireland	12,564	14,316	15,052	15,776	10,522	68,230
IDA Ireland	10,959	12,041	11,866	9,976	8,837	53,679
Shannon Development	522	437	547	354	576	2,436
CEBs	1341	1938	2045	2266	1500	9090
Totals	25,386	28,732	29,510	28,372	21,435	133,435

The Government remains intent on achieving greater capacity within existing resources to meet the on-going challenges in the labour market. This year the Government have almost doubled the number of FÁS activation training and work experience places for the unemployed to over 129,000. This is a substantial increase on the 66,000 places, which were available at the end of last year. The majority of these additional places are on short courses and will be delivered through three core-training initiatives, Short Courses, Night Courses and Online Courses. These courses are designed to develop new skills and competencies for the unemployed to assist them in securing employment.

Other new programmes which have been rolled out for the unemployed are the Work Placement Programme and the Short time Training Programme. The Work Placement Programme is a six-month work experience programme for 2,000 individuals who are currently unemployed. Under this programme individuals will retain their social welfare entitlements. The Short Time Working Training Programme will provide two days training a week for 277 workers over a 52-week period who are on systematic short time. Participants on this programme will also continue to receive their existing social welfare entitlements.

Recently the Government presented proposals to the Social Partners which focused on measures to prevent job losses including the possible introduction of a temporary employment subsidy scheme which aims to help employees retain their jobs and employers their skilled workforce in these difficult times.

The Government is also committed to pursuing a job creation strategy that focuses on strengthening our competitiveness, driving down the cost of doing business here and ensuring our return to sustainable export-led growth. My Department's enterprise development agencies will continue to play a key role in supporting companies in creating new job opportunities.

Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

142 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent of her job creation proposals for the future; if emphasis on the knowledge based economy is likely to ignore the need to generate growth in the manufacturing sector; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that other jurisdictions are more competitive in the manufacturing sectors, are more than likely to become more competitive in the knowledge based economic sectors in the future and that action is required to address these issues; the action she has taken in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28011/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

The development of innovative products and services, underpinned by the effective and imaginative use of technology and new research, will be significant contributors to our economic success and job creation in the coming years. We have indeed been seeking, in our policy development and investment, to grow our innovation capacity to develop a knowledge economy. This will put the benefits and opportunities of science, technology and innovation at the heart of Irish economic and social development and grow our enterprise sector in a sustainable manner, thereby creating jobs and facilitate social advancement.

But this in no way diminishes the importance of manufacturing in our economy. The competitiveness model Ireland has to follow is one where innovation, talent and flexibility are our acknowledged core competencies and this is relevant for all industry sectors, including both our existing manufacturing base and for new investment in manufacturing that we continue to attract.

Under the Framework for Economic Renewal we are taking a number of measures across Government to improve our competitiveness. Cost competitiveness is a particular focus of action and we are already seeing results. Firstly, Irish inflation declined by 4.7% in the year to May 2009. We have also seen a decline in unit labour costs which has a direct effect on competitiveness. Other costs are on the way down also. The cost of energy which is a key cost for the manufacturing sector, has reduced by 10% in electricity prices and 12% in the price of gas. I will continue to work closely with my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to ensure that we continue to exert downward pressure on energy costs.

Our policy measures for developing the knowledge economy are designed to translate knowledge into jobs and growth. This includes many horizontal policies, such as education and skills development, along with the development of framework conditions to encourage both technological and non-technological innovation. For the manufacturing sector, this encompasses a broad range of areas, whether it is assisting manufacturing companies to realise the full potential of information technology, to adopt new technologies or leading edge processes or supporting R&D in manufacturing operations.

Manufacturing will continue to play a valuable part in future economic success as was clearly demonstrated in the report of the High Level Group on Manufacturing. The recommendations contained in this report are being advanced within the Framework for Economic Renewal to ensure that the manufacturing sector is further developed and well positioned for future growth. I would like to emphasise that, as stated in the report, manufacturing is a key driver of innovation and technological advance.

Sustainable growth must be based on growing Ireland's manufacturing and services export base, and we are firmly focused on providing a competitive environment and maintaining our reputation as a ‘good place to do business'.

State Agencies.

Simon Coveney

Question:

143 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the restructuring which will take place within Enterprise Ireland in 2009 and 2010; and the new initiatives which have been introduced in the past 12 months to protect jobs and create employment in Cork city and county. [28031/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

Enterprise Ireland (EI) developed a one year plan for 2009 to run in parallel to EI's existing strategy ‘Transforming Irish Industry 2008-2010'.

The priorities of this plan are as follows:

a. Access to Finance

b. Winning New Sales & Sustaining Exports

c. Stimulating Competitiveness

d. Promoting Innovation

e. Supporting Entrepreneurship

The primary focus of export growth remains an organisational priority, which Enterprise Ireland is supporting through the reorientation of resources and the introduction of a number of initiatives in 2009, all of which are open to client companies in the Cork Region.

(A) A major initiative is the recent establishment by the Government of a €100 million Enterprise Stabilisation Fund for 2009-2010 to help internationally trading companies with robust business models that would otherwise struggle to survive the global downturn. EI also continues to work closely with international and domestic venture capitalists, the banks and the European Investment Bank to secure finance for Irish enterprises.

(B) In 2009, the agency's priority is to consolidate the position of existing Irish exporters in key markets (notably UK and US), and to identify and exploit new export opportunities across the Eurozone and in other selected markets. Enterprise Ireland is also working to emphasise the role that public procurement plays in economic recovery and development.

(C) During 2008, Enterprise Ireland launched a new Growth Fund, which provides funding to help clients invest in new equipment, implement new processes, train staff, or hire key personnel. In 2008, a total €26.23 million was approved under the Growth Fund to support 84 competitiveness improvement projects. Two new departments are in the process of being established to help companies drive down costs. The Cost Reduction and Lean Manufacturing units are staffed by personnel who have considerable experience and expertise in manufacturing efficiency.

(D) The agency is continuing to promote the importance of R&D and innovation in companies. In the immediate term, Enterprise Ireland's priority is to help companies to maintain their current R&D levels and encourage them to focus on 6-12 month projects that will yield a short-term positive return, and EI has streamlined its approval and payments procedures to support this.

(E) EI's strategic approach to regional enterprise aims to foster innovation-based start-ups, to proactively develop existing clients in all regions, and to facilitate entrepreneurship and the enterprise environment in local and rural communities. EI supported 71 High Potential Start-Ups in 2008, nine of which were located in Cork City and County, with a strong pipeline in place for 2009.

Other initiatives include tailored Enterprise Start Programmes, aimed at employees of multi-nationals, which are either down-sizing or closing, have proved very successful in Cork. A programme was run in 2007 for Motorola employees, with the second programme being run for Freescale Limited employees in Cork, when Freescale Limited terminated operations in Cork, in 2008. In 2009, another programme was run for employees from Pfizer. Enterprise Ireland continues to work with relevant agencies to assist companies in this area.

Redundancy Payments.

Simon Coveney

Question:

144 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses in Cork city and county waiting on redundancy payments from her; the length of time they have been waiting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28032/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Dara Calleary)

The specific information requested by the Deputy is not available to me however, the table outlines the number of redundancies notified to my Department for County Cork for the period 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2009 and may be of interest to the Deputy.

Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed online is 6 months while claims submitted by post are taking 7 months. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where the employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the current processing time, assuming all of the necessary supporting documentation is filed, is between 6 — 8 weeks.

Measures to deal with the huge influx of claims since January 2009 include:

the reassignment of 19.5 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 co-operation of the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA);

The provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website.

Actual number of statutory redundancies notified for the period 1/1/09 to 30/6/09
County: Cork
Month	Nos.
January	830
February	676
March	965
April	542
May	810
June	1,087
Total	4,910

State Agencies.

Denis Naughten

Question:

145 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 4 November 2008, the progress to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28061/09]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Deputy Mary Coughlan)

I understand from Enterprise Ireland that the position in relation to this matter is unchanged since my reply of 4 November 2008 to which the Deputy has referred in his Question.

Motor Industry.

Tom Hayes

Question:

146 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the consideration given to a scrappage scheme for cars older than ten years similar to that introduced in the UK in recent months; if an estimate of the revenue from such a scheme is available; the number of jobs that are at risk in that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27150/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am aware of the current challenges facing the motor industry, along with most other industries, arising from the impact of weak world economic activity. As the Deputy will be aware the Supplementary Budget announced the introduction of a VAT Margin Scheme for second-hand cars, with effect from 1 July 2009. Under the scheme, dealers would be taxed for VAT purposes on their margin (i.e. the difference between the prices at which the dealer purchased and subsequently resold a vehicle) in regard to second-hand cars they acquired and resold after that date. In conjunction with the introduction of the Margin Scheme, special transitional arrangements were to be put in place regarding second-hand cars in stock on the introduction of the scheme.

The Margin Scheme would have replaced the existing Special Scheme for second-hand cars, under which dealers/garages are entitled to immediate input credit for the residual VAT included in the price of a second-hand car acquired either through purchase or trade-in. Under the Special Scheme, dealers, when they resell the car, are required to repay this VAT input credit or VAT based on the resale price of the car, whichever is the greater.

Further discussions on the matter took place with SIMI and the motor industry decided, on balance, that it would not be in its overall best interest for the Margin Scheme to be introduced at that time. Consequently, the proposed Margin Scheme and transitional arrangements regarding existing stock of second-hand cars was not introduced in the 2009 Finance Act.

There will be ongoing dialogue over the coming months with SIMI as to what measures might be introduced to assist the motor industry, particularly with regard to removing the current stock of second-hand cars held by dealers. I have no plans to introduce a car scrappage scheme at this time.

Tax Code.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

147 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance if he will grant an exemption to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [27066/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the taxpayer has been exempted from making Income Tax Returns since 1999. If there are any further questions on the case contact should be made with Mr Diarmuid O'Connor, Revenue Commissioners, Revenue House, Blackpool, Cork. Telephone No. 021 6027506.

Consumer Debt.

Enda Kenny

Question:

148 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the level of consumer debt here; if he will indicate by sector, the extent of debt of house mortgages, hire-purchase loans, credit cards, and other secured or unsecured loans of a personal nature; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27095/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

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

Set out as follows is a breakdown of personal (consumer) debt outstanding at the end of the first quarter of 2009. Information is available for total personal sector lending, house mortgage finance, other housing finance, finance for investment and other personal lending including credit card debt, as compiled by the Central Bank. The Central Bank does not separately identify personal-sector hire purchase loans in the banks' returns.

€ million	Total Stock at end-Q1 2009
Total Personal Sector Lending	171,798
House mortgage finance	148,332
Other housing finance	899
Finance for investment	4,088
Other personal	18,480
of which: credit card debt	2,843

Source: Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

149 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the Departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27119/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Since my appointment as Minister for Finance in May 2008, my Department has paid a fixed monthly sum which covers voice, data and roaming charges in respect of the mobile phone assigned to me by the Department of Finance.

Tax Code.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

150 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended to apply Irish income tax as a top-up on salaries and allowances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27165/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The position is that under the provisions of Article 13 of the Protocol on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities salaries, wages and emoluments paid to designated officials and other servants of the Communities are liable to tax for the benefit of the Communities only and such income paid by the Communities is exempt from national taxes. Accordingly under European Law it is not open to levy additional national taxation on the income of designated officials and other servants of the Communities.

Departmental Expenditure.

Enda Kenny

Question:

151 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Finance the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27180/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

In general, my department and the offices under its aegis (the Office of Public Works, the Public Appointments Service, the Commission for Public Service Appointments, the State Laboratory and the Office of the Appeals Commissioner) use the services of the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Chief State Solicitor, for services of this nature. The cost of any cases taken by those offices on behalf of my Department is borne on their respective Votes and is not charged to my department.

The Valuation Office took three cases and the details of these are set out in the table:

Nature of Court Case	Cost of Court Case
	€
Determination of Rateable Occupation	30,272.65
Rateability of Garden Centres/Nurseries	36,965.50
Rateability of Offices	No Costs

I assume that the Deputy does not have in mind the frequent initiation of legal proceedings by the Revenue Commissioners in the course of the exercise of their independent statutory responsibilities.

Property Valuations.

James Reilly

Question:

152 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance if he will postpone an increase in the rateable valuation of commercial properties or postpone the application of the increase in the rateable valuation of commercial properties for 30 months; if he has the authority to postpone such increases; the person who instructed the Rateable Valuations Office to carry out such a review; if he received representations from a council or council officials requesting that such a revaluation be postponed in the current economic recession; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27218/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The revaluation exercise is governed by the terms of the Valuation Act 2001, which, among other things, provides that the specification of publication dates for valuation lists is a matter for the Commissioner of Valuation, who exercises that function by means of the making of Valuation Orders. In each case, the Valuation Order was made by the Commissioner of Valuation only after formal consultation with both the Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government and the rating authority concerned, as required by the Act. The Act further provides that the Commissioner shall be independent in the performance of his functions.

Tax Code.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

153 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance the self employed income tax, and self employed PRSI contributions paid for the years 1992-93 and 1993-94 and previous years in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will request the Revenue Commissioners to make the record available. [27228/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the earliest Income Tax Return held for the taxpayer in question is in respect of the income tax year 6th April 1995 to 5th April 1996. Clarification is required on a number of issues and contact is being made with the taxpayer's agent regarding these matters. I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Mr. Gerry Maher, who can be contacted at Revenue House, Blackpool, Cork Tel 021- 6027227, is dealing with the matter.

Finian McGrath

Question:

154 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will explain a matter (details supplied). [27347/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Deputy will appreciate that this is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that for reasons of taxpayer confidentiality, they cannot comment on any tax issues relating to the transaction referred to.

Departmental Contracts.

Richard Bruton

Question:

155 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the value of contracts for printing and stationary issued each year by the centralised procurement facility; the number and value of each individual tender and the frequency with which they are put out for re-tendering and if he is satisfied that the size and duration of tenders, or, where tenders have been lost, to get an opportunity within a reasonable period to try again bearing in mind the considerable efforts to reduce costs which are underway throughout the small business sector; and if he will indicate the proportion of the total value of contracts which is currently delivered by Irish printers. [27373/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Government Supplies Agency (GSA), a Business Unit of the Office of Public Works, provided a centralised procurement service to Government Departments, Offices and Agencies for a range of goods and services including printing and stationery. This service is provided principally by means of drawdown contracts, which set out prices, terms and conditions under which supplies are delivered; the various Departments, Offices and Agencies can purchase as required from the appointed contracts. These contracts are generally of two to three years duration — this has proven to be a reasonable period having regard to factors such as the protracted timescale involved in organising tender competitions, the requirement for a reasonable degree of certainty and stability (including price stability) for customers, the need for contracts to be of sufficient duration for suppliers to achieve an adequate return on investment, and the desire of unsuccessful tenderers to have new opportunities to compete for the business.

The expenditure on GSA contracts for printing & binding services and for stationary and office supplies in each of the past three years is as follows.

	2006	2007	2008
	€	€	€
Printing and Binding	9,374,092	11,157,120	10,874,780
Stationery and Office	5,206,031	4,916,286	4,998,888
Totals	14,580,123	16,073,406	15,873,668

Of the contracts for printing and binding services, the proportion delivered by Irish printers was 97.9% in 2006, 88.6% in 2007 and 88.1% in 2008.

The functions of the Government Supplies Agency have recently been subsumed by the National Public Procurement Operations Unit (NPPOU). This new Unit will provide procurement services to a much larger range of customers across the entire public sector. Before entering into any new contracts or agreements, the NPPOU will analyse both the supply markets and the level of demand for the various products and services, and will develop appropriate strategies for each individual market. This may entail changes in the nature and duration of the contractual arrangements which currently apply.

Disabled Drivers.

Noel Coonan

Question:

156 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Finance if he will expand the disabled drivers scheme to take account of other forms of disability not eligible under the scheme; the reason for not undertaking such an expansion; the last time a review or expansion of the scheme was carried out since the scheme was introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27393/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

A special Interdepartmental Review Group reviewed the operation of the Disabled Drivers Scheme. It examined the current benefits, the qualifying medical criteria, the Exchequer costs, relationship with other schemes and similar schemes in other countries. The report also made a number of recommendations, both immediate and long-term, referring respectively to the operation of the appeals process and options for the future development of the scheme. The Group's report is published on my Department's website.

Some 13,000 people benefited under the scheme in 2008 at an overall estimated cost of €76 million. Any changes would have to be considered in the context of the annual Budget.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

157 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27593/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that they manage around 500 leases on behalf of various Government Departments. The leases have an annual rental charge of €10,000 and above associated with 400 Properties/Buildings and relate to general office space, Garda Stations, Warehouses, Car parks, etc.

Details in respect of the properties rented on behalf of my Department by the Office of Public Works in the past three years are contained in the following tables.

Buildings No longer Occupied by Department of Finance
Building Name	Address	Location
Hatch Street 13-15	13-15 Hatch Street	Dublin 2
Nassau Building Setanta Centre	Nassau Street	Dublin 2

Buildings Currently Occupied by the Department of Finance
Building Name	Address	Location
Molesworth Building Setanta Centre	Molesworth Street/South Frederick Street	Dublin 2
Merrion Row 2-4	2/4 Merrion Row	Dublin 2
Finglas Finance Storage	Unit 9 Jamestown Business Park	Dublin 11
Le Pole House	Le Pole House	Dublin 8

I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that every lease agreement that they enter into has at the negotiation stages, the potential to have their own terms and conditions in respect of Rent Reviews, Lease Breaks , etc, that are specific to that lease. Generally with long term leases, Rent Reviews and Lease Breaks are on a five-year basis. Where agreement for Rent Reviews and Lease Breaks are included in the terms of a lease, due notice must be given before negotiations will be entered into. The Office of Public Works is not in a position to instigate Rent Reviews at will.

It should be noted that although a ‘Rent Review' date may be specified in terms of a lease, the actual review itself takes time. Negotiations have to take place during which various factors must be taken into account, such as the current market value at any given time, before a new rental figure is agreed. Negotiations can only take where the lease provides for such an event. Where a rent review arises, the Office of Public Works is entering negotiations with a view to effecting a reduction in rent.

Banking Sector.

Richard Bruton

Question:

158 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if an assessor has been appointed in respect of compensation for shareholders in Anglo Irish Bank; the basis on which the selection was made; the terms of reference; and if a date has been set for completion of the work. [27600/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Section 22 of the Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Act 2009 provides that I shall appoint an Assessor at an appropriate time having regard to the public interest, to determine the fair and reasonable aggregate value of the transferred shares and extinguished rights and the consequent amount of compensation, if any, that may be payable to persons in respect of Anglo shares transferred and rights extinguished under the Act. The Act provides that the Assessor has significant knowledge or experience of the financial services sector and has no material conflicts of interests with the performance of the Assessor's function.

The Act sets out certain criteria regarding the performance of the Assessor functions such as that he or she is independent, shall act as an expert only, and shall perform the functions of the Assessor as expeditiously as possible consistent with fairness.

It is my intention to advance the process for the appointment of the Assessor and I expect to announce the person to be appointed in due course.

Departmental Property.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

159 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the number of Office of Public Works owned buildings at a complex (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [27646/09]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

160 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance further to a previous parliamentary questions, if he will provide this Deputy with more information as to the amount of rental default in relation to a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27647/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 160 together.

There are only two buildings at Northside Civic Centre, the Civic Centre proper and a smaller building which was purposely designed as a crèche. The Civic Centre building is occupied by the following organisations:-

Department of Social and Family Affairs, Health Service Executive, FÁS, The Media Co-op, Citizens Information Centre, Northside Law Centre, MABS, Dublin City Council, Northside Partnership/Local Employment Service and OPW. The areas of the centre described as occupied by OPW comprise the common areas, meeting rooms, centre manager's office etc. In addition, occasional use is made of one room in the centre by the Dublin Rape CrisisCentre.

The Civic Centre building is fully occupied with the exception of a small area — 4.72% of the premises — which was recently vacated by the Probation and Welfare Service. As to the future use of the Complex there are no plans to depart from the current use. With regard to the crèche, arrangements are currently being pursued to bring it into operation.

The legalities involved in the transfer of the site of the Civic Centre from Dublin City Council are ongoing and, as they are yet to be finalised, it is still not possible to formalise tenancy details, including rent. As the Deputy has been previously informed, the occupiers were advised at the outset of indicative rents, and, when the legalities of the transfer from Dublin City Council to OPW are complete and the necessary tenancy details formalised, all outstanding monies will be sought.

Financial Services.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

161 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 187 of 6 May 2009, if the Financial Regulator has advised in relation to the position of persons on fixed rate mortgages who incur financial penalties if they opt to change to variable rate mortgages; the nature of such advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27709/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Deputy's question refers to the redemption fee applied by mortgage providers in circumstances where a customer seeks to break a fixed rate mortgage. On 26 March 2009 I undertook to contact the Consumer Director of the Financial Regulator about these fees. As a result the Financial Regulator carried out a review, a report of which has been submitted to my Department. The Financial Regulator asked for specific information from the mortgage lenders. This included the submission of independent actuarial reports based on the formulae applied by the different lenders. The FR's review based on the information that it had received concludes that lenders are not applying unjustified penalties intended to dissuade borrowers from early redemption of fixed rate mortgages. The principal findings indicate that the early redemption fee calculation in all cases appears to seek to cover the costs and lenders do not generally apply additional fees in the case of early redemption. However, a number of the reports received highlighted certain issues that will require follow-up. Additional work is being carried out by the Financial Regulator with regard to the information provided by institutions, which will include consideration of the mortgage funding models employed by them.

Departmental Funding.

Michael Ring

Question:

162 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Office of Public Works the funding it will provide for a project (details supplied) in County Mayo. [27717/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The Office of Public Works has no responsibility for the maintenance of the River Deal or the access road in the area concerned. However, the Office of Public Works has had various meetings and discussions with Mayo Co. Council and is prepared to make a "once off" financial contribution in this case on hardship grounds due to the age and circumstances of the applicants.

Mayo Co. Council proposes to construct an alternative access road for these clients as part of a Local Improvement Scheme and the Office of Public Works are prepared to make a contribution of 1/3 of the cost of these works up to a limit of €20,000.

Architectural Heritage.

Pat Breen

Question:

163 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 8 April 2009, if he will report on the progress regarding a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27732/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The Office of Public Works is addressing the matter of signage advertising the opening times of Quin Abbey. Arrangements are being made to provide access to the car park during opening times of the Abbey.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

164 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money spent on paying delegates allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27740/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Civil servants who travel outside Ireland and Britain as members of a delegation representing Ireland at meetings of the EU or other international organisations, or with representatives of another government or governments, qualify for payment of a delegate's allowance. Additional payments are made to those who act as Chairpersons of EU committees or Working Groups during Ireland's tenure of the EU Presidency.

Travel abroad for the purposes of attendance at training courses, fact-finding or familiarisation visits, seminars or meetings held solely to exchange information does not qualify for payment of delegate's allowance.

The following table lists the information requested by the Deputy in respect of my Department and Offices under the aegis of my Department.

Department/Office	2006	2007	2008	2009 (up to 3 July)
	€	€	€	€
Finance	64,361.58	61,761.71	70,538.36	29,798.98
Revenue Commissioners	66,156.03	73,373.86	96,245.03	42,271.45
Office of Public Works	9,593.74	Nil	589.21	Nil
State Laboratory	9,212.23	6,925.13	9,158.86	6,640.82
Ombudsman	Nil	259.78	Nil	Nil
Valuation Office	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Appeals Commissioners	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Public Appointments Service	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Commission for Public Service Appointments	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil
Comptroller and Auditor General	Nil	Nil	Nil	Nil

Departmental Contracts.

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

165 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Finance the steps being taken to allow companies tender for Government business, taking into account the fact that the €3,000,000 turnover requirement is precluding many Irish companies from tendering for public contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27761/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

There is no €3,000,000 turnover requirement for companies to tender for public contracts. A general requirement of this kind would be inappropriate.

However, it is essential that contractors performing any public contract be of sufficiently sound economic and financial standing. The general position is that criteria used to determine the appropriate level of financial capacity must be proportionate and relevant to the needs of the particular contract. Company turnover can be one measure of financial capacity but contracting authorities have other means of obtaining the necessary evidence to satisfy themselves in this regard, such as extracts from balance sheets, banker's letters and proof of access to professional indemnity, public liability and employer liability insurance and performance bonds.

Tax Code.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

166 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the status of a review of tax paid on maternity benefit for a person (details supplied); when the person can expect to received a reply from the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27784/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a claim for tax relief on the Maternity Benefit from the person in question was received on 29th June 2007. The claim was processed and a repayment cheque for €1,168.76 issued to the taxpayer on the 12th July 2007. This cheque was cashed on the 16th July 2007.

The recent claim submitted by the taxpayer is a duplicate of the earlier claim therefore no further repayment is due.

Tax Collection.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

167 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the status of a refund of emergency tax in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27785/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a Form P45 for the tax year 2007 was received from the taxpayer's former employer on 2 July 2009. Based on this submission, a tax review initiated on that date resulted in an overpayment of emergency tax in the amount of €1,046.58. Repayment cheque will issue within five days.

National Monuments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 31 of 2 December 1987 and 106 of 27 January 1988, the full extent of national monuments, listed sites, buildings or historic ruins in County Kildare which are in the guardianship of the Office of Public Works or otherwise protected by State, to which the public has access under various statutes including the National Monuments Amendment Act 1994; the degree to which the State carries out protective or improvement works in such cases; if the public right of way or right of access to such sites is preserved and protected; the extent to which such rights, if not already established, will be acquired voluntarily or compulsorily; the extent to which Rathcoffey Castle, County Kildare falls within the remit of the Commissioners of Public Works; the extent to which the structure, access thereto and right of way is preserved and protected or will be preserved and protected by the OPW for the purpose of the heritage preservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28012/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Martin Mansergh)

The Office of Public Works is responsible for the day to day operational management of some 750 National Monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the State. The following lists these National Monuments in County Kildare.

Monument	Townland	Status	Access Status
Round Tower	Taghadoe	Ownership	Total access
High Crosses, Round Tower	Old Kilcullen	Ownership	Total access
Round Tower, Church	Oughterard	Ownership	Total access
Castledermot Abbey (Fran)	Abbeyland	Ownership	Total access
Castle, Church, Cross	Kilteel Upper	Ownership	Limited access through local keyholder
Standing Stone	Punchestown Great	Ownership	No access
Furness Church	Forenaghts Great	Guardianship	No access
Castle	Rathcoffey Demesne	Guardianship	No access
Round Tower, Crosses	Castledermot	Guardianship	Total access
Castle	Maynooth	Ownership	Access during tourist season
St. John’s Tower	Skenagun	Guardianship	Access with permission of owner
Manorial House	Jigginstown	Ownership	Total access (following the completion of conservation works)
Church & Graveyard (Monastic site)	Taghadoe	Ownership	Total access
Ringfort	Mullaghreelan (Athy Forest)	Ownership	Total access
Grange Castle	Grange West	Ownership	Restricted access
Conolly’s Folly	Barrogstown West	Ownership	Total access (following the completion of conservation works)

An annual programme of works is carried out to effect the required maintenance, repairs and conservation measures identified under a systematic inspection programme of Monuments.

The prime function of the State under the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004, is the protection and preservation of National Monuments Where a monument in State care is situated on private lands, the Office of Public Works, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government take into account factors, such as safety, impact on adjoining properties, security of the site, etc., when considering trying to obtain access to such monuments.

The gatehouse at Rathcoffey Castle was placed in the guardianship of the State in 1941. The guardianship deed, that conferred on the Commissioners of Public Works the responsibility for the maintenance of the gatehouse structure only, did not include a provision for a public right of way.

Public Service Contracts.

Sean Fleming

Question:

169 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Finance the value of an individual public contract that must go to tender under EU procurement rules; if pre-selection criteria are relevant in all such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28017/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The current thresholds above which public contracts must be awarded in accordance with EU public procurement directives are for works contracts €5,150,000; for supplies and services contracts of Government Departments — €133,000; for supplies and services contracts of other public bodies — €206,000; for supplies and services contracts of entities in the utilities sector — €412,000.

The directives provide for the pre-selection of tenderers to participate in a tendering process. The purpose is to ensure that only tenderers who have the necessary technical expertise and capacity to perform the contract are awarded public contracts. The level of expertise and capacity for pre-selection must be proportionate and relevant to the needs of the contract.

Contracting authorities have the choice of pre-qualifying tenderers in a one stage or two stage tendering procedure. In a one stage open procedure, candidates are given all the tender documentation, including the necessary minimum capacity requirements, and invited to submit tenders. Procurement guidelines require that minimum conditions are made clear to avoid unqualified bidders incurring the expense of preparing and submitting tenders. Alternatively, contracting authorities may choose a two stage process whereby, as a first step, interested parties are asked to provide details of their capacity and expertise after which only those who meet the necessary standard are invited to submit tenders.

While the public procurement directives set out the relevant criteria and procedures for pre-qualification of tenderers for contracts covered by the directives, the principles of pre-qualifying suitable tenderers apply for all public contracts.

House Repossessions.

Simon Coveney

Question:

170 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the number of homes which have been repossessed during the past 12 months in Cork City and County in tabular form. [28026/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Figures supplied by Cork Circuit Court to the Courts Service show 25 orders granted for possession of residential premises in the 12 months to end June 2009. 18 were for the county and seven for the city. The Deputy may wish to note that orders for possession do not necessarily equate with actual repossessions. It is up to the person or company who obtained the order for possession to pursue its execution.

In addition possession orders may also have been granted by the High Court for residential premises in Cork City and County. However the High Court is unable to supply such statistics to the Courts Service.

Banking Sector.

Simon Coveney

Question:

171 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Finance the value of the deposit base in Anglo Irish Bank at present compared to pre-nationalisation. [28027/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

According to Anglo Irish Bank's last published accounts in advance of nationalisation, as at 31 September 2008, the deposit base of the bank — made up of retail deposits, non-retail deposits, and deposits from banks — was €71.9 billion.

According to Anglo's latest published accounts, as at 31 March 2009, the bank's deposit base was €64.6 billion, again made up of retail deposits, non-retail deposits and deposits from banks. Deposits from banks includes funding from Central Bank sources.

The Department of Finance Circular 26/2006 sets out details of a confined competition for promotion to Executive Officer in the Civil Service. In accordance with normal procedure in respect of promotion to this grade, the circular was agreed with the Civil and Public Services Union.

The terms of the circular did not envisage appointments being made from the competition after 30 June 2008. For operational reasons, my Department agreed with the CPSU to the extension of the panel until 30 June 2009.

In the context of the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers, in March 2009 the Government announced a moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the public service. Having regard to the moratorium, my Department decided that it would not be appropriate to seek any further extension to the panel set up under Circular 26/2006 and the panel closed on 30 June 2009. This is in line with the policy applying to promotion panels for other Civil Service grades where panels for promotion to the grades of higher executive officer, assistant principal officer and principal officer have also closed in recent months.

The Public Appointments Service informs me that in order to be placed on the panel candidates must be successful at all stages of the selection process. In the competition in question, 110 candidates were appointed from the panel and 50 remained unassigned on the closure date of the panel. It is not possible to make an appointment from a panel that has expired.

Departmental Staff.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

175 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Finance the vacancies which have been filled and promotions sanctioned at all grades in all Government Departments and offices by him since the announcement of the moratorium on recruitment and promotions in the Public Service in March 2009; the basis on which these vacancies and promotions were sanctioned; if he will provide a list of these sanctioned vacancies and promotions showing the relevant Department or office, the grades involved and the dates the vacancies were filled and promotions made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28035/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The information to hand indicates that, by the end of June, the Department of Finance had received approximately 620 applications for the filling of specific posts comprehended by the moratorium, of which, the filling of 191 have been sanctioned. Of these Civil Service full-time posts accounted for 103 applications of which sanctions was conveyed in 69 cases. The filling of Public Service posts accounts for some 517 posts and sanction has been conveyed in 122 cases.

Tax Code.

Denis Naughten

Question:

176 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his plans to tax child benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28053/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The position in relation to child benefit is as set out in my supplementary budget on 7 April 2009. The Government does not believe that it is fair to pay the same level of benefit irrespective of the level of income of the recipient. In times of scarce resources the Government believes support should be targeted at those most in need. My Department, together with the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners are considering how best to achieve this policy objective. The tax treatment of child benefit is also being considered by the Commission on Taxation. I will be informed by its proposals on this matter.

Tax Collection.

Denis Naughten

Question:

177 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance if he will review the VAT rate on defibrillators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27638/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The Deputy will be aware that in matters relating to the VAT rating of goods and services, I am constrained by the requirements of EU VAT law with which Irish VAT law must comply.

In relation to the VAT rate that applies to defibrillators, the position is that under the VAT directive, member states may retain the zero rates on goods and services which were in place on 1 January 1991, but cannot extend the zero rate to new goods and services. The zero VAT rate cannot therefore be applied to defibrillators which are subject to the standard rate.

In addition, member states may only apply the reduced VAT rate to those goods and services which are listed under Annex III of the VAT directive. While Annex III does include the supply of medical equipment for the exclusive personal use of a disabled person, it does not include defibrillators for general use. The reduced rate cannot be applied to the supply of defibrillators.

Therefore the only rate of VAT that can apply to the supply of defibrillators is the standard VAT rate.

Hospitals Building Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

178 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance the number of private hospitals which have been constructed and which are under construction with the assistance of tax incentives since such incentives were introduced; the number of beds thus provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26312/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The scheme of capital allowances for the construction or refurbishment of buildings used as private hospitals was introduced in the Finance Act 2001 and came into effect in May 2002. Under the legislation governing that scheme hospitals are required to be certified by the HSE as satisfying the qualifying conditions of the scheme. My Department's records show that five hospitals have been certified since the introduction of the scheme. These hospitals have indicated a capacity to provide in excess of 500 beds, including day care beds.

As regards hospitals which are under construction, capital allowances can be claimed for qualifying expenditure on the construction or refurbishment of buildings used as private hospitals only when the relevant facilities have been completed and become operational. Provided hospitals, either planned or under construction, are certified in due course, as private hospitals meeting the necessary qualifying conditions and also satisfy the criteria under the transitional arrangements for the termination of the scheme detailed below, qualifying expenditure can be written off against an investor's tax liability at the rate of 15% per annum for the first six years with the remaining 10% in year seven. It is not possible to say at this point, however, how many hospital projects in the pipeline will qualify under the scheme.

As announced in the budget on 7 April last and as reflected in section 8 of the Finance Act 2009, this scheme is to terminate on 31 December 2009 along with certain other health-related capital allowances schemes, subject to transitional arrangements for pipeline projects. Under the transitional arrangements, if certain qualifying criteria are met, the termination date for qualifying expenditure is extended.

The qualifying conditions depend on the type of work to be carried out and whether or not the work requires planning permission. Where the work to be carried out does not require planning permission, the termination date is 30 June 2010 so long as at least 30% of the construction or refurbishment costs have been incurred on or before 31 December 2009.

Where planning permission is required in respect of the work to be carried out, the qualifying condition for a termination date beyond 31 December 2009 is that a valid application for full planning permission be submitted on or before that date and be acknowledged by the relevant planning authority. In such cases, the termination date for qualifying expenditure in the case of qualifying hospitals is 31 December 2013. Thus, where planning permission for a private hospital has already been obtained, Finance Act 2009 provides for qualifying expenditure to be incurred up to 31 December 2013.

Tax Code.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

179 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the status of the parking space at work levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25069/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Consultations between my Department and the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with regard to the implementation of the levy are well advanced and details of its introduction will be announced shortly.

As previously indicated, the levy will apply in the five urban areas of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway. Within these urban areas, regard will be had to factors such as, the availability of public transport, the level of congestion in the relevant parts of those cities, and the relative value of the car parking spaces.

Each employee who has an entitlement to use a parking space provided directly or indirectly by his or her employer is liable to pay the levy, there is no distinction in this regard between private sector and public sector employees. Certain official cars owned or provided by the State, the Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and certain other services such as the fire and ambulance service and the Customs service are excluded.

Departmental Reports.

Willie Penrose

Question:

180 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Finance the terms of reference of the credit supply steering group; when it is expected that the steering group will report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27433/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

In the context of the recapitalisation of AIB and Bank of Ireland, the recapitalised banks agreed to fund and co-operate with an independent review of credit availability to be managed jointly by the banks, Government and business representatives. The intention behind the review was to obtain a clear picture regarding the flow of credit in the Irish economy which will inform future policy. The steering group for the review consisted of representatives of the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Forfás, Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Banking Federation and the six main banks involved in lending to SMEs, business representatives from ISME, Chambers Ireland and Small Firms Association. It was this steering group who were initially tasked with setting the terms of reference for the independent review of bank lending. The final report of the Review of Lending to SMEs has now been received and shortly will be published. The complete terms of reference are included in the report, which will be made available on my Department's website once published.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Tom Hayes

Question:

181 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of negotiations with Vietnam in relation to the interim agreement on inter-country adoption and the new bi-lateral agreement on inter-country adoption; the length of time before she has finished negotiating on both; and if she will make a statement on the delays experienced by families to date. [27166/09]

Alan Shatter

Question:

189 Deputy Alan Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the outcome of the visit of her Minister of State for Children to Vietnam to put in place a new agreement with regard to inter-country adoption; the arrangements agreed; when the licence of an agency (details supplied) will be renewed by the Vietnamese authorities; when new arrangements will come into operation; if she will clarify any remaining issues that require to be resolved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28590/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

190 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in the case of inter-country adoption between Ireland and Vietnam, has either country cancelled the agreement in writing; if so, when; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27067/09]

Tom Hayes

Question:

205 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the new bilateral agreement with Vietnam will be signed; if an interim agreement is being worked on; the progress on both the bilateral agreement and the interim agreement; the number of staff that are allocated to resolving this issue; the number of families that are waiting for these agreements in order that their adoptions can be completed; and the length of time she expects that the parents here and children in orphanages will have to wait. [27152/09]

Terence Flanagan

Question:

234 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the delays in relation to the signing of a new interim agreement for adoption with Vietnam; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27335/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 181, 189, 190, 205 and 234 together.

I have, in recent weeks, reported in detail to both Houses on the situation regarding the negotiation of a new bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This process has been on-going since the start of 2008 and the dialogue with the Vietnamese authorities is continuing.

In light of concerns raised by other countries during 2008, the Government decided that it was necessary to seek a strengthening of the bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. With the publication of the Adoption Bill, 2009, on 23 January last, it was also considered necessary to ensure that both the content of any such agreement and its implementation would meet the minimum standards set out in that Bill and under the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption.

Article 25 of the former agreement between Ireland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam stipulated that the agreement would be automatically extended for a further five-year term unless one state notified the other state to the contrary six months before the expiry of the agreement on 1 May, 2009. The Government decided that, given the changes to Irish adoption legislation being introduced by the Adoption Bill, the agreement could not be allowed to ‘roll over' in its present form for another five years. As a result, the Government was obliged to formally notify the Vietnamese authorities of the fact that there could be no automatic renewal of the agreement when its five-year term came to a close. This formal notification, made via Third Party Note (TPN) No. 185, was conveyed through diplomatic channels to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 30 October 2008, on foot of the Government Decision of 29 October, 2008.

As the Deputies are undoubtedly aware, I have just returned from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, where I met with the Vietnamese Minister for Justice on 30 June last to discuss international adoption issues. There were follow-up discussions on these issues with the Standing Vice-Minister at the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice and with the newly appointed Director of the Vietnamese Department of Adoptions and his deputy, as well as a number of informal meetings.

During the discussions, careful consideration was given to possible interim arrangements for inter-country adoptions between both jurisdictions. The Vietnamese side clarified that their legal requirements were such that this was not considered to be an appropriate option. Therefore, it was proposed to continue the focus on a new bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement.

I would like to again reiterate the point that both countries remain firmly committed to concluding a new bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement. Work on the draft text of a new agreement, which was previously circulated in March of this year and discussed the following month, is continuing. Good progress has been made in the past week and, during the course of the talks in Hanoi, it was agreed that further face-to-face discussions to resolve outstanding issues should take place in August.

However, it is still not possible for me to either give a precise timetable to the House or anticipate when the discussions with the Vietnamese Government on a new bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement and associated matters will be concluded. The negotiations remain live and officials from my Office, from the Office of the Attorney General, from the Department of Foreign Affairs and from the Adoption Board are working on all outstanding issues with a view to preparing a final text for a new agreement as a matter of urgency.

I am acutely aware of the stress and anxiety that this process has caused to many prospective adoptive parents. I am given to understand that, at present, approximately 360 couples have registered with the Helping Hands Adoption Mediation Agency and are hoping to adopt from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

I can assure the Deputies that work regarding a new bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam continues to be given the very highest priority by my Office.

Tom Hayes

Question:

182 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of negotiations with Russia in relation to the interim agreement on inter-country adoption and the new bi-lateral agreement on inter-country adoption; the length of time before she has finished negotiating on both; and if she will make a statement on the delays experienced by families to date. [27167/09]

Catherine Byrne

Question:

188 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the adoption agreement with Russia; the number of post-placement reports which are outstanding in each of the Health Service Executive regions; her plans to resolve this matter and ensure that prospective parents who have received letters of commitment will be able to proceed with the adoption of a child from Russia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28375/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

191 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of post placement records which are outstanding in the case of inter-country adoption with Russia; when they will be completed; when adoption with Russia will resume; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27068/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182, 188 and 191 together.

As the Deputies are aware, the Adoption Bill, 2009, which will give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, was published on 23 January 2009.

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

Ireland has no official bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement in place with the Russian Federation. However, preparatory work to consider the contents of a draft agreement with the Russian authorities is currently being undertaken. Officials in both my Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs have been taking soundings in relation to inter-country adoption in the Russian Federation since April 2008. This has included contacts with the Irish Embassy in Moscow and legal and other preparatory work on the possibility of a draft bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement between the two countries. A first formal meeting, arranged with the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs, was held on 7 May, 2009, between officials from my Office and from the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ireland. I will continue to advance this matter with the assistance of my colleague Minister Martin and of his officials in both Dublin and Moscow.

While every effort will be made to conclude a bi-lateral inter-country Adoption Agreement with the Russian Federation, it must be acknowledged that this matter will be determined to a considerable degree by the Government of the Russian Federation.

With regard to the issue of post-placement reports, an extensive examination of the list of alleged "missing" post-placement reports has been carried out by the Health Service Executive and the Adoption Board. While I await the final numbers, which are expected shortly, 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.

1,229 children from the Russian Federation have had their names entered into the Register of Foreign Adoptions in the period between 1991 and 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 that these statistics make it clear that the vast majority of parents are complying with the commitment that they gave to co-operate with such reports and, also, that they are being fully assisted in doing so by the Health Service Executive 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.

I acknowledge that persons applying for inter-country adoption are experiencing delays with regard to waiting times for assessment and am also acutely aware of the stress and anxiety that this process has caused to many prospective adoptive parents. The Adoption Bill, which has now passed all stages in the Seanad, provides for an updated and more standardised regime of assessment and mediation services across the country that will assist in the reduction of waiting times in areas where these are longest.

Tom Hayes

Question:

183 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of negotiations with China in regard to inter-country adoption; and if she will make a statement on the delays experienced by families to date. [27168/09]

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

As the Deputy is aware, the Adoption Bill 2009, which will give force of law to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Inter-country Adoption, was published on 23 January 2009. Under the proposed new legislative regime, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries that have ratified the Hague Convention as well as from those countries with which Ireland has a bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement based on Hague standards.

Ireland has no official bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement in place with the People's Republic of China.

Currently, an administrative arrangement operates between Ireland and the Chinese Government with regard to adoption. The People's Republic of China is a contracting State under the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in respect of Inter-country Adoption and, as such, a bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement is not, and will not, be required between both jurisdictions.

Departmental Schemes.

Michael Noonan

Question:

184 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children the arrangements being put in pace to enable families who wish to apply for the back to school clothing and footwear allowance in 2009; when details of the scheme will be advertised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27625/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Youth Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

185 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children if consideration will be given to an application for funding by an organisation (details supplied) for the appointment of a youth officer in 2009. [27678/09]

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

An application on behalf of the Fethard Area Youth Project was received in 2008 to be considered for funding under the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, which then operated under the Department of Education and Science, but due to the large number of applications received and the limited funding available it was not possible to provide the funding requested.

The 2009 budget allocation for youth work services is over €48 million, a decrease of some 8% on the 2008 figure. In light of budgetary constraints it is intended that the 2009 Youth Affairs budget will continue to focus on supporting existing programmes and services for young people including those with fewer opportunities. In that context, the Youth Affairs Unit of my Department is not in a position to consider any new applications for admission to this scheme in the current year.

Health Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

186 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children when the appeal against a decision to disallow domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be heard and determined; if steps will be taken to pay a pro rata share of the said respite care grant to this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27765/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)

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.

Pre-School Services.

Simon Coveney

Question:

187 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of pre-school places she expects to provide by December 2009. [28030/09]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

283 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of places available for pre-school provision based on the number of play-schools which have to date opted to join the new State play-school free scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27846/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 187 and 283 together.

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 of Finance.

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 daycare service to avail of a free session of two hours and 15 minutes per day, five days per week for 50 weeks. As the new scheme will be introduced from January next, the first full year will be from September 2010 and children availing of the scheme in January 2010 will have a reduced period of free pre-school provision.

The age at which children commence primary school varies depending on a number of factors and, for this reason, the scheme provides for a 15 month age range for eligibility. The number of children who avail of the scheme in January 2010 could, therefore, exceed the number of children who would be expected to commence primary school in September 2010. However, this is not expected to be the case and it is estimated that the maximum number of children who will avail of the scheme in January 2010 will be 65,000. This figure takes account of data sources including the live births register, the 2006 census of population and the number of enrolments in junior infant classes in recent years. For a number of reasons, in particular those outlined below, it is anticipated that the actual take-up of places under the scheme in January 2010, will not amount to the full cohort of 65,000 and will be closer to 60,000.

Up to 3,000 children are expected to continue to avail of pre-school provision within full and part-time pre-school services supported under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS). The CCSS provides significant support funding for disadvantaged parents using community childcare services.

International experience suggests that, it can take some time to achieve a full participation rate when schemes of this type are introduced. Assuming a high participation rate of 95% in the first year, rather than a 100% participation rate, would further reduce the anticipated demand for places in January 2010 by some 3,000.

As is the case with fee-paying primary schools a minority of parents may choose to send their children to pre-school services which opt to remain outside the ECCE scheme. Assuming the number of children attending such pre-schools will mirror the number at children entering private primary schools, the demand for places will be reduced by a further 1,000 places.

Given the rise in the birth rate between 2005 and 2008, the number of places required under the scheme is expected to increase in September 2010 and during 2011-2012.

Applications to the scheme are made, in the first instance, to the 33 City-County Childcare Committees (CCCs). Over the course of the last three weeks, the CCCs have provided weekly returns to my Office of the numbers of applications received. These show the following:

19 June: 4,517 places;

26 June: 19,253 places;

3 July: 1,033 places.

Past experience suggests that many applications are made in the week prior to the closing date for acceptance. While the closing date for applications is 10 July, late applications will be considered where good cause for the late application is demonstrated. However, as some counties already show a supply of places which exceeds the expected demand, in these counties late applications will be accepted on an exceptional basis only. Based on the rate of applications to date, I am confident that the total number of places available in pre-schools applying to enter the scheme will more than meet the number of places required.

From the time of the budget announcement, I have stated clearly that there may be a small number of areas where the demand for places will exceed the supply. My Office and the CCCs will continue to monitor the situation between now and September 2010 when the first full year of the scheme will take effect and I am confident that the scheme will encourage new pre-school services in areas where a need for additional places is demonstrated.

Question No. 188 answered with Question No. 182.

Question Nos. 189 and 190 answered with Question No. 181.

Question No. 191 answered with Question No. 182.

Medical Cards.

Jack Wall

Question:

192 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27084/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Health Services.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

193 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will intervene in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan. [27090/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Tom Hayes

Question:

194 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the facilities available for drug and alcohol addition treatment for minors here; the number of places available annually for children in that situation; the average length of time for persons on the waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27109/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

195 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in respect of the departmental mobile telephone assigned to her by her Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27121/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The costs of roaming charges and data charges paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to me in 2007, 2008 and 2009 are detailed in the table:

Year	Roaming charges	Data Charges	Total Charges
	€	€	€
2007	1,193.00	1,198.24	5,409.73
2008	2,247.95	1,631.05	6,288.30
2009 to date	374.16	603.36	2,214.00

Child Care Services.

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Question No. 205 answered with Question No. 181.

Inter-Country Adoptions.

Tom Hayes

Question:

206 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason that an agency (details supplied) has had its licence revoked; if this is a permanent measure; the actions that are being taken to help parents and children associated with this agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27156/09]

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

As the Deputy is aware, I was informed by the Department of Foreign Affairs on 12 June last that the Vietnamese licence held by the Helping Hands Adoption Mediation Agency had been revoked by the Vietnamese authorities. The Government had previously requested that this licence be suspended rather than revoked in light of the on-going discussions with Vietnamese officials on a strengthened bilateral inter-country adoption agreement. Unfortunately, in the absence of a full agreement between Ireland and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the Vietnamese Government was not in a position to make any exception to the granting of a licence to Helping Hands.

I subsequently advised the representative groups on these developments, and the applicants involved were also contacted by Helping Hands. Despite these events, I must emphasise that all of the applicants who have already received a referral in respect of a child from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam will have their applications processed to conclusion, and applicants will be supported by Helping Hands in that process, by agreement with the Vietnamese authorities.

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a sovereign state and the decisions that it makes regarding the internal regulation and management of its adoption services must be treated sensitively as appropriate to a sovereign state.

The reinstatement of the Helping Hands Adoption Mediation Agency's licence would be a necessary part of any new bilateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. I can assure the Deputy that the work to prepare for and advise the Government on a strengthened bilateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has been given, and continues to be given, the very highest priority by my Office.

Pre-School Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

207 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 127 and 128 of 27 May 2009, if in view of the fact that most children commence school at around five years of age, the reason the cut off age for this scheme is not five years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27170/09]

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

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 be implemented in January 2010.

Children will be eligible to avail of the scheme if they are aged between three years three months and four years six months on 1 September each year. Those entering the scheme in January 2010 will be eligible if they are aged between three years seven months and four years ten months at that time. Exceptions to the upper age limit will be allowed where children are assessed by the HSE to have special needs or it is necessary to accept children at an older age due to the enrolment policy of the local primary school.

As the Deputy notes, most but not all children commence primary school at around five years of age. The provision of a 15 month age range for eligibility is designed to give flexibility to parents to access the scheme at the most appropriate time for their children prior to commencing school and the majority of children who participate in the scheme would be expected to commence primary school between the age of four years three months and five years six months.

Departmental Expenditure.

Enda Kenny

Question:

208 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the accumulated cost of court cases taken by her Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27182/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated within my Department and will be forwarded as soon as it is available.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

209 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support a matter (details supplied). [27193/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)

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

Care of the Elderly.

Jack Wall

Question:

210 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a proposed closure or reduction in bed capacity at a nursing home (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27198/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)

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

Cystic Fibrosis Screening Programme.

Tom Hayes

Question:

211 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children when the national screening programme for cystic fibrosis in new-born infants will be implemented; the money that has been allocated to this screening scheme for 2009; the location at which the funding for this programme was used in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27204/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I am informed by the HSE that its Expert Advisory Group on Children and Families has produced a draft policy document on the introduction of a cystic fibrosis screening programme for newborns. A Steering Group has been established under the Chairmanship of Professor Gerry Loftus, Dean, Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, NUI Galway The Steering Group will oversee the development of the plan for implementation with a view to ensuring that the programme is appropriately introduced at the earliest possible juncture.

The operational issues raised by the Deputy have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Training Programmes.

James Reilly

Question:

212 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a scheme in place which provides for Health Service Executive staff to train or retrain as nurses while in receipt of salary support; if so, the number of people who have availed of the scheme; the budget for same; the amount expended on it in the past five years; her views on whether the scheme should continue in view of the fact that nurse graduates are being trained who when qualified have no job opportunities and have to emigrate to source job opportunities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27221/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I assume that the Deputy is referring to the sponsorship scheme which provides for public health service employees to train as nurses. This scheme was introduced in 2002 on commencement of the undergraduate nursing degree programme.

On the introduction of this degree programme, an interdepartmental steering committee saw considerable merit in introducing a sponsorship scheme specifically for suitable employees of the health service (such as health care assistants and other non-nursing grades) who wished to train as nurses. Under the scheme employees who successfully apply for sponsorship are allowed to retain their existing salaries throughout the four years of the degree programme in return for a commitment to work as nurses for their employer for a period of five years following registration.

The following is the information requested by the Deputy in respect of the past five years:

Year	Number of people availing of the Sponsorship scheme	Budget provided for salaries under this Scheme
		€m
2004/05	98	2.0
2005/06	147	3.4
2006/07	165	4.6
2007/08	197	5.6
2008/09	212	6.5

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I am aware that a number of community pharmacists have indicated that they may withdraw from participation in the GMS and community drugs schemes in the light of my decision to reduce certain payments under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has written to all 1,600 community pharmacy contractors to clarify whether they intend to continue the provision of services under the GMS and community drugs schemes.

A contingency plan is being put in place by the HSE, and will be implemented if required, to ensure that supplies of medicines to patients under the GMS and community drugs schemes will continue in the event of discontinuation of services by community pharmacists. I believe that threats of withdrawal from the community pharmacy contract are unjustified and not in patients' interests. There can be no grounds for causing upset or anxiety about the supply of prescriptions to patients. In order to ensure patients are not inconvenienced in any way, I would urge community pharmacists to fulfil their professional obligations under the terms of their contracts.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

220 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be supported. [27244/09]

James Reilly

Question:

228 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card will be issued to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27309/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 228 together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputies.

Pharmacy Regulations.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

221 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children how her recent decision to decrease by an average of 34% the payments pharmacists receive from the Health Service Executive was arrived at; her views on the alternatives put forward by a union (details supplied) the which would save a similar amount of money; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27247/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The decisions I have made on the reduction in payments to community pharmacists under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 will reduce their income from the Health Service Executive (HSE) by €133m in a full year, from a total of approximately €550m. This is a reduction of 24% and not 34% as representatives of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) have claimed. My decisions followed a public consultation process conducted under that Act. All interested stakeholders were invited to make submissions on the matter. The IPU made both a written and an oral submission to my Department. In addition, 104 other written submissions were received largely from community pharmacists. These submissions were analysed and considered before I made my decision to reduce payments.

Reductions are absolutely necessary for two reasons. Firstly, the cost of the community drugs schemes has doubled since 2002 to over €1.6 billion in 2008: and fees and other income earned by pharmacists have doubled accordingly. Secondly, it cost an exorbitant €640 million to get €1 billion of drugs from the factory gate to the patient in the community in 2008. This level of expenditure on delivery and dispensing is no longer sustainable, given the current financial circumstances of the country and the other priorities for spending in the health sector.

Savings from the measures have been estimated at €55 million for the remainder of this year and €133 million on a full year basis. This is almost exactly what would have been saved if I had imposed an across the board 8% reduction in fees and retail mark-ups and re-imposed the reduction in wholesale mark-up to 8%, as attempted by the HSE last year. However, I have decided to achieve broadly the same level of reduction through a revised common fee structure for dispensing, a reduced retail mark-up, removal of the special payment for over-70s dispensing and reduction in the wholesale mark-up to 10%.

In its submissions, the IPU indicated that it was prepared to consider yielding savings in an amount equivalent to 8% of dispensing fees only, which it calculated would save €21m in a full year. This would imply that their earnings from the HSE were just €260m in 2008. However, this is far from the case. In addition to dispensing fees, pharmacists also received a retail mark-up of 50% on items dispensed under the Drug Payments and Long Term Illness Schemes and special payments in respect of dispensing to persons aged 70 years and over. These payments brought their income from the HSE in 2008 to €440m. In addition pharmacists have benefitted from approximately half the €200m value of the wholesale margin. For the reasons outlined earlier, savings of €21m as proposed by the IPU would not have been an adequate response to the financial problems that we face in the pharmacy sector.

The IPU also suggested that savings of €30m could be obtained through generic substitution and €33.7m through a combination of changes in the High Tech Scheme, implementation of the Barry Report and the IPHA agreement. These are matters that are being pursued by my Department and the HSE. Any savings that arise under these headings will be additional to, and not a substitution for, the reductions in payments to pharmacists that I have announced.

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

222 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of proposals within the Health Service Executive relative to new procurement processes; and if agreement has been reached to modernise the system of procurement in order to effect savings. [27256/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

This is a matter appropriate to the Health Service Executive and has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Tobacco Regulation.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

223 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the protocols and checklists devised by the Health Service Executive, the Office of Tobacco Control and her Department providing a series of directions and advice to environmental health officers to police and monitor the retail sector after the commencement of outstanding sections of the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 and the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment Act) 2004; if she will provide a simple checklist to retailers of obligations to ensure compliance with the 1 July 2009 changes in display and advertising of tobacco products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27261/09]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

224 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether retailers that do not sell tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 years of age should be commended in writing by environmental health officers subsequent to test purchase visits, and that such commendation would act as a positive spur to employees and management to continue in their vigilance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27262/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.

The Deputies questions relate to the duties of the Environmental Health Officers of the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputies.

Ambulance Services.

James Reilly

Question:

225 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the efficiency of operating two ambulance services in Dublin City; if both services have integrated communications; if there is a central tracking system in order that a central controller would know the location of each ambulance in the event of an emergency and to maximise the use of the ambulances available; the adequacy of the ambulance fleet for the capital city of Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27284/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The HSE and Dublin City Council are in discussion regarding a number of practical issues, including the nature and terms on which Dublin Fire Brigade provides emergency ambulance services in Dublin. It is important to ensure that all of our pre-hospital emergency services, including the service provided by the Dublin Fire Brigade, function as a high quality, integrated health service. The advice of the Health Information and Quality Authority on pre-hospital care issues will be a significant factor in determining how services should be organised so that they operate efficiently and that clinical governance, patient safety and quality standards are met. I have requested the HSE respond directly to the Deputy regarding the detailed service matters raised.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

226 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if funding will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [27295/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Health Service Allowances.

Billy Timmins

Question:

227 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the home improvement scheme for the elderly which was administered by the Health Service Executive but was then to be administered by the county council; her plans to ensure that the necessary improvement works for the elderly are carried out; the reason the HSE are not dealing with these applications in view of the fact that the county councils have no funding for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27302/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Deputy may be aware that the Special Housing Aid for the Elderly Scheme 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. An allocation of €3.5m was made by my colleague Minister Finneran to the HSE recently to deal with these cases. The funding was allocated as follows:

Dublin/North East: €700,000;

Dublin/Mid Leinster: €500,000;

Western: €1,800,000;

Southern: €500,000.

Question No. 228 answered with Question No. 220.

Child Care Services.

Long-term Illness Scheme.

Question:

236 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who have been assessed and have received orthodontic treatment in the Health Service Executive south area from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008 and from 1 January 2009 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27338/09]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

237 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who are awaiting orthodontic treatment and assessment in each of the Health Service Executive areas; the waiting time for assessment and treatment in respect of each HSE area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27339/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 and 327 together.

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

Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 219.

Sean Fleming

Question:

239 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children if a personal assistant will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Laois. [27348/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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 Aids and Appliances.

Sean Fleming

Question:

240 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Health and Children the details of all medical appliances and equipment that are being rented or leased by the Health Service Executive; the actual cost to purchase the items that are currently being rented or leased; the period for which these various appliances and equipment are being rented; if the HSE has carried out a cost benefit analysis of purchasing certain appliances and equipment as opposed to renting and leasing; if this policy is being implemented; the financial report on the outcome of this policy which must lead to savings when the cost of renting or leasing appliances and equipment over a period of time can be greater than the purchase cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27349/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Hospital Services.

Radiation Therapy Grades at 31st May 2009
	Dublin/Mid-Leinster	Dublin/North-East	South	West	Total
Radiation Therapist	58.2	0	22.6	15.52	96.32
Radiation Therapist, Clinical Specialist	17.4	0	8.25	0	25.65
Radiation Therapy Service Manager II	1	0	0	0	1

Data on mortality is compiled by the Central Statistics Office and published in the Annual and Quarterly Reports on Vital Statistics. Full year figures for 2008 are not yet available. Data for 2007 is available in the following table. However, figures are based on year of registration and are therefore subject to future revision.

Death by suicide by province, county and sex: 2007
Province	County	Male	Female	Total
Leinster	Carlow	7	0	7
	Dublin	78	23	101
	Kildare	20	3	23
	Kilkenny	9	1	10
	Laois	7	3	10
	Longford	4	0	4
	Louth	12	1	13
	Meath	9	2	11
	Offaly	9	1	10
	Westmeath	7	3	10
	Wexford	16	3	19
	Wicklow	16	2	18
Munster	Clare	15	1	16
	Cork	58	9	67
	Kerry	9	0	9
	Limerick	16	7	23
	Tipperary	16	6	22
	Waterford	6	2	8
Connacht	Galway	16	4	20
	Leitrim	1	1	2
	Mayo	10	3	13
	Roscommon	8	2	10
	Sligo	3	0	3
Ulster (part of)	Cavan	10	2	12
	Donegal	14	3	17
	Monaghan	2	0	2
Total		378	82	460

Pharmacy Regulations.

James Reilly

Question:

247 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of pharmacists who have issued notices of resignation from the general medical scheme and drugs payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27469/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

It is not possible to provide the definitive information requested by the Deputy at this point. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has written to the country's community pharmacy contractors to clarify whether they intend to continue the provision of services under the GMS and community drugs schemes. The HSE have requested that community pharmacy contractors reply by Tuesday 7 July 2009.

Health Insurance.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

248 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children when extra relief for older subscribers to the VHI will be implemented consequent on the Supreme Court ruling on risk equalisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27477/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The legislation providing for the new age-related tax credit for older persons with private health insurance was passed by the Dail last Wednesday (01 July) and is currently before the Seanad. It is the intention of the Government that this legislation will be enacted in the current session.

Question No. 249 answered with Question No. 219.

Disability Act.

David Stanton

Question:

250 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children when the statutory three year review of the Disability Act 2005 sectoral plan pertaining to her Department and required under the Disability Act 2005 will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27508/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)

I will publish a review of the sectoral plan of my Department later this year.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

251 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of properties her Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if she has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27595/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The sourcing of property on behalf of Government Departments is a matter for the Office of Public Works.I have asked the OPW to furnish this information directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

252 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be resumed for a person. [27622/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

James Bannon

Question:

257 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will take the necessary steps to address the long waiting times and lists for people in County Longford accessing hip replacement operations at Tullamore orthopaedic hospital, County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27668/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Medical Cards.

James Bannon

Question:

258 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full medical cards which have been removed from persons over 70 years of age in the past six months up to 1 July 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27669/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Following enactment of the Health Act 2008, the Health Service Executive (HSE) wrote to all medical card holders aged 70 years and over in January 2009. Persons who were in receipt of a medical card on a non means tested basis were requested, if over the income limits set out in the Act, to make a declaration to the Executive, on or before 2 March 2009.

John Browne

Question:

272 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to include a long-term illness (details supplied) for either medical card or drugs card entitlement. [27762/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme, which was introduced on a statutory basis in 1971.

Under the Drugs Payment Scheme, which was introduced in 1999, no individual or family unit pays more than €100 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme is easy to use and significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

Drugs Payment Scheme.

James Reilly

Question:

273 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Financial Emergency Measures Services in the Public Interest Act 2009 will be used to set the price of goods supplied by pharmacy retailers as distinct from setting the price of services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27776/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, the wholesale mark-up paid to pharmacists is being reduced from 17.66% to 10%. This will have the effect of reducing the cost of drugs dispensed under the GMS and community drugs schemes. The following example illustrates the change. When the wholesale mark-up was 17.66% a pharmacist would have received €100 for a drug with an ex-factory price of €85. With a 10% wholesale mark-up, the pharmacist will receive €93.50 for the same drug at the same ex-factory price, yielding a saving to the State of €6.50. The total expected full year savings from this measure are €77 million.

I might also mention that my Department and the HSE concluded agreements with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) and the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland (APMI), representing the proprietary and generic manufacturers respectively, in mid-2006. As a result of these agreements there have been reductions, totalling 35%, in the price of a range of off-patent drugs and medicines.

A report published by the National Centre for Pharmaco-economics in May 2009 has estimated that a total of €248.5 million will be saved due to off-patent price cuts, up to August 2010, when the agreements come up for renewal.

My Department and the HSE are continuing to examine all aspects of pharmaceutical expenditure with a view to containing costs. Among the matters which continue to be kept under review are the price of drugs (including generic and off-patent drugs), the volume of drugs prescribed, more cost effective prescribing by GPs and the greater use of generic medicines.

Under the measures mentioned above, the State is setting a price at which it pays for drugs, ingredient and distribution costs. It is not setting the price which any party in the supply chain — manufacturers, wholesalers and pharmacists, may charge for drugs sold which are not reimbursed by the State.

Progress on the completion of the construction and the fit-out of health facilities is a matter for the Health Service Executive. The matter has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Staff.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

277 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if all surgical non-consultant hospital doctors working in the mid-west network of acute hospitals are registered with the Medical Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27803/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 it is an offence for an unregistered medical practitioner to practise medicine.

As the question refers to non-consultant hospital doctors working in the Health Service Executive I have asked the Executive to investigate the matter and reply to the Deputy directly.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

278 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will receive an appointment; and if same will be expedited. [27804/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

279 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 158 of 28 April 2009 and 167 of 30 June 2009, the number of applications received by Pobal for funding under the suicide prevention measure; the groups who applied for same; the amount sought by each group; the amount sought in total by these groups; the average sought by each of these groups; the date by which these applications had to be submitted to Pobal; the date that Pobal had completed their assessments of these applications; the date she received these assessments from Pobal; the dates of each meeting that the economic and social disadvantage interdepartmental committee has met since August 2008; the dates of each meeting of the economic and social disadvantage interdepartmental committee at which the funding under the suicide prevention measure was an item on the agenda for that meeting; the date of the next meeting of the economic and social disadvantage interdepartmental committee; the dates of meetings arranged for the remainder of 2009 of the economic and social disadvantage interdepartmental committee the date she expects to have completed the assessments made by Pobal of the applications received regarding suicide prevention; the date she expects to present the completed assessment to the economic and social disadvantage interdepartmental committee; if she will confirm that €1 million is available and will be given to these groups for funding to these applicants; when she expects to issue this funding; the activity that took place on assessing these applications between 28 April 2009 and 30 June 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27805/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)

282 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for an appointment in each speciality in each acute hospital; the corresponding figure for outpatient appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27845/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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.

Question No. 283. answered with Question No. 187.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

284 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the promised facility for cystic fibrosis sufferers at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin; if building has commenced; the expected completion date; the estimated opening time; the number of rooms provided for isolation purposes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27847/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The next stage in the development of St. Vincent's Hospital will involve the building of a new ward block to replace existing accommodation. The new facility will include accommodation for cystic fibrosis patients with appropriate isolation facilities for the treatment of their condition. All of the rooms will be single, en-suite, significantly enhancing the hospital's capacity to provide appropriate isolation facilities for patients.

Clinical and infrastructural needs at St. Vincent's will determine the configuration of beds across various specialties. There has been no upper limit placed by the hospital or the HSE on the allocation of beds to a particular specialty.

I am anxious to ensure that the project is delivered without delay. The HSE, in partnership with St. Vincent's Hospital, have structured the tender for this development in such a way that payments for the works can be deferred towards the end of the construction period. Tenders for this development will be issued shortly, which should result in the signing of a contract before the end of the year. It is intended that the construction, equipping and commissioning of this block will be completed as early as possible in 2011.

Health Services.

Simon Coveney

Question:

285 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the Carrigaline health centre, County Cork; the stage the development of the centre is at; the funding available for the centre; the timescale of the overall project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27859/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Hospital Services.

Simon Coveney

Question:

286 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the moving of the breast cancer treatment unit from the South Infirmary Hospital Cork to the Cork University Hospital; the impact the move will have on patients; the timescale involved; and the cost of the overall move. [27860/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The issues raised by the Deputy are operational matters and have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Simon Coveney

Question:

287 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the co-location hospital proposals; the number of these projects which will proceed; the cost of each project to the taxpayer; and the timescale involved in each of these projects. [27861/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Significant progress has been made in advancing individual co-location projects. The Board of the HSE has approved preferred bidder status for the development of co-located hospitals at Beaumont, Cork University Hospital, the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Limerick, St. James's, Waterford Regional and Sligo General Hospitals.

Project Agreements for the Beaumont, Cork, Limerick and St James's projects have been signed. Planning permission has been granted for the first three of these projects. A planning application has been submitted in respect of the St James's project.

The necessary preparatory work for the Project Agreements in respect of Waterford Regional Hospital and Sligo General Hospital is proceeding.

Two further projects are at earlier stages of the procurement process.

It is the responsibility of the successful bidders to arrange the financing of the projects. The HSE is continuing to work with the successful bidders to provide whatever assistance it can to help them advance projects in the context of the challenging financial environment.

It is an essential requirement that each co-location project demonstrates clear value for money to the taxpayer. The Finance Act 2009 provides that the schemes of capital allowances for private hospitals and certain other health facilities will be terminated, subject to transitional arrangements for projects already in development. Provided that a co-located private hospital project conforms to the requirements of these transitional arrangements, and otherwise satisfies the general requirements of the scheme of capital allowances, the tax relief will apply. The value of the tax relief in each case will depend on the level of qualifying capital expenditure. I do not accept that, relative to its value, a high proportion of tax would be forgone by the Exchequer in respect of co-location projects as additional revenues would accrue to the Exchequer from the extra activity generated by the construction of the hospitals, the employment arising and the related services provided on which taxes will be paid.

As regards the costs incurred by the HSE on its legal and other expenses in respect of the co-location initiative, there is a requirement on each of the preferred bidders to pay a non-refundable deposit to the HSE on the signing of the project agreement. The intention of this requirement is to allow the HSE to recoup the expenses that it has incurred in this context.

The HSE estimates that, from the start of building, the overall construction and commissioning period for the projects will be about 28 to 36 months.

Health Service Staff.

Michael McGrath

Question:

288 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the bonuses paid to members of the Health Service Executive management for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008; the number and grade of persons who received such bonuses; and if she will confirm, in view of the current economic climate and the HSE’s budgetary situation, that no bonuses will be awarded in 2009 to members of senior HSE management. [27865/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Performance Related Awards Scheme was introduced following a decision by the Government on the implementation of recommendations of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector. The primary function of the Review Body is to advise the Government from time to time on the general levels of remuneration appropriate to certain public sector posts, including higher management grades in the health service not covered by the Public Sector Benchmarking Body process.

Staff at the grade of National Director, Assistant National Director and Hospital Network Manager are eligible to participate in the PRA Scheme.

The level of awards made to individuals is a matter for the HSE board and my Department has, therefore, asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy about the bonuses paid for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008.

I can tell the Deputy that no performance related awards have been paid to eligible senior managers in the HSE in respect of 2008. My Department wrote to the HSE recently, at the request of the Department of Finance, suggesting that consideration of any bonus payments be suspended pending the issue of further guidelines.

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

289 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. [27994/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Question No. 293 withdrawn.

Complementary Therapies.

Denis Naughten

Question:

294 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 264 of 17 February 2009, the action taken to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28046/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists in 2006 made recommendations on strengthening the regulatory environment for complementary therapists. The Report of the National Working Group outlined guidance for professional associations and provided examples of codes of ethics and good practice, including grievance and disciplinary procedures. To support the development of robust voluntary self-regulation, my Department has facilitated the provision of work days to facilitate different therapies to come together to undertake a process of harmonisation and development with regard to common basic standards of practice, education and training.

Among the recommendations contained in the Report of the National Working Group on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists was that the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) take a role in the accreditation of programmes of higher education and training for complementary therapists. HETAC has now determined and published a set of standards for complementary therapies to be used in the accreditation of any programmes submitted by providers of education and training in complementary therapies. These standards will be a valuable tool in the accreditation of relevant education and training programmes. In adopting these standards, HETAC has identified a requirement that each programme within a therapy should only be validated when there is federation into one representative organisation for that therapy.

Federation of individual professional therapy associations into one representative organisation for that therapy is a key component required for the development of common standards of education and training for complementary therapies. This approach is essential to ensure harmonisation of standards and to eliminate variations in standards of education and training or codes of practice within each complementary therapy discipline. The complementary therapy sector is currently engaged in forming the solid frameworks and federations with which to link and to govern the sector, and it is hoped that further progress in this area can be achieved over time.

Departmental Reports.

Denis Naughten

Question:

295 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish the report of the vaccine damage steering group; the reason for the delay in its publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28055/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Health Service Executive Reports.

Denis Naughten

Question:

296 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 142 of 16 June 2009, if the report has been finalised; if a decision has been made on the publication date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28056/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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.

In 2008 the HSE commissioned a comprehensive review of adult critical care services in order to inform the planning and future provision of this key element of the acute hospital system. Prospectus Strategy Consultants undertook this work. The company's brief was to consider the current provision of adult critical care services in the public health system and to provide advice on the appropriate model and configuration of critical care provision. It was also asked to advise on such matters as appropriate governance arrangements and on HR, work practice, clinical audit and training issues, as well as supporting provisions such as transport and infrastructure.

The Prospectus Team included four international advisors, together with two critical care experts nominated by the Intensive Care Society. Their work included site visits to each of 37 hospitals with Critical Care facilities, a 30-day survey and audit of critical care activity in each hospital, stakeholder consultation and a review of best international practice. I understand that the report is expected to be completed shortly.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Dan Neville

Question:

297 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if an application for funding under the health repayment scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be processed as soon as possible. [28079/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Decisions on the procurement and stockpiling of medicines and other requisites for use during an influenza pandemic are taken by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) usually based on advice from the Pandemic Influenza Expert Group. While there has been a number of discussions at NPHET on antibiotic requirements in the event of an influenza pandemic no decisions have yet been taken.

In the event that a decision is taken to purchase additional stocks of antibiotics it would be a matter for the Health Service Executive to put in train the usual procurement procedures.

Michael Ring

Question:

303 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason an appointment has been postponed for a child (details supplied) in County Mayo. [28097/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

304 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the amount of mobile telephone bills paid for the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27125/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The amount spent on mobile phones assigned to me by the Department (including roaming charges) since I was appointed Minister in June 2007 is set out in the following table.

Year	Total
2007	€1,686.13 (includes roaming charges of €568.33)
2008	€3,607.36 (includes roaming charges of €1,501.85)
2009 (Jan-June)	€1,417.78 (includes roaming charges of €171.67)

Enda Kenny

Question:

305 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Transport the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27186/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

There are no accumulated costs in relation to court cases taken by my Department in the past five years.

Parking Regulations.

Noel Coonan

Question:

306 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase the fine for people who illegally use designated disabled parking spaces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27389/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

Measures to strengthen provisions were put in place in amendments to the Road Traffic Acts from 2004 to 2007. Offences include submitting a false declaration in the application for a permit, and forgery, alteration or other illegal use or lending of a permit.

Gardaí and local authority traffic wardens have powers to inspect permits and to detain any permit that is invalid or is being used in an illegal manner.

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 fixed charge that applies to any other illegal parking offence.

I am satisfied with this level of fixed charge. I have no plans to alter it.

Driving Tests.

Noel Coonan

Question:

307 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Transport the pass and failure rates in driving tests in all centres nationally, including north Tipperary; and if he will compare these rates to the corresponding numbers for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27391/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

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.

Airport Development Projects.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

308 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Transport when he expects preclearance for the USA facilities to be available at Dublin airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27414/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

Preclearance is scheduled to become operational at Dublin Airport after the completion and opening of Terminal 2 in November 2010.

Public Transport.

Michael McGrath

Question:

309 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding an application by Bus Éireann for a licence to extend a bus service (details supplied). [27468/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

312 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport his views on an application by Ireland West Airport at Knock, County Mayo for operational support of €500,000 from the Government’s core airport management operational expenditure subvention scheme; if his attention has been drawn to the fact the airport has received no funding under this scheme for over three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27608/09]

Willie Penrose

Question:

316 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm having received an application under the core airport management operational expenditure subvention scheme 2009 in respect of Ireland West Airport Knock; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28019/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 316 together.

Under this scheme which was introduced in 2006, regional airports may be considered for annual subvention in respect of operating costs incurred in providing core airport services, to the extent that these cannot be met by prudent commercial management and by any surpluses available from other sources such as carparking charges and catering.

Ireland West Airport Knock has not received any subvention under the scheme to date because it traded profitably during the years in question.

Applications in respect of 2009 are currently being examined. The airports have been advised that in view of constraints on Exchequer resources this year, it is likely that any payments under the scheme in 2009 will have to be made on a pro rata basis, with no airport getting the full amount it might otherwise expect.

Harbours and Piers.

Joe McHugh

Question:

313 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the number of non-tidal ports in counties Donegal and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27680/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The only port in counties Donegal and Galway that falls under the aegis of my Department is Galway Harbour, which is a tidal port.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

314 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27746/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

The amounts paid to staff in my Department in respect of delegates allowance for each of the past three years are as follows:

2006: €47,874.94;

2007: €52,886.52;

2008: €53,032.26;

2009 to date: €23,408.05.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

315 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Transport the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27844/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)

Details of print jobs carried out for my Department by companies outside the Republic of Ireland are set out in the following table.

Print jobs carried out from 2006 to present and being provided by companies based outside ROI	Date contract awarded
Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft (printed May 2006)	22 March 2006
Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft (Gaelic language version printed *October 2006)	22 March 2006
Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft (reprint December 2006)	22 March 2006
Code of Practice for the Safe Operation of Recreational Craft (reprint December 2008)	22 March 2006
To provide secure financial printing services in relation to Aer Lingus IPO.	September 2006
Printing of Vehicle Registration Certificates	26 September 2008

Question No. 316 answered with Question No. 312.

Immigration System.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

317 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the criticisms of his Department expressed in the Crosscare migrant project report, Invisible Pathways: A critique of the Irish immigration system; the way it can contribute to people becoming undocumented; if he will undertake to make any of the changes recommended in the report; if he will identify the changes which he will make; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27089/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The report, referred to by the Deputy, relates to the experiences of clients of the Crosscare service when interacting with the Irish immigration system. It is a lengthy report with many comments and over 90 recommendations. As a result it is not possible for me to comment in detail on the issues raised but rather to give a general response.

There is no doubt as to the sincerity of the Report and any commentary on the operation of the Immigration system, or indeed of any State service, is worthwhile. That is not to say that I would accept its findings or analysis in each area. The Report approaches the issue from the migrant perspective, somewhat in isolation from broader policy considerations and without significant consideration of resource constraints. Government on the other hand has to take a broader view balancing sometimes conflicting demands.

The Report highlights general issues of customer service and lack of information. These comments are noted. Neither I as Minister nor the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service would claim that there is no room for improvement. On the contrary, efforts to improve the service are ongoing and INIS is implementing a change management programme aimed at managing its enormous and changing workload into the future. The Crosscare report will input into that change management process. INIS has also established a customer forum, chaired by its head of Corporate Services, at which NGOs, including Crosscare, have the opportunity to meet with senior personnel and raise issues of concern.

The Report is critical of the level of discretion in the decision making process. While the need for transparency and consistency is accepted, ultimately decisions have to be made by the State authorities based on best judgement and with reference to the circumstances presented in a particular case. Each case must be determined on its merits.

In relation to persons who become undocumented, it does not follow that this is the result of State inaction. First and foremost all migrants have a responsibility to maintain their immigration permission. Many of the people who enter into correspondence with the immigration authorities or make an application for leave to remain have no immigration status at the time they do so. Arrangements are being put in place to deal with cases where persons who formerly held a work permit have become undocumented through no fault of their own.

Road Traffic Offences.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

318 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drivers who have been charged with driving unaccompanied in each of the past three years; the number that were convicted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27091/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Drug Abuse.

Tom Hayes

Question:

319 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which heroin use is a factor in crime here; his policy regarding heroin use and addiction treatment; the additional measures being taken to tackle heroin related crime; the statistics he has in relation to heroin use and under-age heroin use here including in South Tipperary. [27110/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

While it is not possible to estimate the overall extent to which heroin use is a factor in crime, what is clear from available studies and research is that the provision of drug treatment in general substantially reduces drug use and related involvement in crime. The recently published Rosie Study by the National Advisory Committee on Drugs (available at www.nacd.ie) which measured drug treatment outcomes demonstrates this clearly in the Irish context.

Overall the Government's approach to tackling the problem of drug misuse, including heroin use, is through a co-ordinated and integrated approach under our National Drugs Strategy which tackles the issue under pillar headings of drugs supply reduction, education and prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. This Department's involvement is primarily (although not solely) concerned with the drug supply reduction pillar.

With regard to measures in place to tackle drug crime, An Garda Síochána undertakes a number of multi-agency actions designed to target the activities of criminal organisations involved in the sale and supply of illicit drugs, including: conducting targeted operations against individual and organisation operating within this jurisdiction with known links to international criminals, including Irish nationals based abroad; continued co-operation with the Revenue Commissioners (Customs Service) under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding in the proactive investigation of persons suspected of being involved in international drug-trafficking; exchanging strategic and operational intelligence with other law enforcement agencies, including Interpol and Europol, in accordance with legislation and operational protocols; and assisting international law enforcement agencies who are conducting investigations with suspected involvement by Irish nationals, through the Mutual Assistance Agreement in criminal matters.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the provision of addiction treatment is a matter for the Department of Health and Children and the Health Services Executive. I am advised that there are no up-to-date statistics on heroin use in the population. A special capture recapture study done in 2002 provided an estimate of 14,500 heroin users. A similar type study is currently underway under the auspices of the National Advisory Committee on Drugs. Nationally there were 8,794 clients on the Central Treatment List for methadone maintenance at the end of March 2009. I am advised that eleven of these clients were registered on the Central Treatment List with addresses in the South Tipperary /Local Health Office Area. I am informed that there were no under 18's on methadone maintenance treatment or awaiting methadone maintenance treatment during the above periods.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

320 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the Departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27122/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

I can inform the Deputy that since I was appointed as Minister in May 2008, the cost of my official mobile telephone to date amounts to around €234 a month. I understand that, when annualised, approximately 3% of the costs relate to data charges and around 59% to roaming charges.

Proposed Legislation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

321 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that one of the objectives of the national children’s strategy is to end physical punishment of children; if he will introduce legislation to prohibit a parent from administering physical chastisement of a child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27131/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

As the Deputy will be aware from my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 25 June 2009, Government policy in this matter is expressed in the National Children's Strategy. One of the objectives of the Strategy, which was launched in 2000 and has a ten year life span, states "...As part of a policy of ending physical punishment, parenting courses will focus on alternative approaches to manage difficult behaviour in children". The present legal arrangements governing reasonable chastisement can be reviewed in light of developments arising from the Strategy.

Residency Permits.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

322 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who is seven years here and has applied for long-term residency. [27146/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)

An application for long-term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on 02 August 2007. His application is currently in the latter stages of processing. As soon as a decision is reached in his case, he will be notified directly.

Crime Levels.

Tom Hayes
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Tom Hayes
Question:
323 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to deal with the increased number of robberies and violent robberies; the number of robberies recorded to date in 2009, in comparison to 2006, 2007, and 2008; the measures taken to encourage older people to use the post office, credit union or bank to store their money in order that they are safer in their homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27149/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Garda Policing Plan for 2009, which reflects the priorities set for the Force by me as Minister, includes a number of strategic actions aimed at significantly reducing the incidence of crime and criminal behaviour. These include a commitment to continue and intensify intelligence-led operations against groups and individuals engaged in criminality.

One of these operations is Operation Anvil, the primary focus of which is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static checkpoints by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols. The Operation has resulted in the seizure of over 2,500 firearms and the recovery of stolen property worth almost €32.2 million.

The Garda Commissioner has established the Organised Crime Unit with the specific objective of targeting those suspected of involvement in organised crime. It works in association with other specialised units, including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation. To date the Unit has participated in numerous intelligence-led operations. The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2009 and the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill 2009 will further enhance the capabilities of An Garda Síochána to develop strategies to prevent, detect and reduce the opportunities for violent crime.

Local Garda management closely monitors crime trends and puts strategies in place to prevent, detect and reduce the number of incidences of the type of crime referred to. Divisional Scene of Crime Units provide a flexible and immediate response to emerging crime issues and assist in identifying and monitoring crime trends as they are emerging. Injured parties are offered crime prevention and personal security advice by members of An Garda Síochána attending the scenes of such crimes. The Divisional Crime Prevention Officer can also be requested to attend at the scene and conduct a security audit, providing specific crime prevention or personal security advice, depending on the circumstances of the individual or business.

Members of the local Community Policing Unit and local Garda management liaise with local communities and provide crime prevention advice to the community, including older members. Community Gardaí attend regular meetings with residents and any issues raised are pursued. An Garda Síochána have organised a number of Community Safety Weeks, which included a series of high profile crime prevention and reduction initiatives nationally, in addition to initiatives by local community Gardaí and Garda Crime Prevention Officers. During these Weeks, An Garda Síochána emphasise how householders and residents can make their homes safer and more secure.

Community Alert, which my Department has supported on an ongoing basis, places particular emphasis on its volunteers visiting older and more vulnerable people in their community and offering their assistance in enabling such people to increase their security. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Citizenship Applications.

Ciaran Lynch
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Ciaran Lynch
Question:
324 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when, in view of the fact that the information referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 9 April 2009 was supplied some time ago, a decision will be made in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27161/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August 2007. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. Officials in that Section inform me that the documentation requested from the person concerned has been received and further processing of the application has resumed.

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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
325 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27183/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Litigation costs in relation to my Department are borne by the Office of the Chief State Solicitor and the Office of the Attorney General and, as such, the information sought by the Deputy is not available in my Department.

Prison Staff.

Jack Wall
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Jack Wall
Question:
326 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the competition for position of recruit prison officer which closed on 9 October 2008; when applicants will be called for interview; the number of vacancies which exist for recruit prison officers in prisons here; his plans to deal with the prison officer vacancies caused by the retirement of long serving officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27211/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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A public recruitment competition for Recruit Prison Officers was held during 2008 and a panel of candidates successful at the first round of the process was established. There are currently no vacancies in the Irish Prison Service for Recruit Prison Officers. This recruitment competition panel will, of course, be available to draw from should posts be sanctioned in the short to medium term in the context of overall Government policy on public sector numbers.

Departmental Programmes.

David Stanton
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David Stanton
Question:
327 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if members of the Garda Síochána will be eligible to participate in the recently announced cycle to work scheme; if so, the procedures involved for the members of the force availing of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27214/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that An Garda Síochána is a participating organisation in the Government's cycle to work scheme. Garda members wishing to avail of this scheme must complete and submit the cycle to work scheme application form which outlines the items to be purchased from the approved Office of Public Works supplier. The salary deduction authorisation form must also be completed.

David Stanton
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David Stanton
Question:
328 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if prison officers are eligible to participate in the recently announced cycle to work scheme; if so, the procedures involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27219/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that Prison Officers are eligible to participate in the cycle to work scheme. The Irish Prison Service circulated all prisons on the 23rd June, 2009 with the relevant details. Briefly, to avail of the scheme an Officer must comply with the following procedures: visit approved supplier and select the new bicycle/cycle safety equipment s/he wishes to purchase; complete the official application form in conjunction with the supplier; attach original invoice to the application form; ensure that the supplier will accept payment by way of electronic funds transfer (EFT) and provide relevant details; complete salary deduction form accepting the terms and conditions of the scheme; submits all original documentation, to include original invoice, to the Pay and Personnel Office in his/her prison for approval and onward transmission to Financial Shared Services Centre (FSCC); FSCC arrange salary deduction; and when deductions are arranged the Officer is notified that s/he can collect equipment. When the aforementioned procedures are complied with the Supplier is paid.

Asylum Applications.

Tom Hayes
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Tom Hayes
Question:
329 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if they will be allowed to remain in the State. [27220/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The persons concerned arrived in the State on various dates and applied for asylum. Their applications were refused following consideration of their cases by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the persons concerned were informed in writing that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. The persons concerned were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State i.e. why they should not be deported.

The persons concerned were notified of their entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006. Subsequently applications for Subsidiary Protection were made on behalf of the persons concerned by their legal representative. Following consideration of the information submitted, the applications were refused. The persons concerned and their legal representative were notified of this decision in writing.

Their cases were then 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 submitted on their behalf by their legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 27 May 2009, I refused permission to remain temporarily in the State and instead signed Deportation Orders in respect of the persons concerned. Notice of these orders were served by registered post which oblige the persons concerned to leave the State. To this end the persons concerned are required to present themselves at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Tuesday 30 June 2009 in order to make travel arrangements for their removal from the State.

I am satisfied that the applications made by the persons concerned, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport them is justified. The effect of the Deportation Orders is that the persons concerned must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Orders is, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.

Residency Permits.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
330 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4 will have an adjudication on their application for long term residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27222/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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An application for long-term residency by the person referred to by the Deputy was made on 10 October 2007. Officials in the Long-Term Residency section of my Department have advised me that applications from October 2007 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Asylum Applications.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
331 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for asylum by persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27223/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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If an application for asylum has been made by the persons concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
332 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for asylum by persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27224/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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If an asylum application has been made in respect of the first named person, the Deputy should note that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.

The second named person arrived in the State on 23 November, 2007 and applied for asylum. On 5 December, 2007 she gave birth to a daughter, the third named person, and included her in her asylum application. Their application was refused following consideration of their case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, the second person was informed, by letter dated 22 September, 2008, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her daughter. The person concerned and her daughter were given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State, i.e. why they should not be deported.

She was also notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection pursuant to the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006. By correspondence dated 10 October, 2008, an application for Subsidiary Protection was made on behalf of the second named person by her legal representative. Following consideration of the information submitted, the application was refused. The second named person and her legal representative were notified of this decision by letter dated 26 January, 2009.

Her case was then 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 submitted on her behalf by her legal representative for permission to remain in the State. On 4 February, 2009, I refused the person concerned permission to remain temporarily in the State and signed Deportation Orders in respect of her and her daughter. Notice of these orders was served by registered post requiring the person concerned and her daughter to present themselves at the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) 13-14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Monday 23 February, 2009 in order to make travel arrangements for their removal from the State.

By letter dated 2 February, 2009, representations were received from the legal representative of the second named person seeking re — consideration of the refusal of the application for temporary leave to remain in the State. The representations received were considered as an application pursuant to Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999, as amended, seeking the revocation of the Deportation Order of the person concerned. Following consideration of the information submitted, the Deportation Order was affirmed and the second named person was notified of this decision by letter dated 23 February, 2009.

On 23 February, 2009 Judicial Review proceedings were instituted seeking leave to challenge the Deportation Orders. Leave to apply was refused in the High Court on 17 June, 2009. I am satisfied that the applications made by the second named person and her daughter for asylum, for temporary leave to remain in the State and for Subsidiary Protection, together with all refoulement issues, were fairly and comprehensively examined and, as such, the decision to deport them is justified.

The effect of the Deportation Orders is that the second named person and her daughter must leave the State and remain thereafter out of the State. The enforcement of the Deportation Orders is, and remains, an operational matter for the GNIB.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
333 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application for political asylum by persons (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27225/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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If an application for asylum has been made by the first and second named person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending. The third named person concerned is the infant daughter of the first and second named person concerned. On 24 November 2008 an application for asylum in the State was made on her behalf. Her application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. She did not appeal this recommendation to 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 29 May 2009, 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. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the Subsidiary Protection application is refused, the case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, will then be considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this latter consideration has been completed, the case file is passed to me for decision.

Court Procedures.

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
334 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there is a growing trend for persons who are fined in the courts to commit themselves to prison rather than pay fines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27231/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The number of persons currently imprisoned for the non-payment of a fine by the due date is 6. This represents a tiny fraction of 0.2% of the overall prison population. The numbers have always been on the low side and there is no discernible upward trend.

On 20th April 2009 I published the Fines Bill 2009. The Bill, which was referred to the Select Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights on 14th May 2009, provides that where a court imposes a fine on a person, that person may apply to the court to pay the fine by instalments. If the court is satisfied that paying the fine in full by the due date would result in undue financial hardship for that person or his or her dependants, it can direct that the fine be paid by instalments over the period of a year. An extension of up to a year may also be given by the court where it is satisfied that the financial circumstances of the person have changed and that the change is not due to the person's culpable neglect.

The Bill also provides the courts with three new options where a fine has not been paid by the due date. These are the appointment of a receiver, where the fine was imposed following conviction on indictment, recovery of the fine as if it was a civil debt and the imposition of a community service order.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
335 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps taken to investigate an allegation of abuse by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27236/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Barry Andrews)
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From enquiries made within the time available, my Department has been unable to establish any formal allegation or complaint made to the centre in question in relation to this case . Any complaint or serious allegation of this nature would have been referred to An Garda Síochána in the first instance. I have asked the Garda Commissioner if any such investigation was carried out in the past and will revert to the Deputy when that information is to hand.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
336 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27266/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The person concerned applied for asylum on 3 March 2006. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 19 August 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.

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
337 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application for residency by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27297/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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An application for long-term residency from the person referred to by the Deputy was received on 25 September 2007. His application is currently in the latter stages of processing. As soon as a decision is reached in his case, he will be notified directly.

Asylum Applications.

Mary O'Rourke
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Mary O'Rourke
Question:
338 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 Westmeath who has applied to remain here on humanitarian grounds and is seeking subsidiary protection. [27304/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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There is currently no application pending in my Department for subsidiary protection or for leave to remain on humanitarian grounds in the case of the person whose details were supplied. If an application for asylum has been made by the person concerned the Deputy will of course be aware that it is not the practice to comment on asylum applications that are pending.

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
339 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 118 of 5 March 2009, the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27307/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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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 October 2008.

The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. Officials in that Section are currently commencing further processing of applications received in early 2008. Applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. However, I understand that the person concerned is married to an Irish national and every effort is made to ensure those applications are dealt with as quickly as possible.

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
340 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application for a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27310/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in August 2007.

The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. The Citizenship Division is currently commencing further processing of applications received in early 2008. 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.

Drug Seizures.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
341 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views regarding the recent upsurge in the level of heroin seizures in Cork City and County; and the action taken in response to this growing problem. [27313/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed that An Garda Síochána has recorded significant successes in intercepting substantial quantities of heroin, resulting in the arrests of individuals involved in the trafficking and distribution of heroin in Cork and elsewhere in the State.

As well as measures taken by An Garda Síochána on a national level to target the importation sale and supply of illegal drugs including heroin, local Garda management in Cork City and County are responding in a number of ways to target this problem including: rigid pro-active enforcement of the drugs legislation particularly in relation to heroin; additional financial resources being made available under Regional Budgets and Operation ‘Anvil'; a dedicated heroin unit being established in Cork City under the umbrella of the Cork City Divisional Drugs Unit; additional personnel being allocated to the District Drug Units in all three Garda Divisions encompassing County Cork; specific targeting of suppliers, through intelligence initiatives, including ‘Clean-Street' style operations, whereby on-street test purchases were made, in conjunction with the Garda National Drugs Unit. The most recent operation took place in May 2009 and resulted in the arrest of fourteen persons.

On 23rd March, 2009, a ‘Dial to Stop Drug Dealing' initiative in conjunction with the Cork City Local Drug Task Force and the Southern Region Drug Task Force, commenced, for a six-week period.

Multi-agency meetings, involving An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive, Local Authority Representatives, addiction counsellors and members of Local Drugs Task Force, take place every month. In addition there is close liaison between the relevant agencies under the forum of the Joint Policing Committees in the relevant Local Authority areas where strategies are discussed, agreed and implemented to reduce the availability and prevent and detect such criminality in these areas.

Strong inter-divisional cooperation and intelligence sharing led by the Divisional Detective Superintendent is in place between the three Garda Divisions to ensure a uniform approach to the targeting of those involved in the importation, trafficking, sale and supply of illegal drugs in Cork City and County.

Garda Deployment.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
342 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the yearly cost of supplying cars, fuel and Garda drivers to former Taoisigh since 1997 in tabular form; the estimated cost for 2009; his plans to review this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27354/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I have requested this information from the Garda authorities and I will contact the Deputy when it is to hand.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
343 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the duties and role of the gardaí allocated to Áras an Uachtarán. [27355/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The policing function of the Garda Síochána necessarily involves protection duties, including in relation to the Office of the President. It is not the practice, and it would be contrary to the public interest, to comment on the details of such protection duties. Operational decisions in relation to the fulfilment of protection duties are a matter for the Garda authorities.

Asylum Applications.

P. J. Sheehan
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P. J. Sheehan
Question:
344 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when this application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27357/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The person concerned applied for asylum on 23 July 2004. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The person concerned initiated Judicial Review proceedings, 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 decision of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal decision stood.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 8 July 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.

Drug Seizures.

Thomas Byrne
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Thomas Byrne
Question:
345 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drug seizures in County Meath over the past two years. [27361/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda Authorities that the following table sets out the number of drugs cases for analysis, as provided by the Forensic Science Laboratory for the Meath Garda Division in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009:

Drug Type Detected

No. of Cases Analysed 2007

No. of Cases Analysed 2008

No. of Cases Analysed 2009*

Cannabis Herb

26

45

7

Cannabis Plants

2

5

5

Cannabis Resin

69

44

15

Cocaine

36

41

6

Heroin Diamorphine

12

14

4

MDMA

25

40

3

Amphetamine

2

6

3

BZP

0

10

2

*Statistics are valid to 1st July, 2009.

Road Traffic Offences.

Thomas Byrne
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Thomas Byrne
Question:
346 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of arrests for drink driving in County Meath during the past two years. [27362/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
Share

In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Prisoner Transfers.

Joe Costello
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Joe Costello
Question:
347 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will facilitate the repatriation of a person (details supplied) to a prison here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27365/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The 1983 Council of Europe Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons provides a mechanism whereby prisoners can be repatriated to their home state in order to serve prison sentences they have incurred abroad. The Convention is provided for in legislation in this State by virtue of the Transfer of Sentenced Persons Acts, 1995 and 1997 and the process is administered by my Department.

The process requires extensive documentation to be exchanged between the relevant jurisdictions in order to allow an application to be fully considered. A three way consent is also required to enable any transfer to take place, i.e., from the authorities of both jurisdictions and from the person concerned. On receipt of those consents (assuming they will be forthcoming), an application must then be made to the High Court for a warrant authorising the transfer of the person concerned and their continued detention here.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department has not as yet received a formal application for a transfer to Ireland in respect of this person from the United Kingdom authorities. My officials have contacted the UK authorities responsible for such repatriations regarding this matter and they have stated that they have not received an application from the person concerned either. If he has not already done so, he should now apply for a transfer via his Prison Governor in the United Kingdom.

Public Order Offences.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
348 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that he is reviewing the operation of anti-social behaviour orders; if he appreciates the continued need to deal effectively with anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27374/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Part 11 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which provides for civil proceedings in relation to anti-social behaviour by adults, was commenced on 1 January, 2007. Part 13 of the Act, relating to anti-social behaviour by children, was commenced on 1 March, 2007. These provisions set out an incremental procedure for addressing anti-social behaviour by adults and children. I believe that these provisions have made a significant contribution to addressing anti-social behaviour. Nevertheless, I believe that it is appropriate at this stage to review the operation of the legislation to see whether any improvements can be made, and in this regard my Department is in consultation with the Garda authorities.

The Garda Policing Plan for 2009, which reflects the priorities set for the Force by me as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, contains a series of measures aimed at reducing the impact of crime and criminal behaviour. One of the strategic goals identified in the Plan is to reduce significantly the incidence of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in communities.

Joint Policing Committees provide a forum where An Garda Síochána and the local authority — the two organisations which make the most significant contribution to preventing and tackling crime in a specific area — can come together, with the participation of members of the Oireachtas and community and voluntary interests, on matters affecting the area. A Committee has a range of functions and monitor two broad areas. The first is the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in its area, including patterns and levels of misuse of alcohol and drugs. The second is the broader issue of the factors underlying and contributing to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour. Following on from this the Committee advises the local authority and An Garda Síochána on how they might best perform their functions, having regard to the need to do everything feasible to improve the safety and quality of life and to prevent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the area.

I am of the view that the Committees have enormous potential for tackling the problems of anti-social behaviour.

Garda Investigations.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
349 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Wexford has been investigated; the course of action taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27380/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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A report has been requested from the Garda authorities. I will be in contact with the Deputy when it is available.

Departmental Expenditure.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
350 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support an organisation (details supplied). [27412/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I provided €1.383m for funding for services to victims of crime in 2009. The allocation of this funding is a matter for the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. The Commission operates independently under the aegis of my Department. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on, or seek to influence the Commission in its allocation of funding. Funding has been provided in the past to the organisation by the Commission and prior to the establishment of the Commission by my own Department. I understand that the Commission received an application for funding for 2009 from the organisation. I am told that after careful consideration of the application the Commission decided not to fund the organisation in 2009. This decision has been conveyed to the organisation. The organisation can apply for funding for 2010 in the context of the next funding cycle.

Proposed Legislation.

Thomas P. Broughan
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Thomas P. Broughan
Question:
351 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when it is intended to establish a judicial council to invigilate the performance of judges and assess complaints about their handling of cases and to establish and monitor guidelines on judicial performance and behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27420/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The work on the scheme of the Judicial Council Bill is at an advanced stage of development. The Chief Justice is in consultation with his fellow members of the judiciary on the details of the proposals and his response, taking into account that consultation, is expected in the near future. I intend to seek Government approval as quickly as possible for drafting of the Bill.

Remembrance Commission.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
352 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [27455/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Remembrance Commission was established in 2003 on foot of the report of the Victims' Commission, A Place and a Name. It was charged with administering the Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance for Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland. The Remembrance Commission was established for an initial period of 3 years. The Commission’s term of appointment was subsequently extended on two further occasions to give more time to those persons eligible for payments under the Scheme to make applications to the Commission. The Commission undertook extensive advertising campaigns to ensure the widest possible awareness of its role and of the categories of payments which could be made.

To avail of a payment under the Scheme, an application was required to have been made during the term of appointment of the Remembrance Commission. The Commission's term of appointment came to an end on 31 October 2008 and no further payments can therefore be made. However, as I have previously stated to the House, the long-term medical expenses of survivors of incidents in this jurisdiction arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland will continue to be provided for.

In relation to support services, the Deputy will be aware of the organisation Justice for the Forgotten, to which my Department has previously provided funding. I am also aware, from my time as Minister for Foreign Affairs, that the Department of Foreign Affairs provides funding to a number of Irish societies and organisations in the Birmingham area which work with and support the Irish community there. That Department can no doubt provide the Deputy with details of these organisations.

Drug Seizures.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
353 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the quantity and value of heroin seized by the Garda Síochána in Cork city and county for 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [27467/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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In the time available it has not been possible to compile the detailed statistics requested. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information sought is to hand.

Garda Investigations.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
354 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of suspected and proven instances respectively of jury intimidation and tampering as opposed to that of witnesses. [27475/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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There is a specific statutory offence of intimidation of members of a jury. Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1999 makes it an offence to harm or threaten or in any other way intimidate or put in fear another person who is assisting in the investigation by An Garda Síochána of an offence, or is a witness or potential witness or a juror or potential juror in proceedings for an offence, or a member of his or her family, with the intention thereby of causing the investigation or the course of justice to be obstructed, perverted or interfered with.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that separate records are not maintained of offences under section 41 as between those directed against witnesses and those directed against jurors. Accordingly, the information available from the Gardaí covers both categories of individuals. The Deputy will appreciate that, of their nature, instances of intimidation of jurors are less likely to come to notice than instances of witness intimidation.

The following table shows the position with regard to the number of proceedings that have been commenced for offences under Section 41 of the 1999 Act for the period from 2002 to 29 May 2009.

Year

Proceedings

2009 (to 29 May)

7

2008

16

2007

16

2006

44

2005

22

2004

30

2003

30

2002

11

The statutory provisions available to counteract jury intimidation reflect the gravity of the offence. The Gardaí rigorously enforce these provisions and, of course, will continue to do so. Further legislative action is being taken, including a significant increase in the penalty following conviction for jury intimidation, in the context of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2009 which is before the House at present.

Anti-Racism Measures.

Michael D. Higgins
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Michael D. Higgins
Question:
355 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will publish the final report of the steering committee on the implementation of the national action plan against racism, which concluded its work at the end of December 2008; the reason the report has not been published to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27478/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy John Curran)
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I will shortly arrange to publish the final report of the Steering Group set up to oversee the implementation of the National Action Plan Against Racism on the new website for my Office which was launched on 25 June. The website is available at www.integration.ie. The Group states that, while the National Action Plan Against Racism was an ambitious plan and not everything was achieved " there has been a substantial penetration of anti-racist policies, programmes and activities and awareness raising initiatives". My Office will build on the achievements to date by strategic use of the funding streams available and the recommendations made by the Group will continue to inform decision making into the future.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
356 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions commenced and convictions obtained respectively in for the offence laid down by section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. [27479/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
357 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of prosecutions commenced and convictions obtained respectively in respect of the offence laid down by Section 73 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. [27480/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 357 together.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
358 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions that sections 28, 29 and 30 respectively of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 have been used in court proceedings. [27481/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the Garda report is available.

Departmental Property.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
359 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27596/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Deputy will be aware that the Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision of office space for Government Departments. I am informed that generally, with long-term leases, rent reviews and lease breaks are provided for on a five year basis. I understand that where there is provision for a rent review or a lease break, the OPW does enter into negotiations based, in part, on current market values.

As regards my own Department, there are three offices under lease where rent is paid. The rent in each case is fixed but where there is provision for a rent review, I can inform the Deputy that my Department will be negotiating for a review downwards. In some cases, this process has already been initiated in advance of the formal review date.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
360 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in respect of residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27626/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Officials in my Department have conducted an extensive search of the relevant immigration databases, and have been unable to locate any records for the person concerned. The person is advised to write to my Department at Repatriation Unit, INIS, 13 — 14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 setting out his current residency arrangements so that his case can be examined.

Visa Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
361 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a working visa or alternative will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27627/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The person referred to by the Deputy is the spouse of an Irish national. While marriage to an Irish national by a non EU national does not grant any automatic right to reside in the State, if a non EU national spouse of an Irish national was already legally resident in the State prior to the marriage, then he or she can make a request to the local Registration Officer for a change of their immigration status to reflect their marriage to that Irish national.

If, however, the non EU national has no legal status in the State at the time of the marriage, he or she may make an application to the Spouse of Irish National Unit, Immigration Services Section, Irish Naturalisation & Immigration Service, 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 seeking permission to reside in the State on that basis. It is a fundamental requirement that a non EU national seeking residency in the State on the sole basis of marriage to an Irish national resides in the same household and in a family unit with that Irish national. Consideration of such application will involve the provision of documentary evidence to support the application and may also involve an interview by the Immigration authorities of either or both parties. If a non EU national is granted permission to reside in the State on the sole basis of marriage to an Irish national, he or she is permitted to work in the State without the requirement of a work permit and to operate a business in the State without seeking further permission.

Residency Permits.

Pat Rabbitte
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Pat Rabbitte
Question:
362 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24, has had their approval for temporary permission to remain in the State accompanied by a cautionary reference to the applicant having been convicted of driving offences when such convictions were annulled; if he will confirm that the record in his Department has been corrected and that the applicant has never broken the criminal law here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27676/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The letter the Deputy is referring to was issued to the person concerned on 22 June 2009 informing him that his temporary leave to remain in the State had been extended by one year. This temporary leave to remain in the State is granted under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended). As part of assessing all cases, including renewals, under Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), consideration must be given to eleven factors set out in Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended); one of which is, Section 3(6) (g), the character and conduct of the person both within and (where relevant and ascertainable) outside the State (including any criminal convictions). In this regard, as is standard procedure, a Garda report was sought in relation to the person concerned during examination of his application for renewal of temporary leave to remain. The Garda report received indicated that the person concerned was convicted in Cork City Court of a number of driving offences. Notwithstanding this information, it was decided to renew the temporary leave to remain in the State. As is standard procedure in such cases, the letter notifying the person concerned of this decision also cautioned him that the renewal of his leave to remain was conditional to him obeying the laws of the State and that he should not involve himself in any further criminal activity.

However, subsequent to the issuing of this letter, further information was received from the person concerned on 27 June 2009, which indicated that the convictions against him had been overturned on appeal. Following receipt of this information, a further Garda report was sought on the matter. The Garda report confirmed the appeal outcome. In light of this information the person concerned was issued with a new temporary permission to remain letter on 6 June 2009, in which all references to the driving offences have been removed.

Garda Strength.

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
363 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who have voluntarily retired to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27706/09]

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
364 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will provide an update of the data requested in Parliamentary Question No. 568 of 24 March 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27707/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 364 together.

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Gardaí who left the Force up to the end of May 2009 is as set out in the following table.

Category

2009

Compulsory Retirements

2

Voluntary Retirements

224

Resignations

8

Medical Discharges

5

Deaths

8

Dismissals

4

Resignations in Lieu of Dismissals

2

Total

253

Citizenship Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
365 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason for the approximate two month delay between the time a naturalisation application is referred to him for a decision and the decision being made and notified to the applicant; the procedures taken when an application is referred to him for a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27718/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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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. 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 early 2008.

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. In practice, a necessary period of time elapses while files that are finished processing have submissions prepared, those submissions are batched for transmission to the Minister's Office, decided upon and batched for return to Citizenship Division for the issuing of decision letters.

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.

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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
366 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27743/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Correspondence.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
367 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [27757/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to the matter referred to by the Deputy. I will contact the Deputy again when the report is to hand.

Garda Recruitment.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
368 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support a matter (details supplied). [27758/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Questions 279 to 281 of 26 May 2009 which sets out the position.

Garda Strength.

Pat Rabbitte
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Pat Rabbitte
Question:
369 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number in each rank of the Garda Síochána who have retired in each of the past three years; the number of promotions to each rank above the rank of garda in each of the past three years; the number of persons recruited to the Garda Síochána in each of the past three years; the net cost to the Exchequer of employing a member of the Garda Síochána at each rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27770/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question 21919/09 of 28 May 2009. The information regarding the number of promotions to each rank and the number of persons recruited to An Garda Síochána in the past three years is contained in the reply that question.

The total number of members who retired, both voluntarily and on age grounds, in each of the previous three years is as set out in the table:

2006

2007

2008

304

184

259

With specific regard to the rank of each member who has retired and the net cost to the Exchequer of employing a member of An Garda Síochána, I have requested this information from the Garda Commissioner and I will write to the Deputy directly when this information is to hand.

Illegal Activities.

Jim O'Keeffe
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Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
370 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he has taken to implement the recommendations of the Council of Europe Nos. 1178/92 and 1412/99 on the illegal activities of sects and cults in so far as such recommendations pertain to the justice area. [27789/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Any complaint of illegal activities will be investigated by An Garda Síochána and an investigation file submitted as appropriate to the Law Officers for their consideration.

The Child Abduction and Enforcement of Custody Orders Act 1991 gives effect in Irish law to (among other things) the European Convention on Recognition and Enforcement of Decisions Concerning Custody of Children and on Restoration of Custody of Children.

A robust and effective equality infrastructure has been developed in Ireland over the last number of years. Both direct and indirect discrimination on the ground of religion in the area of employment and in the provision of goods and services is prohibited by law. Moreover, the Equality Authority, which has a statutory function to work towards the elimination of discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity, may itself refer a matter to the Equality Tribunal for investigation where it appears to it that such discrimination is being generally practised against persons.

Jim O'Keeffe
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Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
371 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a religious organisation (details supplied) has gone on trial for organised fraud in France and that this could lead to the closure of that organisation there; if this church is regarded as a religion here. [27790/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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It would not be appropriate for me to comment on criminal proceedings before the courts in another jurisdiction. I have no function with regard to the recognition or otherwise of a religion.

Crime Levels.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:
372 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of section two and section three assaults which have occurred in Athlone over the past 12 months; and the way this compares to previous years. [27832/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to sections 2 and 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
373 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27841/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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My Department uses one company outside of Ireland for printing purposes. The work in question is in respect of the printing of visa stickers. The most recent order was placed in December 2008.

The company, based in Paris, has successfully produced Irish visa stickers for several years on behalf of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service. A core consideration in accessing such services is that the company is a recognised and reputable provider of such visa stickers to several European countries. In order to minimise illegal immigration and fraud, visa stickers utilise a range of essential security features such as hologram, unique serial number identification and other specialised printing features, and they must conform to an agreed EU standard.

Residency Permits.

Willie Penrose
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Willie Penrose
Question:
374 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm he has received correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; if in this context he will take steps to review and address the issues raised therein; the way their problem will be resolved, in view of their history and the circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27854/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned made an application for residency in June 2009.

The General Immigration Division of INIS has recently been in contact with the person in question requesting further information and documentation. On receipt of that information the application will be processed further.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
375 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 County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27993/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 213 of Thursday 25 September 2008 and the written Reply to that Question.

The person concerned has been granted Leave to Remain in the State for the period to 13 January 2010. This decision was conveyed in writing to the person concerned by letter dated 14 January 2009.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
376 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 25 June 2009, the various procedures which have been used in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork whose case for asylum has been before him for some time; if the full extent of due process has been followed in this case; the length of time the process has taken to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28015/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 25 June 2004. 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 27 June 2005. This communication advised the person of his entitlement to appeal the Commissioner’s recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which he duly did.

The person concerned initiated Judicial Review Proceedings on two separate occasions against the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. 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 person concerned by letter dated 29 June 2009.

In accordance with normal procedures, the file of the person concerned 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).

Crime Levels.

Simon Coveney
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Simon Coveney
Question:
377 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the crime figures for Cork city and county for 2008 and the first six months of 2009 in tabular form; and the types and quantities of drugs seized in this area over the same period. [28024/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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In relation to the first part of the Deputy's question, the Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) as the national statistical agency. The CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose.

I have requested the CSO to provide the crime statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, it has not been possible to compile the detailed statistics requested in the time available. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information sought is to hand.

Registration of Title.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
378 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average waiting times for processing land registry dealings on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28039/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I have arranged for the CEO of the Property Registration Authority to compile the requested information and to forward it to the Deputy. I understand that this will be done very shortly.

Passport Forgeries.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
379 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of forged Irish passports seized at ports and airports here in 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28044/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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Records on PULSE indicate that there were 199 passports recorded as seized in 2008, with 132 passports seized up to 5th July 2009.

Information recorded on PULSE does not indicate whether the passports seized are Irish or from other jurisdictions and it would necessitate a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources to establish same, as it would require each individual entry to be examined to establish the origin of the documents seized and/or if it was forged.

Proposed Legislation.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
380 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 6 May 2009, the progress made on the drafting of the legal costs Bill and the family law Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28051/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The position remains, as I indicated in my previous reply, that work on the general schemes of both Bills is ongoing in my Department.

Sexual Offences.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
381 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Questions No. 48 of 27 May 2009, if he has received a report from the anti-human trafficking unit on the Immigrant Council of Ireland study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28052/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I have asked my Department to examine the Report commissioned by the Immigrant Council of Ireland, entitled "Globalisation, Sex Trafficking and Prostitution — The Experiences of Migrant Women in Ireland", in conjunction with the Departments/agencies to whom the Report's recommendations and findings are relevant. That process is in train. As the Deputy will be aware the report and its recommendations are wide-ranging and require extensive consultation. I expect to receive a Report in relation to this matter later this year. I will consider what further actions, if any, are necessary once this examination has been completed and a Report on the matter is referred to me.

Visa Applications.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
382 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of student visa applications granted in the past 12 months; the number which were for third level full time education; the number for English language education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28057/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The statistical data requested is retained in annual (calendar year) format. The number of student visa applications granted for 2008 was 4563 and the number of student visa applications granted for 2009 (up to the end of the June) is 1799. Figures for 2009 are provisional.

Figures are not available in relation to whether the visas were granted for third level full time education or specifically for English language education.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
383 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of student visa applications refused in each of the past five years; the number refused on the basis of unsatisfactory credentials of the college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28058/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The table contains figures in respect of all study visa application decisions for the years 2005 to 2008 inclusive.

Year

Total study visa applications decided

Approved

Refused

2008

6,801

4,563 (67%)

2,238 (33%)

2007

9,254

4,849 (52%)

4,405 (48%)

2006

6,516

3,548 (54%)

2,968 (46%)

2005

7,838

3,213 (41%)

4,625 (59%)

Comparable figures are not readily available for the year 2004.

Figures are not available as to the number refused on the basis of unsatisfactory credentials of the college, as data on cases where a visa is refused for this reason is not recorded in statistical format. However, I am informed by the INIS that such cases are, quite rare and figures for such refusals would be very low in comparison with the overall number of study visa applications received in any given year.

Garda Operations.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
384 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he is satisfied that the abuse highlighted in a report (details supplied) is no longer taking place; the type of institutions involved; the services which they were to provide; the action taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28059/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Report to which the Deputy refers outlines in a broad sense the threat associated with organised crime engaging in fraudulent activities associated with the visa regime. There are also specific references to the potential for student immigration in the United Kingdom and Ireland to be exploited by organised crime whether through false documentation or the establishment of bogus schools.

The Irish immigration authorities in the course of their day to day operational activities, including the processing of visas, maintain a vigilant watch so as to identify fraudulent practices and documentation. Where activities in a particular sector give rise to a suspicion of irregular activity the matter may be further investigated by the immigration section within my own Department or, depending on the activity, may be referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). Arising from such investigations a number of actions may be taken by the immigration authorities depending on the extent of the identified irregular activities. Clearly the immigration authorities have to be alert to potential abuse when administering the visa system. Visa applications are frequently rejected on the grounds fraudulent documents or general lack of credibility.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department is currently engaged in a review of the immigration regime for full time non-EEA students. The purpose of the review is two fold. First, there is a need for greater coherence in the way we deal with non-EEA students via a transparent system that is consistent with Irish immigration policy generally. Secondly, it is generally accepted that there is a need for greater regulation in the student area. This will be beneficial both in curbing abuses and in assisting the future development and marketing of the sector on a solid foundation.

The Deputy will appreciate that the policing of this area is a matter for the Garda Commissioner. I can however inform the Deputy that a report on the matters referred to in the Report has now been sought from the Garda Commissioner.

Garda Investigations.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
385 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda National Immigration Bureau has completed its investigations as outlined in an article (details supplied); the action the Garda will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28060/09]

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
386 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the Garda has wound down Operation Feather; if there are ongoing investigations; if there are pending prosecutions under this operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28062/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together.

The Deputy will appreciate that policing operations are a matter for An Garda Síochána. I have sought the information from the Garda authorities and I will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Deportation Orders.

Martin Ferris
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Martin Ferris
Question:
387 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is his policy to offer convicted prisoners here, who are citizens of other states, voluntary deportation before their sentences are complete; if so, the number of people who have been deported under this procedure; and the countries to which they were deported. [28078/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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My policy, and that of my predecessors, is to ensure that any foreign national who finds himself, or herself, illegally present in the State and who has been convicted of an offence in the State, should serve the sentence handed down by the Courts. In certain circumstances, however, where prisoners are approaching the end of their periods of detention and there has been consultation between the Garda National Immigration Bureau, the Irish Prison Service and officials in my Department, foreign nationals subject to Deportation Orders may be removed from the State in accordance with Immigration law. The enforcement of Deportation Orders is an operational matter for the Bureau.

There is no statistical mechanism currently in place to determine the numbers of persons removed under the circumstances outlined above, however the numbers involved are small.

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
388 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum applications made in each of the past 14 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28088/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The information requested by the Deputy in relation to asylum applications received in the last 14 months (May 2008 to June 2009) is set out in the table below.

Asylum Applications received May 2008 to June 2009

Date

Number

May 08

301

June 08

329

July 08

339

August 08

333

September 08

360

October 08

357

November 08

324

December 08

300

January 09

254

February 09

270

March 09

270

April 09

241

May 09

229

June 09

244

Deportation Orders.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
389 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average stay by a deportee in prison prior to their deportation from the State; the number detained in the past 12 months prior to deportation and in 2008; the corresponding number held in each prison; the corresponding figure for asylum applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28090/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that the information sought is at present being compiled and will be conveyed to him shortly.

Prison Building Programme.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
390 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the projected cost of planting mature trees on part of the boundary of the proposed Thornton Hall prison to a band depth of up to 20 m; the area to be planted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28091/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I have no further information available to me to add to my replies of the 24th June, 2008 and the 2nd July, 2009.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
391 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will proceed with the detention facility at the Thornton Hall prison site for non-Irish persons awaiting deportation; the capital cost of this aspect and the capacity of this element; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28092/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Government recently reconfirmed its commitment to developing a new prison campus at Thornton Hall. The revised plans for the new prison complex aim to protect the taxpayers' interests and provide good quality, regime focussed accommodation. The detailed design for the new revised prison complex will now be finalised. I am not in a position, at this point in time, to say what precise range of facilities will be provided.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
392 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27120/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The table sets out the costs relating to my official mobile telephony service since I was appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in May 2008.

Rental/ Subscription

Calls

Roaming

Data

Totals

€

€

€

€

€

2008

239

813

140

27

1,219

2009 to Date

365

n/a

n/a

n/a

365

My Department avails of the Department of Finance Central Framework for the provision of mobile telephony services. Under the terms of this contract, in place since last October, the monthly rate for my mobile telephony service is €60.75. This rate covers rental, all calls (including roaming charges), and all national text and data charges.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
393 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27181/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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In the past five years my Department has taken one court case. This case was taken in 2005, in Stockholm, against a planning permission which had been granted to develop the attic space of a building, which contained an Embassy property owned by the State. The Department initiated an appeal against this planning permission to the Stockholm Rent Tribunal (part of the Swedish court system). The Rent Tribunal upheld the initial planning permission and, on the basis of legal advice from the Embassy lawyers at the time, it was decided not to appeal this ruling. The legal costs associated with the appeal, including legal advice received on the implications of the ruling, amounted to €11,377.

Emigrant Support Services.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
394 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress on the undocumented Irish issue particularly after the visit of the Friends of Ireland chairman, US Congressman Richard E Neal, and his delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27410/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States. We have emphasised our strong support for the undocumented in all our engagements with the US Administration and Congress, including during meetings with President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton in Washington this March. The Taoiseach and I held extensive discussions on the issue with the Congressional delegation, led by Congressman Neal, which visited Ireland last week. This included particularly useful exchanges with influential legislators, Congressman Luis Gutierrez and Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, both strong proponents of comprehensive immigration reform and leading members of the Hispanic Caucus.

As the Deputy is aware, in the absence of comprehensive immigration reform, the Government has been actively pursuing a bilateral approach, aimed at facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. The approach has had three core objectives: a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement (now operational); new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term E3 working visas; and a solution for our undocumented.

While the inclusion of Ireland in an expanded version of the E3 programme would provide extensive new opportunities for Irish people to work in the United States and help ensure that a new generation of undocumented Irish does not develop, our friends on Capitol Hill have been clear that the status of the undocumented Irish cannot be addressed in isolation from other ethnic groups, including by way of an E3. Their advice is that the best prospect for a solution for the undocumented continues to lie with comprehensive immigration reform.

On 25 June, President Obama met with a range of key Congressional figures, including supporters and opponents of reform, to discuss this issue and identify how to begin fixing what he has described as a broken immigration system. His statement following the meeting that his ‘Administration is fully behind an effort to achieve comprehensive immigration reform' is very welcome. I also note the announcement that the Administration, under the direction of Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, will work with a leadership group from Congress to take forward the issue.

As President Obama noted, however, immigration remains ‘a sensitive and politically volatile issue' in the United States. Bi-partisan support is considered vital to the success of comprehensive reform and our friends on Capitol Hill, including those within the visiting delegation, have made it clear that progressing legislation will continue to present significant challenges.

While encouraged by recent developments, the immediate prospects for immigration reform remain uncertain. The Government is determined to continue to highlight the difficulties facing our undocumented citizens and to support the Administration in its efforts to implement reform.

Foreign Conflicts.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
395 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in dealing with the difficulties in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27411/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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The formation of a unity government in Zimbabwe in February was far from being a solution to Zimbabwe's problems, but was nonetheless a sign of some limited progress in the political process. Five months on, despite some improvements in the situation on the ground in Zimbabwe, notably in curbing hyperinflation and adopting the South African rand as the reference currency, the political situation remains very fragile. I am gravely concerned by reports of continuing human rights violations, arbitrary arrests, torture of prisoners and abuse of the rule of law. The lack of real progress on many issues vital to Zimbabwe's recovery and the failure to reform media laws to allow for meaningful press freedom are causes of ongoing concern.

A particular concern is the continued failure of President Mugabe to address the issue of senior government appointments in a manner consistent with the September 2008 power-sharing agreement. The retention of Gideon Gono as Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is detrimental to the interests of the country and his removal is vital to build confidence among international donors and investors.

The international community has stated its willingness to support the economic and social recovery of Zimbabwe. The Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, visited Europe and the United States last month to encourage international re-engagement with Zimbabwe at a political and economic level and support for the power-sharing government. The international leaders he met stated clearly their support for the agenda of reform and democratisation and for implementation of the power-sharing agreement, and their willingness to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe. Re-engagement remains conditional on the agreed goals set out in the power-sharing agreement being met. These include full access to humanitarian assistance, restoration of the rule of law, commitment to the democratic process, respect for human rights and commitment to macroeconomic stabilisation. Ireland has worked closely with our EU partners in developing a consistent approach to Zimbabwe. Ireland and the EU will continue to monitor the situation, and maintain contacts with key African partners, including the African Union and the Southern African Development Community. It is clear that Zimbabwe's neighbours have a critical role to play in encouraging reform, and can bring the greatest influence to bear in achieving progress in implementing the power sharing agreement.

In keeping with other international donors, Ireland does not provide funding to the Zimbabwean government, but responds to the humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people through support for the work of multilateral and non-governmental organisations. Thus far in 2009, Ireland has committed funding of over €5 million to a range of humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe, focussed on food security, tackling HIV and AIDS and supporting civil society organisations providing essential services for the population. We have repeatedly stated our willingness to re-engage with a Zimbabwean government which returns to respect for human rights, the rule of law and sound economic management.

It is vital for the future of Zimbabwe that the unity government delivers on the promise of reform, and secures for Zimbabwe's people real political freedoms, a return to the rule of law and economic development. Ireland will continue to work with our partners in the international community to encourage progress in these areas.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
396 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27594/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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In the past three years my Department has rented office space in one building in Dublin, the ground floor of Hospitality House, Cumberland Street, Dublin 2 at a cost of €144,900 per annum. All other rent commitments relating to properties in the State occupied by the Department of Foreign Affairs are discharged by the Office of Public Works.

The number of properties rented abroad for use as Chanceries and official Residences was 112 in 2007 and 2008 and 111 in 2009. The total rental cost of these properties in 2008 amounted to €13.825m. approximately.

Rental agreements vary from country to country in accordance with local law and practice. Leases are usually for a fixed period and many include a rent review clause. Rent increases on renewal of leases are generally in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the particular country.

Rent levels abroad are reviewed each year. In addition, all our Missions have recently been instructed to review rent levels and to explore the scope for negotiated reductions, having regard to local market conditions. In the time available, it has not been possible to collate information from all Missions on the level of savings achieved from this initiative.

Human Rights Issues.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
397 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [27712/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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I was very concerned to learn of the Israeli naval seizure of the Gaza-bound Spirit of Humanity on 30 June and the arrest and detention of the two Irish citizens — Mairead Maguire and Derek Graham — on board the vessel. The priority for my Department has been to ensure the safety and well-being of Ms. Maguire and Mr. Graham and to secure their prompt release. To that end, we have been in ongoing contact at a senior level with the Israeli authorities, both through the Israeli Embassy here and our own Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Ms. Maguire and Mr. Graham have been held in a detention facility in the city of Lod in Israel. An official from our Embassy in Tel Aviv visited them on both 1 and 2 July to check on their well-being and ascertain the conditions of their detention. The Embassy also maintained regular contact with the families and lawyer representing Ms Maguire and Mr. Graham. The Embassy confirmed that Ms. Maguire and Mr. Graham were being treated properly and that the facility at which they were held was satisfactory. I understand that both are expected to be deported from Israel today, and should arrive back in Ireland later this evening.

The sole purpose of the Spirit of Humanity’s voyage was to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. I would urge the Israeli authorities to now ensure that all humanitarian supplies on board the ship are made available to the Palestinian people.

I have been consistent in my condemnation of the economic blockade imposed by Israel upon the Gaza Strip since the summer of 2007, which I regard as amounting to a collective punishment of the people of Gaza. I have emphasised, in discussions with my EU colleagues and directly to Israeli Ministers, my view that the blockade should be brought to an end immediately, and the crossing points opened without restrictions on the normal movement of persons and goods. This is not only vital to allow the dire humanitarian situation in the territory to be addressed, but also so that the long overdue reconstruction of Gaza can begin.

My Department's official advice to any persons wishing to travel to Gaza is not to travel at present, in view of the current dangerous and fragile security situation in the Gaza Strip. This advice was communicated to the Free Gaza movement which organised this particular voyage in advance of its sailing.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
398 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27741/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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Delegates' Allowance is only paid to officers who are serving as a member of a delegation representing Ireland at a meeting of the European Union or other International Organisation overseas. Chairperson's Allowance is a form of delegates allowance and is paid to officers who chair such international meetings.

Delegate's Allowance can be paid for up to four nights away in any seven-day period. Payments are made in accordance with the rates authorised by the Department of Finance. These payments are subject to income tax. The costs of delegate's and chairperson's allowance incurred by my Department are set out in tabular form.

Vote

2006

2007

2008

€

€

€

Foreign Affairs (Vote 28)

192,000

160,423

202,726

Irish Aid (Vote 29)

49,400

41,883

33,507

Total

241,400

202,306

236,233

It is important to point out that delegate's allowance is only payable when the travel being undertaken is directly related to representing Ireland at an EU or other International meeting. A significant proportion of travel undertaken by officials of my Department falls outside of this category and delegate's allowance would, therefore, not be paid in these cases.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
399 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27840/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
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From 2005 to date, my Department has used one non-Irish based printer for a significant contract which was procured on its behalf by the Government Supplies Agency (GSA). The details are as follows:

Company

Contract award date

Quantity/Description

Cost

Graficas Jomagar S.L. (Madrid, Spain)

28 November, 2006

1,750,000 copies of Mini White Paper on Irish Aid

€114,546

The Department's principal print requirement is for passport application forms. This contract is currently held by an Irish company, Ebrook Limited, trading as DC Kavanagh, located in Ballymount Industrial Estate, Dublin 12, following an advertised EU-level tender process which was concluded in early 2008.

For its routine print requirements, the Department generally makes use of drawdown contracts which have been put in place by the Government Supplies Agency (GSA). I understand that the current holders of these contracts are Irish-based companies. These contracts are also used to source routine items (such as headed stationery) for the Department's Missions overseas. However, the Deputy will appreciate that in some cases it is more practical for Missions abroad to source certain requirements locally, for example when the requirement is small, when items have to be translated and printed in non-roman script, or where shipping costs from Ireland would be prohibitive.

While my Department is very well disposed to doing business with Irish small and medium enterprises, I must point out that, under the rules of the EU Single Market, printers based anywhere in the EU/EEA are entitled to compete for public contracts in Ireland over a value threshold of €133,000 and it is illegal to discriminate against suppliers on grounds of nationality in respect of such contracts. Irish print service providers are of course equally entitled to compete for such contracts in all EU/EEA Member-States. In order to assist and encourage Irish companies to compete for this business, my Department has posted information on accessing public sector market opportunities in the EU/EEA in a section of its website which provides information on public procurement opportunities for suppliers (It can be found at http://dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=28436 .)

Passport Applications.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
400 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish passports which were reported lost or stolen here and outside the country in 2008 and to date in 2009; the number in each category which have subsequently turned up as forged passports which were presented at entry points here or abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28043/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
Share

Details of the numbers of passports reported in 2008 and for the first half of 2009 as lost or stolen are set out in the table. My Department does not retain statistics as to whether the loss or theft occurred in Ireland or overseas.

Year

Total passports issued

Reported lost

Reported stolen

Total reported lost or stolen

% of total issued

2008

577,000

31,262

5,002

36,264

6.3%

2009 to 30 June

320,000

14,713

2,422

17,135

5.4%

The introduction of the biometric or e-passport on 16 October, 2006 has greatly enhanced the security features of the Irish passport. The microchip in the passport contains a digital image of the holder which cannot be altered. Any attempt to alter the data on the microchip will be apparent when the passport is read at a border control station because of the added security on the chip.

The Passports Act 2008 also introduced a series of new offences relating to the misuse of passports and passport fraud.

The Department draws attention on passport application forms to the fact that a passport is a valuable document and that loss or theft is a serious matter. It recommends in its travel advice that passports should always be kept in a secure place.

Serial numbers of all lost, stolen and mislaid passports are reported to Interpol, through An Garda Síochána, on a weekly basis. This information is then circulated to police forces around the world which helps prevent lost or stolen passports being fraudulently used for travel. Records at Interpol Dublin indicate that some 87 Irish passports listed on the Interpol database as reported lost or stolen were detected at immigration points in 2008. A further 77 instances of such passports being presented arose in the period 1 January to 2 July 2009. The increased frequency of such occurrences is due to an increase in the number of ports and airports carrying out checks against the Interpol database.

The majority of such incidents concern circumstances where a person had reported a passport as lost or stolen, obtained a replacement passport, but subsequently recovered the previous passport and continued to use it. These cases are generally resolved quickly through enquiries with the Passport Office.

The notes accompanying passport application forms state that persons should not attempt to travel on a passport which has been reported lost or stolen. When completing the statement of loss, applicants undertake not to travel on a missing passport if subsequently found.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
401 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27112/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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Since being appointed as Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism in May 2008, the total telephone bill incurred in relation to my mobile phone until end of 2008 was €4,804.43, of which €2,976.83 was in respect of roaming charges. There were no data charges applied in 2008. To date in 2009, the total mobile telephone bill is €1,895.07 of which €904.60 is in respect of roaming charges. Data charges to date in 2009 amount to €94.58 or just under 5% of the total bill.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
402 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27173/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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The Department has not taken any court cases in the past five calendar years, so there are no associated costs.

Sports Capital Programme.

Maureen O'Sullivan
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Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:
403 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when he will make a decision in relation to releasing funding approved to a centre (details supplied) in County Cavan under the capital sports programme 2006. [27263/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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A grant of €140,000 was provisionally allocated to the project in question under the 2006 Sports Capital Programme. The grant allocation was subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which included the execution of a deed of covenant and charge. A deed of covenant and charge provides, inter alia, for a refund of the grant in the event of the facility not continuing to be used for the purpose for which the grant was allocated. The Department’s legal adviser, the Chief State Solicitor’s Office — CSSO — deals with the grantee’s solicitor in executing this deed. The Department understands from the CSSO that legal issues are progressing. Documentation regarding a number of charges on the property to be grant assisted has been received by the CSSO and is currently being examined.

In the interim, my Department wrote to the grantee on 3 July seeking additional information including, inter alia, confirmation of the planning status of the project and a preliminary health and safety plan.

Darragh O'Brien
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Darragh O'Brien
Question:
404 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there are moneys not drawn down in respect of capital sports grants since 2004 to date in 2009 in respect of a club (details supplied) in County Dublin. [27286/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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The grantee in question was allocated €20,000 under the 2004 Sports Capital Programme for sports equipment, of which €17,109 has been drawn down. The balance of the grant can be paid on receipt of original, paid, valid invoices in respect of eligible items. The Department pays 70% of the value of such invoices submitted. The grantee was allocated a further €60,000 under the 2005 Sports Capital Programme, none of which has yet been drawn down. My Department wrote to the club in question on 25 September 2007 seeking a number of items and a response from the grantee to that letter is awaited.

Arts Funding.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
405 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the funding that will be allocated to a facility (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if he will outline the funding that was made in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27396/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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The Regional Arts Centre in question was allocated grant aid of €2,920,398 under the ACCESS I scheme towards the building of a new arts centre to include, 220-seat performance space, workshop space, exhibition space, reception, toilets, cafe and a fully equipped branch library. The final instalment of that grant was paid in May 2008.

The Arts Council has allocated current funding to the Centre as follows:

2007 — €25,000;

2008 — €60,000

2009 — €52,000.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
406 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27586/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism has not paid rent on any of the properties or offices it has occupied in the past three years. These properties were managed by the Office of Public Works or, in the case of the offices occupied in Kildare Street and at Frederick Buildings in Molesworth Street, by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs respectively.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
407 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27734/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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My Department has incurred the following expenditure in respect of delegates allowance to officials:

Year

€

2006

8,278.89

2007

10,228.05

2008

4,102.76

2009 year to date

1,500.59

Total

24,110.29

Sports Capital Programme.

Eamon Gilmore
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Eamon Gilmore
Question:
408 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the delay in the completion of a deed of covenant which would enable work to proceed on the re-development of a facility (details supplied) in Dublin 18, for which funding has been provided and all other preparations have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27767/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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The local authority in question was allocated €250,000 under the Sports Capital Programme 2007 towards upgrading an old cinder pitch to synthetic grass, with floodlighting and fencing. My Department wrote to the grantee on 19 December 2008 seeking a licence agreement to ensure that the grant assisted facility will be available for community use. The grantee in turn wrote to my Department on 19 June 2009 and stated the agreement would be forwarded when it has been signed and sealed. When the licence agreement is received by my Department, it will be examined promptly and, if is found to be satisfactory, instructions will issue to the Chief State Solicitor's Office in respect of the appropriate legal security required to protect the taxpayer funding being provided under the Programme. In the interim, my Department has written again to the grantee on 3 July 2009 seeking, inter alia, copies of tenders and of the final planning permission for the project.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
409 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27834/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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Since 1 January 2009, the following print jobs were carried out for the Department by service providers outside the State.

Nature of Print Job

Date of Award of Print Contract

Exhibition Catalogue for Irish Artists at Venice Biennale

30 April 2009

Exhibition Posters for Use in Venice to Promote Irish Pavilion at Venice Biennale

1 May 2009

In the previous five calendar years 2004 to 2008, no printed material for the Department was printed abroad. The award of printing contracts, as with any other contract award, is subject to the Department of Finance's public procurement guidelines, with which the Department complies.

Sports Funding.

Simon Coveney
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Simon Coveney
Question:
410 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the location where the money raised by the National Lottery will be spent in 2009; the amount which has been given to each county; the portion of same which is being spent in the area of sport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28022/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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The distribution of the proceeds of the National Lottery is a matter for the Minister for Finance. The elements of the Department's Vote which are part-funded by these proceeds are as follows:

Subhead C.1: Grants for sporting bodies and for the provision of sports and recreational facilities under the Sports Capital Programme;

Subhead C.3: Grant-in-Aid provided to the Irish Sports Council in respect of general assistance to sports organisations and expenditure in relation to sports activities; and

Subhead D.7: Grant-in-Aid provided to the Arts Council in respect of arts activities. Details of Revised Estimates allocations for 2009 in respect of these subheads are as set out in tabular form.

Sports Capital Programme

Irish Sports Council

Arts Council

Total

Year 2009 Revised Estimates

€56,000,000

€51,689,000

€73,350,000

€181,039,000

Proportion of Revised Estimates

30.9%

28.6%

40.5%

100%

Draw-Down/Spend to Date

€34,438,596*

€33,734,000

€52,870,000

€121,042,596

Proportion of Draw-Down/Spend

28.4%

27.9%

43.7%

100%

*Spend as at end June 2009.

In relation to the Grants-in-Aid to the Irish Sports Council and the Arts Council, allocation decisions, by county or otherwise, are made by the agencies themselves and the Department has no function in this matter.

In relation to the Sports Capital Programme, the geographical breakdown by county of spend to date is as set out in tabular form.

County

Expenditure Authorised to End June 2009

€

Carlow

515,608

Cavan

554,052

Clare

1,913,305

Cork

3,776,518

Donegal

1,400,252

Dublin

5,764,943

Galway

2,071,263

Kerry

1,411,137

Kildare

853,245

Kilkenny

1,113,813

Laois

1,844,955

Leitrim

247,285

Limerick

2,197,271

Longford

254,261

Louth

1,204,400

Mayo

945,622

Meath

1,382,328

Monaghan

668,825

Offaly

349,620

Roscommon

592,799

Sligo

390,001

Tipperary

2,159,077

Wexford

1,803,587

Wicklow

1,024,429

Total

34,438,596

Sports Capital Programme.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
411 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism when the sports capital grant programme will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28054/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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No decision has been taken about the timing of future rounds of the Programme.

Departmental Schemes.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
412 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if carbon monoxide alarms can be included in the scheme of community support for older people. [27094/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy John Curran)
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Under the current Scheme, which has been suspended pending the completion of a review, carbon monoxide monitors and similar devices were eligible for support. The review, which I hope to complete by mid-September, will look at the range of issues including the types of equipment that might be supported under a revised Scheme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
413 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27114/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The amount paid in relation to the mobile phones or combined mobile/Blackberry phones assigned to myself and my driver by my Department, and the breakdown of data and roaming costs, where available, for the period in question is outlined in the table:

Total Mobile costs, including all calls and VAT

Total amount which applies to roaming charges

Total amount which applies to data charges

€

€

€

2007

3,564

Not available

Not available

2008*

5,250

1,281

32

2009 to 31/5**

1,257

419

4

*Increased costs due to introduction of combined mobile/Blackberry phones.

**Decreased costs arising from Civil Service-wide phone tariff package introduced in the current year.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
414 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27175/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

My Department has not taken any court cases in the past five years.

Dormant Account Funds.

Eamon Gilmore
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Eamon Gilmore
Question:
415 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he has received an update from the interdepartmental committee on the Dormant Accounts Fund suicide prevention measure; the position regarding this funding measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27274/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The Government allocated €1m from the Dormant Accounts Fund for a Suicide Prevention Measure in 2008. The Department of Health and Children, as lead Department for the rollout of this measure, has received the assessment reports in respect of the applications made. In this regard, I would direct you to Question numbers 151 and 167, answered on 30 June 2009 by my colleague the Minister for Health and Children.

Departmental Expenditure.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
416 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27588/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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My Department does not pay rent in respect of properties occupied by its staff. That function, and all matters relating to the acquisition and leasing of property, including the question of rent reviews, are the responsibility of the Office of Public Works (OPW).

However, I can confirm to the Deputy that eight properties have been rented on my Department's behalf by the OPW in the past 3 years. These comprise:

my Department's headquarters building in Dublin;

two properties in Tubbercurry, Co Sligo, in which staff relocated under the Decentralisation Programme are being accommodated on an interim basis;

temporary accommodation adjacent to my Department's regional offices in Na Forbacha, Co Galway;

two local offices in Gaoth Dobhair, Co Donegal, and Acaill, Co Mayo; and

two warehousing facilities in Jamestown, Dublin, and Tullamore, Co Offaly

The accommodation in Gaoth Dobhair and Acaill is leased from Údarás na Gaeltachta as was the temporary accommodation in na Forbacha.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
417 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27736/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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As the Deputy is aware, Delegates Allowance is payable to officials in respect of attendance at certain meetings abroad. Such payments are subject to both income tax and PRSI.

The amount of Delegates Allowance paid to officials in my Department from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2009 is set out in the table:

Year

Amount

€

2006 (from 1 July)

2,882

2007

1,514

2008

Nil

2009 (to 30 June)

3,541

Job Creation.

John O'Mahony
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John O'Mahony
Question:
418 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans in place to attract new industries to Belmullet, County Mayo following the announcement of the closure of a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27754/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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As the Deputy is aware, statutory responsibility for the development of the economy of the Gaeltacht by promoting productive schemes of employment rests with Údarás na Gaeltachta.

My Department is in regular contact with an tÚdarás in a policy context and the job losses in the company to which the Deputy refers are a shared concern. As the Deputy will be aware, competitiveness in national and international markets has intensified in recent times. Unsettled financial markets have created difficulties for a number of companies throughout the Gaeltacht, including in Béal an Mhuirthead, while others have been placed under pressure due to the euro/dollar exchange rate.

I have been assured by an tÚdarás that efforts are ongoing towards identifying new business opportunities for the facility occupied by the company referred to by the Deputy with a view to maintaining employment in the area.

On a broader front, I might add for the information of the Deputy that I and my officials met with senior executives of an tÚdarás twice in the last week in relation to the management of the funding that is currently available to the organisation, particularly in the context of the need to operate within the guidelines set down for public bodies, both in terms of dealing with existing commitments and approving new projects. I am conscious of the need to support job maintenance and job creation in the Gaeltacht, especially in the current economic climate, and my Department will continue to work closely with an tÚdarás in this regard.

Rural Transport.

Frank Feighan
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Frank Feighan
Question:
419 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make funding available to continue the evening transport in an area (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [27774/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The Rural Transport Night Scheme was implemented as a pilot project in seven selected areas, including an area in Co. Roscommon.

Following discussions between the seven groups that have been operating the pilot and Pobal, who manage both the pilot on behalf of my Department and the Rural Transport Programme on behalf of the Department of Transport, it has been agreed that the groups will continue with some evening services until the end of the year, instead of finishing on 10th July.

I have asked that all possible efforts be made to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the transport service, involving increased load capacity, re-tendering to operators to seek cheaper quotes where appropriate and focussing more on generating income from passengers. It is also intended that, by end year, the seven operating groups, with support from Pobal, will prioritise routes that can be resourced from existing resources, thus sustaining some level of evening services for 2010.

Community Development.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
420 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of funding an organisation (details supplied) has received in each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27795/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy John Curran)
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The Community Development Programme is designed to reduce social exclusion by targeting support at disadvantaged and socially excluded communities in order to improve their capacity to benefit from social and economic development.

The project referred to in the Deputy's question received the following funding under the Community Development Programme in the past four years:

Year

Amount

€

2005

107,200.00

2006

91,780.57

2007

135,325.00

2008

140,000.00

Total

474,305.57

An indicative allocation of €123,704 has been set for 2009.

Dormant Accounts Fund.

P. J. Sheehan
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P. J. Sheehan
Question:
421 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 158 of 28 April 2009, and 167 of 30 June 2009, the number of applications received by Pobail for funding under the suicide prevention measure; the groups who applied for same; the amount sought by each group; the amount sought in total by these groups; the average sought by each of these groups; the date by which these applications had to be submitted to Pobail; the date that Pobail had completed their assessments of these applications; the date he received these assessments from Pobail; the dates of each meeting that the Economic and Social Disadvantage Inter-Departmental Committee has met since August 2008; the dates of each meeting of the Economic and Social Disadvantage Inter-Departmental Committee at which the funding under the suicide prevention measure was an item on the agenda for that meeting; the date of the next meeting of the Economic and Social Disadvantage Inter-Departmental Committee; the dates of meetings arranged for the remainder of 2009 of the Economic and Social Disadvantage Inter-Departmental Committee; the date he expects to have completed the assessments made by Pobail of the applications received regarding suicide prevention; the date she expects to present the completed assessment to the Economic and Social Disadvantage Inter-Departmental Committee; if he will confirm that €1 million is available and will be given to these groups for funding to these applicants; when he expects to issue this funding; the activity that took place on assessing these applications between 28 April 2009 and 30 June 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27806/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The Government allocated €1 million from the Dormant Accounts Fund for a Suicide Prevention Measure in 2008. The Department of Health and Children is the lead Department for the roll-out of this measure and have engaged Pobal to manage the application and assessment process on their behalf. As the lead department for this measure, the Department of Health and Children, will address the information sought in respect of the application process.

Assessment reports in respect of the measure were sent to the Economic and Social Disadvantage Interdepartmental Committee, which I chair, in mid-December 2008. The Committee has yet to receive a final position on these applications from the Department of Health and Children.

The Economic and Social Disadvantage Interdepartmental Committee has met on three occasions since mid-2008 — 18 June 2008, 9 October 2008 and 26 March 2009. The Suicide Prevention measure was discussed at the meeting on 26 March 2009.

Meetings of the Interdepartmental Committees are scheduled as required and do not have a fixed timetable. I expect the next meeting of the Economic and Social Disadvantage Interdepartmental Committee to be in September unless otherwise requested.

Care of the Elderly.

Dan Neville
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Dan Neville
Question:
422 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if there is funding towards personal alarms for the elderly. [27807/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy John Curran)
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Under the Scheme of Community Support for Older People, which was suspended on 7th April pending a review of the Scheme, personal alarms and other security devices were eligible for support. The review of the Scheme will look at the range of issues, including the types of equipment that might be supported under a revised Scheme. The review is currently underway and I hope to be in a position to launch a revised scheme in the Autumn.

Departmental Funding.

Joanna Tuffy
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Joanna Tuffy
Question:
423 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will make available the balance of funding to a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 22, to which a grant was promised in October 2008, to allow for two projects to proceed at the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27830/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The RAPID programme aims to ensure that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion within designated RAPID areas nationally. Applications for the two projects referred to by the Deputy were submitted for consideration under the RAPID Health Sector Co-Fund. The lead agency in relation to the projects referred to in the Deputy's question is the HSE.

One of the projects referred to by the Deputy, the provision of a bus, has already been funded under RAPID. A decision on the second application will be made in due course, subject to funding being available.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
424 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27836/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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As the question does not relate to any particular time period and as my Department compiled a similar update in February 2009, I propose to answer on the basis of that information.

Accordingly, only one print job was carried out for my Department by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland from 2004 to February 2009 and this was:

Print job carried out

Location of printing

2007

Rialtas na hÉireann, Ráiteas I leith na Gaeilge 2006/ Government of Ireland, Statement on the Irish language 2006

Belfast

National Drugs Strategy.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
425 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties facing local drugs task forces as a result of the lack of clarity in relation to the timing of the provision of funding; the problems they will face if funding is not released promptly and if they are not informed of the amount of funding that will be available to them for the remainder 2009; his views on whether it will be possible for them to meet their legal obligations to their employees if they do not have clarification on the amount of funding committed to them for the remainder of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28033/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy John Curran)
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The revised funding allocations for the period July to December 2009, taking account of the Supplementary Budget in April, have now been advised to all Local Drugs Task Forces (LDTFs).

As I have pointed out previously, the challenges posed by the reduction in funding arising from the reduced budget allocations means that some schemes will be affected. However, I believe that if properly managed, this may also lead to improved efficiencies in services and foster better interagency working to the benefit of all.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
426 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when farm assist payment will issue to persons (details supplied) in County Kildare who applied for same in February 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27267/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The couple concerned applied for Farm Assist on 18 February 2009. In order to determine their entitlement to this payment a Social Welfare Investigator has visited them on two occasions and is now awaiting documentation in support of their application before the investigation can be completed. When the investigation has been finalised a decision on their claim will be made immediately thereafter and they will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

Family Support Services.

Ciaran Lynch
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Ciaran Lynch
Question:
427 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to provide sufficient finance to continue the provision of area co-ordinators in the family mediation service in the southern and western regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27288/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Family Support Agency funds the Family Mediation Service (FMS), which provides family mediation to separating couples in Ireland. The FMS is a free, professional, confidential service which enables couples, married and non-married, who have decided to separate, or divorce and who together want to negotiate the terms of their separation or divorce with the help of a trained mediator. It assists couples to address the issues on which they need to make decisions including: post-separation living arrangements, finances and parenting arrangements to enable children to have an ongoing relationship with each parent. Some 1,270 couples were assisted in 2008. Funding for the FMS in 2009 amounts to over €3 million.

The service is run by 21 part-time professional Mediators and their supervisory and part-time administrative support staff. There are currently 16 FMS centres throughout the country. Of the 16 centres, 4 are regional offices, open 5 days a week. The four regions are Eastern, Western, Southern and Mid-western. The other 12 centres are part-time offices, open 2.5 days per week.

The FMS has 4 Area Co-ordinator (AC) posts. Each AC has responsibility for 1 regional office and 3 part-time offices. The AC is responsible for all aspects of the day to day management of the FMS in their region, including staff management, service management and managing finance and facilities. The AC is part of the FMS Management Team and assists the FMS Service Manager in the overall management of the FMS.

Following a Government Decision, no public service vacancy arising with effect from 27 th March 2009 may be filled by recruitment, promotion or payment of an allowance. Neither should any temporary or fixed term contracts be extended or renewed. Any exceptions to this principle require the prior sanction of the Minister for Finance.

Several vacancies in the FMS occurred from mid-May onwards, most of which were immediate, front-line posts. Following their consideration of the Family Support Agency's submission, the Department of Finance sanctioned the temporary filling of 6 front-line posts to enable the continuation of the mediation service to the public.

In June 2009, two AC posts (Southern and Western regions) became vacant. Sanction has been sought from the Department of Finance for the filling of these posts on a temporary basis. This would facilitate the Family Support Agency to review its structures and put in place a plan to address the loss of these two posts. This matter is with the Department of Finance for their consideration.

The Government's support for families remains strong. The Family Support Agency has been allocated funding of almost €36 million for 2009. This includes funding of over €18 million for the Family Resource Centre Programme, supporting 107 FRCs nationwide. It also includes funding of over €11 million being granted to some 600 voluntary and community organisations providing marriage, relationship, child and bereavement counselling services.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
428 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of inspections carried out by the Health Service Executive on private rented dwellings in the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 were the HSE pays rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27325/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Rent supplement is intended as a short-term income support to eligible tenants 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. There are currently almost 90,000 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 50% since the end of December 2007.

The Government approved a package of measures to update minimum standards regulations for rented accommodation early this year. Enforcement of these standards is the responsibility of local authorities. The community welfare service of the HSE is not qualified to undertake this work. However,accommodation occupied by rent supplement tenants should at least meet minimum housing standards.

Under legislative provisions introduced by the Department in 2006 and 2007, the community welfare service can decide that a rent supplement may not be payable where it has been notified by a housing authority regarding non-compliance with housing standards. The objective is to ensure that substandard accommodation does not come within rent supplementation.

The community welfare service must be satisfied that accommodation funded under the rent supplement scheme, is reasonably suited to the residential and other needs of the claimant. In determining whether the accommodation is suited to the person's accommodation needs, a community welfare officer must have regard to the household composition, the size of the accommodation unit and identify any special needs that the person may have. As part of this process, the community welfare officer would normally carry out a visit to the residential premises in question; this home visit is also used to confirm the applicant's residence at this address. The number of such visits carried out by a community welfare officer is not available.

Where a community welfare officer becomes aware of accommodation or blocks of accommodation which appear to be sub-standard, it notifies the local authority and it may advise prospective tenants at that premises that rent supplement will not be paid in respect of those tenancies.

Details of rent supplement tenancies are provided to local authorities via the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on a quarterly basis and this information sharing assists in enforcing housing standards.

The Department is committed to working with and supporting the Department of the Environment Heritage and Local Government and local authorities in meeting their responsibilities in relation to the enforcement of housing standards.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
429 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if urgent and immediate rent assistance will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27633/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.

The Executive has advised that it has not received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. He should contact his local housing authority with a view to having his housing needs addressed. The person concerned may also contact the community welfare officer at his local health centre to discuss his entitlement, if any, to rent supplement.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
430 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent support will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27634/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive.

The Executive has advised that it has not received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. He should contact the community welfare officer at his local health centre if he wishes apply for rent supplement.

Live Register.

Róisín Shortall
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Róisín Shortall
Question:
431 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the categories of social welfare recipients that are counted in the live register figures with a breakdown of the number for each recipient category; if people refused jobseeker claims, people signing on for credits, participants on community employment schemes and back to education allowance claimants are counted; if participants on the new work placement scheme, participants on the new short time working scheme and participants on the new third level courses for the unemployed will to be counted; and if she will provide a figure for the number in each of these categories that are not counted in the live register figures. [27720/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The live register is complied from returns made for each local office to the Central Statistics Office by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. According to the CSO, the compilation basis for the live register statistics from May 1992 onwards is described in the September 1992 issue of the Statistical Bulletin.

Those counted on the Live Register include people under 65 years who are claiming jobseeker's allowance or benefit and people being awarded credited contributions. Those include systematic short-term workers, small holders and other self-employed people over 65 years of age.

The Live Register at 26th June 2009 stood at over 418,000 with 197,000 approximately on jobseeker's benefit and over 206,000 on jobseeker's allowance. Over 14,000 were being awarded credited contributions.

Others who are not included in the Live Register figures include:

People participating on the Back to Education allowance of whom 7,900 approximately transferred from jobseeker schemes

Back to work scheme participants of whom almost 5,000 transferred from jobseeker's schemes

The 8,000 participants on the Pre-retirement allowance scheme, which was closed in 2007.

People on the community employment scheme of whom over 8,700 transferred from a jobseeker's payment

Participants in the new part-time courses under the back to college initiative for unemployed workers will continue to receive their jobseeker's payment provided they continue to be available for and seeking a job. They will be counted on the live register.

The new work placement scheme and the new short time working training scheme are administered by FÁS. Participants will continue to receive their jobseeker payments subject to the qualifying conditions. Applications are being processed by FÁS but cases have not yet been received for approval by this Department. The matter of their status has yet to be decided.

Question No. 432 withdrawn.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
433 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the Departmental mobile telephone assigned to her by her Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27123/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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I was appointed to this Department on 7 May 2008 and since then the bills paid in relation to the Departmental mobile telephone assigned to me are set out in the following table:

Year

Rent

Calls

VAT

Total

2008

36.10

1,480.29

310.88

1,827.27

2009

35.70

1,065.49

229.01

1,330.2

The above includes all costs relating to data, roaming and voice calls as invoiced, however it is not possible to break it down further. The Department is currently in the final stages of a tender process for mobile telephony services provision under the Department of Finance Central Framework, which will lead to a more cost efficient service for future mobile telephone usage.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
434 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the accumulated cost of court cases taken by her Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27184/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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Cases taken to court by the Department can be taken by way of criminal prosecutions or civil proceedings. All such cases are sent to the Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO) to initiate legal proceedings through the District Courts. At present, the legal costs involved are not borne by this Department and the information requested by the Deputy is currently being sought from that Office.

The results of cases finalised in court for years 2004 to 2008 inclusive are outlined in the tabular statements

Results of Cases Finalised in District Court in 2008

RESULT

JA

JB

IB

OFP

OTHER*

ER

TOTAL

Fined

102

75

12

6

4

9

208

Community Service

4

3

1

1

0

0

9

Prison Sentences

2

0

0

0

0

0

2

Probation Act

18

18

4

3

1

2

46

Suspended Sentence

8

9

1

1

0

0

19

Struck Out

11

3

1

0

3

3

21

Instalment Order granted

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

Bound to the Peace

1

0

0

0

0

0

1

Liberty to re-enter

6

8

2

0

1

0

17

Decree Obtained

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Withdrawn

1

0

0

0

1

1

3

Debt paid, costs outstanding

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

TOTAL

153

116

21

11

12

15

328

*Others 12 — Liable Relative (2), Mis-use of PPS No. (4) Obstruction (2) Widow's/Widowers Contributory Pension (1), Widow's/Widowers Non-Contributory pension (1), Enforcement Order (1 ) and Civil (1).

1 case who received a suspended sentence was also fined. Total number fined was 209.

JA — Jobseekers Allowance: JB — Jobseekers Benefit: IB — Illness Benefit.

OFP — One Parent Family payment: ER — employer.

Results of Cases Finalised in District Court in 2007

RESULT

JA

JB

IB

OFP

OTHER*

ER

TOTAL

Fined

53

39

6

5

4

10

117

Community Service

4

2

0

1

0

0

7

Prison sentences

7

3

0

1

1

0

12

Probation Act

19

25

6

1

0

2

53

Suspended Sentence

11

7

1

2

1

0

22

Struck Out

3

4

0

2

3

4

16

Instalment Order granted

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

Bound to the Peace

3

1

0

0

0

0

4

Liberty to re-enter

1

6

0

0

0

0

7

Decree Obtained

0

0

0

0

2

0

2

Withdrawn

0

0

1

0

1

0

2

TOTAL

101

88

14

12

12

16

243

*Others 12 — Liable Relative (2), Carers Allowance (1), mis-use of PPS No., (6) Widows/Widower's Contributory Pension (1) and Civil (2).

3 cases who received a suspended sentence were also fined. Total number fined was 120.

Results of Cases Finalised in District Court in 2006

RESULT

JA

JB

IB

OFP

OTHER*

ER

TOTAL

Fined

50

39

7

1

2

6

105

Community Service

5

3

0

1

1

0

10

Prison sentences

3

1

0

0

0

0

4

Probation Act

21

23

0

4

3

1

52

Suspended Sentence

8

6

2

0

0

0

16

Struck Out

5

4

2

2

0

0

13

Dismissed

0

0

1

0

0

0

1

Bound to the Peace

0

2

0

0

0

0

2

Liberty to re-enter

30

21

3

2

0

0

56

Decree Obtained

0

1

0

0

0

0

1

Withdrawn

1

0

0

3

0

0

4

Debt Paid

1

0

0

1

0

0

2

TOTAL

124

100

15

14

6

7

266

*Others 6 — Disability Allowance (2), Invalidity Pension (2), FIS (1) & Mis-use of PPS No. (1).

Results of Criminal Cases Finalised in Court in 2005

RESULT

UA

UB

DB

OFP

OTHER#

ER

TOTAL

Fined

46

56

4

6

4

14

130

Community Service

3

3

0

0

0

0

6

Prison sentences

3

1

0

0

0

0

4

Probation Act

33

41

5

5

1

0

85

Suspended Sentence

17

5

1

1

0

1

25

Struck Out

4

2

1

0

1

0

8

Dismissed

2

0

0

0

0

0

2

Bound to the Peace

2

0

0

0

0

0

2

Liberty to re-enter

4

2

1

0

0

0

7

Decree Obtained

1

0

0

0

1

0

2

TOTAL

115

110

12

12

7

15

271

#Others 9 — Disability Allowance (2), Invalidity Pension ( 1), OAP (2), Liable Relative (2), Carers (2).

Unemployment Assistance (UA) was renamed Jobseekers Allowance (JA) in Oct 2006.

Unemployment Benefit (UB) was renamed Jobseekers Benefit (JB) in Oct 2006.

Disability Benefit (DB) was renamed Illness Benefit in Oct 2006.

Results of Criminal Cases Finalised in Court in 2004

RESULT

UA

UB

DB

OFP

OTHER#

ER

TOTAL

Fined

63

67

12

—

2

14

158

Community Service

2

1

0

0

0

0

3

Prison sentences

8

2

0

0

0

0

10

Probation Act

21

17

5

0

0

0

43

Suspended Sentence

13

10

2

0

1

0

26

Struck Out

8

6

1

0

2

2

19

Dismissed

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

Bound to the Peace

3

4

0

0

0

0

7

Liberty to re-enter

7

0

0

1

0

0

8

Debt Paid

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Decree Obtained

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

District Court Order*

0

0

0

0

7

0

7

TOTAL

125

107

20

1

13

16

282

*Maintenance Orders granted against Liable Relatives.

#Others 13 — Disability Allowance (2), Invalidity Pension (1), OIB (1), Liable Relative (9).

Question No. 435 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
436 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to introduce compensation for people suffering health problems as a consequence of working in underground mines (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27386/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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Employment under a contract of service as a miner is insurable for occupational injuries benefit under the Social Welfare Acts. Miners who are unable to work due to an accident or illness arising from their employment may be entitled to occupational injury benefit for the first 26 weeks of their claim. The occupational injuries scheme, operated by the Department, provides entitlement to benefit for persons suffering from certain prescribed diseases which are listed in the legislation and where that person has contracted that disease in the course of their employment.

Where a person has contracted one of the diseases listed in the legislation, benefits are payable if they were employed in an occupation which is specifically prescribed in relation to that disease. In addition, benefits may be payable if the claimant can show that the disease was contracted through an employment not specifically prescribed in relation to that disease. If the incapacity extends beyond the 26 week period, claimants may receive illness benefit or invalidity pension, subject to meeting the qualifying conditions for these payments.

Miners may also be entitled to disablement benefit under the occupational injuries scheme. Disablement benefit is a compensation payment specifically for those who suffer a loss of physical or mental faculty as a result of an accident at work or a disease prescribed in legislation that they contracted at work. Medical assessments are undertaken in all such cases to determine the degree of disablement, which is calculated by comparison of the state of health of the applicant with a person of the same age and gender.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
437 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford is not receiving any social assistance. [27416/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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A claim for Farm Assist from the person concerned was received in the Department on 30th of March 2009. Payment of Farm Assist is subject to a means test and in this regard the claim is currently with a Social Welfare Inspector for investigation of the persons means. It is expected that the report of the Inspector will be completed shortly and a decision on the claim will be made immediately thereafter.

The person concerned is in receipt of Supplementary Welfare Allowance from their local Health Service Executive Community Welfare Officer since 18 September 2007 at the weekly rate of €323.90.

Departmental Property.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
438 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of properties her Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if she has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27597/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Office of Public Works (OPW) has the main role in the management of the property portfolio in question. I understand that the information requested by the Deputy in relation to the properties occupied by the Department is being compiled by OPW and it will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it becomes available.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
439 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27744/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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Delegates Allowance is a payment made to officials of the Department who represent Ireland at meetings of International Organisations abroad.

The amount of Delegates Allowance paid to officials by the Department from 2006 to July 2009 is set out in the following table:

Year

Amount

€

2006

31,094.07

2007

31,565.08

2008

39,579.35

1 Jan-3 Jul 2009

8,159.75

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall
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Róisín Shortall
Question:
440 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in processing an application for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 which was submitted in July 2008; and if she will ensure that a decision is reached as soon as possible. [27751/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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An application for carer's allowance, by the person concerned, was received by the Department on 23/7/08 and disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 03 February 2009 on the grounds that the care recipient was not so invalided or disabled as to require full-time care and attention as laid down in the carer's allowance legislation.

An appeal was opened on 10 March 2009 and I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. These are now to hand and have been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
441 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the print jobs carried out for her Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27842/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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All out sourced printing contracts are awarded by the Department following competitive processes which are carried out strictly in accordance with government procurement guidelines and in line with the relevant EU procurement policies. All current print contracts are placed with companies based in the Republic of Ireland. In addition, a number of Departmental forms and reports are printed using the Department's internal printing facilities.

Public Service Card.

Richard Bruton
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Richard Bruton
Question:
442 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made on the concept of a single public service card to streamline access to different entitlements and services; and when it is expected to introduce this system. [27849/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Department has developed, in conjunction with a number of other government departments, the specifications for a Public Service Card (PSC) under the SAFE (Standard Authentication Framework Environment) programme. The specification provides for identification features, including a photograph. The PSC is to act as a key for access to public services in general, identifying and helping to authenticate individuals. The necessary legislative provisions were included in the 2007 Social Welfare and Pensions Act.

The project has three other streams of work; design of the organisational changes to support enhanced registration processes, development of new internal technical systems to support registration and issue of the PSC, and the procurement of a managed service provider for the production, supply and support of the PSC.

The organisational change design is complete. The specification for development of supporting ICT systems is complete and ready to issue. The Department issued a Request For Tender for the managed service to physically issue and support the PSC in early 2008. Responses were received, evaluated and a preferred bidder selected in June 2008.Contract negotiations with the preferred bidder are ready to be finalised but it is not possible at this point to give a definite date for implementation.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
443 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons in County Kildare currently in receipt of rent support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28016/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive. There are currently 3,976 recipients of rent supplement in County Kildare.

Social Welfare Code.

Olwyn Enright
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Olwyn Enright
Question:
444 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the effects the rent allowance reduction has had on people with special needs living in group accommodation, who are on disability allowance or benefit and whose rent allowance has been reduced; her further views on the capacity of some such persons to negotiate directly with their landlords without assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28037/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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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 recent Supplementary Budget provided that the weekly minimum contribution which a person is expected to contribute towards their rent, be increased by €6 to €24 with effect from 1 June 2009 and that payments currently being made to existing rent supplement tenants be reduced by 8% from the same date.

Capital funding is provided by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government through the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) to approved voluntary housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet the special housing needs of the elderly, the homeless or people with a physical or intellectual disability. Tenants accommodated in projects funded under CAS are eligible for limited assistance under the rent supplement scheme. The maximum rate of assistance is currently €55 per week for a single person and €60 per week for a couple. Supplementation of rent is reduced to reflect the fact that CAS housing projects are capital funded by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Rents in CAS accommodation are charged at a reasonable rate having regard to the tenant's income and the cost of managing and maintaining the dwellings. It is a matter for each housing association to set the rents payable by their tenants.

CAS tenants are subject to the increase of €6 a week in the weekly minimum contribution which they are required to make towards their rent but not the general 8% reduction in existing rent supplement payment. The maximum rate of rent supplement for those in CAS accommodation is therefore still €55 per week for a single person and €60 per week for a couple.

Reductions in rent supplement payments were applied automatically by the Department's computer systems, with effect from 1 June 2009. However, it was not possible to specifically identify CAS tenants and the rent reductions were applied automatically to their rent supplement payments. Community welfare officers were asked to identify CAS tenants and the necessary adjustments are being made to their rent supplement payments.

The Department is in ongoing 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. The continued payment of rent supplement to people in CAS accommodation has been raised with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with a view to having such cases transferred to the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) by the end of 2009.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
445 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will continue to maximise the role of post offices by way of all social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28089/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The current range of payment options offered by the Department to customers includes payment via local post offices; certain credit unions that have been authorised by the banking and credit union regulators; and bank or building society accounts, including Postbank. Other than jobseekers that can only be paid at a post office, customers opt for a particular payment method having regard to their own circumstances.

The current contract with An Post covers the period up to December 2013.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
446 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27115/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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The amount of the mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the Departmental mobile telephones assigned to me by my Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is detailed in the following table.

Year

Total Cost

2007

1,046.97

2008

1,296.50

2009

633.31

A breakdown of data into the other categories i.e. Roaming and Data charges is not held in the required format on our systems and it would take an inordinate amount of time and resources to manually compile the information.

Departmental Schemes.

David Stanton
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David Stanton
Question:
447 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if Defence Force personnel will be able to participate in the recently announced cycle to work scheme; if so, the measurers taken by his Department to enable personnel to avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27215/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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The cycle to work scheme is being made available to Permanent Defence Force personnel. My Department officials, in consultation with the Military authorities, are finalising the detailed arrangements to implement the scheme in the Permanent Defence Force.

Defence Forces Staff.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
448 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence the number of members of the Defence Forces allocated to Áras an Uachtaráin and their duties and role. [27356/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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The members of the Defence Forces assigned to duties at Áras an Uachtaráin consist of four Officers and two Non Commissioned Officers. Their duties include ceremonial duties, acting in a representative capacity on behalf of the President at certain events, the provision of armed security and a twenty-four hour duty contact facility at Áras an Uachtaráin and such other related duties as may be required from time to time.

Defence Forces Property.

David Stanton
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David Stanton
Question:
449 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence further to Parliamentary Question No. 178 of 25 June 2009, his views on handing over a hall (details supplied) in County Cork to the local community for use as a youth centre for the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27504/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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It is anticipated that this property will be disposed of, taking account of the market conditions, so as to maximise the return to the Defence Forces and generate funding for reinvestment in Defence Forces equipment and infrastructure in accordance with Government policy. Significant progress has been achieved over the past decade in re-equipping and developing Defence Forces capabilities, using the proceeds from the sales of surplus properties and we need to ensure that this progress is continued. Having regard to the investment needs of the Defence Forces and given the current economic circumstances, it is important that my Department realises the full commercial value of the current properties. It would not therefore be possible to make the property available in the manner the Deputy suggests.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
450 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27589/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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My Department rents 52 properties to cater for the needs of the Reserve Defence Force. The majority of the rents are fixed and the leases do not contain a rent review clause. Those leases that are subject to a rent review would have the method of the review set out in the lease and it may not be possible to negotiate the rent downwards. However, my Department, in conjunction with the Military Authorities, continuously monitors the need and usage of such premises and reviews the rental and lease arrangements on an ongoing basis so as to ensure value for money.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
451 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27737/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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Expenditure on delegates' allowance for the past three years is outlined in the following table:

Year

Delegates Allowance Paid

€

2008

€5,602

2007

€3,248

2006

€6,339

Defence Forces Strength.

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
452 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of applicants for the Permanent Defence Force for the 2008 and 2009 recruitment years; the number accepted; the number which were unsuccessful due to the fact that they did not reach the required fitness standard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27823/09]

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
453 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Defence the number of applicants for the Cadet School for 2008/2009; the number accepted for the school; the number which were unsuccessful due to the fact that they did not reach the fitness requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27824/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 453 together.

Entry to the Permanent Defence Force is either through the Cadetship Competition, General Service Enlistment, Apprenticeship Competition or Direct Entry Competitions which are held to fill vacancies in specialist appointments.

I am informed by the Military Authorities that there were 1,183 applications received for the 2008 Cadetship Competition. Following preliminary interviews 220 candidates were called for physical fitness testing. Of those who attended for physical fitness testing 7 failed.

In 2008, 41 Cadets commenced their cadet training on 29 September 2008.

In 2008 Apprenticeship Competitions were held for Aircraft Mechanics, Heavy Vehicle Mechanics and Fitter Armourer Apprentices. A total of 612 applications were received of which 93 underwent physical fitness testing, 15 of whom failed, which equates to 16%.

The number of applications received for General Service Enlistment to the Permanent Defence Force in 2008 was 5,466. A total of 2,916 applicants were called for interview and only 507 General Service Recruits were enlisted in 2008. The failure rates are not readily available, however as soon as I receive them I will pass them on to the Deputy.

Direct Entry competitions were held in 2008 for Doctors, Aeronautical Engineers and Instrumentalists. A total of 103 applications were received for these competitions and as a result 3 Doctors and 4 Aeronautical Engineers were appointed while 1 Instrumentalist was enlisted to the Army School of Music. Direct entrants do not complete induction physical fitness testing as part of the recruitment process.

A key element in military life is the need for personnel to maintain a level of fitness for combat readiness.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
454 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27837/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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My Department has not awarded any contracts for print jobs to companies based outside the Republic of Ireland during the dates 1 January 2007 to date.

Constitutional Amendments.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
455 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to change the Constitution which states that a citizen may vote from 18 years old but may not be a candidate to become a member of the Houses of the Oireachtas until the age of 21; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27334/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Articles 16.1.1 and 18.2 of the Constitution provide that every citizen, without distinction of sex, who has reached the age of 21 years and who is not placed under disability or incapacity by the Constitution or by law, is eligible for membership of the Oireachtas. There are no proposals currently to bring forward a constitutional amendment to lower the age at which a person may become a member of the Oireachtas.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
456 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. [27350/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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An application on behalf of the person in question was received today in my Department and will be examined as soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
457 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the necessary permanent housing to meet the housing needs of persons on housing waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28016/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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It is a matter for individual housing authorities to plan their social housing investment programmes having regard to the specific social housing priorities in their areas and to the Exchequer funding allocations available to them. €1.3 billion is being provided for the broad range of social housing programmes this year, with €760m of this earmarked for the main local authority housing programme, including €20 million for long-term leasing arrangements.

Under the social housing investment programme, local authorities traditionally met social housing needs mainly through the construction of housing in local authority estates. In recent years, the supply channels have been expanded to include an increased number of acquisitions, in particular under Part V agreements, new arrangements with private landlords under the Rental Accommodation Scheme and, more recently, the long-term leasing initiative. At the same time there has also been an expansion in the scale of accommodation provided through the voluntary and co-operative housing sector.

Taking all the social housing programmes together, including those of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector, and having regard to the capacity to access suitable housing available in the current housing market through the long-term leasing initiative, it is expected that in the region of 7,000 dwellings will be provided this year.

The scale and composition of the public housing programme in the years ahead will be dependent on a number of factors, including the level of available funding and the evolution of the housing market generally. Subject to these factors, I am determined to ensure that the programme is framed in a manner which maximises the capacity to meet housing needs, particularly in respect of the most vulnerable sections of society.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
458 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27118/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The information requested in relation to my mobile telephone bills, paid for by my Department, is set out in the following table from 15 June 2007, the date on which I took office.

2007

2008

2009

€

€

€

Data Charges

528.87

1,388.84

851.22

Roaming Charges (Voice and Data)

351.94

869.84

133.45

Total Mobile Bills Paid

974.90

2,677.14

2,161.56

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
459 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27179/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Local Authority Housing.

Róisín Shortall
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Róisín Shortall
Question:
460 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if, in formulating housing policy, he has undertaken an inventory of the number and profile of empty dwellings that are available for occupation in each local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27269/09]

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
502 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the extent to which an audit of all housing units has been undertaken with a view to determining the extent of new or second hand vacant properties available here on a county basis; the number of construction sites closed down due to the economic situation; the action he has taken to address the needs of the local authority housing waiting lists from such housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28013/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 and 502 together.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) collects data on vacant properties during the Census as this is the most effective and cost efficient way to audit all housing units nationwide. The 2006 Census found that there were 216,533 unoccupied houses and apartments nationally. The number of vacant properties, broken down by county, is available on the CSO website. Information from the Census provides a crucially important input for policy development across many areas of my Department's brief, including housing policy.

While a significant number of housing units that are vacant may not necessarily be available for sale or alternative use (for example, there are an estimated 50,000 holiday homes), given weaker sentiment in the housing market, combined with a number of years of very strong supply, my Department has been conscious for some time of a growing overhang in the market of housing units for sale.

In order to align economic and social objectives and to make effective use of properties that may be available for re-deployment for social housing purposes, my Department has introduced a number of initiatives of relevance. In the first instance, the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which was introduced in 2004, is designed to cater for the long term housing needs of rent supplement households. The core objectives of the RAS are to reform the approach towards providing accommodation within the private rented sector for long-term dependents on rent supplement and to enhance the response of housing authorities to meeting long-term housing need. One of the main features of the scheme is that housing authorities, in sourcing accommodation for these households, make use of the private and voluntary sector and enter into contractual arrangements to secure medium to long-term availability of rented accommodation.

To supplement this scheme, I have introduced two additional initiatives in recent months, which will make further use of vacant stock and assist authorities in meeting housing needs. Firstly, in February 2009, I introduced new arrangements for the delivery of social housing under which housing authorities may enter into long term leases of private dwellings for periods of between 10 and 20 years, taking advantage of the extent of available property in the market and at the same time providing a more efficient and effective use of public resources in meeting housing needs. Secondly, my Department has advised housing authorities that they can consider transferring unsold affordable housing stock to both the leasing scheme and the RAS, where appropriate.

Data in relation to the number of construction site closures are not held by my Department.

Local Authority Staff.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
461 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of senior posts filled in Sligo County Council and Sligo Borough Council in each of the years from 2004 to 2008 and to date in 2009; the posts filled; the number of these vacancies which were filled by way of acting positions or upgrading; and the number of these posts which were publicly advertised. [27296/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The number of staff employed at Managerial level, (Manager and Director of Services) in Sligo County Council (figures include Sligo Borough Council), as expressed as whole time equivalents and returned to my Department for the years 2004 to 2008, and to date are as follows:

Year

Number of posts

Number of posts filled

2004

5

5

2005

5

5

2006

5

4

2007

5

5

2008

6

6

As of March 2009

6

6

Local Authorities are advised by my Department that sanction is conveyed to the creation of a particular post, provided that the post is filled in the normal manner, having regard to the Departmental recruitment guidelines, legislative requirements and qualifications. All senior posts within local authorities are recruited through the Public Appointments Service.

Information in relation to acting posts, or upgrading is not held by my Department.

House Building Guarantee Scheme.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
462 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will request a company (details supplied) to extend their insurance guarantee to five years in respect of deposits from home buyers in view of recent negative media reports regarding deposits not being returned after two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27317/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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The HomeBond Scheme is operated by the National House Building Guarantee Scheme Company Ltd. which is a private company. Any modifications or improvements to the scheme are a matter for the company.

Planning Issues.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
463 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27330/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The primary aim of Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing published by my Department in 2005 is to achieve a balance between the accommodation of rural housing needs and the need for development to be sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms. The Guidelines set out four rural area types that exist countrywide i.e. rural areas under strong urban influence, stronger rural areas, structurally weaker rural areas and areas with clustered settlement patterns.

It is a matter for each planning authority to adopt the local need criteria which will apply to planning applications as part of its development plan, having regard to the different rural area types which may exist within its area and the varying development pressures within those area types.

The Guidelines state that, in rural areas under strong urban influence, planning applications for a single rural dwelling from persons who can demonstrate ‘local need' in terms of intrinsic or strong links to the local community should be accommodated, subject to the normal planning criteria of siting, waste water disposal, road safety etc. The Guidelines give examples of such links, e.g. farmers, their sons and daughters or persons involved in full-time farming or forestry.

The interpretation of policy and its application in individual cases is a matter for each planning authority and, upon appeal, for An Bord Pleanála.

Architectural Heritage.

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
464 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a property (details supplied) in County Mayo was included in a scheme. [27371/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Under the provisions of the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required, for the purpose of protecting structures, or parts of structures which are of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest, to include in its development plan a Record of Protected Structures (RPS) for its functional area. This may be done at the time of the preparation of the development plan or, where appropriate, at any other time.

The Act enables me, as Minister, to make recommendations to a planning authority concerning the inclusion of specific structures in its Record of Protected Structures, and a planning authority must have regard to any such recommendations. The making of an addition to, or deletion from, a Record of Protected Structures is a reserved function of the planning authorities.

In September 2008, I made recommendations to Westport Town Council concerning the inclusion of all seventeen of the sites recorded for Mill Street by the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) survey in the Council's Record of Protected Structures. My recommendations were based on the NIAH survey of Westport Town. The structures included in the survey are objectively recorded and rated in accordance with international guidelines; a copy of the survey is available on www.buildingsofireland.ie. I understand from Westport Town Council that all the buildings recommended in September 2008 were subsequently proposed for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures for Westport Town; a decision on up-dating the Record of Protected Structures for the town is expected to be considered at a meeting of the Town Council in September, 2009.

Fire Stations.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
465 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when an application for funding in respect of a new fire station facility (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be approved by his Department; the timeframe for the provision of the funding; the reason for the delay in providing funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27397/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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The provision of funding for a fire station at Cloughjordan will be considered under future fire services capital programmes having regard to the fire authority's priorities, the existing facilities available, the level of activity, the proximity of other fire stations and competing demands in relation to the resources available. In autumn 2008, the fire authority indicated that improvement to the fire station at Templemore is its first priority and Cloughjordan the second.

EU Funding.

Thomas P. Broughan
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Thomas P. Broughan
Question:
466 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the action he has taken to ensure the implementation of the new article 7 of the European Regional Development Fund as part of EU structural funds, which allows an allocation of up to 4% of total ERDF funds to be allocated on energy efficiency improvement and on the use of renewable energy in existing housing in favour of low income households such as social housing; his plans to ensure that some voluntary housing stock particularly very old housing stock will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27402/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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Ireland is in receipt of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Social Fund (ESF) support for the period 2007-2013 under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective. There are three Operational Programmes agreed between Ireland and the European Commission for Ireland's allocation of Structural Funds. Two Operational Programmes are co-funded by the ERDF, namely the Border, Midlands and Western Operational Programme (BMW OP) and the Southern and Eastern Operational Programme (S&E OP), whereas the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme (HCI OP) is co-financed by the European Social Fund.

EU Structural Funds are governed by a series of European Regulations which are agreed among the European Institutions. Following recent consultation between the Institutions, Regulation (EC) No. 397/2009, relating to the eligibility of energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in housing, was adopted on 6 May 2009. This Regulation broadens the scope of eligibility of ERDF expenditure to allow Member States incur expenditure on energy efficiency improvements and on the use of renewable energy in existing housing, up to an amount of 4% of the total ERDF allocation.

The Managing Authorities of the two ERDF Operational Programmes (BMW OP & S&E OP) have considered the new Regulation but do not propose to change the existing OP priorities as these will fully absorb the level of ERDF funding (€375 million) which has been allocated to Ireland for the period 2007-2013.

However, it should be noted that I have assigned considerable priority to the improvement of the energy performance of the social housing stock and my Department has developed a comprehensive national programme for the "greening" of the social housing stock. This programme includes a range of energy efficiency initiatives for which some €50 million has been set aside in 2009.

The range of energy efficiency improvement initiatives includes a programme of Towards Carbon Neutral demonstration projects, focussed on the construction of dwellings to a minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) standard of A2, as well as a number of demonstration projects for the retrofitting of insulation and other energy efficiency measures in the existing stock of local authority housing to achieve minimum B2 standards. The experience gained from these projects will inform my Department’s approach to both new construction and remedial works schemes, to ensure a viable and energy efficient stock of local authority housing into the future.

Also, I recently announced close to €20m in allocations to local authorities for the retrofitting of insulation and other energy efficiency improvements in local authority housing prior to re-letting, and in apartment complexes. Local authorities have been preparing energy efficiency plans for their areas to manage the delivery of these improvements which will see the majority of dwellings achieve a minimum BER of C1.

Finally, local authorities may use their internal capital receipts, subject to approval by my Department of an annual improvement works programme, for measures including the installation of insulation, the replacement of windows and doors, and other initiatives to improve energy efficiency in their housing stock.

Departmental Agencies.

Thomas P. Broughan
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Thomas P. Broughan
Question:
467 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of financial assistance provided to the homeless agency on an annual basis and the number of staff currently employed by the homeless agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27403/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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The Homeless Agency is administered under the aegis of Dublin City Council. While the staffing of the Agency is therefore a matter for the Council, I understand that it currently has a complement of 14 staff. My Department is responsible for funding for accommodation and related services for homeless persons. In 2008 it provided a total of €53.235 million nationally for this purpose, including €940,894 to Dublin City Council towards the operational costs of the Homeless Agency.

Thomas P. Broughan
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Thomas P. Broughan
Question:
468 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the functions and responsibilities of the affordable homes partnership and the way in which these differ from the functions of local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27404/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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The functions of the Affordable Homes Partnership are specified in the Affordable Homes Partnership (Establishment) Order, 2005, as amended by the Affordable Homes Partnership (Establishment) Order, 2005 (Amendment) Order, 2007. By virtue of a provision in the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) (Confirmation of Orders) Act, 2008, this order has statutory effect as if it were an Act of the Oireachtas.

The functions of the Partnership are to provide certain services forward on behalf of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and relevant local authorities in particular, the partnership has been tasked to co-ordinate and promote the delivery of affordable housing in the Greater Dublin Area and to provide certain services in relation to affordable housing nationally. Further information relating to the Partnership is available on its website, www.ahp.ie.

Legislative Programme.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
469 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will introduce regulations to implement the recommendations of the working group to review the management of dog breeding establishments; and if he will confirm that the kennels of non-commercial clubs registered with an association (details supplied) will be fully exempt from such regulations. [27466/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Work has been ongoing for some time in my Department in drafting measures to provide for statutory regulation of dog breeding establishments within the dog control legislative regime. The issues involved are complex and required detailed consideration. This process has included discussions with a number of organisations, bodies, public agencies and interests active in this area. Following advice, it is my intention to introduce amending legislation which will facilitate the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Group which reviewed the management of dog breeding establishments. My proposals in this regard are at an advanced stage and will be published as soon as possible.

With regard to groups affiliated to the Association referred to, I propose to exempt such groups from the payment of registration fees. However, in order to ensure that proper veterinary and general welfare standards exist in those dog breeding establishments, which the Working Group recommended should be defined as ‘a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential', it is my intention that all relevant dog breeding establishments will be required to comply with specific statutory guidelines in this area and be subject to regulation, registration and inspection by the appropriate local authority. In this regard I will be guided by professional veterinary advice. As the Association referred to informs me that its members operate to a high standard at present, it is not expected that the new regulatory regime will place a significant additional burden on its affiliated groups.

Foreshore Licences.

Jim O'Keeffe
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Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
470 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the co-ordination of the foreshore licensing regime and the planning code in addition to other regulatory codes; his views whether there is a clear need for greater simplification and coordination of regulations particularly on issues such as the development of marinas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27476/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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As a general principle, I believe that it is important to achieve the necessary co-ordination, and where possible rationalisation, of consent procedures and the removal of unnecessary regulation. When the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill was published on 3 June, I indicated that I would introduce, by way of committee stage amendments, new provisions aimed at better integrating the foreshore consent processes with the planning processes under the Planning Acts. The necessary work is underway in my Department in anticipation of the formal transfer of the foreshore functions into my Department, the initial focus is on integrating the foreshore consent process for major infrastructure projects with the consent process under the Strategic Infrastructure Act.

Planning Issues.

Bernard Allen
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Bernard Allen
Question:
471 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the fact that a planning proposal application for a biofuel facility lodged with Cork County Council (details supplied), could be accepted in view of the fact that the land is zoned as A1 and the application would require a material contravention of the development plan; if the applicants were advised by the planners of the situation prior to the lodgement of the application. [27483/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Under section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, a person who intends to make a planning application may, with the agreement of the planning authority concerned, enter into consultations with the authority in relation to the proposed development and application. During any such consultations, the planning authority is required to advise the person concerned of the procedures involved in considering a planning application, and, as far as possible, to indicate the relevant objectives of the development plan which may have a bearing on the decision of the planning authority.

Section 34 of the 2000 Act provides that where a planning application is made to a planning authority in accordance with permission regulations, and all requirements of those regulations are complied with, the authority may grant or refuse the permission sought. When making a decision in relation to a planning application, a planning authority is required to have regard, among other things, to the provisions of the relevant development plan. Under section 30 of the 2000 Act, the Minister is precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.

Disability Act.

David Stanton
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David Stanton
Question:
472 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the statutory three year review of the Disability Act 2005 sectoral plan pertaining to his Department and required under the Disability Act 2005 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27507/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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My Department's Sectoral plan, as provided for in section 36 of the Disability Act 2005, was developed in consultation with people with disabilities to assist the Department and local authorities in supporting an inclusive society with accessible buildings, facilities, services and information. There are statutory provisions, codes of practice and guidelines available to assist local authorities in providing the measures required in the Sectoral Plan.

My Department's Sectoral Plan outlines the requirement for an update and review to be carried out in 2009 and on a three yearly cycle thereafter. The review and updated Sectoral Plan will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and will be published as soon as this process is complete.

Departmental Properties.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
473 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27592/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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In the main, property occupied by the Department is acquired through the OPW and rent is paid by that Office. However, in certain circumstances the Department has been required to rent property pending the sourcing of suitable long-term accommodation by the OPW. In mid-2006, the Department leased temporary office accommodation for a period of one year at a total cost of €14,560, pending the upgrade of one of the Department's local offices. The Department has also rented storage space for specialist equipment on a temporary basis since 01 January 2008. This followed the sale and demolition of the building where the storage had previously been provided by the OPW. Total rent paid since that date is €32,027. My Department is currently working to provide long-term accommodation for the equipment in storage.

Housing Grants.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
474 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if Kildare County Council has applied for further funding to renew or revive DP Grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27635/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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I refer to the reply to Question No. 61 of 11 June, 2009. No formal application has been received to date from Kildare County Council

Planning Issues.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
475 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of normal planning appeals lodged to An Bord Pleanála for each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 that took greater than six months, greater than eight months, greater than ten months and greater than 12 months for a decision to issue. [27652/09]

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
476 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of normal planning appeals currently with An Bord Pleanála that have been awaiting a decision for at least six months, at least eight months, at least ten months and at least 12 months. [27653/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 475 and 476 together.

At the end of June 2009, An Bord Pleanála had 1,844 cases on hand, a decrease of 36% compared to 2,875 for the same period in 2008. The specific information sought in relation to 2009 is set out in the following table.

> 6 months

> 8 months

> 10 months

> 12 months

Appeals on hands (as at 6th July, 2009):

198

107

67

43

Information in relation to the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Docklands Development.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
477 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the details of the membership of the inter-departmental group established to consider the analysis and recommendations of the Cork Docklands Development Forum report; the number and dates of meetings held; the actions taken to implement the recommendations of the report; and if the minutes of the meetings will be published. [27654/09]

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
478 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will publish the report of the Cork Docklands Development Forum submitted to him in July 2008. [27655/09]

Simon Coveney
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Simon Coveney
Question:
499 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the progress in relation to the Cork Docklands project; the funding available for this project; the timescale involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27855/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 477, 478 and 499 together.

The Government established the Cork Docklands Development Forum in December 2007, to promote the effective coordination and delivery of sustainable public investment in key infrastructure, to facilitate regeneration, and incentivise private investment in Cork Docklands. The Forum was also tasked to address options in relation to incentives to overcome key barriers to the development of the area.

In July 2008, the Forum submitted a report to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, setting out a policy and economic rationale for the regeneration project. The Forum report envisaged very significant investment in public infrastructure, including the proposed Eastern Gateway Bridge, as well as possible supports for relocation of port and other activities. The main findings and recommendations of the report are in the public domain.

The Finance Act 2009 provided for a new tax incentive scheme to facilitate the relocation of SEVESO-listed industrial facilities that hinder the regeneration of docklands in urban areas. This scheme is subject to European Commission clearance regarding compliance with State Aid rules. Funding decisions in relation to the bridge and other related projects have been deferred, having regard to the prevailing budgetary constraints, until at least 2010.

The Inter-Departmental Group established to consider the analysis and recommendations in the Report comprises representatives of the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Finance, Taoiseach and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It met formally once, on 4 September 2008. There are no formal minutes of this meeting. The members of the Group subsequently liaise, with a view to monitoring the scope for appropriate public actions to move this project forward, as and when economic and budgetary circumstances allow.

Cork City Council has established a special Directorate to co-ordinate and promote delivery of the Docklands project, as well as a Docklands Policy Committee comprising six local councillors. The Directorate has extensive interaction with relevant stakeholders including property owners, developers, public agencies and other stakeholders, as well as with the main Departments represented on the Inter-Departmental Group.

Waste Management.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
479 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to encourage businesses to compost their waste; the incentives he will make available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27691/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The National Strategy on Biodegradable Waste, published in April 2006, envisages that 80% of biodegradable municipal waste will be diverted from landfill by 2016. It also views the separate collection and subsequent biological treatment of organic waste to generate compost as having a critical role in minimising the use of landfill into the future.

While the provision of waste facilities in line with the relevant waste management plan is primarily a matter for the local authorities, recycling, recovery or disposal of commercially arising waste is specifically the responsibility of the producer. Against this backdrop, my Department is working with industry towards the development of a statutory instrument for the source segregation and appropriate treatment of catering waste and former foodstuffs from commercial premises. The regulations have already been the subject of a stakeholder consultation, and will shortly issue for public consultation.

I have also signalled my intention to introduce primary legislation to allow for significant increases in the landfill levy. This will make source segregation of waste streams (including organics), and the presentation of quality material for recycling, more attractive for both the commercial and private sectors, with the potential to reduce resource costs and to contribute to the further development of an indigenous composting and recycling industry.

I am confident that the above will have the potential to divert significant amounts of commercial food waste from landfill towards more sustainable and environmentally beneficial practices.

Job Creation.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
480 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to introduce rates remission for new businesses to encourage job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27692/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Rates are local property taxes that are levied by local authorities on commercial properties that are rateable under the Valuation Act 2001. The determination of the annual rate on valuation which is applied to property valuation to calculate rates is a decision taken locally by the elected members of a local authority in their annual budget. In order to support economic activity and employment, both nationally and locally, and to protect the interests of communities, I specifically requested that local authorities exercise restraint in setting any increases in commercial rates in their 2009 Budgets. Local authorities recognise the challenging environment in which business operates and have responded positively to this request. The national average increase in annual rates on valuation in 2009 is 1.15%, with many authorities not introducing any increase at all.

I have also asked that each county and city council establish a small Business Support Unit, or alternative, to act as a point of contact to ensure a quick, streamlined and coordinated response to existing and new businesses from local authorities in areas such as planning, water and roads.

I recognise the importance of rates income as a contribution to the cost of services provided by local authorities. These services are of considerable benefit to all in the local authority area, including ratepayers and businesses generally. The introduction of rates remission for new business could result in a diminution in the ability of local authorities to deliver such services or in the rates income forgone through such a scheme being raised through an increase in rates charges on other establishments. I will continue to keep the approach to rates by local authorities under regular review.

Charters of Rights.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
481 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on introducing a charter of rights for mobile home owners. [27716/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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I have no responsibility in relation to the matter raised in the Question.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Sean Sherlock
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Sean Sherlock
Question:
482 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an application for funding toward a housing project (details supplied) in County Cork has been received by him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27721/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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While an application for funding under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme for a 12-unit sheltered housing project at Bridesbridge, Castlelyons was previously received from Cork County Council, my Department advised the Council in December 2008 that the procurement procedures did not appear to comply with the requirements of the new Forms of Contract for publicly funded projects. I understand the Council subsequently advised the approved housing body to seek tenders in compliance with these requirements.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
483 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his position in relation to a property (details supplied) in North Tipperary; the reason for purchase of this property; the source of funding for same; the proposed development plan for the property; the timeframe for same; if funding was allocated from another Government Department towards the purchase or development of the premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27730/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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In 2007 my Department received an application from North Tipperary County Council for grant assistance under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) in respect of the purchase and refurbishment, by Arlington Novas, of a house at 55 Mitchel Street, Thurles for the provision of accommodation for homeless persons. However, the Council subsequently advised my Department that the CAS application was being withdrawn and this property would be acquired by Thurles Town Council under the Council's social housing investment programme. It is a matter for the Council to advance the acquisition of this property.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
484 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27739/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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In accordance with the provisions of Department of Finance Circular 4/79, the Department pays a delegate allowance to qualifying officials for attendance at certain meetings abroad. The table sets out the total amount spent on payment of the delegates allowance to officials during the period from 01 January 2006 to 30 June 2009:

Year

Amount

€

2006

90,833.83

2007

100,083.24

2008

88,987.10

2009 (01 January-30 June)

50,204.92

Total

330,109.09

Planning Issues.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
485 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 392 and 417 of 23 June 2009, the amount of moneys held from each local authority in a similar manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27748/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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I understand that the Question refers to the overall Development Contributions balance at 31 December 2008. The accounting code of practice requires local authorities to submit their Annual Financial Statements by 1 July. The information provided is for all city and county councils and is based on the un-audited Annual Financial Statements for 2008 as submitted to my Department or, where the Financial Statements have not yet been finalised, figures have been provided directly by the local authorities. Annual Financial Statements for 2008 are not yet available in respect of all town and borough councils, and my Department is working with local authorities to ensure that the relevant information will be available as soon as possible.

The overall Development Contributions balance at 31 December 2008 for county and city authorities, comprising both cash and debtors, is some €960 million. These funds are being released over time as projects progress to completion. The information requested is set out in the following table:

Authority No.

Authority Name

Development Levies

€

County Councils

1

Carlow

1,462,237

2

Cavan

7,234,169

3

Clare

7,704,039

4

Cork

70,579,222

5

Donegal

8,586,674

6

Fingal

191,589,470

7

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

130,193,047

8

Galway

6,900,000

9

Kerry

16,449,214

10

Kildare

34,781,944

11

Kilkenny

22,225,676

12

Laois

32,088,814

13

Leitrim

8,308,861

14

Limerick

15,934,033

15

Longford

9,556,952

16

Louth

42,654,788

17

Mayo

15,011,672

18

Meath

47,768,401

19

Monaghan

7,940,563

20

North Tipperary

9,910,302

21

Offaly

11,945,120

22

Roscommon

9,267,143

23

Sligo

2,693,547

24

South Dublin

63,346,718

25

South Tipperary

18,833,113

26

Waterford

7,190,072

27

Westmeath

12,117,170

28

Wexford

34,841,849

29

Wicklow

4,700,157

SUBTOTAL

851,814,965

City Councils

30

Cork

5,894,533

31

Dublin

76,620,242

32

Galway

7,589,635

33

Limerick

12,945,067

34

Waterford

4,823,434

SUBTOTAL

107,872,910

Total

959,687,875

Noise Pollution.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
486 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support a matter (details supplied). [27756/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Under the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 (Noise) Regulations 1994, a person may seek an order in the District Court to have noise giving reasonable cause for annoyance abated. The procedures involved have been simplified to allow action to be taken without legal representation. A public information leaflet outlining the legal options available to persons experiencing noise nuisance is available from my Department and is also on the Department's website, www.environ.ie. It is also open to local authorities under sections 107 or 108 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act 1992 to initiate an action to deal with noise nuisance and Dublin City Council (Environment Section) is the appropriate authority to contact in this regard.

Noise nuisance and other problems caused by local authority tenants are also covered under legislation. The tenancy agreement, which is the legal basis of the relationship between the local authority and its tenants, will generally contain provisions in relation to the type of behaviour that is, or is not, acceptable. The local authority is empowered, under Section 62 of the Housing Act 1966, to initiate proceedings to secure an eviction where a tenant has breached the conditions of the tenancy agreement.

In the case of noise nuisance being caused by individuals in private rented accommodation, the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 contains a provision for third parties who are adversely affected by a failure on the part of a landlord to enforce tenant obligations to refer a complaint to the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) in accordance with the procedures in the Act.

While there is already a wide range of measures in place to deal with noise from a variety of sources, I am currently examining options to strengthen legislation on noise pollution as provided for in the Programme for Government. The Government recently approved the drafting of a Noise Nuisance Bill which will take a more integrated approach to noise pollution. There will be a greater emphasis on codes of practice for construction, commercial and domestic situations. There will, in addition, be measures to increase awareness of noise nuisance and of how it can be remedied, and to strengthen existing local authority powers including a system of fixed payment notices in relation to noise nuisance offences. The Bill will also extend to the Garda Síochána some of the more appropriate improved powers of the local authority authorised officers.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Kathleen Lynch
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Kathleen Lynch
Question:
487 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding to the sewerage schemes (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27787/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The Burtonport, Dungloe, Glenties and Gweedore Sewerage Schemes are included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. Tender Documents for the Dungloe and Glenties schemes are under examination in my Department but further information is awaited from Donegal County Council with regard to the possible linking of Burtonport to the Dungloe scheme. Additional information is also awaited from Donegal County Council in order to allow my Department complete its examination of the most recent Design Review Report for Gweedore received from the Council.

Kathleen Lynch
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Kathleen Lynch
Question:
488 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to replace corroded pipes in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27788/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Donegal County Council has submitted a proposal to my Department to replace a pipeline in the Rosses Regional Water Supply as an advance contract of mains rehabilitation under its Water Conservation Programme. This proposal is under examination in my Department and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
489 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the national average turnaround time for houses which have been handed back to the relevant local authority and which are then re-let; if these houses are required by law to be refurbished before they can be let to new tenants; if a prospective tenant can agree to waive the necessity of refurbishment works to the house and give a written commitment to this effect, thus saving the relevant local authority time and money and simultaneously speeding up the process of housing a prospective tenant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27793/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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Under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966, the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock is a matter for individual authorities. The average time taken to re-let dwellings is a Local Authority Service Indicator and reports on these Service Indicators are available on the Local Government Management Services Board website, www.lgmsb.ie, under the "publications/reports" heading. The latest figures on the website relate to 2007; the 2008 figures will be available shortly.

Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. With very limited exemptions, these regulations apply to local authority and voluntary housing units, as well as private rented accommodation, and all landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the regulations.

Planning Issues.

Joanna Tuffy
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Joanna Tuffy
Question:
490 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed community centre for an area (details supplied) in County Dublin, a proposal that the residents have been working on for the past ten years, is being held up due to the freezing of €70 million of development funds within Fingal County Council, by him; and if he will sanction the county manager to release the necessary funding for this important social infrastructure. [27800/09]

Joanna Tuffy
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Joanna Tuffy
Question:
492 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will report on the delay in the construction of the community centre at an area (details supplied) in County Dublin in view of the fact that it is being held up due to the freezing of €70 million of development funds within Fingal County Council, by him; and if in view of the benefit to the social infrastructure of the area, he will sanction the release of the necessary funding for this scheme to Fingal County Council. [27802/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 490 and 492 together.

In February 2009, my Department set out details of the financial requirements for local authorities relating to the overall management of their capital and current accounts. These arise from the requirements for Government finances as a whole to be managed in accordance with the Stability and Growth Pact established under the Maastricht Treaty, and the associated limitation on budget deficits. This is not a new requirement for 2009, but current economic and budgetary considerations require all sectors, including local authorities, to ensure effective control and management of public finances.

In order to stay within the overall limit for the General Government Balance, it is necessary for local authorities to manage their finances and to maintain their current and capital accounts broadly in balance for 2009. Within this general requirement, there is capability for borrowing by local authorities for capital infrastructure. Development contributions have been an important addition to the capital funding resource of local authorities but they are only one element. Local authorities generate capital income from a variety of sources. There is no prohibition on Councils spending Development Contributions. The only requirement on local authorities is that they seek to equate capital income and capital expenditure in the year.

My Department will continue to work closely with local authorities, including Fingal County Council, to ensure that within the overall financial limits to be met, decisions on these matters are taken in a way which gives the necessary prioritisation to environmental, economic and social infrastructure and taking account of local community effort as part of the overall contribution to economic recovery.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Joanna Tuffy
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Joanna Tuffy
Question:
491 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the history of the proposed refurbishment scheme for the council houses in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will confirm that the necessary finance is available for the carrying out of the works. [27801/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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My Department gave approval to Fingal County Council to proceed with this project in May 2007, to be funded from the authority's internal capital receipts. Accordingly, the County Council included the project under its Improvement Works Programme for the years 2007 to 2010. I understand from the Council that a tender was accepted early this year and works have already commenced on Phase 1 of the project.

Question No. 492 answered with Question No. 490.

Local Authority Funding.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
493 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the issues raised in correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27810/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The annual charge proposed under the Local Government (Charges) Bill 2009 is set at a modest level of €200. I do not consider that this will act as a disincentive to business activities relating to rental income from non principal private residences.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Sean Fleming
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Sean Fleming
Question:
494 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to a project (details supplied) in County Laois; and when it is expected contracts will be signed on this issue. [27811/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The Laois Grouped Towns Sewerage Scheme, consisting of Abbeyleix, Durrow, Rathdowney, Mountrath, Stradbally and Clonaslee, is included for funding under my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. Laois County Council's Contract Documents for both the treatment plants and the collection networks elements of the scheme are being examined in my Department and are being dealt with as quickly as possible.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
495 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27839/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The information requested in the question is set out in the following table. These suppliers were engaged by the Government Supplies Agency in April 2007 and October 2007 respectively.

Company

Nature of Contract

Date of Award of Contract

Enterprise Stationery Limited

Printing and Supply of File Covers

April 2007

Paragon Group UK Limited

Printing and Supply of Payslips

October 2007

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
496 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the capital projects which will proceed to contract in Counties Kilkenny and Carlow in 2009; the commencement date in each case; the level of funding in respect of each project under the water services programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27850/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Details of all major water and sewerage schemes included for funding by my Department in Counties Kilkenny and Carlow are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Additional information in relation to progress on individual contracts under this Programme, or in relation to activity generally under the small public schemes measure of the devolved Rural Water Programme, may be obtained from the relevant local authorities.

A provision of €500 million is available for the Programme for 2009, which is a 1% increase on the record outturn on the Programme for last year. I expect that the available resources will allow up to 50 major new water and wastewater schemes to commence this year, some of which have already started. My Department will prioritise the remaining schemes yet to start, having regard to both environmental and economic objectives i.e. schemes required to meet National and EU environmental standards in relation to drinking water and wastewater disposal, European Court of Justice cases and works that will support economic development.

Departmental Agencies.

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
497 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will respond to a request under the Comptroller and Auditor General Amendment Act 1993 for an order to designate the Dublin Docklands Development Authority within its remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27851/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Having regard to the Second Schedule of the Comptroller and Auditor General (Amendment) Act 1993 and Section 51 of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority Act 1997, the Dublin Docklands Development Authority is specifically excluded from the audit remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General. I am not aware of any provision in the 1993 Act for the making of an order that would place the Authority within the Comptroller and Auditor General's audit remit.

Environmental Policy.

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
498 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received replies from the management of South Dublin County Council and Kildare County Council in respect of his request to carry out feasibility studies on possible additional lands to be included in the Liffey Valley special amenity order; the next stages to proceed with the proposal to extend the special area of conservation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27852/09]

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
503 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he was last in communication with South Dublin County Council regarding the Liffey Valley; the progress made in designating it a national park or a protected area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28014/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 503 together.

In September 2008, I requested South Dublin County Council to arrange for an evaluation of lands between Palmerstown and Lucan Bridge, the existing area of special amenity and the N4/0ld Lucan Road/Old Hill Road, in order to assess the suitability of some or all of these lands being designated a new area of special amenity, having regard to the provisions of section 202 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. In February 2009, South Dublin County Council submitted a report on the matter. This has been considered within my Department, and it is intended to request the Council to give further consideration to the extent of lands that might be included in such an area.

Also in February 2009, my Department requested Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Kildare County Council to carry out evaluations of lands in the Liffey valley which fall within their functional areas, in order to assess the suitability of some or all of these lands being designated as part of an extended area of special amenity. Responses have been received from each of these planning authorities and are under consideration. Following consideration of the relevant information, I will decide whether to give a direction under section 202(2) of the Act regarding the making of a further special amenity area order or orders.

Question No. 499 answered with Question No. 477.

Waste Management.

Simon Coveney
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Simon Coveney
Question:
500 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position in relation to Haulbowline Island County Cork; if the report has been brought before Cabinet; his plans to deal with the toxic waste at the site; the way the site will be managed; and when he will undertake as promised the health survey of the Cork Harbour area. [27857/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The Government has considered the position in relation to the former Irish Steel/Ispat site at Haulbowline noting the outcome of the site investigations; the requirement for various works and further monitoring recommended by the environmental consultants and the development issues, particularly technical constraints, site boundary issues, zoning issues and regulatory requirements, meriting early address.

The Government decided that the Office of Public Works would chair a working group to develop a structured and coherent approach to the further management and development of the site with Cork County Council continuing to discharge site management responsibilities on an agency basis.

Regarding the issue of any studies in regard to human health the Government noted the outcomes of the independent and rigorous assessment of site conditions on Haulbowline. This comprised three distinct modules: assessing quality of surface water, marine sediment and mussel bivalves in the vicinity; assessment of any health or environmental risks posed by current site conditions; and ambient air monitoring.

The consultants had available the advice of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Marine Institute and the Health and Safety Authority. Ambient air monitoring was undertaken in accordance with relevant national and international occupational exposure limit values, finding that air quality complied with all relevant standards and guidelines, including in Cobh which was the main population centre that was monitored, and that there is no occupational risk to human health from airborne substances. Similarly, the assessment of water, sediment and mussel samples employed the relevant applicable screening criteria and found no identifiable risk to the residents of Cork Harbour.

In the case of assessing the health and environmental risks posed by potential contaminants in the waste material on the East Tip itself the screening was undertaken using human health generic assessment criteria which are derived from guidance issued in the UK. These criteria were considered most appropriate for the site, are conservative for on-site exposures for current land use, and did not suggest a risk to health of people on site undertaking normal activities or to those in the Cork harbour area including the Naval Base.

Local Authority Housing.

Simon Coveney
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Simon Coveney
Question:
501 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the length of the waiting list in Cork city and county for local authority housing; the number of unoccupied local authority houses in this area; and the number of people who received an offer of a local authority house in 2008 and to date in 2009 in Cork City and County. [27858/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information in relation to the numbers currently on waiting lists in local authorities.

A statutory assessment of housing need is carried out every three years by all housing authorities in accordance with the terms of the Housing Act 1988. The last assessment took place in 2008 and indicated that there were 56,249 households in need of social housing support. In Cork, the assessment showed that there were 6,589 households in need of social housing support; 3,725 households in the Cork County Council area (including Town Councils), and 2,864 in Cork City Council's area.

Further information regarding the assessments is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie, including a breakdown of the net need figure by housing authority. Information in relation to vacant local authority houses is a Local Authority Service Indicator and reports on these indicators are available on the Local Government Management Service Board's website, www.lgmsb.ie. The latest available figures relate to 2007; the 2008 figures will be available shortly. Data in relation to the number of offers of accommodation made by individual local authorities are not collected by my Department.

Question No. 502 answered with Question No. 460.

Question No. 503 answered with Question No. 498.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
504 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role and the action taken by him in the past two years in monitoring and regulating the management of approved housing bodies, which are funded for the provision of social rented housing under his Department’s capital funding schemes. [28064/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
505 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the role and the action taken in the past two years by local authorities in monitoring the management of approved housing bodies, which are funded for the provision of social rented housing under his Department’s capital funding schemes; and the steps he has taken in the past two years in relation to the local authority monitoring function in this area. [28065/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
506 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of complaints and communications that have been received by him from tenants of approved housing bodies; and the subjects of these complaints and communications. [28066/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
507 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legal rights that are in place to protect tenants of approved housing bodies, funded by the State under the capital funding schemes in view of recent publicity on a matter (details supplied). [28067/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
508 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the mechanisms that have been put in place by him or in conjunction with other Departments to put in place an independent supervisory or appeal system for tenants of approved housing bodies which present claims of harassment, intimidation or elder abuse by staff and other tenants. [28068/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
509 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the representations which have been received by him in relation to modernising the legal relationship between landlord and tenant of approved housing bodies, to improve the position of tenants of approved housing bodies. [28069/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
510 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals for modernising the landlord and tenant contract that will be included in the Housing Bill 2008, which will strengthen the position of tenants of approved housing bodies. [28070/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
512 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will verify that there is no independent appeal or monitoring system for complaints of poor service standards, bad or derogatory treatment, arbitrary possession proceedings or other adverse situations from tenants of approved housing bodies; and his proposals to improve this situation. [28072/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 504 to 510, inclusive, and 512 together.

My Department's involvement with the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the schemes, and the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding schemes, are the responsibility of the local authority.

Approved housing bodies are responsible for the proper management and maintenance of dwellings provided under the terms of the funding schemes and for the operation of letting policies, the fixing of rents and compliance with all relevant statutory requirements. Tenancy matters are generally covered in the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement between an approved housing body and tenant, which are broadly based on Landlord and Tenant legislation.

Complaints in relation to the management and operation of voluntary housing schemes, including complaints by individual tenants, are, in the first instance, a matter between the tenant and the relevant approved housing body. Tenants may also make complaints to the local authority where accommodation provided by an approved housing body is not considered to be in compliance with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008. Local authorities, may in certain circumstances, mediate in tenancy disputes between an approved housing body and their tenants.

The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) and the National Association of Building Co-operatives (Nabco) are the representative bodies for the voluntary and co-operative housing sector in Ireland. Both organisations provide promotion, information, advice and training services to approved housing bodies. The ICSH provides a range of housing management services to approved housing bodies including a Housing Association Performance Management framework which aims to promote good housing management practice and to demonstrate accountability to customers and stakeholders. The ICSH also makes available a Standard Tenancy Agreement for Housing Associations as well as Rent Books for use by approved housing bodies, details of which are available on the ICSH website at www.icsh.ie.

In line with the commitments set out in the Government's housing policy statement, Delivering Homes, Sustaining Communities my Department is currently undertaking, with the assistance of outside consultants, a strategic review of the role of the voluntary and co-operative housing sector in the provision, maintenance and management of social rented accommodation in Ireland. I intend to publish the consultancy report being prepared as part of this review following its completion later in the Autumn and to engage in consultation with stakeholders on the issues arising from the report. It is not possible, from the systems in place, to state definitively the number of representations received by my Department from tenants of approved housing bodies, but it is considered that the numbers involved are not significant. However, the need for an independent review mechanism on tenancy disputes between approved housing bodies and their tenants will be considered in the light of the review referred to above.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
511 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position of local authority and other State officials on the boards of approved housing bodies, either nominated by him or the local authority and where the approved housing body has dealings with that State body or local authority. [28071/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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All matters relating to the appointment of members of the governing body or board of directors or trustees of an approved housing body are the responsibility of the individual body concerned. My Department and the local authorities have no role with regard to the nomination or appointment of board members.

In accordance with the terms and conditions of my Department's funding schemes, no individual may be elected or appointed as a director or trustee or senior employee of an approved housing body, or retain such a position, where he or she has any material interest of significance in relation to the income or any other benefit derived from any commercial contract or other arrangements for the construction of houses for the approved housing body, or in the supply of goods and services to that body.

Question No. 512 answered with Question No. 504.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
513 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the monitoring of the terms of the mortgage agreement relating to the capital funding schemes funding between approved housing bodies and local authorities that takes place; if he will provide documentary evidence of such monitoring. [28073/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
514 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify if approved housing bodies are free to dispose of properties obtained or developed under the capital funding schemes once the mortgage period has expired; the position regarding the tenants in this situation when such properties are sold; and the way this compares with the charitable objects of approved housing bodies. [28074/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 513 and 514 together.

Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provision) Act, 1992 enables housing authorities to provide capital funding to approved housing bodies in respect of the provision of housing. A body seeking to obtain, and to retain, approved status under Section 6 of the Act must have as primary objects, the provision of accommodation for low-income families or persons with special needs such as the elderly, the homeless or persons with a physical or intellectual disability and must have in its memorandum of association or registered rules, as the case may be, provisions prohibiting the distribution of any surplus, profit, bonus or dividend to members and requiring that the assets of the body be applied solely towards its objects.

Approved housing bodies are the owners of the accommodation schemes financed under my Department's capital funding schemes. These bodies have overall responsibility for the proper management and maintenance of their dwellings. It is the responsibility of the body to ensure that policy procedures and administrative arrangements are in place to achieve compliance with the terms of the capital funding schemes. It is a matter for the housing authority to have suitable liaison arrangements in place to oversee the administration of the schemes, and to ensure that the investment made in the dwellings provided under the schemes is preserved and that the terms of the mortgage arrangements are complied with.

Property Transfers.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
515 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide details of properties and land which have been transferred from religious orders under the compensation scheme for residential child abuse since 2000 to date in 2009 to approved housing bodies as part of capital funding scheme arrangements; and the number of units in each of these schemes that have been reserved for occupancy by members of religious orders. [28075/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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Information in relation to property transferred from religious orders to approved housing bodies under the Compensation Scheme for Residential Child Abuse is not available in my Department.

Energy Resources.

Martin Ferris
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Martin Ferris
Question:
516 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has met with the stakeholders or companies involved in the Corrib gas project in the past six months. [27271/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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Over the past six months I have had a number of meetings with the developers of the Corrib Gas Project, along with a wide range of groups with an interest in the project.

Offshore Exploration.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
517 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27087/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Conor Lenihan)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to his Question No. 433 of Tuesday, 23rd June 2009.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
518 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27113/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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As the Deputy will be aware I was appointed as Minister in June 2007 and costs for my Departmental mobile phone since then are set out in the table:

Date

€

June-Dec 2007

1,920.43

2008

1,169.55

to date 2009

867.52

The network operator engaged by the Department has confirmed that in the period May 2008 to June 2009 some 60% of costs relates to roaming charges and 29% to data charges. A breakdown prior to May 2008 is not available from the operator. Value for Money is a high priority issue and in that regard competitive tendering for a fixed price contract for mobile phone service in 2008 has resulted in significant savings across all Departmental users over previous years.

Telecommunications Services.

John McGuinness
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John McGuinness
Question:
519 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of funding granted to the ESB to provide a broadband network using the company’s infrastructure; if the project is completed; the stage it is at; the overall cost of the project; the number of users it is hoped to serve; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27140/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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Under the Communications Infrastructure Programme of the National Development Plan 2000-2006, ESB Telecom (ESBT), and other service providers, responded to an open call for proposals for the roll out of electronic communications infrastructure. On 19 January 2001, the then Department of Public Enterprise entered into an Agreement with ESBT for the deployment of 1,300 kilometres of optical fibre cable around Ireland. The ESBT network comprises 48 optical fibre pairs and is wrapped on the electricity high voltage network.

Construction of the network was completed in 2003. The total cost of the project was €48.18m. The total Government investment in the project was €15.66m of which 50% was funded under the European Regional Development Fund. ESBT has strengthened competition in the market and are providing competitively priced managed bandwidth services and dark fibre to telecommunications service providers on a wholesale basis. The number of clients served by ESBT is an operational matter for the company.

Departmental Expenditure.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
520 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27174/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The identification of records prior to January 2007 cannot be facilitated without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative cost. However, if the Deputy has a question in relation to a specific item I will make appropriate enquiries. I can advise the Deputy that there are no accumulated costs in respect of court cases taken by my Department from January 2007 to date.

Fishing Licences.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
521 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused renewal of their commercial eel fishing licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27360/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Conor Lenihan)
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Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-law No CS303 2009, which prohibits fishing for eel and Conservation of Eel Fishing (Prohibition on Issue of Licences) Bye-law No 858, 2009, which prohibits the issue of eel fishing licenses in any fishery district, were recently introduced in an effort to protect our dwindling eel stocks. For this reason it is not possible for the regional fisheries board to issue a licence to the applicant mentioned by the Deputy.

The bye-laws give effect to the National Eel Management Plan prepared in compliance with EU Council Regulation No. 1100/2007, establishing measures for the recovery of the stock of European eel and recently approved by the EU Commission.

The target is clearly defined in the Regulation where it states that "the objective of each Member State's Eel Management Plan shall be to reduce anthropogenic mortalities so as to permit with high probability the escapement to sea of at least 40% of the silver eel biomass relative to the best estimate of escapement that would have existed if no anthropogenic influences had impacted the stock". In other words, the regulation requires that 4 kg of eels escape to sea for every 10 kg that would have escaped if people did not kill any or prevent any from migrating and the number of elvers coming into the water was as high as it every was. The national percent escapement is calculated as being only 24%.

Stocks are in such perilous condition that the only way the target could be achieved was by undertaking a series of management actions including cessation of the commercial eel fishery and closure of the market, mitigation of the impact of hydropower, including a comprehensive silver eel trap and transport plan, ensure upstream migration of juvenile eel at barriers and improve water quality including fish health and bio-security issues. The effectiveness of these actions will be reviewed in 2012. In the meantime, the Central fisheries board and eel fishermen's representative will be engaged in investigating possible diversification schemes for the former commercial fishermen.

Fisheries Protection.

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
522 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of providing a fish counter at a bridge on a river (details supplied); the reason that this location was chosen; if he is satisfied that the counter is working effectively and that it will not lead to flooding in the area and the adjacent land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27463/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Conor Lenihan)
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I am advised by the South Western Regional Fisheries Board (SWRFB) that the installation of the fish counter referred to by the Deputy is not yet complete but will be operating effectively to capture the main run of salmon this season. The total cost of the counter has not yet matured but I understand the projected cost is expected to be close to €100,000.

The location was selected on the basis of the requirement to be sufficiently far down river to capture data on the run of fish to all tributaries. Access to the counter is important and this was influenced by the availability of publicly owned property at the site. I am informed by the SWRFB, which has overseen the installation of the fish counter that on engineering advice the effects on potential flooding upstream and downstream of the installation will be insignificant.

Disability Act.

David Stanton
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David Stanton
Question:
523 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when the statutory three year review of the Disability Act 2005 sectoral plan pertaining to his Department and required under the Disability Act 2005 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27505/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The Disability Act 2005 provides, under Section 31(4), that a Sectoral Plan shall contain a statement of the intervals at which reports shall be prepared relating to the progress made in the implementation of the plan, being at intervals of not more than 3 years from the date of publication of the plan. The Sectoral Plan for my Department was published in July 2006 and contained a commitment to report on progress every 3 years. A representative Monitoring Committee was established, in December 2006, under Section 48 of the Act, to monitor compliance with the 3% employment target for employees of public bodies under the Department's aegis. That Monitoring Committee also took on the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the Department's Sectoral Plan in addition to its role of monitoring public sector employment targets.

The Committee presented a progress report to me within one year of the publication of the Department's Sectoral Plan. That report, which details progress achieved in meeting the Sectoral Plan commitments, is available on the Department's website. The Committee is currently drafting a further progress report, which is expected to be presented to me shortly. That second progress report will form the basis of a consultation process, with interested parties, to review the implementation of the Sectoral Plan. It is intended to complete this review process later in the year.

Departmental Properties.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
524 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27587/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Office of Public Works (OPW) is largely responsible for the renting of properties used by Government Departments. In the time available, it has not been possible to identify and assemble the information requested. The OPW is compiling the relevant material and I will revert to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Appointments to State Boards.

Liz McManus
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Liz McManus
Question:
525 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for two additional directors on the board of EirGrid plc; the names of the directors; the income or expenses earned for their role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27665/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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EirGrid recently completed the purchase of the Northern Ireland Transmission System Operator (SONI) from Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE). In consideration of this transaction, I decided to expand the membership of the Board of EirGrid to ensure that the board duly reflects the interests of Northern Ireland transmission system, SONI and Northern Ireland customers. The European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations (SI 445 of 2000) has accordingly been amended to provide for an increase in the number of members of the Board of EirGrid from eight to ten members. On 16th June 2009 I appointed Dr. Joan Smyth and Mr. Richard Sterling to the Board of EirGrid. Dr. Smyth and Mr.Sterling bring to the Board considerable experience and track records in business and public service in Northern Ireland. The fees payable to Directors on the Board of EirGrid are €12,600 per annum.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
526 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount of money spent on paying delegates allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27735/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The total amount of money spent on paying delegates allowance to officials of my Department since its formation in June 2007 is €72,638.81. The amount paid per year is set out in the table.

Year

Amount

€

2007 (June to Dec)

20,148.60

2008

37,372.84

2009 (to end June)

15,117.37

All the above payments were made in accordance with the relevant Department of Finance guidelines.

Television Licence Fee.

John McGuinness
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John McGuinness
Question:
527 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if the cost of operating the free television licence scheme is paid from the Exchequer to An Post or to RTÉ; and the cost involved for each of the past five years. [27818/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The Department of Social and Family Affairs operates a Household Benefits Package and those who qualify to receive this package are entitled to a free television licence. The Department of Social and Family Affairs pays the cost of these free licences to my Department. The following table sets out the amounts that the Department of Social and Family Affairs paid to my Department for each of the past five years.

Year

DSFA Gross Receipts in respect of Free Television Licences

€million

2004

44.3

2005

49.5

2006

48.7

2007

51.4

2008

53.7

An Post collects the fees for standard television licences, which it pays to my Department. In turn, my Department pays An Post a commission for the collection of the standard licences and for administration in respect of the free licences. Once this payment is deducted, 95% of net television licence fee receipts (both free and standard television licences) are paid to RTÉ and 5% of net television licence receipts are paid to the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland in respect of the Broadcasting Fund. This latter rate will increase to 7% under the Broadcasting Bill 2008, which was recently passed by the Oireachtas.

Departmental Expenditure.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
528 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27835/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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My Department did not have any print jobs being carried out by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland.

Telecommunications Services.

Simon Coveney
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Simon Coveney
Question:
529 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the broadband for schools project; when he expects this project to be fully rolled out; the cost of this project; and the timescale involved. [27862/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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78 schools have been selected to participate in a 100 Mbps to post primary schools pilot project. The pilot project will guide a wider roll out of broadband to post primary schools in due course and will ensure value for money is maximised.

A Request for Tender (RFT) for the access element of the project (connection from the school to HEAnet's Schools Network via an appropriate service provider) was published on 25 June 2009. Further RFTs for the upgrade of HEAnet's core infrastructure, router and content filtering and Local Area Networks will issue shortly. I expect rollout of the pilot project to be completed by summer 2010. The cost of the project will depend on the successful tenders.

Simon Coveney
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Simon Coveney
Question:
530 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the broadband infrastructure audit undertaken by him. [27863/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The Policy Paper ‘Next Generation Broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland', which was published on my Department's website on 22 June 2009 has, as one of its actions, the establishment of a one-stop-shop to provide service providers with flexible and open-access to existing and future State owned infrastructure suitable for telecoms services.

Leveraging publicly owned ducting has the capacity to significantly reduce costs for private sector investors in rolling out fibre to the regions and thereby improve competition in the electronic communications market.

My officials have worked with the relevant State agencies in the energy and transport sectors to compile a data-base of the supply of publicly-owned-infrastructure, which currently or potentially can support high speed broadband networks.

Following this process, maps have been compiled, which provide an indicative depiction of the supply of relevant State infrastructure including the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). These maps were published on my Department's website in conjunction with the policy paper and can therefore be accessed on the website.

It is important to note that the readiness of this infrastructure to support high speed broadband networks varies between agencies and can depend, for example, on whether an agency is already involved in the telecom sector and, if so, whether existing contractual arrangements may restrict the infrastructure being available on an open-access basis.

The next step in developing the one-stop-shop is to decide on an operational model and I expect to make a decision on this shortly.

Departmental Reports.

Simon Coveney
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Simon Coveney
Question:
531 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of reports he has compiled in the past 18 months; the reports complied; and the cost of these reports. [27864/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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My Department compiled 24 reports in the past eighteen months at a cost of €1,198,706.74. Details of the reports are in the table. It should be noted that The Grid Study and the All-Island Renewables Grid Study updated to include Demand Side Management reports were jointly commissioned by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, Northern Ireland and the Department for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. 60% of the costs in respect of both reports were borne by my Department with the remaining 40% borne by Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment, Northern Ireland.

Report

Cost of Report inclusive of VAT

National Energy Efficiency Action Plan

21,099.00

Study of Oil and Gas Industry Support Services

27,188.00

Review of Corrib EIS

47,204.00

Strategic Environmental Assessment for Oil and Gas Activity in Ireland’s Offshore Atlantic Waters:Rockall Basin

267,953.00

Technical Assistance on Corrib Gas Safety Matters — Review of Documents

22,870.00

Comparative study of GSI/GSNI

8,602. 79

Cost/benefit study of INFOMAR project

66, 086.00

The Grid Study

218,607.89

All-Island Renewables Grid Study updated to include Demand Side Management

54,092.00

SEI Strategic Review

Prepared in-house

Make IT Secure evaluation report

14,520.00

Study on the Relative merits of Overhead Electricity Transmission Lines Versus Underground Cables.

148,437.96

Review of the Security of Ireland’s Access to Commercial Oil Supplies

271,756.90

Next Generation broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland

36.78

Technology Actions to Support the Smart Economy

Prepared in-house

2008 Media Literacy Directory

10,000.00

Report on the outcome of the 2007 eInclusion Grant scheme — the Access Skills and Content (ASC) scheme

Prepared in-house

2007 Annual Report

17,924.07 (printing, binding & translation)

Minerals Development Acts, 1940-1999. Report by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the six months ended 31 December 2008

342 (VAT exempt)

Minerals Development Acts, 1940-1999. Report by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the six months ended 30 June 2008

502 (VAT exempt)

Minerals Development Acts, 1940-1999. Report by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the six months ended 31 December 2007

342 (VAT exempt)

State Mining and Prospecting Facilities and Prospecting Licence Competition and Industry News. 1 May 2009

350 (VAT exempt)

State Mining and Prospecting Facilities and Prospecting Licence Competition and Industry News. 1 November 2008

460.35 (VAT exempt)

State Mining and Prospecting Facilities and Prospecting Licence Competition and Industry News. 1 May 2008

350 (VAT exempt)

Total

1,198,706.74

Fishing Licences.

Paul Connaughton
Share
Paul Connaughton
Question:
532 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the Central Fisheries Board introduced a new compulsory licence on the River Suck more than four years ago for course angling; the basis of the implementation of such a licence on the River Suck; the further reason it was found not necessary to have a similar licence on other course angling rivers elsewhere here; the number of tourist angling accommodation units which have ceased trading in the River Suck region since the introduction of the new permit; the amount of revenue generated by the licence permit system over the past four years in the region; the cost of enforcing and administering this particular scheme on the River Suck over the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28099/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Conor Lenihan)
Share

Under the Fisheries Acts 1959 to 2001, the Regional Fisheries Boards are empowered to apply a permit charge for angling on fisheries under their control. The application of such a permit charge is a day-to-day operational matter for the relevant Board, in this instance the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board (ShRFB). Within the region, the ShRFB controls 27 fisheries including the River Suck.

I am advised by the ShRFB that it has had a permit charge for trout angling for over 50 years on fisheries under its control. I understand that the fisheries board, in reviewing its management and the fees charged for its fisheries in 2002, decided to extend the permit charges to cover coarse angling on the Board controlled fisheries, on the basis that it was unfair to charge one angler to fish for one species while another angler fishing for a different species, on the same water, was not charged. The cost of managing these fisheries has increased over the years and the ShRFB is of the view that coarse anglers who utilise the fisheries should contribute to the cost of their upkeep.

I am advised by the Board that the revenue generated by the licence permit system over the period 2005-2008 in the region is €317,146. The ShRFB assures me that the permit income is reinvested in the conservation and day-to-day management and development of these fisheries. I am informed that the duties of the staff of the ShRFB are multi-disciplinary and in the circumstances it is not possible to identify the cost of enforcement and administration on a particular stretch of water within the fisheries controlled by the Board.

It has been the Board's experience that where tourist anglers are informed that funds raised through angling permits, which entitle them to fish on all 27 fisheries controlled by the ShRFB, are reinvested in the fishery, they are willing to contribute.

The Board has no information on the number of tourist angling accommodation units which may have closed or for what reason. The ShRFB, in conjunction with the other fisheries boards and Fáilte Ireland, has taken many initiatives to address the decline in angling tourist activity in this area. The prospects for the future of tourist angling accommodation units will, I believe, be supported by the river restoration programmes, the preservation of healthy stocks through protection and environmental work undertaken by the regional fisheries boards and the marketing initiatives taken at regional and national level.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
Share
Ruairí Quinn
Question:
533 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27111/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The information requested is not readily available but will be collated and referred directly to the Deputy.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
534 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27172/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

It is not possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy within the short timeframe available. My Department will write to the Deputy within the next two weeks detailing the information requested.

Grant Payments.

John O'Mahony
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John O'Mahony
Question:
535 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a payment under the farm waste management scheme was not awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27188/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The person concerned applied for grant-aid under the Farm Improvement Scheme. Applications under this Scheme are being processed by my Department up to the level of funding provided for the Scheme in the 2006 Partnership agreement, Towards 2016. The decision not to grant approval in this case has been appealed to the Agriculture Appeals Office which has upheld my Department’s decision in the matter.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
536 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be granted an outstanding single farm payment. [27194/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The 2007 Single Payment Scheme application form for the person named was received in my Department on 19 November 2007. The closing date for the receipt of applications under the 2007 Single Payment Scheme was 15 May 2007, as provided for in the governing EU Regulation. This deadline was widely advertised by my Department in the local and national media.

The applicant was notified in a letter, dated 27 November 2007, that he was not eligible for payment in respect of the 2007 Scheme, as his application was received after the statutory deadline. The applicant was also informed that he was entitled to submit observations or to appeal the decision within twenty-one days. However, no additional correspondence was received from the applicant on this matter.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
537 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the payment of the early retirement scheme in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare. [27195/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The Early Retirement Scheme was suspended for new applications on 14 October, 2008. No application for the Scheme of Early Retirement from Farming was received from the person named.

I am, however, conscious that some potential applicants were at an advanced stage of preparing an application when entry to the scheme was suspended and had made, or were making arrangements to meet the requirements of the Scheme. I am examining options for addressing these cases against a background of competing demands for limited resources, with a view to making an early decision on the matter.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
538 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved and awarded REP scheme three. [27196/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

Payment issued to the person named on 25 June 2009.

John O'Mahony
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John O'Mahony
Question:
539 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be receive a payment under the farm waste management scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27207/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

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 McGuinness
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John McGuinness
Question:
540 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if all matters relative to the single farm payment of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath have been resolved; if payment has been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27229/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The Single Payment entitlements for the person named were subject to a re-calculation due to consolidation of the entitlements. This process is now complete and, therefore, payment in respect of the 2008 Single Payment Scheme will issue to the applicant shortly.

John McGuinness
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John McGuinness
Question:
541 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the milk quota appeals tribunal will make a decision in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and the timeframe involved in the process. [27260/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The person named has submitted an application for an allocation of milk quota under the Hardship Category of the Milk Quota Appeals Tribunal for the 2009/ 2010 quota year. The closing date for receipt of applications for this Scheme was 25th June last.

Officials of my Department are currently processing the applications. The Tribunal will shortly commence consideration of these applications in strict order of receipt. When a recommendation has been made in this case a letter will issue to the person named and his Co-Operative advising of the result.

Departmental Correspondence.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
542 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27320/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

I will respond in writing shortly to the person concerned on the issue raised.

Grant Payments.

Tom Sheahan
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Tom Sheahan
Question:
543 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has not been awarded payment. [27336/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The person named has received his full payments under the EU Restructuring and Diversification Funds. However, payments are also due on a sugar beet contract in the name of the applicant's late mother.

My Department is currently resolving the outstanding matters in relation to the application for payment in respect of this contract and the appropriate payments will issue to the person named shortly.

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
544 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when REP scheme three payments will be made to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27351/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The farm belonging to the person named was the subject of a REPS inspection on 4 November 2008. Arising from this inspection, my officials asked for an amended plan on 10 November 2008. This amended plan was received on 16 June 2009. The person named was then notified that penalties were being imposed as a result of the inspection. He appealed these penalties on 20 June 2009. No payment can issue until the amended plan has been examined and the appeal process is completed.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
545 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has not received their slatted shed grant or his REPS four payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27415/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The first instalment of the 2008 REPS 4 payment issued to the person named on 19 May 2009.

The person named is also an applicant for grant-aid under the Farm Waste Management Scheme and payment of the first instalment of 40% was made on 2 June 2009. Payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme will come on a phased basis with 40% being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40% will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20% in January 2011. 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 applicants whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Foreshore Licences.

Jim O'Keeffe
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Jim O'Keeffe
Question:
546 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason the information sought in Parliamentary Question No. 200 of 25 June 2008 has not been furnished; and if he will provide same. [27474/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

Unfortunately the necessary examination of my Department's files has not been completed, due in a large part to the transfer of certain foreshore functions and files to another location within my Department.

The matter is currently receiving the maximum priority and the information will be forwarded to the Deputy within ten working days.

Departmental Properties.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
547 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate the cost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27585/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

All leases for this Department are arranged by the Office of Public Works.

EU Funding.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
548 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views, in view of the delays surrounding the introduction of the operational programme for fisheries, on whether there will be a need to extend the N+2 rule which currently applies to EU funding; if he has received assurances from Brussels in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27705/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The Seafood Development Measure contained in the National Development Plan 2007-2013 is divided between the EU Co-funded Operational Programme and the National Seafood Development Operational Programme. The EU Co-funded OP has already commenced and has funded the 2008 decommissioning scheme which has allowed 46 boats to be decommissioned with grant aids totalling €36.6 million already paid and this scheme is now closed.

The N+2 rule relates to the decommitment of EU funds if a member state does not submit a claim for the annual allocation of EU funds within two years of this allocation. The first allocation given to Ireland was in 2008 as the Seafood Development Operational Programme was not adopted by the Commission until September 2008. Therefore, under the N+2 rule Ireland will have a cut-off date of December 31 2010 to submit a claim to the EU commission. Officials in my Department are now in the process of preparing a claim to the EU Commission which is well in advance of the N+2 rule requirement.

The National Seafood Development Operational Programme 2007-2013 which is fully funded by the Exchequer will not be affected by the N+2 rule as no EU funds are committed to this Operational Programme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
549 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27733/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table:

Year

2006

2007

2008

2009 to 30 June

Total

Delegates Allowance

€232,713

€247,188

€250,699

€148,964

€879,564

Pet Passport System.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
550 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding travel arrangements for an animal (details supplied). [27749/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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Ireland has been free of rabies for over a hundred years. The arrangements that are in place with regard to the import of non-commercial pets are designed to maintain our rabies-free status. Because of our status, more stringent arrangements apply than in some other European countries. Prior to 2004, all pets being imported from outside the UK, which shared our disease free status, had to be placed in quarantine before being released to their owners.

Since 2004 the EU Pet Passport system has applied. It is a harmonised system covering the movement of pet dogs and cats throughout the EU. However the Member States historically free of rabies, which includes Ireland, the UK, Sweden, Finland and Malta, negotiated additional safeguards. Under this system, pet cats and dogs are allowed to enter / re enter into Ireland provided that:

The animal is travelling from an eligible country.

The animal is identified by means of a microchip.

The animal has been vaccinated against rabies.

In addition, the following conditions are specific for entry/re-entry in to Ireland and the UK. The animal has, at least 6 months before entry/re-entry been successfully blood-tested for rabies anti-bodies The animal has been correctly treated for against tick and tapeworm. The evidence that an animal complies with the last four conditions above will be contained in the Pet Passport, a document standardised throughout the EU.

Given our absolute determination to remain rabies free and the grave implications of any error occurring in the system, all dogs and cats must be checked on arrival to establish their entitlement to enter/re-enter the country. To this end the requirement that pets travel as manifest cargo serves to minimise the risk of ineligible pets entering Ireland. The Deputy will appreciate the ever-present risk of smuggling involving small animals in personal cabin baggage.

On arrival, all animals are transported directly for examination to the secure quarantine facility at Lissenhall, Swords which is in close proximity to the airport. This examination consists of establishing the pet's identity by scanning of its microchip and a check of details in the Pet Passport to ensure all conditions for entry are met. All the necessary veterinary facilities and support are available there to cater for any of the eventualities that might arise.

Grant Payments.

Willie Penrose
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Willie Penrose
Question:
551 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to have all of the suckler cow welfare scheme payment awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27763/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The person named has 42 animals for consideration under the 2008 Suckler Welfare Scheme. Payments have issued in respect of 18 animals. A further 12 animals have been validated for payment. Five animals are ineligible arising from the non-confirmation of the disbudding date, with one of these animals also under query as the dam of the calf was sold and the remaining animal events data was not supplied. Letters regarding the errors issued to the applicant in November 2008 and July 2009. The remaining 7 calves, which were born in the autumn of 2008, have not yet been weaned. An officer from my Department has contacted the person named about the outstanding issues.

Veterinary Services.

Kathleen Lynch
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Kathleen Lynch
Question:
552 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is not a veterinary service available to deal with livestock welfare emergencies in an area (details supplied) in County Donegal; the steps he will take to provide cover for farmers in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27786/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The Deputy will be aware, given that veterinary practices are primarily commercial entities, their locations are driven by commercial realities and as such I do not have a direct involvement in the issue referred to by the Deputy.

However, insofar as official regulation impacts on this area of activity, I can point to a number of measures contained in Animal Remedies regulations which should help to alleviate difficulties which may arise in certain parts of the country as a result of an inadequate veterinary service. Under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, there is a provision which for the first time enables the Veterinary Council to recognise qualifications from applicants in Third Countries generally. This, taken with the enlargement of the EU, will make for improved availability of practitioners to meet shortfalls that may arise on the supply side, particularly in areas such as that referred to by the Deputy.

Furthermore, in regard to treatments, in recent years my Department has, within the limited room for manoeuvre afforded by EU legislation, adapted national medicines legislation to address practical problems, including the ready availability of veterinary practitioners. For example, we have progressively, since 2005, afforded greater flexibility to farmers and their vets to make practical and mutually convenient arrangements for veterinary cover for their animals. This has been achieved by giving the vet much greater scope than heretofore to decide, on the basis of his/her professional judgement, the situations where animals must be physically examined prior to prescribing. The current legal requirement is that the vet must, as a minimum, have visited the farm concerned once within the previous twelve months before prescribing ‘prescription only' medicines for animals on that farm. In addition, whereas previously vets could only prescribe for one month, they are now allowed, in appropriate circumstances, to prescribe for up to one year. This latter facility enables farmers and their vets to work out prospective treatment requirements for the season and for the farmer to get a prescription which can be dispensed as and when the need arises.

I recognise, of course, that emergency situations also arise where an unforeseen serious problem with an animal can give rise to welfare issues. Existing legislation provides that, in an emergency situation, a person, other than a vet, may treat an animal and a pharmacist may supply ‘prescription only' medicines (including antibiotics) on the basis of a verbal communication from the vet concerned; in such situations, the vet is required to supply a written prescription with 72 hours. Also in circumstances of emergency animal welfare issues arising on farms, Veterinary Inspectors from my Department's District Veterinary Offices have powers to deal with such emergencies including the provision of emergency care and feeding of welfare-compromised farm animals.

In summary, my Department has made vigorous efforts over the years to address practical problems which may arise from the unavailability of a veterinary service in particular areas and the changes made to animal remedies regulations should go a long way to ameliorate these problems.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
553 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a farm waste management grant will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27828/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

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.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
554 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27833/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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No printing contracts on behalf of my Department have been awarded to companies based outside this Country.

Higher Education Grants.

David Stanton
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David Stanton
Question:
555 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science his policy regarding students studying at third level under graduate through distance learning; the maintenance grants schemes for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27085/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Higher education institutions are conscious of the need to develop more flexible modes of learning and my Department is working with the Higher Education Authority (HEA) to support the expansion of opportunities in this area. Developmental funding has already been allocated under the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF). One key activity funded by the SIF is the Supported Flexible Learning project. The aim of this project is to establish mainstream flexible learning at the Institutes of Technology, to meet learner and workforce development needs. The Institutes of Technology and the Dublin Institute of Technology are collaborating in this project. Successful implementation will result in mainstreaming supported flexible learning within and across the Institutes.

Undergraduate courses by distance learning are not regarded as full-time study, accordingly, students following such courses are ineligible for grant assistance under the Third Level Student Support Schemes.

Tax relief is available for tuition fees paid by students who are attending certain third level colleges. Such students, or their parents, as appropriate, can avail of tax relief, at the standard rate, on tuition fees paid in respect of part-time undergraduate courses of at least two years duration in such colleges, provided that both the college and the course satisfy the prescribed Codes of Standards and are approved by the Minister for Education and Science. Further details and conditions in relation to tax relief are available from each individual's local tax office.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
556 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he requires companies who tender for the rapid construction design and build schools and framework 2009-11 contract to have a minimum turnover of €13 million; his views on whether this precludes many small Irish companies from tendering for this contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27098/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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My Department, as a sanctioning agency has 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.

The turnover requirement for school building projects is normally approximately 2 times the estimated contract value over the three previous financial years. In the case of the rapid construction programme, the turnover required for Building Construction is €10m, and €13m for overall business operations.

The rapid programme is divided into lots. In practical terms what this requirement means is that any firm applying would be capable of taking on two projects (or lots) of similar size at the same time. The contract periods on these projects are set at a reasonable level in compliance with health and safety requirements; however, there is also a strict requirement to meet the completion date in order to comply with school term times. This imposes a requirement on the Design &Build operator to carefully programme the project to ensure timely delivery including off-site construction. Where a Contractor does not have adequate economic and financial capacity and is consequently overstretched, he/she may not be able to meet these targets.

I should mention that in addition to major projects I approve hundreds of smaller building projects each year under the Summer Works Scheme and other Devolved Programmes, most of which may be tendered for by smaller builders. In this regard over 1,600 such projects have been approved in 2009.

Higher Education Grants.

Michael Creed
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Michael Creed
Question:
557 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the grant aid or funding which is available for a student who wishes to pursue postgraduate studies in the University of Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27106/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the relevant local authority or Vocational Education Committee.

Students should seek information or clarification directly from the relevant assessing authority. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
558 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the departmental mobile telephone assigned to him by his Department in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to data charges; the percentage or amount of same for each year which applies to roaming charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27116/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I was appointed Minister for Education and Science on 7 May 2008 and I will provide the information requested from that date. The amount of mobile telephone bills paid in relation to the Departmental mobile telephone assigned to me in 2008 to 31st May 2009 (the latest date for which figures are available) is set out in the following table. I can confirm that the telephone costs refer to business calls and that I have an arrangement in place to pay for personal calls, if any, which are made by me.

Summary of Phone Bill from May 2008 (Start in Education) to May 2009 (Latest available Bill)

Year

Mobile Bill Amount

Amount for Messages and Data in Ireland

Amount for Roaming Messages and Data

Amount for Roaming Calls

€

€

€

€

2008

3,073.60

60.79

86.39

1,706.61

2009

4,907.23

79.85

48.41

651.82

School Staffing.

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
559 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27151/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 additional resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to primary and post primary schools to support children with special educational needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

SNAs are sanctioned by SENOs to schools specifically to assist in the care of pupils and students with disabilities in an educational context. Where a pupil in receipt of SNA support transfers from one school to another, the care needs of the pupil concerned will be examined in the context of the overall allocation already in the school. This may mean that the SNA support required can be met from within the school's existing allocation and no additional SNA support is necessary.

The recruitment of any additional SNA support and the deployment of SNAs within schools are matters for the individual Principal/Board of Management. The Board is the SNA's employer and the terms of employment are subject to the conditions of the contract of employment.

Schools Recognition.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
560 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to withdraw recognition of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 7 under section 11 of the Education Act 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27154/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The Patron of this school has indicated to the Department that he wishes the school to continue while fully acknowledging that the difficulties at the school have to be resolved.

I believe these matters must be dealt with in a fair and balanced manner. The Patron and Board of this school are entitled to support in their endeavours to bring about the required improvement and like any other school with an adverse WSE report they must be granted reasonable time to do so.

My Department's focus is to support the school in bringing about the desired improvements.

School Patronage.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
561 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the procedures available to him to replace the patron of a school and to end the involvement of a patron who has mismanaged the running of a school; the number of times that this has happened since the Education Act 1998 came into force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27155/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The Education Act, 1998 does not contain any provision whereby the Minister can replace the patron of a school.

Section 11 of the Education Act 1998 provides for withdrawal of recognition of a school where the Minister is satisfied that the requirements for recognition of a school are not being met by a school or that the functions of a school are not being effectively discharged.

In accordance with the Education Act 1998, the governance structure of our schools is such that, the day to day management of schools is a matter for the Board of Management as distinct from the patron. The Education Act provides for the dissolution of a Board by the patron where either the patron or the Minister is satisfied that the functions of the Board are not being effectively discharged.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
562 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the allegations made against a former patron of schools (details supplied) in County Kilkenny regarding complaints that should have been notified to the National Board for Safeguarding Children; if his further attention has been drawn to a newspaper article on this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27159/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I am aware of the newspaper article referred to by the Deputy and I note that the newspaper has asserted that to protect the children's anonymity the school in question is not mentioned in the article.

Since late 2006, my Department received a number of allegations against some teachers employed at a school in Kilkenny. My Department is aware from this correspondence that the nature of these allegations was brought to the attention of the former school Patron, by solicitors acting for the parents of the children at this school.

Under the statutory guidelines and procedures the Board of Management of the School as employer of the teachers investigated these allegations as did the HSE and the DPP.

Departmental Expenditure.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
563 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science the accumulated cost of court cases taken by his Department in the past five years; the cost of each individual case; the nature of each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27177/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The Department of Education & Science has been an applicant or plaintiff in four cases during the period in question. In two of these cases the Department was a co-applicant with other Government Departments and other public bodies whilst in the two remaining cases the Department was the sole Applicant or Plaintiff. Legal costs incurred by the State, in prosecuting those cases which are brought to court, are not met directly by my Department. In accordance with financial procedures in cases taken by the State, legal costs are generally charged to the Chief State Solicitor's Office Vote as sanctioned by the Attorney General. The Department does not take lightly any decision to take a case against another party. However, there are a range of potential circumstances within which this may be necessary, e.g. for overpayments or misappropriation of monies, or to require compliance with a particular set of statutory or contractual obligations or arrangements. Given the small number of cases involved, an elaboration on the range of circumstances that gave rise to the litigation could lead to the identification of the individual Defendants or Respondents, which would be inappropriate given that some of these cases are still before the Courts.

School Enrolments.

Niall Collins
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Niall Collins
Question:
564 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will assist a person (details supplied) in County Limerick in obtaining a place in a school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27199/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools and my Department does not seek to intervene in decisions made by schools in such matters. My Department's main responsibility is to ensure that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all pupils seeking places. This may result, however, in some pupils not obtaining a place in the school of their first choice.

It is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools 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.

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 the 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 Deputy may be aware that a Common Application System (CAS) was agreed between the principals of the post-primary schools in Limerick City. This system has been facilitated through the Limerick Education Centre (LEC) with support from my Department. This administrative system ensures that a coordinated approach can be taken to enrolments in the area.

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 Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
565 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science, further to Parliamentary Question No. 447 of 1 July 2008, the status of an application for a school (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27210/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that my Department has received an application for major capital funding for the provision of an extension for the school referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed and has been assigned a band 2.1 rating under the prioritisation criteria for large scale projects.

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 the 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.

Official Engagements.

Enda Kenny
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Enda Kenny
Question:
566 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Education and Science if he attended a sod turning ceremony at a college (details supplied) in County Mayo with the purpose of announcing the commencement of the building of a new sports hall; if he will confirm that, at that time, no tender had been awarded and no contract had been signed for the building in question; if he will further confirm that this is now the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27216/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I attended a number of functions in County Mayo on 22nd April including the launch of Mayo Vocational Education Committee Active Living and Learning Initiative. While visiting with the VEC there in Castlebar I did indeed turn a sod at the site of the proposed Joe Langan Sports Hall at Davitt College. The project was out to tender at the time. My Department recently authorised County Mayo VEC to commence the process to award the contract to the preferred bidder.

Departmental Schemes.

David Stanton
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David Stanton
Question:
567 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if teachers will be eligible to participate in the cycle to work scheme which was recently announced by the Government; if so, the procedures involved in applying for the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27227/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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My Department is making arrangements to introduce the cycle to work scheme for teachers during the 2009/2010 school year. It is proposed to discuss the terms of the scheme including the procedures involved in applying with union and management representatives in the near future.

School Staffing.

Joe Costello
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Joe Costello
Question:
568 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will lose two teachers in the 2009-10 school year; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that one class in the school will have 38 pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27232/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements and in view of the ominous financial circumstances that we are facing I am not in a position to reverse any of the decisions taken.

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 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.

School Transport.

Michael Noonan
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Michael Noonan
Question:
569 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if school bus transport will be provided to a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27238/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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Under the terms of my Department's School Transport scheme, a pupil with special needs is eligible for school transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class / special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Science criteria.

Only children who meet the full Department of Education and Science criteria for placement in a special class will be considered for special school transport. Transport Application Forms are completed by the Parent/Guardian, the Principal and the Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO) and forwarded to the School Transport Section of my Department for consideration. In this case, the SENO has reported that the pupil referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied, does not meet the Department's criteria and therefore is not eligible for school transport under the terms of the scheme.

School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
570 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide a copy of the staffing schedule governing the appointment and retention of mainstream class teachers in all types of secondary schools for the 2009/2010 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27245/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can now update the Deputy in relation to the publication of teacher allocations to second level schools. My Department is currently finalising the data for publication and I expect that this data will be placed on my Department's website in the coming period. I am conscious that the Deputy has raised this matter previously and I will arrange to have the Deputy notified when the data is available on the website. I will also provide the Deputy with a hard copy of same when it becomes available.

These allocations when published will be provisional at this stage and will reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as the allocation of support teachers, additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes.

The final staffing position for all schools will ultimately not be known until the Autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and any appeals to the Staffing Appeals Boards will have been considered. The appellate process is particularly relevant at post-primary level where any specific curricular needs of the school concerned are considered. Also at post-primary there is no effective system wide redeployment scheme at present and this can mean that schools retain teachers, though over quota. The data on my Department's website will be further updated later in the year when final allocations are determined.

Schools Building Projects.

James Reilly
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James Reilly
Question:
571 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science when building will commence on a school (details supplied) in County Dublin, in view of the fact that this school was granted planning permission in May 2009; if funding is in place for the new school; when it will go to tender; the target date for commencement for the building of a permanent school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27272/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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As the Deputy will be aware, this project was included in my announcement in February 2009, of projects which would proceed to tender and construction during 2009.

The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. My Department is currently awaiting the Stage 2b submission. The Local Authority has recently made the Final Grant of planning permission for this project.

As there is still documentation awaited from the design team, it is not possible to inform the Deputy of exact dates when this project will go to tender and construction.

Special Educational Needs.

Joanna Tuffy
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Joanna Tuffy
Question:
572 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason special needs assistant care was refused to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; if he will ensure this service will be provided to the person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27283/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 primary and post primary 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.

School Enrolments.

Ciarán Cuffe
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Ciarán Cuffe
Question:
573 Deputy Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science the obligation of secondary schools to enrol a student (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27287/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 the 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.

Research Funding.

Joan Burton
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Joan Burton
Question:
574 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties facing professional researchers both in terms of securing permanent employment and choosing a career path; his views on whether meeting these challenges is particularly important in order to enhance Ireland’s position as an attractive research location for Irish and international researchers and that meeting these challenges is an urgent matter in view of the rapid increase in PhD graduates here; the steps he has taken to implement the Forfás report Towards a Framework for Researcher Careers since its publication in October 2008; the number of times the Researcher Careers Working Group has met since the publication of the report; the progress it has made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27300/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The Strategy for Science Technology and Innovation (SSTI) is an integrated whole of Government approach that Ireland will be internationally renowned for the excellence of its research and at the forefront in generating and using new knowledge for economic and social progress, within an innovation driven culture.

The Higher Education Research Group (HERG) was established under the SSTI to co-ordinate higher education research policy at a national level. The HERG is chaired by my Department. One of the working groups established by the HERG is on researcher careers, to focus specifically on the development of a career path for researchers in the higher education sector. The Group includes representatives from higher education institutions, research funding agencies and government departments.

The Advisory Science Council October 2008 report on researcher careers recommends a framework for developing professional careers in the Higher Education Institutions which seeks to ensure that researchers have an appropriate academic career structure; and are taught the skills needed to work in enterprise. The recommendations of the ASC report have been a key input to the considerations of the HERG working group.

There have been three meetings of the Researcher Careers Working Group since the beginning of October 2008. In addition there have also been bi-lateral meetings between my Department and a number of key stakeholders. The Group has recently concluded its work and a briefing on the report has been given to the HERG. It is proposed to formally submit the Researchers Careers Working Group report to the next scheduled meeting of the HERG in September.

Home Tuition Scheme.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
575 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a home tuition grant was refused for a child (details supplied) in Dublin 20; and if he will reconsider the matter. [27316/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Home tuition was not sanctioned for the child in question as the application did not meet the criteria under the terms of the home tuition scheme. Additional information submitted in support of the application is under consideration by officials in my Department. A decision will be conveyed to the parent as soon as this process is completed.

School Transport.

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
576 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo can avail of the school transport fee waiver. [27369/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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Under the terms of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme pupils are eligible for transport if they reside 4.8 kilometres or more from and are attending their appropriate post primary centre.

My Department has requested the Transport Liaison Officer for County Mayo to provide a report on the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied.

The Deputy should be aware that only eligible pupils from families with medical cards are exempt from school transport charges.

School Staffing.

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
577 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science if a school (details supplied) in County Kerry will retain the resource teachers for the 2009/2010 school term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27372/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Based on information supplied to my Department by the local Special Education Needs Organiser (SENO), I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy will have one additional resource teacher for the 2009/2010 school year.

School Transport.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
578 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if transport will be provided for children attending a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if not, the reason for same; if his attention has been drawn to the serious need for this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27399/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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Under the terms of the Primary School Transport Scheme pupils are eligible for free school transport if they reside 3.2 kilometres or more from and are attending their nearest school or school of amalgamation.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of my Department, have advised that a school transport service, catering for eligible pupils, is operating to the school referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied.

Pupils wishing to avail of concessionary fare paying transport, subject to the terms of the scheme, should liaise with their local Bus Éireann office regarding the availability of spare seats.

School Staffing.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
579 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will confirm that a full complement of language teachers will be made available in September 2009 to a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24. [27408/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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In light of the Budget 2009 decision my Department has now published a circular for schools which sets out how the new arrangements will operate for the allocation of language support teachers from September 2009. The circular sets out a structured and transparent approach for the operation of the alleviation measures that were announced in the budget for schools that have a significant concentration of newcomer pupils. The alleviation measures mean that these schools can qualify for up to 4 language support posts with the possibility of additional posts also being approved through the independent staffing appeals mechanism.

Schools can now apply to my Department in the normal way for language support posts. These posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed in September 2009 following receipt from the schools of actual enrolments of pupils requiring language support. It is estimated that notwithstanding the budget measures there will be approximately 1,500 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary schools in September 2009. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.

Additional supports are provided for children in primary schools who do not meet the qualifying criteria for the appointment of full-time teachers in the form of grant aids for the employment of part-time English language support teachers. 443 schools have benefited from this type of financial support in the current school year.

I understand that the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeal Board and that the appeal was upheld. The Board of Management of the school has been notified in this regard.

Schools Building Projects.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
580 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in finalising a new site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 24; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27409/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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As the Deputy is aware, the proposed project for the school to which he refers involves the acquisition of a site.

The progression of the project from site acquisition and initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

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.

Residential Institutions Redress Board.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
581 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will consider re-opening the application process to the Residential Institutions Redress Board in view of the level of awareness generated by the recent publication of the Ryan report. [27418/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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As the Deputy maybe aware, Section 8 (2) of the Act provides that the Board may, at its discretion and where it considers there are exceptional circumstances, extend the period referred to in subsection (1).

However the issue of a further extension of time for applications to the Redress Board is amongst a range of issues raised by groups representing survivors of abuse. The issues raised will receive full consideration.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen
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Pat Breen
Question:
582 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 168 of 4 March 2009, he will report on the status of a school building project (details supplied) in County Clare. [27419/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The development of a building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage. A technical inspection will be arranged in due course and consistent with the priority attaching to the project.

Thereafter, the further progression of the project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will, as with all large scale capital projects, be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

I am pleased to be able to confirm to the Deputy that the school recently received approval for grant aid for the provision of an additional classroom.

Special Educational Needs.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
583 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [27456/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 primary and post primary 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.

School Staffing.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
584 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if she will support a matter (details supplied). [27457/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Teacher allocations to all second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. In accordance with these rules each school management authority is required to organise its subject options within the limit of its approved teacher allocation. The deployment of teaching staff in the school, the range of subjects offered and ultimately the quality of teaching and learning are in the first instance a matter for the school management authorities.

I have always accepted and acknowledged that the decision in the Budget last October to increase the pupil teacher ratio across all second-level schools will have an impact on class sizes and subject choices in our post-primary schools from the commencement of the 2009/10 school year.

Schools will make choices as a consequence of the changes made in the Budget. Some will decide to increase class size particularly in the subjects taken by most students. Some may decide to eliminate some subjects from the choice of subjects that they offer. Some will combine increasing the numbers in some classes with eliminating subjects. In making such decisions individual schools may also decide to prioritise some subjects or programmes over others. Some schools may give a priority to Junior cycle or particular subjects at Junior cycle and others may prioritise Senior Cycle and particular Leaving Certificate subjects.

At the level of individual schools the changes in relation to the allocation of teaching posts will impact in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes. Across the school system generally there will inevitably be an impact on class sizes and my Department will through the normal process of examining applications for curricular concessions endeavour to ensure continuity of provision for those already preparing for the certificate examinations. The changes at second level are more likely to impact on the range of subjects that schools will be able to offer those starting the Junior or Leaving Certificate programmes next September.

I undertook to publish information in relation to the allocation of teachers to schools and this was done earlier this year in relation to primary schools. The Deputy may be interested to know that information on the current position regarding teacher allocations to second level schools, whether enrolment related or otherwise, will be published on my Department's website in the coming period. My intention is that, just as is the case with the information provided in relation to primary schools, this information will identify the changed position for second level schools and VECs arising from the October budget decisions. The information will represent the position at this stage and is not the final position. At this point allocations for areas such as special needs, language support and curricular needs are still in process. The information will be further updated later in the year when final allocations are determined and the final position regarding supernumerary posts remaining in school emerges.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn
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Ruairí Quinn
Question:
585 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 514 of 23 June 2009, the name, address and roll number of each school at each stage of the school building programme in separate tables for primary and post-primary projects in respect of the school years ending June 2008 and June 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27461/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the school building programme is being assembled in my Department and I will arrange to have it forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Departmental Staff.

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
586 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the numerical strength of the schools inspectorate at each rank from inspector to chief inspector at primary level in each of the past five years. [27484/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
587 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the numerical strength of the schools inspectorate at each rank from inspector to chief inspector at second level in each of the past five years. [27485/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 587 together.

The information sought by the Deputy is contained in the following tabular statement. I would like to point out to the Deputy that the Inspectorate operates under a unified management structure rather than individual management structures for both Primary and Post-Primary Inspectors.

Grade

31/12/05

31/12/06

31/12/07

31/12/08

30/06/09

Chief Inspector

1

1

1

1

1

Deputy Chief Inspector

2

2

2

1

2

Assistant Chief Inspector

11

11

11

11

10

Post Primary Inspector

41

44

36

30

30

Senior Inspector (Post Primary)

20

20

34

36

34

District Inspector (Primary)

31

35

46

35

35

Divisional Inspector (Primary)

38

38

36

40

39

Total

144

151

166

154

151

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
588 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who retired compulsorily each year during the years 2000 to 2009 inclusive. [27486/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
589 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers over the age of 60 who retired voluntarily each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27487/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
590 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers between the age of 55 and 60 who retired voluntarily each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27488/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
591 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who retired on a disability pension each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27489/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
592 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science he number of primary teachers who retired with preserved pension benefits each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27490/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
593 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who took early retirement under strand one of the early retirement scheme each year during the years 2000 to 2008, inclusive. [27491/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
594 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who took early retirement under strand two of the early retirement scheme each year during the years 2000 to 2008, inclusive. [27492/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
595 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who took early retirement under strand three of the early retirement scheme each year during the years 2000 to 2008, inclusive. [27493/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
596 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who took cost neutral early retirement each year during the years 2005 to 2009, inclusive. [27494/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
597 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers who retired compulsorily each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27495/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
598 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers over the age of 60 who retired voluntarily each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27496/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
599 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers between the age of 55 and 60 who retired voluntarily each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27497/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
600 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers who retired on a disability pension each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27498/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
601 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers who retired with preserved pension benefits each year during the years 2000 to 2009, inclusive. [27499/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
602 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers who took early retirement under strand one of the early retirement scheme each year during the years 2000 to 2008, inclusive. [27500/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
603 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers who took early retirement under strand two of the early retirement scheme each year during the years 2000 to 2008, inclusive. [27501/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
604 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers who took early retirement under strand three of the early retirement scheme each year during the years 2000 to 2008, inclusive. [27502/09]

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
605 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level teachers who took cost neutral early retirement each year during the years 2005 to 2009, inclusive. [27503/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 588 to 605, inclusive, together.

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the Tabular Statement. The figures for post-primary teachers do not include VEC teachers where the retirements and pension benefit awards are made by the relevant VEC. The bulk of teachers retirements occur at the end of August each year. The figures for 2009 contained in the Tabular Statement relate to retirements up to 30 June 2009 only and are therefore not reflective of the likely out-turn for the year as a whole.

Table 1: National School Teachers' Pension Awards 2000-2008 and for 2009 up to 30/6/2009

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009 to 30 June

Retirement Category

Compulsory

79

78

82

77

99

85

70

66

75

—

Voluntary Age 60 and over

215

130

217

117

330

211

200

244

220

37

Voluntary Age 55 but under Age 60

96

75

113

75

212

185

202

196

230

23

Disability

83

77

71

66

49

55

59

43

35

14

Cost-Neutral E.R.

—

—

—

—

—

11

22

15

22

—

Early Retirement Strand1

15

10

11

23

25

45

27

42

33

—

Early Retirement Strand2

14

17

9

6

13

15

12

13

13

—

Early Retirement Strand3

5

2

2

2

3

8

11

5

1

—

Preserved**

31

27

23

31

35

31

34

25

65

24

Total

538

416

528

397

766

646

637

649

694

98

Notes

1. The statistical information is recorded on a calendar year basis.

2. Preserved Pensions are awarded to teachers at age 60, who left teaching before reaching pension age. Example, a teacher who resigns at age 48 with 25 years pensionable service is not immediately eligible for pension but can apply for a pension on reaching age 60. In the case of "new entrants" as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 preserved pensions are awarded at age 65.

3. The figures for 2009 relate to retirement awards made to 30 June 2009 whereas the bulk of retirements occur annually at the end of August.

4. 2005 was the first year in which retirements under Cost Neutral Early Retirement took place.

5. The Early Retirement (3-Strands) Scheme does not apply in 2009 following its suspension announced in October 2008.

Table 2: Secondary, Community & Comprehensive Teachers Pension Awards 2000-2008 and for 2009 up to 30 June

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009 to 30 June

Retirement Category

Compulsory

54

68

59

64

76

83

66

63

62

1

Voluntary Age 60 & Over

88

97

107

93

157

159

175

222

205

30

Voluntary Age 55 but under Age 60

27

27

21

24

46

92

89

129

138

13

Disability

70

61

61

56

54

53

43

50

38

22

Cost-Neutral E.R.

—

—

—

—

—

5

14

18

12

0

Early Retirement Strand1

44

32

28

28

34

37

45

48

54

—

Early Retirement Strand2

19

18

26

23

40

32

37

37

30

—

Early Retirement Strand3

37

37

60

59

37

72

52

83

31

—

Preserved

34

31

29

37

44

51

38

32

47

20

Total

373

371

391

384

488

584

559

682

617

86

Notes

1. The statistical information is recorded on a calendar year basis.

2. Preserved Pensions are awarded to teachers at age 60, who left teaching before reaching pension age. Example, a teacher who resigns at age 48 with 25 years pensionable service is not immediately eligible for pension but can apply for a pension on reaching age 60. Note that in the case of "new entrants" as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 preserved pensions are awarded at age 65.

3. The figures for 2009 relate to retirement awards made to 30 June 2009 whereas the bulk of retirements occur annually at the end of August.

4. 2005 was the first year in which retirements under Cost Neutral Early Retirement took place.

5. The Early Retirement (3-Strands) Scheme does not apply in 2009 following its suspension announced in October 2008.

Special Educations Needs.

Brian O'Shea
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Brian O'Shea
Question:
606 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to provide a full-time special needs assistant to a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27584/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 primary and post primary 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.

Department Properties.

Michael D'Arcy
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Michael D'Arcy
Question:
607 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of properties his Department has paid rent on in the past three years; if the rent on such properties is fixed; if such rents have been reviewed in the past year; if he has tried to negotiate thecost of rent downwards in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27590/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The cost of renting office property for my Department is the responsibility of Property Management Services, Office of Public Works, who act on behalf of Government Departments in relation to the rental/lease of office accommodation. The terms of the leases are a matter for OPW.

In relation to schools, my Department generally grant aids school authorities who use the funds to rent temporary school accommodation. The terms of the leases are a matter for individual boards of management. In eleven schools, my Department has entered into direct rental arrangements for temporary accommodation over the past three years. The rental arrangements were for temporary fixed periods and the rent was fixed for that period. At the end of the period, the rental arrangement will be reviewed and, if appropriate, a revised rental arrangement will be agreed.

Schools Building Projects.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
608 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on the school building programme; the stage the process is at; when he envisages work on the site will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27601/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers 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 appraised 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, will then be submitted to my Department. Following receipt and approval 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.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
609 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on the school building programme; the stage the process is at; when he envisages work on the site will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27602/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project for this school will be considered in the context of the Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
610 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on the school building programme; the stage the process is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27603/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the school to which she refers has recently been completed. The handover of the new building to the school authorities took place at the end of June.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
611 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on the school building programme; the stage the process is at; when he envisages work on the site will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27604/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an advanced stage of architectural planning.

A Stage 2(a) submission was approved by my Department in January 2009. The Design Team are currently working on a Stage 2(b) submission which, when completed, will then be submitted to my Department. Following receipt and approval 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.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
612 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on the school building programme; the stage the process is at; when he envisages work on the site will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27605/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a project for a new 16 classroom building for the school to which she refers, was included in the list of 25 major school building projects which I announced on the 12 of February last to enter into architectural planning.

Officials in my Department are currently assessing the most appropriate construction model for this project. I anticipate that my officials will be in contact with the school authorities shortly regarding progress.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
613 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on the school building programme; the stage the process is at; when he envisages work on the site will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27606/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy is at an early stage of architectural planning.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project for this school will be considered in the context of my Department's Multi-Annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

However, in light of current competing demands on the Department's capital budget, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
614 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on the school building programme; the stage the process is at; when he envisages work on the site will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27607/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I am happy to inform the Deputy that the project for this school was included in my February announcement of projects to commence architectural planning in 2009. The brief formulation for this project is nearing completion and my Department will shortly be in touch with the school authority regarding the appointment of a design team.

School Accommodation.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
615 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding additional accommodation in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27609/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.3 rating.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the 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.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
616 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a refurbishment project at a school (details supplied) in north County Tipperary; when the project will proceed to the next stage; the reason for the delay in progressing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27610/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning. I am please to inform the Deputy that my Department recently gave authorisation for this project to proceed to seek planning permission.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
617 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a refurbishment project in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will proceed to the next stage; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27611/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department recently gave authorisation for this project to proceed to seek planning permission.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
618 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a refurbishment project at a school (details supplied) in North Tipperary; when the project will proceed to the next stage; the reason for the delay in progressing the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27612/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to the Department for large scale capital funding for a new school building. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.4 rating.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the 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 Building Projects.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
619 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a school building project (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay in processing this application; the reason the project has been put on hold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27613/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 rating.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the 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

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
620 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; if her attention has been drawn to the urgency of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27614/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of architectural planning. A response was recently received by my Department to the earlier comments of my Department's Planning and Building unit on the Design Team's Stage 2a submission. This response is currently under review by my Department.

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.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
621 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to the provision of a new classroom at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when the project will proceed to the next stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27615/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school authority from the school referred to by the Deputy submitted an application for additional accommodation to my Department.

The school was approved for a devolved grant which means that responsibility for the day to day management of the project has been devolved to the school authority. A letter has issued to the school advising them of the decision and how to progress their project.

Schools Buildings Projects.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
622 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for grant aid for major capital works for a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; if his attention has been drawn to the urgency of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27616/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 rating.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the 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.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
623 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science when work will begin on a school (details supplied) in County Limerick; when he expects a decision to be made; if his attention has been drawn to the urgency of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27617/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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As the Deputy may be aware, I announced in January 2009 that the project for the school in question was to proceed to re-tender and construction.

The revised Stage 2B (Detailed Design) submission, to comply with requirements under the new form of Government Construction Contracts, was received by my Department from the school on the 15th of June. The Submission is currently being examined. My officials will revert to the school authorities as soon as possible regarding further progress.

Schools Refurbishment.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
624 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for grant aid in respect of facilities for the disabled at a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; if his attention has been drawn to the urgency of this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27618/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The school in question was approved funding under the 2007 Summer Works Scheme to improve disabled access. 70% of the grant aid was drawn down last April. My Department understands that the balance will be requested by the school shortly.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
625 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary has received for works; the timeframe for when the works will commence and be completed; the works which will be carried out as a result of the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27619/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The school referred to by the Deputy applied for funding from my Department to carry out works to the roof of the school building. A capital grant of €90,450 for the project was approved by letter issued to the school on 16th January 2009.

Work on the project has commenced and 70% of the approved grant has issued to the school, in accordance with the conditions of the grant scheme.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
626 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science if an application has been received in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary for the emergency works grant; when the application will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27620/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The school referred to by the Deputy applied for funding from my Department under the Emergency Works Scheme to carry out works to the roof of the school building. Funding for the project has been approved and the school management has been informed of the position.

Schools Building Projects.

Noel Coonan
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Noel Coonan
Question:
627 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application for building works in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27621/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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A grant was sanctioned under the Small Schools Scheme 2007 to enable the school in question to extend/refurbish the school building. The building works commenced in June 2008 and the project is now completed. The funding for the project has been drawn down.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
628 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a school (details supplied) in County Cork on the school building programme; the stage the process is at; when he envisages work on the site will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27623/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for a new school project. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and has been assigned a band rating of 1.1.

Following a site examination it was established that additional land is required to extend the existing school site to facilitate the proposed building project of a 16 classroom school. My Department is liaising with the neighbouring Community School with regard to a proposed land transfer to achieve an extended school site.

When the issue of the site has been resolved, the progression of this project, as with all large scale building projects, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of the 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.

Deirdre Clune
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Deirdre Clune
Question:
629 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date on a proposal for a Gaelcholáiste for Carrigaline, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27624/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 over the coming years.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools and the school building stock 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.

Overall post-primary accommodation requirements in the Carrigaline area, including the case for the provision of a new Irish language post-primary school, will be considered in this regard.

Home Tuition Grants.

Pádraic McCormack
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Pádraic McCormack
Question:
630 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will review an application for home tuition grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27644/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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.

My Officials are currently reviewing this application and have written to the child's parents and school to seek additional information.

Higher Education Grants.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
631 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) is entitled to a State funding while they pursues a Masters degree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27650/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the relevant local authority or Vocational Education Committee.

The student referred to by the Deputy should seek information or clarification directly from the relevant assessing authority. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.

School Curriculum.

John O'Mahony
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John O'Mahony
Question:
632 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of second level students who took the subjects of physics, chemistry and biology in 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27659/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The following are the number of second level students who took the following subjects, Physics, Chemistry and Biology in the 2006/2007, 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 school years.

Physics

2006/2007 — 19,996

2007/2008 — 20,270

2008/2009 — 20,207.

Chemistry

2006/2007 — 19,358

2007/2008 — 20,123

2008/2009 — 21,177.

Biology

2006/2007 — 61,337

2007/2008 — 63,441

2008/2009 — 66,284.

The figures for each school year reflect enrolment at the 30th September and are compiled from the annual pupil returns made by each second level school each year.

State Examinations.

John O'Mahony
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John O'Mahony
Question:
633 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the numbers of second level schoolchildren who failed to complete the leaving certificate examination in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 for each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27661/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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The latest report entitled "Retention Rates of Pupils in Second-Level Schools 1999 Cohort" which is available on my Department's website at the following address: www.education.ie under Statistics contains details in tabular form on the numbers of students failing to complete the Leaving Certificate in 2005. Data showing the proportions of students dropping out by County are available in Table 5 of this Report. This information is not currently available for later years. It is intended to update the information on Leaving Certificate completion for 2006 and 2007 in the coming months.

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.

Third Level Fees.

John O'Mahony
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John O'Mahony
Question:
634 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to reintroduce third level fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27662/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I have asked my officials to undertake a review of policy options relating to the introduction of a form of student contribution. There are many complex and competing considerations involved. These include considerations relating to institutional funding, family affordability, equity, participation and value for money for the taxpayer. However, it is an issue that merits consideration at this important juncture in the development of higher education and also given the current economic circumstances.

A technical report on the various options available has now been prepared to look at available models, drawing on experience with those that have operated internationally. This assesses the potential policy, cost and revenue impacts of various available approaches in an Irish context. I am now arranging to provide the completed technical report to my Cabinet colleagues for their initial consideration. I would envisage that this will be formally discussed at Cabinet at a later date. As the Deputy will appreciate, I do not wish to pre-empt any decisions of Government in relation to these matters.

I have already signalled that it is not my intention to recommend that any new form of student contribution should be introduced before 2010. In the event that it is decided to introduce a form of student contribution from a future point, such arrangements would also apply, from that time, to those students who would have entered higher education this year i.e. 2009.

Schools Building Projects.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
635 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school for Stonepark, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27670/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 1.2 rating. The project is awaiting the appointment of a Design Team.

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 the 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

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
636 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school for Forgney, Ballymahon, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27671/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The school to which the Deputy refers has applied to my Department for capital funding for a new school building.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

The school authority has been advised to apply to my Department for funding to repair the existing school building if the Board of management deems this necessary.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
637 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a new primary school for Ballymahon town, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27672/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an advanced stage of Architectural Planning. Planning permission has been granted on this project.

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 Deputy will understand that it is not possible to advance all projects at the same time. It was not possible to include the project for this school in the February announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed further in 2009.

The proposed building project for the school will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years.

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 this project at this time.

Departmental Staff.

Michael McGrath
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Michael McGrath
Question:
638 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a person (details supplied) in County Cork in relation to the application of parental leave in his Department. [27674/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The legislation which governs eligibility to Parental Leave is set out in the Parental Leave Act, 1998 and the Parental Leave (Amendment) Act, 2006. The Department responsible for the preparation and enactment of legislation in relation to Parental Leave is the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform. As the proposals made in your question represent significant changes to the existing statutory provisions, I would suggest that it would be appropriate for you to take the matter up with the aforementioned Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Mary O'Rourke
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Mary O'Rourke
Question:
639 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the position with regard to discussions between himself and the authorities of a school (details supplied) in County Longford for the provision of a permanent school building; and if he will confirm that Seán Connolly Barracks in Longford is being considered as a venue for an educational campus and what this campus would comprise. [27701/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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As the Deputy is aware, the proposed project for the school to which she refers involves the acquisition of a site.

The progression of the project from site acquisition and 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 capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the further progression of the project at this time.

My officials have had preliminary discussions with the Department of Defence in relation to the availability of the former military barracks in Longford for school accommodation purposes. The Department has expressed interest in acquiring the buildings if deemed technically suitable for school purposes and subject to negotiation procedures.

A technical inspection of the former barracks was completed recently and the report from this inspection will inform the Department's position on the matter. The Department intends to examine the findings from the report in the very near future and will then liaise with the Department of Defence on the matter.

Site Acquisitions.

John Perry
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John Perry
Question:
640 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that a payment due to a person (details supplied) in County Sligo as a result of a land acquisition by his Department for a new school will be awarded and the deal closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27715/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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My Department agreed to pay €10,000 to the landowners referred to by Deputy in April 2008 for an additional piece of land at the school in question. The €10,000 was to be paid upon receipt of a signed Deed of Rectification from the vendors. The CSSO, who is acting of behalf of my Department, has confirmed that they did not receive the signed Deed of Rectification and accompanying documents until the end of May 2009.

I am please to inform the Deputy that, following receipt of this documentation, arrangements are now being made to forward the payment to the vendor's solicitors.

Special Educational Needs.

Tom Hayes
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Tom Hayes
Question:
641 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science if assistance will be given in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [27729/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 primary and post primary 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.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
642 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money spent on paying delegates’ allowance to officials for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27738/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Delegates Allowance is payable to officers who attend meetings abroad as part of a delegation representing this country, for example, at EU meetings, other international organisations or with representatives of other Governments. Payment in respect of delegates' allowance is made through my Department's payroll and the sum is taxable and subject to pay related social insurance.

In the years 2006 to 2008 the following sums of delegates' allowance were paid by my Department:

2008 — €32,760.40;

2007 — €40,942.28;

2006 — €38,583.11.

Schools Building Projects.

Eamon Gilmore
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Eamon Gilmore
Question:
643 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Education and Science the delay in the completion of a deed of covenant which would enable work to proceed on the re-development of a facility (details supplied) in Dublin 18, for which funding has been provided and all other preparations have been made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27769/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I am advised that the Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO) which acts on behalf of the Department, has written to the local authority's legal representatives seeking clarification on the proposal. My Department is advised that a response is awaited. As soon as the CSSO query has been addressed, I have instructed my officials to progress same as a matter of urgency.

School Accommodation.

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
644 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the way the two year moratorium announced in summer 2008 is applied to growth areas such as a town (details supplied) in County Meath; the steps he has taken to ensure that there is no crisis in school places in the area in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27772/09]

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
645 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the expected student enrolment numbers for each year 2010, 2011 and 2012 in a parish (details supplied) in County Meath; the way this compares to the accommodation in the existing schools; the basis for these figures, that is, the percentage for children that are baptised in the parish in 2005, 2006 and 2007; and the additional allowances made for children who have moved to the parish from other parishes or who are baptised elsewhere and so on. [27773/09]

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
646 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the expected junior class pupil role numbers for each year 2010, 2011 and 2012 in a parish (details supplied) in County Meath; the way this compares to the accommodation in the existing schools in this parish; and the basis for figures such the percentage of children baptised in the parish in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and the additional allowances made for children who have moved to the parish from other parishes or who are baptised elsewhere and so on. [27781/09]

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
647 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science if the two year moratorium announced in summer 2008 is applied to growth areas such as an area (details supplied) in County Meath; the steps he is taking to ensure that there is no crisis in school places in the same area in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27782/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 644 to 647, inclusive, together.

The review of the procedures for the recognition of new primary schools is underway under the Commission on School Accommodation. Pending the outcome of the review, new schools will not be established for reasons unrelated to demographic growth in areas where there is already sufficient school accommodation or where increases in pupil numbers can be catered for by extending existing school accommodation. While the review is ongoing, it is proposed that the Department will identify the areas where new schools may be required based on detailed examination and analysis of the demographics of each area. The process of circulating such details to all existing Patrons has commenced and it will be open to Patrons to bring forward proposals for the expansion of existing schools or indeed to put themselves forward as Patron for any new school.

Accommodation requirements in the areas referred to by the Deputy will be considered in this context. I will arrange to have the specific pupil enrolment data sought by the Deputy in respect of the areas concerned forwarded to her as soon as possible.

School Management.

Mary Wallace
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Mary Wallace
Question:
648 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for Education and Science the sections of the 1930 Act and the 2001 VEC Amendment Act required to be amended in order to enable vocational educational committees to become patrons of community primary schools; if work has commenced on the proposed legislative changes; and if the amendment to the legislation will be in place for the 2010 school year to coincide with the conclusion of the pilot scheme. [27783/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Draft legislation to put in place a legal framework which will facilitate the involvement of Vocational Education Committees (VECs) in the provision of primary education is currently in preparation.

It has been decided that it is proper that the role and responsibility of VECs in relation to the patronage of primary schools should be set forth in primary legislation and brought before the Oireachtas in due course. As the Deputy will be aware, VECs currently operate in the area of further and continuing education. If their remit is to be expanded to encompass primary education it is desirable that this should be done by primary legislation setting out the nature and extent of their duties and voted upon by the Houses of the Oireachtas. The General Scheme of an Education (Patronage) Bill 2009 has recently approved by the Government for drafting and I hope to have the Bill published and passed during the Autumn session 2009. The new model of primary school patronage is being explored in a pilot model in two locations in Dublin 15. In order to properly test the model and to thoroughly evaluate its performance, no date has been set for the conclusion of the pilot phase.

School Enrolments.

Joanna Tuffy
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Joanna Tuffy
Question:
649 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to meet the enrolment requirement for children and their parents for September 2010 and 2011 in view of the existing waiting list for entry into a school (details supplied) in County Dublin. [27799/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 she 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.

Sean Fleming
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Sean Fleming
Question:
650 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the proposed extension and alterations to a school (details supplied) in County Laois. [27812/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. 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 Deputy will understand that it is not possible to advance all projects at the same time. It was not possible to include the project for this school in the February announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed further in 2009. The proposed building project for the school will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. In the interim the school has recently been allocated an all-in grant for the provision of an additional classroom to meet its current needs.

Departmental Contracts.

Terence Flanagan
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Terence Flanagan
Question:
651 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the print jobs carried out for his Department and being provided by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland; the dates of the awarding of these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27838/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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My Department's officials have reviewed its printing contracts for the past five years and I can confirm that no print jobs were carried out by companies based outside the Republic of Ireland during this period.

Special Educational Needs.

John Perry
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John Perry
Question:
652 Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will ensure that a special needs assistant remains in a school for a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if he will ensure that the results of the assessment of this person for the requirement for a special needs assistant are made known to their family. [28018/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 additional resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) to primary and post primary schools to support children with special educational 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.

Grant Payments.

Willie Penrose
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Willie Penrose
Question:
653 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is entitled to a mature student grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28020/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The decision on eligibility for student grants is a matter for the relevant assessing authority — i.e. the relevant local authority or Vocational Education Committee. The student referred to by the Deputy should seek information or clarification directly from the relevant assessing authority. These bodies do not refer individual applications to my Department except, in exceptional cases, where, for example, advice or instruction regarding a particular clause in the relevant scheme is required.

Early Childhood Education.

Mary Upton
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Mary Upton
Question:
654 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Education and Science if there is a minimum age laid down by him for enrolment of a child in a primary school; if it is a matter for each school to set their own age limits for enrolment of children; his views on whether there is a conflict in the setting of a minimum age for enrolment when that age might preclude a child from eligibility for availing of the new child care grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28038/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The compulsory school starting age in a National School is 6 years of age and Rule 64 (1) of the Rules for National Schools provides that a child must be at least 4 years of age before she/he may be enrolled in a National School. The primary school curriculum is designed as an eight year course, including a two year infant cycle followed by six years in standards from first to sixth, with children progressing to the next grade at the end of each school year. Pupils commencing school for the first time should be enrolled at the commencement of the school year in order to complete the full primary school course.

I have been informed by the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) that under the free Pre-School Year in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which will be implemented by the OMCYA from January 2010, children will normally qualify to participate in the scheme where they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months on 1 September of each year. In January 2010, children will be eligible if they are aged between 3 years 7 months and 4 years 10 months. Exceptions to the upper age limit will be allowed where children are assessed by the HSE to have special needs or it is necessary to accept children at an older age due to the enrolment policy of the local primary school. The provision of a 15 month age range for eligibility is designed to give flexibility to parents to access the scheme at the most appropriate time for their children prior to commencing school and the majority of children who participate in the scheme would be expected to commence primary school between the age of 4 years 3 months and 5 years 6 months.

Higher Education Funding.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
655 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has decided upon proposals on the funding of third level; if he has evaluated the implications this will have on participation rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28040/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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As the Deputy is aware, the process to develop a new national strategy for higher education is now underway which is being overseen by a high level steering group, chaired by economist Dr Colin Hunt and comprising national and international expertise including academic, business, community and student interests, as well as senior government officials.

The process affords a timely opportunity to review the environment for higher education and the challenges and changes that are impacting on the sector. An examination of the overall operational, governance and resourcing framework are important elements of the strategy review. The process will consider objectives for participation in higher education as a key aspect of its work.

In contributing to the achievement of national policy goals for social and economic development, it can be anticipated that there will be continuing significant resource needs for the sector. Our higher education system relies disproportionately on Exchequer sources of funding and it is appropriate to look to wider means of meeting future additional resource requirements having particular regard to the difficult budgetary and economic climate that is in prospect in the medium term. As the Deputy is aware I have asked my officials to undertake a review of policy options in relation to the consideration of the introduction of a form of student contribution. There are many complex and competing considerations including the funding matters referred to by the Deputy which need to be taken into account in the consideration of all available options. I am now arranging to provide the completed technical report to my Cabinet colleagues for their initial consideration. I would envisage that this will be formally discussed at Cabinet at a later date.

Foreign Students.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
656 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of non-EU students enrolled in full-time courses at the main universities and institutes of technology here in the 2008-09 academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28041/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The information requested by the Deputy is attached.

There has been a 45% increase in international student numbers in Irish higher education institutions, including private institutions, since 2004. "Building Ireland's Smart Economy: A Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal" recognises the benefits of further increasing international student numbers. These include significant economic benefits to the higher education institutions and to the wider economy and also longer-term benefits for Ireland, as international students are likely to contribute to the development of stronger networks of influence for Ireland overseas, enhancing exchanges with traditional partners, as well as strengthening our contacts in regions where the country has not traditionally had a strong profile, such as Asia and the Gulf. I will shortly be announcing measures to position Ireland as a destination of choice in the international education market through new regulatory and marketing co-ordination arrangements that will enhance the promotion of Irish education overseas.

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

N

%

N

%

Universities and Colleges

4,664

7

2,179

13

Institutes of Technology

499

1

163

7

Notes

Data is provisional. Final figures will be published in the HEA Statistical Bulletin.

The census date for the above figures was March 1st 2009.

Language Schools.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
657 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of language schools recognised by him for 2009; the number that have had their recognition withdrawn in each of the past five years; the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28045/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The Advisory Council for English Language Schools (ACELS) was established under the auspices of my Department to administer standards in language schools and organisations through a quality assurance scheme supported by a programme of inspections. Language schools meeting the standards required by the ACELS scheme are recognised by my Department. The list of recognised organisations is published on an annual basis and currently numbers 112. The other information requested by the Deputy is being compiled and will be forwarded as soon as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
658 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Leitrim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28047/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The post primary school project referred to by the Deputy is included in the list of seven schools which I have approved for inclusion in the 3rd Bundle of schools to be procured via Public Private Partnership. This Bundle is in the pre procurement stage and my Department has completed a round of stakeholders' meetings in each of the locations where PPP schools are to be provided. A detailed output specification and Public Sector Benchmark is being prepared and outline planning permission will be sought for each location. On successful completion of this process, 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.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
659 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28048/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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As the Deputy will be aware, this project was included in my announcement in February 2009, of projects which would proceed to tender and construction during 2009. The project is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. My Department is currently awaiting the Stage 2b submission from the Design team.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
660 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a primary building project at a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28049/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the project to which he refers is currently out to tender. Subject to the necessary technical and financial approvals, it is expected that I will be in a position to authorise the placing of a contract in the near future.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
661 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of a building project at a school (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28050/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding for an extension. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 2.1 rating. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage to construction phase will be considered in the context of the 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 this project at this time.

Student Visas.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
662 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received complaints from persons refused study visas by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform who have failed to receive a refund of their fees from an educational institution; the institutions involved; the action being taken to protect such students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28063/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The number of complaints received by my Department in this area is relatively low. In 2009, four complaints have been received involving three institutions in relation to the issue of fee refunds where study visas have been refused. As the circumstances leading to the complaints are varied and sometimes the result of human error and as the institutions concerned have co-operated with the Department and have either issued refunds to the complainants or have committed to doing so within a short timeframe, I feel that the inclusion of their details on the record of the House would be unwarranted. The failure of any institution to deal satisfactorily with such an issue would result in an evaluation of the continued inclusion of its programmes on the Department's Internationalisation Register.

Schools Building Projects.

Rory O'Hanlon
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Rory O'Hanlon
Question:
663 Deputy Rory O’Hanlon asked the Minister for Education and Science when it is proposed to progress the provision of an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28087/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an early stage of Architectural Planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage 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 this project at this time.

School Accommodation.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
664 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of the forward planning section review of the additional accommodation which will be required at primary and post primary level for 2009 and onwards in the Athlone, County Westmeath area; if this review includes primary and post primary schools in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28093/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school capacity at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data.

The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in a total of 42 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The process of circulating this information to all existing school Patrons has commenced and it will be open to Patrons to bring forward proposals for the expansion of existing schools or indeed to put themselves forward as Patron for any new primary school. The requirement for the establishment of new schools will of course be lessened where it is possible to expand and extend existing schools in those areas.

Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed accommodation requirement reports for these locations which will identify the accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/2015. School accommodation requirements in the Athlone area and its environs, including parts of South Roscommon, will be considered as part of this detailed study of the 42 areas identified. It is expected that the report on the Athlone area will be completed in the coming weeks.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
665 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if the forward planning section review of the additional accommodation which will be required at primary and post primary level for 2009 and onwards includes an assessment of the provision of primary and post primary school capacity in Roscommon Town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28094/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Forward Planning Section of my Department has carried out a study of the country to identify the areas where, due to demographic changes, there may be a requirement for significant additional school provision at both primary and post-primary levels over the coming years. This study has been conducted using data from the Central Statistics Office, the General Register Office and the Department of Social & Family Affairs in addition to recent schools' enrolment data.

The study indicates that the requirement for additional primary provision in years 2010, 2011 and 2012 is likely to be greatest in a total of 42 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The process of circulating this information to all existing school Patrons has commenced and it will be open to Patrons to bring forward proposals for the expansion of existing schools or indeed to put themselves forward as Patron for any new primary school. The requirement for the establishment of new schools will of course be lessened where it is possible to expand and extend existing schools in those areas.

Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis and reports for each of these locations in order to identify the school accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/2015. When the detailed reports are completed for these 42 areas the Forward Planning Section will continue to work on preparing reports on a priority basis for the remainder of the country. The school accommodation needs in Roscommon town will be fully considered in this context.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
666 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the payment of a pension and lump sum to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [28098/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The person in question gave intermittent substitute teaching service which was non-pensionable up until recently. However, arising from recently introduced improvements in superannuation, this person now qualifies for a pension and lump sum from my Department in respect of that service. Her case is currently being processing with a view to payment of benefits before the end of July.

Asylum Applications received May 2008 to June 2009
Date	Number
May 08	301
June 08	329
July 08	339
August 08	333
September 08	360
October 08	357
November 08	324
December 08	300
January 09	254
February 09	270
March 09	270
April 09	241
May 09	229
June 09	244

Drug Treatment and Prevention.

Back to table of contents

Drug Type Detected	No. of Cases Analysed 2007	No. of Cases Analysed 2008	No. of Cases Analysed 2009*
Cannabis Herb	26	45	7
Cannabis Plants	2	5	5
Cannabis Resin	69	44	15
Cocaine	36	41	6
Heroin Diamorphine	12	14	4
MDMA	25	40	3
Amphetamine	2	6	3
BZP	0	10	2

Year	Proceedings
2009 (to 29 May)	7
2008	16
2007	16
2006	44
2005	22
2004	30
2003	30
2002	11

Category	2009
Compulsory Retirements	2
Voluntary Retirements	224
Resignations	8
Medical Discharges	5
Deaths	8
Dismissals	4
Resignations in Lieu of Dismissals	2
Total	253

Year	Total study visa applications decided	Approved	Refused
2008	6,801	4,563 (67%)	2,238 (33%)
2007	9,254	4,849 (52%)	4,405 (48%)
2006	6,516	3,548 (54%)	2,968 (46%)
2005	7,838	3,213 (41%)	4,625 (59%)

	Rental/ Subscription	Calls	Roaming	Data	Totals
	€	€	€	€	€
2008	239	813	140	27	1,219
2009 to Date	365	n/a	n/a	n/a	365

Vote	2006	2007	2008
	€	€	€
Foreign Affairs (Vote 28)	192,000	160,423	202,726
Irish Aid (Vote 29)	49,400	41,883	33,507
Total	241,400	202,306	236,233

Company	Contract award date	Quantity/Description	Cost
Graficas Jomagar S.L. (Madrid, Spain)	28 November, 2006	1,750,000 copies of Mini White Paper on Irish Aid	€114,546

Year	Total passports issued	Reported lost	Reported stolen	Total reported lost or stolen	% of total issued
2008	577,000	31,262	5,002	36,264	6.3%
2009 to 30 June	320,000	14,713	2,422	17,135	5.4%

Year	€
2006	8,278.89
2007	10,228.05
2008	4,102.76
2009 year to date	1,500.59
Total	24,110.29

Nature of Print Job	Date of Award of Print Contract
Exhibition Catalogue for Irish Artists at Venice Biennale	30 April 2009
Exhibition Posters for Use in Venice to Promote Irish Pavilion at Venice Biennale	1 May 2009

	Sports Capital Programme	Irish Sports Council	Arts Council	Total
Year 2009 Revised Estimates	€56,000,000	€51,689,000	€73,350,000	€181,039,000
Proportion of Revised Estimates	30.9%	28.6%	40.5%	100%
Draw-Down/Spend to Date	€34,438,596*	€33,734,000	€52,870,000	€121,042,596
Proportion of Draw-Down/Spend	28.4%	27.9%	43.7%	100%

County	Expenditure Authorised to End June 2009
	€
Carlow	515,608
Cavan	554,052
Clare	1,913,305
Cork	3,776,518
Donegal	1,400,252
Dublin	5,764,943
Galway	2,071,263
Kerry	1,411,137
Kildare	853,245
Kilkenny	1,113,813
Laois	1,844,955
Leitrim	247,285
Limerick	2,197,271
Longford	254,261
Louth	1,204,400
Mayo	945,622
Meath	1,382,328
Monaghan	668,825
Offaly	349,620
Roscommon	592,799
Sligo	390,001
Tipperary	2,159,077
Wexford	1,803,587
Wicklow	1,024,429
Total	34,438,596

	Total Mobile costs, including all calls and VAT	Total amount which applies to roaming charges	Total amount which applies to data charges
	€	€	€
2007	3,564	Not available	Not available
2008*	5,250	1,281	32
2009 to 31/5**	1,257	419	4

Year	Amount
	€
2006 (from 1 July)	2,882
2007	1,514
2008	Nil
2009 (to 30 June)	3,541

	Print job carried out	Location of printing
2007	Rialtas na hÉireann, Ráiteas I leith na Gaeilge 2006/ Government of Ireland, Statement on the Irish language 2006	Belfast

Year	Rent	Calls	VAT	Total
2008	36.10	1,480.29	310.88	1,827.27
2009	35.70	1,065.49	229.01	1,330.2

RESULT	JA	JB	IB	OFP	OTHER*	ER	TOTAL
Fined	102	75	12	6	4	9	208
Community Service	4	3	1	1	0	0	9
Prison Sentences	2	0	0	0	0	0	2
Probation Act	18	18	4	3	1	2	46
Suspended Sentence	8	9	1	1	0	0	19
Struck Out	11	3	1	0	3	3	21
Instalment Order granted	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
Bound to the Peace	1	0	0	0	0	0	1
Liberty to re-enter	6	8	2	0	1	0	17
Decree Obtained	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Withdrawn	1	0	0	0	1	1	3
Debt paid, costs outstanding	0	0	0	0	1	0	1
TOTAL	153	116	21	11	12	15	328

RESULT	UA	UB	DB	OFP	OTHER#	ER	TOTAL
Fined	46	56	4	6	4	14	130
Community Service	3	3	0	0	0	0	6
Prison sentences	3	1	0	0	0	0	4
Probation Act	33	41	5	5	1	0	85
Suspended Sentence	17	5	1	1	0	1	25
Struck Out	4	2	1	0	1	0	8
Dismissed	2	0	0	0	0	0	2
Bound to the Peace	2	0	0	0	0	0	2
Liberty to re-enter	4	2	1	0	0	0	7
Decree Obtained	1	0	0	0	1	0	2
TOTAL	115	110	12	12	7	15	271

Year	Delegates Allowance Paid
	€
2008	€5,602
2007	€3,248
2006	€6,339

Year	Number of posts	Number of posts filled
2004	5	5
2005	5	5
2006	5	4
2007	5	5
2008	6	6
As of March 2009	6	6

Dáil Éireann debate - Tuesday, 7 Jul 2009

Written Answers.

Companies Registration Office.

Jimmy Deenihan

Banking Sector.

Ciaran Lynch

Comptroller and Auditor General Report.

John Deasy

Róisín Shortall

Job Losses.

Jim O'Keeffe

EU Directives.

Liz McManus

Job Losses.

Jan O'Sullivan

Proposed Legislation.

Michael D. Higgins

Codes of Conduct.

Sean Sherlock

Bilateral Agreements.

Joe Carey

Economic Competitiveness.

Liz McManus

Proposed Legislation.

Pat Rabbitte

Export Credit Insurance.

Michael Creed

Job Losses.

Martin Ferris

Smart Economy.

Bernard Allen

Departmental Schemes.

Phil Hogan

Labour Inspectorate.

Joanna Tuffy

Export Credit Insurance.

David Stanton

Economic Competitiveness.

Pat Breen

Michael Noonan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Bernard J. Durkan

Enterprise Stabilisation Fund.

Pádraic McCormack

Willie Penrose

Job Initiative.

Jan O'Sullivan

Job Creation.

Thomas P. Broughan

Departmental Schemes.

Olwyn Enright

Tom Hayes

EU Directives.

Joanna Tuffy

Banking Sector.

Lucinda Creighton

FÁS Training Programmes.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Proposed Legislation.

Sean Sherlock

Health and Safety Regulations.

Róisín Shortall

Job Losses.

Mary Upton

Job Creation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Proposed Legislation.

Jack Wall

Job Creation.

Martin Ferris

County Enterprise Boards.

Denis Naughten

Job Creation.

Paul Connaughton

Departmental Staff.

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Jul 2009

	> 6 months	> 8 months	> 10 months	> 12 months
Appeals on hands (as at 6th July, 2009):	198	107	67	43

Authority No.	Authority Name	Development Levies
		€
	County Councils
1	Carlow	1,462,237
2	Cavan	7,234,169
3	Clare	7,704,039
4	Cork	70,579,222
5	Donegal	8,586,674
6	Fingal	191,589,470
7	Dun Laoghaire Rathdown	130,193,047
8	Galway	6,900,000
9	Kerry	16,449,214
10	Kildare	34,781,944
11	Kilkenny	22,225,676
12	Laois	32,088,814
13	Leitrim	8,308,861
14	Limerick	15,934,033
15	Longford	9,556,952
16	Louth	42,654,788
17	Mayo	15,011,672
18	Meath	47,768,401
19	Monaghan	7,940,563
20	North Tipperary	9,910,302
21	Offaly	11,945,120
22	Roscommon	9,267,143
23	Sligo	2,693,547
24	South Dublin	63,346,718
25	South Tipperary	18,833,113
26	Waterford	7,190,072
27	Westmeath	12,117,170
28	Wexford	34,841,849
29	Wicklow	4,700,157
	SUBTOTAL	851,814,965
	City Councils
30	Cork	5,894,533
31	Dublin	76,620,242
32	Galway	7,589,635
33	Limerick	12,945,067
34	Waterford	4,823,434
	SUBTOTAL	107,872,910
	Total	959,687,875

Company	Nature of Contract	Date of Award of Contract
Enterprise Stationery Limited	Printing and Supply of File Covers	April 2007
Paragon Group UK Limited	Printing and Supply of Payslips	October 2007

Year	Amount
	€
2007 (June to Dec)	20,148.60
2008	37,372.84
2009 (to end June)	15,117.37

Year	DSFA Gross Receipts in respect of Free Television Licences
	€million
2004	44.3
2005	49.5
2006	48.7
2007	51.4
2008	53.7

Report	Cost of Report inclusive of VAT
National Energy Efficiency Action Plan	21,099.00
Study of Oil and Gas Industry Support Services	27,188.00
Review of Corrib EIS	47,204.00
Strategic Environmental Assessment for Oil and Gas Activity in Ireland’s Offshore Atlantic Waters:Rockall Basin	267,953.00
Technical Assistance on Corrib Gas Safety Matters — Review of Documents	22,870.00
Comparative study of GSI/GSNI	8,602. 79
Cost/benefit study of INFOMAR project	66, 086.00
The Grid Study	218,607.89
All-Island Renewables Grid Study updated to include Demand Side Management	54,092.00
SEI Strategic Review	Prepared in-house
Make IT Secure evaluation report	14,520.00
Study on the Relative merits of Overhead Electricity Transmission Lines Versus Underground Cables.	148,437.96
Review of the Security of Ireland’s Access to Commercial Oil Supplies	271,756.90
Next Generation broadband — Gateway to a Knowledge Ireland	36.78
Technology Actions to Support the Smart Economy	Prepared in-house
2008 Media Literacy Directory	10,000.00
Report on the outcome of the 2007 eInclusion Grant scheme — the Access Skills and Content (ASC) scheme	Prepared in-house
2007 Annual Report	17,924.07 (printing, binding & translation)
Minerals Development Acts, 1940-1999. Report by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the six months ended 31 December 2008	342 (VAT exempt)
Minerals Development Acts, 1940-1999. Report by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the six months ended 30 June 2008	502 (VAT exempt)
Minerals Development Acts, 1940-1999. Report by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for the six months ended 31 December 2007	342 (VAT exempt)
State Mining and Prospecting Facilities and Prospecting Licence Competition and Industry News. 1 May 2009	350 (VAT exempt)
State Mining and Prospecting Facilities and Prospecting Licence Competition and Industry News. 1 November 2008	460.35 (VAT exempt)
State Mining and Prospecting Facilities and Prospecting Licence Competition and Industry News. 1 May 2008	350 (VAT exempt)
Total	1,198,706.74

Year	Mobile Bill Amount	Amount for Messages and Data in Ireland	Amount for Roaming Messages and Data	Amount for Roaming Calls
	€	€	€	€
2008	3,073.60	60.79	86.39	1,706.61
2009	4,907.23	79.85	48.41	651.82

Grade	31/12/05	31/12/06	31/12/07	31/12/08	30/06/09
Chief Inspector	1	1	1	1	1
Deputy Chief Inspector	2	2	2	1	2
Assistant Chief Inspector	11	11	11	11	10
Post Primary Inspector	41	44	36	30	30
Senior Inspector (Post Primary)	20	20	34	36	34
District Inspector (Primary)	31	35	46	35	35
Divisional Inspector (Primary)	38	38	36	40	39
Total	144	151	166	154	151

Year	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009 to 30 June
Retirement Category
Compulsory	79	78	82	77	99	85	70	66	75	—
Voluntary Age 60 and over	215	130	217	117	330	211	200	244	220	37
Voluntary Age 55 but under Age 60	96	75	113	75	212	185	202	196	230	23
Disability	83	77	71	66	49	55	59	43	35	14
Cost-Neutral E.R.	—	—	—	—	—	11	22	15	22	—
Early Retirement Strand1	15	10	11	23	25	45	27	42	33	—
Early Retirement Strand2	14	17	9	6	13	15	12	13	13	—
Early Retirement Strand3	5	2	2	2	3	8	11	5	1	—
Preserved**	31	27	23	31	35	31	34	25	65	24
Total	538	416	528	397	766	646	637	649	694	98

	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
	N	%	N	%
Universities and Colleges	4,664	7	2,179	13
Institutes of Technology	499	1	163	7