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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 9 Jul 2009

Vol. 688 No. 1

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 11, inclusive, answered orally.

Public Transport.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

12 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take on the further cuts proposed to Bus Éireann. [28342/09]

Service changes are a day-to-day operational matter for Bus Éireann and not one in which I have any function. I have been briefed by Bus Éireann management on the deterioration in its financial position and on the measures necessary, including the scale and extent of service changes, to maintain its financial viability. I have also been briefed by the unions on the issues involved. Decisions in relation to service changes are a matter for the company itself. I understand that Bus Éireann is currently engaged, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, in detailed discussions with its staff and their representatives on the measures proposed in this regard. I look forward to a successful outcome to these discussions.

Road Safety.

Joan Burton

Question:

13 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has not implemented a number of key actions in the road safety strategy 2007 to 2012, including an administrative disqualification system for drink drivers, a risk register for heavy vehicle goods drivers, a full time health and safety officer for every local authority, a new system for preventing car write-offs getting back onto roads here, and a review of the response system for emergency staff to road collisions; the actions under the road safety strategy 2007 to 2012 which have failed to be implemented by the designated deadline; the reason all of these deadlines have been missed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28379/09]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

62 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Transport the number of recommendations of the road safety strategy 2007 to 2012 which have been implemented to date; and the status of the remaining recommendations. [28345/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 62 together.

The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 was prepared by the Road Safety Authority, approved by the Government and launched in October 2007.

Its overall objective, through a combination of education, enforcement and engineering actions, is to save lives and prevent serious injuries, thereby bringing Ireland in line with best practice countries in road safety terms.

The Strategy is being successfully implemented across a range of agencies. We have seen a sustained reduction in the number of people killed on our roads.

2008 saw the lowest number of road deaths on record at 279, despite the fact over the past decade there has been a 40 per cent increase in the number of drivers and a 70 per cent increase in the number of vehicles on our roads. Fatalities in the year to date (9th July) are 128, down 18 from the same date last year.

According to the European Road Safety Performance Index (PIN) programme, which is run by the European Transport Safety Council, (ETSC), Ireland moved up to 6th out of the 27 EU Member States in road fatalities per million of population (compared to 8th in 2001).

Of course it is important to maintain the momentum in Road Safety measures, as each fatality and serious injury is a tragedy for families, friends and communities.

Action 83 of the Strategy requires the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to report to me by the end of the second quarter of each year on the implementation of the 126 actions in the Strategy, all of which identify the lead agency responsible for implementation and a target implementation date.

The report for the year 2008 is being finalised by the Road Safety Authority and will be presented to me shortly. However it is clear from communication with the RSA that substantial progress has been made on the annual Actions and those specifically for 2008. More than half have been completed and substantial progress has been made on the majority of the rest.

It may be the case, over the course of an ambitious and challenging Road Safety Strategy, that some of the target dates are missed, even where work on the Actions themselves is underway, but we must not lose sign of the underlying achievement: road fatalities are falling and substantial progress is being made on all the key issues in relation to the safety of road users.

Airport Preclearance Facility.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

14 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport when legislation giving effect to the preclearance facility at Shannon Airport will be published; when the facility will be up and running; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22870/09]

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

43 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the roll-out of the preclearance facilities at Shannon and Dublin Airports; when preclearance facilities will be fully operational at Shannon and Dublin Airports; if Aer Lingus will be utilising the preclearance facilities at Shannon; the expected number of additional routes and services to be created at Shannon in the first year of full pre-clearance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28401/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 43 together.

As Deputies will be aware the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill 2009 was passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas last week as is due to be signed into law by the President this week.

My officials are working closely with the U.S. authorities on the final aspects of the operating procedures between the two administrations to ensure that preclearance will work to the benefit of both countries. My objective is that these collaborative efforts with the U.S. will allow preclearance to be inaugurated in Shannon before the end of July. It is scheduled to become operational at Dublin Airport in November 2010 with the completion of Terminal 2.

I understand from Aer Lingus that the airline would face severe logistical difficulties in a situation where their ex Shannon flights would be precleared and their ex Dublin flights would not. Accordingly I understand that they have taken a decision to postpone using preclearance for their flights until the service is available both in Dublin and Shannon.

Two daily British Airways services from London to the U.S. are due to use Preclearance at Shannon from the autumn and I hope that more airlines will follow this example.

Renewable Energy.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

15 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport the action he has taken to compel CIE to implement the 2007 direction to use 5% biodiesel in its fleets and 30% for newly acquired vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28534/09]

Phil Hogan

Question:

18 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport the steps he has taken to encourage greater use of renewable energy in public transport fleets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25187/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 18 together.

A number of initiatives have taken place in relation to Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann to ensure more sustainable fleets in these organisations.

Iarnród Éireann, for example, have in the past two years re-instated regenerative braking on all DART electrical fleets giving energy savings of 26%. Iarnród Éireann have also fitted fuel shut-down modifications to much of the diesel fleet saving 3.5 million litres of diesel per annum. The significant renewal of engines and carriages funded under Transport 21 has resulted in more fuel-efficient trains, which also generate less greenhouse gas emissions. There will be further significant improvements with the electrification of the Kildare and Maynooth commuter lines.

Both Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann have also benefited from Transport 21 support and the new fleet of buses provided since 2006 have Euro 4 engines with selective catalytic reduction for lower emissions. Both companies have been using biodiesel in their tour fleets since 2006. In addition, I have provided funding for Ireland's first hybrid electric bus, which is being trialed by Dublin Bus at the moment.

The diesel used in all the public transport fleets meets the EN 590 European standard for fuel, which has to contain up to 5% biofuel. The commitment in the Programme for Government relating to biofuels has, however, been superseded by the more ambitious targets for transport as set out in the Government's Smarter Travel policy which I launched February, 2009.

Specifically, in relation to public transport fleets Smarter Travel proposes that all public transport providers will prepare a plan for fleet replacement based on the most sustainable vehicle and fuel type.

The actions in Smarter Travel are to be implemented over a twelve-year period. In relation to new technology the immediate focus of Government policy is to prepare a plan to deliver the 10% target for electric vehicles by 2020. On biofuels, Smarter Travel refers to the proposed biofuels obligation, which will apply to all transport fleets and which is being addressed by my colleague the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Integrated Ticketing.

Simon Coveney

Question:

16 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Transport the reason Bus Éireann is behind other CIÉ companies in rolling out an integrated ticketing system; his views on whether ten years for the rollout of this project could be considered a success; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28515/09]

The integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is being introduced on a phased basis, based on smartcard technology. A progressive approach is being adopted to allow customers to familiarise themselves with using the new system and to permit transport operators to undertake the necessary testing with the integration of the technologies involved. The project is now firmly in the implementation phase.

A smartcard has been available on all Luas services for some time. Smartcards have also been introduced by Dublin Bus in respect of a number of ticket products such as annual and monthly tickets, 5-day rambler tickets, and annual and monthly integrated bus and rail, and bus and Luas tickets. The disposable smartcard is now being used by some 30% of Dublin Bus customers.

Irish Rail will launch its interim smartcard for its DART and Dublin commuter services from late Summer. The progressive roll-out of smartcards is in line with good practice internationally.

Subject to successful in-house testing, the single smartcard system will be rolled out initially to a small number of customers for live testing of the Dublin Bus / Luas integrated annual ticket. The full roll-out will take place throughout 2010 on Dublin Bus, Luas and Irish Rail. This means that by end 2010, the ITS smartcard will be available to the vast majority of public transport passengers in the GDA. It is also envisaged that private bus operators will join the scheme.

Bus Éireann's project plan builds on the work currently being carried out for Dublin Bus as the ticketing equipment is similar. However Bus Éireann has advised that the software development work is more complex, taking account of the more complex ticketing issues that will arise with the introduction of longer distance commuter services to the scheme.

Bus Eireann will commence testing in Q4 2010, with rollout of smartcards on its pilot routes planned for early Q1 2011.

State Airports.

Joan Burton

Question:

17 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the status of the six hangars of a company (details supplied) at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28406/09]

The status of the six hangars of SR Technics at Dublin Airport is an operational matter for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and as such I have no function in the matter.

I understand that the DAA and SR Technics signed an agreement earlier in the year, whereby DAA bought back property leased by SR Technics at Dublin Airport, comprising six hangars and related ancillary facilities. I am informed that consequential contractual details are being completed at present.

Question No. 18 answered with Question No. 15.

Bus Licensing.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

19 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the Dublin Transport Authority to be fully operational in view of the fact that legislation establishing the body was signed in 2008; the effect this delay will have on restricting competition in the bus market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28578/09]

My Department is proceeding with preparations for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) during 2009. A key part of those preparations is the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer and the necessary recruitment process has now been concluded. I expect to be in a position to announce the outcome in the near future.

In January 2009, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill which contains proposals for a new bus licensing regime which will replace the Road Transport Act 1932, which applies to the licensing of private bus operators, and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment, the proposed licensing regime will provide a level playing field for all bus market participants.

The new licensing structure will apply in respect of all commercial bus passenger services, including those provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. It will establish a clear structure against which applications for bus route licences will be considered as well as a modern system of penalties and associated powers for revocation of licences.

The General Scheme of the Bill also contains proposals for extending nationally the provisions of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 in relation to the provision of public service obligations that are consistent with EU Regulation No. 1370/2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road. The Regulation creates a framework regulating how exclusive rights are to be awarded and compensation paid for services deemed to be ‘public service obligations' on a transparent basis. The Regulation will put into effect for the first time in Irish transport law a contracting regime to govern public service obligations. Future growth in the market for subvented transport services will also be pursued by way of open tendering processes in accordance with the EU Regulation.

The Bill will assign responsibility to the Dublin Transport Authority for bus route licensing and public transport services contracts nationwide and provide for the amalgamation of the Commission for Taxi Regulation into the DTA, as well as the renaming of the DTA as the National Transport Authority given its proposed national focus in relation to commercial bus licensing, bus and rail subvention and the regulation of small public service vehicles.

Following Government approval of the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill in January, a Bill has been drafted and has been circulated to Government Departments for observations. On their receipt, it is my intention to seek Government approval to the publication of the Bill as soon as possible.

Transport Projects.

Joe McHugh

Question:

20 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether all aspects of the Transport 21 plan will be completed by the 2015 deadline; his further views on whether capital transport investment projects are a means to restore lost economic competitiveness and provide short term employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28487/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

36 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the capital spending programme for his Department is expected to alter in each of the next three years with particular reference to the targets he identified when he launched Transport 21 in respect of road and rail projects; if it is intended to increase capital spending to offset certain aspects of the economic downturn; if he expects any of the projects to be brought forward or accelerated; if he has identified the most likely areas for opportunities to improve the economic situation throughout his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28428/09]

Mary Upton

Question:

56 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport if he has made submissions to the Department of Finance and the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes regarding capital funding for critical Transport 21 projects in budget 2010; and if he will make a statement on his priorities for capital transport spending up to the end of 2010. [28411/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 36 and 56 together.

Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework guiding Government investment in transport up to 2015.

To date, over 60% of the major inter urban roads programme, linking Dublin with Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and the Border with Northern Ireland, has been completed and the remainder is under construction and on target for completion in 2010. The upgrade of the M50 motorway is also on target for completion in 2010. On public transport, new railway stations have opened on the Kildare line and Irish Rail has completely modernised its intercity rolling stock under Transport 21. A number of projects such as the Midleton rail line, Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor and the Luas line to Docklands are scheduled to be completed this year, while construction continues on other projects such as the Luas lines to Cherrywood and Citywest, the first phase of the Navan rail line between Clonsilla and Pace and the Kildare rail project.

However, in the light of the changed economic circumstances, it has been necessary to review investment priorities across all Government Departments. As a result of this review, my Department's priorities for the coming years have been identified as follows: national roads, completion of the five major inter-urban motorways by end 2010, progressing the Atlantic Road Corridor, increasing public transport capacity through construction of Metro North, construction of DART Underground and implementation of the associated electrification, signalling and rolling stock investments, investment in buses and bus priority, subject to the Deloitte/TAS cost and efficiency review of the CIE bus companies and the availability of subvention, continued planning of other Transport 21 projects to ensure that a shelf of work is ready to go to construction when the economic climate improves.

Transport 21 projects will be released for construction as soon as they are through statutory procedures and the available financial resources permit and consistent with the priorities I have outlined.

The continuation of the Transport 21 programme as planned will provide significant job opportunities within the civil engineering construction sector. Transport investment has significant employment benefits, sustaining about 10 direct jobs per €1 million of expenditure. However, the primary purpose of investment in transport infrastructure is to add to Ireland's capital stock and help support the development of a competitive productive economy in the long term.

In January this year my Department supplied briefing on all aspects of its Vote to the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes. However the primary focus of the Group is on current expenditure.

My Department is in constant dialogue with the Department of Finance and discussions in respect of Budget 2010 will begin shortly as part of the normal annual Estimates process. My Department is also working with the Department of Finance and the NDFA to maximise private investment in transport infrastructure.

Public Transport.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

21 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport if he will undertake a review of public bus services for commuters in view of the recent significant changes to Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus routes and services through programmes of cutbacks; if he is monitoring the effect of withdrawn or reduced public bus services on workers and commuters particularly in lower income areas and for vulnerable citizens including senior citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28380/09]

George Lee

Question:

22 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether CIE is capable in providing adequate bus services at a reasonable cost to the Exchequer in view of the recent cutbacks in services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28570/09]

I propose to take Question Nos. 21 and 22 together.

In January last I published a cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann services. The review concluded that, while both companies are generally as efficient as comparable organisations, there is considerable scope for Dublin Bus to improve its services to customers through improved network design and increased efficiencies. The recommendations of the review are being implemented by both companies in the context of their cost recovery plans to ensure the financial viability of the companies while maintaining services at the highest possible level.

Decisions in relation to services and the deployment of buses and drivers are matters for the companies having regard, inter alia, to the changing patterns and levels of demand and the revenue available from fares and Exchequer compensation for PSO services.

Road Network.

Richard Bruton

Question:

23 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he will reallocate the reduced funding for local and regional road maintenance to local authorities to address long-standing dangerous roads; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28495/09]

There was no reduction in the April Supplementary Budget in the State road grant provision for maintenance works on regional and local roads in 2009 and grants totalling €125.977 million were allocated in April last to local authorities for such work in the current year. A total of €85 million of the overall provision was allocated under the Restoration Maintenance Programme to fund the surface dressing of approximately 4,600 kilometres of regional and local road in 2009. The roads to be surface dressed under the programme are selected by local authorities with priority given to roads most in need of treatment.

A submission from the City and County Managers Association was received in my Department on 29th June seeking discretion to use some of the funds allocated for the surface dressing programme on other maintenance work. The request is being examined in my Department and a response will issue shortly to the Association.

Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 7.

Public Service Review.

Damien English

Question:

25 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Transport the recommendations the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes has made in relation to transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28540/09]

As I have not as yet received the final report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, I cannot comment on its recommendations.

Road Network.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

26 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Transport the amount of money allocated to road maintenance and improvement projects here in 2007, 2008 and 2009; if funding for capital spending on road building and maintenance projects including up to 80 projects that are currently being planned has been halted; the road building or maintenance projects which have been halted as a result of these new directions and if he will make a statement on the matter [28392/09]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Act 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.

The Exchequer funding provided for to capital and current expenditure on the national road network is as follows:

Capital

Current

Total

2007

1,712,706,000

55,097,000

1,767,803,000

2008

1,599,577,000

58,210,000

1,657,787,000

2009 Allocation

1,438,900,000

44,255,000

1,483,155,000

Funding for capital spending on national roads building and maintenance projects has not been halted. Notwithstanding the current difficult economic climate, the allocation of almost €1.5 billion for 2009 is evidence of this Government's continued commitment to investment in the national road infrastructure.

The priority up to the end of 2010 will be the completion of the five major interurban routes (MIUs). Significant progress continues to be made in their delivery. The M1 from Dublin to the Border was completed in 2007, while work on the other routes is underway and on schedule for completion in 2010. In addition to the MIUs, work is underway on the upgrade of the M50 which is also due for completion in 2010.

The NRA's current construction programme is proceeding on time and within budget. I expect this to continue to be the case right up to the completion of the MIUs. As all of this work is contractually committed, the current economic situation will not impact upon delivery targets.

The priority for the roads investment programme after the completion of the major interurban network will be the Atlantic Road Corridor, where construction is already underway, as well as the improvement of other key national primary routes and the targeted improvement of certain national secondary routes. Decisions to proceed with individual projects will be taken by the NRA from time to time in the light of the available public finance.

In relation to regional and local roads, the provision, improvement and maintenance of such roads, in its area, is a statutory function of each individual local authority under section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993, to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants paid by my Department.

The Exchequer for capital and current expenditure on regional and local roads is as follows:

Capital

Current

Total

2007

478,606,096

128,918,904

607,525,000

2008

469,822,922

134,391,008

604,214,000

2009 Allocation

321,500,000

125,977,000

447,477,000

The capital budget for improvement works this year is €321.5 million. This will fund 241 separate improvement projects at various stages of planning design and construction. In addition, the Restoration Improvement Programme will result in a further 1,700 kilometres of road being reconstructed or improved.

There was no reduction in the April Supplementary Budget in the provision for maintenance works and grants of almost €126 million were allocated to local authorities. The bulk of this — €85 million — is being invested in the Restoration Maintenance Programme and I fully expect to see an increase in surface dressing output achieved by local authorities under this programme this year, over the 2008 output.

Road Safety.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

27 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has not published the national pedestrian strategy; the proposed key objectives and headings of the strategy; if home zone residential estates will be included; if the strategy will result in new legislation; the full cost of the new pedestrian strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28398/09]

Under the National Road Safety Strategy, the RSA is committed to publishing a pedestrian safety strategy and they are at consultation phase with this project.

The question may refer to the commitment in Smarter Travel, he Government's sustainable transport policy, to publish a national walking policy to meet the Government's aim of creating a culture of walking in Ireland.

There are 49 actions in the policy to be implemented over a 12 year period. In relation to the commitment on a walking policy, I have written to Ministerial colleagues to establish a working group to progress the policy, given that it has implications for a number of other policy areas.

The working group will have to research the issues fully before preparing a position paper for consideration so it is too early to say what the details will be, including the estimated cost.

Acht um Thrácht ar Bhóithre.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

28 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Paul Connaughton den Aire Iompair cén fáth nach bhfuil sé i gceist aige an tAcht um Thrácht ar Bhóithre 1961, Alt 95, a leasú chun cead a thabhairt athrú a chur ar chruth dátheangach na gcomharthaí tráchta chun idirdhealú follasach éifeachtach a dhéanamh ar logainmneacha Gaeilge agus Béarla de réir córais shimplí, shoiléir a bheadh éasca le tuiscint, agus a laghdódh ar amanna freagartha agus léimh na dtiománaithe, agus a dhéanfadh na bóithre níos fusa le húsáid ag tiománaithe, agus níos sábháilte do chách, mar atá molta i dtuarascáil (sonraí tugtha); agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [28510/09]

Tá na socruithe maidir le téacs a thaispeáint ar chomharthaí bóthair leagtha amach ins an Acht um Thrácht ar Bhóithre 1961 (Alt 95). Tá na prionsabail maidir le téacs a thaispeáint ar chomharthaí bóthair leagtha amach i Lámhleabhar na gComharthaí Tráchta. Is é an cuspóir bunúsach atá taobh thiar díobh ná go bhfuil soiléireacht curtha ar fáil don lucht taistil sa chaoi is nach gcuirtear isteach ar shábháilteacht ar na bóithre.

Cuireadh úsáid téacs, cló-aghaidh, cló-éadain agus téacs a chomhdhlúthú san áireamh nuair a bhí ábhar an lámhleabhair chomharthaíochta tráchta á dhreachtadh agus á n-ullmhú. Cuireadh san áireamh chomh maith an chomharthaíocht dhátheangach atá in úsáid sa Bhreatain Bheag agus in Alba.

Táim sásta go bfhuil cuspóirí an pholasaí réamh luaite bainte amach ag an gcruth atá ar ár gcomhtharthaíocht bhóthair dhátheangach. Níl sé ar intinn agam an polasaí seo nó cruth dátheangach na gcomharthaí tráchta a leasú.

Light Rail Project.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

29 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the tendering process for metro north; if he will confirm the two bidders who have been chosen to go forward to the next round of metro north; when the winning tenderer will be selected; the timeframe for the commencement and conclusion of metro north; if he will confirm further that metro north will proceed in its current format; the estimate of the amount of public and private funding which will be spent on metro north in 2009 and in each year to 2015 and from 2015 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28399/09]

On 30 June, the Railway Procurement Agency announced that it had short-listed two bidding groups, Celtic Metro Group and Metro Express, to proceed to the final stage of the Metro North PPP procurement process. The formal commencement of this final stage of the procurement process is subject to a decision by An Bord Pleanála on the railway order application for the project.

The oral hearing before An Bord Pleanála on the railway order application commenced on 1st April last and was adjourned on 29th April to allow the Inspector and interested parties the opportunity to review and assimilate further information provided at the hearing by the RPA. On 26th June An Bord Pleanála wrote to the RPA requesting that further detailed information on various aspects of the project be submitted to it by 1st October 2009.

The scope of the Metro North project remains as set out in the railway order application to An Bord Pleanála and its implementation is subject both to the outcome of the statutory planning process and a final decision by the Government following the completion of the statutory planning and procurement processes.

The Exchequer capital amount currently allocated from my Department's Estimate for 2009 in respect of Metro North is €35m. It is not anticipated that any private funding will be spent on the project this year and the Exchequer allocation for Metro North for future years will be decided in the context of the Estimates for each year. Private sector funding for the project is a matter to be determined by the PPP procurement process, which is currently underway.

Given the commercial sensitivity surrounding the ongoing PPP procurement process, I am not in a position to give any information in relation to the cost of Metro North.

Sustainable Transport.

Tom Hayes

Question:

30 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding allocated specifically to meet objectives and targets in the sustainable travel and cycling documents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28558/09]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

51 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the cost of implementing the national cycle policy framework will be €2.3 billion; the timeframe for the allocation of the €2.3 billion; the number of years it will take to fully implement the NCPF; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28397/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 30 together.

Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport for Ireland, sets out a range of actions across all areas of Government to deliver a sustainable transport system by the year 2020. The Policy has ambitious targets, including a reduction in car commuting from 65% share in 2006 to 45% in 2020. It also sets out specific ambition in other areas. For example, it affirms the Government's commitment to have 10% market penetration for electric vehicles by 2020.

The estimated cost of implementing the policy is approx €4.5 billion. The allocation of such funding will obviously depend on the prevailing economic climate and, in the present circumstances, the focus will be on making progress from existing resources.

The National Cycle Policy Framework has emerged from the new Smarter Travel policy and the estimated cost of €2.3 billion is covered in the overall estimate referred to above. The key ambition under NCPF is an increase in the modal share enjoyed by cycling from its current level of around 2% to 10%. I believe that this is an ambitious, yet achievable, target within the action period of 12 years.

I am pleased to say that, given the constrained economic circumstances, good progress is being made in implementing both policies.

I have made a total of €14 million available to my Department for the promotion and implementation of sustainable travel and transport initiatives in 2009. This is a significant increase on a budget allocation of €3 million in 2008.

The following are key initiatives progressed under the new agenda. These are in addition to other investments under Transport 21, such as integrated ticketing and improvements to public transport, which will also contribute to sustainable travel.

Support for demand measures such as the Green Schools Travel initiative and workplace travel planning. By September this year, 140,000 schoolchildren will have been reached, resulting in a 18% drop in car use. The workplace travel planning initiative has reached 46 companies so far and is meeting with similar success. I aim to launch a national initiative on workplace travel planning in the near future

Support for demonstration sustainable travel projects. My Department has advertised for submissions for schemes and the closing date for proposals is 7th September.

Support for exemplary cycling projects. When I launched the National Cycle Policy Framework recently, I specifically referred to the availability of €3 million in 2009 for the provision of cycling infrastructure in the Dublin region. The projects that I envisage will be progressed this year by Dublin City Council include development of premium cycle routes (from Portobello to the Liffey via the Grand Canal and from the North Quays towards Fairview Park (to include part of the Sutton to Sandycove route); refurbishment of existing cycle lanes; and the provision of both additional permanent cycle parking in the city and mobile cycle parking facilities to service public events. I am also extending support for exemplary projects in other parts of the country and I recently announced schemes in Galway City.

Support for awareness initiatives. I have already put two new websites in place to provide information on the new policies. I have also launched Ireland's first National Bike Week 2009, which ran successfully from 14th to the 21st June, and I am committed to running this as an annual event.

In all, progress is being made on most of the actions in the new Smarter Travel policy and I hope to deliver further initiatives this year. I would re-iterate that both policies offer a long-term vision that stretches from 2009 to 2020.

The wide-ranging nature of the individual interventions, their interlinked nature, and the undeniable challenges that face us in terms of availability of resources, means that it would not, however, be productive, at this stage, to assign precise deadlines to each action.

Delivery of the vision involves not only the provision of excellent infrastructure, but also requires a change in the national mindset. I am satisfied that sufficient funding is available this year to commence the process of changing the public perception and also to enable progress on key initiatives.

Proposed Legislation.

Jack Wall

Question:

31 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he will amend the Harbours Act 1996 through the mechanism of the Merchant Shipping Bill to increase the mandatory retirement age for maritime pilots from 60 to 65; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28408/09]

As I have indicated in both the Committee and Report Stage debates on the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008, my officials are examining the issue of section 69 of the Harbours Act 1996 in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.

It is my intention to introduce such an amendment during the passage of the Merchant Shipping Bill 2009 through the Oireachtas.

Driving Tests.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

32 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport when he will publish his plans for green driving tests and enhanced eco-driving education; if he will report on the key headings and objectives of the proposed green driving tests and eco-driving plans; if legislation will be necessary for the new eco-driving measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28389/09]

Smarter Travel, the Government policy on Sustainable Transport, proposes a number of initiatives relating to eco-driving and driver behaviour.

I have established a joint working group between the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the National Sustainable Travel Office (NSTO) of my Department to develop a structured overall plan to ensure that eco driving becomes part of the driving culture. Progress to date is as follows:

Eco driving has featured in both the Change and Power of 1 campaigns.

The RSA has ensured that compulsory annual training of drivers of certain categories of vehicles includes an eco driving element.

The registration of driving instructors is almost completed and the RSA propose including a module in compulsory basic training (initially these will only affect motorcyclists) related to eco driving.

The RSA are also looking at changes to the Rules of the Road and driving test.

Any changes to the national driving test to include eco driving measures will require to legislation by way of secondary legislation.

Light Rail Project.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

33 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding all preparation works for the big dig and the upcoming major infrastructural works in Dublin for metro north, the Luas link-up and the Dublin rail interconnector; when the public information campaign on the big dig will begin; what it will comprise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28400/09]

I have previously advised the House that traffic management in Dublin City centre, including public information campaigns relating to traffic management, is a matter for Dublin City Council.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Dublin City Manager chairs the Dublin Transport 21 Implementation Group, which coordinates and oversees the Transport 21 investment programme in Dublin, pending the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority.

Two sub-groups have been established:

The Contingency Planning Group, which is chaired by an official from Dublin City Council, deals with the traffic management strategy for the Transport 21 construction phase, focussed particularly on the city centre. I understand that the Contingency Planning Sub-Group meet monthly. Contingency planning will be an ongoing process during project construction. The Contingency Planning Group has developed an initial plan which includes traffic measures such as the provision of Park and Ride sites, enhanced public transport services, Real Time Passenger Information installations for bus stops, dedicated breakdown towing services, a bus gate at College Green and improved traffic light control at specific junctions. This will be kept under regular review by the Transport 21 Implementation Group.

The Communications Group, which has prepared a co-ordinated communications strategy for the construction period of major Transport 21 projects, such as Metro North and the Interconnector.

I last met the Stakeholders Group regarding the major Transport 21 infrastructural works in Dublin on 11 May 2009 at which the co-ordinated communications plan for the construction period of the major Transport 21 projects such as Metro North and the DART Underground was presented. A key theme of communications during construction works is "Dublin is open for business".

The communications campaign will be rolled out in advance of works on Metro North. The commencement of works is subject to the grant of an enforceable railway order by An Bord Pleanála.

Haulage Licences.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

34 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Transport his response to the Garda Ombudsman who claimed that the gardaí had provided sufficient information to his Department to make an appropriate judgment on whether to issue a haulier licence to a person (details supplied); his views on whether he made the correct decision; if there was procedural failings by his Department; his plans for policy or procedure changes in his Department related to haulage licence character checks; if the licence issued to the person will be revoked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28544/09]

I have not yet received the Report in question. It would be inappropriate for me to make any further comment on this matter until the Report has been received and examined.

Question No. 35 answered with Question No. 7.
Question No. 36 answered with Question No. 20.

Employment Rights.

Jack Wall

Question:

37 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention and the way it will benefit maritime workers; his views on increasing the number of marine surveyors and inspectors operating in ports here in view of the recent reports from senior officials (details supplied) on the bad conditions in which many mariners are forced to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28409/09]

Ireland has been an active supporter of negotiations on the International Labour Organisation's Maritime Labour Convention in its efforts to promote global labour standards for seafarers. The Convention will enter into force twelve months after 30 Member States representing 33% of the world's tonnage have ratified the convention. The latest information is that five Member States representing 44% of the world's tonnage have ratified the convention.

The recently published Merchant Shipping Bill 2009 contains provisions to enable Ireland to ratify the Convention. The Convention will benefit seafarers as it contains provisions relating to the living and working conditions on board ships in terms of food, accommodation and hours of work but does not include rates of pay. It also introduces a certification scheme to ensure compliance by all flag States.

The number of Surveyors in my Department has recently been increased to thirty one by the recruitment of seven new Surveyors who will be involved in inspections on the enforcement of the Convention.

Transport Sector.

Phil Hogan

Question:

38 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent OECD report that competitiveness would be restored through stronger competition; his plans to increase business competition in the transport sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28562/09]

The Agreed Programme for Government includes commitments to reform bus licensing to facilitate the optimum provision of services by providing a level playing field for all market participants, and to examine the need for a National Transport Regulator in the context of the overall review of the economic regulatory environment.

The legislative framework to support the authorisation and provision of improved public bus services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) has already been updated through the passage of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, which establishes a new contractual structure relating to the provision of subvented bus and rail services in the GDA. This is in compliance with EU Regulation No. 1370/2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road which comes into force on 3 December 2009 and provides for a new contractual framework regulating how Member States award exclusive rights and pay compensation for services deemed to be ‘Public Service Obligations.' The Act also provides that existing PSO bus and rail services can be procured by the DTA through direct award contracts but that future growth in subvented services must be procured by way of open tendering.

On 21 January 2009 the Government approved the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill. The primary purpose of the Bill is to establish a modern system for the licensing of commercial public bus passenger services by the DTA with the objective of promoting regulated competition in the provision of licensed public bus passenger services on a national basis in the public interest, as well as the promotion of integrated, well-functioning and cost efficient public passenger transport services. In addition to the reform of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, which applies to the licensing of private bus operators, and relevant provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies, the Bill will also provide for the introduction of new contractual arrangements for the procurement of bus and rail services on a national basis that is modelled on the approach established in the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 in respect of the GDA. Future growth in the market for subvented bus services will be addressed by public service contracts entered into following open tendering processes.

The Bill will also see the role of the Commission for Taxi Regulation being assumed by the Dublin Transport Authority and the re-naming of that body as the National Transport Authority so as to reflect its expanded national role in relation to commercial bus licensing, bus and rail subvention and the regulation of small public service vehicles.

In the light of the Government approval to the General Scheme, the draft Bill has been prepared and has been circulated to Government Departments for observations. On their receipt, it is my intention to seek Government approval to the publication of the Bill as soon as possible.

Public Transport.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

39 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport when technical improvements which were recommended in the Deloitte report, including the early introduction of integrated ticketing, real time information, and AVL systems will be introduced for public bus services; the status of the Deloitte report recommendations; if he will ensure they are implemented in full; if so, the time frame and mechanism for implementation; the way he will invigilate these processes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28381/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 3 of today.

Ministerial Appointments.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

40 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Transport the reason he has not appointed a new chairman for the Dublin Port Company; when the appointment will be made for this job in view of the challenges facing Dublin and all of the national ports at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28407/09]

Section 30 of the Harbours Act 1996 provides for consultation with a number of bodies before appointments to port company boards are made.

Various bodies including the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland, IBEC and ICTU were invited to submit nominations for the current vacancy on the board of Dublin Port Company.

I have received a number of nominations and will take these into account when making my decision. In the meantime the board selects an acting chairperson for its meetings, as provided for in its Articles of Association.

Road Safety.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

41 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent European Transport Safety Council statement which indicates that Ireland will be one of the states which will not hit the target of reducing road deaths by 50% between 2001 and 2010 as the percentage change in road deaths in Ireland between 2001 and 2008 was just 32%; the steps he will take to address this target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28388/09]

Róisín Shortall

Question:

48 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on the number of road deaths and collisions over the past few months including the loss of 32 lives on roads here in May 2009 compared with 19 deaths on the roads in May 2008; the measures, including legislative and enforcement, he is taking to address this trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28384/09]

I propose to take Questions 48 and 41 together.

Road safety is a key priority for Government, and this commitment is underpinned by the Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012. We are still on target to meet the overall Road Safety Strategy target of reducing road deaths to no greater than 60 fatalities per million population by the end of 2012. This would equate to an average of 21 road deaths per month or 252 per year; the total for 2008 was 279 and the figure to date (7th July) is 128, down 15 on the same date last year.

The European Transport Safety Council report sees Ireland improve its standing from 9th position in 2007 to 6th position in 2008 out of the 27 EU Member States in terms of road fatalities per million of population.

Liz McManus

Question:

42 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport the amount of funding which has been allocated to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety specifically to target drug driving for these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28393/09]

The number of specimens tested for the presence of a drug or drugs by the Medical Bureau of Road Safety for the years 2005 to 2008 is as follows:

2005

2006

2007

2008 (provisional figure)

747

879

1,555

1,900

Figures for 2009 are not available at this time.

While my Department provides annual funding to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety, the allocation of resources to the various programmes is a matter for the Bureau itself.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 14.

Driving Tests.

Liz McManus

Question:

44 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the new EU road safety regulations including the requirement for a driver certificate of professional competence which will come into force on 10 September 2009; if the Road Safety Authority will be charged with implementing these new regulations; if additional funding will be allocated for the implementation of the new regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28394/09]

Under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006 (Conferral of Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 477 of 2006) the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has responsibility for these matters.

In 2008 I introduced legislation entitled the European Communities (Vehicle Drivers Certificate of Professional Competence) Regulations, which gave effect to Directive 2003/59/EC. From 10th September 2009, all truck drivers who drive for a living will be required to have a driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC). Drivers of vehicles for non-commercial purposes are exempt from the CPC test. Any drivers holding a valid full license in the truck license category on or before 9th September 2009 are automatically entitled to the new driver CPC. A driver applying for a truck license on or after 10th September 2009 will now be required to pass a further theory and practical driving test in addition to the ordinary truck driving test if they wish to become a professional truck driver.

The resourcing by the RSA of the implementation of the new regulations was considered as part of the overall budget for the RSA for 2009.

Tax Code.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

45 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport if he has received, from the Department of Finance, a copy of the cost benefit analysis of the new €10 air travel tax; if he has undertaken an investigation of the impact of the air travel tax on air passenger numbers and traffic; if so, if he will publish this research; his views on the statement of a person (details supplied) that thousands of aviation jobs may be lost in 2009 and 2010 as a result of the air travel tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28403/09]

The airline industry, along with other industries within the transport sector and beyond, continues to go through a difficult trading period. However, the Government does not accept that the decline in passenger numbers experienced by the airports in the State is due to the introduction of the air travel tax.

The difficult trading period in the airline industry arises primarily from weak world economic activity. The present decline in air travel is an international phenomenon and as a result aviation services are contracting on a global basis. As the Deputy may be aware the Airports Council International Europe, for example, has reported that Europe's airports have posted an average fall of 12.4% in passenger traffic in Q1 2009 compared to the same period last year. The International Air Transport Association reports also reflect such declines.

In the case of Ireland the decline in passenger numbers through our airports is broadly in line with our international counterparts including those airports where there is no travel tax in place. This downward trend has been evident for periods prior to the introduction of the air travel tax. Furthermore, passenger numbers for other modes of transport have also experienced broadly similar declines.

Ireland is not unique in regard to applying a tax on air travel. Other countries within the EU apply similar taxes such as the UK and France, as do Australia and New Zealand. The UK has a relatively high travel tax but traffic there declined by 10% in the first Quarter of 2009, as compared with first quarter of 2008, which is in line with trends internationally arising from the economic downturn. The rates for the Irish air travel tax are not unreasonable both for shorter and longer journeys, when compared to rates in other countries.

The scale of the air travel tax of €10 or €2 arises in the context of a much larger purchasing decision involving travel, hotel expenditures etc, and this serves to limit the impact on tourist numbers. It should also be recognised that tourists are only subject to the tax on their return journey.

Ireland currently faces significant financial challenges and the air travel tax is just one element of the Government's response to those challenges. As regards the taxation of airlines it is worth noting that fuel used by commercial airlines is by international agreement completely exempt from tax, so it's a sector that already has considerable preferential treatment.

Airport Development Projects.

David Stanton

Question:

46 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the future status and development of Cork Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28580/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

49 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Transport the status of the State Airports Act 2004; if he will repeal the legislation; if so, the timeframe for the repeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28402/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 46 together.

In December last, following the recommendations of the boards of the three State Airport Authorities, I announced the deferral until 2011 of a decision on the separation of the Airports under the State Airports Act, 2004 given the current very difficult circumstances for the aviation sector.

When I considered the business plans of the three airports and the views of the boards, I accepted their overall conclusion that it would be best to defer the separation of the three airports. I took the view that it would be best to provide a reasonable period of time to enable the boards and management of these airports to address the very significant challenges facing the aviation market and decided to defer a decision on separation to 2011.

New governance arrangements, which have now been agreed with the Dublin Airport Authority, will provide an opportunity for Cork Airport to realise the potential provided by the very substantial investment in the airport in recent years.

In the circumstances the repeal of the State Airports Act, 2004 does not arise.

Transport Costs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

47 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has made comparisons between transport costs here and those applicable in other jurisdictions; the degree to which the main features of extra costs here have been identified; the action he will take of a policy nature which might address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28427/09]

Comparative data on transport costs are not readily available from respected international statistical sources such as Eurostat and the International Transport Forum.

Cost competitiveness is a key consideration for Ireland as an open export–oriented economy and transport costs are one of the many factors influencing that competitiveness. Ireland's peripheral location impacts on transport costs for a range of reasons including:

Distance from our principal export markets;

Diseconomies of scale associated with operating in a small domestic market;

Higher administrative costs relating to distance;

The need to maintain higher stock levels to meet tight supply turnaround times.

The large transport investment being undertaken by this Government will help reduce the cost of transport. For example the huge investment in our major urban motorways and dual carriageways is bringing about substantial reductions in travel times and in the variance in journey times. Investment in public transport is helping to reduce urban congestion and improve the efficiency of the urban economy. Commercial investment by our ports and airports in increasing capacity and improving efficiency thereby contributing to reduced costs for business.

Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 41.
Question No. 49 answered with Question No. 46.

Rural Transport Services.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

50 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his policy in relation to the development of public transport links in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28102/09]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

52 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to have a comprehensive public transport system in rural areas here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28101/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

447 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will review rural transport policy with the obligation of existing services to new areas or regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29493/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 50 and 447 together.

The provision of public transport services in rural areas is being progressed in the context of my Department's Rural Transport Programme and the Government's sustainable travel and transport plan Smarter Travel — A Sustainable Transport Future.

Thirty seven rural community transport groups are being funded under my Department's Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which is now operational in every county. These groups are working towards maximising coverage in their operational areas having regard to local public transport service needs and the availability of resources.

Arrangements for the provision of services funded under the Programme are matters for individual rural community transport groups. Local communities know best where the transport needs are in their rural areas and how best to address those needs.

In addition, Bus Éireann and a number of private transport operators provide public transport services in rural areas.

Building on these achievements Smarter Travel, which I published in February 2009, provides the strategic framework for the further development of public transport services throughout the country.

The provision of public transport generally outside of the Greater Dublin Area will also be supported by a new legislative framework that will be promoted through the proposed Public Transport Regulation Bill. The Bill, the General Scheme of which was approved by Government in January 2009, will contain proposals for a new regime for the licensing of all commercial bus services, and for contracts for public transport services.

My Department is also supporting the Louth County Council Age Friendly Initiative by funding a study to map all transport services in the county, to assess age-related needs and to look at delivery models for a pilot scheme to provide a more comprehensive local transport service to complement nationally organised transport.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 30.
Question No. 52 answered with Question No. 50.

Public Transport.

Michael Ring

Question:

53 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if he has considered the recommendations of the rural transport report recently published by an organisation (details supplied); if he will implement any of the proposals outlined in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23112/09]

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the research study Towards A Sustainable Rural Transport Policy relating to the challenges of developing more sustainable travel patterns for persons living in rural areas, which Comhar, the Sustainable Development Council, commissioned Irish Rural Link to undertake.

The research findings in the Comhar/Irish Rural Link report are broadly consistent with the aims and objectives of the Government's sustainable transport policy as set out in Smartertravel — A New Transport Policy for Ireland 2009 to 2020, which was published earlier this year. Both documents recognise the need for more sustainable alternatives to the private car as the primary means of transport, the importance of reducing overall travel demand through mobility management measures, the importance of maximising the efficiency of the public transport network through greater alignment between land use and transport planning policies, the need to reduce transport emissions, and the importance of improving accessibility to sustainable means of transport.

The Comhar/Irish Rural Link report is currently being examined by my officials and the proposals contained therein will be borne in mind in the context of progressing the various actions relating to rural transport that are contained in Smartertravel.

Air Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

54 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on a new aviation white paper on Ireland’s national strategic air connectivity; his further views on recent proposals by Aer Lingus to end flights between Shannon and New York and Chicago during the winter season; if he has been briefed on this matter by the Government appointed directors to Aer Lingus; if he will publish the Government’s cost benefit analysis on the €10 air travel tax; his views on new initiatives to enhance the connectivity of Shannon, Dublin and Cork Airports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28378/09]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

57 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the initiatives he is considering to address all of the major issues in the aviation sector including the loss of aviation jobs at airline operators and in the aviation maintenance and engineering industries, the declining volume of passengers in the travel and transport industry and the impact of the new €10 airport departure tax on travel and tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28377/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 57 together.

The aviation sector and particularly the airline sector is extremely cyclical in nature. The airline sector is being badly affected by the current global economic downturn which has led to a significant reduction in consumer demand for air travel, particularly on long-haul routes. The International Air Transport Association, which represents 230 airlines, comprising 93% of international air traffic, has projected industry wide losses of $9 billion this year. Revenues are expected to fall by 15%, which is more than double the rate of decline experienced following the September 11 terrorist attacks. With regard to passenger numbers, Airports Council International Europe has reported that Europe's airports posted an average fall of 12.4% in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period last year. The International Air Transport Association reports also reflect such declines.

My Department's main objective is to assist airports and airlines to respond to the downturn in the sector, while maintaining the highest possible levels of connectivity between Ireland and key markets. Across the world, airlines have been cutting capacity and routes and recent decisions by Aer Lingus, Delta and Ryanair reflect this trend. In a global market, which is fully liberalised within the EU, the scope for measures to provide direct support to airports and carriers is very limited. The focus must therefore be on managing through a severe downturn and being well positioned for an upturn when economic circumstances improve.

The suspension of some key transatlantic services for the winter season recently announced by Aer Lingus and Delta is extremely disappointing. I am particularly concerned at the impact of these developments on connectivity of the Mid-West region to the wider US market from both a business and tourism perspective. I made these concerns known on behalf of the Government to the Aer Lingus Chairman when he informed me of the proposals. I immediately wrote to the State's three directors to remind them of their mandate and requested that they take account of Government policy on connectivity, regional development and industrial development in the board's consideration of the matter. It is acknowledged that the duties of the State nominated directors on the board of Aer Lingus derive from the Companies Acts and that they are obliged to pursue the best interests of the company.

The Government does not accept that the decline in passenger numbers experienced by the airports in the State is due to the introduction of the air travel tax. The present decline in air travel is an international phenomenon. In the case of Ireland the decline in passenger numbers through our airports is broadly in line with our international counterparts including those airports where there is no travel tax in place. This downward trend has been evident for periods prior to the introduction of the air travel tax. Furthermore, passenger numbers for other modes of transport have also experienced broadly similar declines.

Looking to the future, the challenge will be to ensure that Irish aviation is well positioned to take advantage of the economic recovery when it comes. To this end my Department will:

continue to liaise with carriers to protect and promote connectivity between Ireland and key markets;

take measures to enhance our bilateral aviation relations with emerging markets such as China and India;

finalise arrangements for the implementation of US Preclearance for flights from Shannon from end July 2009 and from Dublin when the new terminal opens in late 2010;

oversee the tender competition for an operator for Terminal 2 and ensure that the Dublin Airport Authority maximises cost efficiencies;

ensure that the Dublin Airport Authority strikes the right balance between managing short-term financial pressures and ensuring longer-term financial sustainability at all 3 State airports;

liaise with Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, IDA, Enterprise Ireland and DAA to facilitate development of aviation maintenance projects in particular to replace jobs lost at SR Technics.

Flood Relief.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

55 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Transport the level of funding which will be made available in order to alleviate the damage caused by flooding in County Donegal in June 2009. [28343/09]

In September 2004 the Government confirmed the Office of Public Works (OPW) as the State's lead agency in flooding, to be tasked with delivering an integrated, multifaceted programme aimed at mitigating future flood risk and impact.

As regards flooding of roads, the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is a matter for the relevant local authority, to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants paid by my Department. The initial selection of works to be funded from these grants is also a matter for the local authority. Funding of national roads is a matter for the National Roads Authority.

When road grants for regional and local roads are allocated each year, my Department does not hold back a reserve allocation at central level to deal with weather contingencies. Such an arrangement would mean a reduction across all local authorities in the road grant allocations to them at the beginning of each year. Instead, the allocation made to local authorities is inclusive of the weather risk factor. Local authorities are expressly advised that they should set aside contingency sums from their overall regional and local roads resources to finance necessary weather related works.

In 2009, grants totalling €28.664 million were allocated to Donegal County Council for works on regional and local roads. This included a discretionary maintenance grant of €2 million and a discretionary improvement grant of €846,000. These grants are available at the discretion of Donegal County Council to fund contingency works arising from weather conditions.

My Department would also be prepared to consider sympathetically any request from Donegal County Council to adjust its multi-annual Restoration Programmes in order to prioritise work necessitated by severe weather conditions. In 2009, Donegal County Council was allocated a restoration improvement grant of €9.384 million and a restoration maintenance grant of €5.750 million.

In very exceptional circumstances, my Department will consider applications for additional funding of remedial works to roads and bridges following flooding. Consideration of any applications for financial assistance would, of course, have to take account of the current budgetary situation and the resources already allocated to the county.

Question No. 56 answered with Question No. 20.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 54.

Transport Policy.

Mary Upton

Question:

58 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Transport if he has had contacts with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the planned national electric car roll-out programme; the number of businesses which have taken up the option of a 100% write-off on the cost of purchase of electric vehicles against tax under the accelerated capital allowance scheme to date; the commencement date for the public information campaign on electric vehicles; the number of electric vehicles in the national car fleet; the percentage of the national car fleet they comprise; when the ministerial car and public vehicle fleets will be electrified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28410/09]

I have been in contact with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on the plans for electric cars. In February I launched Smarter Travel, Ireland's new sustainable transport policy. It contains a commitment that electric cars will form 10% of the market by 2020. The most recent figures available to my Department (May 2009) indicate that 0.2% of vehicles (3,758) are a declared fuel-type of hybrid electric cars. This gives some idea of the scale of our ambition to increase this figure significantly.

Since the launch of Smarter Travel my officials have been in regular contact with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to assist in the preparation of a national plan to meet this target. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has the lead responsibility in relation to the matter. The Deputy's specific questions relating to tax write-off and Ministerial vehicles are a matter for the Ministers for Finance and Justice, Equality and Law Reform respectively.

Departmental Staff.

David Stanton

Question:

59 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff working in his Department at various grade levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28579/09]

The following table provides the information requested by the Deputy.

Grade

Number

Secretary General

1.00

Assistant Secretary

5.00

Principal Officer

21.00

Assistant Principal

45.63

Higher Executive Officer

80.53

Administrative Officer

8.00

Executive Officer

89.33

Staff Officer

17.70

Clerical Officer

144.26

Ministerial staff

5.00

Services Officer

16.10

Telephonist

2.03

Irish Coast Guard — Professional & Technical

63.00

Marine Survey Office — Professional & Technical

31.00

All other Technical & Professional

17.00

Total

546.58

Road Safety.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

60 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the graduated driving licence scheme; when he will publish the legislation necessary to implement the full GDLS; the reason there has been a delay in rolling out this road safety measure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28390/09]

The Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012 outlines a range of measures to be considered in relation to a Graduated Driver Licensing System (GDLS). The driver licensing regulations, which were made in October 2007, providing for the introduction of a learner permit to replace the provisional licence and some other measures, were the first step in the introduction of a GDLS. A progressive roll-out of appropriate measures is envisaged as the most practical approach for implementing a GDLS.

On 13 January 2009 the Road Safety Authority (RSA) launched a consultation process on a GDLS and published a consultation paper. This contains a number of possible measures and the RSA also welcomes other suggestions from the public. This consultation process has now been completed and the RSA is considering responses. Proposals will be submitted in due course for my consideration. It is too soon to say what the timeframe for that will be or whether new legislation will be required.

Air Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

61 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Transport his views on the recent €1 increase in airport charges from €7.39 per person to €8.35 beginning in January 2010 that was sanctioned by the Commission on Aviation Regulation; if he expects airport charges to rise further when terminal two is opened at Dublin Airport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28405/09]

I have no role in determining the per passenger charges at Dublin airport. The Commission for Aviation Regulation is the independent regulatory body responsible for setting maximum passenger charges at Dublin Airport.

Question No. 62 answered with Question No. 13.

Proposed Legislation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

63 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Transport the reason bus licensing legislation to replace the Road Transport Act 1932 has not been introduced; the reason for the ongoing delay in publishing this legislation; the proposed publication date for the bill; the proposed key headings and objectives of the bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28382/09]

In January 2009, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill which contains proposals for a new bus licensing regime which will replace the Road Transport Act 1932 and the provisions of the Transport Act 1958 that relate to the provision of bus services by the State bus companies. In accordance with the Programme for Government commitment, the proposed licensing regime will provide a level playing field for all bus market participants.

The new licensing structure will apply in respect of all commercial bus passenger services, including those provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. It will establish a clear framework for assessing applications for bus route licences as well as a modern system of penalties and associated powers for revocation of licences.

The general scheme of the Bill also contains proposals for extending nationally contractual arrangements for the procurement of bus and rail services modelled on the approach established in the provisions of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 in respect of the Greater Dublin Area. Future growth in the market for subvented bus services will be addressed by public service contracts entered into following open tendering processes. The provisions are consistent with the requirements in relation to the provision of public service obligations in EU Regulation No. 1370/2007 on public passenger transport services by rail and by road.

The Bill will assign responsibility to the Dublin Transport Authority for bus route licensing and the award of public service contracts nationwide. It will also provide for the amalgamation of the Commission for Taxi Regulation into the DTA, as well as the renaming of the DTA as the National Transport Authority given its proposed national responsibility in relation to commercial bus licensing, bus and rail subvention and the regulation of small public service vehicles.

There has been no delay in introducing the legislation. Following Government approval of the General Scheme of the Public Transport Regulation Bill in January, a Bill has been drafted and has been circulated to Government Departments for observations. On their receipt, it is my intention to seek Government approval to the publication of the Bill as soon as possible.

Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 7.

Penalty Points System.

Denis Naughten

Question:

65 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the action he will take on the submission by an organisation (details supplied) on shadow licences to address the abuse of the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28103/09]

I have not received a submission from the organisation on the matter referred to. However a number of amendments to the fixed charge system are included in the forthcoming Road Traffic Bill.

Employment Support Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

66 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide details of the €250 million job protection programme; when she expects this scheme to commence; the financial mechanisms being used to fund the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29525/09]

The Government is proposing to introduce 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 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 1 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. Enterprise Ireland will be administering the scheme and they will determine whether a company meets the eligibility criteria of the scheme.

It is intended that a national steering committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the scheme comprising representatives of the relevant Government Departments and the Social Partners.

The Government is in discussions with the Social Partners with a view to implementing the Temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme over the coming period. It is intended to have the scheme in operation with the first tranche of payments being made to companies after the summer. The resourcing of this scheme will be determined by Government shortly.

Departmental Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

67 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding proposal 24 listed in annex D of budget 2009; the date the proposal will be fully completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29577/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

85 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 119 of the 28 of April 2009, the progress made in this area; the expected date by which she expects to have completed the amalgamation of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29583/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 85 together.

As the Deputy is aware, during the course of the budget speech last October, my colleague the Minister for Finance announced the merger of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority as part of the rationalisation of State Agencies. It is my intention to bring forward legislation during the course of 2009 to implement this merger.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

68 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment further to Parliamentary Question No. 1 of 10 June 2009 with regard to the FÁS training and community programmes listed, the courses offered in each category; the duration of each course; the location where each course is available; the annual capacity of each course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29920/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

108 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the courses offered with regard to the FÁS training and community programmes; the duration of each course; the location where each course is available; the annual capacity of each course; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29895/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 108 together.

The types of training programmes provided by FÁS across the Training Services, Community Services and Services to Business categories include Short courses, Traineeships, Bridging /Foundation courses, Return to Work Training Courses, Community Employment Schemes as well as more recent initiatives such as the Redundant Apprenticeship Rotation Scheme. Information on the range of training programmes offered by FÁS Training Services Division and Community Services Division by programme type, duration and potential beneficiaries are provided in tabular format.

FÁS training courses are delivered on a national basis. In terms of their specific location each of the eight FÁS regions, in consultation with the relevant regional stakeholders, develop appropriate plans regarding the location, delivery, range, mix and type of training courses appropriate to the needs of their region. Information on the precise location of individual courses can be accessed through the local FÁS employment services office. Information in regard to the full list of courses available under each category provided for by FÁS are available on the FÁS website.

FÁS Training Services Division and Services to Business Division

Programme

Programme Type

Typical Duration

Potential Beneficiaries (approx.)

Delivery Location

Bridging Foundation Training

Aimed at disadvantaged clients

8 to 20 weeks duration

4,643

Nationally

Return to Work Programme

Bridging Programme specifically for persons wishing to return to employment

10 weeks

855

Nationally

Specific Skills Training

Wide range of skills training with an appropriate vocational qualification

Vary in length the typical duration is 20 –26 weeks but it can be up to a maximum of 48 weeks

10,237

Nationally

Short Course Programme

Short Courses targeted at redundant persons with high employability

8 weeks

15,710

Nationally

Traineeship

Occupational specific and industry endorsed training

20 to 40 weeks

3,014

Nationally

Redundant Apprenticeship Training

Skills and knowledge training and assessment for apprentices

20 weeks

3,800

Nationally

Sponsored Training

Fee paying training provided by FÁS to companies for people in employment

Determined by the requirements of each skill set

2,512

Nationally

Evening Courses

Provided for unemployed persons and fee paying employed clients to upskill and obtain accreditation

10 weeks

30,448

Nationally

On-line learning

Training in a wide range of skills and knowledge for persons with access to PC

10 weeks

6,000

Nationally

Blended Learning

On-line learning with tutor support and workshops

10 weeks

6,949

Nationally

Work Placement Programme

A work placement programme for the unemployed including graduates. Participants on the scheme will retain their social welfare entitlements.

6 months

2000

Nationally

Short Time Working Training Programme

Will provide training to people on systematic short-time for the days they are not working

52 weeks

277

Nationally

FÁS Community Services Division

Programme

Programme Type

Typical Duration

Potential Beneficiaries (approx)

Delivery Location

Community Employment

Employment programme

3 years max under 55.6 years max for 55+1 extra year for persons with a disability

22,780

Nationally

Job Initiative (closed to new recruitment November 2004)

Employment programme

n/a

1,435

Nationally

Community Training Centres

Training programme

Varies depending on individual learning needs

2,300

Nationally

Local Training Initiatives

Training programme

1 year

2,100

Nationally

Specialist Training Providers

Training/Employment programme for persons with disabilities

18 months average

2,000

Nationally

Employability Services(formerly Supported Employment)

Training/Employment programme for persons with disabilities

18 months average

3,000

Nationally

Job Clubs

Training programme

Drop-in service, typically for 3 weeks average

7,800

Nationally

Special Initiative for Travellers

Training programme

18 months average

140

Nationally

Work Placement Programme.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

69 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the uptake of the work placement programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29921/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

70 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the uptake of the short time working programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29922/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together.

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 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.

The Short Time Training Programme will provide training and income support to 277 workers currently on systematic short time working. Under this programme workers who are on a three-day week and receiving social welfare payments for the days they are not working will receive two days training a week for a period of 52 weeks.

FÁS is in the process of allocating the places on this programme across a number of regions using either its Employment Services offices or its Local Services to Business Unit. To date 124 places have been allocated across two FÁS Regions. FÁS is continuing to explore a number of other possible inquiries 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.

Redundancy Payments.

Dan Neville

Question:

71 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will make a statement on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [28805/09]

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department received an application on 1 April, 2009 for a statutory redundancy lump sum payment in respect of the individual referred to. In instances where an employer is unable or refuses to pay the statutory lump sum as required in the first instance, my Department pays the statutory amount from the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) but, before doing so, the Department requires documentary evidence in support of the claim of inability to pay.

In all such cases, the employer is asked to provide to the Department a letter from his accountant or solicitor confirming inability to pay as well as other documentary evidence (i.e. audited accounts or statement of affairs) within 30 days of the Department's request. In this particular case, the necessary support documentation has now been supplied and the documents are currently being examined. Assuming the documentation is in order, it should be possible to issue payment in this case shortly.

Community Employment Schemes.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

72 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if a person, who was made unemployed 12 months ago but in the intervening time signed off for a few days and suspended their jobseeker’s payment for that short period, will qualify for community employment under current rules; and the way short periods of employment are treated in relation to eligibility for community employment. [28810/09]

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. CE helps unemployed people to re-enter the active workforce by breaking their experience of unemployment through a return to a work routine and to assist them to enhance-develop both their technical and personal skills.

The criteria for participating on the community employment programme are based on age and length of time in receipt of various social welfare payments. CE is not designed to cater for short-term unemployed persons as they are not as far removed from the open labour market as the main client group for the programme. To facilitate some short-term employment opportunities, breaks off the live register of up to 30 days are permissible with the 12-month eligibility period, while still maintaining eligibility for CE.

CE remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment. The programme is managed within this context, with consideration to the availability of resources and the needs of participants and the community.

FÁS provides a range programmes aimed specifically at the short-term unemployed, details of which are available from any FÁS Employment Services office, Local Employment Service offices or from the FÁS website www.fas.ie.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

73 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff employed by her Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part-time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by her Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; her proposals to close, amalgamate or expand her Department’s presence in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28849/09]

My Department does not have staff employed in County Louth.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

74 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in her Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to her Department; the contents of the proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28895/09]

At the commencement of its work, the special group on public service numbers and expenditure programmes, which is chaired by Mr. Colm McCarthy, invited my Department to submit an evaluation paper to the group, setting out the main areas of spending in my Department. This paper was submitted to the special group in January 2009 and included a number of options for potential savings within my Department's Vote. The group has recently submitted a report on its considerations of all Departmental Votes to the Minister for Finance, and the Minister will bring the report to Government in the near future. Decisions on the release of the report and associated documents will be made by Government in due course.

Employment Levels.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

75 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of employment in each county on a full-time and part-time basis for 2009; the breakdown of employment in each county on a full-time and part-time basis for each of the past ten years; the breakdown of employment for each county by sector and in relation to the type of employment for 2009; the breakdown of employment for each county by sector and in relation to the type of employment for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29235/09]

Data in respect of employment in agency assisted companies are collated by Forfás on an annual basis and accordingly data for 2009 will not be available until 2010.

The following tabular statements provide data for the period 1998 -2008 at regional and county level in respect of Permanent Full-Time employment and Temporary Part-Time Employment in enterprise agency assisted firms. In addition, tabular data is provided showing sectoral data at county and regional level. For reasons of confidentiality, it is not possible in some cases to provide the same level of detail at sectoral level for every county.

The data shows that at end 2008 the numbers employed in permanent full time employment, in enterprise agency assisted companies, stood at 297,098 which represents an increase of almost 4,000 in the ten year period. While we have seen a decrease of approximately 20,000 in the numbers employed in manufacturing, this has been more than offset by increases in the International and Financial Services sectors.

In addition to the Enterprise Agencies, the County Enterprise Boards play a pivotal role in stimulating local economic development and entrepreneurship and in developing, sustaining and growing the micro-enterprise sector (i.e. companies employing ten or less people). The boards can assist businesses in both the start-up and the expansion phases within this sector but they must, however, give priority to manufacturing and internationally traded services. The total net full-time jobs created in CEB assisted companies for the period 1993 (when the CEBs were established) to end 2008 is 33,811.

Overall employment levels in agency assisted companies have been relatively stable during the past decade, increasing 7.5% from 1998 to 2008. Using output per employee as an indicator, productivity increased two and a half times during the same period (2007 is the latest data available) demonstrating a significant shift toward higher value activities. In principle, higher productivity generates a higher return on investment. This positions Ireland well to attract business investment in the future, which in turn generates new employment opportunities and economic activity. This is borne out by the successes of IDA and EI client companies in 2008.

Strong, balanced regional development and a thriving culture of entrepreneurship in all parts of Ireland are key strategic objectives for my Department and the development agencies under its remit. I am satisfied that the policies and initiatives being pursued by the Industrial Development agencies and the CEBs will continue to bring about industrial development and employment opportunities for the regions.

Permanent Full-Time Employment in Enterprise Agency Assisted Companies by Region and County

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

All Regions

293,117

315,480

312,335

302,795

295,431

294,010

297,490

304,012

306,036

297,098

South East

28,884

28,914

29,325

29,645

29,775

29,300

28,784

29,653

30,710

29,445

Carlow

3,728

3,697

3,778

3,629

3,606

3,395

3,255

3,284

2,933

2,784

Kilkenny

3,676

3,768

3,879

4,224

3,846

3,768

3,927

3,958

4,067

3,797

Tipperary South Riding

4,257

4,669

5,000

5,158

4,899

4,965

5,012

5,043

5,870

6,135

Waterford

10,865

10,519

10,878

11,121

11,619

11,277

10,645

11,363

11,814

10,796

Wexford

6,358

6,261

5,790

5,513

5,805

5,895

5,945

6,005

6,026

5,933

Border

34,174

34,078

32,931

32,082

31,135

31,262

32,314

32,257

32,694

31,456

Cavan

5,165

5,242

5,335

5,829

6,080

6,401

6,974

6,983

7,511

7,888

Donegal

9,389

9,184

9,011

8,420

7,670

7,544

7,595

7,277

7,513

7,341

Leitrim

1,328

1,271

1,604

1,583

2,095

2,182

1,996

1,875

1,794

1,747

Louth

8,873

8,798

7,813

7,081

6,407

6,470

6,749

6,923

6,942

6,389

Monaghan

5,042

5,157

4,906

4,929

4,813

4,589

4,855

5,014

4,972

4,230

Sligo

4,377

4,426

4,262

4,240

4,070

4,076

4,145

4,185

3,962

3,861

Mid West

31,483

33,243

32,055

29,535

28,720

28,540

28,466

29,388

29,271

28,290

Clare

10,444

10,927

10,703

9,997

9,945

10,011

9,842

9,865

9,827

9,960

Limerick

16,813

17,807

17,044

15,581

14,935

14,813

14,969

15,867

15,704

14,817

Tipperary North Riding

4,226

4,509

4,308

3,957

3,840

3,716

3,655

3,656

3,740

3,513

South West

40,044

45,129

45,567

45,028

44,373

45,270

45,629

45,473

44,763

45,088

Cork

33,321

37,621

37,884

37,923

37,529

38,712

39,154

39,185

38,484

39,041

Kerry

6,723

7,508

7,683

7,105

6,844

6,558

6,475

6,288

6,279

6,047

Dublin

92,957

103,370

101,778

97,248

92,110

90,222

90,877

94,905

97,287

95,351

Dublin

92,957

103,370

101,778

97,248

92,110

90,222

90,877

94,905

97,287

95,351

West

26,594

29,073

29,149

27,290

27,362

27,618

28,785

28,932

28,877

28,025

Galway

16,694

18,784

18,474

17,222

17,347

17,983

18,983

19,071

19,022

18,702

Mayo

6,795

7,242

7,566

7,190

7,145

6,828

6,953

7,155

7,124

6,900

Roscommon

3,105

3,047

3,109

2,878

2,870

2,807

2,849

2,706

2,731

2,423

Mid East

26,506

29,138

28,967

29,215

29,435

29,391

29,199

29,615

28,585

26,381

Kildare

13,535

15,496

15,014

15,148

15,223

15,534

16,111

16,309

15,599

14,478

Meath

5,730

6,101

6,245

5,886

5,523

5,608

5,847

6,211

5,943

5,577

Wicklow

7,241

7,541

7,708

8,181

8,689

8,249

7,241

7,095

7,043

6,326

Midlands

12,475

12,535

12,563

12,752

12,521

12,407

13,436

13,789

13,849

13,062

Laois

1,745

1,611

1,733

1,664

1,634

1,436

1,534

1,649

1,621

1,495

Longford

2,228

2,210

2,323

2,130

2,403

2,508

2,785

2,758

2,789

2,708

Offaly

4,350

4,070

3,631

3,912

3,884

3,912

4,095

4,382

4,302

4,147

Westmeath

4,152

4,644

4,876

5,046

4,600

4,551

5,022

5,000

5,137

4,712

Temporary Part-Time Employment in Enterprise Agency Assisted Companies by Region and County

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

All Regions

34,390

36,084

32,791

33,151

34,337

36,512

36,500

36,350

35,230

30,871

South East

3,641

3,851

3,732

3,887

3,564

3,748

4,019

2,912

3,297

3,174

Carlow

420

524

475

369

299

303

227

238

246

181

Kilkenny

426

404

447

478

442

535

526

604

559

515

Tipperary South Riding

483

538

539

516

549

484

648

515

751

744

Waterford

1,748

1,895

1,851

2,058

1,791

1,868

2,052

1,114

1,287

1,232

Wexford

564

490

420

466

483

558

566

441

454

502

Border

4,186

4,358

4,533

4,215

4,250

4,270

4,197

3,990

3,595

3,070

Cavan

479

581

691

639

513

477

336

318

451

463

Donegal

1,862

2,085

2,143

1,951

2,033

2,136

2,106

1,704

1,570

988

Leitrim

121

90

114

181

121

154

223

231

88

181

Louth

1,097

925

680

731

969

901

945

1,063

814

806

Monaghan

289

257

425

382

275

202

320

359

326

290

Sligo

338

420

480

331

339

400

267

315

346

342

Mid West

1,033

2,139

1,917

1,416

2,357

2,870

3,021

3,110

3,529

2,159

Clare

72

964

602

446

721

702

805

598

878

728

Limerick

873

934

1,163

875

1,347

2,038

2,056

2,292

2,433

1,162

Tipperary North Riding

88

241

152

95

289

130

160

220

218

269

South West

5,685

6,411

5,565

6,492

6,298

6,294

6,116

6,762

6,428

5,869

Cork

4,721

5,281

4,497

5,546

5,355

5,291

5,088

5,546

5,372

4,963

Kerry

964

1,130

1,068

946

943

1,003

1,028

1,216

1,056

906

Dublin

10,634

9,619

8,267

9,109

9,162

9,721

10,734

10,259

9,334

9,443

Dublin

10,634

9,619

8,267

9,109

9,162

9,721

10,734

10,259

9,334

9,443

West

5,288

5,401

4,813

4,821

5,516

6,204

5,171

5,701

5,842

3,986

Galway

3,738

3,520

3,321

3,393

4,021

4,761

3,925

4,269

4,476

2,906

Mayo

1,346

1,691

1,345

1,323

1,425

1,324

1,159

1,277

1,249

978

Roscommon

204

190

147

105

70

119

87

155

117

102

Mid East

2,764

2,759

2,534

2,265

2,309

2,418

2,387

2,664

2,312

2,228

Kildare

1,181

1,185

853

695

753

921

1,242

1,324

1,109

941

Meath

722

729

838

855

660

723

556

688

502

544

Wicklow

861

845

843

715

896

774

589

652

701

743

Midlands

1,159

1,546

1,430

946

881

987

855

952

893

942

Laois

116

139

104

146

136

101

112

112

80

68

Longford

227

179

112

109

126

150

171

139

121

114

Offaly

400

492

664

315

303

294

271

308

261

348

Westmeath

416

736

550

376

316

442

301

393

431

412

Permanent Full-Time Employment By Region County and Sector

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

All Regions

293,117

315,480

312,335

302,795

295,431

294,010

297,490

304,012

306,036

297,098

Manufacturing & Industry

227,621

236,955

229,632

219,897

213,747

210,260

210,856

211,409

208,698

197,165

International Services

51,139

62,423

65,683

64,104

62,078

62,710

63,967

67,327

69,164

70,418

Financial & Other Services

11,676

13,390

14,281

16,000

16,912

18,494

20,017

22,588

25,415

26,832

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

2,681

2,712

2,739

2,794

2,694

2,546

2,650

2,688

2,759

2,683

South East

All Sectors

28,884

28,914

29,325

29,645

29,775

29,300

28,784

29,653

30,710

29,445

Manufacturing & Industry

27,082

27,020

27,125

26,845

26,386

25,717

25,161

25,570

25,739

24,481

International Services

1,030

1,163

1,410

1,807

1,993

2,059

2,045

2,334

2,906

2,797

Financial & Other Services

167

170

239

370

764

862

945

1,095

1,355

1,404

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

605

561

551

623

632

662

633

654

710

763

Carlow

All Sectors

3,728

3,697

3,778

3,629

3,606

3,395

3,255

3,284

2,933

2,784

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

3,607

3,545

3,589

3,461

3,433

3,225

3,091

3,091

2,781

2,626

International Financial & Other Services

121

152

189

168

173

170

164

193

152

158

Kilkenny

All Sectors

3,676

3,768

3,879

4,224

3,846

3,768

3,927

3,958

4,067

3,797

Manufacturing & Industry

3,169

3,309

3,361

3,533

3,109

2,911

2,982

2,977

2,957

2,697

International Services

283

244

237

379

417

482

477

497

528

514

Financial & Other Services

15

17

90

137

143

207

288

305

398

401

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

209

198

191

175

177

168

180

179

184

185

Tipperary South Riding

All Sectors

4,257

4,669

5,000

5,158

4,899

4,965

5,012

5,043

5,870

6,135

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

4,073

4,442

4,777

4,876

4,615

4,709

4,825

4,892

5,719

6,007

International Services

144

189

186

241

243

215

142

105

105

83

Financial & Other Services

40

38

37

41

41

41

45

46

46

45

Waterford

All Sectors

10,865

10,519

10,878

11,121

11,619

11,277

10,645

11,363

11,814

10,796

Manufacturing & Industry

10,474

10,033

10,196

10,225

10,588

10,191

9,457

9,832

9,652

8,668

International Services

277

380

580

779

939

981

1,072

1,363

1,912

1,847

Financial & Other Services

67

69

69

54

35

53

75

116

191

216

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

47

37

33

63

57

52

41

52

59

65

Wexford

All Sectors

6,358

6,261

5,790

5,513

5,805

5,895

5,945

6,005

6,026

5,933

Manufacturing & Industry

5,933

5,870

5,395

5,007

4,891

4,934

5,074

5,063

4,933

4,869

International Services

220

213

232

254

235

211

190

216

257

245

Financial & Other Services

30

31

29

124

531

561

537

588

672

692

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

175

147

134

128

148

189

144

138

164

127

Border

All Sectors

34,174

34,078

32,931

32,082

31,135

31,262

32,314

32,257

32,694

31,456

Manufacturing & Industry

32,049

31,680

29,979

28,560

26,751

26,494

27,022

26,288

25,832

23,761

International Services

1,033

1,284

1,859

1,995

2,745

3,029

3,180

3,376

3,576

3,763

Financial & Other Services

421

474

450

958

1,129

1,301

1,582

2,051

2,657

3,324

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

671

640

643

569

510

438

530

542

629

608

Cavan

All Sectors

5,165

5,242

5,335

5,829

6,080

6,401

6,974

6,983

7,511

7,888

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

5,084

5,155

5,264

5,310

5,414

5,590

5,984

5,749

5,883

5,752

International Services

54

60

46

48

48

42

36

35

33

23

Financial & Other Services

27

27

25

471

618

769

954

1,199

1,595

2,113

Donegal

All Sectors

9,389

9,184

9,011

8,420

7,670

7,544

7,595

7,277

7,513

7,341

Manufacturing & Industry

8,502

8,050

7,559

6,865

5,911

5,660

5,339

4,916

4,977

4,639

International Services

337

545

861

937

1,125

1,229

1,523

1,558

1,704

1,795

Financial & Other Services

300

326

315

364

379

395

454

510

562

664

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

250

263

276

254

255

260

279

293

270

243

Leitrim

All Sectors

1,328

1,271

1,604

1,583

2,095

2,182

1,996

1,875

1,794

1,747

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

1,299

1,240

1,237

1,097

1,103

1,032

1,023

987

917

828

International Financial & Other Services

29

31

367

486

992

1,150

973

888

877

919

Louth

All Sectors

8,873

8,798

7,813

7,081

6,407

6,470

6,749

6,923

6,942

6,389

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

8,495

8,397

7,492

6,788

6,063

6,089

6,297

6,234

6,048

5,400

International Financial & Other Services

378

401

321

293

344

381

452

689

894

989

Monaghan

All Sectors

5,042

5,157

4,906

4,929

4,813

4,589

4,855

5,014

4,972

4,230

Manufacturing & Industry

4,543

4,658

4,416

4,514

4,410

4,254

4,474

4,673

4,557

3,777

International Services

98

89

91

90

99

96

85

91

106

99

Financial & Other Services

72

100

97

91

97

96

98

80

86

98

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

329

310

302

234

207

143

198

170

223

256

Sligo

All Sectors

4,377

4,426

4,262

4,240

4,070

4,076

4,145

4,185

3,962

3,861

Manufacturing & Industry

4,218

4,247

4,076

4,067

3,898

3,904

3,958

3,808

3,586

3,474

International Financial & Other Services

159

179

186

173

172

172

187

377

376

387

Mid West

All Sectors

31,483

33,243

32,055

29,535

28,720

28,540

28,466

29,388

29,271

28,290

Manufacturing & Industry

27,353

28,652

27,009

24,434

23,879

23,723

23,603

24,198

23,806

22,945

International Services

2,450

2,723

3,017

2,997

2,666

2,708

2,728

3,020

3,267

3,082

Financial & Other Services

1,609

1,803

1,971

2,032

2,098

2,034

2,078

2,115

2,137

2,204

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

71

65

58

72

77

75

57

55

61

59

Clare

All Sectors

10,444

10,927

10,703

9,997

9,945

10,011

9,842

9,865

9,827

9,960

Manufacturing & Industry

8,001

8,116

7,758

6,906

6,893

6,903

6,827

6,680

6,654

6,712

International Services

1,002

1,191

1,173

1,249

1,152

1,210

1,112

1,255

1,336

1,367

Financial & Other Services

1,373

1,572

1,733

1,786

1,844

1,846

1,864

1,892

1,811

1,855

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

68

48

39

56

56

52

39

38

26

26

Limerick

All Sectors

16,813

17,807

17,044

15,581

14,935

14,813

14,969

15,867

15,704

14,817

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

15,309

16,220

15,152

13,786

13,368

13,242

13,249

13,986

13,557

12,853

International Services

1,411

1,499

1,797

1,702

1,466

1,451

1,572

1,732

1,897

1,688

Financial & Other Services

93

88

95

93

101

120

148

149

250

276

Tipperary North Riding

All Sectors

4,226

4,509

4,308

3,957

3,840

3,716

3,655

3,656

3,740

3,513

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

4,046

4,333

4,118

3,758

3,639

3,601

3,545

3,549

3,630

3,413

International Financial & Other Services

180

176

190

199

201

115

110

107

110

100

South West

All Sectors

40,044

45,129

45,567

45,028

44,373

45,270

45,629

45,473

44,763

45,088

Manufacturing & Industry

34,517

37,997

37,817

36,867

36,142

36,297

36,340

35,672

34,983

34,373

International Services

4,024

5,416

6,007

6,345

6,388

7,121

7,427

7,788

7,943

8,582

Financial & Other Services

1,266

1,459

1,490

1,565

1,588

1,615

1,643

1,805

1,686

2,028

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

237

257

253

251

255

237

219

208

151

105

Cork

All Sectors

33,321

37,621

37,884

37,923

37,529

38,712

39,154

39,185

38,484

39,041

Manufacturing & Industry

29,274

32,268

31,940

31,591

31,133

31,563

31,709

31,238

30,415

30,093

International Services

3,474

4,709

5,275

5,620

5,653

6,390

6,683

7,074

7,189

7,798

Financial & Other Services

479

551

566

599

628

645

649

774

817

1,099

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

94

93

103

113

115

114

113

99

63

51

Kerry

All Sectors

6,723

7,508

7,683

7,105

6,844

6,558

6,475

6,288

6,279

6,047

Manufacturing & Industry

5,243

5,729

5,877

5,276

5,009

4,734

4,631

4,434

4,568

4,280

International Services

550

707

732

725

735

731

744

714

754

784

Financial & Other Services

787

908

924

966

960

970

994

1,031

869

929

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

143

164

150

138

140

123

106

109

88

54

Dublin

All Sectors

92,957

103,370

101,778

97,248

92,110

90,222

90,877

94,905

97,287

95,351

Manufacturing & Industry

49,600

51,130

47,057

43,672

41,519

39,202

37,681

37,777

37,960

35,044

International Services

36,289

43,903

45,868

43,855

40,698

40,112

41,303

43,700

43,922

44,778

Financial & Other Services

7,005

8,248

8,759

9,618

9,787

10,796

11,763

13,329

15,299

15,403

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

63

89

94

103

106

112

130

99

106

126

West

All Sectors

26,594

29,073

29,149

27,290

27,362

27,618

28,785

28,932

28,877

28,025

Manufacturing & Industry

22,689

24,479

24,384

22,665

22,567

22,664

23,610

23,572

23,127

22,084

International Services

2,578

3,200

3,225

3,127

3,231

3,308

3,428

3,505

3,812

3,865

Financial & Other Services

750

764

848

830

906

1,048

1,085

1,135

1,225

1,395

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

577

630

692

668

658

598

662

720

713

681

Galway

All Sectors

16,694

18,784

18,474

17,222

17,347

17,983

18,983

19,071

19,022

18,702

Manufacturing & Industry

13,679

15,324

14,931

13,853

13,885

14,388

15,149

15,163

14,914

14,370

International Services

2,139

2,556

2,550

2,423

2,512

2,532

2,729

2,782

2,942

3,060

Financial & Other Services

551

572

649

643

695

826

850

869

905

1,038

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

325

332

344

303

255

237

255

257

261

234

Mayo

All Sectors

6,795

7,242

7,566

7,190

7,145

6,828

6,953

7,155

7,124

6,900

Manufacturing & Industry

5,988

6,264

6,491

6,068

5,979

5,670

5,824

5,903

5,726

5,539

International Services

385

565

606

640

648

694

612

649

750

688

Financial & Other Services

173

160

167

170

170

157

164

192

246

279

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

249

253

302

312

348

307

353

411

402

394

Roscommon

All Sectors

3,105

3,047

3,109

2,878

2,870

2,807

2,849

2,706

2,731

2,423

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

3,025

2,936

3,008

2,797

2,758

2,660

2,691

2,558

2,537

2,228

International, Financial & Other Services

80

111

101

81

112

147

158

148

194

195

Mid East

All Sectors

26,506

29,138

28,967

29,215

29,435

29,391

29,199

29,615

28,585

26,381

Manufacturing & Industry

22,922

24,769

25,047

25,462

25,422

25,289

25,614

26,009

25,073

22,988

International Services

2,983

3,722

3,308

3,048

3,337

3,213

2,636

2,540

2,482

2,315

Financial & Other Services

406

429

408

428

434

631

702

812

794

889

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

195

218

204

277

242

258

247

254

236

189

Kildare

All Sectors

13,535

15,496

15,014

15,148

15,223

15,534

16,111

16,309

15,599

14,478

Manufacturing & Industry

12,056

13,693

13,383

13,770

13,843

14,030

14,495

14,565

13,876

12,801

International Services

1,272

1,584

1,427

1,096

1,122

1,115

1,170

1,266

1,231

1,141

Financial & Other Services

126

140

136

140

146

273

337

368

385

438

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

81

79

68

142

112

116

109

110

107

98

Meath

All Sectors

5,730

6,101

6,245

5,886

5,523

5,608

5,847

6,211

5,943

5,577

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

5,284

5,514

5,692

5,343

5,017

4,995

5,136

5,451

5,236

4,830

International Services

274

423

412

383

329

398

500

470

442

460

Financial & Other Services

172

164

141

160

177

215

211

290

265

287

Wicklow

All Sectors

7,241

7,541

7,708

8,181

8,689

8,249

7,241

7,095

7,043

6,326

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

5,696

5,701

6,108

6,484

6,692

6,406

6,121

6,137

6,090

5,448

International Services

1,437

1,715

1,469

1,569

1,886

1,700

966

804

809

714

Financial & Other Services

108

125

131

128

111

143

154

154

144

164

International, Financial & Other Services

57

119

46

6

8

26

46

46

73

114

Westmeath

All Sectors

4,152

4,644

4,876

5,046

4,600

4,551

5,022

5,000

5,137

4,712

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

3,589

3,898

4,063

4,124

3,590

3,408

3,816

3,983

3,925

3,606

International Services

529

716

782

789

860

996

1,060

836

1,012

957

Financial & Other Services

34

28

28

130

148

144

143

178

197

147

Midlands

All Sectors

12,475

12,535

12,563

12,752

12,521

12,407

13,436

13,789

13,849

13,062

Manufacturing & Industry

11,409

11,228

11,214

11,392

11,081

10,874

11,825

12,323

12,178

11,489

International Services

752

1,012

989

930

1,020

1,160

1,220

1,064

1,256

1,236

Financial & Other Services

52

43

116

199

206

207

219

246

262

185

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

262

252

244

231

214

166

172

156

153

152

Laois

All Sectors

1,745

1,611

1,733

1,664

1,634

1,436

1,534

1,649

1,621

1,495

Manufacturing & Industry

1,554

1,409

1,472

1,409

1,409

1,213

1,299

1,386

1,355

1,229

International, Financial & Other Services

58

68

131

120

98

101

107

138

139

136

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

133

134

130

135

127

122

128

125

127

130

Longford

All Sectors

2,228

2,210

2,323

2,130

2,403

2,508

2,785

2,758

2,789

2,708

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

2,102

2,086

2,205

2,046

2,291

2,408

2,702

2,646

2,692

2,641

International, Financial & Other Services

126

124

118

84

112

100

83

112

97

67

Offaly

All Sectors

4,350

4,070

3,631

3,912

3,884

3,912

4,095

4,382

4,302

4,147

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

4,293

3,951

3,585

3,906

3,876

3,886

4,049

4,336

4,229

4,033

International, Financial & Other Services

57

119

46

6

8

26

46

46

73

114

Westmeath

All Sectors

4,152

4,644

4,876

5,046

4,600

4,551

5,022

5,000

5,137

4,712

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

3,589

3,898

4,063

4,124

3,590

3,408

3,816

3,983

3,925

3,606

International Services

529

716

782

789

860

996

1,060

836

1,012

957

Financial & Other Services

34

28

28

130

148

144

143

178

197

147

Temporary Part-Time Employment in Agency Assisted Companies by Region County and Sector

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

All Regions

All Sectors

34,390

36,084

32,791

33,151

34,337

36,512

36,500

36,350

35,230

30,871

Manufacturing & Industry

23,085

24,391

21,423

21,180

21,130

22,160

22,577

22,053

21,275

17,762

International Services

7,695

7,558

7,196

7,680

8,761

9,608

8,928

9,287

8,628

9,269

Financial & Other Services

1,973

2,324

2,398

2,554

2,706

3,090

3,338

3,411

4,037

3,156

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

1,637

1,811

1,774

1,737

1,740

1,654

1,657

1,599

1,290

684

South East

All Sectors

3,641

3,851

3,732

3,887

3,564

3,748

4,019

2,912

3,297

3,174

Manufacturing & Industry

3,410

3,478

3,292

3,203

2,852

3,074

3,312

2,389

2,683

2,297

International Services

153

296

329

540

555

481

512

304

453

713

Financial & Other Services

16

18

40

57

73

110

87

103

79

65

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

62

59

71

87

84

83

108

116

82

99

Carlow

All Sectors

420

524

475

369

299

303

227

238

246

181

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

349

433

388

290

244

286

211

224

236

170

International Financial & Other Services

71

91

87

79

55

17

16

14

10

11

Kilkenny

All Sectors

426

404

447

478

442

535

526

604

559

515

Manufacturing & Industry

396

365

369

329

314

352

361

375

353

337

International Services

18

29

19

62

15

82

79

110

110

91

Financial & Other Services

2

32

45

66

58

31

43

50

38

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

10

10

27

42

47

43

55

76

46

49

Tipperary South Riding

All Sectors

483

538

539

516

549

484

648

515

751

744

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

454

499

497

477

513

442

620

493

718

704

International Services

28

37

37

34

31

39

25

21

32

39

Financial & Other Services

1

2

5

5

5

3

3

1

1

1

Waterford

All Sectors

1,748

1,895

1,851

2,058

1,791

1,868

2,052

1,114

1,287

1,232

Manufacturing & Industry

1,679

1,709

1,645

1,675

1,355

1,519

1,671

928

979

652

International Services

19

129

168

340

401

267

291

98

259

526

Financial & Other Services

13

14

2

4

1

48

52

58

24

23

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

37

43

36

39

34

34

38

30

25

31

Wexford

All Sectors

564

490

420

466

483

558

566

441

454

502

Manufacturing & Industry

541

478

400

437

428

480

460

378

407

450

International Services

17

10

18

25

53

76

101

61

45

49

Financial & Other Services

2

1

3

1

1

1

1

1

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

6

1

1

1

1

4

1

1

3

Border

All Sectors

4,186

4,358

4,533

4,215

4,250

4,270

4,197

3,990

3,595

3,070

Manufacturing & Industry

3,321

3,430

3,539

3,307

3,224

2,993

2,839

2,528

2,149

1,856

International Services

226

168

248

234

325

522

570

669

505

607

Financial & Other Services

355

462

446

389

413

475

513

587

793

492

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

284

298

300

285

288

280

275

206

148

115

Cavan

All Sectors

479

581

691

639

513

477

336

318

451

463

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

428

537

645

624

498

457

313

295

271

193

International Services

30

22

23

1

Financial & Other Services

21

22

23

15

15

20

23

23

180

269

Donegal

All Sectors

1,862

2,085

2,143

1,951

2,033

2,136

2,106

1,704

1,570

988

Manufacturing & Industry

1,232

1,335

1,362

1,276

1,317

1,284

1,202

806

716

571

International Services

30

47

85

70

71

154

198

211

176

162

Financial & Other Services

322

426

413

344

367

424

440

493

548

171

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

278

277

283

261

278

274

266

194

130

84

Leitrim

All Sectors

121

90

114

181

121

154

223

231

88

181

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

119

87

77

163

82

121

147

138

74

76

International Financial & Other Services

2

3

37

18

39

33

76

93

14

105

Louth

All Sectors

1,097

925

680

731

969

901

945

1,063

814

806

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

945

848

608

600

762

587

635

690

515

498

International Financial & Other Services

152

77

72

131

207

314

310

373

299

308

Monaghan

All Sectors

289

257

425

382

275

202

320

359

326

290

Manufacturing & Industry

274

230

401

354

258

189

309

339

310

266

International Services

1

2

5

8

5

4

5

7

10

4

Financial & Other Services

9

8

6

5

2

3

3

7

2

6

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

5

17

13

15

10

6

3

6

4

14

Sligo

All Sectors

338

420

480

331

339

400

267

315

346

342

Manufacturing & Industry

324

397

450

299

307

355

239

266

277

269

International Financial & Other Services

14

23

30

32

32

45

28

49

69

73

Mid West

All Sectors

1,033

2,139

1,917

1,416

2,357

2,870

3,021

3,110

3,529

2,159

Manufacturing & Industry

918

1,672

1,294

761

1,568

2,108

2,245

2,588

2,899

1,656

International Services

115

215

438

440

524

488

513

406

410

353

Financial & Other Services

235

173

211

260

272

250

104

209

138

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

17

12

4

5

2

13

12

11

12

Clare

All Sectors

72

964

602

446

721

702

805

598

878

728

Manufacturing & Industry

72

666

395

179

316

423

484

485

603

583

International Services

85

68

78

154

28

95

42

98

61

Financial & Other Services

208

128

185

246

249

223

70

175

82

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

5

11

4

5

2

3

1

2

2

Limerick

All Sectors

873

934

1,163

875

1,347

2,038

2,056

2,292

2,433

1,162

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

758

779

749

513

963

1,555

1,613

1,899

2,096

823

International Services

115

129

369

361

370

460

418

364

310

291

Financial & Other Services

26

45

1

14

23

25

29

27

48

Tipperary North Riding

All Sectors

88

241

152

95

289

130

160

220

218

269

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

88

239

151

69

289

130

158

215

209

260

International Financial & Other Services

2

1

26

2

5

9

9

South West

All Sectors

5,685

6,411

5,565

6,492

6,298

6,294

6,116

6,762

6,428

5,869

Manufacturing & Industry

4,347

4,993

4,016

5,122

4,649

4,605

4,491

4,788

4,376

3,827

International Services

893

876

930

758

985

1,033

918

1,216

1,343

1,375

Financial & Other Services

328

411

483

489

511

524

576

632

641

620

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

117

131

136

123

153

132

131

126

68

47

Cork

All Sectors

4,721

5,281

4,497

5,546

5,355

5,291

5,088

5,546

5,372

4,963

Manufacturing & Industry

3,677

4,294

3,425

4,646

4,228

4,081

3,958

4,209

3,905

3,441

International Services

857

809

821

683

859

942

849

1,047

1,201

1,299

Financial & Other Services

148

140

206

189

220

212

225

238

253

217

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

39

38

45

28

48

56

56

52

13

6

Kerry

All Sectors

964

1,130

1,068

946

943

1,003

1,028

1,216

1,056

906

Manufacturing & Industry

670

699

591

476

421

524

533

579

471

386

International Services

36

67

109

75

126

91

69

169

142

76

Financial & Other Services

180

271

277

300

291

312

351

394

388

403

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

78

93

91

95

105

76

75

74

55

41

Dublin

All Sectors

10,634

9,619

8,267

9,109

9,162

9,721

10,734

10,259

9,334

9,443

Manufacturing & Industry

4,534

4,266

3,634

3,858

3,466

3,287

4,405

3,754

3,289

3,062

International Services

5,403

4,809

4,087

4,619

5,024

5,561

5,353

5,471

4,786

5,080

Financial & Other Services

690

538

540

621

657

860

964

1,021

1,250

1,293

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

7

6

6

11

15

13

12

13

9

8

West

All Sectors

5,288

5,401

4,813

4,821

5,516

6,204

5,171

5,701

5,842

3,986

Manufacturing & Industry

3,301

3,107

2,445

2,376

2,947

3,374

2,803

3,274

3,414

2,592

International Services

461

509

590

647

778

1,015

524

552

559

586

Financial & Other Services

467

532

579

638

654

721

762

783

921

429

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

1,059

1,253

1,199

1,160

1,137

1,094

1,082

1,092

948

379

Galway

All Sectors

3,738

3,520

3,321

3,393

4,021

4,761

3,925

4,269

4,476

2,906

Manufacturing & Industry

2,199

1,769

1,543

1,667

2,268

2,664

2,193

2,511

2,579

1,772

International Services

424

460

527

512

504

788

370

358

452

486

Financial & Other Services

311

367

395

418

449

545

600

633

663

348

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

804

924

856

796

800

764

762

767

782

300

Mayo

All Sectors

1,346

1,691

1,345

1,323

1,425

1,324

1,159

1,277

1,249

978

Manufacturing & Industry

910

1,165

779

618

623

607

539

621

732

735

International Services

30

43

56

123

260

211

138

184

95

87

Financial & Other Services

151

155

169

220

205

176

162

149

256

79

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

255

328

341

362

337

330

320

323

166

77

Roscommon

All Sectors

204

190

147

105

70

119

87

155

117

102

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

192

174

125

93

56

103

71

144

103

87

International, Financial & Other Services

12

16

22

12

14

16

16

11

14

15

Mid East

All Sectors

2,764

2,759

2,534

2,265

2,309

2,418

2,387

2,664

2,312

2,228

Manufacturing & Industry

2,203

1,983

1,939

1,736

1,681

1,868

1,790

1,976

1,802

1,748

International Services

374

619

435

364

482

418

438

541

402

365

Financial & Other Services

114

123

133

126

116

102

132

115

86

95

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

73

34

27

39

30

30

27

32

22

20

Kildare

All Sectors

1,181

1,185

853

695

753

921

1,242

1,324

1,109

941

Manufacturing & Industry

1,037

868

768

583

555

745

973

1,015

926

756

International Services

91

266

50

55

146

121

207

261

149

150

Financial & Other Services

10

21

15

23

25

28

38

23

18

18

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

43

30

20

34

27

27

24

25

16

17

Meath

All Sectors

722

729

838

855

660

723

556

688

502

544

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

542

564

633

655

555

573

413

542

331

422

International Services

149

137

168

170

84

126

108

112

128

103

Financial & Other Services

31

28

37

30

21

24

35

34

43

19

Wicklow

All Sectors

861

845

843

715

896

774

589

652

701

743

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

654

555

545

503

574

553

407

426

551

573

International Services

134

216

217

139

252

171

123

168

125

112

Financial & Other Services

73

74

81

73

70

50

59

58

25

58

Midlands

All Sectors

1,159

1,546

1,430

946

881

987

855

952

893

942

Manufacturing & Industry

1,051

1,462

1,264

817

743

851

692

756

663

724

International Services

70

66

139

78

88

90

100

128

170

190

Financial & Other Services

3

5

4

23

22

26

54

66

58

24

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

35

13

23

28

28

20

9

2

2

4

Laois

All Sectors

116

139

104

146

136

101

112

112

80

68

Manufacturing & Industry

87

133

88

118

105

72

84

88

35

36

International, Financial & Other Services

4

4

6

14

17

22

22

24

45

31

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Mining

25

2

10

14

14

7

6

1

Longford

All Sectors

227

179

112

109

126

150

171

139

121

114

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

216

167

102

92

119

140

156

125

110

108

International, Financial & Other Services

11

12

10

17

7

10

15

14

11

6

Offaly

All Sectors

400

492

664

315

303

294

271

308

261

348

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

390

487

658

293

281

271

220

260

208

308

International, Financial & Other Services

10

5

6

22

22

23

51

48

53

40

Westmeath

All Sectors

416

736

550

376

316

442

301

393

431

412

Manufacturing & Industry & Agri

368

685

428

327

252

380

234

284

311

275

International Services

48

48

119

46

63

58

62

96

109

133

Financial & Other Services

2

2

2

1

3

4

12

10

4

Employment Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

76 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of fully trained and deployed labour inspectors with the National Employment Rights Authority; the number of inspectors currently in training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29250/09]

The National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) currently has in place a team of 77 Inspectors. One of these is currently on maternity leave and is not, therefore, available for inspections and associated duties.

All new inspectors are required to complete the NERA Inspection Services Introductory Training Programme and to undertake further training, including on-the-job training with experienced inspectors. This involves working with experienced inspectors in carrying out inspections and other associated enquiries at places of work with a view to determining compliance with certain employment rights legislation. All inspectors have completed the Introductory Training Programme and are fully operational.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

77 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff in her Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of her Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29309/09]

There have been 32 applications for the incentivised career break scheme within my Department. There have been 21 applications so far for the incentivised scheme for early retirement (ISER) within my Department; however, the closing date for applications for this scheme is 1 September 2009. No staff of the Department have been made redundant in the past 12 months.

The following information is in respect of applications received to date within the agencies under the aegis of my Department.

Agency/Body

Career Break Scheme

ISER

FÁS

23

20

Enterprise Ireland

0

1

Forfás

1

1

IDA Ireland

4

4

National Standards Authority of Ireland

3

0

Science Foundation Ireland

0

0

Shannon Free Airport Development Co. Ltd.

0

2

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority

0

0

County Enterprise Boards

1

2

The Health and Safety Authority

6

0

The Competition Authority

4

0

The National Consumer Agency

2

0

Personal Injuries Assessment Board

0

1

*Intertrade Ireland

0

0

*No information was received from Intertrade Ireland on the uptake of either scheme.

Redundancy

FÁS

42 fixed-term contract staff had their contracts terminated early in January 2009, 11 of the 42 received redundancy payments.

Community Employment Schemes.

Joan Burton

Question:

78 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will provide a breakdown for 2005 to date in 2009, on a county basis, of the number of recipients of one parent family allowance from the Department of Social and Family Affairs on employment schemes and the type of scheme; if she will further provide, in respect of community employment schemes, an analysis of the time spent on schemes by participants registered in each year between 2005 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29324/09]

FÁS as an agency of my Department operates the Community Employment (CE) and Job Initiative (JI) schemes. Community Employment (CE) is an active labour market programme designed to provide eligible long term unemployed people and other disadvantaged persons (including those with a disability) with an opportunity to engage in useful work within their communities on a fixed term basis.

The Job Initiative Programme (JI) was launched in July 1996 and provides full time employment for people who are 35 years of age or over, unemployed for five 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.

The number of recipients of One Parent Family Payment (OPFP) on both Community Employment (CE) and Job Initiative (JI) are provided in the following tables:

Number of OPFP Participants on Community Employment, by Location

Location

07/07/2009

Y/E 2008

Y/E 2007

Y/E 2006

Y/E 2005

Dublin

1,819

1,949

2,100

2,171

2,413

Carlow

75

82

73

67

73

Cavan

38

39

31

32

32

Clare

103

107

123

108

116

Cork

413

451

426

471

514

Donegal

185

195

193

175

172

Galway

197

183

161

148

176

Kerry

183

197

186

159

177

Kildare

136

133

135

134

146

Kilkenny

78

78

75

81

70

Laois

59

55

51

57

62

Leitrim

13

14

24

24

21

Limerick

246

236

245

270

303

Longford

64

70

69

66

65

Louth

209

209

208

200

232

Mayo

113

121

112

128

115

Meath

90

80

88

93

96

Monaghan

57

65

78

58

59

Offaly

56

63

67

73

63

Roscommon

33

37

40

37

36

Sligo

72

70

82

92

95

Tipperary

177

180

182

178

179

Waterford

112

112

141

141

157

Westmeath

86

94

103

99

122

Wexford

181

175

158

159

173

Wicklow

157

155

143

133

159

Total

4,952

5,150

5,294

5,354

5,826

Number of OPFP Participants on Job Initiative, by Location

Location

07/07/2009

Y/E 2008

Y/E 2007

Y/E 2006

Y/E 2005

Dublin

193

196

208

222

245

Carlow

2

2

2

2

2

Cavan

5

5

6

6

7

Clare

10

12

13

13

13

Cork

15

17

17

17

21

Donegal

13

13

13

15

17

Galway

9

9

9

1

9

Kildare

7

7

7

7

7

Limerick

41

43

44

45

45

Louth

16

16

18

23

26

Mayo

1

1

1

1

2

Monaghan

7

7

7

9

10

Offaly

2

2

2

2

2

Sligo

2

2

2

2

3

Tipperary

1

1

1

1

1

Waterford

3

4

4

4

4

Westmeath

10

10

10

10

10

Wexford

4

3

3

0

3

Wicklow

2

2

2

2

2

Total

343

352

369

382

429

An analysis of the time spent on schemes by participants registered in each year between 2005 and 2009 is provided in the following CE Completed Years Duration table.

This table has been compiled based on those participants present on the system as at year-end (except where otherwise stated). Persons who have not exhausted their maximum duration on CE and who continue for a further year (or years) will show in the next calendar year's figures i.e. a person listed as having completed less than one year in 2006 and who continues on CE to date will be shown in the 1+ years' row of the 2007 column and the 2+ years' row of the 2008 column.

Figures for 2005 are unavailable at such short notice and will be provided to the Deputy at a later date.

CE Completed Years Durations

Completed Years

Y/E 2006

Y/E 2007

Y/E 2008

30/06/2009

<1

8,078

7,927

6,524

6,772

1+

5,745

5,283

5,078

5,352

2+

4,642

3,903

4,108

3,745

3+

1,271

2,385

2,411

2,288

4+

654

709

1,469

1,296

5+

385

428

857

849

6+

79

209

638

473

7+

17

57

381

327

Grand Total

20,871

20,901

21,466

21,102

CE Figures excluding Supervisors.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

79 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional FÁS courses and post leaving certificate courses that have been organised in south Tipperary in order to handle the huge increase of people who are unemployed in the area. [29370/09]

Unemployment is increasing across the country due to the downturn in the economy and this has impacted on South Tipperary area also. This situation is unwelcome and I share the Deputy's concern in the matter.

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.

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 Programmewill 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.

FÁS is currently providing a number of up-skilling and employment programmes in South Tipperary which is resulting in over 920 people receiving training. Between now and the end of the year FÁS anticipates that a further 12 training courses will commence in South Tipperary, varying in duration from 5 to 27 weeks. This represents a substantial training commitment in the region.

The Department of Education and Science has responsibility for governing post leaving certificate courses. The Department recently announced that it would be providing an additional 1,500 post leaving certificate (PLC) places, which will be available from September, 2009. Of these, ten additional PLC places were allocated to South Tipperary VEC. That brings the total allocation of PLC places for South Tipperary VEC to 280 and demonstrates the Government's continuing priority to support those who have lost their jobs through retraining and education.

EU Regulations.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

80 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reviews that her Department has undertaken of the application of the EU Regulation 2064/97 in respect of EU funding grants; and if her Department has made reference to the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29379/09]

My Department has not undertaken any reviews of the application of EU Regulation 2064/97.

Redundancy Payments.

Tom Hayes

Question:

81 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the length of time employers have to wait to receive their rebate of payment of statutory redundancy; the maximum waiting time for payment; the number of staff that are allocated to this task; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29381/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

88 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her target for the payment of redundancy rebates to employers following the receipt of a correctly completed return in writing and electronically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29595/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 81 and 88 together.

Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed online is six months while claims submitted by post are taking seven months. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is currently processing applications filed online from December 2009 and, those submitted by post from November 2009. In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the current processing time, assuming all of the necessary supporting documentation is filed, is between six to eight weeks.

Given the unprecedented increase in redundancy payment claims lodged with my Department in late 2008 and to date in 2009, it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics for the first half of 2009 showing the number of new claims lodged with my Department at 42,724 which exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607) and 2008 was, of itself, an exceptional year as compared with earlier years when claims received were of the order of 25,000 or less.

Efforts have and continue to be made by the Tánaiste and I to deliver acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include:

the reassignment of 19.7 additional staff (full time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the Redundancy Payments area since early 2009 with ongoing review of trends and demands; the current number of staff serving in the Redundancy Payments Section in terms of full time equivalents is 40.2;

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;

engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners.

The Tánaiste and I are arranging for the urgent reallocation within the Department of further additional resources to the area as well as the possibility of securing additional resources from other Government Departments.

Employment Support Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

82 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will report on her meeting with Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Commissioner Spidla to discuss accessing funds from the European Globalisation Fund to help retrain workers from two companies (details supplied) who have lost their jobs; the total level of funding available per worker; the way it will be allocated to workers; and when these workers will be able to access this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29386/09]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

105 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of funding that has been secured from the European Globalisation Fund to help retrain workers from a company (details supplied) at Dublin Airport; the amount of funding that will be allocated in total and per worker; the mechanism that will be used to allocate funding to employees; when the funding will be disbursed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29827/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 105 together.

At our meeting last week Commissioner Spidla reiterated that the Commission would give applications submitted from Ireland for support from the European Globalisation Fund every consideration.

In line with the revised eligibility conditions that now govern funding provided from the European Globalisation Fund, the possibilities of making an application in respect of workers from SR Technics and Waterford Crystal is also being assessed.

Independently of considerations to do with support from the European Globalisation Fund, both IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland continue to work with management and interested parties to encourage companies to establish viable operations and so to maximise the number of jobs at Dublin Airport to replace those lost as a result of the closure of SR Technics.

Departmental Agencies.

Tom Hayes

Question:

83 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of taskforces that have been created by her Department in the past five years; the recommendations of the taskforce created in the aftermath of the announcement of a company (details supplied) to close; and if she will make a statement on her Department’s attempts to organise EU funding for the Limerick and south Tipperary area. [29390/09]

The Mid-West Task Force is the first such task force in the last five years. For some years a range of co-ordinated structures have been in place at regional level, through arrangements such as those for the National Spatial Strategy, County Development Boards and enterprise agency co-ordination, and recent regional industrial development issues have more often been addressed through these structures than through Task Forces.

The Mid-West Task Force, which I established under the Chairmanship of Mr. Denis Brosnan, has now completed an interim report. The report was presented to me by Mr. Brosnan on 2 July and is currently being considered by Government.

At the time Dell announced on 8 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. During the past 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.

I submitted an application to the European Commission on 19 June 2009 under the European Globalisation Fund (EGF) seeking co-financing assistance for jobsearch, training and education supports for workers being made redundant at the DELL plant in Limerick, and in other local companies that have experienced consequential redundancies.

The EGF application must be assessed by Commission experts and thereafter approved by the full European Commission whereupon it will be forwarded for sanction for payment of the approved level of co-financing to the European Council and the European Parliament. This process will take some months to complete in full.

The amount of funding to be allocated from the Fund will be decided by the European Commission, while the final amount accruing to the Exchequer will be determined by the numbers availing of training under the scheme.

Departmental Funding.

Richard Bruton

Question:

84 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding allocated to the National Training Fund for 2008 and 2009; if she expects all funding will be spent in 2009; if the reminder will be carried over; the amount allocated to training schemes to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29526/09]

The total income of the National Training Fund in 2008 was €419.2 million. For 2009 the income is estimated to be €405 million.

A total of €381.5 million has been allocated to training schemes for 2009 and it is expected that all of this will be spent during the year. Under the terms of the National Training Act 2000, any surplus remains in the accounts of the National Training Fund for investment in eligible training activity. The surplus projected for end 2009 in the Revised Estimates Volume was approximately €204.7 million.

Question No. 85 answered with Question No. 67.

IDA Properties.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

86 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown by area of Industrial Development Authority properties; if, in each instance, the property is IDA owned or leased; if each property is currently occupied or vacant; if leased, the initial length of the lease and the remaining period of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29584/09]

The management of IDA Ireland's industrial property portfolio is a day-to-day operational matter for the agency, as part of the statutory responsibility assigned to it by the Oireachtas.

I have been informed that the IDA building portfolio currently consists of 139 units, of which 65 are owned by IDA and 74 are leased from private landlords (known as Private Finance).

Because of the necessity for IDA to have available a range of buildings for promotion to FDI's and E.I clients throughout the country, IDA entered into leases with private investors in the 1980's as part of the Private Finance Scheme. 83 units were provided in this scheme nationally. During the past number of years IDA has commenced a programme to exit such facilities.

In the time available it has not been possible to provide a detailed breakdown of the information requested by the Deputy, but I hope to be in a position to forward it to him by the end of next week.

Departmental Funding.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

87 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number and amount of grants approved for dispersal under the CORD enterprise platform programme scheme for 2009; the amount dispersed to date; the reason for delays in the dispersal of such grants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29585/09]

CORD (Commercialisation Of Research and Development) The aim of the Campus Enterprise Programme is to support the development of third level campus-based companies and support towards assessing the commercial viability of innovative technologies. The programme also provides specifically designed business development and mentor facilities under the Enterprise Platform Programme. Those eligible to apply for this initiative include:

knowledge-based campus companies;

academic entrepreneurs;

researchers associated with PATs and Technology Centres Programmes;

non academics interested in establishing campus companies.

Nationally it is anticipated that 12-15 Enterprise Platform Programmes would take place in 2009 with up to 150 participants. To date four programmes have started, a further two just commencing, with an additional six due to start in the latter part of the year. Three programmes are still at the planning stage, however, Enterprise Ireland is confident these will commence in late 2009.

In regard to the number of participants which have been approved to date:

Typically (based on past experience) Enterprise Ireland approves 40% of CORD projects in the first half of the year, with 60% being approved in the latter half.

Earlier this year, seven participants were approved a total of €248,000 of which €71,500 has been paid out to date.

In recent weeks, a large number of applicant interviews have been completed and the total number of participants approved by EI has increased to 31, which have been approved a total of €930,000 as of today's date. As stated, EI expects the total number of participants to increase significantly in the coming months.

Question No. 88 answered with Question No. 81.

Work-Life Balance.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

89 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the members of the National Framework Committee for Work Life Balance; the way in which they have been selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29596/09]

The National Framework Committee for Family Friendly Policies was established by the Social Partners in 2000 under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The committee was continued and renamed in 2003, under Sustaining Progress, as the National Framework Committee for Work Life Balance Policies. The remit of the Framework Committee has been continued under the current national partnership agreement, Towards 2016.

Representatives from the following eight organisations participate on the committee, IBEC, ICTU, the Equality Authority, the Departments Social and Family Affairs, an Taoiseach, Finance, Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Enterprise, Trade and Employment. My Department provides the chairperson and the secretariat for the Committee.

None of the committee members are personally appointed by me. It is a matter for each of the bodies participating on the committee as to who should represent them and, in practice, different people may attend from time to time depending on the issues being discussed.

Ministerial Appointments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

90 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the appointments made by her to public bodies, committees, agencies, boards, and so on since her appointment; the appointee in each case and their qualifications for the appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29597/09]

Below is a list of appointments as requested by the Deputy.

Registrar of Friendly Societies (RFS)

Paul Farrell was reappointed as Registrar of Friendly Societies for a period of two years from 1 May 2008. A senior civil servant, he has been Registrar of Companies for some years and was originally appointed Registrar of Friendly Societies in 2003 on an interim basis pending decision on the future of the Registry of Friendly Societies.

Sales Law Review Group

The group was set up by the Tánaiste in November 2008 to review the legislation governing the sale of goods and supply of services.

Membership:

Robert Clark, Chair, is an associate professor in the School of Law, University College Dublin. He is a barrister and a consultant to Arthur Cox, Solicitors, where he specialises in commercial law, technology and life sciences issues.

Tony Burke, nominee of the Irish Exporters' Association, Head of commercial Department Mason, Hayes and Curran Solicitors.

Caterina Gardiner, LL.B (Dub.), LL.M (NUI), lecturer in law NUI Galway.

Michael Kilcoyne, nominee and Vice-Chairman of the Consumers' Association of Ireland.

Roderick Maguire,LL.B., LL.M. (Lond.), M.A., B.L., nominee and Honorary Secretary of the Bar Council of Ireland.

Sean Murphy, legal adviser to, and nominee of, the National Consumer Agency.

Richard Nesbitt S.C., Chairman of Arnotts Limited, nominee of IBEC.

Kevin O'Higgins, solicitor, nominee of the Incorporated Law Society.

Nathan Reilly, LL.B (Dub.), LL.M. (Cantab.), barrister.

Fidelma White, B.C.L., LL.B., LL.M (NUI), LL.M (Lond.), Senior Lecturer in Law University College Cork.

FÁS

Mr. Dermot Nolan, a Principal Officer in the Department of Finance.

Ms Anne Forde, Principal Officer in the Department of Education and Science.

Ms Deirdre Shanley, Principal Officer in the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

In each case these appointments followed a reorganisation of responsibilities within each Department. Each appointee and the Department represented is provided for under section 7 (1) of the Schedule, Part 1 covering Membership and Procedure of An Foras, of the Labour Services Act 1987.

Skillnets

There has been one person appointed to the Board of Skillnets since my appointment. Mr. John McDermott was appointed as the representative of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Mr. McDermott is an Assistant Principal Officer in the Department and membership of the Board of Skillnets and tasks related to that membership form part of his job specification

Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN)

Una Halligan — Chairperson.

Ms Halligan is the Government and Public Affairs Director for Hewlett Packard, Ireland, with responsibility for Government Affairs, Community Relations and PR for the Manufacturing Site. She is on the Discover Science and Engineering Taskforce and was appointed to the National Centre for Technology Development by the Minister for Education and Science. She works in an advisory capacity with a number of Government Departments and Agencies.

Ms Halligan has also served on the Board of the American Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement. She was appointed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to the Chair of the Fulbright Commission and was appointed by the Taoiseach to the Board of FIT (Fast-track to IT), she also participates in a number of focus groups in ICT Ireland and IBEC.

Margaret Cox Director I.C.E. Group and Pitman Training.

Dip. H.R (UOL). Dip. Accounting & Finance. (ACCA) Dip. Systems Analysis, (NUIG). MSc. Strategic Sales Management (year 1 — UCD Smurfit Business). JEB Diploma in Education, Registered on FAS National Trainers Register.

Ms Cox was appointed a Director of I.C.E. Group in 1995. She is responsible for the strategic sales management and direction of the company. I.C.E. Group is a business solutions provider, working in the areas of Recruitment, Training and Development and out sourced IT services. Ms Cox also owns and manages Pitman Training in Galway, Sligo and Limerick. Ms Cox has over 28 years business experience and in addition to her role in I.C.E. Group she served for ten years as member of Seanad Eireann.

Ms Cox is a FÁS registered Trainer, she has professional educational qualifications in Finance, HR, Strategic Sales Management, and IT. She has participated as a mentor, business consultant and HR consultant with many organisations over the past 20 years. Additionally she has participated as a Board Member of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Galway City Enterprise Board, NESF, WHB, and Galway City Partnership.

Inez Bailey, Director, National Adult Literacy Agency

Inez Bailey has been the Director of the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) since 1997. NALA is an independent membership organisation, concerned with developing policy, advocacy, research and offering advisory services in adult literacy work in Ireland. Its mission is to ensure all people with literacy and numeracy difficulties can fully take part in society and have access to learning opportunities that meet their needs.

Inez joined NALA in 1995 as Programme Manager of a research and development project, funded under the EU EMPLOYMENT initiative. She co-authored the resulting research publication Access and Participation in Adult Literacy Schemes in 1998. As Director of NALA, Inez has been responsible for initiating the development of a quality framework, including an assessment framework for the adult literacy service, devising a major basic education distance learning project on TV and radio and mainstreaming workplace literacy programmes.

IDA Ireland

There have been two appointments to the IDA Board since my appointment. Mr. Brian Whitney, Assistant Secretary, Enterprise and Agencies Division, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Mr. Henry Garvey, Managing Director, Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited.

Personal Injuries Assessment Board

The qualifications for the appointment of members to the board are as set out in the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003. Appointments made to the PIAB Board are as follows:

Dorothea Dowling, Chairperson.

Senator Joe O'Toole, Vice-Chairperson, Nominee of Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Patricia Byron, Chief Executive Officer.

John Fay, Nominee of Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Tom Noonan, Nominee of Irish Business and Employers Confederation.

Jerry Fitzpatrick, Nominee of Irish Insurance Federation.

Mary O'Dea, Consumer Director, Financial Regulator.

Tanya Holly, Legal Adviser, Department of Enterprise and Employment.

Frank Cunneen, Former Chairperson, Health and Safety Authority.

Professor Denis A Cusack, Department of Forensic Medicine, UCD.

Rights Commissioner Service

John Tierney: Mr Tierney has significant experience in industrial relations/human resources. He has the required skills and competencies, and was nominated by ICTU in accordance with legislation.

Peter O'Brien: Mr O'Brien has significant experience in industrial relations/human resources. He has the required skills and competencies, and was nominated by IBEC in accordance with legislation.

Science Foundation Ireland

The following three appointments were made to the Board of Science Foundation Ireland:

Professor Pat Fottrell — re-appointed as Chairperson of the SFI Board.

Dr. Jim Mountjoy — re-appointed as Deputy Chairperson and member.

Mr. Peter MacDonagh — re-appointed as a member of the Board. The three appointments were made on the basis of the individuals' background in and experience of scientific research, corporate governance, industrial experience, higher education and public policy.

Tyndall National Institute

Mr. Ian Quinn was appointed to the Board of Tyndall National Institute in Cork on 30 January 2009 as my nominee from the Information and Communications Technology industry. Mr. Quinn is Chairman of Craiganna and is very much involved with enterprise and entrepreneurship in the medical devices market, and has a solid track record in business in the Life Sciences Interface area and he has an excellent knowledge of the Irish system.

Enterprise Feedback Group

On 3 December, 2008 I announced the establishment of an Enterprise Feedback Group (EFG) on the implementation of the Government's Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation (SSTI) 2006-2013. I established the EFG to enable a group of stakeholder representatives with a wide spread of business expertise have a sustained dialogue with the Interdepartmental Committee (IDC) on STI; the intention being to incorporate feedback from the EFG into the continuing development of policy and programmes for achievement of the targets in SSTI. The members of the EFG are as follows:

Lionel Alexander, (Chair) Vice President and General Manager, Hewlett Packard Ireland.

Sean Baker, IT Consultant.

William Carty, Finance Director, Abbott Ireland.

Dr. Gabriel Dennison, Director, Golder Associates.

Aidan Fitzsimons, Commercial Director, Dairygold Cooperative Society.

Michael Gallagher, Managing Director, Swan Net-Gundry Ltd.

Eleanor Garvey, General Manager, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals.

Tony Golden, Managing Director, Citi Ireland.

Cathy Kearney, Managing Director, Apple Computer International.

Henry McGarvey, Managing Director, Pramerica Systems Ireland Ltd.

Sean McGrath, Chief Technical Officer, Propylon Ltd.

Martin McVicker, Managing Director, Combilift Ltd.

Julie O'Neill, General Manager, Gilead Sciences Ltd.

John O'Dea, Managing Director, Crospon.

Enterprise Ireland

The following persons were appointed to the Board of Enterprise Ireland since my appointment as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Mr. Hugh Cooney (Chairman), Partner, BDO Simpson Xavier.

Ms. Máire Ní Thuathail, founder and Managing Director of EO Teilifís.

Mr. Michael McLoone, County Manager of Donegal County Council.

Forfás

Mr. Paul O'Toole, Director General of FÁS was appointed to the Board of Forfás.

Shannon Development

The following persons were appointed to the Board of Shannon Development since my appointment as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Mr. Bob Keane, Principal Officer, DETE.

Mr. John Brassil, Brassils Pharmacy.

High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise

The High Level Action Group on Green Enterprise was launched by myself and the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources launched in May 2009 following on from a commitment in the Government's Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal, Building Ireland's Smart Economy. The group is chaired by Joe Harford and is made up of representatives of industry as well as relevant senior Government Departments and Agencies:

Joe Harford as Chair;

Dr. Rosheen McGuckian;

Martin Eves;

Richard Kennedy;

Eddie O'Connor;

Declan Murphy;

Claire O'Grady-Walsh;

Colin Gordon;

Brendan Touhy;

John Fitzgerald;

Clare Dunne — Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment;

Mary Doyle — Department of the Taoiseach;

David Moloney — Department of Finance;

Sara White (Deputy Secretary General) — Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources;

Colm Lavery (PO as the relevant Assistant Secretary was recently promoted) — Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government;

Declan Hughes — Forfás;

Denis Molumby — IDA Ireland;

Mike Feeney — Enterprise Ireland;

Prof J Owen Lewis — Sustainable Energy Ireland.

A number of other Departments and agencies will be invited to take part in joint meetings to enable them to contribute to the development of the Action Plan and contributions may be sought from other organisations.

Training and Advisory Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

91 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way the allocation to ICTU for education, training and advisory services has been used for each of the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29598/09]

An annual grant is paid to assist the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in meeting the cost of providing its "Education, Training and Advisory Service" (ETAS), which provides training for union officials and activists in affiliated unions. The ETAS supports a diverse range of courses including Health and Safety, Pensions, Activist development, conflict resolution and degree courses in Business Studies. The ETAS also involves the provision of all-year-round advisory services to affiliated trade unions. The grants paid by the Department to meet costs incurred by the ICTU in the operation of the Education, Training and Advisory Services may cover up to 80% of expenditure on training and advisory services for union officials and activists. The grant drawn down in each of the past five years was:

2004 — €1,080,000;

2005 — €1,773,000;

2006 — €1,801,000;

2007 — €1,876,332;

2008 — €1,510,000.

Trades’ Union Sector.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

92 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the way the Trade Union Amalgamation Fund has been used for each of the past five years; the trade unions which have been amalgamated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29599/09]

The Trade Union Act 1975 is designed to facilitate amalgamations and transfers of undertakings among trade unions by simplifying merger procedures and by making grants available from the Exchequer towards the costs incurred by unions in the process. The payment of grants is governed by section 15 of the Act, as amended by section 22 of the Industrial Relations Act 1990. The grants were paid in only two of the past five years as follows:

Year

Unions involved

Grant paid

2008

Independent Workers Union and Seamen’s Union of Ireland (merger arrangements still in train)

9,737.05

2007

Impact and Federated Union of Government Employees (merger complete)

42,936.68

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

93 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the breakdown of her €350,000 advertising and information budget for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29600/09]

The Department's Advertising and Information Resources budget for 2009 is €351,000 which may be broken down into the following elements:

Elements of Department’s Advertising and Information Resources Budget

Approximate Breakdown

Advertising by the Department in newspapers for statutory and non-statutory purposes.

245,700

Subscriptions to magazines, journals etc. for official purposes for Department officials.

77,220

Photography expenses associated with the publication of major Department documents and with visits of senior EU officials and international political figures to the Tánaiste and 3 Ministers of State in the Department..

14,040

Purchase of books and other specialised media products (DVDs etc) for official purposes for Department officials.

14,040

Proposed Legislation.

Liz McManus

Question:

94 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding the implementation of the recommendations from the report on media mergers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29607/09]

In 2008, my predecessor, Deputy Micheál Martin, initiated a review of the legislative provisions applying to media mergers. This was aimed at examining the criteria and arrangements for considering and assessing how a proposed merger might affect the diversity of views and the concentration of ownership within and across media businesses.

The Media Merger Advisory Group was established to assist in this review, which was undertaken as part of my Department's wider review of the operation and implementation of the Competition Act 2002. It is my intention to bring forward legislation during the course of 2009, which will reform aspects of competition law, including in relation to media mergers, and which will also implement the merger of the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority as announced last October.

County and City Enterprise Boards.

Denis Naughten

Question:

95 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding to each county and city enterprise board in each of the past five years; the funding available in 2009; if similar restrictions apply to the allocation of the funding by boards as is the case of the public sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29676/09]

Details of the funding available to each County and City Enterprise Board for the past five years and the allocations made available to the Boards in 2009 are as follows.

The CEBs will use their 2009 funding to assist existing micro-enterprises in the survival and growth of their businesses, to assist new start-ups to the greatest extent possible and to continue to focus on the promotion and stimulation of entrepreneurship at local level. Support to the micro-enterprise sector will be provided through both direct grant aid and through the provision of business advice and mentoring and the delivery of management capability training programmes aimed at improving the skills of owner managers so as to assist the survival rate amongst micro businesses and to facilitate their future growth.

The allocation of individual budgets to the thirty-five County and City Enterprise Boards is carried out by the CEB Central Coordination Unit (CCU), which has been set up within Enterprise Ireland to carry out a number of functions in respect of the CEBs, which have been previously undertaken by this Department. In determining the 2009 allocations for individual CEBs the CCU adopted a systematic approach to ensure the maximum degree of objectivity and equity of treatment. It is a matter for individual CEBs to determine how they will use allocated funds in the most effective manner possible (subject to meeting appropriate eligibility criteria and a number of limits and thresholds that are in place).

It is a basic expectation of boards that they will manage the delivery of their support Programmes on the basis of their allocated amount over the year as a whole. As with all State-funded assistance CEBs are expected to prioritise and manage available funding in a targeted and effective manner.

County and City Enterprise Boards Total Funding 2004 to 2009

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Carlow

679,157.00

912,405.73

966,884.00

972,463.00

906,850.00

875,452

Cavan

691,983.35

919,119.87

979,413.50

1,044,086.39

961,637.00

919,699

Clare

892,506.00

948,769.75

958,638.00

895,582.00

916,340.00

925,869

Cork City

781,113.00

826,059.11

917,044.00

845,800.00

898,245.00

932,445

Cork North

431,000.00

246,789.42

264,000.00

315,700.00

347,572.00

548,480

Cork South

908,889.00

979,000.99

1,205,300.00

1,215,751.82

1,170,836.00

1,158,108

Cork West

746,819.37

1,026,662.05

885,515.42

849,711.56

929,949.00

906,769

Donegal

1,318,941.01

1,311,326.36

1,527,415.51

1,277,243.00

1,243,607.00

1,184,051

Dublin City

1,179,566.00

1,619,367.67

1,760,380.00

1,895,116.00

1,657,406.00

1,460,056

Dublin Fingal

1,231,505.00

1,220,603.88

1,367,692.00

1,203,289.00

1,167,916.00

1,037,511

Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown

1,318,232.00

1,462,915.66

1,432,724.00

1,336,994.00

1,196,658.00

1,145,011

Galway

1,078,687.01

1,111,395.79

1,107,206.59

926,098.00

1,031,292.00

1,054,658

Kerry

740,768.00

990,467.64

1,116,073.00

827,390.00

942,795.00

961,530

Kildare

683,147.00

965,003.53

1,041,886.00

1,016,498.00

941,613.00

967,770

Kilkenny

824,076.00

1,035,826.93

992,593.00

847,387.82

917,422.00

931,614

Laois

665,418.00

637,191.00

942,949.18

843,264.61

764,996.00

885,737

Leitrim

688,914.00

755,384.00

894,275.00

798,125.00

835,671.00

827,050

Limerick City

723,783.00

884,755.87

999,616.00

807,771.00

865,816.00

811,074

Limerick County

797,463.00

971,164.37

981,152.00

854,891.00

851,117.00

865,926

Longford

627,524.00

724,000.00

860,000.00

805,223.00

768,014.00

878,352

Louth

723,487.00

940,885.00

1,011,303.00

1,127,500.00

1,045,516.00

779,711

Mayo

714,514.01

957,256.79

1,195,937.51

906,960.42

972,937.00

942,754

Meath

867,574.00

1,122,236.12

960,240.00

921,194.57

1,037,750.00

939,039

Monaghan

707,681.00

681,293.00

875,442.00

963,599.00

878,291.00

1,022,617

Offaly

635,859.00

955,554.00

1,067,731.00

860,289.00

909,267.00

814,465

Roscommon

635,795.00

863,197.00

953,802.00

845,345.67

819,199.00

853,782

Sligo

798,390.00

891,433.00

1,079,606.00

995,412.00

957,270.00

770,592

South Dublin

1,169,922.00

1,052,242.21

1,283,012.00

1,144,549.00

1,201,771.00

896,499

Tipperary NR

723,070.00

884,682.02

875,389.00

866,833.00

832,404.00

877,304

Tipperary SR

682,506.00

777,779.97

920,971.00

832,181.00

836,008.00

873,241

Waterford City

653,940.00

799,978.60

772,342.00

798,069.21

772,268.00

758,765

Waterford County

709,612.00

786,132.90

794,062.00

759,054.00

740,551.00

768,099

Westmeath

777,834.00

983,771.00

1,195,939.00

1,161,611.00

925,937.00

916,374

Wexford

1,013,653.00

1,184,985.72

1,190,509.00

1,106,987.00

1,014,873.00

983,319

Wicklow

747,085.00

900,074.57

985,590.00

1,032,312.58

1,031,095.00

998,946

Totals

28,570,413.75

33,329,711.52

36,362,632.71

33,900,282.65

33,290,889.00

32,472,670

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

96 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason payroll costs are estimated to rise by almost €1 million in 2009 in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29716/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

97 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason payroll costs are estimated to rise in 2009 in the Company Registration Office, the Competition Authority, FÁS, Science Foundation Ireland and Enterprise Ireland. [29717/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

98 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason that payroll costs are estimated to rise in 2009 even though staff numbers will fall in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Labour Court and the National Employment Rights Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29718/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 to 98, inclusive, together.

The 2009 Revised Estimates for Public Services, which were published by the Department of Finance on 23 April 2009, include details of estimated pay costs and staff numbers for 2009 for my Department, its Offices and agencies. The published Estimates also show the provisional outturn figures for 2008.

The allocation for my Department's central pay costs for 2009, under Subhead A1 of my Department's Vote, is €36.040 million. The outturn under this Subhead for 2008 was €35.554 million, a difference of €486,000.

During the early part of 2008, my Department was carrying a significantly higher number of vacancies than usual, largely arising from the turnover of staff as a result of the decentralisation process. The pay outturn for my Department for 2008 was therefore lower than expected. By the end of the year, a significant number of the vacancies had been filled and, consequently, the full year cost of these posts has been factored into the 2009 Estimate. This results in the 2009 Estimate being higher than the 2008 outturn.

The trend in funding in my Department's Vote can be more readily appreciated if the 2009 Revised Estimate provision is compared with the 2008 Revised Estimate provision rather than the 2008 outturn. The 2008 Revised Estimate for Subhead A1 in my Department's Vote was €36.364 million. The 2009 Revised Estimate for the Subhead, at €36.040 million, is €324,000 lower than the comparable 2008 figure.

Notwithstanding the reduction in the Estimate, the lower 2009 pay allocation for my Department must meet the full-year cost of pay increases awarded from 1 March 2008 and 1 September 2008 under Towards 2016. During 2008, my Department had to pay only ten months and four months respectively of these increases.

The same general principles outlined above apply in respect of the Offices and agencies referred to by the Deputy in his questions To assist the Deputy in making comparisons, the following table shows the pay provision as published in the 2008 Revised Estimate Volume for each of the Offices and agencies referred to, and the comparable pay provision as published in the 2009 Revised Estimates Volume.

It will be seen that with the exception of Enterprise Ireland and Science Foundation Ireland, there has been a decrease in the pay funding provided for these bodies in 2009 compared to the 2008 Estimates provision. This is consistent with the Government's decision in July 2008 to reduce the public sector pay bill.

The increased pay allocation for Enterprise Ireland under Subhead D1 of my Department's Vote relates to the full-year cost of additional posts sanctioned in 2008 for the Central Coordination Unit which liaises with the County and City Enterprise Boards, as well as the cost of posts which transferred to Enterprise Ireland from Shannon Development. There were corresponding reductions in the Exchequer's Capital grant to Shannon Development in 2009 in recognition of this transfer.

In the case of Science Foundation Ireland, an additional 10 posts were sanctioned with Department of Finance approval in 2008 and the full-year pay cost of these staff has been factored into the 2009 Estimate provision under Subhead F of my Department's Vote.

Finally, I would point out that the staff numbers published in the 2009 Revised Estimates Volume in relation to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE), the Labour Court and the National Employment Rights Authority present a snapshot of staff serving at a point in time and do not reflect the fact that actual numbers serving vary from month to month in line with normal staff turnover. Furthermore, staff numbers in individual Offices of my Department can vary as a result of redeployment of resources to meet work demands. For example, I have recently assigned additional staff to the ODCE because of the increased demands on that Office as a result of the investigation into the affairs of Anglo Irish Bank. However, numbers elsewhere in my Department will reduce as a consequence.

The Deputy will also appreciate that so far during 2009, the Government has introduced a range of measures to reduce public service numbers. These include a moratorium on the filling of vacancies, an Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement, and other flexible working initiatives. These schemes are only now beginning to have effect and we will not see the full impact on the Public Service pay bill until 2010 and later years. In general, however, I fully expect that the initiatives I have referred to will lead to an overall reduction in numbers beyond those indicated in the Revised Estimates Volume.

Pay provision for certain Offices and agencies of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment:

Comparison of 2009 Revised Estimates provision with 2008 Revised Estimates provision

Subhead

Description

2008 Revised Estimates Volume

2009 Revised Estimate Volume

2009 Changeover 2008 Estimate

€’000

€’000

€’000

A1

Departmental Salaries, Wages & Allowances

36,364

36,040

-324

A9

ODCE Pay

2,681

2,655

-26

A10

Labour Court Pay

2,696

2,670

-26

A11

National Employment Rights Authority Pay

6,933

6,437

-496

D1

Enterprise Ireland Pay

65,630

65,998

368

F

Science, Technology and Innovation

10,954

11,113

159

— of which:

Enterprise Ireland

6,107

6,048

-59

Science Foundation Ireland

4,847

5,065

218

K1

FAS Pay and Pensions

114,455

113,523

-932

Q

Competition Authority Pay

4,764

4,378

-386

S1

Companies Registration Office Pay

5,953

5,713

-240

State Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

99 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason FÁS administration costs will rise by more than €0.25 million in 2009 according to the revised estimates; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29719/09]

FÁS administration costs and general expenses are comprised of a pay element (staff salaries and pensions) and a non-pay element (administration costs and overheads). An increase of 0.24% in 2009 was granted to FÁS to cover increases in fixed costs in areas such as insurance, rent, rates, telecoms and security, which support the basic infrastructure needed to run the organisation. These items are non-discretionary and the costs are generally outside the control of FÁS.

Banking Sector.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

100 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has read the county and city enterprise boards’ second half yearly survey; her views on its finding that credit availability has worsened in the past six months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29755/09]

I am aware of the survey carried out by the county and city enterprise boards (CEBs). The results of individual surveys, from State agencies, the enterprise sector and the banking sector can all be useful in highlighting the generality of the credit supply issue but they must all be examined in the context in which they are carried out and the methodologies applied.

The banks' recapitalisation package was about securing the long-term health of the economy and about enabling our banks to get back to the business of lending to viable projects and about saving jobs. The package includes many supports for SMEs.

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 €100 million 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 €300 million facilities provided by the European Investment Bank to assist developing SMEs.

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 five 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 shortly. 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 and provide some clarity on the level of credit being declined.

Arising from the Recapitalisation Package, the Minister for Finance, and the Tánaiste 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 the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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.

To assist and complement the work of the Credit Supply Clearing Group, I 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. To date, meetings have been held 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, the 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 the Department's Estimates for 2009 for the development agencies ensures that we can continue to build on this strategy for the future.

The 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.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

101 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she received the last report from FÁS on the extent of waiting time and the number of people waiting for a FÁS training course. [29798/09]

The most recent information from FÁS indicates that the waiting time for FÁS training courses very much depends on the course type and location of the course. For example, there is a very short waiting time for FÁS E-College blended on-line training courses and the average waiting period for night courses would be for two or three weeks. For other courses there would be a longer waiting period, partly depending on when the next course is due to begin.

State Agencies.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

102 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the funding provided to each of the local employment services in 2009; and the way in which this compares with the funding in 2008. [29805/09]

In 2008 the total budget provided by FÁS, to the Local Employment Service was €19,500,000 while the expenditure amounted to €19,279,125. The budget for 2009 is €20,404,000, an increase of €1,124,875 on 2008 expenditure. Details of the funding provided to each of the Local Employment Services in 2008 and 2009 is provided in the following table:

Expenditure

Budget

LES01

LES Ballyfermot

738,793

779,071

LES02

LES Ballymun

1,037,177

1,032,251

LES03

LES Blanchardstown

944,541

1,004,620

LES05

LES Canal Inchicore

638,539

685,151

LES06

LES Clondalkin

882,820

907,269

LES07

LES Cork

947,129

1,031,866

LES08

LES DICP (Dublin Inner City)

1,129,020

1,152.083

LES09***

LES Drogheda

645,523

1,058,455

LES10***

LES Dundalk

387,987

LES11

LES Finglas/Cabra

818,728

856,541

LES12

LES Galway

624,863

620,856

LES14

LES Limerick

1,477,433

1,481,180

LES15

LES Mayo

786,747

850,256

LES16

LES Monaghan

577,297

681,523

LES17

LES Northside

1,025,414

1,129,429

LES18

LES South Kerry

464,516

488,320

LES19

LES Southside (Dublin)

778,863

786,227

LES20

LES Tallaght

952,500

1,121,638

LES21

LES Tralee

647,008

654,507

LES22

LES Waterford City

591,340

665,154

LES23

LES Co. Waterford

333,637

314,936

LES24***

LES Wexford County

601,189

865,280

LES30***

LES Wexford Town

204,448

LES26

K W C D LES (Kimmage, Walkinstown, Crumlin, Drimnagh

609,553

609,437

LES31

Bray Partnership

516,100

600,377

LES40

LES Kildare

901,853

995,567

LES Central Budget

16,108

28,000

19,279,125

20,404,000

***These LES merged as a result of a cohesion process for Partnerships undertaken in 2009. Drogheda and Dundalk have merged to Louth Partnership and Wexford Town and Wexford County have merged to Wexford Integrated Partnership.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

103 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the implications for training and education opportunities for participants of the decision in relation to the provision of 400 additional community employment places which FÁS are required to provide from its existing community employment budget. [29808/09]

I provided €6.6 million to FÁS in 2009 to provide an additional 400 Community Employment places. This therefore does not affect the number of activation training and work experience places for the unemployed which have been increased by 66,000 to 128,000 in 2009. This includes 92,000 training places delivered by FÁS.

Retail Sector.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

104 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if, in view of the increasing concentration of the Irish supermarket retail sector and the delisting of many Irish food products, she has satisfied herself that a dominant position is not being abused; her plans to limit market share to a maximum of 20% in order to ensure real and sustained competition in the market, while maintaining a range of outlets for food producers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29809/09]

Section 5 of the Competition Act 2002 prohibits abuse of a dominant position. The creation or existence of a dominant position does not breach the Competition Acts, rather it is the abuse of that position that constitutes the breach. Should the Deputy have any evidence of undertakings in the retail sector engaging in the abuse of a dominant position, I would urge them to bring such evidence to the attention of the Competition Authority in order that it may be investigated fully.

I should point out that section 5 does not set out indicative percentages of market share for such investigations. The Competition Authority treats each case on its own merits. Therefore I have no proposals to introduce a limitation threshold.

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.

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 bring forward 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.

Question No. 105 answered with Question No. 82.

Public Service Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

106 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for her Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29832/09]

In the time available, it has not been possible to compile the information requested by the Deputy in relation to my Department and the Offices of my Department. This information is currently being compiled by my Department and I will be in touch with the Deputy shortly about the matter. However, ascertaining the information requested by the Deputy over the last 20 years would be impracticable and in my response to the Deputy I will be providing appropriate material since the formation of the current Government viz, from 2007 to date.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

107 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if she is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29846/09]

Since my appointment as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in May 2008, neither my Department nor the Offices of my Department have contracted the company in question to undertake any work on behalf of the Department or the Offices of the Department. The additional information requested by the Deputy is, therefore, not relevant.

Question No. 108 answered with Question No. 68.

Fuel Costs.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

109 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she will take along with her colleagues in the EU concerning oil price manipulation and its impact on the price of motor fuel. [30074/09]

As Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, my concerns in relation to fuel and oil are based on consumer and competition aspects of their markets.

From a consumer angle, the House will recall that during 2008, I requested the National Consumer Agency to undertake a survey into the underlying reasons as to why pump prices for petrol and diesel were appearing not to fall in line with the drop in the wholesale price of oil. As part of its work, the Agency benchmarked movements in prices in Ireland against those in other EU countries and it examined the frequency and the timeliness in which changes in the wholesale price were being passed on to consumers. The agency's report on this matter was published on 19 December 2008. The report's overall finding was that, at national level, price changes for refined petroleum products are being passed on to consumers in a relatively timely fashion. The report noted in particular, that the prices that Irish retailers charge for oil products relate to the refinery price rather than to the price of crude oil. The refinery price for oil products varies with demand and does not always move in line with crude oil prices. There is a time lag between movements in crude prices and refined prices.

The agency's report also identified the need to improve the manner in which information on petrol and diesel prices in Ireland is collected, analysed and publicised. Currently, the vertically integrated oil companies provide oil price statistics to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources on a monthly basis. These prices are published by the European Commission in its weekly Oil Bulletin.

The timeliness and quality of oil price statistics reported by all member states has been the subject of consultation by the Commission, who concluded that the current regime did not facilitate proper comparisons between member states. I understand that the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is working with the European Commission and the Irish oil industry to improve the transparency and relevance of price statistics both in Ireland and as published in the EU oil price bulletin.

From a competition point-of-view, as the Deputy is aware, the Competition Authority is the statutory body responsible for the enforcement of competition law in the State. Section 29(3) of the Competition Act 2002 provides that the Competition Authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Under section 30(1)(b) of that Act, the Competition Authority is responsible for investigating any breach of the Act. As investigations are part of the day-to-day operational work of the Authority I have no direct function in the matter.

If the Deputy has evidence of anti-competitive practices in this or in any other sector I urge him to bring this evidence to the attention of the Competition Authority.

EU Treaties.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

110 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his views on whether the Maastricht criteria for entry into the euro could be relaxed to allow one or more of the Baltic states or Iceland to come into the euro area in the event of a major devaluation or debt default; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29592/09]

The conditions for participation in the euro area are defined in the Treaty and are part of the common legal framework. The criteria defined by the Treaty for adopting the euro are essential to ensure a high degree of sustainable convergence for countries entering the euro area. In the run-up to potential euro adoption, EU member states stand to benefit from a policy strategy focused on macroeconomic stability and nominal convergence. Economic and financial stability of the euro area is a common asset both for current and future members of the euro area.

The question of a non-member state joining the euro area does not arise as there is no provision in the Treaty for such a situation.

Customs Service.

John O'Mahony

Question:

111 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of private planes searched at Ireland West Airport, Knock, since 1 January to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29601/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a decision on whether to search private aircraft at Ireland West Airport Knock is taken following profiling, review of intelligence and interview with the crew/passengers.

In line with best practice in customs administration worldwide, Revenue regards the development of information and intelligence as critical to the detection of evasion and smuggling, including drug smuggling. This is very important in the case of Ireland and other EU member states where the operating environment for Customs has been shaped to a significant degree by the introduction of the internal market and the related principles of freedom of movement within the EU. Of specific relevance are the abolition of routine and systematic Customs checks on goods and passengers moving within any part of the EU. The approach has of necessity been to balance the freedom of movement principle in regard to people and goods with the need to control smuggling.

A selection of private aircraft has been targeted in the period in question, involving Customs staff assembling a profile of the aircraft, undertaking covert surveillance and interviewing connected persons. However, it is not the policy of the Revenue Commissioners to publish precise details of such enforcement activities as this could prejudice current or future operations.

John O'Mahony

Question:

112 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance when full-time customs staff were assigned to Ireland West Airport, Knock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29602/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that, although there are no full time Customs staff assigned to Ireland West Airport Knock, attendance is risk based and undertaken by mobile Customs enforcement staff from other nearby locations.

Attendance by Customs officers is selective and targeted and is based on analysis and evaluation of national and international seizure trends, traffic frequency, routes and other risk indicators. Attendance can also be as a result of specific intelligence. A drugs detector dog is frequently used. Flights with origins and destinations with a high-risk rating attract particular interest. Attendances by Customs officers cover the full range of flight times and are kept under constant review, in particular to take account of emerging smuggling trends and any traffic increases at the Airport.

Social Insurance.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

113 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the revenue to the State if PRSI at the class A rate and at the class S rate was applied to rental income regardless of the PRSI class status of the person but once they were over the minimum thresholds. [29801/09]

While PRSI primarily relates to income derived from insurable employment or self-employment, significant progress has been made over the years in expanding the scope of the social insurance system. As the Deputy is aware, at present, self employed contributors pay PRSI on rental income. In addition while employed contributors are not generally subject to PRSI on investment income and rental income there is a liability where the individual concerned also has trade, professional or partnership income in which case they are chargeable to PRSI as a self employed contributor on rental income. Therefore, a significant amount of rental income is already subject to PRSI but, in cases where it is not, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the potential yield at this time.

Betting Industry.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

114 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the legislation, ministerial orders and departmental policies which govern betting offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29874/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

115 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the number of investigation for breaches of the Betting Act 1931, which have taken place during each of the past ten years; the number of theses investigations which resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29879/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 115 together.

Bookmaking and the operation of bookmaking offices are regulated in accordance with the Betting Act 1931, as amended.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that detailed information is not available concerning the number of investigations undertaken for breaches of the Betting Act. The numbers of convictions in respect of offences under the Act in each of the years from 2000 to 2008 are set out in the following table:

Year

Convictions

2000

3

2001

4

2002

1

2003

2

2004

2

2005

1

2006

1

2007

0

2008

1

Totals

15

There has been one conviction to date this year.

Tax Yield.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

116 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Finance the revenue which would be raised from applying income tax to child benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29901/09]

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.

The saving expected from taxing or means testing child benefit would depend on the scheme selected. However, preliminary analysis would indicate that a yield in the region of €400 million in a full year could be achieved.

James Reilly

Question:

117 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who have benefited from health expenses relief per annum since 2002; the cost of same; the estimated number who will benefit from health expenses relief in 2009; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30008/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the most recent year for which final information is available on the cost to the Exchequer, and the numbers of taxpayers availing, of tax relief for health expenses is the income tax year 2006. These figures are contained in the following table:

Health Expenses Relief

Year

Estimated cost to the Exchequer

Estimated numbers availing

€m

2002

65

144,000

2003

80

173,000

2004

110

218,000

2005

135

261,000

2006

165

349,000

Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macro-economic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for the years 2007 to 2009 in relation to the above mentioned relief.

The numbers availing represent income earners who were in a position to absorb at least some of the tax relief and thereby give rise to an Exchequer cost. They do not include the numbers of potential claimants whose entitlements to other tax reliefs were sufficient to reduce their liability to tax to nil without reference to the specific relief. The numbers availing are rounded to the nearest thousand as appropriate.

A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

Faoiseamh Cánach.

Richard Bruton

Question:

118 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Richard Bruton den Aire Airgeadais an leasóidh sé alt 476 den Acht Comhdhlúite Cánacha 1997 ionas go mbeidh faoiseamh cánach ar fáil i leith chaiteachas an fhoghlaimeora ar chúrsaí teagaisc Gaeilge; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [28776/09]

Tá faoiseamh cánach ar fáil faoi alt 476 den Acht Comhdhlúite Cánacha 1997 i gcás táillí a íocann daoine ar chúrsaí oiliúna sa teicneolaíocht faisnéise agus i dteangacha eachtracha. Caithfidh na cúrsaí oiliúna, a fhéadfaidh maireachtáil suas go dtí dhá bhliain, bheith faofa ag FÁS. Tá an faoiseamh cánach, a thugtar ar an ráta caighdeánach cánach, ar fáil do tháillí suas go dtí €1,270, faoi réir íosmhéid de €315. Chun bheith cáilithe faoi choinne an fhaoisimh ní mór do dhuine teastas inniúlachta a fháil ar chríochnú an chúrsa.

In alt 476 ciallaíonn ‘teanga eachtrach' teanga seachas teanga oifigiúil an Stáit. Tá faoiseamh cánach faoin alt srianta do chúrsaí oiliúna i dteangacha eachtracha, mar sholáthraíonn an Stát tacaíocht fhairsing cheana féin i gcás an Bhéarla agus na Gaeilge do mhicléinn bhunleibhéil agus do mhicléinn ar an dara leibhéal. I bhformhór na gcúinsí bíonn na hábhair seo éigeantach do mhicléinn bhunscoile agus do mhicléinn dara leibhéal. Os a choinne sin ní bhíonn teangacha eachtracha agus teicneolaíocht faisnéise éigeantach ag an dara leibhéal.

Tá faoiseamh cánach breise ar fáil faoi alt 473A ar tháillí a íoctar ar chúrsaí faofa oideachais tríú leibhéal i gcoláistí faofa. Níl aon srianta ar na teangacha atá ináirithe faoin alt seo.

Bheadh sé deacair leasú ar alt 476 chun cúrsaí i dteanga na Gaeilge a thabhairt san áireamh a chosaint nuair a chuirtear na tacaíochtaí uile Stáit atá ann don teanga Ghaeilge cheana féin san áireamh.

Stádas na Gaeilge.

Richard Bruton

Question:

119 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Richard Bruton den Aire Airgeadais an gcuirfidh sé iallach ar na bainc eile a bhain leas as barántas €400 billiún agus athchaipitealú fial an Stáit rogha na Gaeilge a chur ar fáil do na custaiméirí a úsáideann na seirbhísí baincéireachta ar-líne agus na hinnill airgid acu, i bhfianaise an tiomantais don teanga atá léirithe ag banc (sonraí tugtha) cheana féin trí rogha na Gaeilge a chur ar fáil ar gach uathmheaisín bainc dá chuid, agus ós amhlaidh go ndéanann na bainc freastal ar an bpobal de bhun ceadúnais agus le cabhair ón Stát anois; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [28777/09]

Is cinneadh don bhanc féin é an chaoi a gcuireann aon institiúid a seirbhísí ar fail.

Tugaim faoi deara, áfach, go bhfuil rogha Gaeilge curtha ar fáil ar uathmheaisíní ar iarratas ó chustaiméirí ag an institiúid dar thagair an Teachta. Ba mhaith liom a rá go bhfáiltím i gcónaí roimh thionscnaimh ó chomhlachtaí corpartha a chuireann an teanga náisiúnta chun cinn.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

120 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part-time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Departments presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28851/09]

There are no staff employed by my Department in Co. Louth. However, I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the following staff numbers are employed as of 1 July (full time equivalents) and shown in the following table:

Location

Permanent

Temporary

Sub-totals

Dundalk

243.47

2

245.47

Drogheda

5.20

0

5.20

Greenore

1.55

0

1.55

Totals

250.52

2

252.22

The OPW has indicated that it is not in a position to provide all details requested within the timeframe available, but will endeavour to provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

121 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to his Department; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28897/09]

At the commencement of its work, the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes requested all Departments to prepare evaluation papers outlining potential areas for savings in staff numbers and expenditure. Such papers were prepared in respect of the Finance Group of Votes. The Special Group met the Secretary General of the Department of Finance, Chairman of the Revenue Commissioners and the Chairman of Commissioners of Public Works in the course of its deliberations.

I have recently received the Report of the Special Group, and I will be bringing the Report to Government in the near future. Decisions on the release of the Report and associated documents will be made by Government in that context.

Flood Relief.

Richard Bruton

Question:

122 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to a second incident within ten months on which houses (details supplied) in Dublin 5 have been flooded; his assessment of the causes and of he will commit to undertake remedial works. [28909/09]

Clanmoyle Road in Donnycarney is among a number of areas in Dublin, where homes were badly flooded by the recent stormwaters. At present, Dublin City Council is making an assessment, and a report will outline some of the options for dealing with the flood risk in this area. At a scheduled meeting between Dublin City Council and the Office of Public Works, the issue will be discussed further to plan how best to proceed.

Banking Sector.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

123 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance if, in view of the public attention surrounding the examinership of a company (details supplied) and the issues relating to depositors and the potential that finances required to fund the scheme of arrangement proposed by the examiner will emanate from Anglo Irish bank, he will ensure that the bank and the company will act in the wider public interest and with due regard to persons who paid deposits for dwellings which will not be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29237/09]

As the Deputy is aware Anglo Irish Bank is being run on a commercial basis and at arms length from Government. Decisions of a commercial nature, such as this, are a matter for the bank. Further, as the matter which the Deputy refers is the subject of Court proceedings it would not be appropriate for me to comment.

Tax Yield.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

124 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Finance the amount of revenue which has been raised from the sale of bioethanol fuels; the way the revenues raised compare with the targets set in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29238/09]

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme provided for in the Finance Act 2006. Under that Scheme, biofuel produced under projects approved by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are exempt from mineral oil tax (excise duty). This serves to reduce the additional costs associated with the production of biofuels and consequently allows them to compete with conventional fossil fuels. This fiscal incentive was designed to help kickstart the domestic biofuels industry. Long-term general excise reliefs are not anticipated. I am advised by the Revenue Commissions that any deliveries of bioethanol have taken place in the context of the above Scheme and have not, therefore, been liable to mineral oil tax.

Under the Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Scheme, while the take-up has been slower than had been anticipated especially during the early part of the Scheme, over 50 million litres of bioethanol has been delivered to date, resulting in over €23 million in mineral oil tax being relieved.

The Programme for Government does not as such contain specific targets in relation to the sale of bioethanol or indeed biofuels generally. However, the Government did signal its intention to move to a Biofuels Obligation Scheme. In that regard, I understand my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan) will be bringing proposals to Government concerning the legislation required in order that the Biofuels Obligation Scheme can be introduced in 2010. The introduction of the obligation will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that biofuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales. The obligation is designed to provide a long-term market based framework for the development of a biofuels sector and delivery of biofuels targets to 2020.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

125 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance when he will enact the payment services directive into law; if it is intended to include provisions covering direct debit charges and penalties for consumers not using such a payment mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29259/09]

I refer to my answer to Question No. 297 of 27 January 2009.

EU Member States are required to transpose the Payment Services Directive into national law before 1 November 2009. Regulations to give effect to the Directive in Irish law will be made under the European Communities Acts 1972 to 2007 and I intend that these regulations will be made in good time to enable prospective payment institutions to become authorised or registered in accordance with the Directive by 1 November 2009.

Prior to the making of the regulations, my Department will consult on the draft text of the transposing regulations. Final decisions on the use of the various national discretions available in the Directive will be taken following the consultation.

Article 52(3) of the Directive prohibits payment service providers from preventing merchants applying a surcharge or offering a reduction for the use of a given payment instrument, in order to ensure that the costs of efficient and inefficient payment instruments are transparent. While Article 52(3) contains an optional provision for member states to forbid or limit the right to request such surcharges for the use of a particular payment instrument, a substantive case, consistent with the objectives of the Directive, has not been made to me that would lead me to consider availing of this option.

Banking Sector Regulation.

Joan Burton

Question:

126 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will introduce a code of practice in respect of lending by financial institutions to their senior staff including requirements for the institution to monitor and regulate such lending, particularly where such lending becomes impaired; if his attention has been drawn to the problems in the impairment of such lending at institutions covered by the bank guarantee or other financial institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29300/09]

The Financial Regulator has the statutory authority and responsibility to regulate and supervise credit institutions. The Financial Regulator recently carried out a review of loans to directors in financial institutions and is imposing conditions on banks and building societies following this review.

With regard to staff, the Financial Regulator has informed me that it expects the board and management of financial institutions to ensure that proper controls and procedures are in place in relation to staff lending. In a situation where the Regulator became aware of staff in senior positions who may be, or may be seen to be, compromised because the value of lending or because of the impairment of such lending from that institution, the Regulator would seek to ensure that the position was rectified.

Joan Burton

Question:

127 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he has examined the regulation of the Irish Financial Services Centre based companies, particularly those involved in the insurance and re-insurance sectors; if he is satisfied that the potential negative impact on the Exchequer in the event that one or more of these companies failed is not unsustainable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29301/09]

All insurance and reinsurance undertakings, including those undertakings transacting international business, are obliged under EU rules to hold assets to cover their liabilities as well as a solvency margin, which acts as a buffer against adverse developments. In Ireland, insurance and reinsurance undertakings operate at a level above the EU minimum standard as an additional safety measure. The combination of these requirements together with close monitoring of solvency by the Financial Regulator is designed to minimise the risk of failure.

However, in the case of a threat of failure of a non-life insurance company, a life insurance company or a reinsurance company, a company is required to submit a financial recovery plan and ultimately an Administrator could be appointed to manage the business with a view to placing it on a sound commercial and financial footing. Also, provisions in insurance legislation protect the interests of policyholders in the event of insolvency. Consequently, the above measures act to mitigate any potential negative impact on the Exchequer in the event of a failure of an insurance or reinsurance company.

Finally, it should be noted that any new applications for business in Ireland are rigorously assessed from a regulatory viewpoint and are also considered by the Central Bank from a financial stability perspective where this is relevant.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

128 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of civil and public servants as at end 2008 and at present, broken down by Department and, within each Department, by authority, agency or other institution under the aegis of that Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29302/09]

The number of people employed in the public service at the 31 December 2008 and the most recent available information, as reported to my Department, is presented in the following table. The public service is composed of the civil service, the education sector, the justice sector, the health sector, the local authorities and the non-commercial agencies. With regard to the 2009 numbers, the reported numbers for the civil service, defence sector and justice sector are for May 2009, the local authority and education sector numbers are for March 2009 and the health sector numbers are for April 2009. The updated numbers of people employed in the non-commercial agencies are currently being compiled and are not available at this time.

Public Service Numbers for Departments/Offices, Sectors and Agencies — Whole Time Equivalents (figures rounded to nearest whole number)

Dec-08

May-09

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD

Civil Service

4,289

4,160

NCSSBs

Bord Bia

96

Bord Iascaigh Mhara

143

Marine Institute

196

National Milk Agency

6

Sea Fisheries Protection Authority

101

Teagasc

1,574

DEPARTMENT OF ARTS, SPORTS & TOURISM

Civil Service

174

161

NCSSBs

Arts Council

62

Bord Scannan na hÉireann — Irish Film Board

16

Chester Beatty Library

36

Fáilte Ireland

389

Irish Museum of Modern Art

68

Irish Sports Council

29

National Concert Hall

68

National Library of Ireland

122

National Museum of Ireland

181

National Sports Campus Development Authority

4

SFADCo (Tourism)

31

Tourism Ireland

162

NATIONAL GALLERY

59

57

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES

Civil Service

301

292

NCSSBs

Broadcasting Commission of Ireland

38

Central Fisheries Board

85

Commission for Communication Regulation

120

Commission for Energy Regulation

68

Digital Hub Development Authority

15

Eastern Regional Fisheries Board

53

Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission

53

National Oil Reserves Agency

5

Northern Regional Fisheries Board

43

North-Western Regional Fisheries Board

50

Shannon Regional Fisheries Board

53

Southern Regional Fisheries Board

40

South-Western Regional Fisheries Board

39

Sustainable Energy Ireland

59

Western Regional Fisheries Board

61

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY, RURAL & GAELTACHT AFFAIRS

Civil Service

273

270

NCSSBs

Boord o Ulster-Scotch (An Foras Teanga)

16

Foras na Gaeilge (An Foras Teanga)

50

Údarás na Gaeltachta

113

Waterways Ireland

343

Western Development Commission

17

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

Civil Service

408

397

Defence Sector

11,265

11,109

NCSSBs

Coiste an Asgard

0

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION & SCIENCE

Civil Service

1,681

1,681

Education Sector

93,409

93,508

NCSSBs

Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies

65

Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC)

53

Grangegorman Development Agency

6

Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)

30

Higher Education Authority

59

Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology

6

Irish Research Council for the Humanities and Social Science

7

National Education Welfare Board

103

National Qualifications Authority of Ireland

24

Royal Irish Academy

67

Royal Irish Academy of Music

70

DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE, TRADE & EMPLOYMENT

Civil Service

1,105

1,089

NCSSBs

City and County Enterprise Boards

122

Competition Authority

48

Enterprise Ireland

903

Foras Áiseanna Saothair

2,242

Forfás

130

Health and Safety Authority

200

IDA Ireland

282

InterTrade Ireland

43

Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority

11

National Consumer Agency

54

National Standards Authority of Ireland

157

Personal Injuries Assessment Board

75

Science Foundation Ireland

48

SFADCo Ltd (Industrial)

132

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Civil Service

1,218

1,183

Local Authorities

35,008

34,179

NCSSBs

Affordable Homes Partnership

11

An Bord Pleanála

167

Dublin Docklands Authority

47

Environmental Protection Agency

358

Heritage Council

16

Housing Finance Agency

12

Irish Water Safety Association

6

Limerick Northside Regeneration Agency

7

Limerick Southside Regeneration Agency

9

Local Government Computer Services Board

94

Local Government Management Services Board

30

National Building Agency

61

Private Residential Tenancies Board

23

Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland

48

DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE

Civil Service

631

619

NCSSBs

Special EU Programmes Body

62

COMMISSION FOR PUBLIC SERVICE APPOINTMENTS

12

12

COMPTROLLER & AUDITOR GENERAL

154

151

OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS

722

703

OMBUDSMAN

94

92

PRESIDENTS ESTABLISHMENT

21

21

PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS SERVICE

146

142

REVENUE COMMISSIONERS

6,659

6,535

STATE LABORATORY

91

97

VALUATION OFFICE

158

158

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

1,245

1,301

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & CHILDREN

Civil Service

522

524

Health Sector

111,493

111,642

NCSSBs

An Bord Altranais — The Nursing Board 1985

49

Children’s Act Advisory Board

14

Crisis Pregnancy Agency

15

Dental Council 2001

5

Food Safety Authority of Ireland

90

Food Safety Promotion Board

26

Health & Social Care Professionals Council 2007

1

Health Information and Quality Authority

74

Health Insurance Authority

9

Health Research Board

84

Irish Medicines Board

245

Mental Health Commission

32

National Cancer Registry Board

47

National Cancer Screening Service

259

National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery

12

National Council on Ageing and Older People

8

National Paediatric Hospital Development Board

1

National Social Work Qualifications Board

7

National Treatment Purchase Fund

46

Office of Tobacco Control

9

Opticians Board 1956

19

Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland 1875

19

Postgraduate Medical and Dental Board

16

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council

16

Women’s Health Council

5

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND LAW REFORM

Civil Service

9,176

9,023

Justice Sector

15,384

15,300

NCSSBs

Human Rights Commission

20

National Disability Authority

41

COURTS SERVICE

1,098

1,077

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL & FAMILY AFFAIRS

Civil Service

4,610

4,793

NCSSBs

Citizens Information Board

86

Combat Poverty Agency

24

Family Support Agency

39

Pensions Board

42

DEPARTMENT OF THE TAOISEACH

Civil Service

235

231

NCSSBs

National Economic and Social Development Office

19

ATTORNEY GENERAL

128

127

CENTRAL STATISTICS OFFICE

847

818

CHIEF STATE SOLICITOR

245

242

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC PROSECUTIONS

197

198

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT

Civil Service

581

572

NCSSBs

Commission for Aviation Regulation

19

Commission for Taxi Regulation

37

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

34

National Roads Authority

144

Railway Safety Commission

8

Road Safety Authority

319

OIREACHTAS

497

498

Joan Burton

Question:

129 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29311/09]

The following table sets out the position in relation to staff in my Department and bodies under its aegis who have applied for the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme, the Incentivised Career Break Scheme and who have been made redundant in 2009 to date.

Department/Office

Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme

Incentivised Career Break Scheme

Redund-ancies

Department of Finance

17

6

0

National Treasury Management Agency

2

0

0

Revenue Commissioners

150

106

1

Office of Public Works

8

33

0

Public Appointments Service

0

3

0

State Laboratory

1

2

0

Valuation Office

0

1

0

Commission on Public Service Appointments

0

1

0

Comptroller & Auditor General

8

2

0

Office of the Appeals Commissioner

0

0

0

Ombudsman’s Office

0

1

0

IPA

0

0

0

ESRI

0

0

1

Tax Yield.

Joan Burton

Question:

130 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the total revenue in each month since their introduction to date from the income levy and the pension levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29318/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated amounts of Income Levy collected in each month to date in 2009 are contained in the following table:

Month

Income Levy

€m

February

53

March

57

April

61

May

56

June

103

The figure for the month of June is provisional and subject to revision.

The latest available detailed receipts for the pension related-deduction on public service remuneration are to end-May and total to just under €200 million. The table below shows the receipts for each month since the introduction of the pension-related deduction on 1 March 2009. These figures do not include receipts from the employees of Local Authorities.

Month

Pensions Related Deduction

€m

March

10.5

April

84.6

May

100.0

The overall yield for 2009 is anticipated to be in line with the latest published estimates, which take account of the changes to arrangements introduced in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget.

Insurance Industry.

Joan Burton

Question:

131 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the general regulation of insurance companies through an EU regulatory framework which addresses the issue of burden sharing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29319/09]

The 2008 EU Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on co-operation between the Financial Supervisory Authorities, Central Banks and Finance Ministries of the European Union on cross-border financial stability commits all signatories to cooperate across borders between relevant authorities, both in normal times, in order to ensure preparedness for the management of a potential cross-border crisis situation; and in crisis situations. It should be noted that the MoU is not legally binding.

The MoU contains a commitment on burden-sharing which recognises that issues related to the sharing of potential burdens must be sufficiently addressed before any crisis.

The voluntary nature of burden sharing arrangements is important, in line with the European Council conclusions of 18/19 June 2009 which note that "Recognizing the potential or contingent liabilities that may be involved for member states, the European Council stresses that decisions taken by the European Supervisory Authorities should not impinge in any way on the fiscal responsibilities of Member States".

Tax Code.

Joan Burton

Question:

132 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of claims made for one-parent family credit, under section 462, Taxes Consolidated Act 1997 in each year from 2000 to 2009 inclusive; if he will provide an analysis of claims made by status of the claimant, such as widow-widower, lone parent, separated parent or divorced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29320/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

133 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of claims made for one parent family credit, under section 462, Taxes Consolidated Act 1997 in each year from 2000 to 2009 inclusive, broken down by sex of the claimant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29321/09]

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

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated numbers of income earners availing of the one parent family credit, under section 462, Taxes Consolidated Act 1997, broken down by personal status and by gender for the income tax years 2000/01 to 2009 inclusive are set out in the following tables to the extent to which they are available.

Breakdown by personal status

Income Tax Year

Widow/Widower

Other Lone Parent

Total one parent families

2000/01

10,350

90,850

101,200

2001

9,850

87,750

97,600

2002

9,950

92,800

102,750

2003

10,200

99,000

109,200

2004

9,300

92,400

101,700

2005

9,300

115,600

124,900

2006

10,650

112,450

123,100

2007*

9,900

126,800

136,700

2008*

9,700

126,650

136,350

2009*

9,250

123,000

132,250

Breakdown by gender

Income Tax Year

Male

Female

Total one parent families

2000/01

28,950

72,250

101,200

2001

29,000

68,600

97,600

2002

32,400

70,350

102,750

2003

35,650

73,550

109,200

2004

38,300

63,400

101,700

2005

43,200

81,700

124,900

2006

44,600

78,500

123,100

2007*

47,200

89,500

136,700

2008*

47,050

89,300

136,350

2009*

45,650

86,600

132,250

*Provisional and likely to be revised.

Figures in the tables are rounded to the nearest fifty.

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

The figures for the years 2000/01 to 2006 inclusive are based on incomes data derived from income tax returns held on Revenue records and have been grossed up to an overall expected level to adjust for incompleteness in the numbers of returns on record at the time the data was extracted for analytical purposes. For the years 2007 to date the figures are estimates from the Revenue tax forecasting model using actual data for the year 2005 adjusted as necessary for income growth for the years in question.

The breakdown requested in relation to separated and divorced parents either could not be obtained or could not be obtained without conducting a protracted examination of the Revenue Commissioners' records.

Joan Burton

Question:

134 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the number of the claims made for one-parent family credit, under section 462, Taxes Consolidated Act 1997 in each year from 2000 to 2009 that were audited; the proportion of the claims examined that were rejected in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29322/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that credit claims and requests for refunds from PAYE taxpayers are checked on a tiered basis based on value. Larger claims are subject to a higher proportion of examination as they are thought to be higher risk. I am further advised that overall, about 1% of claims for all tax credits, including One Parent Family Credit, are verified in this way. Some claims may subsequently be selected for a verification check. Where it seems from the checks carried out that the claim is not valid, the credit will be withdrawn. Results of claims checked are recorded at case level, not centrally and are not credit specific. Consequently, it is not possible to provide the information requested.

I am also advised by the Revenue Commissioners that in taking this approach to PAYE credit claims, they are applying the principles of presumption of honesty and self-assessment to PAYE workers that have worked successfully for business taxpayers since 1988. Where credits (including one parent family credit) are claimed by self-employed taxpayers, this is done on the standard return of income. These returns are all subject to audit and compliance checks in the normal way.

Joan Burton

Question:

135 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the amount of tax forgone by the granting of a deduction for interest against rents assessable under case V, schedule D in the years 2001 to date in 2009. [29325/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that based on personal income tax returns filed by non-PAYE taxpayers for the years 2003 to 2007, the latest year for which this information is available, the estimated amount of tax foregone by allowing a deduction for interest on borrowings to be offset against rental income assessable under Case V, Schedule D is set out in the following table.

Year

Estimated Tax Forgone

€m

2003

222

2004

284

2005

393

2006

594

2007

877

The estimates are based on assuming that tax relief was allowed at the top income tax rate of 42% (up to 2006) and 41% (2007) the figures provided could therefore be regarded as the maximum Exchequer cost in respect of those taxpayers.

Corresponding suitable data is not available for the years 2001 and 2002. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that data for the tax year 2008 is not yet available as the appropriate income tax returns for that year are not due for filing until October and November 2009. It should be noted that any corresponding data returned by PAYE taxpayers in the income tax return form 12 is not captured in the Revenue computer system. However, any PAYE taxpayer with non-PAYE income greater than €3,174 is required to complete an income tax return form 11. This return is the source of the figures provided in this reply. Projections for income tax receipts are based on assumed movements in macro-economic parameters and not by reference to the costs of individual tax reliefs. Accordingly, I am not in a position to provide the data requested by the Deputy for the year 2009 in relation to this relief.

Customs Service.

Joe McHugh

Question:

136 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the date on which the new cutter vessel to patrol the north-west coast will be delivered in accordance with the contract worked out with the suppliers of same; the County Donegal port in which the vessel will be based; the number of custom coastal patrols carried out at the coastline in Donegal since 1 May 2009; the number of joint patrols carried out with Irish coastguards since 1 January 2009; the number of visits from customs and excise to community groups in Donegal to inform and advise these groups of the increased demand for all types of drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29337/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they will be taking delivery of the new cutter at the end of September 2009. Following normal sea-trials the cutter will be brought into service in mid October 2009. This will bring the number of Revenue Customs cutters to two.

Both cutters will have a national remit, to include the Donegal coastline. Either or both vessels can and will be deployed to patrol and carry out operations in Donegal as and when required. Apart from routine patrolling any such deployment will be risk-driven. Neither of the cutters will be based exclusively in Co. Donegal.

The existing cutter was continuously deployed to the North West Region from May 14 to June 12, 2009, and was available for deployment at short notice to Donegal if required during all of that period. As part of that deployment the cutter operated exclusively off the Donegal coastline during the continuous period from June 7 to June 12.

The Revenue Customs Service does not carry out joint patrols with the Irish Coastguard Service. In this context it should be noted that the Irish Coastguard Service is not a law enforcement agency for the purposes of drugs interdiction and has no legal competence in such matters.

Revenue personnel are tasked with drugs detection on the coastline or at the borders. The Garda are tasked with drugs interdiction within the State. On the introduction of the "Drugs Watch" scheme, Revenue Customs personnel gave a number of presentations to community groups in Donegal. More recently the Garda have taken over this function, as it is seen to fall more within their remit and they now regularly speak at schools and to community groups. Revenue personnel involved in drugs interdiction run a stand at the Fish Ireland event in Killybegs and maintain ongoing contact with locals along the Donegal coastline, fishermen, marina owners, coastguard personnel and harbour masters.

Revenue is a participant in the National Drugs Strategy and works closely with the other agencies involved in implementing that Strategy. Last year Revenue launched its own internal Strategic Plan for Drugs Interdiction. It recognises the fact that Revenue Customs officers and other agencies (national and international) and community groupings must work in co-operation with each other in the fight against smuggling of narcotics. It also recognises the increasing importance of interaction with community groups in coastal areas, which is effected through our Drugswatch programme. That Strategic Plan is being operated across the organisation.

National Flag.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

137 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance when a response to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 28 May 2009 will be forthcoming. [29350/09]

Arrangements are being put in place to exercise the right to fly the national flag at the premises mentioned, which right, while not exercised for some time, has not lapsed.

Financial Services Regulation.

Tom Hayes

Question:

138 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the agreement between his Department and the Financial Regulator on the high costs to consumers of opting out of fixed-rate mortgages; if a final decision has been made regarding these payments; if the Financial Regulator has finished consulting with the various banking institutions on this matter; the steps he will take on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29366/09]

The Deputy's question refers to the commitment I gave in this House on 26 March 2009 to request the Consumer Director in the Financial Regulator — which has a statutory mandate to safeguard customers' interests — to examine the level of redemption fees charged by banks to customers wishing to exit from fixed rate mortgages. My Department received a copy of the Financial Regulator's report on this matter on 29 June 2009.

The report sets out that the Financial Regulator requested specific information from 26 lenders on how early redemption fees quoted to customers are calculated. Of the 26 lenders, 25 confirmed to the FR that they did not impose any fees in respect of the early redemption of a fixed rate home loan other than those which would arise in the context of a normal redemption of any mortgage. In one case a €95 fee approved under the Consumer Credit Act, 1995 is charged by the lender for breaking a fixed rate mortgage.

The FR's report states that independent actuarial confirmation was also sought from all of the lenders to substantiate the case that the formulae applied by them to calculate redemption fees were restricted to the recovery cost of the funding of particular fixed rate mortgage arrangements in place.

On the basis of the information supplied by the lenders including worked examples and the actuarial confirmations submitted, the FR concluded and has confirmed to my Department that its analysis indicates that:

the early redemption fee calculation in all cases appears to seek to recover the costs; and

lenders do not generally apply additional fees in the case of early redemption.

The Financial Regulator has advised my Department in its report that since its findings are based on a review of material provided by lending institutions that it will carry out on-site inspections to verify the accuracy of the information that it has received at this time. In this regard a programme of on-site inspections has already commenced in relation to the application of early redemption charges. The Financial Regulator plans to conduct inspections in at least 6 institutions. The Financial Regulator has also advised me that while it has identified issues that it will be separately following up with individual institutions, the preliminary findings from those inspections conducted to date support the findings contained in the report.

Lenders do not therefore seem to be applying financial penalties in order to dissuade borrowers from early redemption of fixed rate mortgages. However, if the additional work to be undertaken by the Financial Regulator brings to light any information that does not support the findings and the conclusions contained in its report, the Financial Regulator has confirmed that this information will be made available in the public domain.

Tax Code.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

139 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Finance the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13 is not receiving mortgage interest relief; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29385/09]

This is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the mortgage holder in question has been in receipt of mortgage interest relief since 2006 as a first-time buyer and will continue to be entitled to claim mortgage interest relief until the end of 2012.

I am also advised that the mortgage interest relief in this instance is on a joint mortgage where there is a combination of first and non-first-time buyers.

In order to implement the change to the mortgage interest relief rules announced in the recent Budget, the joint interest ceiling used to calculate the entitlement was reduced from €13,000 to €11,000 (this is a combination of the maximum €10,000 interest ceiling in respect of the first-time buyer and €1,000 interest ceiling in respect of the non first time buyer, the latter being the amount eligible for relief as a proportion of the maximum interest ceiling of €3,000 available prior to the Supplementary Budget change). As a result the mortgage holders may have noticed a reduction in the relief now being paid.

At present the Revenue Commissioners are reviewing all entitlements to mortgage interest relief where a combination of first and non-first time buyers are party to a mortgage and an absence of adequate information exists to determine the exact amount of relief due. Any unpaid relief identified from this review will be granted where there continues to be entitlement.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

140 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance when it is expected that the tax issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be resolved; the reason it has taken so long to conclude matters; the further reason it has not been determined as to whether their employer deducted emergency tax in this case; if he will expedite the process in order to calculate the level of refund in this case if the employer has provided the information sought by the Revenue Commissioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29487/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the matter is still ongoing as the issues involved are complex and the person concerned has not to date provided proof that tax was deducted from the payments made to him.

The nature or status of Revenue's enquiries into the tax affairs of other parties is confidential. Therefore it not possible to make any comment on the position concerning the other party referred to above.

Financial Services Regulation.

Finian McGrath

Question:

141 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the safeguards in place for mortgage holders whose mortgages are sold to a third party. [29560/09]

When a regulated firm has assigned its rights and responsibilities under a contract which is subject to the Consumer Credit Act 1995 (CCA), to a third party, this will not negate the application of the CCA to that agreement. It is important to note that a consumer's statutory right cannot be set aside or contracted out of by the assignee of an agreement.

No new rights are created, and the debt collector must proceed on the same basis as the creditor could lawfully proceed under the Consumer Credit Act 1995.

Furthermore, section 40 of the Consumer Credit Act 1995 provides that "Where a creditor's or owner's rights under an agreement are assigned to a third person, the consumer shall be entitled to plead against that third person any defence which was available to him against the original creditor including set-off".

For guidance purposes for credit institutions (Banks, Building Societies and Designated Credit Institutions) the Central Bank has a Code of Practice on the Transfer of Mortgages. This Code of Practice which is available on the Financial Regulator's website provides amongst other things that a loan secured by the mortgage of residential property may not be transferred without the written consent of the borrower.

Public Sector Salaries.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

142 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the amount of money that would saved by imposing a 10% pay cut on all public sector salaries over €100,000, only applying to the proportion of income over that level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29574/09]

It is estimated that a saving of approximately €25m would be achieved through the application of a percentage cut of 10% on that element of public service salaries over €100,000. The figure does not include the local authority area which is outside of the public service pay and pensions bill.

As the Deputy is aware Members of the Government, Ministers of State, Secretaries General of Government Departments and holders of some posts at similar levels have already agreed to make a voluntary surrender of 10% of their pay.

Fiscal Policy.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

143 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his views on the proposal details supplied; if he will request that an independent assessment be carried out on the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29586/09]

The Taoiseach gave an undertaking in the Dáil last week to provide a considered response on behalf of Government to the proposals in Fine Gael's NewEra document. I understand that the Government's response is currently being prepared and I expect that it will issue to Deputy Kenny shortly.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

144 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his views on Fine Gael’s banking policy alternative; if he will request that an independent assessment be carried out of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29588/09]

In formulating policy responses to the impact of the financial crisis on the Irish financial system, I have welcomed all constructive observations, comments or advices that have been offered.

The Government examined a number of ways to deal with the risky assets on the balance sheets of Irish banks, which were preventing banks from lending into the economy and thereby supporting economic recovery. Taking account of Dr. Peter Bacon's report on options for resolving property loan impairments, and the consensus amongst the Government's advisors including the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator and the NTMA, the Government concluded that the establishment of an asset management agency was the best means of ensuring that the banks were freed up to lend to the real economy. As the Deputy will be aware, a Steering Group established by me is overseeing the preparation of the NAMA legislation in parallel with the practical preparations for the establishment of NAMA. The legislation will be published before the end of the month and will be fully debated in the Oireachtas.

Capital Investment.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

145 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to the construction industry council’s proposal to use private pension funds to bolster capital spending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29589/09]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No. 29 from Deputy Richard Bruton on Wednesday 8 July which provides an update in relation to this issue.

Decentralisation Programme.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

146 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his long-term plans for the Ordnance Survey office building in the Phoenix Park if the office is moved to Dungarvan, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29590/09]

In 2008, the Government announced that the decentralisation of Ordnance Survey Ireland to Dungarvan was to be deferred pending a review in 2011. The future of the Ordnance Survey's existing Headquarters will be considered as part of this review.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

147 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Finance the status of an application for employment transfer made by a person (details supplied) under the decentralisation programme. [29620/09]

The Deputy will be aware that I identified in the Budget last October the priority elements agreed by Government under the decentralisation programme which could proceed at this time. The Government's preference would have been not to delay any aspect of the Programme but, in light of the deterioration in the public finances, it has been necessary to defer other projects pending an overall review of the programme in 2011.

I understand from enquiries made by my Department that the person concerned has changed his preferences on the Central Applications Facility (CAF) on a number of occasions and that a move to the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in Drogheda is his first preference at present. That Department's investigative functions have transferred to the Department of Transport in the interim but this would not impact adversely on the person's application status. Regrettably the move of the marine investigation functions to Drogheda has been deferred pending the overall review in 2011. The move of the headquarters of the Department of Social and Family Affairs remains within the priority elements of the programme. While property acquisition is at an advanced planning phase in respect of the move by that Department, it is likely that it will be several years before the construction phase is completed and the physical moves take place.

More broadly, the Government's moratorium on recruitment across the public service is likely to result in a substantial slow down of assignments to vacancies arising across the system as a whole, including vacancies arising in Drogheda. In the last few months however, the Department of Social and Family Affairs has filled vacancies arising in a number of posts across the country and is likely to continue to do so, to some extent, for the present. Details of the person concerned have been forwarded to that Department, with a request that they contact him in the event that suitable vacancies arise in the Louth/Meath area. However, it is likely that any such vacancies would be filled in accordance with priority rules agreed in relation to the CAF and an offer would be dependent on the number of higher priority applicants also interested in any post.

Financial Services Regulation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

148 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Finance his plans to raise new procedures introduced by a bank (details supplied) with the Financial Regulator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29621/09]

The Deputy will appreciate that the issue he raises is one that falls within the remit of the Financial Regulator in its on-going engagement with the various financial institutions. I am advised by the Financial Regulator that, at this time, they are unaware of the proposal mentioned. It needs to be borne in mind that a balance must be struck between the influence the Government brings to bear on banks through the bank guarantee scheme and other financial support incentives while allowing such institutions the scope to run their operations on a strictly commercial basis.

Tax Code.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

149 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the details requested by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for a variation in their refund of tax will issue to them. [29628/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that a further explanation regarding the issue of the 2004 reviews issued to the person concerned on 8th July 2009.

Flood Relief.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

150 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Finance if the detailed designs for the flood alleviation works in Johnstown village, County Kildare have been completed; and if funding has been provided to carry out the work. [29650/09]

The Commissioners of Public Works have agreed to allocate funding to complete a programme of flood alleviation works in the Johnstown area, provided Kildare County Council is successful in obtaining planning approval in accordance with Part 8 of the planning and development regulations for the scheme. It is also a prerequisite that the Local Authority resolve outstanding matters in relation to the detailed design, land ownership and environmental issues to the satisfaction of OPW.

Public Service Contracts.

Richard Bruton

Question:

151 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in tendering for debt recovery work, the Revenue Commissioners disqualify any applicant who does not already have an income of €200,000 per year from debt recovery work; and if he will access if this represents an unfair barrier to entry and result in unduly favouring incumbent providers when a more competitive bidding process should be encouraged. [29687/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that they have entered into contracts with six firms of external solicitors to provide legal services associated with debt collection and the enforcement process. These contracts will cease, for new referrals, on 31 December 2009. Revenue is currently undertaking an open tendering process in order to select the most suitable firms of solicitors to award contracts to carry out this work commencing on 1 January 2010.

I am assured by the Revenue Commissioners that they have taken considerable care to ensure that the open tender process fully adheres to public procurement guidelines. The tender requirements do set out certain requirements on firms. The rationale for these requirements is to ensure that firms that progress to the evaluation stage in the tender process have clearly demonstrated, inter alia, their capability in terms of their track record and experience in this specific area of work and their capacity to handle large volumes of referrals, often involving complexity. It is essential that each firm that is awarded a contract will immediately be in a position to effectively and efficiently carry out both the nature and volume of work that Revenue will refer to the successful tenderers from 1 January 2010. In this context the requirement to have a debt recovery turnover of at least €200,000 per annum, on average, in the preceding three years is both reasonable and necessary.

The table below sets out the total number of referrals to the existing solicitors, the cost of their operations and the yield recovered over the last five years. This provides an indication of both the quantum of work involved and the important role of the solicitor referral process as part of Revenue's overall collection enforcement programme.

Year

Expenditure

Number of referrals

Yield

€m

€m

2004

3.5

6,723

63.9

2005

3.6

6,485

59.6

2006

4.7

7,018

70.9

2007

4.4

6,143

75.2

2008

4.4

6,578

65.1

Tax Code.

Richard Bruton

Question:

152 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the circumstances in which persons will be able to withdraw money from an under-performing pension fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29688/09]

The rationale for giving various tax reliefs to statutory and Revenue-approved pension savings schemes is to encourage and promote savings over the long term in order that individuals will have an adequate replacement income in old age. Any proposal, however well-intentioned, that would allow pre-retirement access by individuals to retirement savings could significantly reduce the quantum of pension savings available to those individuals in old age.

Revenue approval of pension schemes is given on the basis, essentially, that benefits may only be paid at the point of retirement (usually from age 60) or on earlier death. I have no plans to amend these provisions. However, employees may take "early retirement" benefits from a pension scheme anytime from age 50.

It is the case that pension funds have been negatively impacted by the turbulence in global financial markets. The value of a pension fund can increase or decrease depending on the performance of the investments chosen. There are actions which individuals may be able to take with a view to managing and minimising this impact.

Members of pension schemes or individuals with personal pension plans should regularly review the performance of their pension fund with the fund administrator or provider to see what actions can be taken to improve performance. Individuals may also have the option to choose the type of investments into which their pension funds are placed or, more generally, to influence the investment strategy to be followed by the pension fund administrators and providers. It might be expected, for example, that most of a pension fund would be invested in higher-risk funds in the early-to-mid years of a contributor's working life, moving to middle-risk funds in later years and lower-risk funds as an individual nears retirement. Individuals may also be able to transfer between investment funds or to move future contributions into different funds. These are matters on which individuals can obtain further information from their pension fund administrator or provider.

Richard Bruton

Question:

153 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the most recent estimate of the cost of the tax exemption; the number of beneficiaries; and the details of the classifications of beneficiaries by range of income exempted from tax. [29690/09]

I understand that the Deputy's question relates to the tax exemption of certain earnings of writers, composers and artists.

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the relevant available information relates to the overall cost to the Exchequer of the exemption and the total numbers of claimants as included in income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2006, the latest year for which the necessary detailed information is available. In that year an estimated number of 2,890 claimants availed of the artists' exemption scheme at an estimated cost to the Exchequer of €66 million.

An income distribution by reference to bands of exempt income is set out in the attached table. This information is based on income returns on Revenue records at the time the data were compiled for analytical purposes, representing about 93% of all returns expected from claimants for this exemption.

A married couple who has elected or has been deemed to have elected for joint assessment is counted as one tax unit.

A breakdown of these figures by artistic category is not available but the Deputy may wish to know that under Freedom of Information legislation, the Revenue Commissioners publish details on their website of individuals who have been granted a determination allowing them to claim the Artists Exemption in respect of income earned from the sale of their works. The names of those qualifying for the relief with effect from 21 April 1998 are available and the list is set out in alphabetical order in each of the five categories of work covered by the exemption, viz. (a) a book or other writing, (b) a play, (c) a musical composition, (d) a painting or like picture, (e) a sculpture. The list is updated on a quarterly basis. This information can be found on the Revenue website at www.revenue.ie.

INCOME TAX 2006

Artist Exemption — by range of exempt income

Range of Exempt Income

Number of cases

Exempt Income Amount

Tax Forgone

From

To

10,000

1,366

5,123,132

1,050,138

10,000

20,000

490

7,096,360

1,494,554

20,000

30,000

207

5,110,398

1,172,504

30,000

40,000

138

4,771,973

1,251,739

40,000

50,000

91

4,082,507

1,158,554

50,000

100,000

178

12,458,772

4,133,515

100,000

250,000

129

19,660,830

7,518,437

250,000

500,000

27

9,251,623

3,776,753

500,000

1,000,000

21

14,348,972

5,947,594

Over

1,000,000

28

77,931,694

32,605,442

Totals

2,675

159,836,261

60,109,230

Departmental Properties.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

154 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the Magazine Fort and Thomas Hill in the Phoenix Park, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29696/09]

The Office of Public Works undertakes maintenance and repairs to the Magazine Fort, including security works to preserve the fabric of the Fort on an on-going basis.

The Office of Public Works wishes to develop and restore the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park at a future date. No definitive decision has been made as to the nature of any future restoration, bearing in mind the status of the Phoenix Park as a National Historic Park, and no funding is in place.

The OPW is open to realistic suggestions for the appropriate future use of this heritage site.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

155 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his plans for the disused pavilions to the south of the Fifteen Acres in the Phoenix Park, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29697/09]

The OPW plans to demolish these pavilions as soon as possible.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

156 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the purpose of the hexagonal building at the Knockmaroon Gate of the Phoenix Park, Dublin; his plans for its future use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29698/09]

The building was originally a nature study centre. It has been occupied for a number of years by an artist in residence. Following essential health and safety works, it is hoped that it will be taken over by a voluntary body for artistic and creative purposes.

National Parks.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

157 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the various sports clubs which have pavilions or grounds in the Phoenix Park, Dublin; if he is satisfied in each case that the buildings and grounds are being used to their full potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29699/09]

The following bodies have grounds or pavilions within the Phoenix Park:

The All Ireland Polo Club

The Army Athletic Club

Phoenix Cricket Club

Civil Service Cricket Club

Dublin County Board Camogie Club

Oliver Plunkett's GAA Club

Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club

GAA County Board

Leinster Football League

Park management is reviewing the current usage of the sports grounds and pavilions within the Park in the context of the draft Phoenix Park Conservation Management Plan (2009).

Departmental Offices.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

158 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the number and percentage of light bulbs in his Department which are energy saving light bulbs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29734/09]

It has been the practice for many years in the public sector, and most notably in the Office of Public Works, to utilise energy saving lighting. It is not possible to give a precise number or percentage for the OPW managed buildings, including the Department of Finance, on the use of energy saving lighting. Fluorescent lighting is used for internal lighting throughout all OPW buildings, except in the most unusual circumstances. Such circumstances are due to technical or aesthetic reasons where there is no low energy lighting appropriate to the application. Practically all external lighting is low energy.

Even in the small number of circumstances where efficient lighting is not in use, and the change-over to such lighting is prohibitively expensive, it is expected that, with new lamps coming to the market, mostly based on LED technologies, there is likely to be an economic replacement for relatively inefficient lighting over the next few years.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

159 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the number and percentage of light bulbs in the Office of Public Works managed buildings which are energy saving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29741/09]

It has been the practice for many years in the public sector, and most notably in the Office of Public Works, to utilise energy saving lighting. It is not possible to give a precise number or percentage for the OPW managed buildings on the use of energy saving lighting. Fluorescent lighting is used for internal lighting throughout all OPW buildings, except in the most unusual circumstances. Such circumstances are due to technical or aesthetic reasons where there is no low energy lighting appropriate to the application. Practically all external lighting is low energy.

Even in the small number of circumstances where efficient lighting is not in use, and the change-over to such lighting is prohibitively expensive, it is expected that, with new lamps coming to the market, mostly based on LED technologies, there is likely to be an economic replacement for relatively inefficient lighting over the next few years.

Public Sector Staff.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

160 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the number of people who have been employed in the public service on 1 June for each of the past five years including 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29742/09]

The number of people employed in the public service at the 31 December for the last five years is presented, as reported to my Department, in the following table. The numbers employed in the public service is constituted by the numbers of whole time equivalents employed in the civil service, the education sector, the justice sector, the health sector, the local authorities and the non-commercial agencies. While a new quarterly system for collecting public sector numbers has been introduced in the last few months, and numbers for the end of the first quarter are currently being compiled, I am reporting end-December numbers because of the systems that were in place and for comparative purposes.

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Public Service Numbers

284,788

292,129

304,512

312,131

316,559

Public Sector Salaries.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

161 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance the average yearly wage of persons employed in the public service for each of the past five years including 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29743/09]

Factors such as differences in staff work patterns present difficulties in compiling meaningful average figures on earnings.

However, the Central Statistics Office publishes statistics on average weekly earnings in the public sector. These are available on the website of the Central Statistics Office www.cso.ie.

These figures produced by the Central Statistics Office relate to the public sector, including commercial state-sponsored bodies, but exclude the health sector. Average earnings on this basis, expressed in annual terms and rounded to the nearest €100, for the past five years are shown as follows. The figure available for 2009 covers the period to March 2009 only.

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009 (to March 2009)

€44,000

€46,000

€48,100

€49,500

€50,800

The latest report by the CSO indicates that the increase in average earnings in the year from March 2008 to March 2009 was 3.4%. This would take account of increases payable with effect from March and September 2008 under the pay agreement associated with the Towards 2016 Social Partnership Agreement. It should be noted that the figures shown relate to gross earnings and do not reflect the impact of the public service pensions-related deduction introduced earlier this year.

Public Service Recruitment.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

162 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if the number of people employed in the public service has increased or decreased since budget 2009; if so, the amount regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29744/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

163 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if the number of people employed in the public service has increased or decreased since the 7 April 2009 supplementary budget; if so, the number regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29745/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 163 together.

The public service is composed of the civil service, the education sector, the justice sector, the health sector, the local authorities and the non-commercial agencies. While numbers for some areas within the public service are collected on a monthly basis, numbers for other areas are collected on a quarterly basis, and these are currently being collated.

However, based on information available to my Department, there was a net decline of 427 in the numbers of staff employed on a whole time equivalent (w.t.e.) basis in the public service between September/October 2008 and March/April 2009, excluding the non-commercial agencies. In particular, the numbers employed in the local authorities fell by 1,686, in the civil service by 484, in the defence sector by 225 and the justice sector by 65. These decreases were offset by increases in the numbers employed in the education sector of 1,219 and the health sector of 814.

In those areas of the public service where information is available for the period March/April 2009 and May 2009, there has been a net decrease in the numbers employed of 75 w.t.e. In particular, the numbers employed in the civil service have decreased by 102 (giving an overall net reduction for the civil service of 586 w.t.e. since September/October 2008), the defence sector decreased by 21 (giving an overall net reduction for the defence sector of 246 w.t.e), while the numbers employed in the justice sector increased by 48 (giving a net reduction for the justice sector of 17 w.t.e.).

Finally, in overall terms, based on the information currently available, between September/October 2008 and May 2009, there has been a net reduction in the numbers of staff employed in the public service of 502 w.t.e., as illustrated in the following table.

Public Service Numbers — Whole Time Equivalents

September/October 2008

March/April 2009

May 2009

Civil Service

37,810

37,326

37,224

Education Sector

92,289

93,508

*93,508

Health Sector

110,828

111,642

*111,642

Defence Sector

11,355

11,130

11,109

Justice Sector

15,317

15,252

15,300

Local Authorities

35,865

34,179

*34,179

Total

303,464

303,037

302,962

Public Service Numbers — Whole Time Equivalents* As reported for March/April 2009.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

164 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if the average wage of persons employed in the public service has increased or decreased since budget 2009; if so, the figures regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29746/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

165 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Finance if the average wage of persons employed in the public service has increased or decreased since the 7 April 2009 supplementary budget; if so, the amount regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29747/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

Neither Budget 2009 nor the Supplementary Budget of 7 April 2009 made any changes in the gross salaries of public servants. However, the introduction of the new pension-related deduction has resulted in an average deduction of close to 7%.

Tax Yield.

Michael McGrath

Question:

166 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the amount of income tax received for each of the years 2000 to 2008 from self-employed persons. [29762/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the net receipt of income tax from self-employed persons for each of the years 2000 to 2008 are contained in the following table.

Calendar Year

Net Receipt of Income Tax

€ million

2000

1,520

2001

1,710

2002

1,945

2003

1,715

2004

2,320

2005

2,415

2006

2,565

2007

2,745

2008

2,260

These figures include payments of withholding tax on professional fees and also include yields from special Revenue investigations relating to bogus non-resident accounts, offshore accounts and single premium insurance products (where applicable) but do not take account of receipts of deposit interest retention tax and dividend withholding tax for which a breakdown between particular classes of taxpayers cannot be ascertained. Also not reflected in these figures are repayments of tax other than tax paid by the self-employed such as, for example, repayments made to foreign residents of tax deducted at source under various arrangements.

The 2001 income tax year was a short transitional tax "year" running from 6 April to 31 December 2001 which preceded the first full calendar tax year 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2002. It should be noted that as self-employed taxpayers were assessed to tax for the short "year" on 74% of the profits earned in a 12-month accounting period, the tax figure shown for 2001 in the table will not be directly comparable with those of earlier or later years.

Public Service Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

167 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29834/09]

While I am always anxious to respond to Deputies, I regret the information requested by the Deputy for the time period involved is not readily available and cannot be assembled without undue commitment of staff resources and administrative costs.

I hope, in the circumstances, that the Deputy will appreciate that I cannot provide the information sought. However, should the Deputy have a query in relation to a specific contract, I will have my officials provide any information requested.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

168 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Finance if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29848/09]

My Department has not engaged in contracts with the company mentioned in the Deputy's question.

I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that in the time available they are not in position to collate all the information to supply a full response to the Deputy. They expect to have the process completed and a response forwarded to the Deputy by 16 July 2009.

Budget Submissions.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

169 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Finance the proposals made to him on betting duty by sectors of the betting industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29878/09]

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

Children in Care.

Denis Naughten

Question:

170 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide in tabular format the number of unaccompanied children in Health Service Executive hostels annually since 2002 to date in 2009; the number of these children who have gone missing from each of these hostels annually; the number who remain missing; the number of children who have gone missing this year to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29280/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

171 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of unaccompanied children, categorised by age group, who are in foster care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29281/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

172 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of Health Service Executive hostels for unaccompanied children; the funding allocated to each of these hostels annually since 2004 to date in 2009; the number run by the HSE directly; and the number of privately run hostels; the private contracts in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29284/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 170 to 172, inclusive, together.

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

Health Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

173 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite a decision on an application by persons (details supplied) in County Cork for appeal of domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29364/09]

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

Youth Services.

Brian Hayes

Question:

174 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide extra resources to progress the implementation of the national youth work development plan and the Youth Work Act 2001 on a phased and prioritised basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29456/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

175 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to support a new youth work development plan for the period 2008 to 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29457/09]

The youth sector has received considerable financial support over the past number of years. Funding expanded from €35.5m in 2004 to €52m in 2008. This funding has allowed for expansion in the sector including the roll out of a number of sections of the Youth Work Act, 2001 and priority actions cited in the National Youth Work Development Plan. These include the development of a child protection training and awareness programme for the youth sector, the development and expansion of the Special Projects for Youth Scheme, the appointment of an Assessor of Youth Work and the allocation of additional financial support, including the appointment of Youth Officers, to the VEC sector.

The 2009 Youth Affairs budget of over €48m will continue to focus on supporting existing youth programmes and services for young people including those with fewer opportunities. The National Youth Work Advisory Committee has reviewed the National Youth Work Development Plan and consideration is being given as to how matters can be progressed and developed further having regard to available resources.

Child Care Services.

Frank Feighan

Question:

176 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children when capital funding will be made available for a company (details supplied) to provide child care facilities; and if she will ensure that they are included on the new community hospital site as agreed with the Health Service Executive. [29568/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2000-2006 under which capital grant funding is made available to community and commercial childcare providers for the development of childcare facilities.

With the economic downturn Government expenditure, particularly in the area of new capital commitments, was reviewed earlier this year. As a result, with the exception of a limited number of projects, it was necessary to inform all NCIP capital grant applicants, including the applicant referred to by the Deputy, that no further applications were being approved and that the programme was closed to additional applications. Existing capital commitments will continue to be processed during 2009 and 2010.

I understand that three local childcare services amalgamated into the company referred to by the Deputy and applied for capital funding for a new purpose built childcare facility. As stated above, the decision not to approve funding in this case was made having regard to the constraints currently placed on new capital commitments under the NCIP and is not related to any developments which may be under consideration by the Health Service Executive.

The City and County Childcare Committees will be advised by my Office if and when additional capital funding becomes available to my Office in 2011 and 2012.

Mental Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

177 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money raised from the sale of psychiatric hospital lands and buildings since January 2006; the amount of same which was retained by her Department ; the amount that was reinvested into the development of mental health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29988/09]

A Vision for Change’ the Report on the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy recommended that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented and that the resources released by these closures should be re-invested in the mental health service. The Departments of Finance and Health and Children have agreed in principle to the release of the proceeds of the disposal of properties prior to 2006 for reinvestment in mental health capital development.

The arrangements for property disposal require Department of Finance approval in each case, the lodging of the proceeds as Exchequer Extra Receipts and the re-voting of the funds for approved projects. Disposals to date amount to over €42m. A submission from the HSE, detailing the priority projects to be funded from these disposals, is currently under consideration in my Department with a view to submission to the Department of Finance.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

178 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the future of services (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of the consultants there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28782/09]

I am indeed aware that not everyone is in agreement with the reorganisation of breast cancer services that is taking place under the National Cancer Control Programme. However, it is important to remember the goals of the Programme — improvements in cancer prevention, detection, treatment and survival through a national service based on evidence and best practice. To achieve this, we need to move from the present fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control. As recommended in the Strategy for Cancer Control in Ireland, the HSE has designated 8 cancer centres, each serving a minimum population of 500,000. University Hospital Galway is the designated centre for Sligo.

Breast cancer diagnostic and surgical services are the first services to be transferred to the designated cancer centres. In this regard, it is important to note that the National Quality Assurance Standards for Symptomatic Breast disease provide that each specialist unit should manage a minimum number of 150 new breast cancer cases per annum. Sligo General Hospital carried out 86 procedures on women with a principal diagnosis of breast cancer in 2008 (79 such procedures in 2007). The roll-out of BreastCheck in Sligo, which commenced in March, will further reduce the numbers of breast cancer patients requiring access to symptomatic breast disease services, as women screened by BreastCheck who require follow-up will be referred to the BreastCheck static unit in Galway.

Accordingly, breast cancer diagnostic and surgical services at Sligo will transfer to UHG within the next couple of months. Work is ongoing in relation to this with the full cooperation of hospital management. Medical oncology will continue to be delivered at Sligo General as will outpatient radiation oncology clinics. Current arrangements to provide supportive or palliative care will not change.

The current volume of breast cancer patients at Sligo has been assessed and can be accommodated in UHG, where the symptomatic breast unit has expanded considerably in recent years and offers a multidisciplinary approach providing breast cancer surgery, specialised procedures such as immediate breast reconstruction, radiotherapy and chemotherapy including neoadjuvant therapy in a single team environment. Triple assessment clinics are available every day and each of the 5 consultant surgeons has weekly clinics Monday to Friday.

Service for People with Disabilities.

Denis Naughten

Question:

179 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding made available to date in 2009 for the disability sector; the budget for this sector in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28783/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

180 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when a site will be finalised for the sexual assault treatment unit in Galway; the progress made in relation to such a unit in Mullingar, County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28787/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

181 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 397 of 17 June 2008, if the staff referred to have been recruited; when the screening programme will commence in the west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28788/09]

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

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

182 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for occupational therapy in County Roscommon; the steps she will take to address waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28789/09]

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

Joe McHugh

Question:

183 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons waiting to receive a service and therapy under each category of service in the hospital and out-patient section of Donegal Health Service Executive in tabular form; the average length of wait in each category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28793/09]

The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.

James Reilly

Question:

184 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings and the changes made to the 2009 Health Service Executive budget in the four regional administrative areas of the HSE, namelly, Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west on an item basis in tabular form outlining the services which have been reduced or varied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28815/09]

James Reilly

Question:

185 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the savings and the changes made to the 2009 Health Service Executive budget in respect of each hospital and each hospital Department in the four regional administrative areas of the HSE Dublin, namely, north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west on an item basis in tabular form outlining the services which have been reduced or varied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28816/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 184 and 185 together.

As the Deputy is aware, the National Service Plan 2009 which I approved in December contained a number of economic and cost avoidance measures for 2009 (in addition to a continuation of value for money measures from 2008). Subsequently a range of potential exposures (some of which were identified in the Service Plan) materialised.

The Government made significant decisions on spending, revenue raising and employment control in the Supplementary Budget. Those decisions, along with measures previously identified by the HSE and a series of measures which I approved obviated the need to amend the Service Plan. The HSE is now implementing these measures in order to deliver the Service Plan within its existing allocation.

The level of service originally planned by the HSE and set out in the 2009 Service Plan is continuing to be delivered. Indeed, in a number of areas planned service levels have been exceeded so far this year. Maintaining this level of performance will demand close attention to value for money and ongoing modernisation of service delivery in line with best practice.

With regard to specific issues relating to the four regional administrative areas, I have referred the matter to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

186 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in the four regional administrative areas of the Health Service Executive, namely, Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west on maternity leave whose positions have not been filled in their absence in 2009; the grades and areas these staff are in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28817/09]

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

James Reilly

Question:

187 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the contracts which have not been renewed in the Health Service Executive in the four regional administrative areas of the HSE, namely, Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west since 1 January 2009; the further contracts which will not be renewed for the remainder of 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28818/09]

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

James Reilly

Question:

188 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff on sick leave in the four regional administrative areas of the Health Service Executive, namely, Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west of more than one weeks duration whose positions have not been filled in their absence in 2009; the grades and areas these staff are in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28819/09]

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

Hospital Accommodation.

James Reilly

Question:

189 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds in each hospital and nursing unit of all types (details supplied) in the four regional administrative areas of the Health Service Executive, namely, Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west that have been closed or are currently not open in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28822/09]

James Reilly

Question:

367 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds closed nationally; the breakdown of these beds per hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30003/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 367 together.

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

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

190 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the service reviews currently being carried out by the Health Service Executive in the four regional administrative areas of the HSE, namely, Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west; the purpose of these reviews; when they were initiated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28823/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

191 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech and language therapists who were to be employed under the Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west service plan; the number in place; the number whose contracts have not been renewed or who are on leave whose posts have not been filled; the number of unfilled vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28824/09]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

James Reilly

Question:

192 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hours of speech and language therapy delivered in the four regional administrative areas of the Health Service Executive, namely, Dublin north east, Dublin Mid Leinster, south and west, in the first six months of 2008 and of 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28825/09]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

193 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people waiting to receive a service or therapy under each category of service in the community care section of the Health Service Executive in the four regional administrative areas of the HSE, namely, Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west in tabular form; the average length of wait in each category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28826/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

223 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people waiting to receive a service and therapy under each category of service in the community care section of Donegal Health Service Executive in tabular form; the average length of wait in each category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28927/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 193 and 223 together.

As the Deputies' questions relate to service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

James Reilly

Question:

194 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people waiting to receive a service or therapy under each category of service in the hospital in-patient and out-patient section of the Health Service Executive in the four regional administrative areas of the HSE, namely, Dublin north east, Dublin mid Leinster, south and west in tabular form; the average length of wait in each category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28827/09]

The management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for direct reply.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

James Reilly

Question:

195 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money she or Government agencies have spent on hearing aids by way of subsidisation; the manufacture cost of these hearing aids; the mark up on these aids; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28828/09]

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

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

196 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be supported. [28832/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

197 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Health and Children if social workers have acted appropriately and in accordance with the Children First guidelines in the case of allegations against a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28838/09]

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

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

198 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed by her Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by her Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; her proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Departments presence in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28853/09]

My Department does not have any office located in County Louth.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

199 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed by the Health Service Executive in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and whether same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by her Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased when such lease expires; her proposals to close or amalgamate or expand her Departments presence at such location in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28858/09]

I presume this question refers to Health Service Executive staff as there are no Department of Health and Children staff employed in County Louth. As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Jack Wall

Question:

200 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Carlow will receive a date for an operation at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28871/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

Joe McHugh

Question:

201 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in County Donegal on sick leave of more than one week’s duration whose positions have not been filled in their absence in 2009; the grades and areas these staff are in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28872/09]

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

Mental Health Services.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

202 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for the future of the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28875/09]

In May 2006 the Government confirmed the decision to develop a new Central Mental Hospital (CMH) at Thornton Hall, County Dublin. Since then, a draft project brief has been prepared and a Cost Benefit Analysis has been completed. None of the work undertaken to date has been site specific but a number of difficulties have now emerged with the Thornton Hall site. The HSE has identified a need for an Intellectual Disability Forensic Mental Health Unit and a Child and Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Unit. Neither of these units would be viable as a stand alone facility and they should be co-located with the CMH, but the twenty acre site at Thornton Hall is not large enough to allow for these additional developments. Moreover, the construction of these additional units at a location separate to the CMH would incur increased capital and revenue costs.

The planning and design process for the CMH redevelopment project will soon need to become site specific and in these circumstances, all of the issues involved are currently being considered.

Medical Cards.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

203 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [28878/09]

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

Health Services.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

204 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [28879/09]

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

Health Service Allowances.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

205 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an application for domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [28880/09]

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

Noel Ahern

Question:

206 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide details on the financial help for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and the details of criteria required and level of payment made. [28881/09]

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

Noel Ahern

Question:

207 Deputy Noel Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children the service that is available in respect of persons caring for mentally ill relatives; if there is an easily accessible point of contact within the Health Service Executive from whom the carer could seek professional advice by phone in order to deal with problems which may arise from one day to the next with the mentally ill person. [28882/09]

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

Nursing Home Subventions.

Richard Bruton

Question:

208 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to prioritise applications for fair deal in the circumstances in which eligible applicants exceed the budget made available; or will the scheme be demand led. [28885/09]

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme will be resource capped. This could give rise to waiting lists if resources run out in a given year. However, this potential for waiting lists to arise will be managed by means of the estimates process. The Government will have the opportunity in each financial year to allocate what it deems the appropriate amount required to meet the needs of applicants under the scheme.

All those who qualify for State support under the scheme will have been assessed as needing long-term residential care. In other words, all will have a recognised need. As such, the only equitable basis for managing the waiting list is on a first come, first served basis. First come in this case means the first applicant to avail of a nursing home place. In other words, an applicant who is seeking a particular nursing home cannot delay other applicants who have accepted a place.

Vaccination Programme.

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

209 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the dangers attached to the use of a drug (details supplied). [28887/09]

Maureen O'Sullivan

Question:

210 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the dangers attached to the use of a drug (details supplied). [28888/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 209 and 210 together.

The highest priority is attached to ensuring the safety of all vaccines administered as part of the public immunisation programme in Ireland. International evidence as to the safety profile and side-effects of vaccines is considered by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) in formulating its advice and is kept under constant review.

The Irish Medicines Board (IMB), together with its EU counterparts is responsible for monitoring national and international emerging evidence about the safety of medicines, including vaccine safety. The Irish Medicines Board is also represented on the National Immunisation Advisory Committee.

There are two vaccines licensed in Ireland to prevent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervarix was licensed in September 2006 and Gardasil was licensed in September 2007. The Department has been informed by the IMB of media reports in the US and EU that described some cases with fatalities following vaccination with the HPV vaccine. These cases have been reviewed by the European Medicines Agency and the authorities responsible in the jurisdictions in which they occurred and a relationship between the HPV vaccine and these reported fatalities could not be established.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

211 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in her Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to her Department; the contents of the proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28899/09]

My Department submitted a report to the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes regarding expenditure and staff numbers in the health area. This was prepared in respect of the Health Group of Votes. The Special Group met with the Secretary General and other senior officials from my Department and with the Chief Executive Officer and officials from the Health Service Executive in the course of its deliberations.

The Minister for Finance has recently received the Report of the Special Group, and will be bringing the Report to Government in the near future. Decisions on the release of the Report and associated documents will be made by Government in that context.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Richard Bruton

Question:

212 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is scope for persons with a disability to change service provider in order to try alternative placements and experiences; her views on budget holding arrangements for clients so they search around for facilities which most suited their needs. [28910/09]

Changing service provider is an operational service matter. Accordingly, I have arranged for this aspect of the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Personal social support services are designed to allow people with a disability to live a life of their choice to the greatest extent possible. As such, the nature, content and extent of such supports should depend upon the degree to which the individual needs them to participate as fully as possible in the social and economic life of their community. Currently, these supports are provided by the Health Service Executive and, more commonly, by voluntary agencies funded by the HSE. They would include, for example, day, respite and residential services.

Persons with a disability who require personal social supports, should have choice and control over the supports provided to them. This is being increasingly addressed through individual funding and individual budgets. Individual funding can ensure that the funding given to an agency for the provision of services to an individual, must be used to provide services for that individual. Individual budgets may involve a dedicated budget which is managed by the individual or by advocates on behalf of that individual.

This year, the Department of Health and Children will be reviewing disability service expenditure within the health sector as part of the Government's programme of Value for Money and Policy Reviews. The review will consider models of funding and budgets for those services which are intended to enable people with a disability to participate in the social and economic life of their community.

In addition, the Minister for Health and Children has established an Expert Group on Resource Allocation in the Health Sector in April 2009. The Group will examine how the existing system of resource allocation within the Irish public health service can be improved to support better the aims of the health reform programme. As part of the terms of reference, the Minister has asked the Expert Group, in the light of its work, to take a view on the most appropriate financing mechanism for the Irish health service. The Group has been asked to report to the Minister for Health and Children and the Minister for Finance by April 2010.

Child Care Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

213 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will indicate the number of childcare providers and the number of places covered who have indicated their willingness to participate in the proposed early childhood subventions scheme; if such providers will be permitted to charge top-up fees both for the core hours covered by the subvention and for additional hours provided outside of the subvented hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28911/09]

Richard Bruton

Question:

218 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the way the capitation grant for the new childcare and education scheme was drawn up given the cost of rent, rates, staff and so on; and if she took into account the higher cost environment in Dublin; if a national curriculum for the programme is being considered; the number of childcare services and Montessori schools who have volunteered to participate in the programme; the number of schools who have shown an interest in the programme; the number of pupils involved in Dublin and outside Dublin; when the deadline will be; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28916/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 218 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) with effect from January 2010.

It is a fundamental principle of the scheme that the free Pre-School Year will be available free of charge to parents. All participating services will have to meet the costs of the new pre-school year from the capitation provided under the scheme. However, services participating in the scheme may charge parents for additional services which they provide, including additional hours and additional activities or services provided these are offered on an optional basis to parents and provided appropriate programme based activities are provided to children not participating in an additional activity.

The level of capitation provided under the scheme takes into account a range of factors which contribute to the overall cost of providing the free pre-school year. It is considered that the capitation provided is sufficient to accommodate the majority of services both in Dublin and throughout the rest of the country.

All services will be required to provide an educational programme consistent with the principles of Síolta, the national quality framework for early childhood education in Ireland. Síolta comprises a set of nationally devised and evidenced based principles, standards and components of quality in all dimensions of practice in early childhood education in Ireland. It was developed through extensive consultation with all stakeholders in the early childhood care and education (ECCE) sector in Ireland and is applicable for all settings where children aged birth to six years. A national team of Síolta co-ordinators will assist services in meeting these standards. The City and County Childcare Committees and the National Childcare Voluntary Organisations are also expected to play key roles in implementing the scheme.

As part of the preparations for introducing the new scheme, the Childcare Directorate of my Office recently wrote to almost 5,000 private and voluntary pre-school service providers in the State, inviting them to participate. These included pre-school service providers which are notified to the Health Service Executive (HSE) or registered with the Irish Montessori Education Board (IMEB) and a number of persons who have expressed an interest in establishing a pre-school service and participating in the scheme. A number of schools already operate or facilitate pre-school services and some increase in their number is expected as a result of the new scheme.

At this point, some 2,500 applications to enter the scheme have been received from pre-school services of which more than 450 are from within the Dublin area. These services expect to provide an ECCE place to 42,000 children, although a number have greater capacity should the demand present itself to them. Given the current rate of applications being received, it is expected that the number of places which will be available in the Dublin area will be sufficient to meet demands in January. Services have been asked to forward applications to enter the scheme to their local City and County Childcare Committee by 10 July 2010.

The number of children who will participate in the free Pre-School Year and who are located in both the Dublin area and outside, will not be known until January 2010 when the scheme commences. At that point, participating services will make a return to my Office indicating the number of qualifying children enrolled and attending their services.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Richard Bruton

Question:

214 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the costings per week allowed to providers of services in respect of people with disabilities for five day care places, for full-time residential care, for respite care. [28912/09]

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

Mental Health Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

215 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the mental health proposals developed for a number of catchment areas (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28913/09]

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

Health Services.

Richard Bruton

Question:

216 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the delayed discharge recorded at 18% at a hospital (details supplied) in April 2009; the steps she will take to reduce this rate; her views on whether there is a lack of convalescent facilities in north Dublin for patients who have completed their acute phase of care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28914/09]

The HSE is addressing the issue of delayed discharges through a combination of increased investment in alternatives to acute hospital stay and improvements in the discharge planning process at hospital level. There are many reasons for discharges being delayed including the need for long stay capacity, community based supports and, in some instances, a reluctance by families to allow their relative to be discharged until a publicly funded bed becomes available.

Hospitals are working to ensure that care is provided in a timely, appropriate and efficient manner. All patients are to be given an expected date of discharge within 24 hours of admission and patients will be discharged at weekends where appropriate.

The HSE National Service Plan for 2009 commits to a number of key steps which are designed to improve the efficiency of the hospital system including a reduction in the level of inappropriate admissions, reducing average length of stay, increasing elective surgical admissions on the day of surgery and shifting activity from in-patient to day procedures. The delivery of these measures and targets should ensure more efficient use of available capacity.

Following on from the launch of the Code of Practice for Integrated Discharge Planning last year, the HSE has initiated an "early transfer" pilot programme across 4 sites including Beaumont, Tallaght, Drogheda and Cork University Hospitals, which started on July 1st. Under the programme, patients can be transferred from the ED to a ward earlier than would normally be the case. The decision to transfer patients will be based on a prior analysis of the number of planned discharges each day. It is hoped that this will drive efficiencies in the wider hospital system, especially at ward level, and result in earlier access to in-patient beds.

The HSE's funding for long-term residential care services for older people in 2009 is €909 million and it must operate within this resource. This funding currently supports the provision of public and contract beds and the payment of nursing home subventions. I understand that at the end of March 2009 there were a total of 29,000 beds in nursing homes. Of these approximately 25,985 are long stay beds. There are currently in the region of 23,000 people in long stay residential care in Ireland (7,500 public, 15,500 private). A monthly average of 9,161 beds were reported as subvented at the end of April 2009.

It will also be required to support the introduction of the new Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, later this year. Under the Fair Deal, care will be more affordable for all who need it. Earlier this year, the HSE provided 235 additional contract beds, including 90 for HSE Dublin North East, to alleviate pressure on the acute hospital system by the numbers of patients whose discharges are delayed.

Hospital Accommodation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

217 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed closures in Dublin hospitals; the reason for their closure in 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28915/09]

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

Question No. 218 answered with Question No. 213.

Joe McHugh

Question:

219 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of beds in each hospital and nursing unit in Donegal of all types (details supplied) that have been closed or are currently not open in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28923/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

Joe McHugh

Question:

220 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the service reviews that are being carried out by the Health Service Executive in Donegal; the purpose of these reviews; when they were initiated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28924/09]

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

Joe McHugh

Question:

221 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech and language therapists that were to be employed under the Donegal service plan; the number actually put in place; the number whose contracts have not been renewed or who are on leave and whose posts have not been filled; the number of unfilled vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28925/09]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Joe McHugh

Question:

222 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hours of speech and language therapists delivered in Donegal in the first six months of 2008 and in the first six months of 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28926/09]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 193.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

224 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of outpatients who have been referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund in regard to each hospital in the Health Service Executive south area in 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29239/09]

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

Hospital Waiting Lists.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

225 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 279 of 9 June 2009 and the subsequent response from the Health Service Executive of 23 of June 2009, her views on whether it is acceptable that a 76 year old person should be put on a waiting list of 18 months approximately before being assessed for treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29240/09]

The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's General Practitioner consider that his condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved.

Infectious Diseases.

Denis Naughten

Question:

226 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to address the issue of hospital acquired infection; the number of such cases in each hospital in the past 12 months of suspected or confirmed infection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29247/09]

James Reilly

Question:

370 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of claims lodged with the State Claims Agency per year for compensation as a result of patients acquiring hospital infections since 2001; the number of cases settled to date in 2009; the settlement in each case; the amount paid in legal fees; the duration between lodging the claim and the judgement or settlement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30006/09]

James Reilly

Question:

385 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to significantly reduce hospital acquired infections in our hospitals and the need to guard against infection in the refurbishment of existing hospitals and the construction of new hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30022/09]

James Reilly

Question:

386 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to establish a specific financial incentive which will reward hospitals that achieve excellence in hygiene standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30023/09]

James Reilly

Question:

387 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to continue to carry out regular hygiene audits without notice, at minimum annually, and publish the results; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30024/09]

James Reilly

Question:

388 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to introduce measures to help reduce the prescribing of antibiotics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30025/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226, 370 and 385 to 388, inclusive, together.

Health Care Associated Infections (HCAIs) continue to be a challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Ireland is not unique in this regard and tackling HCAIs here continues to be a priority for the government and for the Health Service Executive (HSE). In March 2007, the HSE launched a National Infection Control Action Plan. An Infection Control Steering Group is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the plan. Over the period of the Plan the HSE aims to reduce HCAIs by 20%, MRSA infection by 30% and antibiotic consumption by 20%. The Steering Group is supported by eight Local Implementation Teams which will ensure that all local facilities are focused on achieving the national targets.

A National Surveillance system was established by the HSE to collect data and provide information to monitor HCAIs in our health system. The number of MRSA bloodstream infections for the past three years are: 588 cases in 2006, 536 cases in 2007 and 436 cases in 2008. This shows a significant decrease of over 25% between 2006 and 2008. Below is a table showing the number of MRSA cases by acute public hospital for 2008 which is the most recent information of this detail available. Most of the variation between hospitals can be explained by differences in hospital size, activity and patient population. It should be noted that if a patient is diagnosed with a bloodstream infection at a given hospital it does not indicate that the infection was acquired at that hospital. Many bloodstream infections are acquired in the community, but only diagnosed upon admission to hospital.

In order to introduce measures to aid in the reduction of antibiotic prescribing, education campaigns for healthcare staff and the general public around the prudent use of antibiotics commenced last year. The HSE launched a three week awareness campaign in November 2008 to highlight the importance of using antibiotics properly. This coincided with the first European Antibiotic Awareness Day. The awareness campaign included radio ads and distribution of leaflets on the prudent use of antibiotics.

Earlier this year, new environmental guidelines to inform infection control policy in all new builds and refurbishments were published by the HSE. HIQA, since its establishment in 2007, has also taken significant steps in this area. A core function of the Authority is to set standards on safety and quality of health services and to monitor enforcement of those standards in an open and transparent way. In 2007, HIQA developed National Hygiene Standards and commenced a programme of audit against these Standards. The Authority undertook a comprehensive inspection and review of hygiene in our acute public hospitals in 2007 and again in 2008. This included unannounced visits by inspection teams. The reports, which were published, represent a thorough assessment of how hygiene services are provided and managed in HSE-funded acute care hospitals. HIQA noted that the standard of front line services which was already very high in 2007 had been maintained in 2008 and that corporate governance was significantly improved.

In May 2009, HIQA published its National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections to provide an overall framework for health and social care providers to prevent or minimise the occurrence of HCAIs. These Standards include all key areas of importance in the control of HCAIs namely governance, hygiene, microbiological services, antimicrobial resistance and surveillance systems as well as relevant aspects of the design of facilities. Six months will now be allowed for the development by the HSE of a self-assessment tool, gap analysis and implementation plan before HIQA commences its initial review against those Standards.

In relation to financial incentives for achieving excellence in hygiene standards, while it is a matter for the HSE to decide on funding priorities, I favour, of course, the allocation by the Executive of resources to best ensure the delivery of high quality services.

The State Claims Agency handles all HCAI claims against individual hospitals in the public sector, the HSE and/or the Minister for Health and Children. The Agency indicates that there were 114 HCAI claims lodged with them since inception of this scheme in 2004 and to date one case has been settled. The duration between lodging the claim and settlement was just over two years. It will be appreciated that each case has its own complexities and there are issues involved beyond HCAI. It is policy not to divulge either the details or amounts concerned in individual cases. I am satisfied that significant steps are being taken to reduce the rates of HCAIs generally and to treat them promptly when they occur.

Data on Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) bloodstream isolates by acute public hospital for 2008

Acute Public Hospital

Total number of isolates of MRSA 2008

Adelaide, Meath and National Children’s Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin

27

Bantry General Hospital

1

Beaumont Hospital (including St. Joseph’s Hospital, Raheny), Dublin

45

Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin

0

Cavan General Hospital

3

Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin

2

Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin

8

Coombe Women’s Hospital, Dublin

1

Cork University Hospital (inc Maternity)

25

Galway University Hospitals (inc UCHG and Merlin Park)

47

Kerry General Hospital, Tralee

13

Letterkenny General Hospital, Donegal

19

Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene

0

Louth County Hospital, Dundalk

4

Mallow General Hospital, Co. Cork

6

Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin

34

Mayo General Hospital, Castlebar

8

Mercy University Hospital, Cork

12

Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar

6

Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise

1

Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore*

1

Mid-western Regional Hospital, Ennis

2

Mid-western Regional Hospital, Nenagh

1

Mid-western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, Limerick

19

Mid-western Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick

0

Mid-western Regional Orthopaedic Hospital, Limerick

0

Monaghan General Hospital

1

Naas General Hospital

6

National Maternity Hospital, Holles St., Dublin

0

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda

2

Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin,

6

Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan

1

Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe

7

Roscommon County Hospital

4

Rotunda Hospital, Dublin

0

Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin

0

Sligo General Hospital

10

South Infirmary — Victoria University Hospital, Cork

4

South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel

5

St. Colmcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown**

St. James’s Hospital, Dublin

31

St. John’s Hospital, Limerick

0

St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny

4

St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin

2

St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, Gurranebraher, Cork

0

St. Michael’s Hospital, Dun Laoghaire

0

St. Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin

28

Waterford Regional Hospital

19

Wexford General Hospital

5

It should be noted that 2008 data is provisional.

*No data for quarters 3 and 4 of 2008.

**No data for 2008.

Health Service Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

227 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 96 and 97 of 19 June 2008, the cost in 2008 for agency nursing staff; the corresponding figure to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29248/09]

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

Food Labelling.

Denis Naughten

Question:

228 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 112 of 18 December 2008, the number of inspections performed by environmental health officers on restaurants to date in 2009; the number planned for the remainder of 2009; the number of premises in breach of the beef labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29260/09]

Responsibility for the enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and its official agents, which include the Health Service Executive, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Local Authorities.

Some 44,000 inspections are planned for 2009. Inspection and food surveillance reports are submitted to the Authority every six months. The data for the first six months of 2009 will be available shortly. I have asked the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the FSAI to identify and to forward, directly to the Deputy, details on the number of inspections performed by environmental health officers on restaurants to date in 2009, the number planned for the remainder of 2009, and the number of premises in breach of the beef labelling laws.

Health Service Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

229 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to resource the staffing needs of the special care baby unit at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway; when the new facilities will be fully commissioned and operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29262/09]

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

Vaccination Programme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

230 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of newborn babies who have been vaccinated with the BCG vaccine in each primary, community and continuing care area from October 2008 to date in 2009; the number in each PCCC born since October 2008 still to be vaccinated. [29263/09]

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

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

231 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Nursing Home Support Scheme Bill 2008 will be enacted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29265/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

298 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the implementation of a fair deal nursing home scheme. [29777/09]

James Reilly

Question:

332 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the date the nursing home support scheme will become operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29967/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 231, 298 and 332 together.

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 was signed into law by the President on the 1st July. Certain sections of the Act were commenced last week to enable the National Treatment Purchase Fund to immediately begin price negotiations with private nursing homes. The Minister intends to implement the scheme as soon as these negotiations are concluded and no later than the final quarter of this year.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

232 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the Diabetes Expert Advisory Group work plan for 2009; the progress on the development of the national strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29267/09]

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

Vaccination Programme

Denis Naughten

Question:

233 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. [29268/09]

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 Services.

James Reilly

Question:

234 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance which will be provided by way of allocation of a home care package to a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; when a suitable package will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29291/09]

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

Departmental Properties.

James Reilly

Question:

235 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the buildings in her Department’s or the Health Service Executive’s control currently occupied; the space currently unoccupied in buildings under the control or ownership of her Department or the HSE; the rental liability of such unoccupied space in total and individually; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29293/09]

James Reilly

Question:

236 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the properties and land, including size vested in the Health Service Executive and her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29294/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together. Hawkin's House, Dublin 2 is currently the only building used by my Department and there is no unoccupied space in the building. The Department of Health and Children has no vested interest in any land or property. The position regarding the Heath Service Executive is a matter for the HSE themselves. My Department is asking the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in this regard.

Mental Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

237 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will list the mental health institutions and lands here in her Departments ownership, Health Service Executive ownership or other ownership which the State has effective ownership of including long leasehold in tabular form; the footprint and size of the buildings; the bed capacity of each building; the occupancy rates and the land they are located on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29295/09]

My Department does not own any lands or mental health care facilities. The lands of the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum are the property of the Office of Public Works; the hospital has 93 in-patient beds and is currently operating at full capacity. The remainder of the question relates to lands and institutions in the ownership of the HSE and has therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Ambulance Services.

James Reilly

Question:

238 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the ambulance service in the Swords, County Dublin; if the Health Service Executive will fund the ambulance at Swords fire station; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29296/09]

Emergency ambulance services in Dublin have been provided by Dublin Fire Brigade for many years on behalf of the Health Service Executive. Ambulance services in the rest of the country are provided by the HSE.

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.

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. The most appropriate approach to the service in Swords can be considered in this context.

Legislative Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

239 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the Adoption Bill 2009 to be signed into law; if couples who are on a list to adopt a child from Ethiopia when the Bill becomes law but who may not have received a referral or who may not have completed the adoption at that stage, will be able to proceed with the adoption; the other information with regard to progress; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29297/09]

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. The Bill, which recently passed all the stages in the Seanad, will continue to be prioritised by the Government for its passage through the Oireachtas.

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. Any applicant who is seeking to proceed with an adoption from a non-Hague country, or from a country with which Ireland does not have a bi-lateral agreement, should have regard to the likelihood of the adoption being completed in advance of the Adoption Bill being commenced.

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 that 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 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

Ireland has no bi-lateral inter-country adoption agreement in place with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In June, 2008, Ethiopian officials stated their intention to ratify the Hague Convention. It is my understanding that a task force of relevant personnel drawn from the Ethiopian Ministries of Women's Affairs, of Justice and of Foreign Affairs was subsequently convened to discuss the ratification of the Hague Convention. However, the Ethiopian authorities acknowledged that these moves were only the beginning of what is likely to be a long process.

With regard to recent developments on the ground, my Office was advised by the Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa on 19 May, 2009, that the court in the city that deals with adoptions was not hearing cases involving abandoned children from all orphanages in Addis Ababa. Following a short period of suspension, the court has recently recommenced hearing cases involving abandoned children at State orphanages in Addis Ababa. However, cases involving abandoned children at private orphanages continue to be suspended.

The reason for the suspension of adoptions from private orphanages has, at its core, concerns over the increase in the number of abandoned children being brought for adoption and the possibility of the spread of unethical practices. The Ethiopian authorities are continuing to investigate the situation with a view to safeguarding the interests of the children concerned and, pending the conclusion of this investigation, the court is not accepting abandonment cases from private orphanages in Addis Ababa.

To date, no information has been forthcoming about a likely timeframe for the investigation. However, my Office, through its contacts in the Irish Embassy in Addis Ababa, will maintain contact with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to keep abreast of developments, as and when they arise.

Health Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

240 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to moves by the Health Service Executive to use private contractors to provide home support services at weekends and holidays; if she will ensure that the kind of continuity and quality of care that the traditional home help service provides is maintained; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29298/09]

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

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

241 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that cuts of 1,000 hours are being implemented in the home support service in County Donegal; if she will intervene to maintain this service at the current level here in accordance with Government policy of keeping people in their own homes where possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29299/09]

This matter has been brought to my attention. The HSE must live within current budgetary and economic restraints. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

242 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in her Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of her Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29313/09]

To date a total of 19 staff in my Department have applied for early retirement under the incentivised scheme for early retirement. A further 1 member of staff has applied under this scheme in the Office of the Ombudsman for Children, whose staffing complement comes from within the overall Department of Health and Children staffing numbers. The scheme remains open for applications until 1st September 2009.

In addition 13 members of staff in my Department have applied under the incentivised career break scheme. This scheme is now closed. In the past twelve months 5 members of staff previously attached to Ministers of State were made redundant with effect from 22nd April, 2009, the date on which the Ministers of State ceased to hold that Office, in accordance with their contracts.

The information in relation to agencies under the aegis of my Department is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy when available. In relation to the number of applicants under both Schemes in the HSE, this is a matter directly for the HSE and accordingly, your Parliamentary Question has been referred to the Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services.

Joe McHugh

Question:

243 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time in 2007, 2008, and to date in 2009 for ambulances and other emergency health services in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29343/09]

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

Terence Flanagan

Question:

244 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to cover doctors who are on leave at Crumlin and Temple Street hospitals; if she will respond to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29367/09]

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

Child Protection.

Tom Hayes

Question:

245 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to ensure that gardaí, social workers, Health Service Executive staff and education staff are working together in terms of child protection; the person whose responsibility it is to deal with child protection issues; the service that people should go to in order to highlight any specific concerns that they may have; the number of social workers that are assigned to families here; the ratio to the number of children here; and the way this compares to the OECD average. [29369/09]

The development of robust, responsive and appropriate child welfare and protection services is a priority for the Government. National over-arching guidelines for individuals and agencies dealing with children are set out in "Children First".

The guidelines, which were published in 1999 and recently reviewed, offer guidance to health professionals, teachers, members of the Garda Síochána and the many people in sporting, cultural, community and voluntary organisations who come into regular contact with children. The objectives of the guidelines are: to improve the identification, reporting, assessment, treatment and management of child abuse; to facilitate effective child protection work by emphasising the importance of family support services and the need for clarity of responsibility between various professional disciplines; to maximise the capacity of staff and organisations to protect children effectively; to consolidate inter-agency co-operation based on clarity of responsibility, co-ordination of information, and partnership arrangements between disciplines and agencies; to clarify and promote mutual understanding among statutory and voluntary organisations about the contributions of different disciplines and professions to child protection.

The key message in "Children First" is that responsibility for protecting children must be shared by all adults. Anyone who works with, has responsibility for, or comes into contact with children should be aware of the signs of abuse, be alert to the possibility of abuse, and be familiar with the basic procedures to report their concerns. Chapter 4 of the Guidelines sets out in detail the reporting procedures for anyone who has a concern, with the principal point of contact being the HSE.

A good example of co-operation in this area is the recent initiative between the Garda and the HSE that has seen a nationwide system put in place whereby the Garda can access an appropriate place of safety for children at risk out of hours. This service aims to ensure that such children are provided with an appropriate emergency place of safety, thereby reducing or eliminating social admissions of children in an acute hospital setting. The additional operational questions raised by the Deputy have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

246 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 does not qualify for a medical card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29384/09]

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

Health Services.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

247 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a site (details supplied) in Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29387/09]

Property management is a matter for the Health Service Executive. The question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.

Phil Hogan

Question:

248 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the quality criteria included in awarding the contract to provide dialysis services in Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29404/09]

Phil Hogan

Question:

310 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in respect of providing dialysis services to Kilkenny, the proposals made by both tendering companies in terms of staff and patient ratios were identical; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29797/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 248 and 310 together.

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

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

249 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. [29484/09]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

250 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. [29486/09]

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

Hospital Contracts.

Denis Naughten

Question:

251 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the in-house cleaning costs and contract cleaning service costs for each hospital here for the year 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29543/09]

As this question relates to a function of the HSE, it has been referred to the Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

252 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of operations cancelled at each acute hospital in 2008 and the figures to date for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29544/09]

James Reilly

Question:

344 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of day cases and in-patient procedures cancelled per hospital as at end of June 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29979/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 252 and 344 together.

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

Denis Naughten

Question:

253 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget for Roscommon County Hospital in 2007 and 2008; the service delivery level targets set for each year as outlined in the service plan; the corresponding out turn figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29548/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

254 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the budget for Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe, County Galway in 2007 and 2008; the service delivery level targets set for each year as outlined in the service plan; the corresponding out turn figures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29549/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 253 and 254 together.

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

Denis Naughten

Question:

255 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the transfer of the dermatology outreach clinic at Roscommon County Hospital; the number of adults who attended the clinic in the latest 12-month period available; the corresponding number of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29550/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

256 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the planned improvements to the paediatric dermatology service in Portiuncula Hospital, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29551/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

257 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of discussions between Roscommon County Hospital and Galway University Hospital regarding the development of an alternative service to replace the dermatology clinic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29552/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 255 to 257, inclusive, together.

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

Health Issues.

Denis Naughten

Question:

258 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps she will take to implement the recommendations of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland Report, Adolescents’ Views on Diabetes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29553/09]

I have not received a copy of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland Report Adolescents' Views on Diabetes. When I receive a copy of the report I will consider its recommendations in consultation with the Health Service Executive.

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

259 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of separated children who do not have a social worker allocated to them and who is dealing with their cases on an ongoing basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29558/09]

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

Frank Feighan

Question:

260 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure a bed in a public nursing home will be made available to a person (details supplied) who is currently in Sligo General Hospital. [29561/09]

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

Hospitals Building Programme.

Frank Feighan

Question:

261 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Health and Children the position in respect of the proposed community hospital in Ballinamore, County Leitrim. [29566/09]

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

Hospital Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

262 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the on-call rates for staff at public hospital labs and radiography; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29571/09]

On-call/Stand-by is defined as a period when an employee is scheduled for a designated period to be available for emergency work. An on-call stand-by payment is a fixed payment made for the designated period(s) for which the employee makes themselves available. Call-out arises when employees return to work after their normal working hours to cover any emergency situations arising. There are two payment systems for call-out; on-call with stand-by (where employees are in receipt of a stand-by fee) or on-call without stand-by (where there is no payment for being available but a higher fee per callout is paid).

The Deputy refers to an on-call rate from midnight to 9am and states that it may be 5 to 7 times the normal hourly rate. It appears that the Deputy is referring to one of the on-call fees payable to Radiographers, entitled CT Scan On-Call rate which applies from Midnight to 9.00am between Monday to Friday and from 12 noon on Saturday to 9.00am on Monday. It is important to clarify that this particular on-call rate is not an hourly rate, but rather a fee paid to a radiographer in the event that they are required to carry out a scan while on-call. This is paid on a fee-per-scan basis and it should be noted that such scans would only be carried out in emergency cases.

The nature of on-call work differs significantly from that of general shift work or overtime as referred to by the Deputy and as such is not directly comparable for work or pay purposes. The current on-call rates payable for the staff concerned are set out in the following table:

Medical Scientists

Sessional Hospitals

Emergency/On-Call Duty — Emergency Sessions

Fee Per Session

276.72

Fee per call/patient for service midnight-9 a.m. each night of the week

24.48

Standby (a) Monday to Friday

12.22

(b) Saturdays

15.95

(c) Sundays and Public Holidays

23.80

Non-Sessional Hospitals

I Hospitals up to 5 calls per week

Per call without standby

67.18

II Hospitals over 5 calls per week

Payment for up to 60 calls per week per hospital

24.48

Payment for over 60 calls per week per hospital

16.53

Standby (a) Monday to Friday

24.48

(b) Saturdays

31.95

(c) Sundays and Public Holidays

47.78

Radiographers

Sessional Hospitals

Emergency/On-Call Duty

I Standby Payment

From 10.00p.m. to 9.00a.m. Monday — Friday

17.50

Per hour on Saturday

1.80

Per hour on Sunday

2.64

II Fee Per Call/Patient

Per Call / Patient

24.48

III Sessions

Monday to Friday

197.68

Saturday

230.57

Sunday

276.72

Non-Sessional Hospitals

I On-Call with Standby*

Monday to Friday (each day)

24.48

Saturday

31.95

Sunday & Public Holidays

47.78

Fee Per Call

24.48

II On-Call without Standby

Fee Per Call

67.18

CT Scan On-Call Rates

Between normal finishing time and midnight Mon to Fri and from 9.00a.m. to 12 noon Sat

97.28

Midnight to 9.00a.m. Mon to Fri and from 12 noon Sat to 9.00a.m. Mon

129.59

NB: The total On-Call Standby fees paid by an individual hospital should not exceed €202.24 from 1/09/08 for any week except for a week which includes a public holiday.

Adoption Services.

James Reilly

Question:

263 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for persons waiting to be assessed by the Health Service Executive for assessment for suitability to be adoptive parents; the provisions in place to deal with those waiting for these assessments; her plans to upgrade the service and to provide additional staff to help reduce current waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29572/09]

I acknowledge that persons applying for inter-country adoption are experiencing delays as regards waiting times for assessment. Requests for assessment for inter-country adoption are continuously increasing and Ireland currently has one of the highest rates for inter-country adoption in Europe.

When an enquiry is received by the Health Service Executive regarding an application for inter-country adoption, the prospective applicants are invited to attend an information meeting within 4 weeks. Applicants currently wait 20 months before their application is activated. Section 8(1) of the Adoption Act, 1991, provides that a Health Board shall carry out an assessment, whenever so requested and as soon as practicable, of a person or persons intending to adopt from abroad. No such right to an assessment exists with respect to domestic adoption.

Assessment involves a number of stages and would generally include an initial assessment, a considerable level of education/preparation work (including an exploration with prospective adoptive parents of the challenges and issues that are likely to arise when undertaking adoption) and a home study assessment. The length of the assessment process can vary between applicants depending on the particular circumstances of each case, bearing in mind at all times the best interests of the child. Applicants found to be suitable to be adoptive parents are granted a Declaration of Eligibility and Suitability by the Adoption Board and may then pursue the adoption of a child abroad with the selected sending country.

Steps are being taken to improve the process. Monthly information meetings are assisting prospective applicants in self-selecting if they are suitable adoptive parents and have resulted in reduced waiting lists. More significantly, they are ensuring that those applicants who are eligible and suitable are being given a more expedient service. In 2006, 2,450 prospective applicants who made enquiries were invited to these information meetings and 300 new applications were made, while in 2007, 1,974 prospective applicants were invited and 275 new applications were made. In 2008, 1,083 prospective applicants were invited and 234 new applications were made.

The Health Service Executive has also introduced a nationwide system of application to reduce the waiting lists by over 35% in the coming 12 months. Under this new system, which was introduced in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow in September, 2008, prospective applicants are invited to provide their complete pack of documentation at the point of application and these are then screened by the administration and social work teams with a view to highlighting any areas of concern as quickly as possible. This affords suitably motivated prospective applicants the opportunity to progress their application while others who are less suitable are fully informed before proceeding. The results collected in the last 10 months in the Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow region point to a reduction in waiting times from the current 20 months to 11 months by June, 2010.

My Office is continuing to work to create the appropriate legislative, policy and administrative frameworks to ensure a well regulated regime of adoption. The aim is to support children for whom adoption services are devised and provided and, also, to protect prospective adoptive parents. Furthermore, the Adoption Bill, 2009, which has now passed all of the stages in the Seanad, provides for a new regime for the accreditation of a range of agencies that offer adoption services. This modernised regime more fully recognises the phenomenon of inter-country adoption and makes provision for the accreditation of agencies to provide both assessment and mediation services. Furthermore, the Bill proposes changes to the regulation of the activities, the management and the financial arrangements of such agencies. If enacted, there will be opportunity for the development of new agencies to assist in the reduction of waiting times in those areas where the waiting times are longest.

Medicinal Products.

James Reilly

Question:

264 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the pricing for the medications of Prozac, Losec and Risperidal and their generic equivalents here; if she will confirm that the generic equivalents in the UK and Northern Ireland are cheaper than here; if she will supply the figures for each jurisdiction, Ireland, UK, Scotland, Northern Ireland, for the cost of these drugs and their cheapest generic equivalents. [29573/09]

The prices paid by the State for drugs and medicines are governed by the terms of the agreements between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and pharmaceutical manufacturers. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to the prices of the products mentioned above and their generic equivalents.

Departmental Bodies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

265 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 190 of 28 of April 2009, the status of each of the individual proposals which were not completed as per her reply; the date by which she expects each of the proposals to be fully completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29579/09]

The legislative programme is being actively progressed by the Department to dissolve the agencies concerned and to provide for the transfer and amalgamation of their functions with existing bodies as appropriate In parallel, discussion with the agencies concerned is ongoing with a view to progressing the programme. Given the nature of the legislative process generally, it is not possible to give a date of completion for each aspect of the programme. The following is an update on the current position in respect of the legislative programme:

Subsume the National Council on Aging & Older People and the Women's Health Council into the Department of Health and Children — The Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 was passed by the Dail on 24 June. Seanad second stage took place on 2 July 2009 and Seanad committee and final stages are scheduled for 8 July 2009.

Subsume Children Acts Advisory Board into Department of Health & Children — The Government approved the inclusion of provisions in the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009 to disestablish the Children Acts Advisory Board (CAAB) and to subsume some of its functions into the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on an administrative basis. These provisions were drafted and the Bill has been circulated to Government Departments for observations in advance of bringing the Bill to Government for approval to publish. Subject to the approval of the Government it is intended to publish the Bill immediately thereafter.

Merge National Cancer Screening Services Board, National Cancer Registry Board, Crisis Pregnancy Agency & Drug Treatment Centre into HSE — All bar the National Cancer Registry Board will be dissolved by the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 (see above). The draft Heads of the Health Information Bill have been circulated to Government Departments for observations. Approval to draft the Bill was received from Government on 16th June. The dissolution of the NCR and the transfer of its staff to the HSE will be dealt with under the Health Information Bill.

Subsume the National Social Work Qualifications Board, the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council and the Opticians Board — The Health and Social Care Professionals Act, 2005 provides for the subsuming of the NSWQB but the Act will have to be amended to provide for the latter two. This is currently under discussion within the Department in the context of finding the most appropriate fit for the various functions of PHECC and the Opticians Board.

Merge the National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery into the HSE & An Bord Altranais — The draft general scheme has been approved by Government for the drafting of the Nurses and Midwives Bill, 2009. The Attorney General has assigned a Parliamentary Counsel to draft the Bill. It is anticipated that the Bill will be introduced in the Oireachtas in the Autumn.

Amalgamate the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, the Office of Tobacco Control and the Irish Medicines Board —This is a complex undertaking requiring primary legislation for the dissolution of three statutory agencies and their establishment as one statutory Authority with an extensive range of powers and duties. Discussions will have to take place with a wide range of stake holders prior to the preparation of legislation.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

266 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if correspondence from a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been responded to; if the children first guidelines are being applied in this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29615/09]

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

Health Service Executive Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

267 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding provided by the Health Service Executive to a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29623/09]

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

Health Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

268 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on discussions between Beaumont Hospital and Connolly Hospital on forming an academic medical centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29624/09]

This is a matter appropriate to the Health Service Executive and has been referred by my Department to the Executive for direct reply.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

269 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in County Kildare awaiting admission to a long-term care bed in public nursing homes in County Kildare and their circumstances, such as in acute beds, living at home or in private nursing homes. [29632/09]

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

270 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to provide additional public nursing homes in County Kildare. [29633/09]

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

271 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if she expects additional people to be awarded home care packages in County Kildare in 2009; or if this scheme will be wound down. [29634/09]

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

272 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children when the primary care team planned for the health centre for Kilcock, County Kildare, will be in place; and the range of services that will be available at the health centre. [29636/09]

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

Hospitals Building Programme.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

273 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children if phase 3C of Naas General Hospital is included in the Health Service Executive capital plan for the remainder of the national development plan; and if so, when will construction commence. [29647/09]

The Health Service Executive is currently reviewing its capital programme proposals to take account of the reduced capital allocation available to it following the Supplementary Budget and the adjustments to the Public Capital Programme. The capital envelope available for the health sector building and equipping programme for the remainder of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 has been reduced. Information on the extent and timing of commitments already entered into is being updated as part of this review process. It is clear at this stage that expenditure in 2009 and future years will need to be managed carefully within the available limits and that further commitments will require prioritisation within the expected funding envelope for future years. When the review is completed, the Executive is required to submit its proposed capital investment programme for my approval with the agreement of the Minister for Finance.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

274 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people availing of home help services in Kildare and in west Wicklow; and the number assessed as requiring home help but who have no service at present. [29654/09]

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

275 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children and adults awaiting assessment for occupational therapy in Kildare and in west Wicklow. [29655/09]

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

276 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of occupational therapists working in the Kildare and in west Wicklow service; the number of vacant posts which remain unfilled; and the number of occupational therapists who should be in the Kildare and in west Wicklow service based on population levels. [29656/09]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

277 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children awaiting assessment for orthodontic treatment in Kildare; and the number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment in Wicklow. [29657/09]

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

278 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of speech and language therapists working in the Kildare service; the number of posts which remain unfilled; the number of speech and language therapists who should be in the Kildare west Wicklow service based on population levels. [29658/09]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

279 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for eye tests for children in health centres (details supplied) in County Kildare. [29659/09]

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

Emmet Stagg

Question:

280 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting times for hearing tests for children in County Kildare in health centres (details supplied). [29660/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

281 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff in each hostel for separated migrant children; the number which are fully vetted with Garda clearance and three written references in each facility; the capacity of each facility and the current numbers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29665/09]

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

Health Repayment Scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

282 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding paid to date in 2009 to the nursing home scheme administrator; the total number of files on hand; the timetable for completion of the assessments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29666/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

285 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the issues raised in Parliamentary Question Nos 108 and 109 of 30 April 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29674/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 285 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. The Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006 provides a clear legal framework to repay recoverable health charges for publicly funded long term residential care. Recoverable health charges are charges which were imposed on persons with full eligibility under the Health (Charges for In-patient Services) Regulations 1976 as amended in 1987 or charges for in-patient services only, raised under the Institutional Assistance Regulations 1954 as amended in 1965. All applications received under the scheme are processed within this legal framework and specific details on certain cohorts of applicants, such as those outlined by the Deputy are not currently available. The Act provides for the HSE to submit an application on behalf of patients in care who due to a physical or mental disability or ill heath are unable to apply themselves and have no other connected person to apply on their behalf.

Over 35,000 completed applications have been received by the Scheme Administrator and 7,600 of these applications were submitted by the HSE on behalf of patients. Approximately 7,250 HSE applications have been concluded, 350 HSE claims remain to be concluded and approximately 1,100 of these HSE claims have been appealed. The procedure employed to have an offer accepted or reviewed when HSE staff make an application is in accordance with the legislative provisions of the Act. If the applicant disagrees with the repayment amount offered an appeal is lodged under section 16 of the Act which provides for the process for those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator. When HSE staff accept an offer of repayment on behalf of a patient, the repayment is made directly to the relevant patient private property account. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006.

Up to the 26 June 2009, the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office has received 1,618 completed appeal forms from all claimants who had received an offer from the Scheme Administrator. Decisions have been made in 878 of these appeals and 406 of these decisions have disagreed with the amounts offered by the Scheme Administrator. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office has received 4,038 completed appeal forms from all claimants whose claim had been rejected by the Scheme Administrator. Decisions have been made in 2,687 of these appeals and 322 of these decisions have disagreed with the decision of the Scheme Administrator.

17,605 payments totalling in excess of €390 million have issued while over 20,400 offers of repayment totalling over €408 million have been made up to 26 June 2009. Approximately 1,000 claims are currently outstanding and these claims are being concluded on an ongoing basis. The time taken to process each application is dependent on the complexity of the application and the availability of accurate records. In addition an offer of repayment cannot be completed until the statutory 28 appeal period has elapsed and a completed form of acceptance returned to the Scheme Administrator. In addition claimants must be given the opportunity to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator and the appeals process will impact on the overall timeframe for the completion of repayments under the Scheme. A total of €13 million has been paid to the Scheme Administrator to date including €1.3 million which has been paid in 2009.

Food Safety Standards.

Denis Naughten

Question:

283 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of inspections performed by environmental health officers in the retail and service sector to date in 2009; the number of premises in each category found in breach of the beef labelling laws; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29668/09]

Responsibility for the enforcement of labelling legislation rests with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) and its official agents, which include the Health Service Executive, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Local Authorities. 44,000 inspections are planned for 2009. Inspection and food surveillance reports are submitted to the Authority every six months. The data for the first six months of 2009 will be available shortly.

I have asked the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the FSAI to identify and to forward, directly to the Deputy, the number of inspections performed by environmental health officers in the retail and service sector to date in 2009 and the number of premises in each category found in breach of the beef labelling laws.

Hospital Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

284 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed days lost in each acute hospital due to delayed discharge in 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29669/09]

James Reilly

Question:

343 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of bed days lost at each hospital as at the end June 2009 due to delayed discharges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29978/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 343 together.

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

Question No. 285 answered with Question No. 282.

Health Repayment Scheme.

Dan Neville

Question:

286 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when a result for an oral hearing (details supplied) which was held on 17 June 2009 will be available. [29680/09]

The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. In this instance an oral hearing with an Appeals Officer was arranged for 17 June 2009 and as a result of this hearing the Appeals Officer has requested additional information from the Scheme Administrator. This additional information is currently awaited and is necessary as part of the overall review of the appeal. When the Appeals Officer has made a decision regarding this appeal, the claimant will be notified of the decision together with the reasons for that decision.

Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

287 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [29681/09]

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

Accident and Emergency Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

288 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to reduce 24-hour accident and emergency services in Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Dublin, or to remove the intensive care unit or the critical care unit from the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29693/09]

The 2009 Health Service Executive National Service Plan includes a provision for a review of the existing arrangements whereby 8 hospitals in Dublin provide adult emergency department services. A working group has been established by the HSE to undertake a study of emergency department activity across the 8 sites. This study will provide detailed information on attendance patterns and a profile of patients attending, These findings will inform the work of the review. My Department has requested the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the specific service issues raised.

Pharmacy Regulations.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

289 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to engage in service level agreements with pharmacies to provide new services such as INR monitoring, health screening and so on; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29694/09]

I am generally supportive of the possibility of pharmacists being more pro-active in the area of health promotion and screening as part of the development of primary care services generally. Having regard to the economic difficulties that we face, any such developments would have to contribute to an overall reduction in health spending.

Health Services.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

290 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has lodged an appeal in regard to disability payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29702/09]

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

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

291 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) following the recommendation from the occupational therapist has not been supplied with the appropriate assisted technology by their local health service. [29720/09]

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

State Compensation Payments..

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

292 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has reached a final agreement with the Irish Thalidomide Association and its representatives regarding an enhanced compensation package for the less than 40 surviving victims, who are now facing complex health problems, due to age and related factors; her views on whether Government negligence in the past was a contributory factor in the extent of the damage done to Irish citizens by thalidomide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29723/09]

As I outlined in my reply to the Deputy on 13th May 2009 the matter is under consideration by the State Claims Agency. The Irish Thalidomide Association will be kept informed of progress on the matter.

Child Care Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

293 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the operation of the free preschool year under the early childhood care and education scheme and the options open to parents under this scheme. [29772/09]

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

The ECCE is being introduced from January 2010 as a free scheme to benefit children in the key developmental period prior to commencing school. To enable the maximum number of parents to avail of the free pre-school year a number of options for the delivery of the service is provided for under the scheme. A full or part-time day-care service will be required to provide a pre-school service for 2 hours 15 minutes per day, five days a week for 50 weeks (241 days) per year, in return for the capitation fee of €48.50 per week. A playschool sessional service will be required to provide a pre-school service for 3 hours per day, five days a week for 38 weeks (183 days) per year, in return for a capitation fee of €64.50 per week.

Where for good reason a sessional service is unable to operate over 5 days, consideration will be given to allowing it to participate in the scheme on the basis of providing the pre-school year for 3 hours 30 minutes per day for 4 days per week. In such cases, a service will be required to provide the pre-school year over 41 weeks (157 days). In addition, in certain circumstances full or part-time services can apply to provide the pre-school year for 3 hours 45 minutes for 3 days a week over 50 weeks. Full or part-time service may also choose to provide a sessional service over 38 weeks of a year (or 2 sessional services each day) while sessional services may choose to provide 2 hours 15 minutes per day over 50 weeks.

From September 2010, except in the case of children with special needs for whom not more than 3 days per week of pre-school provision may be appropriate, services participating in the scheme will be required to allocate a full pre-school place for each child enrolled. During January to August 2010, transitional arrangements will apply to accommodate parents who have entered into a shorter week arrangement with a pre-school service. During this period services may continue to accommodate children on a pro-rata basis and receive a capitation grant set by reference to the number of children attending each day rather than the total number of children in a week.

Children will be eligible to avail of the scheme where they are aged between 3 years 3 months and 4 years 6 months on 1 September each year. The scheme is being introduced in January 2010 and children aged between 3 years 7 months and 4 years 10 months on the 1st January 2010 will be eligible to avail of the free pre-school provision. To provide additional flexibility for parents, children will be accepted as qualifying for the scheme where they have not yet reached the age of 4 years 7 months during the month of September each year.

As part of the preparations for introducing the new scheme, the Childcare Directorate of my Office recently wrote to almost 5,000 private and voluntary pre-school service providers in the State, inviting them to participate. These included pre-school service providers who are notified to the Health Service Executive (HSE) or registered with the Irish Montessori Education Board (IMEB) and a number of other persons who expressed an interest in establishing a pre-school service and participating in the scheme. Application forms and other relevant information regarding the scheme were included in this correspondence and applicants are now returning forms to their local City or County Childcare Committees. The closing date for response is 10 July 2009. It is expected that the application process will be completed by the end of September 2010 and following this a list of all participating services will be available to parents from their local the City and County Childcare Committee.

Adoption Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

294 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to secure a bilateral adoption agreement with Russia which meets the Hague Convention standards; her views on whether such an agreement can be put in place prior to the enactment of the Adoption Bill 2009, in order that Irish people can continue to adopt children from Russia. [29773/09]

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. The Bill, which recently passed all the stages in the Seanad, will continue to be prioritised by the Government for its passage through the Oireachtas.

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 bilateral agreement based on Hague standards. As part of the preparations for the likely passage and entry into force of these new legislative arrangements, my Office has been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs to identify and negotiate with countries that 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 bilateral inter-country adoption agreements with a small number of countries, including with the Russian Federation.

Ireland has no official bilateral 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 bilateral 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 bilateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Russian Federation, it must be acknowledged that this matter will be partly determined by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Any applicant who is seeking to proceed with an adoption from a non-Hague country, or from a country with which Ireland does not have a bilateral agreement, should have regard to the likelihood of the adoption being completed in advance of the Adoption Bill being commenced.

Medical Cards.

Michael McGrath

Question:

295 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of medical card renewal applications processed by the Health Service Executive south to date in 2009; the number of these renewal applications that were approved; and the number that were refused. [29774/09]

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

Youth Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

296 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the financial supports that are available in terms of start-up costs and running costs for community groups who wish to establish youth cafes in their community. [29775/09]

My Office has been allocated €750,000 from Dormant Accounts for the development of a structured programme of youth cafes in 2009. Final decisions on the operation in 2009 of the programme, including those regarding the level and priority of financial supports, are still under consideration.

At this stage, the focus of my Office is to bring greater coherence to the approach taken to date, retaining the strong inter-agency element and identifying appropriate models for the future development of youth cafés. Since September 2007 my Office has undertaken a small survey of some of the existing cafés looking at mission/objectives, management and organisation, service levels and the role of young people.

Following that survey the National Children's Advisory Council (NCAC) was requested to advise on the development of a youth café model. Research was carried out by the National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG) and a draft report has been forwarded to me for my consideration. This work will ensure that funding is targeted and co-ordinated most effectively on a model or models of youth cafés which meet the needs of young people themselves. It will also ensure that any funding that may be available will augment without displacing existing inter-agency resources.

The NUIG has also been requested to prepare a toolkit and guide to support groups setting up youth cafés. This will be a "how to" guide which will deal with issues such as guiding principles, practical operational matters and provide advice and tips on the day to day management and ongoing development of a café as well as setting up cafes. A draft of the ‘toolkit' is currently being finalised. I intend to make an announcement on advancing the youth café programme, in addition to launching the NUIG Youth Café Report and Toolkit, in the near future.

Medicinal Products.

Michael McGrath

Question:

297 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy of the Health Service Executive with regard to the use of generic medicines as opposed to branded or patented medicines; the HSE’s research on the cost of implications of using generic versus branded medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29776/09]

James Reilly

Question:

330 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce reference pricing on the pricing of medicines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29965/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 330 together.

Generic drugs are available in Ireland for many medicines. In 2008, 18% of prescription items under the GMS scheme and 11% of items under the Drugs Payment Scheme and Long Term Illness Scheme were dispensed generically. My Department and the HSE supports the increased use of generics where this is appropriate.

In 2008, expenditure on proprietary drugs where there was an equivalent generic available under the GMS, Drugs Payment Scheme and Long Term Illness Scheme was €227 million. The HSE estimates that there is a price differential of approximately 10% between off-patent proprietary drugs and their generic equivalents. This suggests that approximately €23 million in savings per annum could be made if there were full substitution of products supplied under the GMS, Drugs Payment Scheme and Long Term Illness Scheme. Greater savings would, of course, arise if the prices of generic products on the Irish market were to be reduced. The HSE is in discussion with the Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers of Ireland (APMI) representing the generic manufacturers, to examine ways in which efficiencies in the generic supply chain can be passed on to the State and to consumers through lower prices.

A group, chaired by Dr Michael Barry, and comprising of representatives of my Department, the Health Services Executive and the Irish Medical Organisation, is currently overseeing the implementation of specific measures that would deliver more cost effective prescribing by GPs, greater use of generic preparations and quality prescribing indicators.

My Department and the HSE are continuing to examine all options for containing pharmaceutical expenditure, including the introduction of a system of reference pricing.

Question No. 298 answered with Question No. 231.

Health Services.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

299 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public beds in the health service that are devoted to the treatment of adults with eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29782/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

300 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of public beds in the health service devoted to the treatment of persons under 18 years of age with eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29783/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 299 and 300 together.

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

Olwyn Enright

Question:

301 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if she subsidises private beds for the treatment of adults with eating disorders here; the number of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29784/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

302 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children if she subsidises private beds for the treatment of persons under 18 years of age with eating disorders here; the number of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29785/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.

The Department of Health and Children does not directly subsidise the cost of private treatment for persons with an eating disorder. However, the HSE works with the independent sector to provide specialist care, on both an in-patient and outpatient basis, for persons with an eating disorder and, on occasion, persons are referred for specialist treatment in the independent psychiatric sector.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

303 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adults who have been treated in public beds devoted to eating disorders each year for the past three years, broken down by each Health Service Executive area; the average of duration of each stay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29786/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

304 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons under 18 years of age who have been treated in public beds devoted to eating disorders each year for the past three years, broken down by each Health Service Executive area; the average of duration of each stay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29787/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.

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

Olwyn Enright

Question:

305 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adults sent abroad for the treatment of eating disorders each year for the past three years, broken down by each Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29788/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

306 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons under 18 years of age sent abroad for the treatment of eating disorders each year for the past three years, broken down by each Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29789/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.

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

Olwyn Enright

Question:

307 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adults awaiting admission to a hospital bed for the treatment of an eating disorder in each Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29790/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

308 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons under 18 years of age awaiting admission to a hospital bed for the treatment of an eating disorder in each Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29791/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 307 and 308 together.

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

Hospital Infections.

Phil Hogan

Question:

309 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of patients who have been readmitted to hospital with infection following treatment in private clinics in Dublin and Limerick where cross-infection resulting from reduced staff numbers or use of dialysis lines rather than fistulas was the cause; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29796/09]

It is not possible to extract the information requested by the Deputy from the current Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) system. In that system, it is only possible to identify re-admissions to the same hospital. Also, full HIPE coverage exists for publicly funded acute hospitals only. Data on private hospitals and facilities are not available except in two cases where the data is not sufficiently complete for reporting purposes.

HIPE allows for recording of a principal diagnosis and 19 additional (secondary) diagnoses. These diagnoses are coded using the Australian Modification of the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD-10-AM). This data does not include specific information on whether an infection was caused by cross infection resulting from reduced staff numbers or use of dialysis lines rather than fistulas.

Question No. 310 answered with Question No. 248.

Hospital Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

311 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 120 of 30 October 2008 and 129 of 12 March 2009, the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has been denied the necessary treatment since March 2008; and when they will be called for stereotactic radiotherapy in view of the seriousness of their condition. [29803/09]

I presume the second parliamentary question mentioned by the Deputy refers to parliamentary question no 272 of 24th March 2009. I understand that the Health Service Executive (HSE) replied to the Deputy in relation to this question on 6th April 2009 and replied to the Deputy in relation to parliamentary question 120 of 30th October 2008 on 20th November 2008.

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

Health Service Staff.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

312 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to difficulties in the processing of medical cards for persons over 70 in the primary care reimbursement service in Finglas; the number of staff and their grades provided to this service; the training which has been provided to staff; and the steps she will take to ensure that this service is provided in a speedy, efficient and comprehensive manner. [29806/09]

The HSE has the operational responsibility for the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme. Accordingly, my Department has asked the Parliamentary Affairs Unit of the Executive to address the issues raised, and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

313 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in respect of the consideration of applications of medical cards, she will provide a copy of the guidelines followed by staff in respect of applications from terminally ill patients. [29807/09]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has the operational responsibility for the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme which includes the medical card and GP visit card benefits.

Terminal illness itself is not a qualifying condition for receipt of a medical card. However, it is an indicator that a person may have exceptional medical expenses and all such expenses and associated costs are considered under the discretionary powers of the HSE to grant cards in exceptional circumstances.

The HSE provides guidance and training for staff on the use of discretionary power to assist staff in providing a consistent and sensitive approach to such cases throughout the country.

The HSE have provided an extract from the National Assessment Guidelines, which is attached below, for the Deputy's information.

Extract from National Assessment Guidelines:

Assessment Process and Discretion:

Where the HSE invokes this discretion they do so in a consistent manner and be cognisant of the potential myriad of circumstances that might prevail in individual cases. The following guidelines have been developed to ensure that fairness and equity is applied to all applicants seeking either a Medical Card or a GP Visit Card.

If a person's means are in excess of the relevant income guidelines then a decision must be taken to grant or refuse either a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. In this context the issues taken into account are additional and exceptional circumstances as outlined as follows.

The process involved in deciding eligibility is as follows:

1. If the applicant's means is in excess of the Medical Card income guidelines the deciding officer must consider whether to refuse would cause undue hardship.

2. If after such consideration the applicant fails to qualify for a Medical Card the deciding officer must consider the applicant for a GP Visit Card.

3. If the applicant's means is in excess of the GP Visit Card guidelines the deciding officer must consider whether it would be unduly burdensome for the applicant to provide for GP Services for him/her self from his/her own resources.

Relevant Factors in Assessing Hardship

The exercise of discretion by the HSE, in favour of the applicant, should be considered where meeting the costs of services covered by a Medical Card or a GP Visit Card compromises the applicant's or his/her family's ability to meet the essential costs associated with:

maintenance of employment

provision of reasonable housing

provision of appropriate nurturing and care for children or dependants

provision of adequate heating, nutrition and clothing, or

coping with exceptional personal and financial burdens arising from medical or social circumstances.

The decision makers must act in a reasonable fashion, and take into account only bona fide and relevant considerations.

A decision should only be taken after a sufficient and reasoned assessment of all the circumstances of an individual case to include the nature and extent of personal, medical or social circumstances of the applicant and/or his/her family. A Medical Card/GP Visit Card should be issued, if, having had due regard to all the relevant circumstances, it is considered that“undue hardship” would occur or that it would be “unduly burdensome” to provide GP, medical or surgical services. Where a Medical Card has been granted to a person to prevent undue hardship or where a GP Visit Card is granted because it would be unduly burdensome, eligibility should normally be extended to all dependents of that person. If in the assessment it is obvious that the predominant costs factor for the applicant is the cost associated with GP visits, the case may be dealt with by granting a GP Visit Card.

A number of issues, such as the following, shall be taken into account in making a decision:

Illness or medical circumstances which results in financial hardship.

The cost of providing general medical and surgical services.

The cost associated with the provision of medical, nursing and dental treatment.

The cost of physiotherapy and speech and language therapy.

Transport cost to hospitals and clinics.

Addictions such as drink, drugs and gambling.

Poor money management.

Social deprivation — including poor home management.

The cost of medical aids and appliances.

The decision makers may seek advice from other sources to may include:

The Applicant's Doctor(s).

The HSE's Medical Officers.

The Public Health Nurse.

The Community Welfare Officer.

Social Worker.

The Therapy Services.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).

Please Note: The decision maker must get the prior expressed approval of the applicant before any of the above persons are contacted.

When all of the factors pertinent to a case are taken into account, a decision to grant or refuse a Medical Card or a GP Visit Card is made.

By following the approach provided for in these guidelines, the HSE will ensure that the system is adequate enough to respond to the myriad of circumstances and hurdles faced by a diverse group of individuals in society.

Community Care.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

314 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding available for the start up of a community care business. [29810/09]

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

Health Services.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

315 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath. [29813/09]

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

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

316 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for her Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29836/09]

As discussed with the Deputy, the available information in respect of companies which have been awarded contracts by my Department, and the cost of those contracts, from 1997 to 2009 is provided in the following tables. The remainder of the information sought by the Deputy is not readily available within my Department and it would not be possible to provide this information without the redeployment of significant resources within my Department.

Contracts awarded in 1997

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Clare Clarke Event Management

30,727

QMP Publicis

1,578

Target Health

33,000

Contracts awarded in 1998

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Drury Communications

25,600

Drury Communications

213,092

Fleishman-Hilliard

9,000

Grayling Gilmore

38,500

Megan Carter Bouris

2,879

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd

400,000

MR Data Management Ltd

3,941

NCC Birmingham

8,070

QMP Publicis

47,788

Document Strategies Ltd

36,346

Target Health

35,000

Contracts awarded in 1999

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Admiral Management Services

27,828

Brunswick Press

29,520

Brunswick Press

13,248

Cahill Printers

10,806

Deloitte & Touche

82,343

Drury Consultants

17,755

Eprint

1,036

Europus

1,396

Government Supplies Agency

1,955

FOR Design Ltd

3,349

Grayling Gilmore

43,000

Institute of Public Administration

50,790

Mercer Ltd.

31,000

QMP Publicis

69,734

Slick Fish Design

8,425

Slick Fish Design

20,237

Social Information Systems Ltd

18,436

Target Health

38,100

Contracts awarded in 2000

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Admiral Management Services

7,528

Alpha Consulting

7,781

Anne Colgan & Associates

54,734

Astutec

16,592

Brusnwick Press

5,273

Brunswick Press

23,737

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

174,456

Carr Communications

26,100

Deloitte & Touche

616,000

Dillon Consultants

165,000

Eprint

1,053

Government Supplies Agency

2,610

Grayling Gilmore

38,000

Information Consultants Pty

2,327

Institute of Public Administration

19,390

Institute of Public Administration

104,753

Institute of Public Administration/Royal College of Surgeons

21,707

Institute of Public Health

190,000

Jefferson Training

79,969

Marsh Consulting

245,821

Mercer Ltd

11,350

Peter Bacon & Associates

38,092

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

15,212

Public Communication Centre

70,000

QMP Publicis

214,673

R.C.C. Consultants Ltd

26,060

Slick Fish Design

32,000

Slick Fish Design/ Colourman the Printer

23,652

Stationery Office

11,213

Target Health

25,400

Walsh Public Relations

16,110

Slickfish Design

5,717

Target Health

25,400

Walsh Public Relations

16,110

Contracts awarded in 2001

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Arcline Ltd

13,440

Axis Ltd.

19,277

Brunswick Press

2,410

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

51,043

Cap Gemini Ernst & Young

50,128

Carr Communications

186,374

Carr Communications

156,700

Carr Communications

100,724

Change Management Training Company

137,938

CIRCA Healthcare Consulting

979,012

Colorprint

17,000

Colgan & Associates

124,980

Conall Devine

31,743

Convenience Advertising

110,700

Corporate Graphics

102,440

Davy Corporate Finance Ltd/William Fry

553,493

Dillon Consultants

63,486

Eprint

1,145

Government Supplies Agency

4,322

Grayling Gilmore

43,500

Hudson Killeen

34,257

Information Consultants Pty

2,285

Institute of Public Administration

8,126

Institute of Public Administration

18,982

Irish Marketing Surveys Ltd

99,040

James Doran & Associates

6,095

Marsh Consulting

187,159

McDonald Glennon

45,000

Mercer Ltd

121,000

QMP Publicis

193,039

Red Dog/Brunswick Press

22,674

RGC Technologies

124,793

Slickfish Design

18,652

Target Health

42,200

The Mazars Group

40,606

Walsh Public Relations

19,401

Social Information Systems Ltd.

62,737

Contracts awarded in 2002

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Booz/Allen/ Hamilton

64,230

Blue Wave Technology

205,559

Blue Wave Technology

64,230

Cahill Printers

81,848

Cahill Printers

10,936

Cahill Printers

35,047

Carr Communications

3,448

Carr Communications

112,753

Carr Communications

156,600

Carr Communications

23,255

Carr Communications

5,445

Carr Communications

16,973

Carr Communications

24,405

Convenience Advertising

163,800

Deloitte & Touche

106398

Deloitte & Touche

130,584

Grayling Gilmore

13,000

Hosca Consultants

22,990

Indecon International Economic Consultants

65,400

Indecon International Economic Consultants

83,901

Jefferson Training

98,419

KPMG

106,480

Languages Unlimited

1,554

Marsh Consulting

106,658

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

533,131

QMP Publicis

327,726

Red Dog Design Consultants

5,039

Report Ltd.

2,970

Rooney Graphics

16,000

Slick Fish Design

2,759

Slick Fish Design

4,005

Social Information Systems Ltd

30,000

Target Health

63,600

The Mazars Group

61,440

Ultragraphics

54,085

Wilson Hartnell

212,960

Contracts awarded in 2003

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Abbey Translations

10,134

Brunswick Press

13,608

Brunswick Press

8,725

Cahill Printers

3,141

Cahill Printers

5,158

Cahill Printers

15,207

Cahill Printers

10,758

Cahill Printers

32,864

Carr Communications

12,810

Carr Communications

14,232

Carr Communications

130,600

Carr Communications

23,667

Convenience Advertising

193,200

Corporate Graphics

5,929

Deloitte & Touche

146,152

Deloitte & Touche

134,421

Farrell-Grant Sparks

2,299

Gibney Communications

39,840

Grayling Gilmore

260,000

Information Consultants Pty

2,500

Institute of Public Administration

20,000

JR Pinkerton

7,074

K McKeown Limited

66,000

K McKeown Limited

207,869

Marsh Consulting

344,331

Marsh Consulting

608,460

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd

348,082

PMI Software Ltd

243,339

QMP Publicis

530,291

Slick Fish Design

8,675

Slick Fish Design

16,480

Speciality Print/Design Ltd

4,800

Speciality Print/Design Ltd

5,000

Target Health

68,300

Contracts awarded in 2004

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Accenture Ltd

1,216,346

Business 2 Enterprise

60,000

Cahill Printers

9,700

Capita Consulting

64,100

Capita Consulting

81,700

Capita Consulting

96,331

Carr Communications/ Irish Advocacy Network

152,542

Convenience Advertising

165,300

Designit

7,899

Designit

4,349

Europus

4,452

First Impressions

20,700

Government Supplies Agency

8,293

Government Supplies Agency

5,508

Grayling Gilmore

520,000

Hay Group (Ireland) Limited

49,247

Hay Group (Ireland) Limited

1,331

Hay Group (Ireland) Limited

42,592

Hay Group (Ireland) Limited

2,662

Languages Unlimited

2,200

Marsh Consulting

27,951

McGrath Associates

37,207

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd

4,719

Murray Consultants

75,456

New Oceans

5,053

New Oceans

18,524

Nixon Consulting

2,437

Pricewaterhouse Coopers

25,833

Purchasing Solutions

28,137

QMP Publicis

366,841

Quantum EMB

226,536

Red Dog Design

8,673

Rooney Graphics

16,000

HR Development Canada

24,775

Secta Consulting Ltd

172,450

Slattery PR

15,589

Slick Fish Design

20,000

Slick Fish Design

17,882

Social Information Systems Ltd

120,127

Sopra Newell & Budge

40,177

Sureskills

51,922

Target Health

75,800

Tillinghast Towers Perrin

15,488

Contracts awarded in 2005

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Blue Wave Technology

70,104

Carr Communications

5,515

Carr Communications/ Pricewaterhouse Coopers

129,519

Catalysto

18,310

Eneclann Ltd

2,856

E-teams

5,883

First Impression

22,480

First Impression

21,800

Grayling Gilmore

113,000

Hay Group Ltd

2,420

Hay Group Ltd

9,680

Hunter Red Cell

120,000

Indecon Economic Consultants

101,821

Information Consultants Pty

4,050

IPPA and Súgradh

135,235

McBrinn Printing

140,000

McGrath Associates

16,335

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd

83,025

New Oceans

13,228

PBAS

5,140

Peter Cassells Consultants Ltd

9,075

Pricewaterhouse Coopers

45,746

Prospectus

29,403

QMP Publicis

389,629

Renaissance Contingency Services

26,257

Rita Burtenshaw & Associates

13,600

Slick Fish Design

23,889

Slick Fish Design

42,000

Slick Fish Design

59,000

Target Health

113,400

Turners Printing

15,136

Contracts awarded in 2006

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Brunswick Press

4,795

Cahill Printers

7,538

Carr Communications

48,400

Catalysto

16,507

Catalysto

18,704

Farrell Grant Sparks/ Trinity College Dublin

47,389

Fitzpatrick Associates

76,109

Indecon

60,500

Information Consultants Pty

2,700

Languages Unlimited

3,371

Marsh Consulting

24,011

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd

176,940

Penhouse Design

1,210

RCSI Consortium

847,568

Slickfish Design

3,165

William Fry Solicitors

50,802

Contracts awarded in 2007

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Bearing Point

26,252

Cnag ar an Doras Consultancy and Life Coaching

9,680

Cnag ar an Doras Consultancy and Life Coaching

30,093

Cnag ar an Doras Consultancy and Life Coaching

12,152

Collier Broderick Management Consultation Ltd

10,000

Life Strategies Ltd

203,250

Mercer Human Resource Consulting Ltd

109,959

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

57,500

SLAN 07 Consortium

755,233

Raymond Burke Consulting

2,995

Contracts awarded in 2008

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Accenture

84,700

Bearing Point

24,011

Cnag ar an doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

22,447

Cnag ar an doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

15,727

Cnag ar an doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

43,170

Cnag ar an doras, Consultancy and Life Coaching

39,603

Collier Broderick Management Consultants

24,000

Coyle Hamiliton Willis

4,659

CRA International

98,365

HR Development Canada

16,127

Halley and Associates

29,437

IPPA

16,971

Life Strategies Ltd

97,844

Mercer HR

121,222

Mr Peter Cassells Consulting Ltd

18,150

Oral Care Consulting

30,000

PA Consulting Group

72,296

Prospectus Strategy Consultants

99,180

York Health Economics Consortium

166,519

Collier Broderick Management Consultants

24,000

HSE/PA Consulting

29,741

Contracts awarded in 2009

Name of Company

Final cost of contract

Halley and Associates

4,250 to date

Digiscan

Estimated cost 75,000 ex VAT

Abacus Systems

Estimated cost 37,000 ex VAT

Europus

Estimated cost 8,450 ex VAT

Vodafone

65,000 to date

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

317 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Health and Children if she contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if she has satisfied herself that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29850/09]

The provision of accommodation for my Department, including any major capital works, are a matter for the Office of Public Works. However, the only facility-related contracts concluded on behalf of my Department in recent years were for minor refurbishment works to my Department's Hawkin's House Headquarters and these did not involve the company in question.

Departmental Strategy Statements.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

318 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy and strategy documents published by her in respect of domestic and sexual violence during the past five years; the policy and strategy documents she will publish during the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29854/09]

My Department published a report entitled Sexual Assault Treatment Services — A National Review in 2006. This report identified the key areas for the development of sexual assault treatment services.

I do not propose to publish any policy or strategy documents on this issue during the coming year

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

319 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the policy and strategy documents published by her in relation to treatment of sex offenders; the policy and strategy documents she will publish during the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29856/09]

My Department has published no such documents nor is it intended to publish any during the coming year. However, earlier this year, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform published a discussion document entitled ‘The Management of Sex Offenders' and, at the request of my Department, the HSE is examining those aspects of this document that relate to the health services.

Domestic Violence.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

320 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding she has allocated to combating domestic and sexual violence for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29858/09]

This information is being assembled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Child Protection.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

321 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding she has allocated to child protection initiatives during each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29860/09]

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

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

322 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has carried out, during 2008 and during the first six months of 2009, advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by her; the name of the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and consultancy or production costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29872/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is being collated within my Department and will be forwarded as soon as it is available.

Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

323 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the supports available to people suffering from gambling addictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29875/09]

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

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

324 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the level of funding which has been allocated to combating or treating gambling addictions for each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29876/09]

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

Domestic Violence.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

325 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the adjusted remit of the new regional planning committees on domestic violence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29877/09]

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

Health Services.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

326 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will make arrangements for more full-time permanent speech and language therapist to be employed; and if she will offer temporary contracts to clear the waiting list backlog for speech and language assessments and treatment which in some areas stands in excess of two years. [29885/09]

There has been a growing demand for, and investment in, speech and language therapy services over the last number of years. A particular priority for my Department and the Department of Education and Science in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the health care needs of the population into the future. In this regard, since 1997, the number of training places for speech and language therapy has been increased from 25 to 105 which represents an increase of 320%.

Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. In recent years, the Government's ongoing high level of investment in health has achieved and maintained significant increases in the numbers of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals employed in the public health services. The numbers employed in speech and language therapy has also grown significantly, from 282 whole time equivalents employed in December 1997 rising to 759 whole time equivalents employed in March 2009, which represents an increase of 169%. The Government is committed to ensuring continued adequate recruitment of professional staff across a range of community settings to ensure the continued development of community services. Additional funding of €20 million has been provided in 2009 for health and education services for children with special educational needs. This funding will provide a total of 125 additional therapy posts in the HSE targeted at children of school-going age. 90 of these will be in the disability services, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

My Department has written to the Health Service Executive setting out the overall approved employment control ceiling for 2009. As part of this approval, written confirmation has been provided to the HSE that the general moratorium on recruitment, promotion and the payment of acting up allowances does not apply to specific designated grades. Delegated sanction has been given to the HSE for the creation and filling of front line posts including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy posts. The approval indicated that vacancies in existing posts in these grades may continue to be filled. New posts may also be created in these grades, up to a specified limit, provided that the HSE is satisfied in each case that there is no scope to redeploy an equivalent post from the hospital sector to the primary and community care sector. This moratorium exemption provides for an increase in the number of therapy posts, in line with Government policy, in order to meet the requirements of integrated care delivery and primary care needs particularly in respect of children at risk, the elderly and those with disabilities. The recruitment and retention of these key front line therapy posts, including speech and language therapists, is vital to ensure continued progress in the development of community settings.

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. With regard to the recruitment of speech and language therapists on temporary contracts, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Community Pharmacy Services.

Willie Penrose

Question:

327 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children her views, in view of the fact that community pharmacists have indicated their willingness to negotiate reductions in their payments in the present economic situation, on employing mediation machinery, to ensure an equitable solution is achieved for all parties concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29892/09]

Before I made decisions on the reduction in payments to community pharmacists under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 a public consultation process was conducted and all interested stakeholders were invited to make submissions. The Irish Pharmacy Union, as the representative body for pharmacists, made both a written and an oral submission to my Department. In addition, 104 other written submissions were received largely from community pharmacists.

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.

The Government recognises that these measures will pose a challenge for the pharmacy sector. However, not making these savings would be even more challenging for health services, and would mean significant, immediate cuts in hospital and home-based services for patients.

Hospital Accommodation.

James Reilly

Question:

328 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has made inquiries from the Health Service Executive, or the major hospitals, regarding the extent to which existing day beds are being used for inpatients; if she has sought information on the number of day cases cancelled, in 2009, due to day beds being occupied by inpatients; if she has had communication with the HSE on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29963/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

329 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of health professionals who are currently on paid leave for more than six months; the date on which each of them was placed on paid leave; the amounts paid to each of them since they were placed on paid leave; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29964/09]

Subject to overall parameters set by Government, the Health Service Executive has the responsibility for determining the composition of its staffing complement. In that regard, it is a matter for the Executive to manage and deploy its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Question No. 330 answered with Question No. 297.

Care of the Elderly.

James Reilly

Question:

331 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications received under the nursing home repayment scheme; the number of applicants issued offers to date in 2009; the number of appeals made against offers; the number of appeals decided; the number of appeals which have received an increased offer; the number of appeals officers employed by the scheme; the number of payments made to date; the cost of same; the total cost to administer the scheme; the average waiting time to process an application; the number of applications that have to be decided upon; when the scheme will complete its work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29966/09]

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responsibility for administering the health repayment scheme in conjunction with the appointed scheme administrator KPMG/McCann Fitzgerald. Since the commencement of the scheme 35,000 applications have been received by the Scheme Administrator. To date 34,000 of these applications have been concluded which has resulted in 20,440 offers of repayment. 1,800 applications have been completed in 2009 resulting in 1,159 offers of repayment. Payments have issued to over 17,600 claimants to a value totalling in excess of €390million. In the region of 1,000 applications remain to be determined. The vast majority of the remaining offers will issue over the coming months. The delay in completing these outstanding applications is due to the quality of available records, probate issues and difficulties in determining eligibility status of claimants. The time taken to process each application is dependent on the complexity of the application and the availability of accurate records. In addition an offer of repayment cannot be completed until the statutory 28 appeal period has elapsed and a completed form of acceptance returned to the Scheme Administrator. In addition claimants must be given the opportunity to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator and the appeals process will impact on the overall timeframe for the completion of repayments under the Scheme.

The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. Two Appeals Officers have been appointed to consider appeals. Up to 26 June 2009 the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office had received 5,656 appeals, of which 1,618 relate to appeals made against amount offers to claimants. The Appeals Office has issued 3,565 appeal decisions and of these appeal decisions,367 decisions have resulted in an increased offer to claimants and 322 decisions have resulted in an initial offer to claimants. The total cost of the Scheme is expected to be in the region of €458million. This figure includes overhead costs of €25m which includes payments to the Scheme Administrator, the pay and non pay costs associated with the appeal function, advertising costs, probate service and legal costs, HSE pay costs and general office expenses.

Question No. 332 answered with Question No. 231.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

333 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for the Health Service Executive to collect national data on waiting times for hospice services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29968/09]

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

James Reilly

Question:

334 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive national action plan for palliative care services 2009 to 2013, which was recently submitted to her Department, will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29969/09]

The Health Service Executive was asked to prioritise palliative care service developments in the context of a framework over the next five years. A ‘Palliative Care Services Medium Term Framework' has recently been submitted to the Department by the HSE. This document details the required actions and initiatives necessary to address the gaps in palliative care service provision, against the recommendations set out in the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care 2001. The Department has been considering the Framework and has been in discussion with the HSE in this regard and I now understand that the HSE intends to publish the Framework within the next month.

James Reilly

Question:

335 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made on the programme for Government commitment to allow orthodontic cases to be referred to the National Treatment Purchase Funds by creating an orthodontic fund to treat persons who have been waiting longest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29970/09]

James Reilly

Question:

336 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made on the programme for Government commitment to ensure that any child under five waiting more than three months for occupational or speech and language therapy, will be able to access these services automatically through the National Treatment Purchase fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29971/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 335 and 336 together.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund currently arranges hospital-based treatment and, in some cases, diagnostic procedures for public patients. Therefore the type of services to which the Deputy refers do not fall within the remit of the Fund at present.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

James Reilly

Question:

337 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the annual budget made available to the National Treatment Purchase Fund since its inception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29972/09]

The allocations to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) in each year since 2002 are as follows:

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

€5m

€30m

€44m

€64m

€78m

€91.75m

€104.64m

€90.30m

To date almost 150,000 public patients had been facilitated by the NTPF with either in-patient procedures or out-patient appointments. A significant reduction in the number of people waiting for surgical procedures has been achieved over the years, from 7.4 per 1,000 population in 2002 to 4.3 per 1,000 in 2008. At May 2009 the median waiting time for both medical and surgical patients nationally was 2.7 months.

The Fund's activity targets for 2009 involve a total of 18,875 inpatients, 2,000 MRIs and 5,600 outpatient appointments. At my request, the NTPF, working with the HSE, will maintain a particular focus on the issue of people waiting for more than twelve months for treatment. I am pleased to say that, as a result of co-operation between the two organisations during 2008 on validation of waiting lists, the numbers of persons waiting over 12 months for treatment was reduced by 66%, from 4,637 to 1,576, between December 2007 and December 2008. The number of people waiting over 12 months at the end of May was further reduced to 1,167.

In each year to date, 95% to 96% of NTPF funding has been spent on direct patient care. The balance relates to the administration of the scheme with 2% to 2.5% of this relating to expenditure on wages and salaries.

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

338 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of staff employed in the Health Service Executive by grade category for the past six years to date; the numbers employed per HSE area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29973/09]

I wish to advise that the numbers of staff employed in the Health Service Executive by grade category, per annum since 2004, are as follows:

31/12/04

31/12/05

31/12/06

31/12/07

31/12/08

31/5/09

Medical & Dental

7,013

7,266

7,712

8,005

8,109

8,104

Nursing

34,313

35,248

36,737

39,006

38,108

38,450

Health & Social Care Professionals

12,830

13,952

14,913

15,705

15,980

15,962

Management/Admin

16,157

16,699

17,262

18,043

17,967

17,866

General Support Staff

13,771

13,227

12,910

12,900

12,631

12,425

Other Patient & Client Care

14,640

15,586

16,739

17,846

18,230

18,433

Total

98,723

101,978

106,273

111,505

111,025

111,240

Note 1: Excludes home helps.

Note 2: Management/Administrative includes staff who are of direct service to the public and include Consultant's Secretaries, Out-Patient Departmental Personnel, Medical Records Personnel, Telephonists and other staff who are engaged in front-line duties together with staff in the following categories Payroll, Human Resource Management (including training), Service Managers, IT Staff, General Management Support and Legislative and Information requirements.

Note 3: The methodology under which employment figures are compiled changed during the course of 2007 with the addition of personnel not previously included in subsumed agencies such as the Health Service Executive-EA (HSEA), the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (GMSPB), Health Boards Executive (HeBe) and the Office for Health Management (now part of the HR function) together with many other posts in projects or post previously excluded such as HRBS/PPARS and Value-for-Money posts (all of which are largely in the Management/ Administrative stream) together with the inclusion of student nurses and chaplains. This change was undertaken to represent health service employment on a like-for-like basis with employment ceilings and to more accurately represent a reconfigured health service's employment information. As a result of this change year-on-year figures are not comparable.

Note 4: Caution should be exercised in making grade category comparisons due to changes in category composition over time.

Note 5: Student nurses are included in the 2007 and 2008 employment ceilings on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment levels adjusted for student nurses on the above basis are 110,664 WTE (Dec 07) and 111,001 WTE (Dec 08).

Note 6: Data source — Health Service Personnel Census.

The numbers of staff employed in each HSE area, per annum since 2004, are as follows:

31/12/2004

31/12/2005

31/12/2006

31/12/2007

31/12/2008

31/5/2009

National

581

559

554

857

914

952

Dublin/Mid-Leinster

28,637

29,965

31,664

33,368

33,254

33,337

Dublin/North-East

22,241

22,964

23,410

24,335

24,321

24,362

South

22,411

22,977

24,245

25,258

25,100

25,080

West

24,853

25,513

26,400

27,687

27,436

27,509

Total

98,273

101,978

106,273

111,505

111,025

111,240

Note 1: Excludes home helps.

Note 2: Management/Administrative includes staff who are of direct service to the public and include Consultant's Secretaries, Out-Patient Departmental Personnel, Medical Records Personnel, Telephonists and other staff who are engaged in front-line duties together with staff in the following categories Payroll, Human Resource Management (including training), Service Managers, IT Staff, General Management Support and Legislative and Information requirements.

Note 3: The methodology under which employment figures are compiled changed during the course of 2007 with the addition of personnel not previously included in subsumed agencies such as the Health Service Executive-EA (HSEA), the Primary Care Reimbursement Service (GMSPB), Health Boards Executive (HeBe) and the Office for Health Management (now part of the HR function) together with many other posts in projects or post previously excluded such as HRBS/PPARS and Value-for-Money posts (all of which are largely in the Management/ Administrative stream) together with the inclusion of student nurses and chaplains. This change was undertaken to represent health service employment on a like-for-like basis with employment ceilings and to more accurately represent a reconfigured health service's employment information. As a result of this change year-on-year figures are not comparable.

Note 4: Caution should be exercised in making grade category comparisons due to changes in category composition over time.

Note 5: Student nurses are included in the 2007 and 2008 employment ceilings on the basis of 3.5 students equating to 1 wholetime equivalent. The employment levels adjusted for student nurses on the above basis are 110,664 WTE (Dec 07) and 111,001 WTE (Dec 08).

Note 6: Data source — Health Service Personnel Census.

James Reilly

Question:

339 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the job description of each Health Service Executive national director and each assistant national director; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29974/09]

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

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

340 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will publish the Health Service Executive prospectus report on the needs assessment of bed capacity requirements in the areas of long stay, dementia specific and respite care beds for the period 2006 to 2036; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29975/09]

James Reilly

Question:

341 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to deliver 860 long stay beds; the number that were built in 2007 and 2008; the location of these beds by county and Health Service Executive area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29976/09]

James Reilly

Question:

342 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to deliver 860 long stay beds; the number delivered to date in 2009; the location of these beds by county and Health Service Executive area; if contracts have been signed and construction begun on these beds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29977/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 340 to 342, inclusive, together.

In 2006 the HSE, in conjunction with Prospectus, undertook a Needs Assessment of bed capacity requirements in the areas of long-stay, dementia-specific and respite care beds for the period 2006-2036. This report was submitted to the Department of Health and Children in September 2006 and has informed proposals to expand capacity through the provision of 860 additional public beds under the Fast Track Bed Initiative.

The work is the subject of ongoing deliberations between the Department and the HSE and feeds into the development of future policy and infrastructure in the area of long-term care services for older people. The report was commissioned by, and remains the property of, the HSE. I also understand that it is commercially sensitive. For these reasons, I am not in a position to publish the report.

By end-2008, 273 additional beds had opened under the Fast-Track Initiative. These were located in the following areas:

Area

2007-2008

Dublin Mid-Leinster

Cherry Orchard

94

Athy

6

Leopardstown Park

7

St. Vincent’s, Mountmellick

8

Total DML

115

Dublin North East

St. Mary’s, Phoenix Park

100

Total DNE

100

South

St. Finbarr’s

31

Total South

31

West

Carndonagh

16

Mayo

5

St. Francis CNU, Galway

6

Total West

27

Total HSE 2007-2008

273

A further 10 beds have opened to date this year, 6 in St. Finbarr's, Cork and 4 in Aras MacDara, Galway. The remaining beds under the Fast-Track Initiative will be delivered over the remainder of 2009 and 2010, subject to the HSE's overall budgetary position.

The signing of contracts and ongoing monitoring of construction progress is a matter for the HSE and I am asking the Executive to reply directly to the Deputy on those issues.

Question No. 343 answered with Question No. 284.
Question No. 344 answered with Question No. 252.

Departmental Expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

345 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the details on the capital budget made available to the Health Service Executive per year since 2004 to 2008; the amount spent per year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29980/09]

James Reilly

Question:

346 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received the revised Health Service Executive capital plan for the period 2009 to 2013; when her Department’s review of the capital plan will be completed; the date she will publish the revised capital plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29981/09]

James Reilly

Question:

347 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the impact plans to put all new capital projects on hold, due to reduced financial allocation, will have on Health Service Executive capital plans; the number of developments affected by this per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29982/09]

James Reilly

Question:

379 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the Programme for Government commitment to implement the €2.4 billion acute hospital capital programme outlined in the National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30016/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 345 to 347, inclusive, and 379 together.

Details of the capital allocation for the Health Boards / Authority in 2004 and the Health Service Executive for the period 2005 to 2008 with corresponding expenditure, is set out in the following table.

All Capital Subheads

2004

2005

2006

2007*

2008

Total

€m

€m

€m

€m

€m

Capital Allocation

509.069

564.063

574.556

524.951

593.720

2,766.359

Capital Expenditure

496.841

506.605

450.146

520.427

575.066

2,549.085

*The allocation shown for 2007 includes a reduction of €20.999m on Capital ICT made as part of a Supplementary Estimate Adjustment.

The Health Service Executive is currently reviewing its capital programme proposals to take account of the reduced capital allocation available to it following the Supplementary Budget and the adjustments to the Public Capital Programme.

The capital envelope available for the health sector building and equipping programme for the remainder of the National Development Plan 2007-2013 has been reduced. Information on the extent and timing of commitments already entered into is being updated as part of this review process. It is clear at this stage that expenditure in 2009 and future years will need to be managed carefully within the available limits and that further commitments will require prioritisation within the expected funding envelope for future years.

When the review is completed, the Executive is required to submit its proposed capital investment programme for my approval with the agreement of the Minister for Finance.

The Executive has made considerable progress since 2007 in delivering capital projects under the acute capital programme as outlined in the National Development Plan and the Programme for Government. While it is not possible to outline details of all infrastructural developments completed or in progress, the following indicates the progress achieved since 2007.

At Cork University Hospital, the new amalgamated Maternity Hospital has been completed and construction is nearing completion on an €80m project to provide new cardiac/renal facilities which will include 114 replacement in patient beds, 27 additional inpatient CCU and HDU beds. Major developments have been completed at Tullamore (€142m) and Mullingar (€25m). In the MidWest, an extension to A&E, Radiology and Pathology at Nenagh General Hospital has been completed, the fit-out and commissioning of an additional theatre and the provision of additional theatre space is underway at the MWRH Limerick. Construction is underway on a project to provide CT scanner facilities at Ennis General Hospital. In the NorthEast, two modular theatres have been provided at Louth General Hospital, an additional theatre and 21 additional beds (including 6 HDU beds and a 6 bed Medical Assessment Unit have been provided at Cavan General Hospital, where construction of an MRI facility is underway. At Monaghan General the upgrade and refurbishment of 2 x 25 beds wards is completed. A new oncology day care unit at Wexford General is at equipping stage and a new OPD including consulting rooms and associated facilities was completed in 2008. At South Tipperary General Hospital the fit-out of 23 additional in-patient beds was recently completed. Completed projects are University College Hospital Galway include an extensions to the oncology department, x-ray, orthopaedic and out-patients and refurbishment of the biochemistry department.

About twenty Medical Assessment Units /Admission Lounges were opened over a two year period in 2007 and 2008 to relieve pressures on Accident and Emergency Units. Construction of the new A&E at OLOL Drogheda and the extension to the Mater A&E have been completed. Construction is underway on the new A&E & associated Medical Assessment Unit at Letterkenny General Hospital and is nearing completion on the development at Portiuncula Hospital.

The HSE's programme to replace and update its ambulance fleet resulted in the purchase of 67 new ambulances in 2007. Delivery of a further 65 new ambulances commenced in the last quarter of 2008.

Rapid developments are taking place in field of diagnostic imagining which helps to provide a better biological and molecular understanding of diseases. Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan) enables more advanced imaging of tumours, organs and tissues. Two PET scan projects are nearing completion at St James's Hospital and Cork University Hospital.

The National Plan for Radiation Oncology (NPRO) is being delivered and will provide sufficient capacity to fully meet national population cancer incidence requirements. Work on the National Paediatric Hospital is continuing with a public procurement tendering process currently underway to appoint an Integrated Design Team to design the hospital and carry out the required architectural, engineering and environmental work in advance of submitting a planning application. Work has commenced on the redevelopment of the Mater Hospital which when completed will provide 120 replacement beds, 12 new theatres, A&E, CSSD and radiology.

This Government's commitment to the health services is demonstrated by the delivery of the range of projects outlined above together with further developments to be progressed based upon further capital allocations in future years.

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

348 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and percentage of permanent and temporary posts per grade category as at December 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29983/09]

The numbers (expressed in wholetime equivalent terms) and percentage, of staff employed in the public health service, in each grade category by contract type as recorded in the health service personnel census are as follows:

Grade Category

WTE Part-Time

WTE Sessional

WTE Permanent

WTE Job-Sharing

WTE Temporary

WTE Locum

WTE Training

Total WTE excl. Career Break

Medical/Dental

361.58

112.59

2,316.04

239.9

1,652.98

225.85

3,200.54

8,109.48

% of total

4.46%

1.39%

28.56%

2.96%

20.38%

2.79%

39.47%

100%

Nursing

6,128.55

124.86

24,746.28

1,474.92

4,190.51

743.69

699.11

38,107.92

% of total

16.08%

0.33%

64.94%

3.87%

11.00%

1.95%

1.83%

100%

Health & Social Care Professionals

1,528.98

79.88

11,255.78

311.58

2,325.57

311.71

166.23

15,979.73

% of total

9.57%

0.50%

70.44%

1.95%

14.55%

1.95%

1.04%

100%

Management/Admin

1,596.09

29.41

13,700.93

551.28

1,699.47

265.39

124.9

17,967.47

% of total

8.88%

0.16%

76.25%

3.07%

9.46%

1.48%

0.70%

100%

General Support Staff

2,145.35

32.67

8,057.45

206.22

1,713.98

453.11

21.77

12,630.55

% of total

16.99%

0.26%

63.79%

1.63%

13.57%

3.59%

0.17%

100%

Other Patient & Client Care

2,632.02

90.28

11,311.24

338.63

2,501.54

1,061.48

294.96

18,230.15

% of total

14.44%

0.50%

62.05%

1.86%

13.72%

5.82%

1.62%

100%

Departmental Expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

349 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount her Department and the Health Service Executive spent on the use of taxis in 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29984/09]

The amounts spent by the Department of Health and Children on taxis for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 are €22,205, €21,280, €15,238 and €6,142 respectively. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Services Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to HSE expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

350 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount her Department and the Health Service spent on legal fees in 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29985/09]

Payments made by my Department in respect of legal fees, the legal costs associated with awards/settlements and similar payments made on behalf of the Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal in the years 2006 to date in 2009 are set out in tabular form.

2006

2007

2008

2009

€m

€m

€m

€m

Department of Health & Children

3.931

4.412

4.711

2.782

Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal

11.962

8.345

9.372

5.234

My department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Services Executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to HSE expenditure.

James Reilly

Question:

351 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount spent by the Health Service Executive on the hospitality budget in 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29986/09]

The detailed information sought by the Deputy has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Medical Cards.

James Reilly

Question:

352 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of full medical cards issued as at 30 June 2009; the number of GP cards issues as at 30 June 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29987/09]

Details of the number of medical cards and GP visit cards are provided to my Department each month by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The figures are provided on a net basis, showing the balance after new cards have been issued and other cards, as appropriate, have been deleted from the Executive's database, e.g. following a review of a person's circumstances. The most recent figures provided to my Department by the HSE reflect the position as at 1st June 2009. As at 1st June 2009, the number of full medical cards issued was 1,398,686 and the number of GP visit cards issued was 90,037.

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

353 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of the 52 infection-control staff announced by her in 2006 that have been recruited to date; the details of the category of staff to be recruited; when this recruitment process will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29989/09]

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

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

354 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for a speech and language assessment for children per Health Service Executive area; the average waiting time per county; the minimum and maximum waiting time per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29990/09]

James Reilly

Question:

355 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for access to speech and language therapy after assessment for children per Health Service Executive area; the average waiting time per county; the minimum and maximum waiting time per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29991/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 355 together.

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

James Reilly

Question:

356 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for orthodontic assessment for children per Health Service Executive area; the average waiting time per county; the minimum and maximum waiting time per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29992/09]

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

James Reilly

Question:

357 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for orthodontic treatment for children per Health Service Executive Area; the average waiting time per county; the minimum and maximum waiting time per county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29993/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

358 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the levels of absenteeism in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date 2009; the breakdown of absenteeism among staffing categories; the associated cost of agency staff as a result of this absenteeism; the action the Health Service Executive has taken to reduce absenteeism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29994/09]

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

Hospital Accommodation.

James Reilly

Question:

359 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of hospital beds in each hospital from 2000 to 2008 and to date 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29995/09]

My Department in conjunction with the HSE will endeavour to compile the data sought by the Deputy in relation to acute public hospital beds and I will be in communication with him in due course.

James Reilly

Question:

360 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to increase the number of dedicated public only hospital beds by 1,500; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29996/09]

James Reilly

Question:

380 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the Programme for Government commitment to carry out an independent review of the co-location policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30017/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 360 and 380 together.

The Government in 2001 made a commitment, in the context of the Health Strategy Quality and Fairness, to increase public acute hospital bed numbers by 3,000 over ten years. This commitment included both acute in-patient beds and day places. The most recent data available indicates that average available number of acute hospital beds (including day places) increased by 1,380 between 2001 and 2006. Since then, investment under NDP has continued to allow for the provision of further new acute beds in the acute hospital system. In some instances these have replaced existing facilities which were no longer appropriate for modern purposes.

In 2007 the HSE commissioned PA Consulting to undertake an independent review of acute bed capacity requirements until the year 2020. The consultants' report reaffirmed the need to develop an integrated health system, with a strong emphasis on the provision of hospital care on a day basis and as much as possible of people's care needs being met at primary and community care level. The review forms a basis for discussion with key stakeholders on how best to plan for the provision of public health care to 2020.

In addition, a number of measures are being taken in the context of the commitment in the Programme for Government to reform the use of beds in hospitals. The new hospital consultants' contract is being implemented and additional hospital consultants are being appointed. Furthermore, the HSE's National Service Plan contains performance targets for the current year in relation to reduction of average length of stay and increasing the proportion of surgery undertaken on a day basis. Improved efficiency under these headings enables a greater patient throughput to be achieved for a given complement of beds. The aim of the co-location initiative is to make approximately 1,000 additional beds available for public patients in Acute Hospitals. The intention is to transfer private activity to the co-located sites, thereby freeing up capacity for public patients. Significant progress has been made in advancing individual co-location projects and the necessary arrangements will be made to commission an independent review of the co-location policy in due course.

James Reilly

Question:

361 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the cost of co-located private hospitals to the Exchequer with a breakdown of the cost for each of these hospitals; the amount of tax relief involved with these hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29997/09]

It is an essential requirement that each co-location project demonstrates clear value for money to the taxpayer. However it is the responsibility of the successful bidders to arrange the financing of the individual co-location projects. 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.

Mental Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

362 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children in relation to the Vision for Change strategy, the number of catchment area teams that have been established; the number that are fully staffed; the geographic area covered by these catchment areas; the population of each of the catchment areas; the name of the person with managerial responsibility for mental health services in each of the catchment areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29998/09]

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

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

363 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultant posts approved since April to December 2008; the number of consultant posts approved to date in 2009; the number of consultants posts that are new and the number that are replacement posts; the number that have been appointed; the speciality of consultants appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29999/09]

James Reilly

Question:

364 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of existing hospital consultants as per speciality and location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30000/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 363 and 364 together.

As the approval and appointment of medical consultant posts are a matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked the Executive to examine the issues raised and to respond directly to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

365 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of child and adolescent community mental health teams that have been established in relation to the Vision for Change strategy per location in tabular form; the breakdown of the number and speciality of staff employed in each team; the details on the number and speciality of positions that remain to be filled on each team; the population area of each team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30001/09]

James Reilly

Question:

366 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of adult community mental health teams that have been established in relation to the Vision for Change strategy per location in tabular form; the breakdown of the number and speciality of staff employed in each team; the number and speciality of positions that remain to be filled on each team; the population area of each team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30002/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 365 and 366 together.

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

Question No. 367 answered with Question No. 189.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

368 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of planned primary care centres; the proposed location for these centres; the number that are operational; the number that have contracts for construction signed; the number that are in planning stage but do not have contracts signed; the funding available for these centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30004/09]

James Reilly

Question:

369 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide in tabular form the number of primary care teams that have been established to date per location in tabular form; the number and speciality of staff employed in each team; the details on the number and speciality of positions that remain to be filled on each team; the population area of each team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30005/09]

James Reilly

Question:

376 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to improve general practitioner cover by developing primary health centres in socially deprived areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30013/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 368, 369 and 376 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to a service matter they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Question No. 370 answered with Question No. 226.

Hospital Charges.

James Reilly

Question:

371 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of hospital fees collected and the corresponding amount which remains uncollected for 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date 2009; the steps she will take to recover these moneys; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30007/09]

The detailed information sought by the Deputy has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. I wish to advise that my Department has recently initiated a review of the economic costs and charges associated with the treatment of patients on a private and semi private basis in public hospitals. The review is being undertaken as part of the Government's programme of Value For Money and Policy Reviews. The Steering Group for this review is independently chaired and has recently held it's first meeting. The scope of the review will include examination of the efficiency of the processes used to collect fees for private and semi private patients. It is intended that this review and wider consideration by the HSE of the procedures used to collect fees due will assist in improving income collection.

Cancer Screening Programme.

James Reilly

Question:

372 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the reduced BreastCheck mammography screening services at Waterford Regional Hospital; if her further attention has been drawn to the fact that women are not being referred to have a mammogram unless they present with a lump and are waiting more than two years to be screened; her views on whether waiting lists are unacceptable, particularly for the high risk patients and that this is in complete contravention of the purpose of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30009/09]

At the outset, I wish to clarify that BreastCheck, the National Breast Screening Programme, does not provide mammography screening services at Waterford Regional Hospital. Mammography services are among the services provided at Waterford Regional Hospital for women who have symptoms of breast disease.

BreastCheck provides free mammograms to women aged between 50 and 64, who are not symptomatic, approximately every two years (the programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months). Screening takes place from mobile screening units. Follow-up care for women in the Waterford area in whom breast cancer is detected takes place at the BreastCheck static unit in Cork.

Symptomatic breast services are provided at Waterford Regional Hospital for women with symptoms of breast disease. Current figures show that 98% of urgent referrals to the symptomatic breast service at Waterford are seen within the target waiting time of two weeks (May figures). Screening is not provided by the symptomatic breast services, the priority of which is to provide services for women who do have symptoms.

Departmental Programmes.

James Reilly

Question:

373 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the implementation of the programme for Government commitment to develop a freely available and personalised national programme to provide for the prevention and early detection of illnesses for both men and women; if the expert group has been established; the members of this group; if the expert group has reported; if this report will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30010/09]

The Programme for Government intended that guidelines should be developed for a Personal Health Check based on best available national and international evidence of what works well, with structured call and recall arrangements during a person's life and provision for appropriate clinical follow up where required.

My Department undertook a preliminary examination of a range of issues in relation to this commitment. However, planning for a Personal Health Check did not proceed in light of the strategies which have been or are being developed on cardiovascular and other chronic disease and the many competing priorities for health service development. The commitment will fall to be addressed in the forthcoming review of the programme in light of the current economic circumstances.

Patients’ Rights.

James Reilly

Question:

374 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the implementation of the programme for Government commitment to implementing an advisory charter of patients rights similar to the European charter of patient rights; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30011/09]

In January 2007, as part of the Government's commitment to ensuring patient safety and quality in our health service, I established a Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance to develop clear and practical recommendations to ensure that quality and safety of care for patients is paramount within the health care system. The Commission's Report —Building a Culture of Patient Safety - was published in August 2008. The Commission recommended that there should be a mandatory licensing system in Ireland to cover both public and private health care providers. It further endorsed the proposals in the National Strategy for Service-User Involvement in the Irish Health Service published by my Department with the HSE in 2008 and made a series of recommendations on patient, carer and service-user participation in the planning, delivery and review of our health services.

The Government recently accepted the Commission's report and also supported the establishment of a Steering Group, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer of my Department, to drive the implementation of all the report's recommendations including those relating to what patients can expect from the health service. This Steering Group, which itself includes a representative of patients, has now been established. Its first meeting took place on 4 June and it has begun its work on an overall implementation plan to be completed within 18 months of establishment.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

375 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the implementation of the programme for Government commitment to extend the general practitioner out of hours service nationwide to ensure that patients can be seen within one hour of their call; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30012/09]

Out of hours co-operatives are now in place in all Health Service Executive (HSE) areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. The total number of contacts with out of hours GP services in 2008 was over 920,000. Expenditure on the scheme amounted to a total of €102 million in 2008. The HSE is continuing with the development of out of hours GP services to ensure that the commitment in the Programme for Government that patients be seen within one hour is met to the greatest extent possible.

Question No. 376 answered with Question No. 368.

Medical Cards.

James Reilly

Question:

377 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to index the income thresholds for medical cards to increases in the average industrial wage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30014/09]

My Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this exercise, a review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards in the context of financial, medical and social need is being undertaken and is expected to be completed in the coming months.

James Reilly

Question:

378 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to double the income limit eligibility of parents of children under six years of age and treble them for parents of children with an intellectual disability under 18 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30015/09]

My Department is currently reviewing all legislation relating to eligibility for health and personal social services with a view to making the system as fair and transparent as possible. As part of this exercise, a review of the eligibility criteria for medical cards in the context of financial, medical and social need is being undertaken and is expected to be completed in the coming months.

Question No. 379 answered with Question No. 345.
Question No. 380 answered with Question No. 360.

Patient Treatment Register.

James Reilly

Question:

381 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to ensure that the patient treatment register is operated for all in and out patient referrals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30018/09]

All targeted hospitals are now submitting details to the Patient Treatment Register, which covers public in-patient and day-case waiting lists. Out-Patient waiting list data is currently collected by the Performance Monitoring Unit of the HSE.

Accident and Emergency Services.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 382 to 384, inclusive, together

Improving the delivery of Accident and Emergency services continues to be a high priority for this Government. The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments designed to further improve the delivery of Accident & Emergency services including:

Further increase the number of A & E consultants available around the clock in A & E Departments,

Further develop chest pain and respiratory clinics to ease pressure on A & E,

Establish a national network of Local Injury Clinics.

There are currently 60 Emergency Medicine Consultants in post. An additional 28 Consultants in Emergency Medicine have been approved to support the delivery of A & E services since 2003. This represents an increase of 85% over the past five years in the emergency consultant numbers. The HSE has made financial provision within its 2009 Service Plan for the recruitment of additional consultants, including appointments under the 100 plus scheme.

In line with the new contractual arrangements agreed with Medical Consultants and to provide for a consultant delivered service, the number of hospital consultants will be increased but there will need to be compensatory savings by suppressing Non-Consultant Hospital Doctor posts.

In addition, the new Consultant Contract provides for greater flexibility in the rostering of Consultants in Emergency Medicine and the consequent availability of consultant-provided services in line with clinical need. The new Contract includes provision for an extended working day to 12 hours Monday to Friday (8 am to 8 pm), provision for rostering on-site at weekends and public holidays and by agreement, more flexible arrangements, including 24/7 rostering.

Chest pain assessment and respiratory services are provided at existing Emergency Departments. There are dedicated practice examples where GP referrals are assessed by cardiology services in units such as the chest pain assessment units in the Mater Hospital, Connolly Hospital, Cork University Hospital and South Infirmary. Dedicated respiratory clinics are, for example, conducted at the Mater Hospital and Connolly.

A number of the new A&E Departments have provision for minor injury clinics, including Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Cork University Hospital, St Vincent's Hospital, St James's Hospital and South Tipperary General Hospital. The new hospital at Tullamore now has a designated area for the treatment of minor injuries. Minor injuries services have been expanded at St. John's Limerick, and a minor injuries unit is operating at Waterford Regional Hospital.

In line with the recommendations of the Teamwork Report "Improving Safety and Achieving Better Standards", the HSE is also committed to the development of Minor Injury Units in local hospitals in the North East. The first of these units has been developed at Monaghan Hospital which opened earlier this year. Other units are to open at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan and Louth County Hospital, Dundalk.

Following on from the reconfiguration of services in the Mid-West, including A & E and surgery, local emergency care centres have been established at Nenagh and Ennis.

My Department has asked the HSE to communicate directly to the Deputy on the additional operational issues raised.

Questions Nos. 385 to 388, inclusive, answered with Question No. 226.

James Reilly

Question:

389 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the Programme for Government commitment to implement the key recommendations of the National Cancer Strategy and prioritise development of hospice services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30026/09]

James Reilly

Question:

384 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to establish a national network of local injury clinics; the number and location of those that are operational; the number and location of those that are in planning stage; the cost of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30021/09]

James Reilly

Question:

383 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to further develop chest pain and respiratory clinics to ease pressure on accident and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30020/09]

James Reilly

Question:

382 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to further increase the number of accident and emergency consultants available round the clock in accident and emergency departments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30019/09]

Cancer Control Strategy.

The goals of the National Cancer Control Programme are better cancer prevention, detection, treatment and survival through a national service based on evidence and best practice. This involves significant re-alignment of cancer services to move from a fragmented system of care to one which is consistent with international best practice in cancer control.

In line with the recommendations of the 2006 Cancer Control Strategy, eight hospitals have been designated by the Health Service Executive (HSE) as cancer centres. These eight hospitals will operate within four managed cancer control networks, within which cancer diagnosis and surgery is to be located. The designation of cancer centres aims to ensure that patients receive the highest quality care while at the same time allowing local access to services, where appropriate. Diagnosis and treatment planning is or will be directed and managed by multi-disciplinary teams based at the cancer centres, but much of the treatment other than surgery may be delivered in local hospitals. In this context, chemotherapy and support services will continue to be delivered locally.

The reorganisation of breast cancer services, which has been the highest priority for the Cancer Programme, is almost complete with services remaining to be transferred from only three hospitals — Tallaght, Sligo and South Infirmary. The service at both Sligo and Tallaght will transfer this summer while the transfer from South Infirmary to Cork University Hospital (CUH) is expected to take place later in 2009 on completion of a €5 million refurbishment project at CUH. The NCCP has at all times stated that it only transfers services when it is satisfied that adequate resources are in place.

Priorities in 2009 in relation to other site-specific cancers include services for prostate, lung, rectal and pancreatic cancers, brain tumours and head and neck reconstructive surgery and the development of community oncology. Additional development funding of €15 million was allocated to the NCCP for all of these initiatives, along with 100 new posts.

Recent achievements include the opening of two Rapid Access Diagnostic Clinics for Prostate Cancer at St. James's Hospital, Dublin and at University Hospital Galway in June 2009, the first of eight such clinics. Rapid Access clinics are also to be established for lung cancer. A single national programme for the management of brain tumours and other central nervous system tumours is being created on two sites — Beaumont and Cork University Hospital — and funding has been allocated this year to recruit a neuro-oncology trained neurosurgeon to lead this programme. St Vincent's University Hospital will become the national centre for pancreatic cancer surgery by the end of 2009. A single centre is also to be established for reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer while the number of hospitals performing rectal cancer surgery is to be reduced.

The NCCP has also developed a separate Community Oncology office which is working closely with the Irish College of General Practitioners to train and educate GPs in oncology and also to enhance nursing capability in oncology care within communities and primary care teams. Early diagnosis and appropriate referral is critical to improving cancer care, so the successful development of this programme is a key strategic initiative.

The implementation of all of these initiatives represents significant progress towards the goal of improving our cancer services and, ultimately, outcomes for cancer patients.

In regard to palliative care service developments, the HSE was asked to prioritise these in the context of a framework over the next five years. A Palliative Care Services Medium Term Development Framework has recently been submitted to my Department by the HSE. This document details the required actions and initiatives necessary to address the gaps in palliative care service provision, against the recommendations set out in the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care 2001. The HSE and my Department are considering how this can be rolled out within existing resources.

Cancer Screening Programme.

James Reilly

Question:

390 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the Programme for Government commitment to complete the national roll out of BreastCheck; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30027/09]

James Reilly

Question:

391 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the Programme for Government commitment to extend BreastCheck to women not covered at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30028/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 391 together.

BreastCheck commenced roll-out in the Western and Southern regions in 2007 and is now screening in all but three of the 26 counties. Of these three remaining counties, the consent process has already begun in Co Clare and will begin in Co Donegal in September and in Co Leitrim in October with appointments being issued following the consent process. The programme is designed to offer repeat screening within an interval of 21-27 months. The priority of BreastCheck is to screen women who have not yet been screened and accordingly it is fully focussed at present on the completion of the first round of screening in the West and South.

The expert advice from BreastCheck and from the National Cancer Forum, as contained in the National Strategy for Cancer Control, is that following the national roll out of the programme to women between the ages of 50 and 64 years, the upper age limit should be extended to women aged 69 years.

I will consider extending the age limit as recommended when the national roll-out of the programme is sufficiently developed and it is assured that a quality service is being delivered. Any woman irrespective of her age who has immediate concerns or symptoms should contact her GP who, where appropriate, will refer her to the symptomatic services in her area.

Cancer Control Strategy.

James Reilly

Question:

392 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to progress a national network for radiation oncology services over the past five years; the progress of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30029/09]

Under the National Plan for Radiation Oncology (NPRO), the Health Service Executive (HSE) will develop a network of radiotherapy centres consisting of four large centres, in Dublin (St James's and Beaumont), Cork and Galway, and two satellite centres in Limerick and Waterford. The Plan's implementation is a key deliverable for the HSE National Cancer Control Programme and the NPRO Project Board is chaired by the Director of the Programme. Considerable progress has been made on all aspects of the NPRO.

Phase 1 of the NPRO (new radiotherapy centres at St. James's Hospital and Beaumont) is funded by the HSE through its capital programme using traditional procurement. Contracts for the construction and equipping of these two new centres were signed in August 2008 and site preparation work is continuing, with a target date of September 2010 for completion of this phase, which will result in 4 new linear accelerators at St James's Hospital and 4 also at Beaumont Hospital. In order to provide additional capacity in the intervening period, two new linear accelerators were provided at St Luke's in 2008 to bring the total there to eight. Two replacement linear accelerators were also provided at St Luke's in 2008.

In relation to the Phase 2 of the Plan, which will deliver new linear accelerators on the remaining sites, the detailed planning for each hospital site is now under way. A Public Sector Benchmark will be undertaken shortly for Phase 2 of the Project and if Public Private Partnership (PPP) is judged to be cost-effective, the tendering process will then commence with an expected completion date for Phase 2 of 2014.

Cancer Screening Programme.

James Reilly

Question:

393 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to introduce screening for prostate and other cancers as recommended by experts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30030/09]

Screening programmes are a key aspect of cancer prevention and early detection. I established the National Cancer Screening Service (NCSS) in January 2007 following the launch of the otrategy for Cancer Control in Ireland (2006).The NCSS encompasses BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme and CervicalCheck, the national cervical screening programme. BreastCheck provides free mammograms to women aged 50 to 64 years. The national roll-out of BreastCheck, which commenced in 2007, is almost complete. Screening has now reached 23 counties. The necessary consent process has begun in Co Clare and following this process appointments for screening in August will be issued. The consent process is scheduled to begin in Co Donegal in September and in Co Leitrim in October. In 2008, over 90,000 women were screened by BreastCheck and the target for 2009 is to screen 140,000 women.

CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Screening Programme, was launched nationally in September 2008 and provides free smear tests to women aged 25 to 60 who are eligible for screening. The programme has been very successful so far in terms of uptake, with nearly 65,000 women screened in 2008 and around 240,000 women to be screened in 2009. A successful national cervical screening programme has the potential to result in a reduction of up to 80% in deaths from this disease.

With regard to colorectal screening, I am very anxious, not withstanding the current budgetary situation, to introduce such a programme as soon as possible. Accordingly, I have requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to explore different ways of delivering a high quality colorectal cancer screening programme within existing resources, based on the range of advice contained in the two expert reports recently published by HIQA and the NCSS.

While my Department and the NCSS are keeping emerging international evidence in relation to prostate screening under review, including the results of randomised trials that are currently being conducted internationally, there is currently insufficient evidence in favour of a population based prostate screening programme. Rather, the focus is on improving services for those with prostate cancer and in this regard, Rapid Access Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Clinics are being established by the National Cancer Control Programme in each of the eight designated cancer centres. This development will enhance access to early diagnosis and multidisciplinary decision making for prostate cancer, with patients at higher risk based on agreed high risk criteria being fast tracked directly to these Clinics. These patients will have a definitive diagnosis established within two weeks of referral and, if confirmed as cancer, will have immediate access to a multidisciplinary specialist cancer consultation regarding appropriate management. The first two Rapid Access clinics have opened at University Hospital Galway (UHG) and St. James's Hospital, Dublin, with two more to be established in 2009 and a further four in 2010.

Mental Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

394 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to invest in and fully implement the Vision for Change strategy; if she will provide further additional funding to support the recovery model of mental health service provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30031/09]

The estimated additional cost of the implementation of ’A Vision for Change’ the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy is €150 million over 7-10 years. Substantial resources are invested in mental health services; overall spending on these services amounts to an estimated €1 billion. Implementing ’A Vision for Change’ is essentially about the reallocation and remodelling of these resources.

Additional funding was provided in 2009 for the recruitment of 35 therapy posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. In addition, once-off funding of €1.75 million was provided for suicide prevention initiatives and for mental health projects supporting service users and carers.

James Reilly

Question:

395 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to ringfence funds from the sale of existing mental hospitals, estimated to be approximately €800 million, to fund community based services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30032/09]

'A Vision for Change’, the Report on the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, recommended that a plan to bring about the closure of all psychiatric hospitals should be drawn up and implemented and that the resources released by these closures should be re-invested in the mental health service. The Departments of Finance and Health and Children have agreed in principle to the release of the proceeds of the disposal of properties prior to 2006 for reinvestment in mental health capital development.

The arrangements for property disposal require Department of Finance approval in each case, the lodging of the proceeds as Exchequer Extra Receipts and the re-voting of the funds for approved projects. Disposals to date amount to over €42 million. A submission from the HSE, detailing the priority projects to be funded from these disposals, is currently under consideration in my Department with a view to submission to the Department of Finance.

James Reilly

Question:

396 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to ensure that multidisciplinary community mental health teams provide services based on need in the community, the home and through assertive outreach; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30033/09]

'A Vision for Change' the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy which has been adopted as Government policy, says that to provide an effective community based service, community mental health teams should offer home based treatment and assertive outreach and a comprehensive range of medical psychological therapies relevant to the need of the services users and their families.

In April 2009, the HSE adopted an implementation plan for ’A Vision for Change’ for the five year period 2009-2013. In addition, a joint research initiative between the Mental Health Commission, the University of Limerick and the HSE to examine the functioning and effectiveness of Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) is under way. The HSE will shortly appoint a national lead for mental health which will bring a new impetus to the implementation of ‘A Vision for Change’.

Medical Training.

James Reilly

Question:

397 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to increase the number of postgraduate training places for clinical psychologists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30034/09]

To qualify as a clinical psychologist, a post-graduate qualification in clinical psychology must be completed after an initial undergraduate degree in psychology. Students are sponsored by health agencies and spend time over three years in clinical placements in different specialties; course work and a thesis must be also satisfactorily completed.

The number of training places in clinical psychology is dependent on the availability of clinical placements.

A Working Group to undertake a National Review of Clinical Psychology Training Places is in place within the Health Service Executive and accordingly I am referring the Deputy's question to the Executive for attention and direct reply.

Mental Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

398 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to provide community alternatives to psychiatric inpatient care for young people with special education needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30035/09]

A Vision for Change'- the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a 7 to 10 year period. Recommendations in the Report are consistent with commitments in the Programme for Government.

The Report proposes a holistic view of mental illness and recommends an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems. It recognises that responding to children's mental health needs can be conceptualised at different levels, ranging from early intervention and health promotion programmes, to primary and community care services and specialist mental health services for the treatment of complex disorders.

Implementation of ’A Vision for Change’ is primarily the responsibility of the HSE, and in this regard, the development of child and adolescent mental health services has been prioritised in 2009. At present there are 55 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams in place throughout the country. The Service Plan 2009 provides that an additional 8 consultant led child psychiatry teams to further support the provision of child and adolescent psychiatric services will be developed. In addition, funding was provided in Budget 2009 for the provision of 35 additional therapy posts for the child and adolescent mental health service. This funding will enable the HSE to further increase the number of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Teams by the end of 2009.

Suicide Prevention.

James Reilly

Question:

399 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to implement the recommendations of reach out — the national strategy for action for suicide prevention — and the recommendations of the Oireachtas sub-committee on the high level of suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30036/09]

The recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children regarding the ’High Level of Suicide in Irish Society’ published in 2006 and the Committee’s recent updated Report are consistent with the actions identified in ’Reach Out’ the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005 -2014. The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of the strategy.

Initiatives which have been progressed by the NOSP include developing and implementing national training programmes; the development of a training strategy under the direction of a Training and Development Officer; progressing the availability of self-harm services through Hospital Emergency departments; developing a standardised approach to deliberate self harm presentations at Hospital Emergency departments; implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services; dedicated suicide officers; supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention and developing mental health awareness campaigns.

In addition to the €8 million available for suicide prevention initiatives, once-off funding of €1 million was provided in 2009 to further develop services for those bereaved by suicide and to develop an information and awareness campaign aimed at young people. Consultations with young people were arranged under the auspices of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to inform the campaign and a report on the outcomes of this process —’Teenage Mental Health: What helps? and What hurts? was launched on 15th June 2009.

James Reilly

Question:

400 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to adopt a target of reducing the rate of suicide by 20% by 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30037/09]

James Reilly

Question:

401 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to develop initiatives to target those most at risk of suicide, to promote well being, raise awareness and reduce stigma; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30038/09]

James Reilly

Question:

403 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to increase the range of supports to families and communities affected by suicide and bereavement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30040/09]

James Reilly

Question:

404 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to collate accurate data on suicide and conduct and fund research on prevention methods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30041/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 400, 401, 403 and 404 together.

'Reach Out' — A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of the strategy.

Initiatives which have been progressed by the NOSP include developing and implementing national training programmes; the development of a training strategy under the direction of a Training and Development Officer; progressing the availability of self-harm services through Hospital Emergency departments; developing a standardised approach to deliberate self harm presentations at Hospital Emergency departments; implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services; dedicated suicide officers; supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention; developing mental health awareness campaigns; the provision of funding to the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) to conduct a pilot project for a national confidential enquiry into suspected suicide deaths and developing a pilot project with coroners to collect relevant data.

In addition to the €8 million available for suicide prevention initiatives, once-off funding of €1 million was provided in 2009 to further develop services for those bereaved by suicide and to develop an information and awareness campaign aimed at young people. Consultations with young people were arranged under the auspices of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to inform the campaign and a report on the outcomes of this process —’Teenage Mental Health: What helps? and What hurts? was launched on 15th June 2009.

An interim target to achieve a 10% reduction in suicide by 2010 has been agreed with the National Office for Suicide Prevention. Targets to reduce deliberate self-harm (DSH) have also been agreed. The aim is to reduce the incidence of repeated DSH by 5% by 2010 and a further 5% by 2016. These targets are in line with those adopted by Northern Ireland, Scotland and England.

Mental Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

402 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to improve services and supports for marginalised groups, particularly those with mental health difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30039/09]

The Government is committed to a coherent strategy for social inclusion based on the lifecycle approach set out in the national partnership agreement Towards 2016. In addition, the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion), complemented by the social inclusion elements of the National Development Plan 2007-2013: Transforming Ireland — A Better Quality of Life for All, sets out how the social inclusion strategy will be achieved over the period 2007-2016.

In January 2008, the Government established the Office for Disability and Mental Health as a cross-cutting Government Office with a remit across four Government Departments: Health and Children, Education and Science, Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The Office was assigned four key priorities one of which is to bring a new impetus to the implementation of ‘ A Vision for Change’ working in partnership with the HSE and other stakeholders including other Government Departments to achieve implementation of agreed targets. The Office aims to bring about improvements in the manner in which services respond to the needs of people with disabilities and mental health difficulties, by working to develop person-centred services, focusing on the holistic needs of clients and service users and actively involving them in their own care. Bilateral meetings with officials from other Government Departments to discuss progressing recommendations in ’A Vision for Change’ and ‘Reach Out’ the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention take place within this context.

With regard to information on specific services and supports available to marginalised groups, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Questions Nos. 403 and 404 answered with Question No. 400.

Care of the Elderly.

James Reilly

Question:

405 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to implement measures to ensure the availability of real alternatives to hospital for those who require lengthy convalescence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30042/09]

James Reilly

Question:

407 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment that all older people have the opportunity to stay in their home for as long as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30044/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 407 together.

Government policy in relation to older people is to support people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Where this is not possible the health service supports access, as appropriate, to quality long-term residential care.

Additional funding of just over €200 million was provided to develop various community services and supports for older people over the period 2006-8. This additional funding related, for example, to Home Care Packages, Home-Help, Meals-on-Wheels, and Day/Respite care.

The Home Help Service is a well established and successful component of the overall strategy to enable older people to remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

Funding of €211 million is provided for Home Help Services in 2009 (including €55.6 million in development funding over the period 2006-08). The number of home help hours provided each year has increased from 10.8 million hours in 2006 to 11.78 million hours in 2007 and 11.96 million hours in 2008 and an estimated 11.98 million hours in the full year of 2009. Over the same period the numbers benefiting increased from 41,400 to 54,500, an increase of 13,100 people.

In relation to service provision in 2009, the HSE Service Plan is seeking to deliver the same quantity and quality of Home Help services as delivered in 2008. The capacity of the HSE to provide approved levels of Home Help services continues to be reviewed in the context of overall resources available to the HSE.

Home Care Packages are a relatively new initiative, introduced in 2006, and developed in the meantime across the country through investment which in 2009 stands at €120 million. A package comprises a number of community-based services and supports, provided in a way to best meet the needs of an older person. The person will have significant medical, nursing and/or therapy requirements and may be recently discharged from hospital, or at-risk of admission to hospital, if such needs are not met in a planned way. The HSE Service Plan 2009 envisages around 8,700 people benefitting from packages at any one time, or over 11,000 people benefitting over the course of the year. It is a matter for the HSE to provide Home Care Packages at local level, including as appropriate, delivery on a partnership basis with the voluntary sector or through private providers.

It is clear that the Government has made considerable improvements in recent years to enhance Home Care provision generally across the country. There is no doubt that demand can at times exceed resources. However, the HSE has responsibility to deliver services both nationally and locally, in the context of Government priorities and its overall resources, while at the same time taking account of the need to maximise services to the most vulnerable in our society. The HSE undertakes reviews of its wide range of services, to ensure that such services are provided in the best possible manner.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

James Reilly

Question:

406 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to increase funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund on an annual basis over the lifetime of the Government to secure long-term care, step down beds and rehabilitation services for patients; the amount for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30043/09]

I would firstly like to address the matter of rehabilitation services. A key Government initiative in the area of rehabilitation is the commitment by the Department of Health & Children and the HSE to develop a national strategy for the provision of medical rehabilitation services. A Working Group was established in July 2008 to develop the policy/strategy.

The Working Group consists of key stakeholders and experts in the field of rehabilitation and is chaired by James O'Grady, Policy Advisor to the Office for Disability and Mental Health. Its terms of reference are to consider the rehabilitation needs at acute and community levels of people at all stages of the lifecycle with static and progressive neurological conditions; traumatic and non-traumatic brain injury; and other physically disabling conditions who may benefit from medical, psychological and/or social rehabilitation service provision.

The objectives of this process are the development of an appropriate policy framework; a strategy for service provision; and a preferred model of care. A report describing same will be prepared by the Working Group for submission to the Secretary General of the Department of Health and Children and the CEO of the Health Service Executive. The Working Group has met on a number of occasions to date and is due to report later this year.

The commitment to provide funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to secure rehabilitation services would have to be considered in the context of the strategy.

With regard to long-term care, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, A Fair Deal, was signed into law by the President on the 1st July. Certain sections of the Act were commenced last week to enable the NTPF to immediately begin price negotiations with private nursing homes and earlier this week the NTPF placed an advertisement in the national newspapers advising private nursing home owners what to do if they wish to participate in the scheme. The Minister intends to implement the scheme as soon as these negotiations are concluded and no later than the final quarter of this year.

Under the scheme, the NTPF will have responsibility for agreeing prices for long-term residential care with private nursing homes owners for the purposes of the scheme. However, the HSE will remain the budget holder for the scheme.

Question No. 407 answered with Question No. 405.

Care of the Elderly.

James Reilly

Question:

408 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to provide ten new 50 bed community nursing units in the next five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30045/09]

There has been a significant capital investment in infrastructure to support services for older people since 2007. The outturns for 2007 and 2008 were approximately €86 million and €115 million respectively.This includes the construction of new units and the upgrade of existing premises.

The Executive's delivery of Community Nursing Units (CNU) and the upgrading of existing facilities are informed by the Prospectus Report which identified and prioritised the areas of greatest need and developed a programme of additional and replacement long stay residential places. This is also reflected in the HSE's Capital Plan.

The public Fast-Track Initiative aims to provide 860 new public long-stay beds over the period 2007-2010. By end-2008, 273 additional long-stay beds had been provided under the Initiative. The Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2009 sets out the HSE's plan for the management and configuration of public long-term residential care services during 2009. As part of this plan, it will provide for a number of additional and replacement long-term residential care beds over the course of 2009.

The latest information from the HSE indicates that 715 additional beds and 371 replacement beds will become operational during 2009, subject to the availability of resources. This includes beds being provided under the Capital Plan and beds being provided under the Fast-Track Initiative. The HSE have indicated that 10 additional beds were provided under the Fast-Track Initiative to date this year.

Palliative Care.

James Reilly

Question:

409 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to ensure that the needs of all people who require palliative care are met whether at home, in the community of in a specialised hospice; if she will remove the regional disparities in the provision and funding of palliative care within five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30046/09]

Overall spending on palliative care by the HSE in 2008 was €78 million. Last year 2,655 people were treated in specialist in-patient palliative care units. 7,575 people received home based specialist care. 729 people received intermediate palliative care and a further 1,865 received day care services.

Additional in-patient palliative care beds have been opened in the past few years in existing hospices including 6 in Blackrock, an additional 10 beds opened in Milford Hospice and 4 additional beds in Galway in 2008. My Department is also working with the HSE to open 4 Beds in Athlone hospice later this year.

The Health service Executive was asked to prioritise palliative care service developments in the context of a framework over the medium term. A ‘Palliative Care Services Medium Term Development Framework' was recently submitted to the Department by the HSE. This document details the required actions and initiatives necessary to address the gaps in palliative care service provision, against the recommendations set out in the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care 2001. The HSE and the Department are considering how this can be rolled out within existing resources.

Nursing Profession.

James Reilly

Question:

410 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to see the further development of the nursing profession; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30047/09]

The further development of the nursing profession has been progressed in several different ways under this Government.

The 2007-2012 Programme for Government's commitment to further the development of the nursing profession sought to increase both the status of nurses and midwives and the number of nursing and midwifery posts. It also gave a commitment to keeping the Benchmarking process open to nurses.

The HSE has recognised the status of the nursing profession and has established the office of the Nursing Services Director at national level. This is a dedicated office which has a priority to provide leadership, support excellence and build capacity in nursing and midwifery in order to enhance patient care and service delivery.

At the end of May 2009 there were 38,450 whole time equivalent nurses and midwives employed, which is an increase of 366 (or just under 1%) on the December 2008 figure of 38,084.

There are currently 120 approved Advanced Nurse Practitioner posts and 2,069 approved Clinical Nurse Specialist posts. These posts are created to meet specific service needs, are spread across the country and across the nursing and midwifery disciplines, and these type of posts are continuously being developed.

Nursing and midwifery led services are provided across a number of areas. For example, Accident and Emergency, Diabetes, Respiratory, Care of the Older Person, Midwifery, and Mental Health.

The development and modernisation of the nursing profession requires a new legislative framework for nurses and midwives from that set out in the Nurses Act 1985. My Department is currently preparing new legislation in this regard. The new legislation will enhance the protection of the public in its dealings with the professions and ensure the integrity of nursing and midwifery through the continued promotion of high standards of professional education, training and practice and professional conduct. The legislation is consistent with the Government's commitment to strengthen and expand the provisions of the statutory regulation of health professionals and is aligned with the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007.

My Department undertook an extensive public consultation on the proposed legislation and received 213 written submissions from individuals, groups and organisations as part of this process. Following consideration of the submissions and meeting with key stakeholders, the draft Heads of Bill were revised. The Government approved the revised draft Heads of Bill in March 2009 and the Attorney General has assigned a Parliamentary Counsel to draft the Bill. I plan to introduce the Bill into the Houses of the Oireachtas later this year.

Management and unions have been working to introduce a 37.5 hour week for nurses on a cost neutral basis and without diminution of services to patients as provided in the recommendation of a National Implementation Body (NIB) statement in May 2007. This entails a more efficient use of the nursing resource and it is being introduced on a site by site basis. To date the reduced working week has been introduced in sites covering over 31,000 nurses and midwives (approximately 81% of the total).

The Commission on Nursing Hours was established as a result of a recommendation of the NIB to produce an independent assessment of how a further reduction to a 35 hour week for nurses and midwives can be achieved. As part of its work the Commission undertook an extensive national consultation process with nurses, midwives, staff groups and other stakeholders. It also made a public call for submissions and commissioned research which included a review of international best practice with regard to the deployment of the nursing resource. The Commission completed its deliberations earlier this year and subsequently presented its Report to me. I am examining the Commission's findings with a view to bringing its Report to Government for its consideration.

The commitment to keeping the Benchmarking process open to nurses was honoured. Nursing issues were considered and addressed by the Benchmarking Body and included in its report dated December 2007.

A number of initiatives have been introduced in recent years which facilitate nurses and midwives expanding their roles and improving the services provided to patients and clients. I have amended the relevant legislation and introduced new regulations to allow for the introduction of nurse prescribing. Currently 295 nurses and midwives have commenced or completed the education programme for nurse/midwife prescribing. These programmes are conducted in University College Cork and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. There are currently 84 registered Nurse Prescribers from a diversity of health service providers and clinical areas throughout the Health Service Executive with the authority to prescribe medicinal products.

I have introduced the necessary regulation to authorise nurses to refer an individual for medical ionising radiation (x-ray). Currently the first post-registration nurse education programme for nurses to undertake this expanded practice has commenced. Thirty nurses from a range of hospitals around the country are taking part in this programme. The introduction of this expanded practice for nurses is a significant initiative in the Irish health service and will have implications for service users in terms of convenience, cost-effectiveness, improved access to radiology services and simplification of the patient journey.

A good example of the development of nursing services is in the sensitive area of providing a service to victims of sexual assault. Nurses are well placed to conduct forensic examinations on victims of sexual assault and following a review of the Sexual Assault Treatment Services in Ireland a number of nurses have undertaken forensic training to provide this service. The Higher Diploma in Nursing (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) programme was established to support the role out and development of the Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) nationally. Eight students were sponsored by the HSE to undertake the Higher Diploma in Nursing (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) in the RCSI.

All eight nurses have successfully completed the Higher Diploma in Nursing — Sexual Assault Forensic Examination programme. These nurses are now available to their sponsoring SATU areas and are equipped to provide appropriate care to victims, while contributing to and participating in an integrated team approach to service delivery.

The establishment of management and clinical career pathways for nurses and midwives has heralded the development of post-registration nursing and midwifery education programmes throughout the country. There exists a comprehensive programme of post-registration education which is widely availed of. A total of 286 nursing and midwifery specific post-registration courses were offered by 14 higher education institutes in the Autumn of 2006 and Spring 2007. The HSE in late 2008 completed a review of all nursing and midwifery post-registration education programmes. The recommendations of this review will provide a comprehensive strategic framework for the future development and delivery of nursing and midwifery post-registration education in Ireland. The HSE has established an Interim Education Advisory Committee to implement the recommendations of the Review.

A pilot Post Registration Psychiatric nursing programme for registered nurses wishing to become psychiatric nurses commenced in February 2008. A total of 46 students undertook this one-year post registration psychiatric programme in Dublin City University, which finished in February 2009, and have signed service commitments to work in their sponsoring mental health services including the Voluntary Services in Counties Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow for a further two year period following successful completion of the programme. A Report on the evaluation of this programme is currently in course of preparation.

While the above provides clear examples of this Government's commitment to the further development of the nursing and midwifery professions I believe that there is significant potential for the continued development of these professions and the more efficient use of the nursing and midwifery resources.

My Department and the HSE are committed to the expansion of the role of nurses and midwives so as to empower them to work in new ways, make better use of their skills and knowledge so as to provide an enhanced service for patients and clients. Towards this end my Department has recently established a Steering Group to provide policy direction and develop further areas of practice for the expanded role of nurses and midwives in a rapidly developing health and social care environment.

Health Service Staff.

James Reilly

Question:

411 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to see a significant increase in doctor numbers in all parts of the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30048/09]

My Department together with the Department of Education and Science, and in conjunction with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Higher Education Authority, will continue to steer the implementation of Government policy on medical education and training arising from its consideration of the recommendations in the Fottrell and Buttimer reports on undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and training.

Government policy is to have a consultant-delivered rather than a consultant-led service and to increase substantially the number of consultants in the public health service in order to re-balance the ratio between consultant and non-consultant hospital doctors subject to the full implementation of reformed work practices. The HSE has created approximately 180 new medical consultant posts since Consultant Contract 2008 was agreed. The creation and funding of further consultant posts will be driven by service priorities, as reflected in the HSE's Annual Service Plan, and the policy of achieving a better balance in the ratio of consultants to non-consultant hospital doctors.

There are twelve General Practitioner (GP) Specialist Training Programmes currently in operation in the State. They are all of four years duration — two years spent in hospital posts under the supervision of hospital consultants, and two years in an approved general practice under the supervision of a general practice trainer. The total number of places available is 120. The recently published report of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) predicts that this figure will not be sufficient to meet the demands of a growing and ageing population into the future. The Health Service Executive and the Irish College of General Practitioners are currently in discussion with a view to increasing the number of GP trainees by streamlining existing programmes in a cost effective manner. In addition, the College have identified a number of doctors who have not had formal training in general practice but who are interested in pursuing a career as a GP. The provision of a programme of training for these doctors is also being examined.

The data and analytical capacity for workforce planning has been improved with the publication of the EGFSN / FÁS Report on selected health occupations including medical consultants; general practitioners; and specialists in public health medicine.

A Workforce Planning Strategy which is being finalised by my Department and the HSE will propose greater coordination and integration of workforce planning with service and financial planning.

James Reilly

Question:

412 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made on the programme for Government commitment to increase the supply of professionals needed to meet the plans to develop new services for persons with disabilities; if she will improve and sustain our primary healthcare and hospital services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30049/09]

There has been a growing demand for, and investment in, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy services over the last number of years. A particular priority for my Department and the Department of Education and Science in recent years has been the expansion of the supply of therapy graduates. The Government has also invested heavily in the education and training of such personnel in order to secure a good supply of graduates to provide for the healthcare needs of the population into the future.

The Government is committed to ensuring continued adequate recruitment of professional staff across a range of community settings to ensure the continued development of community services. Additional funding of €20 million has been provided in 2009 for health and education services for children with special educational needs. This funding will provide a total of 125 additional therapy posts in the HSE targeted at children of school-going age. 90 of these will be in the disability services, including speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. 35 additional posts will be provided for child and adolescent mental health services, including clinical psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists for new and existing multi-disciplinary teams.

My Department has written to the Health Service Executive setting out the overall approved employment control ceiling for 2009. As part of this approval, written confirmation has been provided to the HSE that the general moratorium on recruitment, promotion and the payment of acting up allowances does not apply to specific designated grades. Delegated sanction has been given to the HSE for the creation and filling of frontline posts including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy posts. The approval indicated that vacancies in existing posts in these grades may continue to be filled. New posts may also be created in these grades, up to a specified limit, provided that the HSE is satisfied in each case that there is no scope to redeploy an equivalent post from the hospital sector to the primary and community care sector. This moratorium exemption provides for an increase in the number of therapy posts, in line with Government policy, in order to meet the requirements of integrated care delivery and primary care needs particularly in respect of children at risk, the elderly and those with disabilities. The recruitment and retention of these key front line therapy posts is vital to ensure continued progress in the development of community settings.

The HSE National Service Plan, which I approved in December, sets out the type and volume of services to be delivered in 2009. The HSE is reconfiguring many of its front line services. This is in keeping with the overall strategic direction as set out in the HSE Corporate Plan 2008-2011. The planned reconfiguration of frontline services set out in the Service Plan includes conversion of in-patient work to day case work, a focus on reducing in-patient length of stay in acute hospitals, reduction of in-patient bed numbers and associated costs and the provision of more services in community settings, thus reducing the dependency on in-patient beds.

My Department has agreed a monitoring framework with the HSE which includes the receipt of monthly performance reports from the HSE which provides information on the progression of the National Service Plan.

Health Services.

James Reilly

Question:

413 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of home care packages delivered in 2006, 2007 and 2008 on a Health Service Executive area and per county basis; the funding provided per annum for same; the number of home care packages approved and the figure provided to date in 2009; the waiting list for assessment for home care packages; the number of recycled home care packages per annum since 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30050/09]

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

Eating Disorders.

James Reilly

Question:

414 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Taskforce on Obesity, the steps the health services will take to promote a change in emphasis from the primacy of individual responsibility to environments that support healthy food choices and support healthy food choices and regular physical activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30051/09]

James Reilly

Question:

415 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Taskforce on Obesity, the steps the health services and health care providers will take in supporting the population in healthy eating and active living in the prevention of overweight and obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30052/09]

James Reilly

Question:

416 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Taskforce on Obesity, the health services will introduce a measurement of height, weight, waist circumference and calculation of body mass index as part of a routine clinical healthcare practice in primary care and in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30053/09]

James Reilly

Question:

417 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps that will be taken by the Population Health Directorate to develop a national database of growth measurements for children and adults in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Taskforce on Obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30054/09]

James Reilly

Question:

418 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Taskforce on Obesity, an education and training programme for health professionals in the appropriate and sensitive management of overweight persons and obesity has been developed and implemented; if a practical framework for the implementation of the education and training programme will be developed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30055/09]

James Reilly

Question:

419 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, detection, prevention and treatment programmes have been evaluated and implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30056/09]

James Reilly

Question:

420 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, the curriculum for undergraduates and postgraduates in the relevant health sciences provide training in appropriate and sensitive obesity prevention and management; if not, the steps she will take to introduce such training; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30057/09]

James Reilly

Question:

421 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the procedures which have been put in place by appropriate experts and relevant support groups to assess persons at risk of developing an eating disorder in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30058/09]

James Reilly

Question:

422 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, the north and south communication and public awareness programme on overweight persons and obesity has been developed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30059/09]

James Reilly

Question:

423 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, the Population Health Directorate has reviewed guidelines to physical activity, food and nutrition gender. [30060/09]

James Reilly

Question:

424 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, guidelines for physical activity, food and nutrition have been developed according to age and gender; if these guidelines have been independently proofed by the relevant authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30061/09]

James Reilly

Question:

425 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, all overweight and obesity prevention and management strategies have been coordinated and reviewed by the Population Health Directorate; the regularity with which strategies have been reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30062/09]

James Reilly

Question:

426 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps taken, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, to support parents attending ante-natal visits in developing skills which encourage healthy eating and active living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30063/09]

James Reilly

Question:

427 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, the proposed growth assessment for underweight or overweight children has been introduced nationally; the regularity with which assessments are carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30064/09]

James Reilly

Question:

428 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the recommendations of the report of the National Task Force on Obesity, she has carried out formative research to ensure programmes are being implemented as planned; if this included stakeholder input at developmental, implementation and evaluation stages to ensure programs are being tailored to meet the needs of target population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30065/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 414 to 428, inclusive, together.

Progress on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the National Taskforce on Obesity is detailed in the first report of the Inter-sectoral Group on Obesity (ISGO), which was published in April 2009. The ISGO was established earlier this year to oversee and monitor implementation of the Taskforce recommendations on an ongoing basis. A copy of the ISGO report is being made available to the Deputy.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

429 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the organisations, dealing with both adults and persons under 18 years, with eating disorders, which are funded directly or indirectly by her Department; the breakdown by organisation of the amount of funding they receive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30071/09]

My Department does not directly fund any organisations which provide services for people with eating disorders. The Deputy may however wish to note that Bodywhys, the Eating Disorder Association of Ireland, has applied for National Lottery Funding and a decision is expected to be made on this application shortly.

As the HSE provides funding to various voluntary organisations providing health and social services, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Regional Airports.

Joe McHugh

Question:

430 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the financial contributions made to Derry City Airport in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 in tabular form; the numbers of Republic of Ireland citizens who used the airport in these same years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28799/09]

Financial contributions made by my Department to City of Derry Airport during the period in question are outlined in the following table. No payments were made from 2002 to 2007 inclusive.

2008

2009 (to date)

5,059,011

1,438,524

The payments refer to a runway safety project which is co-financed by the Irish and UK Governments under an agreement which recognises the benefits of the Airport to the North West region in general. The Irish contribution, which is capped at just under €11 million, is expected to be fully drawn down by the end of this year.

My Department does not hold information regarding the number of Irish citizens who use the airport.

Harbours and Piers.

Joe McHugh

Question:

431 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. [28801/09]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Dáil Question No. 313 on the same issue given to the Deputy on 7 July 2009.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

432 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Departments presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28857/09]

There are no staff in my Department based in County Louth.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

433 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if his Department made submissions to the McCarthy Group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to his Department; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28902/09]

I can confirm that my Department, in response to a request from the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, submitted a briefing document to the Group outlining the scope and nature of the Department's expenditure and work programmes.

I understand that my colleague the Minister for Finance will be bringing the Group's Report to Government in the near future. I expect that this report will include proposals relating to my Department.

Taxi Regulations.

Richard Bruton

Question:

434 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has reviewed the conclusions of the recent economic study on the taxi sector by the Taxi Regulator; his views on the fact that an over supply has emerged in the sector; the policy options that have been put to him in the course of consultations on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28918/09]

The Commission for Taxi Regulation is preparing proposals for the further development and the improved regulation of the sector taking account of the response to the public consultation on the economic review commissioned by it. I understand that the Commission expects to finalise these proposals in consultation with the Advisory Council during August.

I will consider the outcome of this process and the views of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, the official representatives of the taxi industry, consumers and consumer interest groups insofar as they relate to my statutory responsibilities.

Public Transport.

Richard Bruton

Question:

435 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the timeframe for the establishment of the Dublin Transport Authority; the timeframe for the appointment of a chief executive officer; the organisational structures which will be put in place; the stated objectives of the DTO; the progress of introducing integrated ticketing and additional park and ride facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28919/09]

The Dublin Transport Authority (DTA) will be established later this year. A competition for the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) designate has been concluded and the outcome will be announced shortly. The Authority's organisational structures will be determined following the appointment of the CEO designate.

Section 10 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 requires the Authority to seek to achieve the following objectives:

(a) the development of an integrated transport system which contributes to environmental sustainability and social cohesion and sustains economic progress,

(b) the provision of a well-functioning, attractive, integrated and safe public transport system,

(c) improved access to the transport system and, in particular, to public passenger transport services by persons with disabilities,

(d) increased use of the public transport system,

(e) increased recourse to cycling and walking as means of transport, and

(f) value for money.

The integrated ticketing project is now firmly in its implementation phase and progress on the introduction of the single smartcard is set out in my response today to Question No. 437. Responsibility for the integrated ticketing project will be transferred to the DTA following its establishment.

With regard to park and ride facilities, a programme of works to upgrade parking facilities at mainline rail stations is underway in the Greater Dublin Area. Further park and ride facilities will be provided on the extended Luas network and the Metro as these projects become operational. There will also be a major park and ride facility at Pace on the first phase of the Navan rail line. Recently the upgrading of Hazelhatch train station included a significant increase in car parking numbers to 397 spaces.

The DTA will be given responsibility for securing the provision of park and ride facilities in the Greater Dublin Area following its establishment.

State Agencies.

Richard Bruton

Question:

436 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Transport if he has issued any policy directives to agencies under his control requiring them to contain increases in any licence fees to no more than increases in the cost of living; and to set any increase in licence fee charges by agencies under his Department against this standard. [28920/09]

I have not issued any policy directives to the agencies under my control with regard to increases in licence fees.

Integrated Ticketing.

Denis Naughten

Question:

437 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport the status of the plans for integrated ticketing; when this facility will be rolled out throughout the public transport system; the estimated cost of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29249/09]

The integrated ticketing system in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) is being introduced on a phased basis, based on smartcard technology. A progressive approach is being adopted to allow customers to familiarise themselves with using the new system and to permit transport operators to undertake the necessary testing with the integration of the technologies involved. The project is now firmly in the implementation phase.

A smartcard has been available on all Luas services for some time. Smartcards have also been introduced by Dublin Bus in respect of a number of ticket products such as annual and monthly tickets, 5-day rambler tickets, and annual and monthly integrated bus and rail, and bus and Luas tickets. The disposable smartcard is now being used by some 30% of Dublin Bus customers.

Irish Rail will launch its interim smartcard for its DART and Dublin commuter services from late Summer, initially with staff testing, and then being rolled out to the public. The progressive roll-out of smartcards is in line with good practice internationally.

Subject to successful in-house testing, the single smartcard system will be rolled out initially to a small number of customers for live testing of the Dublin Bus/Luas integrated annual ticket. The full roll-out will take place throughout 2010 on Dublin Bus, Luas and Irish Rail. This means that by end 2010, the smartcard will be available to the vast majority of public transport passengers in the GDA.

Bus Éireann will commence testing in 2010 with roll-out of its pilot phase planned for Q1 2011 on a number of its services. Private bus operators are expected to join the scheme over this timeframe.

The capital budget for the single smartcard project is €55.4 million.

While the current scope and focus of the single smart card scheme is the Greater Dublin Area, the mandate for the scheme is national in scope. Consideration will be given to the expansion of the scheme on a national basis after the completion and bedding in of the GDA scheme and subject to budget availability.

Capital Projects.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

438 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if all transport agencies and companies will be able to complete all committed projects to date without having to raise more private debt of direct Government funding; if he has received representations from these agencies regarding this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29286/09]

Existing contractual committed infrastructure projects under Transport 21 for the Railway Procurement Agency, CIE and the National Roads Authority can progress to completion without resource to raising additional private debt.

Under the Government's Ports Policy Statement, the State commercial port companies are expected to fund infrastructure projects without resource to Exchequer funding.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) operates to a commercial mandate and meets its operational expenditure and capital investment requirements from a mix of airport charges, commercial revenues and borrowings. These are day-to-day commercial matters for the DAA in which I have no statutory function. I am aware that following the announcement of its annual results for 2008, which saw a drop in Group profit of 28% from 2007, the DAA has been reviewing all aspects of its business, with a particular focus on costs, including capital development and operational expenditure.

To date I have received no representations from the agencies or companies under my remit regarding further funding of projects.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

439 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29316/09]

The following table provides details in relation to applications for the incentive schemes and also redundancies, as requested by the Deputy.

Body

ISER*

Incentive Career Break

Redundancy

Department of Transport

17

17

2

Commission for Aviation Regulation

0

0

0

Commission for Taxi Regulation

0

1

0

National Roads Authority

0

0

0

Railway Safety Commission

0

0

0

Road Safety Authority

4

2

0

Dublin Transportation Office

0

4

0

Medical Bureau of Road Safety

0

0

0

*ISER — Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme

Road Network.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

440 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his views on the clause in the M3 toll road agreement which establishes guaranteed minimum traffic levels where the Irish Government will have to pay the concession company compensation if traffic falls below the established minimums; if he has been briefed by the National Roads Authority on this matter; the reason that there is no such guarantee in relation to the same company for the M4 and M6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29371/09]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The statutory power to levy tolls on national roads, to make toll bye-laws and to enter into toll agreements with private investors in respect of national roads is vested in the NRA under Part V of the Roads Act 1993 (as amended).

Industrial Disputes.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

441 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will report on the recent industrial dispute at Dublin Port terminal; if he has had any contact with Dublin Port management or workers’ representatives on this matter; if all the industrial procedures of the state are fully utilised to bring about a resolution of this dispute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29372/09]

I have no function in relation to industrial disputes.

Road Network.

Jack Wall

Question:

442 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Transport if a decision has been made in respect of funding for a road project (details supplied) in County Kildare; if he will clarify if it is he or the National Roads Authority that it responsible for the provision of funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29399/09]

The N78 is a national secondary route and, accordingly, any proposal to upgrade the road, or provide an alternative route, to relieve traffic congestion would be a matter for consideration by the National Roads Authority.

Kildare County Council has, however, applied to my Department seeking funding for the proposal under the Department's regional and local road strategic grants scheme. The proposal has been discussed with Kildare County Council and additional information, to assess whether it would qualify for funding under that scheme, is awaited from the Council before the proposal can be further considered.

Public Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

443 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for an integrated transport policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29489/09]

I launched the Government's plan for an integrated transport policy in February of this year. Smarter Travel, A Sustainable Transport Future for Ireland sets out a vision for travel, which aims to reduce reliance on the private car and which offers a range of alternatives for people. It also links to other Government policies such as spatial planning, health promotion and education. Full details are available on www.smartertravel.ie

Transport Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

444 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he expects all elements of his Transport 21 plan to proceed as announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29490/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to similar Parliamentary Questions Nos. 20, 36 and 56 of today's date.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

445 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the full impact to which he expects Transport 21 to positively impact on commuter needs in the greater Dublin area in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29491/09]

Transport 21 continues to provide the strategic framework guiding Government investment in transport up to 2015, for Ireland as a whole and in the Greater Dublin Area. The programme aims to expand the capacity of our transport network, and increase use and accessibility.

Great progress has been made since the beginning of Transport 21, both nationally and in the GDA, with a number of projects already delivered, many more currently under construction or being rolled out, and future projects being planned that will positively impact on commuter needs in the Greater Dublin Area.

On the roads side, the following projects have already been completed in the Greater Dublin Area:

Dublin — Border section of the M1 motorway

N7 Naas road widening

M50 Dublin Port Tunnel

M50 Upgrade Phase 1

M50 Upgrade Phase 3 and introduction of barrier free tolling

N4 Leixlip to M50 Junction.

Construction is continuing on the following major road projects (expected completion date in brackets):

N3 Clonee to North of Kells (Q3/2010)

M50 Upgrade Scheme Phase 2 (PPP) (Q4/2010)

Each of these schemes will improve traffic flows, reduce congestion and give greater certainty on journey times to commuters.

On the public transport side, the following projects have already been completed in the Greater Dublin Area:

Docklands railway station

40% capacity enhancement on Luas Red Line.

A number of rail stations have also been delivered:

Adamstown Station

Parkwest and Cherry Orchard Station

Clondalkin Fonthill Station

Hazelhatch & Celbridge Station.

These stations allow commuters living in these areas to access Dublin city centre by public transport.

Dublin Bus has received 300 additional and replacement buses which were part-funded under Transport 21 and the majority of these have been delivered into service, increasing capacity for Dublin's commuters. Quality Bus Corridors at Pearse Street, South Clondalkin, Kilmacud Road Upper, the North Quays and Rock Road have improved priority for buses and led to improvements in bus journey times.

Construction is continuing on a number of public transport projects. Work continues on the Kildare rail line upgrade, due for completion in Q1/2010. This will see the four tracking of the rail line from Cherry Orchard to Hazelhatch allowing for separation of long distance and commuter services and will improve speed and capacity for commuter, regional and intercity services.

Phase 1 of the Navan Rail line from Clonsilla to Pace is due for completion in Q3/2010 and it will allow for 15 minute peak hour frequency commuter services into Docklands Station in Dublin city centre and a 30 minute frequency off-peak.

The Luas Extension to Docklands is expected to be completed in Q4/2009, and is expected to be in service in early 2010.

A Dublin rail resignalling project (Malahide-City Centre) is due for completion in Q4/2012 and will accommodate an additional five train paths per direction per hour (up from twelve at present to seventeen) in Dublin's city centre area.

Real time passenger information on Dublin Bus (Q4/2010) is part of an overall plan to address disruption caused by traffic congestion and ensure greater predictability of service by providing commuters with real time bus schedule information on-line, by mobile phone and at bus stops.

The College Green Bus Priority Scheme (July 2009) is a measure that will ease congestion and improve bus journey times through the city by permitting only public transport vehicles and bicycles to pass through the College Green area during peak times.

The Luas extension to Cherrywood is due for completion in Q3/2010. The Luas extension to Citywest is due to open in Q1/2011.

The integrated ticketing project is being implemented on a phased basis to Q1/2011. This project aims to have a single form of ticketing across all modes of public transport.

In addition, a number of key public transport projects will commence construction in the GDA in the coming years, subject to statutory and procurement processes. These include the Metro North project. A Bord Pleanála oral hearing commenced on 1 April 2009. Two consortia have been short listed to proceed to the second stage of the procurement process. The line will be capable of accommodating growth to over 100 million passengers per year. The estimated journey time from the City Centre to the Airport will be 20 minutes and to Belinstown in North Dublin, 30 minutes.

Applications for railway orders are expected to be a made to An Bord Pleanála by end 2009 for:

The DART Underground project, which addresses capacity constraints in the city centre and along with the Kildare Route Project and associated works, will facilitate a trebling of passenger carryings on the GDA rail network over time

The cross-city Luas line BX/D, which will connect the existing Tallaght and Sandyford lines

Public Transport.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

446 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he has satisfied himself that the public bus transport sector is adequately funded to meet full service on all routes. [29492/09]

Over the period 2000–2008 a total of €800m has been paid to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann in compensation for the public services obligation services, which they provide. In 2009, this will amount to €127m — an increase of over 120% since 2000. Over the same period a total of over €300m in capital investment has been made available to the two bus companies towards the cost of new buses and better facilities. This represents a very substantial commitment by the Government to bus-based public transport services.

Question No. 447 answered with Question No. 50.

Transport Projects.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

448 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport if he will make new announcements in regard to extensions to public transport not contained in his Transport 21 policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29494/09]

Transport 21 is the capital investment framework under the National Development Plan through which the transport system in Ireland will be developed, over the period 2006 to 2015. This sets out a suite of projects to be completed and I have no plans to include additional projects in the Transport 21 programme.

I would also advise the Deputy that the start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects in planning will in each case be determined by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the availability of financial resources determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to commence preparation of a successor to Transport 21. It is in the context of such a successor programme that consideration will be given to future transport investments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

449 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which the Transport 21 capital costs may have reduced in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29495/09]

The transport implementing agencies have indicated to the Department that there has been a general downward trend in tender prices and in the cost of land purchases in recent times. However, these changes are only of benefit for new projects going to tender or for which notices to treat in respect of the compulsory acquisition of land have not been issued.

A very high proportion of the expenditure in 2009 is in respect of existing contractual and legal commitments, particularly on the completion of the major inter-urban routes and on the construction of a number of large rail and light rail projects. As a result there has not been a sufficient number of tenders or land purchases in the transport sector to date in 2009 to draw firm conclusions as to the scale of the reductions.

Rail Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

450 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the daily passenger throughput in respect of each rail station in County Kildare; the extent to which this is expected to increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29497/09]

The information sought by the Deputy is a matter for Iarnród Éireann and I have asked the company to update the information that was provided to the Deputy in July 2008.

Road Traffic Offences.

Denis Naughten

Question:

451 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport his plans to reduce the blood alcohol level for driving; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29542/09]

A Road Traffic Bill, which, inter alia, provides for a reduction in the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels for drivers, is nearing completion. The Bill takes account of the BAC levels proposed by the Road Safety Authority last year.

State Agencies.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

452 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport further to Parliamentary Question No. 242 of 28 April 2009, the status of this proposal; the expected date by which the proposal will be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29580/09]

I have recently approved proposals for the amalgamation of the Air Accident Investigation Unit of my Department, the Railway Accident Investigation Unit of the Railway Safety Commission and the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. These proposals entail the early co-location of the three Bodies in discrete office accommodation, and their administrative amalgamation to form an executive office within the Department of Transport. Office accommodation from existing OPW office stock has been identified and officials from my Department are working closely with officials from the OPW to make the necessary modifications with a view to occupation as soon as possible.

I will bring the necessary legislation before the Oireachtas at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime, each Body will continue to function under its existing legislative arrangements. This sequence is designed to more immediately achieve the operational and administrative savings which are demanded under general rationalisation proposals.

Harbours and Piers.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

453 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the position in relation to previous correspondence regarding harbour pilots and the current retirement age of 60 years for pilots; and his plans to bring forward a legislative amendment which will result in the maximum retirement age for pilots being raised to 65 years with effect from its enactment. [29614/09]

Arising out of representations received by my Office and as I have indicated at both the Committee and Report Stage debates on the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008, my officials are examining the issue of marine pilots' retirement age, as provided for in section 69 of the Harbours Act 1996, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. It is my intention to introduce such an amendment during the passage of the Merchant Shipping Bill 2009 through the Oireachtas.

Road Network.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

454 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the amount allocated to each local authority in 2008 and 2009 for road restoration improvement grants. [29648/09]

State road grants allocated under the Restoration Improvement Programme in 2008 and 2009 are set out in the following table.

County Council

2008 Allocation

2009 Allocation

Carlow

2,771,000

1,774,000

Cavan

7,226,000

4,727,000

Clare

9,720,000

6,478,000

Cork

29,500,000

19,542,000

Donegal

15,244,000

9,384,000

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

3,065,000

1,661,000

Fingal

3,110,000

1,360,000

Galway

12,624,000

8,403,000

Kerry

10,936,000

7,249,000

Kildare

6,487,000

3,417,000

Kilkenny

6,454,000

4,303,000

Laois

4,963,000

3,299,000

Leitrim

5,228,000

3,415,000

Limerick

8,612,000

5,722,000

Longford

3,915,000

2,659,000

Louth

3,309,000

2,181,000

Mayo

13,152,000

7,638,000

Meath

8,768,000

5,793,000

Monaghan

7,485,000

5,014,000

North Tipperary

6,355,000

4,250,000

Offaly

5,369,000

3,648,000

Roscommon

8,375,000

5,618,000

Sligo

7,034,000

4,196,000

South Dublin

2,938,000

1,945,000

South Tipperary

7,326,000

4,891,000

Waterford

5,886,000

3,935,000

Westmeath

5,034,000

3,344,000

Wexford

8,969,000

5,991,000

Wicklow

5,132,000

3,114,000

Rail Network.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

455 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Transport the planned improvements to the Maynooth suburban rail line in 2009, 2010 and 2011. [29651/09]

The development of the Maynooth line is an essential element of the DART Underground Programme which, along with Metro North, are key projects in the provision of increased capacity on the public transport network, which in turn is an important consideration in determining investment priorities for public transport. The Maynooth line will become a second DART line following the building of the tunnel which will lead to a re-configuration of DART services in the Greater Dublin Area. As the Maynooth line development is inextricably linked to progress on the DART Underground project the timing of various work elements on the Maynooth line will be dictated by work on the DART Underground project.

The works planned for the Maynooth line are:

the electrification of the line as far as Maynooth;

the closure of level crossings;

the re-signalling of the line;

the purchase of additional rolling stock and construction of a new depot to house them.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects in planning, such as the development of the Maynooth line will in each case be determined by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the availability of financial resources determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate.

Public Transport.

Michael McGrath

Question:

456 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding funding allocated towards the roll-out of certain green routes and quality bus corridors (details supplied) in Cork in 2009. [29769/09]

Under Transport 21, my Department has been funding the development of a network of Green Routes in Cork, in line with proposals developed in the Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP). One of the Green Routes to be developed under the CASP is the Carrigaline/ Ringaskiddy route, and I hope to see this and the remainder of the Green Route programme in Cork completed. In the present year I have allocated funding towards preliminary works on the county section of this route. Any planning issues are a matter for the local authority concerned.

Ports Review.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

457 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Transport his views on the need to ensure that the Government commissioned report on the future of all ports here is completed and available to An Bord Pleanála prior to them taking a decision on the current application in respect of Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29802/09]

I have recently received a final report of the Dublin Port National Development Plan Study for my consideration and it is my intention to publish the findings of this report in the near future. I am not aware of any other Government commissioned reports on the national ports sector. An Bord Pleanála is currently considering a planning application lodged by Dublin Port Company under the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 to reclaim 21 hectares in order to facilitate proposed development.

While planning applications are operational matters for the port company, the strategic infrastructure planning regulations list a number of "prescribed bodies" that must be consulted by An Bord Pleanála. In this instance, I, as Minister for Transport, am such a "prescribed body" and was duly consulted on the application as part of the planning process. My Department was informed of the planning application in August 2008 and subsequently made a submission to the Board informing them of the purpose and progress of the Dublin Port Study provided for under the National Development Plan. The date for determination with regard to the port company's planning application is a matter for An Bord Pleanála.

Public Transport.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

458 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when the roll out of a new single brand for all public transport services in the greater Dublin area will begin; the figure that this new branding plan will cost; if the Dublin Transport Authority will be the lead agency in rolling our the new branding project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29814/09]

In accordance with section 57 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 it will be a matter for the new Authority, when established, to develop and secure the implementation of a single brand to be used by public transport operators providing services in accordance with public transport services contracts with the Authority in the Greater Dublin Area.

Air Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

459 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will liaise with the Commission on Aviation Regulation, the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority to investigate the escalating series of extra charges being imposed on airline passengers including fees for baggage, duty free bags, boarding cards, seat selections; if he will consider legislation specifically to protect air travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29815/09]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 66 answered on 26th May 2009.

Motor Vehicle Registration.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

460 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will publish the report into the presence of Irish and foreign registered car write-offs on roads here; the number of car write-offs that have been found of roads here; the contacts he has had with the Revenue Commissioners as regards information on the number of car write-offs on roads here; if he will reform the national vehicle driver file to address the problem of car write-offs; if he will consider a compulsory reporting system for car write-offs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29816/09]

As I indicated in replies to previous similar questions, voluntary arrangements with insurers have been put in place whereby my Department receives regular notifications of write-off instances. This arrangement commenced in June 2008 and since then some 27,200 vehicle write-offs have been notified and the relevant records on the NVDF, which contains data on some 2.5 million vehicles, have been updated with this information. Once recorded on the NVDF further activity in respect of these vehicles, including renewal of motor tax, is not permissible. These voluntary arrangements are operating satisfactorily and I have no plans to make them statutorily compulsory.

Provision of write-off data in relation to foreign registered vehicles at the time of registration is a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. Both the NVDF and the Revenue computer systems are being adjusted so that information available in relation to previously written off vehicles can be automatically transmitted from Revenue to the NVDF.

Congestion Charges.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

461 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has ruled out the introduction of a congestion charge within the Dublin area within three years in view of the ongoing public transport deficit in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29817/09]

I will not rule in or out the potential fiscal measures needed to reduce congestion in the Greater Dublin Area. Although I expressed an opinion that congestion charges might ultimately be needed to help free up road space for alternative transport I am not considering or proposing any specific measures at this point in time. The Government's approach to this issue is set out in Action 11 of the new Smarter Travel policy framework, which I launched earlier this year. It states that fiscal measures would be needed to act as a disincentive to unnecessary car travel. I believe that further research on the optimal measures needed will be warranted after we see the recommendations of the Commission on Taxation Report due in the near future.

Departmental Reports.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

462 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department’s study of Dublin Port has been completed; when it will be published; his plans to bring forward a green paper on Dublin Port; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29818/09]

I have received a final report of the Dublin Port National Development Plan Study for consideration and it is my intention to publish its findings in the near future. The report will provide an important analysis of the future role of the port. I have no plans to bring forward a green paper on Dublin Port. However, I do propose to initiate a review of the Government's Ports Policy Statement in 2010. This review will encompass all aspects of the comprehensive Ports Policy Statement, which was originally published in 2005.

Rail Services.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

463 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to increase rail freight within the transport system; his further plans to introduce a rail freight subsidy on a per tonne basis for materials that are transferred from existing road freight onto rail freight; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29819/09]

There is substantial ongoing current and capital Exchequer investment in the development and operation of the Irish railway network. Total Exchequer funding allocated to Iarnród Éireann for 2008 amounted to more than €720 million and freight services benefit from this investment also.

I propose to establish a forum on the movement of goods as set out in Smarter Travel — A Sustainable Transport Future, which was published earlier this year. My Department is currently undertaking preparatory work on the membership, tasks, and timescales for the forum. The forum will address both economic competitiveness and environmental sustainability matters associated with the movement of goods by air, sea, rail, and road. The realistic potential for rail freight and its role within an integrated freight transport strategy including issues such as a rail freight subsidy and international experience in the promotion of rail freight will be among the matters explored by the forum.

When the forum has deliberated, the question of introducing additional funding for the railways to promote rail freight will be considered at that time and also in the context of other demands for funding in the transport sector and the level of availability of Exchequer funding at that time.

In the meantime, Iarnród Éireann continues to pursue a policy of growing its rail freight business where opportunities present and of returning the rail freight business to profitability. In that context, Iarnród Éireann has made progress in recent years in growing the rail freight business in areas where it holds a competitive advantage over road haulage, e.g. large volumes or trainloads over longer distances, which are not time sensitive.

The rail freight market has been fully liberalised since 1 January 2007, and while no applications have been made for entry to the market to date, any expressions of interest would be welcomed.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

464 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated commencement of works and completion date for metro west; the estimated commencement or works and completion date for Lucan Luas line F; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29820/09]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

465 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the commencement of works and completion date for Luas line BS and Luas line D; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29821/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 and 465 together.

The start and completion dates for projects which have not yet commenced construction, including Metro West, the Lucan Luas Line F and the Luas cross city link to Liffey Junction (Line BXD), will be determined as appropriate by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the funding available to my Department during the current difficult economic climate.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

466 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the estimated completion dates for the full Navan rail line and western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29822/09]

Under Transport 21 the Western Rail Corridor is to be reinstated on a phased basis. Phase 1 will see the reinstatement of the line from Ennis to Athenry and is due for completion later this year. Phase 2 will link Athenry to Tuam and Phase 3 will see the reopening of the line from Tuam to Claremorris. Further studies are planned for later in 2009 to determine up to date costings of phases 2 and 3. As part of Transport 21 the rail line to Navan is being reinstated in two phases with Phase 1 due to open in late 2010 while Phase 2 is intended to extend the rail line to Navan. This is due to be completed in 2015.

As I have previously stated, the start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects in planning will in each case be determined by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the availability of financial resources determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

467 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the status of proposals for Luas or light rail systems for Cork, Galway and Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29823/09]

In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, the local authorities in Cork, Galway and Limerick are carrying out studies into the feasibility of light rail systems and also, at my request, of bus rapid transit systems. I met last month with officials from Cork and Galway, and these studies are substantially complete. The start of the Limerick study, which is being conducted as part of the wider Mid-West Area Strategic Plan (MWASP), was delayed while the terms of reference of the this wider study were being revised by the local authorities in the area. This study is now well underway, and Limerick City Council, as the lead authority, have indicated that they expect it to be completed by Autumn.

All of these studies will be published by the local authorities in due course when they have been cleared through the procedures required within each of the authorities.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

468 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a full report on the Dublin rail interconnector; the stage that planning for the Rail Interconnector is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29824/09]

The provision of increased capacity is a key consideration in determining investment priorities for public transport. Given their potential to greatly increase capacity on the public transport network, Metro North and the DART Underground (as the Interconnector is now known) are key projects.

The preliminary design of the DART Underground has been completed and work is currently underway on the scheme design, geo-technical investigation and preparation of an environmental impact study including a detailed archaeological report. A revised plan extending the tunnel to Inchicore emerged from this phase of the planning work. The revisions were presented to communities along the route in April 2009 in a series of public consultation meetings starting on 20th April in Kilmainham. Further public consultation will take place in the lead-up to the railway order application. Iarnród Éireann are planning to submit an application for a railway order to An Bord Pleanála by the end of 2009.

The start and completion dates of Transport 21 projects in planning, such as the DART Underground, will in each case be determined by the outcome of public consultation, the statutory planning approval process, the public procurement process and the availability of financial resources determined by the funding allocation available during the current difficult economic climate.

Dublin Port Tunnel.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

469 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the final cost for the construction of the Dublin Port tunnel; if further plans for the payment will be made to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29825/09]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in respect of the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The implementation of individual national road projects, including the Dublin Port Tunnel, are matters for the National Roads Authority (NRA) under the Roads Act, 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. The construction of the Dublin Port Tunnel project was procured by Dublin City Council and funded through the NRA. In relation to cost matters, I understand from the NRA that the final accounts are near resolution, at which point it will be possible to determine the final cost.

Road Network.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

470 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport the status of the Leinster Outer Orbital route and the Dublin eastern bypass; if he will publish the National Roads Authority report on the Leinster outer orbital route; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29826/09]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme element of Transport 21. The construction, improvement and maintenance of individual national roads, including the Leinster Orbital Route and the Dublin Eastern Bypass, is a matter for the National Roads Authority under the Roads Act 1993 in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. Neither Transport 21 nor the National Development Plan provides any funding for a Leinster Orbital Route or the Dublin Eastern Bypass.

The Government has already made it clear that, under Transport 21, its priorities for the national roads investment programme, are the completion of the major inter-urban network in 2010 and the progressing of the Atlantic Road Corridor as well as the improvement of other key national primary routes and the targeting improvement of certain national secondary routes. It is clear that, in the current economic climate, further progress on projects such as the Leinster Orbital Route and the Dublin Eastern Bypass will only be possible as and when resources become available.

Both proposals remain important potential elements of our longer-term infrastructure development. My Department will continue to liaise with the National Roads Authority with a view to ensuring that route options are preserved free of impediment for these projects. The National Roads Authority's report on the Leinster Orbital Route is available on the Authority's website.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

471 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29839/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and would involve an inordinate amount of time and resources to compile.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

472 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Transport if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29853/09]

No contracts have been awarded by the Department of Transport to the company in question.

Public Transport.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

473 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has been briefed by management and workers’ representatives in Bus Éireann on proposals to cut 162 buses and 320 jobs from the company which will have an impact on the national bus network and commuters here; the action he is taking to utilise all of the industrial relations mechanisms of the State to avoid disruptions to bus services for up to 70,000 commuters; if he has been briefed on the impact of the latest cutbacks at Dublin Bus on the Dublin Bus network and on commuters in Dublin and in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28928/09]

I have been briefed by Bus Éireann management on the deterioration in its financial position due in the main to declining demand and revenue and increased costs, and on the measures necessary to maintain its financial viability. I have also been briefed by the unions on the issues involved. Decisions in relation to service rationalisations are a matter for the company itself. I understand that Bus Éireann is currently engaged, under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, in detailed discussions with its staff and their representatives on the measures proposed in this regard.

I encourage all involved to make every effort to reach agreement on the measures necessary to protect services to the maximum extent possible, to ensure the financial viability of the company and to avoid the disruption of services which will not serve the interests of the workers, the public or the company, nor will it support public transport as an alternative to the private car. I understand from Dublin Bus that it has implemented its cost recovery plan in line with the Labour Court recommendation of April 2009 and that every effort has been made to maintain services at the highest level possible through the reduction, where possible, of service frequencies rather than service withdrawals.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Denis Naughten

Question:

474 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 292 of 9 December 2008 the position in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28786/09]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that significant progress has been made on the installation of the Garda town centre CCTV system in the area referred to by the Deputy. This system is expected to become operational in the coming months.

Drug Seizures.

Joe McHugh

Question:

475 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of vessels and ships that were searched in Donegal and Sligo since 1 January 2009; the amount of drugs found by these searches; the number of meetings that were held between the drugs units and the regional task force between 1 January 2009 to 30 June 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28795/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, Revenue's Customs Service has primary responsibility for the prevention, detection, interception and seizure of controlled drugs at ports of entry into the State. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Customs continually assesses the risk along the Sligo and Donegal coast for the illegal importation of drugs and patrol the coastline on an ongoing basis. A number of ships have been targeted since 1st January 2009. However the Revenue Commissioners have advised that it is not policy to publish details of such enforcement activities as this could prejudice current or future operations. I am further informed by the Garda Authorities that there have been three meetings with the Regional Drugs Task Force by the Divisional Drug Units up to 30 June 2009.

Joe McHugh

Question:

476 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total number of full-time staff assigned to drug detection and surveillance in counties Donegal, Sligo and Mayo in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28796/09]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the total number of full-time staff assigned to drug detection and surveillance in Counties Donegal, Sligo and Mayo in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is as set out in the following table:

Division

2007

2008

2009 (to date)

Donegal

4

8

10

Sligo/Leitrim

5 (3 part time)

5 (3 part time)

5 (3 part time)

Mayo

4

6

6

Garda personnel assigned throughout the country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed. Such monitoring ensures that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public. It is, of course, the case that all members of An Garda Síochána have a role in relation to all aspects of law enforcement.

Joe McHugh

Question:

477 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff assigned to other work from the drugs unit in 2007 and 2008 on a county basis; the number of visits made by drugs units to second level schools in County Donegal in order to give talks to students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28797/09]

In the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information sought is to hand.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

478 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Departments presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28854/09]

The Department's Probation Service has regional offices in Dundalk and Drogheda. In the Dundalk office there are nine staff, of which four are full time and five are part-time. Of these, eight are permanent, established civil servants and one is a State industrial employee on a permanent contract. With regard to the Drogheda office, there are six staff, of which two are full time and four are part-time. All of these staff are permanent, established civil servants. The accommodation for these regional offices is managed by the Office of Public Works.

Two staff of my Constituency Office are also based in Dundalk. One is a full time permanent, established civil servant and the other is a non-civil servant working full time in an unestablished position on a temporary contract. The accommodation they are based in is neither owned or rented by my Department nor does the Department contribute to the cost of renting same. There are currently no plans to increase or decrease my Department's presence in County Louth.

Visa Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

479 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied). [28862/09]

The visa application referred to by the Deputy was received in the Visa Office, Dublin on 17 February 2009. Following consideration by a Visa Officer it was refused on 23 February 2009 for the following reasons:

1. The evidence of finances provided was deemed insufficient;

2. It is not the general policy of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service to allow family members of people who have been granted temporary leave to remain in Ireland, permission to migrate to Ireland on a long term basis;

3. There was no evidence shown of a relationship having been in existence prior to the visa application/marriage;

4. The application form was unsigned;

5. There was insufficient documentation submitted in support of the application in that a P60 and divorce papers were not submitted;

6. It was the opinion of the Visa Officer that the granting of a visa may result in a cost to public funds and\or public resources.

The applicant submitted an appeal on the 18 May 2009. The decision of the Visa Officer was upheld by the Appeals Officer on the 6 July 2009.

Citizenship Applications.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

480 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding an application by a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; the reason for the delay in processing same application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28863/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2006.

The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straightforward 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. Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that processing of the application is complete and the file will be shortly submitted to me for a decision.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

481 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to his Department; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28900/09]

At the commencement of its work, the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes requested all Departments to prepare evaluation papers outlining potential areas for savings in staff numbers and expenditure. The Special Group met the Secretary General of my Department, Accounting Officers in the Vote Group and other senior officials in the course of its deliberations.

I understand that the Minister for Finance has recently received the Report of the Special Group, and he will be bringing the Report to Government in the near future. Decisions on the release of the Report and associated documents will be made by Government in that context.

Crime Levels.

Richard Bruton

Question:

482 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the annual number of crimes broken down by category carried out in an area (details supplied) in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the detection rates; the number of successful convictions recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28917/09]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Citizenship Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

483 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if being in receipt of a contributory social welfare payment in the three years prior to an application or during the protracted processing time, will have an impact on the determination of an application by a person for citizenship; if a similar situation arises where the applicant is an adult dependent in receipt of an adult dependent allowance; the impact of claiming mortgage interest relief or rent allowance on such applications; if he will provide a mechanism to refund such payments to the State; if a similar situation arises in the case of long term residency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29245/09]

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, provides that the Minister may, in his absolute discretion, grant an application for a certificate of naturalisation. In accordance with the legislation, I make decisions on naturalisation applications based on all of the information available to me. I have adopted a general policy that I will normally require an applicant for naturalisation, unless he/she is a refugee, programme refugee or Stateless person, to show that he/she has supported him or herself (and his or her family if appropriate) while residing in the State and, as far as can be determined, is in a position to continue that support into the future. I am, generally speaking, satisfied to accept that an applicant is self supporting if he or she has not availed of State support in the 3 year period prior to the date of application or subsequently has satisfied officials that they have supported themselves independently for that period.

Currently there is no social welfare check performed on applicants for Long Term Residency. Therefore, any social welfare claims are not taken into consideration when deciding an application.

Departmental Staff.

Denis Naughten

Question:

484 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of approved posts in the immigration and asylum sections of his Department and its agencies; the number of posts currently vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29246/09]

I would refer the Deputy to my replies to his previous questions in this regard, in particular my reply to his question on 8 July 2008, which remains the position. The only additional point I would make is that the Immigration area of my Department along with all other areas is required to comply with the terms of the Budget Day announcement to yield up pay savings. This requirement is being addressed across all the areas of my Department.

Departmental Expenditure.

Denis Naughten

Question:

485 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the funding provided to the Dublin office of the International Organisation for Migration to facilitate voluntary return in 2008; the corresponding figure for 2009; the number of persons assisted in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29253/09]

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is an inter-governmental organisation that assists governments to manage migration programmes. INIS have contracted IOM since 2001 to manage its Voluntary Assistance Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP). The VARRP programme aims to assess and return non-EU nationals to their country of origin on a voluntary basis. Although the VARRP programme forms the vast bulk of IOM's work they also provide other migration related services. The Project Budget for the years 2008 and 2009 is as follows:

Year

IOM Project Budget

2008

1,704,600

2009

1,592,682

Total

3,297,282

The total number of persons who opted to voluntarily repatriate in 2008 and until 31 May 2009 is as follows:

Year

Number of voluntary returns — International Organisation for Migration assisted

2008

451

2009 (until 31 May)

241

Total

692

Deportation Orders.

Denis Naughten

Question:

486 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons deported to third world countries in 2008; the cost involved; the ten most expensive separate deportations; the corresponding figures to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29254/09]

The deportation costs provided in the following table refer to the removal from the State of illegal immigrants and persons whose asylum applications were refused. The vast majority of the removals involved persons whose asylum applications were refused. Set out as follows are the costs for 2008 and until 31 May 2009 of the removal of persons subject to Deportation Orders, by scheduled/commercial and charter flights. These figures include the travel costs relating to the deportees and their Garda escorts.

Year

Cost of scheduled/commercial flight removals

2008

927,091

2009 (until 31 May)

270,828

Total

1,197,919

The Deputy might wish to note that the figures above do not include the cost of overtime or subsistence payments for Garda escorts.

My Department deports persons to non — European Economic Area (EEA) countries. To identify the ten most expensive deportations would involve a disproportionate use of resources in disaggregating those individual costs from the cost figures quoted above. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, the single most expensive deportation in 2008 involved the removal of a Ghanaian man on 11 March 2008 at a cost of €151,900, while the most expensive removal to date in 2009 involved the removal of a Georgian man on 27 March 2009 at a cost of €35,888.

The numbers of persons deported in 2008 and until 31 May 2009 is as follows:

Year

Deportation Orders effected

2008

161

2009 (until 31 May)

103

Total

264

Denis Naughten

Question:

487 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of deportation orders issued to date in 2009; the number of people deported; the corresponding figures for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29255/09]

The total number of persons who were issued with Deportation Orders and who were subsequently deported to date in 2009 and the corresponding figures for 2008 are as follows:

Year

Number of Deportation Orders signed

Number of Deportation Orders effected

2009 (until 30 June)

460

143

2008

634

161

Total

1094

304

The enforcement of Deportation Orders is and remains an operational matter for the Garda National Immigration Bureau.

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

488 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum applications which have been deemed withdrawn in 2008, due to their failure to inform the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service of their change of address; the figures to date in 2009; the action taken to trace these persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29256/09]

The Immigration Act 2003, which commenced on the 15th September, 2003, contained a number of key changes to the Refugee Act, 1996 which enabled the processing of asylum applications to be speeded up and enhanced our ability to deal with abusive applications. These changes included the imposition on applicants of a clear statutory duty to actively pursue their asylum applications and co-operate at all times with the processing agencies or face having their application deemed withdrawn.

An application can be deemed withdrawn, amongst other reasons, where an applicant fails to co-operate with the Refugee Applications Commissioner, or fails to notify the Commissioner of his or her postal address or change of address. Where such situations arise the ORAC recommends to the Minister that such applications should be deemed withdrawn under the provisions of the 2003 Act. Section 13(2) of the Refugee Act (as amended) provides that there is no right of appeal against a recommendation to deem an application withdrawn. Where an application is deemed to be withdrawn, deportation proceedings are initiated on behalf of the Minister by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.

Statistics are not maintained in a way which distinguishes between applications deemed withdrawn on the basis of applicants failing to notify the Refugee Applications Commissioner of their postal address or change of address and applications deemed withdrawn for other reasons. In 2008 a total of 632 such asylum applications were deemed withdrawn, and to the end of June in 2009, 308 asylum applications were deemed withdrawn.

EU Directives.

Denis Naughten

Question:

489 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he is taking to fully implement European Directive 2004/38/EC; the communication between him and the European Commission on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29257/09]

The European Directive 2004/38/EC was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 226 of 2006) which took effect on 28 April 2006. The Regulations were amended in December 2006 by the European Communities (Free Movement of Persons) (No.2) Regulations (S.I. 656 of 2006) in the light of the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU on 1 January 2007. The Regulations were further amended on 31 July 2008 by S.I. 310 of 2008 following the ruling on 25 July 2008 by the European Court of Justice in the case of Metock and Others (ECJ Ref No C-127/08). This amendment removed the requirement for prior lawful residence by the non-EEA family member in another Member State before coming to Ireland.

Since last Autumn an Experts Group chaired by the EU Commission has been meeting to consider the operation of the Directive. My Department has actively participated in that Group. The Commission has circulated a report on the transposition of the Directive across the Member States. There are also individual country reports and conformity studies examining the transposition of the Directive. The Commission has also circulated, on 2 July 2009, guidelines on various operational aspects of the Directive. This document is of particular importance in promoting a concerted action to combat abuse of the Directive. Those documents are being considered by my officials. The Commission has indicated that it intends to meet each Member State, including Ireland, to discuss the operation of the Directive.

Sports Funding.

Denis Naughten

Question:

490 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his Department is providing funding to sporting bodies, faith based groups and local authorities; the amount being provided annually; the breakdown of the number of bodies and the amount received by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29266/09]

My predecessor approved the following funding last year. Payments of €185,000 were approved in respect of Basketball Ireland, €235,000 for the FAI and €85,000 for the GAA. In regard to local authorities, payments were approved as outlined in the following table:

City/County

Dublin City

250,000

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

55,000

Fingal

115,000

South Dublin

85,000

Kildare

55,000

Meath

40,000

Wicklow

30,000

Clare

25,000

Cork City

38,912

Cork County

5,000

Limerick County

24,657

Galway City

40,000

Mayo

20,000

Louth

13,450

Westmeath

20,000

Total

817,019

A grant of €77,300 was made to the Inter-Church Committee on Social Issues last year to support its integration project.

I intend to provide funding to bodies such as the above-mentioned this year and to do so in future years also subject to review and having regard to the monies provided in the relevant subhead of the Justice, Equality and Law Reform Vote. I have held discussions with senior officials of a number of sporting bodies about their integration programmes and I will take decisions on this and other funding as soon as possible.

Asylum Support Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

491 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of asylum accommodation centres in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the annual expenditure on such accommodation; the capacity of each asylum centre; the number of asylum seekers in each centre; if centres are overcrowded; the number of complaints annually by asylum seekers regarding the standard of this accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29274/09]

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible, in accordance with Government policy, for the accommodation of those seeking international protection in Ireland. It operates a Direct Provision system which provides protection applicants with full board accommodation, free of utility or other cost.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Dáil Question Nos. 563 and 564 of 24 March, 2009 in respect of the number of asylum accommodation centres in each year from 2005 to 2008 and the annual expenditure in each of those years. The following table sets out the position so far this year to the end of June.

Year

No. of centres

No. of asylum seekers at end June

Expenditure to end June

2009 (to end June)

60 (includes Programme Refugee Centre)

6,879

€44.209 million

The capacity and occupancy of each centre as at the end of June 2009 is set out at the end of this reply. Regarding the Kinsale Road Accommodation Centre has a contract capacity for 300 but currently has 304 residents. This ‘purpose built' centre can accommodate additional residents over and above the contracted capacity while still conforming to legislative, including health and safety requirements. Atlas House Accommodation Centre in Killarney has a contract capacity for 90 but currently has currently 91 residents. Similarly, this centre can accommodate additional residents over and above the contracted capacity while still conforming to legislative requirements.

The following table represents a ‘snapshot' of each centre on the evening of 28 June 2009. While capacity figures remain constant, occupancy figures can vary throughout the year because of the interaction of residents leaving, residents arriving, temporary closures, medical restrictions on arrivals arising from outbreaks of chickenpox, and so on. Two centres have an occupancy of zero. In the case of ‘An Poc Fada', a fire necessitated the relocation of the residents to other centres for a short period of time. In the case of ‘Sliabh an Iarainn', the occupancy is also zero, as residents have been moved in anticipation of the termination of the RIA contract later this month.

I am assured by the RIA that centres are not overcrowded. Indeed, all bedrooms are measured to ensure they conform to appropriate legislative requirements. Instances of temporary overcrowding may arise where, for example, there has been a birth in a family unit and arrangements need to be put in place to allocate additional space to the family.

In relation to the number of complaints annually by asylum seekers regarding the standard of this accommodation, it needs to be understood that the thrust of RIA policy in this regard is to have issues dealt with quickly and informally ‘on-the-ground' in each centre. Such issues would include the standard of accommodation being provided.

Every protection applicant accommodated by the RIA is provided with a copy of the "Direct Provision Reception & Accommodation Centre Services, Rules and Procedures" which sets out, inter alia, the obligations placed both on the centre manager and the resident. It explains how one party can seek to have breaches of the obligations by the other party resolved. All parties endeavour (and succeed in the main) to resolve issues arising at centres locally and informally. On occasion, formal warnings are issued where required and appropriate action taken if these warnings are not heeded. The RIA treats very seriously all complaints, incident reports and queries received by it from residents, support groups, public representatives, management and staff of centres and others.

The RIA does not compile statistics on the number of complaints or appeals received or actions taken following on from such complaints or appeals. If such statistics were to be compiled, they could not properly reflect the number and nature of such complaints and appeals or the resolutions reached because of the high level of informal activity enacted locally between centre staff, residents and others. However, the RIA does monitor all centres and follows up where spikes in volumes or types of complaint or incident are noticeable. In such cases, the RIA will meet with management, residents and their representatives as appropriate in order to get an understanding of the issues and to assist in resolving such issues through consultation and appropriate action.

Further, the RIA conducts information clinics, centre inspections, formal and informal visits and attends meetings with residents groups, support groups, service providers and others who engage with the direct provision centres. The effect of the above processes is that complaints about, inter alia, the standard of accommodation being provided are addressed as quickly as possible.

Accommodation Centres 28/6/9

County

Location

Address

Contracted Capacity

Occupancy

1

Clare

Knockalisheen (*) **

Meelick

275

245

2

Clare Lodge

Ennis

65

60

3

Cork

Ashbourne Hse

Glounthaune

108

101

4

Kinsale Road (*)

Cork City

300

304

5

Glenvera

Wellington Road

128

128

6

Millstreet

Millstreet

300

290

7

An Poc Fada

Main Street, Cobh

40

0

8

Clonakilty Lodge

Clonakilty, Co. Cork

110

98

9

Donegal

Cliffview

Donegal Town

67

56

10

Dublin

24 Camden Street

Camden Street, Dublin 2

19

15

11

70 Lower Camden St

70 Lower Camden Street

15

9

12

14 Gardiner Place

Dublin 1

34

12

13

10 North Frederick St

Dublin 1

33

15

14

Newlight House

St. Margaret’s, Finglas

36

25

15

Horse and Carriage

Aungier Street, Dublin 2

20

21

16

Viking Lodge

Francis Street, Dublin 8

70

56

17

The Towers

The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin

250

221

18

Georgian Court

77-79 Lower Gardiner St.

110

56

19

Hatch Hall**

28 Lower Hatch Street, D1

210

96

Accommodation Centres 28/6/9 —continued

County

Location

Address

Contracted Capacity

Occupancy

20

Galway

Dun Gibbons

Clifden, Co. Galway

100

88

21

Eglinton

The Proms, Salthill

235

226

22

Great Western House

Eyre Square

180

156

23

Lisbrook House

Headford Road, Galway

280

262

24

Kerry

Atlas House (Killarney)

Killarney

90

91

25

Atlas House (Tralee)

Tralee

100

96

26

Johnston Marina

Tralee

100

92

27

Linden House

Killarney

55

47

28

Park Lodge

Killarney

55

52

29

Westward Court

Tralee

86

81

30

Kildare

Eyrepowell

Newbridge

100

95

31

Laois

Hibernian

Main Street, Abbeyleix

55

44

32

Montague

Portlaoise

200

182

33

Leitrim

Sliabh An Iarainn

Ballinamore

50

0

34

Limerick

Hanratty’s

Glentworth Street, Limerick

118

107

35

Westbourne

Dock Road

105

87

36

Mount Trenchard

Foynes, Co. Limerick

85

81

37

Sarsfield Bridge

Sarsfield Road, Limerick

125

100

38

Longford

Richmond Court

Richmond Street

98

84

39

Mayo

Railway

Kiltimagh

90

81

40

The Old Convent

Ballyhaunis

315

293

41

Meath

Mosney**

Mosney

800

746

42

Monaghan

St. Patricks **

Monaghan

223

198

Accommodation Centres 28/6/9 —continued

County

Location

Address

Contracted Capacity

Occupancy

43

Sligo

Globe House

Chapel Hill

250

216

44

Tipp. South

Bridgewater House

Carrick-On-Suir

120

113

45

Waterford

Atlantic House

Tramore, Co. Waterford

90

81

46

Ocean View**

Tramore, Co. Waterford

85

75

47

Birchwood

Ballytruckle Road

160

135

48

Viking House

Coffee House Lane

100

96

49

Westmeath

Athlone

Athlone

380

291

50

Wexford

Old Rectory House

New Ross

58

55

51

Wicklow

Beechlawn

Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.

28

24

52

The Warrens

Wicklow Town

23

23

7,129

6,206

Self Catering Centres 28/6/9

County

Location

Address

Contracted Capacity

Occupancy

53

Cork

Davis Street

73-75 Davis Street, Mallow

50

32

54

Dublin

Glenview House

Tallaght, Dublin 24

75

6

55

Watergate House

11-14 Usher’s Quay, Dublin 8

76

58

56

Louth

Carroll Village

Dundalk

250

184

57

Roscommon

Station Road

Ballaghadereen

86

65

537

345

Reception Centres 28/6/9

County

Location

Address

Contracted Capacity

Occupancy

58

Dublin

Kilmacud House

Upr Kilmacud Rd,

90

43

59

Balseskin

St. Margarets, D11

369

285

459

328

Programme Refugee Centre 28/6/9*

County

Location

Address

Contracted Capacity

Occupancy

60

Mayo

Bruach na hAbhainn

Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

82

82

82

82

Totals

8,207

6,961

*As the residents in Bruach na hAbhainn are not Asylum Seekers, they have not been included in the number of Asylum Seekers in the first table above.

Denis Naughten

Question:

492 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timeframe of contracts to each asylum accommodation provider; his plans to review the contractual agreements with such providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29275/09]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his Dáil Question of 24 March 2009 (ref: 565) in this matter. The length of contracts engaged in by the Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department for the provision of full board accommodation and ancillary services to persons who apply for international protection can vary depending on the type, function and location of the centre in question.

A table detailing the length of current contracts follows. These contracts are kept under continuing review with the primary aim of keeping costs to a minimum ensuring maximum value for the taxpayer.

Accommodation Centres

County

Location

Address

Service Provider

Start of Contract

End of Current Contract

Clare

Knockalisheen (*) **

Meelick

Aramark/Campbell Catering Ltd

28/02/2009

27/02/2011

Clare Lodge

Ennis

Misty Croft Ltd

03/10/2007

29/09/2009

Cork

Ashbourne Hse

Glounthaune

Barlow Properties

24/12/2008

17/01/2012

Kinsale Road (*)

Cork City

Aramark/Campbell Catering Ltd

12/03/2009

11/03/2011

Glenvera

Wellington Road

Alan Hyde & Ted Murphy

23/12/2008

16/01/2012

Millstreet

Millstreet

Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd

04/08/2008

29/07/2012

An Poc Fada

Main Street, Cobh

Barlow Properties

24/12/2008

17/01/2012

Clonakilty Lodge

Clonakilty, Co. Cork

D and A Ltd

17/03/2009

22/10/2012

Donegal

Cliffview

Donegal Town

Shane Timoney

03/10/2007

29/09/2009

Dublin

24 Camden Street

Camden Street, Dublin 2

Frank Brady

11/04/2009

09/04/2010

70 Lower Camden St

70 Lower Camden Street

Frank Brady

11/04/2009

09/04/2010

14 Gardiner Place

Dublin 1

Frank Brady

27/05/2008

24/05/2010

10 North Frederick St

Dublin 1

Frank Brady

29/05/2008

26/05/2010

Newlight House

St. Margaret’s, Finglas

Frank Brady

16/09/2008

14/09/2009

Horse and Carriage

Aungier Street, Dublin 2

Rafstone Enterprises Ltd

01/03/2009

31/10/2009

Viking Lodge

Francis Street, Dublin 8

James Gough & Michael Campbell

20/08/2008

17/08/2010

The Towers

The Ninth Lock, Clondalkin

Rowtes Ltd

10/10/2006

24/12/2012

Georgian Court

77-79 Lower Gardiner St.

Georgian Court Ltd

08/08/2006

17/01/2011

Hatch Hall**

28 Lower Hatch Street, D1

East Coast Catering (Ireland) Ltd

20/06/2008

17/06/2010

Galway

Dun Gibbons

Clifden, Co. Galway

Connemara & Island Heritage Tourism Ltd

13/08/2007

12/07/2009

Eglinton

The Proms, Salthill

Maplestar Ltd

19/11/2007

10/01/2010

Great Western House

Eyre Square

Shaun Hennelly

11/02/2009

26/07/2011

Lisbrook House

Headford Road, Galway

Bridgestock Ltd

29/04/2008

31/01/2011

Accommodation Centres —continued

County

Location

Address

Service Provider

Start of Contract

End of Current Contract

Kerry

Atlas House (Killarney)

Killarney

OFM

07/03/2009

06/03/2011

Atlas House (Tralee)

Tralee

OFM

26/02/2009

25/03/2011

Johnston Marina

Tralee

OFM

07/03/2009

06/03/2011

Linden House

Killarney

Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd

31/07/2008

28/07/2010

Park Lodge

Killarney

OFM

04/03/2009

03/03/2011

Westward Court

Tralee

Tralee Town Centre Hostel Ltd

07/03/2008

04/03/2010

Kildare

Eyrepowell

Newbridge

Cherryport Ltd

05/11/2008

02/11/2010

Laois

Hibernian

Main Street, Abbeyleix

Chidlane Ltd

24/07/2007

20/07/2009

Montague

Portlaoise

Fazyard Ltd

16/10/2007

10/06/2011

Leitrim

Sliabh An Iarainn

Ballinamore

Bridgestock Ltd

16/04/2008

20/07/2009

Limerick

Hanratty’s

Glentworth Street, Limerick

JP Ryan

08/06/2009

01/06/2014

Westbourne

Dock Road

Westbourne Holiday Hostel Ltd

10/06/2009

07/06/2011

Mount Trenchard

Foynes, Co. Limerick

Baycaster Ltd

29/09/2008

26/09/2010

Sarsfield Bridge

Sarsfield Road, Limerick

Oval Rock Ltd

20/06/2008

17/06/2010

Longford

Richmond Court

Richmond Street

James Keogh

08/07/2009

05/07/2011

Mayo

Railway

Kiltimagh

Bridgestock Ltd

16/04/2008

19/01/2010

The Old Convent

Ballyhaunis

Bridgestock Ltd

16/04/2008

19/01/2010

Meath

Mosney**

Mosney

Mosney Irish Holidays PLC

06/12/2004

05/06/2010

Monaghan

St. Patricks **

Monaghan

Tattonward Ltd

03/07/2008

07/04/2008

Accommodation Centres —continued

County

Location

Address

Service Provider

Start of Contract

End of Current Contract

Sligo

Globe House

Chapel Hill

Bridgestock Ltd

31/10/2008

27/10/2011

Tipp. South

Bridgewater House

Carrick-On-Suir

Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd

06/03/2007

20/07/2009

Waterford

Atlantic House

Tramore, Co. Waterford

Atlantic Blue Ltd

31/03/2009

28/03/2011

Ocean View**

Tramore, Co. Waterford

Ocean View Accommodation Ltd

31/03/2009

28/03/2011

Birchwood

Ballytruckle Road

Stompool Investments Ltd

24/12/2008

17/01/2012

Viking House

Coffee House Lane

Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd

10/07/2008

22/12/2010

Westmeath

Athlone

Athlone

Bridgestock Ltd

05/03/2009

04/03/2010

Wexford

Old Rectory House

New Ross

The Old Rectory House Ltd

16/04/2008

26/10/2010

Wicklow

Beechlawn

Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.

Libdun Ltd

19/03/2008

26/10/2010

The Warrens

Wicklow Town

Warrens House Ltd

26/10/2007

02/07/2009

Self Catering Centres

County

Location

Address

Service Provider

Start of Contract

End of Current Contract

Cork

Davis Street

73-75 Davis Street, Mallow

Millstreet Equestrian Services Ltd

15/10/2008

12/10/2010

Dublin

Glenview House

Tallaght, Dublin 24

Kevin & Brendan O’Sullivan (In Trust)

29/01/2008

13/07/2009

Watergate House

11-14 Usher’s Quay, Dublin 8

Phil Monaghan & Finian McDonnell

27/03/2008

24/03/2010

Louth

Carroll Village

Dundalk

East Coast Catering (Ireland) Ltd

27/03/2008

23/03/2011

Roscommon

Station Road

Ballaghadereen

Bridgestock Ltd

10/07/2007

06/07/2009

Reception Centres

County

Location

Address

Service Provider

Start of Contract

End of Current Contract

Dublin

Kilmacud House

Upr Kilmacud Rd,

The Trustees, Victory Christian Fellowship

08/02/2008

03/02/2011

Balseskin

St. Margarets, D11

East Coast Catering (Ireland) Ltd

01/01/2007

31/12/2011

Programme Refugee Centres

County

Location

Address

Service Provider

Start of Contract

End of Current Contract

Mayo

Bruach na hAbhainn

Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Bridgestock Ltd

01/09/2007

27/08/2010

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

493 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the language testing system used for verifying language and country of origin for asylum applicants; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are concerns over the accuracy of some decisions being made based on these tests and that some testers are not familiar enough with the languages being tested. [29276/09]

As the Deputy is aware the processing of asylum applications is done within the framework of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) under which every asylum applicant is guaranteed an investigation and determination of his or her claim at first instance by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC).

I presume the Deputy is referring in his question to the language analysis testing facility which has been availed of by ORAC.

There is ongoing evidence of persistent efforts to undermine Ireland's asylum system by persons making unfounded applications, including persons claiming to be of a nationality or from an ethnic group other than their true nationality or ethnic group, in efforts to obtain status as a refugee in the State. The experience is that a significant number of asylum applicants produce no satisfactory, if in fact any, documentary evidence of their stated identity or nationality or method of travel to the State despite claiming in many instances to have flown here. This raises obvious concerns that the process may possibly be abused by persons seeking to establish a false identity for purposes unknown.

In endeavouring to establish the veracity of some asylum applications, while at the same time trying to uphold the integrity of the asylum system from abuse and to protect the interests of the State, in line with international practice, ORAC decided to avail of the services of reputable and professional international language analysis companies.

Language analysis testing involves applicants attending at ORAC for an interview. There are two types of language analysis testing used by ORAC; direct and indirect. Direct language testing involves an interview being recorded and sent to the language analysis provider. Indirect language testing involves the applicant speaking directly over the phone to the language analysis provider. This conversation is also recorded. The recorded interview is then analysed by the language analysis provider to determine, as specifically as possible, the geographic origin of the applicant's language. A report is then submitted to ORAC. ORAC provides a copy of this report to the applicant and his/her legal representative. I am advised by the Refugee Applications Commissioner that he is satisfied with the professional standard and quality of the language analysis services being provided.

Regardless of any language analysis testing, every applicant for asylum is given a full opportunity of presenting his/her case at a substantive interview in accordance with the provisions of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). These interviews are conducted by highly trained officers authorised by the Refugee Applications Commissioner for that purpose. The Language Analysis Report, where requested, is used to assist with the overall evaluation of the asylum application and is considered in conjunction with all other elements of the asylum claim.

The use of language analysis testing is not unique to this State. It is also used in other jurisdictions such as Australia, Canada, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Denis Naughten

Question:

494 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of interview cancellations for asylum applicants, broken down by first and second interviews, for each year for the past two years and for each month of the past 24 months; and the average timeframe for rescheduling an interview for each of the past two years and also for each month for the past 24 months. [29277/09]

As the Deputy is aware, the processing of asylum applications is carried out within the framework of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) under which every asylum applicant is guaranteed an investigation and determination of his or her claim at first instance by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC).

There are a variety of reasons resulting in the need to cancel the scheduled interviews arranged by ORAC. For example, cancellations can arise at the applicant's own request; interpreters not being available; outbreak of infectious diseases such as chicken pox at accommodation centres; interviews brought forward, etc. A degree of over-scheduling also takes place in ORAC in order to ensure that a viable schedule of cases exists including substitute cases to cater for cancellations.

It is the policy of ORAC that all cancelled cases are re-scheduled for interview as soon as is practicable unless there are medical or other extenuating reasons. ORAC's scheduling policy is also kept under constant review. The length of time taken to reschedule an interview can vary widely depending on the original reason for cancellation. Records are not maintained in such a way so as to provide details on the time frames for rescheduling interviews or on whether cancellations are based on first or second interviews. Cancellations do not always result in unnecessary costs, because, as outlined previously, where an interview is cancelled, every effort is made by ORAC to substitute another applicant for interview instead to ensure the maximum use of interviewing resources. Figures for the number of interview cancellations for the past 24 months and for the previous two years are outlined in the following tables.

Cancellation of Interviews July 2007-June 2009

Month

Number of cancellations

Month

Number ofcancellations

Jul-07

36

Jul-08

133

Aug-07

33

Aug-08

125

Sep-07

41

Sep-08

99

Oct-07

73

Oct-08

104

Nov-07

36

Nov-08

86

Dec-07

45

Dec-08

100

Jan-08

64

Jan-09

160

Feb-08

48

Feb-09

157

Mar-08

77

Mar-09

92

Apr-08

65

Apr-09

83

May-08

110

May-09

151

Jun-08

80

Jun-09

145

Cancellation of Interviews 2007-2008

Year

2007

2008

Total

562

1091

Denis Naughten

Question:

495 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the timeframe for asylum applicants to receive their first interviews, and in some cases, the second interview with his Department from arrival here for each of the past three years. [29278/09]

As the Deputy is aware the processing of asylum applications is done within the framework of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) under which every asylum applicant is guaranteed an investigation and determination of his or her claim at first instance by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC).

The length of time taken for applicants to receive their first interview differs depending on whether an applicant is dealt with under prioritised or non-prioritised arrangements. With effect from the 25 January 2005, new arrangements for the speedier processing of applications from certain countries were implemented. These arrangements apply in the main to nationals of Nigeria, Croatia and South Africa. They also applied to Romania and Bulgaria prior to their accession to the EU on 1 January 2007.

Currently, the interview date for prioritised cases is scheduled to take place within 9 -12 days from the date of initial application. In the case of non-prioritised cases, the interview date is usually scheduled approximately for 4 working weeks from the date of the initial application. The recent reduction in the timeframe for the scheduling of interviews for non-prioritised cases is due to a number of factors, i.e. a reduction in asylum application numbers; increased productivity in ORAC; and a reduced scheduling capacity due to the outbreak of chicken pox at a number of Reception and Integration Agency accommodation centres. ORAC continues to schedule applicants for their interview on the date of application unless there are medical or other compelling reasons.

If it is necessary for an applicant to provide further material or clarification following the initial interview, a second interview is arranged, generally within 3-6 weeks of the initial interview depending on the nature of the material involved.

The Refugee Applications Commissioner continues to keep the procedure for scheduling applications under ongoing review with a view to limiting the amount of time applicants have to wait for interview, without compromising an applicant's right to a fair and balanced examination of their case.

In 2006, 2007 and 2008, the interview date for prioritised cases was usually scheduled within 9-12 working days from the date of the initial application. Non-prioritised cases were generally scheduled for interview within 4 weeks of application in 2006, 10 -18 weeks in 2007 and 16-18 weeks in 2008. Towards the end of 2008 it was possible to reduce this timeframe to within 15-16 weeks. As stated the current timeframe in approximately 4 weeks.

Denis Naughten

Question:

496 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the method by which he and the Health Service Executive age assess a minor when arriving unaccompanied here seeking asylum; the number of asylum applications made in each of the past five years for unaccompanied children; the number which have been successful; and the number of arrivees who state they are unaccompanied minors. [29279/09]

Section 8(5)(a) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) provides that, where it appears to an immigration officer or an authorised officer that a child under the age of 18 years who has arrived in the State and is not in the custody of any person, that child must, as soon as is practicable be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) and thereupon the provisions of the Child Care Act, 1991 apply to the child.

As regards the HSE and the issue of age assessment, I am informed that the HSE has regard to the Separated Children in Europe Programme (SCEP) Statement of Good Practice, 2004 and the extract relating to ‘Age Assessment' when dealing with cases of unaccompanied minors. The SCEP is a joint initiative of the International Save the Children Alliance and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. For further details in this regard I would have to refer the Deputy to my colleague the Minister for Health and Children.

Where a child is referred to the HSE, it is a matter for the HSE to determine whether it is in the child's interest to have an application for asylum made on their behalf. In the event that an application is made, the HSE then assists the minor throughout the asylum process, including accompanying the minor during the course of their interview. The HSE takes all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of these young people.

The ORAC has ongoing experience of persons falsely claiming to be a minor. Where an authorised officer has concerns that the stated age of a person presenting as a minor is not their true age the person is interviewed with a view to assessing their likely age. This interview is carried out by staff who have been specially trained in dealing with unaccompanied minors. The applicant is told in simple terms (with the aid of an interpreter, if necessary) the purpose of the interview and the interview is carried out in an informal manner, with the applicant being reassured that the interview is not an examination of his/her asylum claim. The applicant is also requested to produce any verifiable documentation they may have to support their stated identity and age.

If, after the interview, the opinion is formed that the person may be an unaccompanied minor, a referral to the HSE will be made immediately in accordance with Section 8(5) (a) of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended). Where a decision is made not to treat the applicant as a minor, this decision, and the reasons underpinning it, is communicated to the applicant in simple terms. This is promptly confirmed in writing to the applicant and, where relevant, his/her legal representative. It is also explained to the applicant that they may request an age reassessment. This second assessment is carried out by a more senior officer. If, as a result of the reassessment, an opinion is formed that the applicant is a minor, then he/she will be referred to the HSE. Otherwise, the applicant will be deemed an adult, and his/her progress through the asylum process will be on that basis. Where there is doubt as to age, the benefit of the doubt is given to the applicant.

The processing of applications for refugee status from unaccompanied minors has a number of child-specific features and has regard to a number of distinct factors including the UNHCR's Guidelines. ORAC caseworkers are specifically trained for this purpose.

The statistics requested by the Deputy on the number of applications for asylum from unaccompanied minors and the number which have been successful in each of the last five years (2004-2008) and in 2009 (30/6) are set out in the following tables.

Applications for Asylum from Unaccompanied Minors 2004-2009 (30/6)

Year

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009 (30/6)

Total

128

131

131

94

98

29

Recommendations to grant Refugee Status to Unaccompanied Minors at first Instance and Appeal Stage 2004-2009 (30/6)

Year

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009 (30/6)

Total

92

75

41

30

17

5

Please note that the figures refer to the year in which the decision was made not the year in which the application was lodged.

Statistics are not maintained in relation to the number of persons who claim asylum initially as minors who are subsequently deemed to be adults.

Denis Naughten

Question:

497 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of family reunifications which have occurred annually since 2004 to date in 2009; the number of cases annually where unaccompanied children are reunified with their parents as opposed to relatives or guardians; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29282/09]

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the number of applications from Refugees for family reunification that have been approved for the years 2004 to 2009 are as set out in the following table:

Year

Number of individuals approved

2004

681

2005

384

2006

348

2007

328

2008

401

2009 to date

362

In the vast majority of cases involving the family reunification of refugees the children are accompanied by one of their parents. It is not possible in refugee family reunification cases to distinguish the number of cases where unaccompanied children are reunified with their parents as opposed to relatives or guardians, without going through each and every application that has been made.

Asylum Issues.

Denis Naughten

Question:

498 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of children, unaccompanied or otherwise, who have gone missing from asylum centres annually since 2004 to date in 2009; the number who have been found annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29283/09]

In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Crime Levels.

Denis Naughten

Question:

499 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of recorded crimes of prostitution annually since 2002 to date in 2009; the number of convictions recorded annually for prostitution since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29285/09]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

500 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29314/09]

The numbers of staff in my Department, its agencies and bodies under its aegis who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme are set out in the following table. It should be noted that while the closing date for the incentivised career break scheme has passed, the closing date for the incentivised early retirement scheme is 1 September 2009.

Body

Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme

Incentivised Career Break Scheme

Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform

17

60

Irish Prisons Service (Administrative Grades)

2

0

Irish Prisons Service (Prison Grades)

Scheme does not apply

1

Courts Service

17

14

Property Registration Authority

8

10

An Garda Síochána (Civilians)

9

29

Legal Aid Board

1

19

Irish Youth Justice Service — Detention Centres

0

2

Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission

0

7

National Disability Authority

0

Scheme does not apply to Public Servants

Human Rights Commission

0

0

With the possible exception of a limited number of civilian employees of An Garda Síochána, in respect of which I will furnish the information required to the Deputy separately, I understand that no staff of my Department, or any of the other bodies listed above under its aegis, qualified for redundancy payments under the Redundancy Payments Act 2003 as a result of ceasing employment within the last 12 months.

Garda Deployment.

Joan Burton

Question:

501 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí and community gardaí stationed at the Blanchardstown Garda station and the numbers stationed at the end of 2006, 2007 and 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29327/09]

I am informed by the Commissioner that the personnel strength and the number of Community Gardaí in Blanchardstown Garda Station for 2006-2008 and for the latest date on which figures are available for 2009 are as set out in the following table:

2006

2007

2008

2009

Personnel Strength

174

180

193

186

Community Gardaí

19

22

24

22

The Commissioner recently launched a new National Model of Community Policing for An Garda Síochána. This new model will build on the success of existing good community policing practice and I look forward to the implementation of this plan. A National Community Policing Office has been established within the Garda Community Relations Section and the model is currently in the process of being rolled out to every District throughout the country. The plan envisages that each District Officer will take ownership of community policing within their area of responsibility. Community Policing personnel will be appointed to each Community Policing Area which is to be designated at local level in consultation with the National Community Policing Office.

Legislative Programme.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

502 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Spent Convictions Bill 2007; his plans to progress this bill in the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29328/09]

The Spent Convictions Bill 2007 is now awaiting Committee Stage in the Dáil, having completed Second Stage on 18 December 2008. As the Deputy will recall, the Bill was introduced as a Private Members Bill by my colleague, Barry Andrews TD, in October 2007. Subsequently, in early 2008, the Government agreed to take it over and to progress it as a Government Bill. During the Second Stage debate, Minister Andrews mentioned several issues in the Bill which would, in all probability, require amendment. Since then my Department has been seeking views from a wide range of bodies on the Bill's provisions and work is now under way on the identification of amendments to be brought forward at Committee Stage. However, I am unable to say at this point when the Committee and remaining Stages will take place.

Garda Ombudsman Report.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

503 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take in respect of the report of the Garda Ombudsman Commission following the death of a person (details supplied) and in particular the recommendations in the report that require action by the Garda Síochána or the Garda Commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29329/09]

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 100 of the 22 April 2009 which sets out the position on the matter.

Visa Applications.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

504 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of study visa applications received in 2008 and 2007 in the visa office in Dublin and the hub visa offices worldwide which were found to be incomplete and therefore not considered for approval or refusal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29352/09]

Incomplete applications (for example an application submitted without a passport) are as far as possible, returned to the applicant by the receiving office and not processed. However, statistics are not maintained in relation to rejected applications.

Road Traffic Accidents.

Tom Hayes

Question:

505 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy measures he will take to tackle the problem of boy racers in rural areas here; if he has taken into account the high level of fatal road accidents in rural areas and the impact of speeding in these accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29368/09]

One of the strategic goals set out in the Garda Síochána Corporate Strategy 2007-2009 is to reduce significantly the incidence of fatal and serious road traffic injuries and improve road safety. I am informed by the Garda authorities that collision data identifies young male drivers as vulnerable persons in terms of road safety. In order to address this, intelligence led initiatives and specific operations are taken to change young driver behaviour and improve the compliance culture among such drivers. In addition to intelligence-led operations, Traffic Corps personnel, assisted by both regular uniform and plain-clothes personnel, regularly target areas where young male drivers congregate. Regular mobile patrols and checkpoints are also conducted in these areas. Websites are monitored to assist in establishing where events are taking place and implementing the necessary response.

These initiatives have resulted in detections being made for a wide range of road traffic offences, including offences relating to dangerous driving, careless driving, no silencer fitted, L-plates not displayed, identification plates not conforming with legislation, road tax offences, insurance and driving licence offences, speeding offences, dangerously defective vehicles and modified vehicles. Offences detected are dealt with by way of prosecution, fixed charge notice or, where appropriate, through the Juvenile Diversion Programme.

An Garda Síochána has reviewed the suitability of various types of equipment, in line with EU specifications, to measure levels of noise and whether windows are tinted to such a degree as to obscure vision, so as to provide technical evidence necessary to facilitate the successful prosecution of drivers for such offences under the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations. Requests for Tender have been prepared for the purchase of the appropriate equipment, and they are expected to be published shortly.

Garda road safety awareness programmes are conducted in schools, third level colleges, factories, workplaces and other facilities, with the aim of educating road users in the obligations on all road users under the Road Traffic Acts and to promote road safety among the target group. An Garda Síochána is working with other agencies, in particular the Road Safety Authority, in this regard.

The emphasis of Garda speed enforcement is on the use of mobile speed cameras, and their capacity in this area has been substantially enhanced recently. In September, 2008 the Garda Commissioner and I launched eight new Garda mobile speed detection vehicles. These state of the art vehicles represent a substantial upgrading of the resources available to An Garda Síochána to address the problem of speeding on our roads, particularly in collision prone zones.

Garda Deployment.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

506 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on the new scheme where gardaí will board and patrol Luas trams in an effort to address growing anti-social and criminal behaviour on the light rail system; the number of gardaí who have been assigned to this scheme; the length of time that it will run for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that senior Garda management in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, in consultation with the Railway Procurement Agency and the Department of Transport, has put security measures in place on the Luas system on a three month pilot basis, from 29 June, as a result of which members of An Garda Síochána are deployed on the red and green Luas lines on particular nights at particular times. These measures are similar to those put in place as part of Operation Freeflow during the Christmas period in 2008.

Gardaí will operate high-visibility patrols, both on the trams and along the tram-lines, paying particular attention to identified public disorder trouble spots. Four members of An Garda Síochána are assigned specifically to Luas foot patrol duty, with two additional members assigned, in support of these members, to mobile patrol. The mobile patrol is available in the event of public disorder or other anti-social behaviour and for the transportation of any persons arrested.

Crime Levels.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

507 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount or value of money stolen by raiders in each of the past five years to date; the amount recovered; the amount outstanding; the extent to which prosecutions have followed and were successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29499/09]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

508 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 344 of 6 May 2009, the nature, origin and extent of the alleged criminal offence pending in this case; if the person in question has been notified in the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29500/09]

I have requested information from the Garda authorities on any outstanding issues in this case relating to criminal offences and I will be in contact with the Deputy when this information is to hand.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

509 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29501/09]

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 130 of 25 June 2009. The person concerned is advised to write to my Department at INIS, PO Box 10003, Dublin 2, outlining his circumstances. Any correspondence received will be assessed by the relevant officials and the person concerned will be contacted directly and informed of any decision made regarding his status in the State.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

510 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29502/09]

I refer the Deputy to my detailed Reply to his Parliamentary Question No. 365 of Tuesday, 9 June 2009, in this matter. The position in the State of the person concerned is as set out in that Reply.

Refugee Status.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

511 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will clarify the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29503/09]

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) advises me that while the person in question was refused refugee status following appeal, he has recently, as an exceptional measure, been granted temporary permission to remain in the State until 29 May 2011. He is now required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau. One of the requirements for registration is the production of a valid passport, however, the validity of his most recent passport has now expired.

As the person in question is a national of the Democratic Republic of Congo it is advisable for him to seek consular assistance from his own national authorities in relation to the procurement of a passport or temporary travel document to facilitate travel in order to obtain same. In exceptional cases an application for Irish temporary travel document may be considered. In all such cases, INIS must be satisfied that there is no alternative open to the applicant before an Irish temporary travel document will issue.

An application for an Irish temporary travel document will only be considered by the Travel Document Unit in INIS on receipt of a fully completed application form. Supporting documentation accompanying any such application should include original correspondence from the relevant consular authorities outlining the steps necessary to be followed by the person in question to facilitate the renewal of his DRC passport which has been allowed to expire. I am informed by the Immigration Services Section of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service that no application for a temporary travel document has been received to date from the person in question by the Travel Document Unit.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

512 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current or expected residency status in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29504/09]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 561 of Tuesday 24 March 2009, and No. 384 of Wednesday 22 April 2009 and the written Replies to those Questions. The person concerned applied for asylum on 28 January 1997. He made a second application under another name which he subsequently withdrew. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the then Asylum Division of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and, on appeal, by the then Asylum Appeals Authority.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999, the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 27 October 1999, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time. Following consideration of the case of the person concerned, the Minister signed a Deportation Order in respect of him on 1 December 2000.

The person concerned subsequently made an application to remain in the State based on his parentage of an Irish citizen child. The person concerned was granted permission to remain in the State on this basis for a period of one year and was notified to this effect by letter dated 19 July 2002. The Deportation Order made in respect of the person concerned was subsequently revoked.

On 11 August 2004 the person concerned was notified that the Minister had decided not to renew his permission to remain in the State. He was also notified that, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time.

The Deputy might wish to note that the person concerned also made an application for permission to remain in the State in accordance with the revised arrangements applicable to the non-EEA national parents of Irish born children, born in the State before 1 January 2005, commonly known as the IBC/05 Scheme. The IBC/05 application of the person concerned was refused as it was deemed that he was not a person of good character and he did not appear to be playing an active role in the upbringing of his Irish citizen child. The person concerned was made aware of the refusal of his IBC/05 application by letter dated 8 September 2005.

On 21 August 2006 the person concerned was notified that, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned.

The case file of the person concerned, including all representations submitted, now falls to be considered under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement. When this consideration has been completed, the case file of the person concerned is passed to me for decision.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

513 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29505/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in July 2006.

This application was considered under the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended, and I decided not to grant a certificate of naturalisation. A copy of the submission on the matter, with my decision annotated thereon, was sent to the person in question on 16 January, 2007. In reaching this decision, I exercised my absolute discretion, as provided by the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, 1956, as amended. There is no appeals process provided under this legislation.

It is open to the person concerned to lodge a new application for a certificate of naturalisation with the Citizenship Division of my Department at any time. However, in doing so he should bear in mind all the reasons for refusal of his previous application.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

514 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29506/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned made an application for residency in January 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

Question:

515 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the citizenship application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29507/09]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

516 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to citizenship or family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29508/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application was received in the General Immigration Division on 29 July 2008. Permission to remain was granted for a period of one year on Stamp 4 conditions to the person referred to in the Deputy's question on the 11th September 2008. I have also been informed by officials in the Citizenship Division and Family Reunification Division of INIS that there is no record of an application being received from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

517 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the procedure to be followed in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29509/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person concerned made an application for residency in October 2008. 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

Question:

518 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29510/09]

The person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 28/10/2004. 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 her by letter dated 13/06/2005. This communication advised the person of her entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which she duly did.

The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject her claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 31/08/2005. The applicant initiated Judicial Review Proceedings against the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. The applicant was permitted to have a fresh hearing before a different Member of the Tribunal. Her case was re heard and the Tribunal again affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject her claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 25/06/09.

In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file has been forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of the Asylum claim. A letter will issue to her from my Department formally advising her that her asylum claim has been rejected and affording her three options as follows: return home voluntarily; consent to the making of a deportation order; or make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State and/or make an application for subsidiary protection under the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (SI No. 518 of 2006).

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

519 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for family reunification in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29511/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person referred to made a Family Reunification application on behalf of her husband in February 2008. The application was forwarded to the Refugee Applications Commissioner for investigation as required under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996. The investigation has been completed and the Commissioner has forwarded a report to INIS. The report will be considered by INIS and a decision on the application will issue in due course. Applications are currently taking approximately 24 months.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

520 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29512/09]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 950 of Wednesday 24 September 2008 and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned applied for asylum on 20 May 2002. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 23 April 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

521 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29513/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that an application for a change of status was received from the person referred to by the Deputy on 21 April 2009. I am advised that applications from June 2008 are currently being dealt with. As soon as a decision is made on the case, the person concerned will be notified.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

522 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the residency application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29514/09]

The person referred to by the Deputy applied for Asylum on 27/11/2002. 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 09/05/2003. This communication advised the person of his entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which he duly did.

The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject his claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 29/01/2004. In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file was forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of his Asylum claim. A letter was issued to him from my Department on 25/05/2004 advising him formally that his asylum claim had been rejected and affording him three options as follows: return home voluntarily; consent to the making of a deportation order; or make written representations to me within 15 working days for temporary leave to remain in the State.

The applicant applied to the Minister under Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1996, as amended, to be re admitted to the asylum process. After consideration of the applicant's case he was readmitted to the process and was informed by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner to attend their office for readmittance to the asylum process. The applicant duly attended.

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 19/07/2006. This communication advised the person of his entitlement to appeal the Commissioner's recommendation to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which he duly did.

The Refugee Appeals Tribunal considered the person's appeal, following which the Tribunal affirmed the Commissioner's earlier recommendation to reject his claim. The outcome of the appeal was made known to the applicant by letter dated 19/06/2009. In accordance with normal procedures, the applicant's file was forwarded to my Department's Ministerial Decisions Unit for final processing of his 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: return home voluntarily, consent to the making of a deportation order; or 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).

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

523 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the citizenship application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29515/09]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

524 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the citizenship application of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29516/09]

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

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

525 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to residency or application under prohibition of refoulement in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29517/09]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 151 of Thursday 26 February 2009 and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned entered the State on a C-Visit Visa on 18 September 2008 and was granted leave to remain in the State until 19 October 2008.

The daughter of the person concerned wrote to the Immigration Division of my Department on 7 October 2008 seeking, on behalf of her father, an extension of his permission to remain in the State. Following consideration of this request, my Department decided that her father's circumstances did not warrant an extension of his C-Visit Visa period and this position was conveyed in writing to the daughter of the person concerned by letter dated 12 January 2009.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 18 February 2009, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

526 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if extended time, in the region of six weeks, will be offered to provide a passport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29518/09]

I refer the Deputy to my previous replies to his Parliamentary Questions in this matter. I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person in question is the subject of an application for Family Reunification made by his wife in April 2008. I am further informed by INIS that the subject's wife was contacted on the 30th June 2009 and requested to submit the subject's original passport within 21 days in order to finalise the application. She was also advised that if she was unable to provide the passport within the 21 day period to advise INIS when she would be able to do so. INIS to date have not received a reply to their letter. If an extension of the time period is needed, the applicant should write to the Family Reunification Section of INIS requesting same.

Asylum Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

527 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a review will be undertaken regarding an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29519/09]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 705 of Tuesday 27 January 2009 and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned applied for asylum on 21 June 2002. 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 14 April 2003, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. Representations were submitted on behalf of the person concerned.

His case was examined under Section 3(6) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement and all representations received were considered in arriving at a decision in his case. On 28 June 2004 a Deportation Order was signed in respect of the person concerned. Notice of this Order was served by registered post dated 11 January 2005. This communication advised the person concerned of the legal requirement that he present himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) on 20 January 2005 in order to make travel arrangements for his deportation from the State. The person concerned failed to ‘present' on this occasion and, as such, was classified as evading his deportation.

On 14 August 2008, an application for revocation of the Deportation Order, under Section 3(11) of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), was submitted on behalf of the person concerned and this application is currently under consideration in my Department. The person concerned will be notified in writing when a decision has been made on this application. The Deputy might wish to note that the documentation he refers to in his Question was submitted as part of the Section 3(11) application and will be duly considered.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

528 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29520/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in June 2006.

The average processing time from application to decision is now at 23 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average while an element of straight forward cases are now being dealt with in less than that time scale. 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. Officials in the Citizenship Division of my Department inform me that processing of the application is at an advanced stage and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

529 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for residency in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29521/09]

The immigration case histories and up to date positions of the two persons concerned, a husband and wife, are almost identical. As a result, for the purposes of the Deputy's Question, I will deal with the two cases as one.

Both of the persons concerned applied for asylum in the State on 18 August 2004. Their respective asylum applications were refused following the individual 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), both of the persons concerned were informed, by separate letters dated 20 February 2008, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of them. They were each 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 they should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State. In addition, they were each notified of their entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006). To date no response has been received in my Department to these letters.

The first and second named persons concerned submitted separate applications for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and these applications are under consideration at present. When consideration of these applications have been completed, the persons concerned will be notified individually in writing of the outcome.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

530 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made 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 in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29522/09]

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Questions No. 354 of Tuesday 9 June 2009 and No. 134 of Thursday 26 March 2009 and the written Replies to those Questions. The person concerned applied for asylum in the State on 28 April 2003. His application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 16 May 2005, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why he should be allowed to remain temporarily in the State.

Representations have been received on behalf of the person concerned and these representations will be fully considered, under Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended) and Section 5 of the Refugee Act, 1996 (as amended) on the prohibition of refoulement, before the file is passed to me for decision.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

531 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in relation to the application for citizenship in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29523/09]

An application for a certificate of naturalisation from the person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in May 2007. Processing of the file has been completed and I have reached a decision. The person in question will be informed of that decision in due course.

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

532 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons residing here who are awaiting a decision on asylum status; the cost of accommodating those people here; the breakdown of the nationality of those people in State provided accommodation and those outside the direct provision system respectively; the corresponding figures for leave to remain applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29545/09]

Applications for refugee status in the State are determined by an independent process comprising the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) and the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) which make recommendations to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on whether such status should be granted.

The number of asylum applicants awaiting a decision at first instance (ORAC) as at 30 June, 2009 was 872. The number of asylum applicants awaiting a decision at appeal stage (RAT) as at 30 June, 2009 was 3,146. A breakdown by nationality of asylum applications on hand at 30 June, 2009 is set out in Table 1.

The Reception and Integration Agency (RIA) of my Department is responsible, in accordance with Government policy, for the accommodation of asylum seekers in Ireland. It operates a Direct Provision system which provides protection applicants with full board accommodation free of utility or other costs. Unless asylum seekers are placed under ‘report and reside' arrangements, they are free to leave accommodation provided by RIA, or opt not to avail of the facilities that lie therein from their day of arrival in the State. The Deputy should be aware that the RIA also provides accommodation to persons whose asylum applications have been dealt with but who have made a request to the Minister for Leave to Remain in the State for other reasons. The RIA currently accommodates approximately 7,000 persons. The 2008 expenditure outturn of RIA in respect of the provision of accommodation and ancillary services was €91.47 million. Statistics are not readily available in relation to the proportion of asylum cases on hand which are either in RIA accommodation or private accommodation. Any costs to the State associated with accommodating asylum seekers in private accommodation is not a matter for my Department. For further details in this regard I would have to refer the Deputy to my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. The Deputy may however be aware that rent supplement payments were abolished for new asylum applicants from 27 May 2003.

The number of leave to remain applications, including those from failed asylum applicants, awaiting a decision as at 30 June, 2009 was 14,131. A breakdown by nationality of leave to remain applications on hand at 30 June, 2009 is set out in Table 2.

Table 1: Asylum applications on hand at 30 June 2009 by nationality

Nationality

No. of Cases on Hand

Nigeria

1,063

Pakistan

338

Somalia

212

DR Congo

211

Zimbabwe

166

Georgia

138

Iraq

138

Sudan

131

Afghanistan

110

Ghana

90

Albania

87

Iran

81

Uganda

69

Cameroon

65

China

65

Angola

64

Algeria

55

Bangladesh

52

Moldova

51

Eritrea

43

Russia

42

Sierra Leone

42

Kosovo

40

Kenya

38

Palestine

36

Ukraine

33

Guinea

32

South Africa

32

Bhutan

26

Ivory Coast

26

Sri Lanka

25

India

24

Malawi

22

Togo

21

Morocco

20

Liberia

19

Belarus

18

Egypt

17

Mauritius

16

Ethiopia

14

Burundi

13

Kuwait

13

Armenia

12

Congo

12

Benin

11

Croatia

11

Syria

10

Others

164

Total

4,018

Table 2: Leave to remain applications on hand at 30 June 2009 by nationality

Nationality

No. of Cases on Hand

Nigeria

3,963

China

1,130

Moldova

533

Pakistan

529

DR Congo

451

Georgia

403

Somalia

370

Sudan

354

South Africa

340

Ghana

320

Algeria

298

Brazil

292

Iran

278

Iraq

262

Russia

239

Zimbabwe

234

Afghanistan

233

Ukraine

214

Albania

200

Cameroon

197

Liberia

159

India

151

Philippines

136

Belarus

135

Kosovo

134

Sierra Leone

128

Angola

125

Kenya

123

Egypt

98

Palestine

81

Croatia

79

Burundi

75

Bangladesh

74

Ivory Coast

73

Mauritius

73

Libya

70

U.S.A

69

Eritrea

67

Syria

67

Malaysia

64

Mongolia

63

Israel

62

Morocco

60

Congo

56

Uganda

54

Togo

53

Kuwait

52

Turkey

50

Guinea

48

Malawi

38

Rwanda

35

Vietnam

32

Yugoslavia

31

Ethiopia

30

Lebanon

27

Kazakhstan

26

Stateless

26

Armenia

25

Hong Kong

24

Bhutan

22

Nepal

22

Australia

21

Jamaica

21

Gambia

20

Canada

19

Thailand

18

Zaire

18

Jordan

16

New Zealand

16

Azerbaijan

14

Benin

14

Serbia

14

Chile

12

Niger

12

Tunisia

12

Uzbekistan

12

Sri Lanka

11

Argentina

10

Bosnia

10

Mauritania

10

Others

194

Total

14,131

Denis Naughten

Question:

533 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of new asylum applicants who sought protection from the State to date in 2009; the breakdown of the nationality of those people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29546/09]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number and nationality of new asylum applications received in 2009 is set out as follows.

New Asylum Applications Received in 2009 (30/6) by Nationality

Nationality

New Asylum Applications Received

Nigeria

338

Pakistan

143

China

102

D. R. Congo

62

Zimbabwe

56

Georgia

53

Somalia

52

Moldova

47

Iraq

45

Ghana

39

Algeria

36

Afghanistan

35

Sudan

34

South Africa

30

Albania

29

Cameroon

25

Iran

25

Eritrea

23

Kosovo

20

Russia

18

Sierra Leone

17

India

16

Uganda

16

Angola

15

Palestine

13

Sri Lanka

12

Liberia

11

Ukraine

11

Bangladesh

10

Egypt

10

Mauritius

10

Morocco

10

Others

131

Total

1,494

Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Denis Naughten

Question:

534 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 197 of 18 December 2008, if he will provide the figures for 2008 and to date in 2009; the number of cases dealt with by each member in each year concerned and the corresponding success rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29547/09]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to remuneration paid to Members of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal and the number of cases dealt with by each Member in 2008 and 2009 is set out in tables 1 and 2.

Remuneration paid to Members of the Tribunal in 2008 and 2009 (30/04)

Tribunal Member

2008

2009

Anne Tait

3,508.85

5,212.40

Ben Garvey

113,528.08

37,916.02

Bernadette Cronin

10,348.83

7,821.20

Bernard McCabe

119,007.74

52,193.71

Brendan Gogarty

952.50

0.00

Bruce St John Blake

4,431.25

190.50

Conor Gallagher

25,578.21

11,520.20

David Andrews

86,970.90

21,479.63

David Goldberg

18,936.05

15,671.64

Denis Linehan

45,595.00

17,350.75

Donal Egan

10,408.50

3,222.39

Eamon Barnes

8,357.55

4,869.00

Eamonn Cahill

59,670.30

16,658.12

Elizabeth O’ Brien

103,418.12

42,248.41

Emma Toal

2,201.75

7,638.94

Fergus O’ Connor

15,554.78

18,775.23

John Hayes

11,769.75

4,669.72

Joseph Barnes

0.00

0.00

Judy Blake

8,599.70

4,897.89

Laura Mac Kenna

20,702.50

4,601.94

Majella Twoomey

33,649.21

17,363.86

Margaret Levey

88,259.60

43,425.75

Michael O’ Kennedy

15,145.65

11,134.53

Michelle O’ Gorman

180,097.00

58,454.41

Nehru Morgan Pillay

13,136.76

18,763.58

Olive Brennan

82,737.96

28,162.89

Paul Christopher

7,719.50

5,111.28

Paul Gormley

6,566.75

1,912.87

Patrick Hurley

50,175.15

15,386.10

Paul Mc Garry

10,275.85

17,569.04

Ricardo Dourado

28,692.30

3,951.66

Samantha Cruess Callaghan

13,630.50

0.00

Sean Deegan

8,106.00

1,938.00

Susan Nolan

29,060.65

9,362.35

Sean Bellew

0.00

3,490.38

Totals

1,236,793.24

512,964.39

Number of decisions made by Members of the Tribunal in 2008 and 2009 (30/6)

Member

2008

2009 (30/6)

Anne Tait

11

23

Ben Garvey

208

88

Bernadette Cronin

16

19

Bernard McCabe

272

236

Brendan Gogarty

0

0

Bruce St. John Blake

8

0

Conor Gallagher

43

37

David Andrews

155

49

David Goldberg

27

39

Denis Linehan

114

9

Donal Egan

17

35

Eamon Barnes

10

12

Eamon Cahill

113

59

Elizabeth O’Brien

202

105

Emma Toal

2

25

Fergus O’Connor

44

80

John Hayes

19

10

Joseph Barnes

4

0

Judy Blake

16

13

Laura MacKenna

48

17

Majella Twomey

81

57

Margaret Levey

189

106

Michael O’Kennedy

23

28

Michelle O’Gorman

400

176

Nehru Morgan Pillay

21

38

Olive Brennan

131

51

Paul Christopher

15

52

Paul Gormley

9

6

Patrick Hurley

103

40

Paul McGarry

34

24

Ricardo Dourado

38

26

Samantha Cruess Callaghan

7

3

Sean Deegan

27

9

Susan Nolan

54

27

Sean Bellew

0

20

Total

2,461

1,519

The Refugee Appeals Tribunal is a statutory body and is independent in the performance of its functions. Appeals are assigned in accordance with paragraphs 13 to 15 of the second schedule to the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended).

In relation to the information requested by the Deputy regarding the success rate of cases dealt with by each Member, I have been informed by the Refugee Appeals Tribunal that it is not the policy of the Tribunal to publish such statistics. Members of the Tribunal carry dissimilar casework and conclusions drawn simply on the basis of their individual grant/refusal rate would be potentially misleading.

Denis Naughten

Question:

535 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of judicial reviews taken against the Refugee Appeals Tribunal in 2008 and to date in 2009; the number of successful judicial reviews; the cost of these reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29554/09]

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to judicial reviews taken against the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT) is set out in the table.

Year

New Judicial Reviews

Successful Judicial Reviews

Cost of successful Judicial Reviews

2008

344

181

2,672,321

2009 (to 7th July)

151

39

158,020

Total

495

220

2,830,341

The Deputy should note the following in relation to the details provided in the above table. New judicial reviews taken against the RAT include cases in which the Tribunal was not the primary respondent. Successful judicial reviews are those in which there was a judgement or ruling in the year indicated. They may also relate to cases lodged in previous years. Successful judicial reviews include cases settled, at any stage, by the Tribunal. Costs have not yet been claimed in relation to a proportion of cases settled in 2008 and 2009.

Asylum Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

536 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the status of EU plans to agree a list of safe third world countries as part of the streamlining of the asylum process; the steps being taken at EU level to facilitate the streamlining of the asylum process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29555/09]

In 2005, the Council of the European Union adopted Council Directive 2005/85/EC on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status. Article 29 of the Directive makes provision for a minimum common list of third countries regarded as safe countries of origin for the purposes of the Directive. Paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 29 envisaged that a minimum common list of third countries could be adopted or amended by the Council. These paragraphs, and other provisions of the Directive, were considered by the Court of Justice in the case of European Parliament v Council of the European Union (Case C-133/06). The Court annulled paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 29. In its judgement the Court stated that, by including in the Directive the secondary legal bases constituted by the contested provisions, the Council infringed Article 67 of the EC Treaty, thereby exceeding the powers conferred on it by the Treaty.

The Court also stated that, as regards the future adoption of the lists of safe countries and their amendment, the Council must proceed in compliance with the procedures established by the Treaty. There is no proposal at present for the adoption of such a list. In June 2008, the European Commission adopted its Communication entitled "Policy Plan on Asylum: An Integrated Approach to Protection across the EU". In its Policy Plan on Asylum, the Commission announced a package of proposals which will aim to ensure a higher degree of harmonisation and better standards of protection for the Common European Asylum System. The Commission's Action Plan set out a three strand strategy comprising:

better quality and enhanced harmonisation of standards of international protection, in particular proposed amendments to the Directives in the field of asylum dealing with reception conditions, procedures and qualification.

practical co-operation, in particular a proposal for the establishment of a European Asylum Support Office with the remit of developing practical co-operation between the administrations in the Member States in charge of examining asylum applications.

promoting responsibility and solidarity within the EU and between the Union and third countries, in particular proposed amendments to the Dublin System, solidarity mechanisms within the EU and external solidarity including a proposed EU resettlement scheme.

In accordance with its Action Plan, the European Commission has adopted proposals for the recasting of the Dublin Regulation, the Eurodac Regulation and the Reception Conditions Directive. The Commission has also adopted a proposal for the establishment of a European Asylum Support Office. These proposals are subject to the co-decision procedure involving the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament set out in Article 251 of the EC Treaty. The Commission has also announced that it will be proposing amendments to the Asylum Qualification Directive and the Asylum Procedures Directive in the course of 2009.

National Identity Card.

Denis Naughten

Question:

537 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce a national identity card; if he has assessed the potential savings to the Exchequer of introducing a unique identifier for all members of the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29556/09]

I have no plans at this time to introduce a national identity card system. Any final judgement as to the necessity or desirability of such a system would have to include a full assessment of the implications of the introduction of identity cards in the UK as well as developments in the rest of the EU. Identity management policy in terms of Government services is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance. As regards the introduction of a unique identifier for members of the public, the Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) already constitutes a unique identifier in respect of those people to whom a PPSN has been assigned. This is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

Internet Usage.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

538 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the steps he will take to outlaw or block websites that promote anorexia or bulimia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29575/09]

As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the internet is an international and world wide phenomenon, it has no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Therefore efforts to combat illegal and harmful materials and activities on it can often be hampered by the multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems and differing societal norms. Many of the major Social Networking Sites available here in Ireland are hosted outside this jurisdiction, principally in the United States. As such they are subject to the US jurisdiction.

While acknowledging these difficulties, I should emphasis that there is a robust self-regulatory framework for internet service providers (ISPs) in operation here in Ireland which actively encourages the adoption of best practice procedures aimed at limiting the proliferation of illegal and harmful content online. The Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland (ISPAI) Code of Practice and Ethics sets out clear guidelines and minimum standards in respect of dealing with complaints regarding suspected illegal or harmful material online.

The first thing someone should do if they are having issues with content on a Social Networking Site is report the matter to the website owners. A person can use the website reporting tools to do this and should also contact the service provider through its Customer Care or Report Abuse facility.

I wish to advise the Deputy that in 2008, the European Commission convened 18 of Europe's major social networking operators, as well as researchers and child welfare organisations, to form a European Social Networking Task Force to discuss guidelines for the use of social networking sites by children. These guidelines were to be adopted voluntarily by the European industry. The Safer Social Networking Principles for EU were signed on Safer Internet Day, February 10 2009, in Luxembourg. The Safer Social Networking Principles for the EU have been developed to provide good practice recommendations for the providers of social networking and other user interactive sites, to enhance the safety of children and young people using their services. The Principles provide that social networking providers should, inter alia, provide a mechanism for reporting inappropriate content, respond to notifications of illegal content or conduct and should review their systems for examining reports of inappropriate or illegal content. The European Commission has indicated that it will monitor on an ongoing basis the implementation of the Social Networking Principles.

Garda Deployment.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

539 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí on 1 July 2009 in each of the Garda stations in the Leixlip Garda district and the Naas Garda district in County Kildare; the number of gardaí in each station available for work in each of the stations or out on sick leave, maternity leave and so on; and his plans to overcome garda shortages arising from same. [29649/09]

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that as of 31 May 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strengths of the Garda Stations referred to by the Deputy was as set out as follows:

Leixlip Garda District

Carbury

4

Celbridge

19

Kilcock

8

Leixlip

34

Maynooth

14

Naas Garda District

Ballymore Eustace

Clane

8

Kill

3

Naas

110

Resource levels are monitored on an ongoing basis by Garda Management in each District and Division, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána. The situation will be kept under review and the needs of the areas referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of policing requirements throughout the country.

Sexual Offences.

Denis Naughten

Question:

540 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of sex offenders who entered the State from abroad in each of the past five years and notified the gardaí under the Sex Offenders Act 2001, within the specified seven days; the number who breached this notification procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29667/09]

In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the information requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Citizenship Applications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

541 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to reform the citizenship laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29672/09]

A review of the current laws on citizenship with particular reference to naturalisation is underway in my Department. Naturalisation has become a far more significant issue in recent years as a result of our rapid increase in immigration and it is necessary to ensure that our laws in this area are appropriate to our needs. The review process will also have regard to consistency in general approach with the Immigration Residence and Protection Bill 2008 and also to the position obtaining in other relevant jurisdictions.

Garda Deployment.

Denis Naughten

Question:

542 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí and staff working in the Garda central vetting unit; the corresponding figure for 2007 and 2008; and the number of applications dealt with in each of these years and to date in 2009. [29675/09]

The information the Deputy seeks has been provided by the Garda authorities and is set out in the table.

Year

Personnel

Applications processed

Garda

Civilian

Total

2007

5

47

52

187,864

2008

6

70

76

218,404

2009 to 6 July

6

72

78

119,828

Michael McGrath

Question:

543 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda reserves who have been appointed to Cork city and county to date in 2009; the stations they have been allocated to; and the number of reserves expected to come on stream over the period ahead in the same area. [29770/09]

At 31 May 2009, there were 45 attested Garda Reserve members attached to the Cork Garda Divisions. They have been assigned to the following stations:

Division/Station

Total

Cork City

Anglesea Street

10

Mayfield

4

Watercourse Road

4

Togher

7

Gurranbraher

8

Cork North

Cobh

1

Fermoy

3

Midleton

4

Cork West

Bandon

1

Clonakilty

2

Macroom

1

Additional members of the Reserve will be assigned to stations in Cork City and County as the strength of the Reserve increases. The allocation of members of the Garda Reserve is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.

Michael McGrath

Question:

544 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí, and their rank, currently assigned to a Garda station (details supplied) in County Cork; and his plans to review the resources at that station. [29771/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that as of the 31 May 2009, the latest date for which figures are readily available, the personnel strength of the Garda station referred to by the Deputy was one Sergeant and three Gardaí. Resource levels are monitored on an ongoing basis by Garda Management in each District and Division, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána. The situation will be kept under review by the Garda authorities and the needs of the areas referred to by the Deputy will be fully considered within the overall context of the needs of policing requirements throughout the country.

Illegal Immigrants.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

545 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; the reason a form of identification issued by the State was not accepted as a valid form of identification; and the form of photo identification which is acceptable for the purpose of travel between the UK and Ireland. [29800/09]

The Garda authorities are investigating the incident in question and it has not been possible to finalise those investigations in time to respond to the Deputy's Question. I will write directly to the Deputy when those investigations have been concluded.

The most recently enacted legislation governing immigration matters is the Immigration Act, 2004. Section 11(1) of that Act provides that ‘‘Every person (other than a person under the age of 16 years) landing in the state shall be in possession of a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality to the satisfaction of an immigration officer.'' Section 11(2) states:

‘‘Every person landing in or embarking from the State shall furnish to an immigration officer such information in such manner as the immigration officer may reasonably require for the purposes of his or her functions.''

These are qualified by Section 11(4), which states that:

‘‘This section does not apply to any person (other than a non-national) coming from or embarking for a place in the State, Great Britain or Northern Ireland.''

Section 11 creates two categories of traveller; persons who are obliged to carry a passport or equivalent document and assist immigration officers in the performance of their duties (non-nationals) and those who are not so obliged (Irish and UK citizens). This clearly creates an onus on an immigration officer to satisfy himself or herself into which category a traveller falls. To reach such a decision, the immigration officer must confirm the identity and the nationality of the person. The Act is silent on how an immigration officer should do this bearing in mind that both Irish citizens and non-nationals can arrive together at the immigration booths.

Road Traffic Offences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

546 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of persons arrested and charged for having no tax, no insurance, no licence, no national car test certificate, no driving licence or no licence plate in each county for the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29812/09]

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

547 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29837/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available and could only be obtained by the expenditure of a disproportionate amount of staff time and resources.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

548 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29851/09]

In the limited time available, my Department has identified two contracts involving the company referred to by the Deputy. The Irish Youth Justice Service, an executive office in my Department contracted this company to carry out minor works at the Finglas Child and Adolescent Centre (FCAC) following a procurement process using the e-tenders website. The work was carried out in 2008 and the contract amount due was paid in full to the company following the satisfactory completion of the work.

The company is currently completing a contract for the Irish Prison Service involving a number of fire safety works at Wheatfield Prison. This contract is being administered on behalf of the Irish Prison Service by consultants who certify and approve all payments due to the contractor. The Irish Prison Service has not, to date, been made aware of any complaints from sub-contractors in relation to this contract.

Responsibility for payments to sub-contractors is a matter for the main contractor and it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any commercial arrangements to which my Department has not been a party.

Domestic Violence.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

549 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy and strategy documents published by him in relation to domestic and sexual violence during the past five years; the policy and strategy documents he will publish during the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29855/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

551 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount of funding he has allocated to combating domestic and sexual violence for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29859/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

562 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date on which Cosc will publish the national strategic strategy on domestic, sexual and gender based violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29873/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 549, 551 and 562, together.

Although documents such as the National Women's Strategy contain recommendations relating to domestic and sexual violence, no policy or strategy document solely focusing on domestic and sexual violence was published by my Department during the past five years. However, a number of other documents published during that time have included references to these crimes. In June 2008 I published the framework document — ‘Recommendations for Future Structures and Services to Victims of Crime', which was prepared by the Commission for the Support of Victims of Crime. The Framework Document acknowledges the particular needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence.

The 2008 Priorities for An Garda Síochána, as determined by me under section 20 of the Garda Síochána Acts 2005 to 2007 and set out in the 2008 Policing Plan included the priority "to cooperate with Cosc in curbing the problem of domestic violence". The 2009 Policing Plan includes key actions to address domestic and sexual violence.

A policy document on the management of sex offenders in prison entitled ‘Reducing Re-offending, Enhancing Public Safety' was published by me in April of this year. The National Action Plan to Prevent and Combat Trafficking of Human Beings in Ireland 2009-2012, which I also published on 10 June, 2009, sets out the measures that have been taken and those which are planned to deal with, inter alia, prevention of trafficking for sexual exploitation, protection of victims and prosecution of offenders. As regards the year ahead, Cosc, the National Office for the Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence, an executive office of my Department, is well advanced in the preparation of a national strategy in relation to the forms of violence concerned. A wide range of State and non-governmental organisations dealing with such violence is assisting with the development of the strategy. It is expected that work on the preparation of the strategy will be completed as planned by the end of this year with a view to publication in early 2010.

Funding for domestic and sexual violence has been and is provided through a range of activities and initiatives by my Department. These figures are being collated and a further reply will be sent to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Sexual Offences.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

550 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy and strategy documents published by him in relation to treatment of sex offenders; the policy and strategy documents he will publish during the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29857/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that I published a detailed Discussion Document on the management of convicted sex offenders last January. This document was prepared by a High Level Group in my Department, involving the Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service, which examined the current arrangements in place for the management of sex offenders with a view to strengthening inter-agency cooperation and further enhancing public protection and safety. Their remit included a review of the procedures and legislation relating to the assessment, monitoring and supervision of convicted sex offenders.

The Discussion Document was published on my Department's website and interested organisations and individuals were invited to make submissions by end of April, 2009. I also facilitated informed debate at a Discussion Forum organised by my Department in March. My Department is now reviewing the submissions received and the feedback from the Discussion Forum with a view to finalising our strategy in this important area.

I should also say that on the 22nd April, 2009 I formally announced a new policy on the management of sex offenders in prison which commenced earlier this year. The new policy document is available on the website of the Irish Prison Service (www.irishprisons.ie). The policy is aimed at bringing about changes in offenders' lives that reduce risk of re-offending and enhance public protection.

Question No. 551 answered with Question No. 549.

Civil Legal Aid.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

552 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to expand the areas of law that the Civil Legal Aid Board can deal with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29861/09]

I can inform the Deputy that under section 41 of the Civil Partnership Bill 2009 as initiated, it is planned to amend section 28(9)(c)(i) of the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 to provide that legal aid may be provided in relation to disputes between civil partners relating to the shared home or to property, notwithstanding the general prohibition in section 28(9)(a)(ii) on providing legal aid relating to disputes concerning rights and interests in or over land.

It is also expected that civil partnership law proceedings and proceedings between cohabitants as provided for in that Bill will meet the general criteria for obtaining civil legal aid as set out in section 28(2), just as family law proceedings currently do.

Sexual Offences.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

553 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to introduce evidence based, risk assessments designed for sex offenders which could be put to the court at sentencing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29862/09]

The Probation Service of my Department carries out formal risk assessments on offenders using validated risk assessment instruments. This informs both the level of supervision and the targets for intervention during supervision. The Probation Service is in the process of introducing a system for the assessment of sex offenders which will facilitate an all-island approach to this area. This is a commitment under the Inter Governmental Agreement (through the Public Protection Advisory Committee).

One hundred and twenty Probation Officers have successfully completed the first phase of a two stage training process. The second phase of training is scheduled for the Autumn. The new system will be piloted nationally for a twelve month period and it is anticipated that during the pilot phase this system will be used for pre-sanction reports to Court.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

554 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the risk assessments sex offenders undergo in prison to identify the type of rehabilitation programmes suitable for the person aimed at ensuring they do not reoffend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29863/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

555 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the range and availability of therapeutic interventions currently available in prison for sex offenders; the number of prisoners currently engaging in these interventions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29864/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

556 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people currently in prison for sex offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29865/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

557 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date on which he will open the centre for sex offenders in Arbour Hill Prison, Dublin; the interventions which will be available there; the number of offenders who will be accommodated there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29866/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

558 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the date on which he will open the two satellite treatment centres for sex offenders at the Midlands and Wheatfield Prisons; the interventions which will be available there; the number of offenders who will be accommodated there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29867/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

559 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will establish a sex offender unit in the Prison Service headquarters; if this unit will liaise with criminal justice agencies in the north of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29868/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 554 to 559, inclusive, together.

On 7 July 2009 there were 324 prisoners in custody under sentence for offences of a sexual nature. Of these, 104 were in custody in the Midlands Prison, 99 in Arbour Hill Prison and 89 in Wheatfield Prison.

As the Deputy will be aware, on 22 April 2009 I formally announced a new policy on the management of sex offenders in prison which commenced earlier this year. The new policy document is available on the website of the Irish Prison Service (www.irishprisons.ie).

The policy is aimed at bringing about changes in offenders' lives that reduce risk of re-offending and enhance public protection. It forms an integral part of the wider range of interventions by criminal justice and community-based agencies. Prison-based therapeutic interventions with convicted sex offenders comprise notably

one-to-one interventions,

offence-related group interventions,

approved in-reach services and

interventions available to prisoners generally.

Individual therapeutic work with sex offenders serves a number of functions, including support for offenders in their early commitment to change and integration and extension of progress made in group work. It also has a key role in addressing the risks and needs of offenders who are unable to undertake group programmes. Individual counselling is provided in all prisons that accommodate sex offenders by the Psychology Service of the Irish Prison Service and by the Probation Service.

The aforementioned new programme of group interventions which commenced in January 2009, replaced the Sex Offender Programme initiated in 1994 and which concluded last year (2008). The programme, "Building Better Lives", is available in Arbour Hill Prison. It comprises three modules:

exploratory open groups ("Exploring Better Lives"),

practice open groups ("Practising Better Lives"), and

maintenance groups ("Maintaining Better Lives").

The programme allows more responsive and flexible delivery to a greater number of offenders. The interventions take greater account of individual risk, needs and capacity, with higher risk offenders, for example, spending longer on offence-based work where necessary.

Three exploratory, two practice and two-to-three maintenance groups are envisaged per annum. When fully operational this will allow for interventions to take place with up to 60 offenders. To date, six offenders have completed the first module and another eight offenders are currently doing so. The second module or practice group has commenced for those offenders who have completed the first module.

The Psychology Service of the Irish Prison Service carries out a comprehensive strengths, needs and risk assessment with each offender prior to their participation. This ensures that the programme can be tailored to meet their individual needs. Ongoing evaluation allows for updated assessment of individual progress and supports resettlement planning.

The Irish Prison Service also recognises the potential for community-based services to provide interventions with this group of offenders and is committed to exploring the potential of community and voluntary groups to engage with sex offenders within the prison environment. Their participation will be within the framework described above and require commitments such as liaising with and reporting to the Irish Prison Service. Interventions commencing in 2009 will include motivational enhancement groups provided by the Granada Institute in the Midlands and Wheatfield prisons and interventions with young sex offenders provided by the Northside Inter-Agency Project (NIAP) in St Patrick's Institution. These interventions will be provided with financial support from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Sex offenders continue to benefit from other group programmes not specifically designed for sex offenders but addressing their needs, including stress management, anger management and cognitive skills training, as well as interventions by visiting psychiatrists.

Arbour Hill Prison has been established as the National Centre with a full range of interventions and an increase in the number of sex offenders accommodated in the prison. Offenders will be transferred into and out of the National Centre in accordance with sentence planning, demand for interventions and security imperatives. A number of transfers have already taken place. The Midlands and Wheatfield Prisons have been designated as Satellite Centres where a narrower range of interventions are available. A Sex Offender Unit has been established in the Prison Service Headquarters to monitor sentence planning and liaise with other criminal justice agencies, including criminal justice agencies in Northern Ireland.

In tandem with the work done under the auspices of the Irish Prison Service I would also like to advise that the Probation Service engages with sex offenders in individual work throughout the course of their sentence. This work primarily focuses on reducing the risk posed by the individual following release and also child protection issues which may arise. To this end the work of the Probation Service frequently becomes more intensive in the pre release phase. At this point the risk level of an offender is assessed and criminogenic targets are identified. Practical issues such as accommodation, employment, social support and reintegration are combined with a determination of need for therapeutic intervention in the post release phase. This is made available through the joint delivery, with the Granada Institute, of the community based Lighthouse Programmes in Dublin and Cork.

Crime Statistics.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

560 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if there has been an increase in reported incidents of domestic violence since the public awareness campaign Your Silence Feeds the Violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29869/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

561 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of domestic violence incidents which were reported to the gardaí during each of the past ten years; the number of convictions for domestic violence related offences during each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29870/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 560 and 561 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.

Question No. 562 answered with Question No. 549.

Gambling Legislation.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

563 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the legislation, ministerial orders and departmental policies which govern gambling here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29874/09]

Gambling in Ireland has many forms and currently as Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform I hold a primary statutory responsibility only in respect of certain forms of gaming and lotteries. The legislation and current policy governing those forms of gaming and lotteries is contained in the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 — 2003. The Deputy should note that under current legislation, matters pertaining to betting and the National Lottery are, under the Betting Act, 1931 and the National Lottery Act 1986 respectively, the responsibility of the Minister for Finance. I set out as follows for the Deputy's information, a list of the primary and secondary legislation governing gaming and lotteries.

The position is that under Irish law, gaming is illegal, except to the extent that it is specifically permitted by law. Therefore, some limited forms of gambling are permitted in order to provide a controlled outlet for those members of the public who may wish to engage in this activity.

Primary Legislation

Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956

Gaming and Lotteries Act 1970

Gaming and Lotteries Act 1979

Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003

Statutory Instruments

S. I. No 18 of 1956 — Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 (Commencement) Order, 1956

S. I. No 212 of 1961 — Periodical Lotteries Regulations 1961

S. I. No 32 of 1966 — Periodical Lotteries Regulations, 1966

S. I. No 72 of 1987 — Lottery Prize Regulations, 1987

S.I. No. 174 of 2000 — Lottery Prizes Regulations, 2000

S.I. No. 29 of 2002 – Lottery Prizes Regulations, 2002

S.I. No. 419 of 2008 — European Communities (Financial Instruments Analogous To Prize Bonds) Regulations 2008

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

564 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of investigations for breaches of the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 which have taken place during each of the past ten years; the number of these investigations which resulted in convictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29879/09]

Under the Gaming and Lotteries Acts 1956 — 2003, it is a matter for the Garda Síochána to investigate breaches of the legislation and to take whatever action is appropriate. 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 An Garda Síochána and the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy. I understand that the CSO holds records for the years 2003 to 2007.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

565 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will complete his review of gambling; and when he will publish options for a new legal and organisational framework governing the gambling industry here. [29880/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

566 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will publish a new Bill to revise the gambling code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29881/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 565 and 566 together.

I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 77 of 27 May. The objective of the wide-ranging review of gambling which I have initiated from within my Department, is to provide Government with options for a new and comprehensive legal and organisational framework governing the gambling architecture in the State. Consultation is an essential part of the review currently underway. The Casino Gaming Control Section of my Department which will be responsible for bringing forward proposals, including a draft Bill for a revised gambling code, is consulting widely with all stakeholders — statutory, NGO and the private sector — and with the community at large before bringing forward any proposals. The Section will, with the benefit of such consultation, develop its proposals based on three important considerations which are the hallmark of most well-regulated gambling codes. These are:

that young people and the vulnerable are protected

that gambling should in all respects be fairly and openly conducted

that gambling is kept free of crime

Following completion of the review which will, as I have indicated, include a draft legislative gambling code, it is my intention to publish a Bill on the subject.

Civil Legal Aid.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

567 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to give legal protection to victims of domestic violence who are currently not protected by the Domestic Violence Act 1996, in view of the fact that they are not married to their abuser or those who may not apply for a safety order in view of the fact that they have not lived together for the specified period of time under the Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29883/09]

The Domestic Violence Act 1996 already provides protection for victims of domestic violence who are not married to their abusers. As it stands, a person who is not married to the respondent may apply for a safety order under section 2 of the Act if he or she has been living with the respondent "as husband and wife" for a period of at least six months in the previous twelve, or is a parent of the respondent where the respondent is of full age and not a dependent of the parent, or is of full age and living with the respondent in a relationship the basis of which is not primarily contractual.

A person who is not married to the respondent may apply for a barring order under section 3 of the Act if he or she has been living with the respondent "as husband and wife" for a period of at least six months in the previous nine, or is a parent of the respondent where the respondent is of full age and not a dependent of the parent subject to the limitation that such an applicant, unlike a spouse, must have a legal or beneficial interest in the property which is not less than that of the respondent.

My proposals in the Civil Partnership Bill 2009, which I presented to the House on 24 June 2009, make important provision for the following amendments to the Domestic Violence Act:

removal from section 2 of the residency requirement of cohabitants in order to apply for a safety order,

extension to registered same-sex civil partners of the protections currently available under the Act to spouses, and

amendment of sections 2 and 3 to refer to "cohabitants" within the meaning of the Bill instead of persons living together "as husband and wife" to ensure that persons in same-sex and opposite-sex cohabiting relationships have the same protection.

I look forward to debate in this House in due course on the details of that Bill as they apply to domestic violence and other matters.

Garda Training.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

568 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gardaí who have availed of specialised training to deal with domestic and sexual crimes in continuous professional development programmes for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29884/09]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that during initial training all members of An Garda Síochána receive instructions in the handling and investigation of incidents relating to domestic violence. The training includes procedures to be followed when recording reports of domestic violence, first aid training, diversity training and training on safety and barring orders. Additional training is given in the Garda College through a number of outside agencies which include Focus Point, the Rape Crisis Centre, Women's Aid, MOVE and AMEN. While ‘domestic violence' is not subject of specific definition in law, provisions of the following legislation may pertain in such situations:

Domestic Violence Act 1996 (as amended)

Criminal Damage Act 1991

Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act 1997

Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990

Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994

Children Act 2001

Breach of the Peace at Common Law.

The Garda Síochána Policy on Domestic Violence Intervention was subject of review and revised instructions were issued in 2007 on outline procedures to be adopted in investigating such incidents. There is a duty on all members of An Garda Síochána to investigate all incidents of domestic violence, including reports received from a third party.

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit within the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, under Assistant Commissioner, National Support Services, has national responsibility for the implementation of Garda Policy on Domestic Violence within the State. There are monitoring mechanisms in place, with a Garda Inspector appointed in every Garda Division, to ensure uniform enforcement countrywide.

Garda Deployment.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

569 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if additional members of the Garda Síochána have been allocated to the drugs unit in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he is satisfied with the level of priority being afforded by the Garda Síochána to the drugs issue in Jobstown; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29886/09]

In the time available it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. I will communicate further with the Deputy when the information sought is to hand.

Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

570 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in relation to the recently appointed panel of legally qualified persons to represent the Refugee Applications Commissioner at appeal hearings before the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, he has conducted a cost-benefit analysis comparing the use of this panel with the use of full time civil servants at higher executive officer level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30068/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

571 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in relation to the recently appointed panel of legally qualified persons to represent the Refugee Applications Commissioner at appeal hearings before the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, the use of this panel of persons, to be paid on a fee per case completed basis, or the use of full time civil servants at higher executive officer level is a more cost effective method of representing the Refugee Applications Commissioner at hearings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30069/09]

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

572 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount, in relation to the recently appointed panel of legally qualified persons to represent the Refugee Applications Commissioner at appeal hearings before the Refugee Appeals Tribunal, which would be saved per annum by switching exclusively to the panel of persons paid on a fee per case completed basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30070/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 570 to 572, inclusive, together.

As I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question 35 of the 8th April 2009, the Presenting panel was established to address a backlog of appeals in the Refugee Appeals Tribunal which arose from a Supreme Court Judgement in the Atanasov case which required the Refugee Appeals Tribunal to provide greater access to past decisions of the Tribunal for the purpose of assisting legal representatives with the preparation of appeals on behalf of applicants for refugee status. In the immediate aftermath of that decision a considerable backlog of some 1,500 cases built up in the Tribunal while new access arrangements were being put in place. While these arrangements are now fully operational, the backlog still requires to be cleared by means of oral appeals hearings.

The speedy clearance of the backlog of cases in the Tribunal is essential in the context of both the number of appeals on hands but particularly in the context of the planned implementation, subject to approval by the Houses of the Oireachtas, of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill 2008, as it will allow for a considerably greater number of appeals to be cleared by the Tribunal prior to the coming into effect of the new processes provided for in the Bill.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Bill which is currently awaiting Report Stage in Dáil Éireann, provides for the functions currently undertaken by the Tribunal to be taken over by a new body, the Protection Review Tribunal (PRT) which will have expanded responsibilities to consider, not only appeals in respect of refugee status, but also appeals in respect of subsidiary protection.

The new Tribunal will also, under the transitional arrangements provided for in the Bill, have responsibility for dealing with appeals on hand in the existing Tribunal which will continue to be dealt with under the existing legislative framework. There are therefore obvious and very practical reasons for clearing cases in the old system as quickly as possible so that Members of the new Tribunal will be able to focus on the new legislative framework coming forward under the Bill.

I would also add that there are significant costs associated with maintaining asylum appellants in RIA accommodation and providing other relevant services. Therefore, there is a considerable financial saving to be made by processing these cases as quickly as possible.

The cost effectiveness of the panel, in the context of the operation of the overall asylum process, was considered before the panel was established and it was decided that the establishment of the panel provided the most cost effective use of resources, particularly when account is taken of the significant costs associated with maintaining asylum seekers while in Ireland.

Under the Refugee Act 1996, provision is made for the Refugee Applications Commissioner to be represented at appeals hearings before the Refugee Appeals Tribunal. This is to ensure, inter alia, that the Tribunal Member is fully aware of the Commissioner's reasons for not recommending that an applicant be granted refugee status. This representational work is currently carried out by the Presenting Panel and 13 Presenting Officers at Higher Executive Officer level, some of which workshare, in the Commissioner's Office.

Bearing in mind the considerations outlined above, following an analysis of the possible options available for clearing the backlog as quickly as possible, which included the possibility of the existing Presenting Officers undertaking the work, it was decided that the establishment of the Presenting Panel of persons to be paid on a fee per case completed basis, was the most cost effective and time efficient method.

As the Presenting Panel was established to deal with the backlog of hearings which I have previously referred to, no decision has been taken to use the Presenting Panel exclusively for presenting work.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

573 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Department’s presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28852/09]

The Department of Foreign Affairs has offices in Dublin city centre, Balbriggan, Limerick and Cork. It also maintains a network of Missions abroad.

My Department does not have any offices in County Louth, nor does it employ any staff at locations in that county.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

574 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to him; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28898/09]

My Department made a detailed submission to the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, chaired by Mr. Colm McCarthy, in February of this year, as requested by the Department of Finance. This submission covered my Department's two Votes: Foreign Affairs (Vote 28) and Irish Aid (Vote 29).

The format of the submission was in line with a template provided by the Department of Finance. It aligned all expenditure under each of the High Level Goals for my Department as set out in the current Strategy Statement. In relation to each High Level Goal, or programme, the submission provided factual information on expenditure levels and staff numbers, outlined the key outputs delivered and planned under the programme, explained how the key elements of the programme are delivered, assessed how the programme expenditure and outputs meet the intended policy objectives of the programme, listed the key drivers behind any increases in expenditure and staff numbers since 2002, and outlined the likely consequences if the programme were discontinued.

I understand that the Department of Finance also provided the Special Group with additional briefing material in relation to my Department's two Votes.

My Department's submission was provided to the Secretariat to the Special Group in advance of a meeting held between the Secretary General of my Department and the Special Group on 11 March. The Special Group was provided with additional information orally at this meeting in response to specific questions.

My Department has not been supplied with a copy of the report prepared by the Special Group.

Human Rights Issues.

Chris Andrews

Question:

575 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a proposal (details supplied). [29236/09]

While international attention on Iran in recent years has related primarily on the nuclear issue, the Government and the Oireachtas have also been anxious to retain a focus on the deteriorating position of human rights in that country. I have had numerous occasions to discuss these issues in the Oireachtas, in relation to such issues as the use of the death penalty, treatment of minor offenders, and oppression of religious minorities such as the Baha'i. I fully share the concerns expressed by Deputies on these and other human rights issues, including protection of human rights defenders, freedom of expression and the organisation of trade unions.

The violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations in Iran in the wake of the recent elections, and the large scale arrests of persons believed to have taken part, have only deepened those concerns.

The EU has been active both on overall human rights principles and in relation to specific cases, through public declarations, representations to the Iranian authorities, and other actions, including co-sponsorship of an annual resolution on human rights in Iran at the UN General Assembly. In some cases these have had positive results, but regrettably the Iranian authorities are increasingly reluctant even to hear criticism, internal or external.

The Government has also been active nationally. I have raised our human rights concerns directly with Foreign Minister Mottaki in September 2008, when we met at the United Nations, and in December I followed up with a detailed letter to Minister Mottaki on the range of our human rights concerns. In April I received a detailed reply, which unfortunately did not reassure me in relation to my concerns. We have also made known our concerns via the Iranian Embassy in Dublin.

The proposal referred to by the Deputy is an interesting one, which merits serious consideration. At this initial stage, I would point out however that there are already in place a number of UN human rights reporting procedures which relate to Iran. In 2010, Iran will undergo its first examination under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council. The existing UN Special Procedures and mandate holders, such as the Special Rapporteurs on the position of human rights defenders, or on freedom of religion or belief, have also included the situation in Iran in their regular reports, and some of them have made statements in relation to recent events. It should be noted that, in practice, these experts have often experienced difficulty obtaining the cooperation from the Iranian authorities to which their position entitles them.

In terms of taking this proposal forward, it will require to be examined in the first instance by the UN Secretary General who may also wish to consult and seek the views of the UN Human Rights Council.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

576 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29312/09]

To date, nine members of staff of my Department have submitted applications under the Incentivised Early Retirement Scheme. Of these applications, seven have been approved and decisions are pending on the remaining two. 25 staff have applied to participate in the Special Career Break Incentive Scheme. Twelve of those applications have been approved and thirteen are currently being considered. No staff member in my Department has been made redundant during the past twelve months.

Bilateral Agreements.

Joe McHugh

Question:

577 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the Hain-Ahern bilateral agreement on the all-island economy is purely aspirational, in view of the fundamental differences between northern and southern fiscal strategies, and the difference between the packages offered to investors by Enterprise Ireland and Invest NI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29339/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

578 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the work which has been carried out to implement the Hain-Ahern bilateral agreement on the all-island economy since his appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29340/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 578 together.

The Comprehensive Study on the All-Island Economy, launched by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in October 2006, provided a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges in strengthening North/South economic cooperation. Designed to provide momentum for a new phase of cross-border collaboration, the Study explored in detail the benefits to be gained from a coordinated approach in key areas of investment, trade, planning and the provision of public services, including in the North-West.

Since the launch of the Study, work has progressed in all of these areas. The historic roads investment package agreed in 2007 will see the Government contribute £400 million/€580 million to upgrading infrastructural connections on the island. The North/South Ministerial Council Plenary, meeting in Farmleigh this week, welcomed a first Government contribution of €9 million towards the A5 road to Derry and Letterkenny and the A8 road from Belfast to Larne. A preferred route for the A5 road will be announced shortly.

The joint planning integral to this investment will be further enhanced by the planned launch of a spatial planning framework for the island and also one specific to the North-West. The Government and the Northern Ireland Executive are also contributing significant amounts to cross-border research and innovation. Research grants from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) are now available on an all-island basis and cooperation has been deepened under the US/Ireland R&D Partnership. A joint steering group has been established for all-island projects under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). A first All-Island Skills Conference took place in October 2008, while the operating environment for business on the island is set to be dramatically enhanced by Project Kelvin, which will bring faster and cheaper broadband communication to the North-West and surrounding areas. GP and cancer services are now available on a cross-border basis for patients in certain border areas and joint efforts to examine where further economies of scale can be achieved in the health and education sectors are expected to be progressed in the coming months.

This is a significant body of work and points clearly to the seriousness with which the Comprehensive Study has been taken forward by Departments North and South. It is worth noting, in addition, that implementation of the Study's findings has led to much closer cooperation between economic agencies in both parts of the island. Invest NI client companies now frequently take part in Enterprise Ireland trade missions overseas. Invest NI and the IDA have also collaborated on a joint investment product ("North West Now") aimed at attracting foreign direct investment to Derry and Donegal. This builds on the success of the North-West Business and Technology Zone, which, as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, I launched with Minister Dodds in September 2007.

I was also pleased that one of my first tasks as Minister for Foreign Affairs was to join the Taoiseach in participating in the Northern Ireland Investment Conference in May 2008, which had a strong all-island dimension. We look forward, over the period ahead, to continuing our examination of where our cooperation can be deepened in promoting the island as a world-class destination for cutting-edge research and innovation.

Good Friday Agreement.

Joe McHugh

Question:

579 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the work he has carried out to progress strand two of the Good Friday Agreement since his appointment; his plans for progression of strand two of the agreement in the coming 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29341/09]

The North South Ministerial Council has been particularly active in the period since my appointment as Minster for Foreign Affairs in May 2008. There have been two successful Plenary meetings of the Council already this year: in January in Derry and most recently at Farmleigh on 6 July.

The meeting in Farmleigh was our fourth NSMC Plenary meeting since restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly in May 2007. During this period there have been some 38 Ministerial meetings covering a broad range of sectors. These have facilitated joint initiatives in areas such as transport, health, agriculture and the environment, while also overseeing the work of North/South Bodies such as Tourism Ireland and InterTrade Ireland.

At both Plenary meetings this year we reviewed our common economic challenges and the contribution which enhanced North South cooperation can make to promoting growth and employment. In Farmleigh this week we noted progress on important infrastructural projects such as the A5 road to Derry and Letterkenny, and underlined the continuing close cooperation between the Government and the Executive on this and related projects. Other recent examples of effective cross-border cooperation include the response to the A/HINI outbreak; the agreement on the removal of illegally dumped waste; and the delivery of high-speed international broadband connectivity for the North-West through Project Kelvin.

I hosted First Minister Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the fourth NSMC Institutional meeting in April this year. We had a broad discussion of the budgetary challenges facing the two jurisdictions and reviewed progress in overcoming obstacles to cross border mobility in areas such as banking and pensions. We also discussed how our two administrations might strengthen cooperation on EU issues.

I intend that in the year ahead we will continue building on the progress already achieved in North South cooperation. Conscious of the need to secure maximum efficiency, there will be increased emphasis on the potential for economies of scale and more effective cross-border public services, particularly in health and education. We will also prioritise progress on agreed infrastructure projects, including the roads to the North-West and along the Eastern seaboard, the Project Kelvin broadband project to serve Monaghan and the North West, the development of City of Derry airport and the restoration of the Ulster Canal. We also look forward to increased all-island spatial planning and cross-border cooperation through the North-West Gateway Initiative, the Newry-Dundalk Twin-City Initiative and other regional initiatives in border areas.

Sudanese Abductions.

Finian McGrath

Question:

580 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a person (details supplied); and the position regarding their case. [29400/09]

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

590 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken to achieve the safe release of persons (details supplied) who were kidnapped in Sudan; if his attention has been drawn to the wide spread concern in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29888/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 590 together.

My Department became aware late on Friday night (3 July) of the abduction of the person mentioned by the Deputy, an Irish aid worker with Goal in Sudan. She and her Ugandan colleague, along with their Sudanese security guards, were kidnapped by armed men from a compound in Kutum, which is 120km from the state capital.

My Department was in immediate contact with Goal and the family of the person concerned. Both I and my colleague, Minister of State, Peter Power, spoke to the family on Friday evening. On Saturday, contacts were established with the Sudanese authorities and several governments who had experience of kidnapping of their citizens in Darfur. Contact was also established with the British authorities.

In consultation with a number of Government Departments and agencies, a decision was taken to send an official team, including our Ambassador to Sudan, who is based in Cairo, to deal directly with the authorities and other contacts in Sudan. The Government assigned an Aer Corps ministerial transport aircraft for this purpose.

I spoke directly to the family of the girl concerned and since then my officials have remained in constant contact with them to keep them updated on any developments on her case.

Following an initial round of meetings in Khartoum, part of the delegation travelled to El Fashir in Darfur to meet with the relevant authorities there. Our delegation is being facilitated by the Sudanese authorities and we are assured that every effort is being made to obtain the safe release of the abductees. The team is continuing its work and reporting back on a regular basis.

The Deputy will be cognisant of the need for discretion during a kidnap episode and I cannot go into detail about the operation in Sudan. However, I can assure the Deputy that everything possible is being done to secure the release of the citizen involved and her Ugandan colleague.

EU Enlargement.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

581 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had contacts with the Government of Iceland with regard to its possible application for EU membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29591/09]

The Minister of State at my Department with responsibility for European Affairs, Mr. Dick Roche T.D., met the Foreign Minister of Iceland, Mr. Ossur Skarphédinsson, on 18 May, to discuss the issue of Iceland's prospective application for EU membership. The Icelandic Ambassador accredited to Ireland has briefed officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on the matter and the issue has been discussed by our own Ambassador to Iceland during his visits to Reykjavik. There have also been extensive contacts between our own Permanent Representation in Brussels and the Icelandic Permanent Representation to the EU.

Iceland is one of the European Union's closest partners. It participates fully in the EU's internal market through its membership of the European Economic Area and its citizens enjoy freedom of movement throughout the EU. Following recent elections in Iceland, the newly elected government has begun the national debate on EU membership. A bill to launch EU accession talks is currently under consideration by the Icelandic parliament and it is expected that, if Parliament agrees, a formal application for membership of the EU will be submitted as early as this month (July).

Such an application would then be considered in accordance with established procedures by the Union. Eventual Icelandic membership, of course, could only happen on foot of successful negotiations with Iceland, which would need to deal with a full range of issues. In principle, we would regard Iceland's accession to the EU as a positive development.

Visa Applications.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

582 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties that Indian citizens have in securing visas to visit Ireland for tourism and business purposes; his views on whether this is impacting negatively on trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29593/09]

The Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform has primary responsibility for visa and immigration issues. There is a dedicated visa office in New Delhi staffed by experienced officials from the Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform who have full decision making powers for all visa types including visa appeals.

I am not aware of any difficulties that Indian citizens have in securing visas where their documentation is in order.

Human Rights Issues.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

583 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had formal contact with the representatives of Uzbekistan with regard to the treatment of Christians and converts to Christianity in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29594/09]

Ireland's Ambassador to Uzbekistan is based in Moscow and our bilateral relations are limited in scope. The issue of the treatment of Christians in Uzbekistan has not been one that has arisen between the two countries, although Ireland has been one of a number of countries in the EU to express serious concerns about the general human rights situation in Uzbekistan, in particular following the terrible incident at Andijan in May 2005, and to press for the EU to take steps to address the human rights situation there.

As a result of these concerns, the EU now holds regular human rights dialogues with Uzbekistan. These allow a wide range of issues to be discussed, including questions of freedom of religion, individual cases of human rights defenders and other issues relating to the human rights environment in the country. Through this mechanism and in its other contacts with the Uzbek authorities the EU seeks to promote adherence to international standards in this area.

Overseas Development Aid.

Denis Naughten

Question:

584 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the funding in 2009 for overseas development assistance; the countries where this funding will be spent; the impact which the reduced funding will have on existing projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29671/09]

The total budget for Official Development Assistance (ODA) for 2009 will be €696 million. Of this, €571 million is administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Government's official aid programme, Irish Aid. The balance of €125 million comprises contributions to development cooperation by other Government Departments and Ireland's contribution to the EU Development Co-operation Budget. On current projections, it is estimated that this expenditure on ODA will represent 0.48% of GNP in 2009.

I very much regret that it has been necessary to reduce the budget for overseas development assistance for 2009. The decision was taken by Government solely in the context of the need to restore the public finances and provide the platform for renewed economic growth. We have given a commitment that we will resume the expansion of the aid programme as soon as sustainable economic growth has been re-established.

It is important to note that, notwithstanding the adjustments to the ODA budget, this year Ireland can be expected to remain the sixth most generous aid donor internationally, in per capita terms, and the fifth in the EU. Our aid programme is renowned internationally for its clear focus on the reduction of poverty and hunger, and on the least developed countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ireland provides assistance to over ninety developing countries. Nine have been designated as Programme Countries, with a commitment to long term strategic assistance. These are Tanzania, Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Vietnam and Timor Leste. In 2009, the total programme budget for these nine countries will amount to almost €200 million. Additional funding will be channelled to the Programme Countries through our support for the development work of Non-Governmental Organisations, and in response to humanitarian emergencies.

While adjustments have been required in the budgets for our programmes of assistance to these countries, they are being implemented in a manner which ensures the continued delivery of basic services, including health and education, and the focus on the poorest and most vulnerable people and communities. While it may be necessary to extend some funding timeframes and modify disbursement rates, the continuity of our agreed development programmes will be maintained.

When I spoke on behalf of the Government at the UN Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis in New York on 25 June, I outlined the severe impact which the crisis is already having on developing countries. I also pointed out that our response has to be framed in a context where, regrettably, budgets for overseas development assistance are under serious pressure everywhere. The challenge facing all aid donors, therefore, is to ensure that our assistance is delivered more effectively and sustainably, with tangible results. It is also important to focus more clearly on key priorities.

The OECD Development Assistance Committee in May 2009 described Irish Aid as a cutting edge development programme and stated that Ireland is a champion in making aid more effective. We are working to ensure that these high standards are maintained, and that, through our aid programme, Ireland will continue to make a strong, lasting contribution to the fight against global poverty and hunger.

Human Rights Issues.

Richard Bruton

Question:

585 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a publication (details supplied) which seeks to raise awareness of countries in which Christian communities are suffering persecution; and if he monitors such situations and raises them in his interaction with the governments of the countries involved. [29689/09]

I am aware of the work of the Church in Chains organisation and of their quarterly and other publications on the situation of persecuted Christians around the world. Arising from correspondence I had with the National Co-ordinator of the organisation earlier in the year, I arranged for officials from the Department's Human Rights Unit to meet with representatives of Church in Chains. This meeting took place on Friday, 19 June 2009, and enabled the organisation to brief officials fully on their activities. It was agreed at the meeting that contact would be maintained so that the Department is fully aware of Church in Chains' concerns.

I am deeply concerned at the growth of religious intolerance and discrimination against, or persecution of, people based on religion or belief. I will continue to work for the eradication of all forms of religious intolerance at both the international and national levels.

Ireland and the EU attach great importance to combating all forms of discrimination based on religion or belief and incitement to religious hatred, and consider that the United Nations General Assembly and the Human Rights Council should continue to address these issues. We firmly believe in tolerance, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. These are concepts on which the EU was founded and to which all EU member States are steadfastly committed.

At a recent session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2009, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on ‘Discrimination based on religion or belief and its impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights' which reaffirmed the right to freedom of religion or belief.

We continue to raise relevant concerns in our bilateral official and political contacts. In addition, Ireland has, on a number of occasions, raised issues of freedom of expression during the Universal Periodic Review sessions at the Human Rights Council which review the human rights records of individual UN member States.

Visa Applications.

Michael Noonan

Question:

586 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if a tourist visa will be granted to a person (details supplied) to visit Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29692/09]

I am informed that a visa application in the name of the above individual was referred by the Honorary Consulate in Manila for a decision to the Visa Office in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Burgh Quay. The visa was approved on 6th July and the Honorary Consulate in Manila was informed accordingly.

EU Treaties.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

587 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the legal status in international law, in EU law and in domestic law of the Lisbon guarantees; the legal status they will have as protocols; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29754/09]

The legal guarantees obtained by Ireland at the June European Council relating to the right to life, education and the family, taxation and Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality take the form of a Decision of the Heads of State or Government, meeting within the European Council.

The June 2009 Decision constitutes an international agreement, binding in international law, which will take effect on the date of entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, should the forthcoming referendum be passed. The Decision makes crystal clear what the Treaty does and does not provide for in relation to these matters and should provide reassurance to those who believed that the Treaty would adversely affect our position.

As international agreements, both the Treaty and the Decision will be registered with the United Nations. This is because Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations provides that all international agreements to which UN Member States are party should be registered with the UN Secretariat as soon as possible after their entry into force.

This form of legal guarantee was previously given to Denmark at the Edinburgh European Council in December 1992, in relation to the Maastricht Treaty.

At the June European Council, the Heads of State or Government stated explicitly that the Decision granting the legal guarantees is legally binding. Further, they made clear that at the time of the conclusion of the next accession Treaty, the legal guarantees will be set out in a Protocol to the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

As a Protocol, the legal guarantees will enjoy the same status in EU law as the Treaties. They will form part of the fundamental law of the Union.

Put simply, the Government has obtained binding legal guarantees in the areas that were identified as being of concern to the Irish people last year. Before and during last month's European Council, our partners worked with us to meet the identified concerns of the Irish people. The Government could scarcely have hoped for a better outcome from the European Council. If the forthcoming referendum passes and the Lisbon Treaty enters into force, these guarantees will immediately become binding and effective; subsequently, they will have full treaty status as a Protocol annexed to the EU Treaties.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

588 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29835/09]

My Department deals with approximately 800 suppliers of goods and services annually, many for relatively small amounts. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be a costly and time consuming task for staff to extract the information sought by the Deputy for the past twenty years, and that it would not be possible to do this in the time available.

My Department makes use of the Government Procurement website (www.e-tenders.gov.ie ) when tendering for significant projects. Set out below are the notices published by my Department on that website since February 2004. The Deputy may wish to refer to this list in order to identify particular contracts or categories of contract in respect of which I or my officials will be happy to provide further information if he so requests.

I should point out that while I will be able to provide figures for the value of contracts awarded to successful tenderers, I would not be at liberty to disclose the prices submitted by unsuccessful tenderers because that information continues to be commercially sensitive and confidential even after the completion of the tender process.

Notices published by the Department of Foreign Affairs on the Government Procurement Website since February 2004

Title

Published

Notice Type

Nature

DEAC Research Project

30/06/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Review of RRI

26/06/2009

Contract Notice

Services

IDEAS Programme Vietnam — Provision of Economic Analysis and Forecasting Services

24/06/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Provision of Economic Analysis and Forecasting Services for IDEAS Programme, Vietnam.

23/06/2009

Contract Notice

Services

IDEAS Programme Vietnam — Provision of Mgt. and Technical Support.

23/06/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Provision of Cultural Event Management and Coordination Services

09/06/2009

Contract Notice

Services

LAN Speed Wide Area Connectivity- Department of Foreign Affairs to Government Networks

25/05/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Request for Tender in Respect of Server Equipment 422/7346

18/05/2009

Contract Award Notice

Supplies

Possible requirement for printing of bulk quantities of information materials: postcards, and/or leaflets and/or booklets

15/05/2009

Prior Information Notice

Services

Consultants to inform and advise the work of the Programme Appraisal & Evaluation Group (PAEG)

29/04/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Communicating Europe: Information Campaign on Ireland’’s EU Membership

15/04/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Distribution of unaddressed information leaflets to all households.

02/04/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Award of General Office and Window-Cleaning, Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin, Balbriggan, Cork and Limerick

27/03/2009

Contract Award Notice

Services

Establishment of Framework for Chauffeur-Drive and related Services

16/03/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Consultant to provide Technical Expertise in the area of Private Sector Development

11/03/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Call for Tenders for Development of Communicating Europe Website

06/03/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Provision of a Grant Application Management System

16/02/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Tenders For the Supply of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) Handsets

09/02/2009

Contract Notice

Supplies

Request for Tender in Respect of Server Equipment 422/7346

09/02/2009

Contract Notice

Supplies

Award of Establishment of a Framework Agreement for Skilled ICT Resources (Developers, Analysts, Architects and Project Managers)

30/01/2009

Contract Award Notice

Services

Prior Information Notice for Project Management and other Consultancy Services to assist in Public Information Campaign

27/01/2009

Prior Information Notice

Services

Supply and Installation of Interactive audio visual display units at premises of Irish Aid, Limerick.

20/01/2009

Contract Notice

Supplies

Event Management Company for DFA Africa Day Event, Limerick 2009

20/01/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Event Management Company for Africa Day, Dublin, May 2009

20/01/2009

Contract Notice

Services

Technical Consultants for Maps 11; 2009-2011

23/12/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Technical Support for Environmentally Sustainable Development

21/11/2008

Contract Notice

Services

General Office and Window-Cleaning, Department of Foreign Affairs, Dublin, Balbriggan, Cork and Limerick

14/11/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Evaluation of Irish Aid (Uganda) Country Strategy Paper, 2007-2009

30/10/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Development of a Performance Measurement Framework for the Programme of Strategic Cooperation between Irish Aid and Higher Education

10/09/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Point to Point Dedicated Communications Links for the Department of Foreign Affairs

09/09/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Security Services Department of Foreign Affairs

19/08/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Post Graduate Business Education Fellowships Sub-Programme

11/08/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Review of Irish Aid’s Support for Unexploded Ordnance Programs in Lao PDR and De-Mining in Cambodia

05/08/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Security Analysis and Advisory Service

05/08/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Supply Of Communication Equipment

23/07/2008

Contract Award Notice

Supplies

Tender for Market Research Services

01/07/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Supply of an ICT Project Co-Ordinator for its Internet Site Management Team

13/06/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Establishment of a Framework Agreement for Skilled ICT Resources (Developers, Analysts, Architects and Project Managers)

10/06/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Management of the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme

04/06/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Evaluation of International Partnership for Microbicides

02/06/2008

Contract Award Notice

Services

Award of Contract for the Provision of a Consular Case Management and Crisis Response Management System

30/05/2008

Contract Award Notice

Services

Review of Irish Aid Zimbabwe Programme

16/05/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Marketing, Communications and Project Management Consultancy Services for the Referendum Commission

09/05/2008

Contract Award Notice

Services

The Management and Administration of a Recruitment Competition for Development Specialists

09/05/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Training and Learning Programme for Development Workers

01/05/2008

Contract Notice

Services

RFT for Support, Maintenance, Licensing & Consultancy Services of McAfee Anti-Virus Solution

24/04/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Consultancy Services — Prior Indicative Notice (PIN)

15/04/2008

Prior Information Notice

Services

Sierra Leone Health Sector Planning Consultancy

15/04/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Environment Partnership Programme Review

14/04/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Conflict Resolution Unit Security Sector Reform Consultant

10/04/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Tender in respect of SharePoint Infrastructure Upgrade Project

03/04/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Award of International Courier Services

01/04/2008

Contract Award Notice

Services

Passport Office- Supply of Industrial Gases for Laser Equipment

31/03/2008

Contract Notice

Supplies

Request for Tender for Microsoft SQL Server Management Services

31/03/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Supply Of Communication Equipment

25/03/2008

Contract Notice

Supplies

Civil Society Support Program (CSSP), Ethiopia

21/03/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Private Sector Development Specialist

21/03/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Development Skills Sets Sub Group Support

20/03/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Concession to Operate a Staff Canteen for the Department of Foreign Affairs at Iveagh House

18/03/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Gender Equality Specialist

10/03/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Interpretation and Translation Services for Department of Foreign Affairs

06/03/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Distribution of (unaddressed) Information Booklet on the EU Reform Treaty to all Households in the State.

04/03/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Evaluation of Ireland’s Timor Leste Country Strategy, 2004-2008

25/02/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Award of 422/7135 International Communications Links

18/02/2008

Contract Award Notice

Services

Marketing, Communications and Project Management Consultancy Services for the Referendum Commission

15/02/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Consultant to Support the Roll Out, Implementation &Institutionalisation of Irish Aid’s Revised Country Strategy Paper Procedures & Guidelines

25/01/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Department of Foreign Affairs Pin 2008

23/01/2008

Prior Information Notice

Services

Department of Foreign Affairs pin notice 2008

23/01/2008

Prior Information Notice

Supplies

Consular Management System

15/01/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Consular Management System

15/01/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Department of Foreign Affairs — Provision of Telecommunication Circuits

10/01/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Provision of Structured Cabling for Iveagh House

08/01/2008

Contract Award Notice

Works

Technical Consultant to support the work of the Emergency & Recovery Section, Irish Aid

07/01/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Consultant to support Irish Aid’s Funding of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ( CGIAR )

04/01/2008

Contract Notice

Services

Consultant to support Irish Aid’s Funding of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ( CGIAR )

04/01/2008

Contract Notice

Services

International Courier Services

19/11/2007

Contract Notice

Services

External Review of Irish Aid Support to Kimmage Development Studies Centre 2002-2007

13/11/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Tender for Photocopiers

09/11/2007

Contract Award Notice

Supplies

Award of Irish Aid Management Review

09/11/2007

Contract Award Notice

Services

Tender for Support, Maintenance and Licensing Services in Respect of its ICT Bankup and Recovery Systems

08/11/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Provision of Structured Cabling for Iveagh House

31/10/2007

Contract Notice

Works

Award of Supply & Support of ICT Security Technologies in The Department of Foreign Affairs

26/10/2007

Contract Award Notice

Services

Award of Supply & Support of ICT Security Technologies in The Department of Foreign Affairs

23/10/2007

Contract Award Notice

Services

Develop Irish Aid’s Tanzania Private Sector Strategy

19/10/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Value for Money and Policy Review Study in Irish Aids HIV / AIDS expenditure.

10/10/2007

Contract Notice

Services

422/7135 International Communications Links

04/10/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Evaluation of GeSCI

02/10/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Training for Russian public sector managers on the practical administration of the Irish taxation system

24/09/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Facilitation of Irish Aid funded Internship Programmes

17/08/2007

Contract Notice

Services

RFT for the Provision of Video Conferencing Solution

16/08/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Provision of Telecommunication Circuits

27/07/2007

Contract Award Notice

Services

Evaluation of D-Talk

26/07/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Evaluation of International Partnership for Microbicides

19/07/2007

Contract Notice

Services

On-site ICT Resources

18/07/2007

Contract Notice

Services

CITRIX SUPPORT

06/07/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Provision of Telecommunication Circuits

03/07/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Irish Aid Centre Public Relations and Outreach Consultant

28/06/2007

Contract Notice

Services

APS Support /Maintenance

27/06/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Tender for Photocopiers

22/06/2007

Contract Notice

Supplies

Irish Aid Centre Groups’ Programme Consultant

21/06/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Irish Aid Centre Content Consultant

21/06/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Cultural Events Coordinator

11/06/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Framework Agreement for the Provision of International Removal Services to the Staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs

01/06/2007

Contract Award Notice

Services

Programme-wide Vulnerability Reduction

30/05/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Public Health Specialist

25/05/2007

Contract Notice

Services

lessons for SE Asia from Ireland’s economic and social development

11/05/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Technical Consultants for Civil Society and Micro Projects Funds

11/05/2007

Contract Award Notice

Services

Irish Aid Management Review

27/04/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Concession for the Provision of Insurance Services to Staff

27/04/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Value for Money Review of the Passport Operation

04/04/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Supply of Two Medium-Volume Photocopiers

03/04/2007

Contract Notice

Supplies

Award of Department of Foreign Affairs — Provision of Telecommunication Circuits

02/04/2007

Contract Award Notice

Services

Evaluation of Ethiopia CSP

27/03/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Review of the Irish Aid Fellowship Training Programme

26/03/2007

Contract Notice

Services

North-South Ministerial Council — New Permanent Accommodation

23/03/2007

Contract Notice

Works

Prior Information Notice for Management Consultants

13/03/2007

Prior Information Notice

Services

Call for Expressions of Interest for Mapping of Irish Aid Approval Processes

05/03/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Framework Agreement for the Provision of International Removal Services to the Staff of the Department of Foreign Affairs

01/03/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Consultancy Support to the Irish Aid Hunger Task Force

26/02/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Review of Irish Missionary Resource Service

19/02/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Department of Foreign Affairs — Provision of Telecommunication Circuits

14/02/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Management of Cross-Border Mobility Information Project

13/02/2007

Contract Award Notice

Services

Technical Consultants for Civil Society and Micro Projects Funds

12/02/2007

Contract Notice

Services

CSF Central American Consultants

25/01/2007

Contract Notice

Services

Department of Foreign Affairs — Provision of E1 2Mb Leased Line Dublin — Moscow(Russian Federation)

21/12/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Configuration & Maintenance of Voice over IP (VoIP) Telephone Systems

01/12/2006

Contract Award Notice

Supplies

Award of Provision of 2mb (E1) Leased Line Dublin — Tel Aviv (Israel)

21/11/2006

Contract Award Notice

Services

Supply & Support of ICT Security Technologies in The Department of Foreign Affairs

15/11/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Provision of 2mb (E1) Leased Line Dublin — Tel Aviv (Israel)

13/11/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Provision of E1 2Mb Leased Line Dublin — Tel Aviv

10/11/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Configuration & Maintenance of Voice over IP (VoIP) Telephone Systems

08/11/2006

Contract Notice

Supplies

Management of Cross-Border Mobility Information Project

26/10/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Schools Linking and Immersion Scheme

03/10/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Statistical Reporting Specialist

14/07/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Award of contract for the Incorporation of Biometrics in the Irish Passport

07/07/2006

Contract Award Notice

Services

Anti-Virus Solution (Servers)

03/07/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Assistance with the drafting of requirements and tender documentation for a forthcoming RFT

28/06/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Procurement Advice

16/06/2006

Contract Notice

Services

E-MAIL ANTI VIRUS SOLUTION

16/06/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Contract Award Notice Chauffeur Drive Services DFA

08/06/2006

Contract Award Notice

Services

pin notice software May 06

16/05/2006

Prior Information Notice

Supplies

Cultural Event Coordinator

11/05/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Irish aid internship scheme

02/05/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Tender for Provision of Security Services — Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU, Brussels, Belgium

13/04/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Supply Of Communication Equipment

10/04/2006

Contract Notice

Supplies

Provision of Legal Advice in respect of the Procurement Project for the Incorporation of Biometrics in Irish Passports

07/03/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Schools Linking and Immersion Scheme

27/02/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Support and maintenance services for the Irish passport system

17/02/2006

Services

pin notice 2006 department of Foreign Affairs

07/02/2006

Supplies

pin notice 2006 services for Department of Foreign Affairs

08/02/2006

Services

Award of rft in respect of provision of end-user it training services

31/01/2006

Contract Award Notice

Services

Award of rft in respect of provision of end-user it training services

30/01/2006

Contract Award Notice

Services

Schools Linking and Immersion Scheme

18/01/2006

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Schools competition relating to development issues 2005-2006

18/01/2006

Contract Award Notice

Services

Award of Request for Tender for the Supply of Desktop Videoconferencing Units

21/12/2005

Contract Award Notice

Supplies

Award of Request for Tender 422/6122

21/12/2005

Contract Award Notice

Supplies

Award of Request for Tender — Supply of Satellite Phones

19/12/2005

Contract Award Notice

Supplies

Public Information and Communication Services

09/12/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Request for proposals for the provision of System Replication Solution

08/12/2005

Contract Award Notice

Services

Award of Contract for Server and Storage Area Network (SAN) Equipment

06/12/2005

Contract Award Notice

Supplies

Mainstreaming: Building Strategy and Practice

28/11/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Tender — Supply of Satellite Phones

23/11/2005

Contract Notice

Supplies

Financial System Software

15/11/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Tender for the Supply of Desktop Videoconferencing Units

11/11/2005

Contract Notice

Supplies

REQUEST FOR TENDER 422/6122

11/11/2005

Contract Notice

Supplies

Request for Tender for the Incorporation of Biometrics in the Irish Passport

09/11/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Chauffeur-Drive and Related Transportation Services for the Department of Foreign Affairs

08/11/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Evaluation of the Mozambique Country Programmes 2001-06

01/11/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Award of Development Cooperation Ireland — Calls for an Expression of Interest for Internship Scheme

20/10/2005

Contract Award Notice

Services

Visa Application Management and Tracking System for the Dept of Foreign Affairs S 178-152909

12/10/2005

Contract Award Notice

Services

Joint Review of the DCI HIV/AIDS Partnership Scheme

10/10/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Schools competition relating to development issues 2005-2006

06/10/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Graphic Design & Print Management of Publications and Materials

26/09/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Financial Modelling and Pay System Software

21/09/2005

Contract Notice

Supplies

rft in respect of provision of end-user it training services

10/08/2005

Contract Notice

Services

DFA Photographic agency tender

28/07/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Tender in respect of Server and Storage Area Network (SAN) Equipment

21/07/2005

Contract Notice

Supplies

Request for proposals for the provision of System Replication Solution

19/07/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Tender in respect of Free Space Optical (FSO) High Speed Metropolitan Links

13/07/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Tender for International Communications Links

06/07/2005

Contract Award Notice

Services

Request for Tender for the Redevelopment of the Department of Foreign Affairs Website WWW.DFA.IE

01/07/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Managing Agent to Oversee Implementation of a Tourism-led Local Economic Development Programme Limpopo Province, South Africa

22/06/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Development Cooperation Ireland — Calls for an Expression of Interest for Internship Scheme

14/04/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Request for Tenders for International Communications Links

01/02/2005

Contract Notice

Services

Pin Notice,Services 2005 Department of Foreign Affairs

26/01/2005

Services

PIN, Supplies 2005, Department of Foreign Affairs

26/01/2005

Supplies

Provision of on-site Help Desk Services

25/11/2004

Contract Award Notice

Services

Request for Tender in Respect of International Communications Links — Tender document published on www.etenders.gov.ie

21/09/2004

Contract Notice

Services

Development Cooperation Ireland: Evaluation of Multi-Annual Programme Scheme (MAPS)

16/09/2004

Contract Notice

Services

Training and Development Programme for Development Practitioners

22/06/2004

Contract Notice

Services

Value for Money Study and Transaction Audit

11/06/2004

Contract Notice

Services

Schools competition relating to development issues

09/06/2004

Contract Notice

Services

Tender for On-Site ICT Help Desk Services for the Development of Foreign Affairs

07/06/2004

Contract Notice

Services

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) — Expression of Interest

18/02/2004

Contract Notice

Supplies

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

589 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29849/09]

My Department has not contracted with the company mentioned by the Deputy. Contracts for construction and refurbishment works to be carried out on my Department's premises in Ireland are procured, managed and administered by the Office of Public Works. Accordingly, the Deputy may wish to raise the matter with that Office.

Question No. 590 answered with Question No. 580.

Human Rights Issues.

Charlie O'Connor

Question:

591 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contacts he has had with the Israeli authorities following the recent detention of activists by Israeli forces travelling to Gaza bringing aid; if he will confirm that he has lodged a protest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29889/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 397 on 7 July, in which I set out the actions taken in relation to this case. Subsequent to that reply, as expected, the two Irish citizens detained arrived in Dublin on 7 July, following their deportation from Israel. Officials from my Department met with Mr. Graham on 8 July to hear at first hand of his experiences. It is understood that the passengers and crew of other nationalities also detained on the boat have likewise been deported.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Frank Feighan

Question:

592 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position in relation to Ballaghaderreen swimming pool project in County Roscommon. [29564/09]

Under the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme, which is administered by my Department, grant aid to a maximum of €3.8 million is provided to Local Authorities towards the capital costs of new swimming pools or the refurbishment of existing pools, subject in both cases to the total grant not exceeding 80% of the eligible cost of the project or, in the case of projects located in disadvantaged areas, 90% of the eligible cost. Proposals must comply with the standards set out in the Department's "Procedures for the Planning, Approval and Financing of Swimming Pools and Technical Guidelines."

Under the Guidelines there are four principal stages in a swimming pool project following the submission of a feasibility study. These, in order of progress, are: Preliminary Report; Contract Documents; Tender and Construction. Grant-aid is allocated only when tenders have been approved for the project and is capped at the time of allocation. The Department and its technical advisors, the Office of Public Works, evaluate each stage and Local Authorities cannot proceed to the next stage of a project unless prior approval issues from the Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism.

I understand that a revised Feasibility Report was approved for Ballaghaderreen pool in October 2007, leaving Roscommon County Council to proceed to the next stage, which is the preparation of the Preliminary Report. I am informed that Roscommon County Council is evaluating tenders for the production of this report at the moment.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

593 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Department’s presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28844/09]

The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism has no staff located in Co. Louth.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

594 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to him; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28890/09]

At the commencement of its work, the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes requested all Departments to prepare evaluation papers outlining potential areas for savings in staff numbers and expenditure. Such papers were prepared in respect of the Arts, Sport and Tourism Group of Votes. The Special Group met with the Secretary General of my Department in the course of its deliberations.

My Department has not yet received a copy of the Report of the Special Group. I understand that the Minister for Finance will be bringing the Report to Government in the near future and that decisions on the release of the Report and associated documents will be made by Government in that context.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

595 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29304/09]

The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism (including the National Archives of Ireland, which forms part of the Department) has not received any applications to date for the incentivised early retirement scheme or the incentivised career break scheme the closing date for which has now passed. No staff member in the Department has been made redundant in the past 12 months.

In the case of the agencies under the aegis of the Department 1 application has been received in respect of the incentivised early retirement scheme, 7 applications in respect of the incentivised career break scheme and 1 staff member has been made redundant in the past 12 months.

Sports Capital Programme.

Michael McGrath

Question:

596 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the payment of a grant to a club (details supplied) in County Cork under the sports capital grant programme. [29466/09]

The grantee in question was allocated a number of grants under the Sports Capital Programme between 1996 and 2004. The grant allocations were subject to the terms and conditions of the Programme, which include the execution of a Deed of Covenant and Charge. A Deed 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 CSSO wrote to the club’s solicitors in relation to this matter on February 2nd 2009. The latest update from the CSSO, at close of business yesterday, is that no response has been received to that letter.

It is also the case that the Department issued a request for outstanding documentation to the contact person for the club on February 2nd 2009. No response has been received to that letter either.

As the Deed of Covenant and Charge is required in order to protect the taxpayers' investment in the project, the Department must await clarification from the CSSO that all legal formalities have been completed before it may consider providing formal approval for the project. The Department also awaits sight of the documentation requested in its letter of February 2nd 2009, which is likewise required before formal approval for the project can be confirmed.

Proposed Legislation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

597 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding proposal 25 listed in annex D of budget 2009; the date the proposal will be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29577/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Question No 23607/09, on 16th of June 2009. The legislative changes required to give effect to the decision to combine the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the Crawford Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Ireland, while retaining their separate brand identities requires critical analysis of, and amendment to existing legislation and the creation of new legislative provisions. I can assure the Deputy that progress commensurate with the complexity of this issue is being made.

Swimming Pool Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

598 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the position regarding the re-opening of the local authority swimming pool programme. [29780/09]

Because of the current budgetary constraints, it is not intended to launch a new round of the Local Authority Swimming Pool Programme at this time.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

599 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29961/09]

Given the very wide-ranging nature of the question posed by the Deputy and the short time frame for reply, the collation of the requisite information would involve a disproportionate burden of work on the Department.

If the Deputy would wish to substantially narrow the focus of the question, I would be pleased to supply any relevant information upon receipt of such a revised query.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

600 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29841/09]

The company in question has not been contracted by the Department to build facilities on behalf of the State.

Rural Transport.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

601 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will reverse his decision not to renew the night time rural transport scheme. [28338/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

602 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the alternatives which will be made available to elderly and more vulnerable people who will be affected by the decision not to renew the night time rural transport scheme. [28340/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 601 and 602 together.

The Rural Transport Night Scheme was implemented as a pilot project in seven selected areas in 2007. The Deputy will appreciate that the mainstream provision of transport services, including rural transport, is a matter for my colleague, Noel Dempsey T.D., Minister for Transport. Accordingly, it was always my intention that my Department's more limited resources could be used to support a pilot initiative, which gave us the opportunity to look at the impact on the ground of an evening and night service.

In the context of the completion of the pilot scheme, I have met with representatives of the 7 pilot groups and with Pobal, who manage both the pilot scheme and the main Rural Transport Programme for the Department of Transport. Following these discussions, 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 groups, with support from Pobal, will prioritise routes that can be resourced from existing resources, thus sustaining some level of evening services for 2010.

Higher Education Grants.

Martin Ferris

Question:

603 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people who are awaiting payment of grant aid from Údarás na Gaeltachta for completion of third level courses undertaken; the timeframes involved; when these payments will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28804/09]

I understand from Údarás na Gaeltachta that a number of applications for payment of grant-aid in respect of third-level courses recently completed have been received over the past few weeks. These are at various stages of processing for payment. As of 7 July 2009, I am informed that some sixty four applications are being processed. However, the number of applications on hand may change from day to day as new applications are received or others are processed.

Subject to funds being available and the claims being in order, it is expected that these payments will be made within 2 to 3 months.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

604 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Department’s presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28846/09]

There are no staff in my Department employed in Co. Louth.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

605 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to him; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28892/09]

The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes requested all Departments to prepare evaluation papers outlining potential areas for savings in staff numbers and expenditure. My Department made a submission in this regard. The Special Group met the Secretary General and senior officials of my Department in the course of its deliberations. Decisions on the release of the Report and associated documents will be made by Government.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

606 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29306/09]

Please see the Table in APPENDIX I outlining the details requested by the Deputy.

APPENDIX I

Number of staff who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme

Number of staff who have applied for the incentivised career break scheme

Number of staff who have been made redundant in the past 12 months

Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs

1

6

2

Western Development Commission

1

0

0

Commissioners for Charitable Donations & Bequests

0

1

0

The Dormant Accounts Board

0

0

0

Údarás na Gaeltachta

0

0

0*

Waterways Ireland

Not relevant

Not relevant

0

National Advisory Committee on Drugs

0

0

1

An Choimisinéir Teanga

1

0

0

An Foras Teanga, comprising:

Foras na Gaeilge

Not relevant

Not relevant

0

Ulster Scots Agency

Not relevant

Not relevant

0

*There have been 8 redundancies in two fully owned subsidiary companies: 5 in Taighde Mara Teo. and the remainder in G-Com Teo.

Security of the Elderly.

Tom Hayes

Question:

607 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to reintroduce the community alert scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29382/09]

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the recent suspension of the Scheme of Community Support for Older People and I would like to direct him to my reply to question number 452 on 9th June 2009.

Údarás na Gaeltachta.

Michael Ring

Question:

608 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the discussions he has had with his Cabinet colleagues with regard to the funding restrictions on Udarás na Gaeltachta which is preventing the creation of 200 jobs; the action he will take to facilitate the creation of these jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29524/09]

The Deputy will appreciate that the funding arrangements for Údarás na Gaeltachta are primarily a matter for my own Department, in consultation with the Department of Finance.

My Department maintains regular contact with an tÚdarás in a policy context and, in this regard, I and my officials met with its senior executives twice recently in relation to the management of the funding that is available to the organisation. In 2009, the capital funding being provided by the Exchequer amounts to €19.65m.

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. At the same time, it is important to note that it is incumbent on an tÚdarás, in common with other public bodies, to ensure that it operates within the guidelines laid down in regard to dealing with existing commitments and the creation of additional commitments through the approval of new projects.

Inland Waterways.

Catherine Byrne

Question:

609 Deputy Catherine Byrne asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when a stretch of canal walkway (details supplied) in Dublin 8 will be upgraded; if he will guarantee funding for this project; if he will commit to the upkeep of the Grand Canal walkways in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29531/09]

I am informed by Waterways Ireland that the stretch of Grand Canal walkway referred to by the Deputy was upgraded as part of a Joint Road Enhancement Project between Waterways Ireland and Dublin City Council. The project involved the laying of asphalt surfacing and installing associated bollards and gates.

I am advised that additional works proposed for this area were to have been carried out in conjunction with a proposed Dublin City Council redevelopment project, but I understand that this project is currently on hold.

Waterways Ireland will continue to maintain the Grand Canal walkways in Dublin within the resources available.

National Drugs Strategy.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

610 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding provided to each of the local drugs task forces in 2009; and the way in which this compares with the funding in 2008. [29804/09]

An amount of €22.3m has been earmarked for allocation to the 14 Local Drugs Task Forces in 2009. Of this amount, €22.04m has been allocated to date and the details in relation to this and the allocations for 2008 are set out in the table.

Drugs Task Force

Allocation 2008

Allocation 2009

€m

€m

Ballyfermot

1.83

1.62

Ballymun

1.43

1.32

Blanchardstown

1.39

1.25

Bray

1.80

1.77

Canal Communities

1.82

1.74

Clondalkin

1.65

1.58

Cork

1.84

1.76

Cross Task Force

0.12

0.10

Dublin 12

1.41

1.25

Dublin North East

1.48

1.37

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

1.06

1.03

Finglas Cabra

1.06

0.89

North Inner City

2.97

2.65

South Inner City

2.63

2.43

Tallaght

1.41

1.28

Total

23.90

22.04

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

611 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29829/09]

Compiling the data to enable me to answer the Deputy's question would not be justified as it would entail an inordinate amount of time and cost. However, if the Deputy has specific queries in relation to a particular tendering competition I will be happy to assist him.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

612 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29843/09]

I wish to confirm that my Department has not contracted the company mentioned by the Deputy to build facilities on behalf of the State.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

613 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for rent subsidy in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [28877/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

The Health Service Executive has advised that it received an application for rent supplement from the person concerned in respect of his current address on 27th May 2009. Documentation clarifying the income of the person concerned was received on 17 th June 2009. The Executive has advised that a decision on entitlement to rent supplement in this case will be made shortly.

Joan Burton

Question:

614 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide a breakdown of the recipients of rent allowance nationally and in Dublin 15 by nationality and status, such as lone parents, married couples, married couples with no children, single people with no children and others for 2005 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29323/09]

A table shows the number of recipients of rent supplement nationally and in the Dublin 15 area, by nationality. A breakdown of the number of recipients on rent supplement by household composition is not available.

Recipients of Rent Supplement in Dublin 15 by Nationality

Nationality

End 2005

End 2006

End 2007

End 2008

26/06/2009

Afghanistan

14

12

14

16

16

Albania

24

25

27

26

29

Algeria

18

17

14

17

20

Angola

29

30

25

29

31

Armenia

2

2

3

2

4

Austria

1

1

Azerbaijan

1

2

1

1

1

Bangladesh

1

1

1

Belarus

4

3

4

4

5

Belgium

1

1

3

1

2

Benin

1

1

1

1

Bosnia

68

62

58

56

55

Brazil

1

1

2

1

1

Bulgaria

3

2

1

1

1

Burma

2

2

1

1

1

Burundi

2

2

1

1

1

Cameroon

20

20

19

19

24

Chechnya

7

9

10

11

12

China

5

5

9

10

11

Colombia

1

Comors

1

1

2

2

Congo

70

80

79

76

80

Croatia

2

2

2

2

2

Cyprus

1

1

1

Czech Republic

3

3

4

4

7

Denmark

1

Dominican Republic

1

1

Egypt

2

2

1

2

2

El Salvador

1

Eritrea

1

1

Estonia

11

11

11

11

23

Ethiopia

5

5

5

3

3

Finland

3

France

4

6

8

7

11

Gambia

1

Georgia

6

6

4

5

6

Germany

1

3

4

4

8

Ghana

15

23

19

20

19

Greece

2

4

3

Guinea

3

5

4

5

6

Guinea-Bissau

1

1

Hungary

1

2

2

10

India

1

1

2

3

Indonesia

1

1

Iran

9

11

13

16

21

Iraq

9

10

19

24

36

Ireland

896

900

912

1,069

1,269

Israel

1

3

3

5

5

Italy

8

5

4

3

7

Ivory Coast

12

16

15

12

11

Jamaica

1

5

4

1

1

Kazakhstan

9

14

11

13

14

Kenya

7

8

3

4

4

Kosovo

19

16

20

21

22

Kuwait

1

1

1

1

3

Kyrgyzstan

2

2

2

3

3

Latvia

11

20

27

43

65

Lebanon

3

3

2

3

Liberia

1

1

1

4

Libya

8

9

8

9

9

Lithuania

28

46

61

98

190

Luxembourg

1

Macao

1

1

1

1

1

Macedonia

1

2

2

2

2

Malawi

1

2

2

2

2

Malaysia

1

1

1

1

Maldives

9

7

8

1

1

Malta

1

Moldova

58

49

38

50

52

Mongolia

1

1

1

1

2

Morocco

1

1

1

Netherlands

3

2

2

4

8

Niger

5

3

2

1

1

Nigeria

871

771

612

596

605

Norway

1

1

1

1

1

Pakistan

17

19

17

16

16

Palestine

3

3

3

5

4

Philippines

1

1

1

1

1

Poland

31

38

58

113

289

Portugal

3

2

5

3

8

Romania

192

175

154

208

281

Russia

38

31

23

22

24

Rwanda

7

8

7

2

5

Saudi Arabia

1

1

1

1

Serbia

1

1

1

Sierra Leone

15

13

10

9

8

Slovakia

3

2

1

6

18

Somalia

32

35

33

40

46

South Africa

18

17

17

17

19

Spain

5

5

5

6

9

Sri Lanka

1

Sudan

6

12

12

15

22

Swaziland

1

1

Sweden

2

1

2

2

3

Syria

1

3

4

Tajikistan

1

Tanzania

1

1

1

1

Thailand

1

1

Togo

4

6

6

5

5

Tunisia

1

1

1

Turkey

1

1

1

Uganda

2

1

2

4

4

Ukraine

53

45

40

34

40

United Kingdom

52

45

42

48

67

Usa

2

1

1

3

4

Uzbekistan

4

3

3

3

2

Venezuela

1

Vietnam

4

2

2

6

7

Yugoslavia

7

8

7

7

7

Zaire

15

12

12

11

14

Zambia

3

2

1

2

1

Zimbabwe

12

11

7

9

8

Unknown

1

1

1

1

1

Total

2,843

2,762

2,594

2,940

3,676

Recipients of Rent Supplement Nationally by Nationality (includes Dublin 15)

Nationality

End 2005

End 2006

End 2007

End 2008

26/06/2009

Afghanistan

53

64

77

97

105

Albania

122

129

110

130

137

Algeria

368

341

320

322

343

Angola

211

205

178

196

204

Argentina

2

3

5

6

6

Armenia

23

25

28

23

26

Australia

12

10

17

22

37

Austria

18

19

19

31

30

Azerbaijan

12

11

9

9

12

Bahamas

1

1

1

1

1

Bahrain

1

1

Bangladesh

16

24

21

33

55

Barbados

2

Belarus

47

43

38

46

62

Belgium

36

36

37

42

47

Benin

10

11

7

8

8

Bhutan

2

2

2

2

Bosnia

133

121

107

98

94

Botswana

1

Brazil

24

22

35

72

90

British Indian Ocean Territory

1

1

Bulgaria

74

57

56

71

94

Burkina Faso Upper Volta

4

4

4

3

3

Burma

15

16

19

21

36

Burundi

16

15

17

17

17

Cameroon

220

213

195

188

204

Canada

26

25

36

39

41

Central African Rep

1

2

Chad

2

4

2

6

4

Channel Islands

1

1

Chechnya

23

27

26

27

26

Chile

1

1

1

2

3

China

50

57

58

72

82

Colombia

2

1

2

4

8

Comors

3

5

6

5

5

Congo

462

478

470

526

578

Croatia

128

110

91

91

90

Cuba

16

17

15

14

21

Cyprus

1

1

2

4

5

Czech Republic

135

198

265

392

474

Denmark

7

12

9

11

14

Dominican Republic

1

1

Ecuador

2

2

2

2

1

Egypt

43

39

43

51

71

El Salvador

4

4

6

12

14

Eritrea

12

15

56

58

Estonia

74

94

111

173

245

Ethiopia

27

38

41

49

54

Fiji

1

Finland

11

10

15

11

20

France

140

160

161

183

252

Gabon

1

1

2

Gambia

7

9

16

12

10

Georgia

122

139

127

139

143

Germany

206

208

231

273

355

Ghana

266

244

199

198

198

Greece

13

10

17

21

25

Grenada

1

1

1

2

4

Guatemala

5

4

1

1

1

Guinea

28

30

36

42

46

Guinea-Bissau

1

1

1

2

2

Guyana

1

1

1

Honduras

1

1

1

1

Hong Kong

2

3

3

2

3

Hungary

15

21

39

119

254

Iceland

1

1

1

1

2

India

10

10

15

24

41

Indonesia

2

2

1

3

3

Iran

105

142

158

194

203

Iraq

168

193

251

325

371

Ireland

42,691

42,363

41,761

49,698

57,403

Israel

15

16

16

16

17

Italy

110

101

102

140

186

Ivory Coast

59

57

61

63

66

Jamaica

16

22

18

15

13

Japan

2

3

5

5

7

Jordan

8

10

6

10

11

Kazakhstan

53

52

41

44

42

Kenya

101

100

82

74

76

Kosovo

122

126

116

119

130

Kuwait

9

23

31

36

39

Kyrgyzstan

10

10

8

9

9

Latvia

157

247

390

791

1,318

Lebanon

20

17

16

17

23

Lesotho

1

1

2

4

4

Liberia

15

15

13

17

24

Libya

135

121

118

124

126

Lithuania

262

407

600

1,218

2,108

Luxembourg

3

7

5

5

6

Macao

7

6

5

5

7

Macedonia

4

4

4

4

4

Malawi

5

7

5

7

10

Malaysia

7

12

11

19

27

Maldives

40

29

26

15

15

Malta

10

15

14

19

25

Mauritania

3

4

3

5

4

Mauritius

2

5

4

5

9

Mayotte

1

Mexico

3

3

1

2

4

Moldova

303

253

208

240

261

Mongolia

5

3

3

11

17

Morocco

27

28

28

31

40

Mozambique

1

2

2

3

5

Myanmar

1

Nepal

2

2

1

2

3

Netherlands

81

88

108

135

149

Netherlands Antilles

1

1

1

1

1

New Zealand

5

7

7

9

12

Niger

20

16

11

14

14

Nigeria

4,766

4,028

3,222

2,982

2,886

Norway

6

4

2

1

3

Pakistan

125

138

144

171

200

Palestine

37

46

33

40

42

Panama

1

Peru

1

2

4

1

4

Philippines

24

30

35

44

59

Poland

234

443

1,009

3,805

7,638

Portugal

61

87

91

140

189

Republic Of Korea

1

1

1

1

2

Romania

1,278

1,150

1,088

1,279

1,512

Russia

364

302

278

273

293

Rwanda

51

49

47

46

51

Saudi Arabia

1

2

2

2

Senegal

1

2

2

2

3

Serbia

11

8

10

10

14

Seychelles & Dep

1

1

1

1

1

Sierra Leone

99

95

85

76

84

Singapore

1

Slovakia

27

117

245

475

783

Slovenia

1

3

2

3

3

Somalia

353

397

417

487

534

South Africa

192

198

200

234

291

Spain

158

138

136

163

220

Sri Lanka

10

8

6

9

13

St Lucia

1

1

1

1

1

Sudan

131

224

254

316

330

Surinam

1

2

2

2

2

Swaziland

2

1

4

2

3

Sweden

25

24

25

34

44

Switzerland

2

4

6

7

9

Syria

18

18

20

24

31

Taiwan

2

1

1

Tajikistan

5

4

4

5

5

Tanzania

8

10

10

7

9

Thailand

7

10

7

15

19

Togo

57

65

66

78

83

Tonga

1

Trinidad & Tobago

2

3

2

1

1

Tunisia

10

7

11

13

20

Turkey

23

18

21

29

51

Uganda

33

36

37

42

39

Ukraine

321

281

256

268

301

United Arab Emirates

1

United Kingdom

3,414

3,576

3,874

4,998

5,838

United States Minor Outlying I

1

Usa

112

125

123

163

182

Uzbekistan

33

30

28

29

29

Venezuela

3

1

1

1

5

Vietnam

33

29

31

34

33

Yemen

3

2

38

1

1

Yugoslavia

37

38

26

29

24

Zaire

66

55

51

48

49

Zambia

40

36

36

45

47

Zimbabwe

121

126

127

135

159

Unknown

4

6

6

4

5

Total

60,176

59,861

59,726

74,038

89,710

Question No. 615 withdrawn.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

616 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way the applications of jobseeker’s who sign off for a few weeks and then sign back on are fast-tracked by her Department. [28813/09]

The Department has been examining all aspects of the work associated with the processing of claims and streamlining wherever possible, including fast tracking certain categories of claims.

Where an applicant to a jobseeker's payment supplies all the necessary information and documentation, their claim is given priority and it is decided ahead of those who have not produced all of the required information. People who have already established entitlement, return to work for a few weeks and re-sign generally fall into this category and are given priority under the fast-tracking arrangements. Inevitably, there will be some claims that will require further examination and delays will arise in such cases. However, these should be the minority of cases. Where there is a delay in processing a jobseeker's claim, the person may apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance from the local Community Welfare Officer.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

617 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff employed by her Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by her Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; her proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Departments presence in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28855/09]

The Department currently has staff employed in 4 offices in Co. Louth. These include two offices in Drogheda (Government offices Custom House Quay and Singleton House, Laurence Street); one office in Dundalk (Government Offices, St Alphonsus Road) and one office in William Street, Ardee. The Department has requested details of the leasing arrangements for these offices from the Office of Public Works and these will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as they become available.

The Department is reviewing its accommodation requirements in Co. Louth in consultation with the Office of Public Works in the light of the increasing numbers on the Live Register in the county.

The Government outlined in Budget 2009 that the decentralisation programme to Drogheda would proceed as planned. The OPW has purchased sites in Drogheda to accommodate the Department's Headquarters and the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

It is intended that the accommodation will be procured by Public Private Partnership (PPP), the procurement process to be conducted by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA). In that regard, the accommodation requirements are being assessed and the matter of bringing the project to the point of procurement is being progressed by the Office of Public Works in consultation with the Department.

Details regarding the number of staff employed by the Department and their location in County Louth are set out in the table.

No. of Posts

No of People

Full-time Staff

Work sharing Staff

Temporary Staff

Drogheda

Social Welfare Local Office

34.66

39

27

12

4

Investigative/Regional Staff

10

10

10

0

0

Drogheda Total

44.66

49

37

12

4

Dundalk

Social Welfare Local Office

42.6

47

35

12

5

Investigative/Regional Staff

15.5

16

15

1

1

Accounts Branch

81.85

88

71

17

4

Dundalk Total

139.95

151

121

30

10

Ardee

1

1

1

0

0

*Please note that the temporary staff figures include temporary clerical officers covering permanent staff absences such as term time and maternity leave.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

618 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her Department made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in her Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to her Department; the contents of the proposals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28901/09]

The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes was established by the Minister for Finance to examine current expenditure programmes in each Department and to make recommendations for reducing public service numbers so as to ensure a return to sustainable public finances.

At the Group's request, my Department submitted an evaluation report on the various schemes and services operated by the Department as well as expenditure trends, in order to facilitate the Group's examination of my Department's expenditure. In addition, the Secretary General and other officials met with the Group.

The Minister for Finance has recently received the Report of the Special Group, and he has indicated that he will be bringing the Report to Government in the near future.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

619 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff in her Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of her Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29315/09]

To date, 78 applications have been received for the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement from staff in the Department. There are no applications to date for the Scheme from staff in the Agencies under the aegis of the Department. The Scheme remains open for applications until 1 st September 2009.

The Department received 62 applications for the Incentivised Career Break Scheme which closed for applications on 1 st July 2009. In addition, 1 application for the Scheme was received from a staff member in the Family Support Agency, which comes under the aegis of the Department. The closing date for applications was 1 st July 2009.

There have been no redundancies in the Department in the past 12 months.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Joan Burton

Question:

620 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if those people who have applied for the jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker’s benefit but whose application has not yet been processed or who have not yet received their first welfare payment are included in the live register figures published monthly by the Central Statistics Office; the number people who have applied for the jobseeker’s allowance or jobseeker’s benefit but whose application has not yet been processed or who have not yet received their first welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29317/09]

Claims for jobseeker's benefit and jobseeker's allowance, which have not yet been processed, are included in the live register figures published monthly by the Central Statistics Office. At week ending 27 June 2009, there were total 78,585 claims awaiting a decision of which 29,180 were jobseeker's benefit claims and 49,405 jobseeker's allowance claims.

Staff in the Department are working extremely hard to process claims as expeditiously as is possible, having regard to the conditions of the schemes. The average processing time for claims decided in June was 3.34 weeks for jobseeker's benefit and 5.92 weeks for jobseeker's allowance. This is the average nationally and there are fluctuations between offices.

The Department has been examining all aspects of the work associated with the processing of claims and streamlining wherever possible. Process improvement initiatives that have been introduced include: a more streamlined procedure for claimants moving to jobseeker's allowance when their jobseeker's benefit expires; a streamlined process for people who had a claim in the previous 2 years; application forms for the jobseeker schemes are now available on the Department's website. This means that anyone who wants to make a claim can print the form at home and bring it to the local office completed. This helps reduce queuing times; more straight-forward procedures for providing evidence of identity and address have been introduced; we have introduced an appointment system for taking claims in 17 offices and plan to extend this, over the coming months to other offices where it would be of benefit and; the process for casual employees has been streamlined and the employee can now self certify on a weekly basis without recourse to the employer. In addition, five central decision units in Dublin, Sligo, Finglas, Carrick-on-Shannon and most recently Roscommon have been established. A further central support unit is being established in Tallaght.

Where a person is awaiting a decision on their jobseeker's claim they may apply for Supplementary Welfare Allowance from the local Community Welfare Officer.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

621 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will provide a monthly schedule, in respect of 2009, of the planned expenditure under each sub-heading as set out in the revised Estimates for Public Services Vote 38, and the actual expenditure for each heading for February 2009, March 2009, April 2009, May 2009 and June 2009; and if she will provide the expected monthly income to the social insurance fund for each month in 2008 and the actual income received for February, March, April, May and June 2009. [29326/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

647 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated full year spend on all payments administered by her Department in 2009 in tabular form; the estimated number of people eligible for these payments in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29896/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

648 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the spend, as at 30 June 2009, on all payments administered by her Department in tabular form; the number of people eligible for payments as at 30 June 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29897/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

649 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the spend on all payments administered by her Department for each year since 2004 to date in 2009 in tabular form; the number of people eligible for each payment for each year since 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29898/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

673 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of the 2009 budgetary allocation under each individual subhead which has been spent to 1 July 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29927/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 621, 647 to 649, inclusive, and 673 together.

Details of expenditure under on all subheads in respect of Vote 38 Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Social Insurance Fund from 2004 to 2008 are set out in Tables 1 and 2 respectively. Expenditure figures for 2008 are provisional pending completion of audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General.

The monthly schedule of projected expenditure under each subhead for the Department of Social and Family Affairs Vote 38 and Social Insurance Fund is set out in Tables 3 and 4 respectively.

Tables 5 and 6 show actual expenditure up to end of April for Vote 38 and the Social Insurance Fund. Tables 4 and 6 also show projected and actual income for the Social Insurance Fund. Income and expenditure returns for May and June 2009 have not yet been finalised. Table 7 shows the number of recipients at the end of each year by scheme for the years 2004 to 2008.

The estimated full year spend on all schemes administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs which were published on 23 April last were based on an estimate of the average likely numbers of recipients on each scheme during the year. The average number of recipients underpinning the estimates and the average number at end of June 2009 are shown in Table 8.

Table 1 — Details of expenditure in respect of Vote 38 Department of Social and Family Affairs from 2004-2008

Service

Outturn

€000

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Administration

Salaries, Wages And Allowances

165,453

177,004

186,992

200,969

214,754

Travel And Subsistence

3,702

3,775

3,811

4,271

4,320

Incidental Expenses

6,115

5,049

6,646

7,871

8,143

Postal And Telecommunications Services

13,917

14,722

15,865

16,758

18,286

Office Machinery And Other Office Supplies

11,252

13,485

19,238

25,676

31,484

Office Premises Expenses

5,573

6,032

8,448

9,239

12,122

Consultancy Services

2,822

3,893

8,728

1,035

1,920

Payments For Agency Services

56,101

55,680

55,969

65,633

63,625

Information Society — Electronic Government — Reach

11,601

14,393

14,768

14,866

4,518

Information Society — Electronic Government — Modernisation Of The Civil Registration Service

480

56

2

294

266

E-Government Related Projects

1,085

521

2,671

Social Assistance

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

599,988

631,299

727,782

920,167

972,765

Blind Pension

15,868

16,661

16,964

15,031

16,319

Child Benefit

1,765,117

1,899,936

2,056,295

2,232,974

2,453,957

Jobseeker’s Allowance

613,817

667,483

768,560

875,092

1,158,851

Farm Assist Scheme

66,343

67,284

71,085

78,686

84,881

Employment Support Services

115,956

106,613

115,552

145,024

160,531

Pre-Retirement Allowance

94,726

102,879

113,063

124,490

117,666

One-Parent Family Payment

694,835

751,102

834,262

962,425

1,067,158

Table 1 — Details of expenditure in respect of Vote 38 Department of Social and Family Affairs from 2004-2008 —continued

Service

Outturn

€000

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Widows’, Widowers’ And Orphans’ (Non-Contributory) Pensions

128,522

131,040

108,520

24,287

28,328

Social Assistance And Other Allowances

10,981

11,482

10,560

6,912

6,631

Family Income Supplement .

55,812

72,152

107,137

140,020

170,309

Carer’s Allowance

210,277

223,059

284,584

361,257

450,260

Supplementary Welfare Allowances

646,550

671,308

686,364

739,820

866,941

Disability Allowance

544,489

630,728

738,431

901,131

1,052,660

Free Schemes (Assistance)

192,559

201,337

237,838

285,750

324,110

Money Advice & Budgeting Service

11,397

13,593

13,575

14,578

16,217

Family Support Agency

19,610

22,869

26,506

35,339

35,981

Grant To The Combat Poverty Agency (Grant-In-Aid)

3,909

4,236

3,689

4,008

4,114

Eu Community Action Programme To Combat Social Exclusion 2002-2006

22

64

30

Eu Community Action Programme For Employment And Social Solidarity (Progress) 2007-2013

42

Grant To Comhairle

17,826

20,917

24,362

27,860

29,468

Miscellaneous Services

12,253

15,975

21,728

36,500

40,631

Dormant Accounts — Economic And Social Disadvantage

Losses

78

Gross Total

6,097,951

6,590,447

7,338,897

8,350,997

9,518,091

Deduct:—

Appropriations-In-Aid

138,751

149,324

161,717

169,723

190,051

Net Total

5,959,200

6,441,123

7,177,180

8,181,274

9,328,040

Table 2 — Details of expenditure in respect of Social Insurance Fund from 20040-2008

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Receipts

PRSI Contributions

Social Insurance

5,614,572

6,109,880

6,921,222

7,722,010

7,984,182

Health Contribution

817,936

984,606

1,021,550

1,107,461

1,156,567

Employment and Training Levy

5,321

National Training Fund Levy

272,057

6,709,886

328,784

7,423,270

366,252

8,309,024

405,427

9,234,898

413,303

9,554,052

Receipts from Investments

34,594

49,012

53,084

112,049

160,209

Other Receipts

454

126

105

88

19

6,744,934

7,472,408

8,362,213

9,347,035

9,714,280

Payments

Social Insurance

State Pension (Contributory)

1,050,348

1,152,849

1,580,896

2,754,749

3,117,855

State Pension (Transition)

983,706

1,060,052

857,627

79,070

92,089

Widow’s & Widower’s (Contributory) Pension

906,449

998,524

1,094,884

1,204,979

1,299,039

Deserted Wife’s Benefit

89,749

90,620

94,621

100,710

104,618

Maternity Benefit

121,571

132,412

180,801

257,896

315,878

Health and Safety Benefit

143

293

353

503

576

Table 2 — Details of expenditure in respect of Social Insurance Fund from 20040-2008— continued

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Adoptive Benefit

609

709

818

1,333

1,644

Guardian’s Payment (Contributory)

9,659

7,516

8,815

9,560

14,373

Illness Benefit

479,611

540,245

627,642

755,077

852,305

Invalidity Pension

487,375

548,285

602,414

618,133

685,717

Carer’s Benefit

7,698

9,588

16,688

26,900

33,666

Occupational Injuries Benefit

82,657

88,078

95,988

104,349

112,011

Bereavement Grant

13,190

13,572

12,686

16,673

17,851

Widowed Parent Grant

3,068

3,304

2,942

3,862

5,543

Jobseeker’s Benefit

455,586

418,085

455,073

544,931

928,844

Treatment Benefit

70,454

65,497

95,020

91,602

97,124

Free Schemes

171,713

182,052

206,590

249,774

260,562

Equal Treatment

1

Redundancy & Insolvency

147,643

150,348

170,012

188,178

189,052

5,081,230

5,462,029

6,103,870

7,008,279

8,128,747

Administration Expenses

191,313

5,272,543

202,580

5,664,609

221,684

6,325,554

242,711

7,250,990

257,850

8,386,597

Health Contribution

822,000

979,000

1,021,000

1,113,000

1,159,000

National Training Fund Levy

273,000

327,000

366,000

408,000

413,000

6,367,543

6,970,609

7,712,554

8,771,990

9,958,597

Excess of Receipts over Payments

377,391

501,799

649,659

575,045

(244,317)

Balance Due from/(to) other bodies

(314)

(7,390)

(802)

8,112

2,130

Deficit/Surplus for the year

377,077

494,409

648,857

583,157

(242,187)

Table 3 — Monthly Schedule of Projected Expenditure for DSFA Vote 38 for 2009

Month

Jan-09

Feb-09

Mar-09

Apr-09

May-09

Jun-09

Jul-09

Aug-09

Sep-09

Oct-09

Nov-09

Dec-09

Total

A

ADMINISTRATION

24,259

31,514

28,043

35,710

36,803

29,103

27,132

35,100

29,586

37,034

37,449

35,941

387,674

B

State Pension (Non-Con)

87,597

80,064

74,154

76,384

91,465

75,547

90,418

75,702

75,362

90,237

74,746

90,039

981,715

C

Blind Pension

1,491

1,344

1,265

1,299

1,565

1,296

1,576

1,317

1,324

1,601

1,323

1,147

16,548

D

Child Benefit

201,450

203,570

212,110

211,240

211,770

210,580

206,780

202,420

205,570

212,820

205,460

216,370

2,500,140

E

Jobseekers Allowance

121,467

132,789

141,830

150,995

161,404

180,978

198,686

209,883

207,229

215,067

226,637

243,267

2,190,230

F

Farm Assist Scheme

6,522

6,128

6,179

7,099

6,516

6,191

7,578

6,133

6,274

7,561

6,201

15,290

87,672

G

Employment Support Services

16,580

15,756

16,954

17,724

17,104

10,580

9,807

7,992

12,060

19,416

17,970

18,451

180,394

H

Pre-Retirement Allowance

10,003

9,565

9,729

10,694

8,783

8,788

9,782

7,787

7,870

8,679

7,007

7,070

105,757

I

One Parent Family Payment

85,015

83,670

84,574

102,617

86,994

82,946

103,098

84,059

84,487

107,463

87,854

108,564

1,101,341

J

Widows’, Widowers’ & Guardians (Non-Con)

2,326

2,013

1,978

1,934

2,287

1,891

2,201

1,861

1,842

2,166

1,786

2,205

24,490

K

Social Assistance Allowances

570

544

526

598

512

481

560

449

442

520

416

512

6,130

L

Family Income Supplement

13,228

13,650

14,217

17,358

15,576

16,499

20,694

17,145

18,024

21,912

18,697

24,630

211,630

M

Carer’s Allowance

32,154

32,894

33,308

39,968

37,678

36,539

46,133

39,112

40,076

49,571

42,058

53,770

483,261

N

Supplementary Welfare Allowances

69,153

72,030

75,850

79,680

79,369

101,234

118,023

102,811

98,881

97,093

99,092

121,346

1,114,562

O

Disability Allowance

76,882

82,330

79,335

98,381

84,162

83,491

103,840

85,884

103,939

91,238

89,957

111,521

1,090,960

P

Respite Care Grant

9,430

9,702

8,178

8,695

10,433

10,613

9,377

9,841

9,720

8,610

9,539

8,062

112,200

Q

Free Schemes (Assistance)

40,018

35,738

36,907

35,793

18,735

20,144

17,872

19,195

20,978

40,899

39,437

42,573

368,289

R

Money Advice and Budgeting Service

8,362

0

343

0

263

0

8,362

0

303

40

0

263

17,934

S

Grant to Family Support Agency

1,154

8,014

4,252

2,216

1,957

1,674

2,182

1,564

2,051

3,738

3,311

3,594

35,707

T.1

Grant to Combat Poverty Agency (Grant-in-Aid)

341

341

341

341

341

341

341

341

341

341

341

341

4,088

T.2

EU Programme — Employment & Social Solidarity

0

0

0

0

0

30

0

0

30

0

0

30

90

U

Grant to Citizens Information Board

6,495

1,060

1,111

3,536

977

962

4,991

1,293

1,230

2,879

2,350

1,227

28,112

V.

Dormant Accounts — Econ/Soc Disadvantage

0

0

0

0

0

250

0

0

250

0

0

500

1,000

W.

Domiciliary Care Allowance

0

0

0

0

217

588

279

310

9,360

9,423

9,485

11,340

41,000

X

Miscellaneous Services

15,145

3,997

1,271

1,282

253

905

204

3,901

2,629

3,511

3,468

2,602

39,168

Total for Vote 38 subheads A to X

829,643

826,713

832,455

903,543

875,163

881,650

989,915

914,099

939,857

1,031,817

984,584

1,120,654

11,130,092

Table 4 – Monthly Schedule of Projected Income and Expenditure for Social Insurance Fund for 2009

Month

Jan-09

Feb-09

Mar-09

Apr-09

May-09

Jun-09

Jul-09

Aug-09

Sep-09

Oct-09

Nov-09

Dec-09

TOTAL

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

€’000s

INCOME:

Income from Contributions

608,560

757,410

606,440

648,170

602,660

610,550

624,060

572,510

562,530

607,560

738,330

561,220

7,500,000

Income from Investments

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,917

5,913

71,000

Rent

0

0

0

10

0

0

0

0

0

9

0

0

19

Receipts: Reciprocal Arrangements

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

49

49

TOTAL INCOME

614,477

763,327

612,357

654,097

608,577

616,467

629,977

578,427

568,447

613,486

744,247

567,182

7,571,068

EXPENDITURE:

Illness Benefit

63,409

67,964

72,012

75,420

74,871

71,619

83,071

70,070

77,777

78,552

73,827

80,460

889,052

Invalidity Pension

52,507

53,622

53,471

64,792

55,728

53,021

65,780

53,876

54,355

65,441

53,226

65,699

691,518

Occupational Injuries Benefit

8,696

8,757

9,454

9,696

9,702

8,990

10,729

8,498

8,925

9,616

9,268

10,118

112,449

Maternity Benefit

22,453

23,104

29,100

23,806

30,207

24,790

32,162

26,561

27,350

28,007

35,165

52,355

355,060

Health & Safety Benefit

39

48

59

47

54

52

67

49

43

56

76

30

620

Adoptive Benefit

87

95

123

103

144

133

178

165

160

159

194

159

1,700

Treatment Benefit

4,326

6,336

7,942

4,896

6,472

7,642

6,512

5,768

23,405

6,288

6,088

6,705

92,380

State Pension (Con)

283,364

248,078

241,384

247,123

302,713

251,691

311,351

260,936

263,090

321,792

267,658

328,165

3,327,345

State Pension (Trans)

6,358

6,646

6,639

8,034

6,895

6,871

8,235

6,881

7,030

8,364

7,124

8,606

87,683

Jobseekers Benefit

134,358

146,881

156,881

167,019

178,533

200,184

219,771

232,157

229,221

237,891

250,689

269,084

2,422,670

Widow’s, Widower’s and Guardians (Con)

121,898

104,992

104,583

104,128

124,768

102,751

124,691

104,370

104,141

125,982

103,991

126,193

1,352,488

Widowed Parent Grant

304

578

358

1,043

371

435

650

638

686

458

775

304

6,600

Deserted Wifes Benefit

8,622

8,257

8,033

9,338

8,095

7,682

9,270

7,526

7,442

8,940

7,230

8,741

99,176

Carer’s Benefit

2,486

2,681

2,692

3,475

2,867

3,094

4,143

3,395

3,345

4,183

3,619

4,871

40,851

Bereavement Grant

1,297

1,520

1,419

1,618

1,852

1,321

1,332

1,471

1,178

1,346

1,392

1,254

17,000

Free Schemes (Insurance)

31,210

27,508

30,856

28,327

17,896

20,459

18,676

18,954

19,302

32,890

30,742

33,913

310,733

Redundancy & Insolvency

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

19,500

234,000

Administration

17,047

16,967

36,076

16,967

16,967

36,076

16,967

16,967

36,076

17,693

16,967

36,135

280,905

Total for all SIF schemes & administration

777,961

743,534

780,582

785,332

857,635

816,311

933,086

837,782

883,026

967,158

887,531

1,052,292

10,322,230

Table 5 — Actual DSFA Vote 38 Expenditure in 2009 to date

DSFA Vote 38 subhead

Expenditure to End of April

A1 Salaries, Wages & Allowances

78,081,749

A2 Travel & Subsistence

1,009,570

A3 Incidental Expenses

2,120,576

A4 Postal & Telecommunications

4,889,192

A5 Office Machinery/Office Supplies

7,576,917

A6 Office Premises Expenses

2,355,977

A7 Consultancy Services

80,585

A8 Payment for Agency Services

20,925,766

A9 Value for Money & Policy Reviews

110,650

A10 e-Government Related Projects

1,081,453

ADMINISTRATION SUBTOTAL

118,232,435

B State Pension (Non-Con)

320,442,929

C Blind Pension

4,858,019

D Child Benefit

824,792,723

E Jobseeker’s Allowance

516,226,959

F Farm Assist Scheme

28,820,255

G Employment Support Services

58,679,179

H Pre-Retirement Allowance

34,136,577

I One-Parent Family Payment

354,688,412

J Widow(er)s & Guardians Payment

9,420,614

K Social Assistance & Other Allowances

1,955,485

L Family Income Supplement

54,329,704

M Carers Allowance

157,342,796

N Supplementary Welfare Allowances

317,408,424

O Disability Allowance

349,509,332

P Respite Care Grant

1,738,916

Q Free Schemes (Assistance)

152,990,862

R Money Advice & Budgeting Service

8,515,438

S Grant to Family Support Agency

13,817,990

T1 Grant to the Combat Poverty Agency

640,000

T2 EU Programme (PROGRESS) 2007-2013

0

U Grant to Comhairle

12,300,000

V Dormant Accounts — Econ & Soc Disadvantage

386,676

W Domicillary Care Allowance

0

X Miscellaneous Services

23,889,467

Total for DSFA Vote 38 admin & Social Assistance services

3,365,123,192

Table 6 — Actual SIF Income and Expenditure in 2009 to date

Expenditure to End of April

INCOME

Income from Contributions

2,571,128,738

Income from Investments

50,293,913

Rent

9,523

Reciprocal Arrangements

0

TOTAL RECEIPTS

2,621,432,174

EXPENDITURE

Social Insurance scheme

Illness Benefit

296,947,201

Invalidity Pension

217,672,508

Occupational Injuries Benefits

36,159,783

Maternity Benefit

107,157,531

Health & Safety Benefit

187,848

Adoptive Benefit

374,763

Treatment Benefits

27,329,132

State (Con) Pension

1,068,349,961

State Pension (Transition)

32,718,136

Jobseeker’s Benefit

532,556,031

Widow(er)s & Guardians (Con) Payment

439,405,418

Widowed Parent Grant

1,338,970

Deserted Wife’s Benefit

32,005,188

Carer’s Benefit

10,183,437

Bereavement Grant

6,245,643

Free Schemes (Insurance)

107,838,308

Redundancy & Insolvency Payments

75,560,244

Administration Expenses

88,252,379

Total for all Social Insurance schemes & administration

3,080,282,481

Table 7 — Number of Recipients at year end by Scheme 2004-2008

Type of Payment

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

State Pension (Contributory)

118,383

124,611

139,724

237,599

250,117

State Pension (Transition)

88,870

91,047

91,086

5,851

7,242

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

85,172

84,454

97,404

97,726

97,784

Pre-Retirement Allowance

11,228

11,058

11,149

10,624

8,872

Total Older People

303,653

311,170

339,363

351,800

364,015

Widow/er’s (Contributory) Pension

105,338

109,017

110,146

111,460

112,237

Widow/er’s (Non-Contributory) Pension

15,284

14,729

2,168

2,138

2,042

Deserted Wife’s Benefit

10,769

10,180

9,760

9,395

9,056

Deserted Wife’s Allowance

1,456

1,382

766

693

617

Prisoner’s Wife’s Allowance

2

2

2

2

1

One Parent Family Payment

80,103

80,366

83,081

85,084

87,840

Total Widow/er’s and One Parent Families

212,952

215,676

205,923

208,772

211,793

Maternity Benefit

10,356

10,791

14,898

20,948

23,421

Health and Safety Benefit

21

26

37

39

69

Adoptive Benefit

26

32

59

55

68

Guardian’s Payment (Contributory)

992

781

800

818

833

Guardian’s Payment (Non-Contributory)

579

444

441

442

437

Total Child Related Payments

11,974

12,074

16,235

22,302

24,828

Illness Benefit

58,726

61,845

65,774

70,404

73,609

Invalidity Pension

55,864

58,352

51,954

53,956

53,725

Injury Benefit

915

908

924

900

846

Interim Illness Benefit

316

355

338

440

525

Disablement Pension

12,162

12,475

12,646

12,874

13,192

Death Benefit (OIB Widows)

652

647

646

647

651

Disability Allowance

72,976

79,253

83,697

89,048

95,754

Carer’s Benefit

679

867

1,647

2,080

2,249

Carer’s Allowance

23,030

24,970

27,474

33,067

43,569

Blind Pension

2,027

1,985

1,476

1,474

1,472

Total Illness, Disability and Caring

227,347

241,657

246,576

264,890

285,592

Jobseekers Benefit

57,699

52,754

50,542

59,167

121,763

Jobseekers Allowance

73,840

75,357

75,801

80,268

113,603

Total Jobseeker’s

131,539

128,111

126,343

139,435

235,366

Back to Work Allowance Employee

4,711

3,646

3,963

4,305

3,558

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

1,164

1,302

1,683

1,811

1,470

Self-Employed First Year

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

5,691

3,995

2,690

3,017

3,134

Self Employed Years 2-4

Back to Education Allowance

5,247

5,156

5,679

5,980

7,886

Part-Time Job Incentive Scheme

326

218

201

210

184

Family Income Supplement

14,727

17,448

21,800

22,823

27,798

Farm Assist

8,350

7,824

7,480

7,376

7,496

Total Employment Supports

29,278

39,589

43,496

45,522

51,526

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

29,748

28,066

25,331

27,379

35,546

Total Supplementary Welfare Allowance

29,748

28,066

25,331

27,379

35,546

Rent Allowance

303

270

250

227

217

Total Miscellaneous Payments

303

270

250

227

217

Grand Total

946,794

976,613

1,003,517

1,060,327

1,208,883

Table 8 — Average Number of Recipients in 2009

Vote 38 — Social Assistance Scheme

Estimated average number of recipients

Average number of recipients at end June 2009

State Pension (Non-Contributory)

97,710

97,559

Blind Pension

1,470

1,465

Child Benefit

1,173,500

1,157,655

Jobseeker’s Allowance

177,889

152,510

Farm Assist

7,450

7,894

Back to Work Allowance

9,000

7,428

Back to Education Allowance

9,080

8,322

Pre-Retirement Allocation

8,700

8,192

One-Parent Family Payment

87,900

87,501

Widow(er)s’ (Non Contributory)

1,970

2,004

Guardian’s (Non-Contributory)

420

430

Social Assistance / Deserted Wives Allowance

600

587

Family Income Supplement

31,000

24,591

Carer’s Allowance

42,562

46,567

SWA Basic Payments

45,000

42,307

Rent Supplement

84,000

89,710

Mortgage Interest Supplement

10,457

13,036

Extraordinary Needs Payments (once-off payments)

309,066

131,385

Back to School Clothing & Footwear Allowance

286,980

Scheme commences in June

Disability Allowance

97,700

97,901

Respite Care Grant

66,000

Scheme commences in June

Illness Benefit

76,200

75,617

Invalidity Pension

55,100

53,469

Occupational Injuries Benefits

15,230

15,118

Maternity Benefit

24,200

23,111

Health and Safety Benefit

54

46

Adoptive Benefit

100

51

State Pension (Contributory)

256,000

256,649

State Pension (Transition)

6,800

8,200

Jobseeker’s Benefit

217,359

165,449

Widow(er)s’ Pension & Guardian’s Payment (Con)

113,000

112,733

Deserted Wife’s Benefit

8,780

8,889

Carer’s Benefit

2,800

2,356

Irish Language.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

622 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 cannot receive correspondence from her Department in an Irish language script; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29351/09]

Since 2006 all letters addressed to the person concerned have issued with Irish name and address in conformity with his request. All correspondence received from the person concerned has been in English and all responses from the Department have also been in English. However if he wishes to correspond with the Department through the medium of Irish we are happy to respond on that basis also. The person concerned is not currently in receipt of a payment from the Department having refused to collect his payments from the post office.

Social Insurance.

Michael McGrath

Question:

623 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding the status of the employer’s PRSI exemption scheme in view of the policy changes in budget 2009. [29353/09]

From 2003, the employer's PRSI exemption scheme was aligned directly with the back to work allowance scheme (employee strand). The scheme exempted employers from their share of the PRSI contribution in respect of recipients of the back to work allowance for the first two years of their employment. The employee's share of the PRSI contributions was payable in the normal way.

In order to respond effectively to the growing numbers on the Live Register and the current employment situation, it was decided in the context of the recent supplementary budget to refocus resources on the enterprise strand of the back to work allowance which supports people into self employment. The employee strand of the back to work allowance (BTWA) was closed to new applicants from the 1 st May 2009 and since the employer's PRSI exemption scheme applied only to BTWA employees it also ceased from that date. Where an employer had established an entitlement to an exemption for an existing BTWA employee it will continue for the normal duration.

It is not intended to replace this scheme at present. However, the range and qualifying conditions for the department's employment support schemes will continue to be monitored in the light of changing economic circumstances.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

624 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will publish information for jobseeker’s on the full financial implications for them in terms of lost payments, secondary benefits and taxation and if they can break a jobseeker’s allowance claim to take up temporary work as the current lack of information acts as a disincentive to taking up short periods of employment. [29360/09]

The primary objective of the Department's information policy is to ensure that all citizens are made aware of the wide range of schemes and services available and that they are kept informed of changes and improvements as they occur.

There are 130 Social Welfare offices throughout the country where customers can obtain information and guidance and where implications of a person taking up temporary employment can be explained in detail. In larger local offices there are also staff dedicated to information provision duties that are available to explain all our supports and services and to help and assist people in completing application forms and accessing their entitlements. In addition, the Department produces a comprehensive range of information leaflets covering each social welfare payment or scheme including jobseeker's allowance. These are available in a wide range of outlets across the country, including all Social Welfare Local Offices and Branch Offices, Citizens Information Centres, Post Offices and in other organisations such as local community centres.

The Department's website — www.welfare.ie — provides information on the range of schemes and services including jobseeker's allowance and benefit. A frequently asked questions page in relation to jobseeker's benefit and allowance is also available. Information on supplementary welfare allowance, revenue job assist, back to work, educational supports and PRSI can also be found on the site. The site has links to FÁS, MABs and other Government Departments and agencies.

The Citizens Information Board (CIB), which comes under the aegis of the Department, is the national information agency with responsibility for supporting the provision of independent information and advice on the broad range of social services including social welfare services. Information is provided through Citizen Information Centres and other offices throughout the country, through a phone service which operates from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and on the website at www.citizensinformation.ie. The CIB recently launched a new site www.losingyourjob.ie. It provides information on education, back to work, reduced hours, help with your rent and mortgage as well as tax matters.

The Department works closely with voluntary and community organisations involved in an information provision role. The Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) receives funding from the Department towards running of its services aimed at ensuring that unemployed people have access to comprehensive Welfare to Work and Welfare Rights information and advocacy services. They provide free, confidential, impartial information and advise with issues such as jobseeker's and other social welfare payments and on tax, education and community employment schemes. The website www.redundancy.ie and the publication Working for Work are other sources of information to assist the unemployed. The 2008 edition of Working for Work was funded by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the Department of Education and Science and FÁS and contains examples of tax and secondary benefits you may be entitled to depending on your circumstances.

The Department regularly reviews of the information that is made available to people, how its accessed and updates information accordingly. I am satisfied that there is a wide range of information available for jobseeker's from a number of sources.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

625 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the reduction in the electricity-gas allowance under the household benefit package to €41.70 per month from July 2009 and the way the value of the reduction has been determined. [29362/09]

The value of the electricity/gas allowance has been adjusted to reflect the reduction in the price of energy from May 2009 approved by the Commission for Energy Regulation. There is no change in the number of units of electricity (2,400) plus normal standing charges provided under the household benefits package.

For the majority of customers the allowance is paid direct to the utility each month on their behalf and offset against their bills. Other customers who are paid by cash will receive €41.70 per month from July 2009.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

626 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the entitlements of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if they qualify for back to work allowance or alternative; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29467/09]

The Department has no record of having received an application for back to work allowance in respect of the person concerned.

To claim back to work enterprise allowance applicants must satisfy the qualifying conditions immediately prior to commencing self employment, and be setting up a self employment business which has been approved, in writing, in advance by a Partnership Company or one of the Department's Facilitators. Applicants are required to be 12 months on the Live Register and getting jobseeker's benefit or allowance or to be in receipt of one-parent family payment for at least 12 months. A person on jobseeker's benefit must have an underlying entitlement to jobseeker's allowance.

The person concerned claimed back to education allowance and a decision was made to disallow her claim on 1 July 2009. This claim is being reviewed and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in the near future.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

627 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the correct revised rent support in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; when all payment and arrears are expected to be awarded up to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29469/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

The recent Supplementary Budget provided that the weekly minimum contribution which a person is required to pay towards their rent, be increased from €18 to €24 a week, with effect from 1 June 2009 and that payments currently being made to existing rent supplement tenants be further reduced by 8% from the same date. These measures account for the reduction in the rent supplement payment of the person concerned.

The Executive has advised that payment of rent supplement to the person concerned was suspended while a review of his entitlement was being carried out. The review is being finalised and arrangements made to issue payment of rent supplement to the person concerned, including any arrears due.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

628 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason for the delay in rent support which has been reduced in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29470/09]

Rent supplement is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive as part of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme.

The recent Supplementary Budget provided that the weekly minimum contribution which a person is required to pay towards their rent, be increased from €18 to €24 a week, with effect from 1 June 2009 and that payments currently being made to existing rent supplement tenants be further reduced by 8% from the same date. These measures account for the reduction in the rent supplement payment of the person concerned.

The Executive has advised that payment of rent supplement to the person concerned was suspended while a review of his entitlement was being carried out. The review is being finalised and arrangements made to issue payment of rent supplement to the person concerned, including any arrears due.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

629 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is eligible for illness benefit or alternative in lieu of maternity benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29471/09]

A claim for maternity benefit was received form the person concerned on 6th April 2009. She was advised by letter dated 26th June 2009 that she did not qualify for maternity benefit as she was not in insurable employment at the relevant time.

The records of the department show that the person concerned has only 63 reckonable PRSI contributions which are insufficient to satisfy the qualifying conditions for illness benefit. If the person concerned considers that she has more PRSI contributions than those indicated then she should advise the department accordingly and request to have her case re-examined. If the person concerned was ever employed in any other member state of the European Economic Area she should provide details of the dates and places of her employment and any social security reference numbers from the countries concerned.

A claim from the person concerned for a basic payment under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme was received by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on 6th April 2009. She was advised that, under the habitual residency conditions, she was not entitled to such a payment. However, the department has been advised that the HSE is undertaking a review of the person's case and they will be in contact with her shortly with a determination regarding her claim. The HSE has been in contact with the person concerned and advised her of the review.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

630 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when back to school allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29472/09]

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Applications for the allowance may be made between the beginning of June and the end of September each year. A person may qualify for payment of an allowance ifhe or she is in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course, and has household income at or below certain specified levels.

The HSE — Dublin Wicklow and Kildare area has advised that due to the large number of back to school clothing and footwear claims received to date they are unable to confirm at this time that a claim has been received from the person concerned.

It may take a number of weeks to determine entitlement to payment for all applicants in this HSE Region. Applicants will be notified of the decision on their application by the HSE in due course. The person concerned may call the HSE free-phone number 1800 201 698 to ascertain the status of her claim at a later date.

Further details relating to the BSCFA scheme, the qualifying criteria and administrative arrangements for processing claims for each HSE area is available on the Department and HSE/CWS websites at http://www.welfare.ie ttp://communitywelfareservice.ie/cws_public/

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

631 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the maximum rate of payment due to a person should they qualify for the back to work allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29474/09]

The back to work programme currently consists of two schemes designed to support people on welfare into self-employment. The back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) is a two year scheme available to unemployed people, lone parents, and sickness related welfare recipients who are starting their own business. Under this scheme, participants retain 100% of their existing social welfare payment for the first year and 75% in the second year. The maximum rate payable is based on their current payment.

The short term enterprise allowance (STEA) is available to those who qualify for jobseeker's benefit and who wish to start their own business. They are afforded immediate access provided they have 104 contributions paid or have established entitlement to statutory redundancy from their latest period of employment. It is payable at the same rate and for the same duration as their jobseeker's benefit. The maximum rate payable is the rate of jobseeker's benefit that they qualify for.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

632 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent support in the region of €880 will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29476/09]

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. One of the conditions for entitlement to rent supplement is that the Health Service Executive is satisfied that the applicant is in need of accommodation and is unable to provide it from his or her own resources.

The Executive has advised that the person concerned has been refused rent supplement on the grounds that her current accommodation is sufficient to meet her accommodation needs.

It is open to the person concerned to appeal this decision to a HSE Appeals Officer.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

633 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to the rent allowance appeal in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29480/09]

A social welfare Appeals Officer has upheld the decision of a community welfare officer to refuse payment of rent supplement on the grounds that total household income is deemed to be sufficient to meet the accommodation costs of the persons concerned.

The Appeals Officer is satisfied that the means assessment, as carried out by the community welfare officer, is in accordance with relevant social welfare legislation.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

634 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare qualifies for the back to school allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29482/09]

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare division of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Applications for the allowance may be made between the beginning of June and the end of September each year.A person may qualify for payment of an allowance ifhe or she is in receipt of a social welfare or health service executive payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education or training course, and has household income at or below certain specified levels.

The HSE — Dublin Wicklow and Kildare area has advised that due to the large number of back to school clothing and footwear claims received to date they are unable to confirm at this time that a claim has been received from the person concerned.

It will take a number of weeks to determine entitlement to payment for all applicants in this HSE Region. Applicants will be notified of the decision on their application by the HSE in due course. The person concerned may call the HSE free-phone number 1800 201 698 to ascertain the status of her claim at a later date.

Further details relating to the BSCFA scheme, the qualifying criteria and administrative arrangements for processing claims for each HSE area is available on the Department and HSE/CWS websites at http://.www.welfare.ie http://communitywelfareservice.ie/cws_public/

Anti-Poverty Strategy.

David Stanton

Question:

635 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the level of consistent poverty; those at risk of poverty respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29538/09]

David Stanton

Question:

637 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding reducing the number of those experiencing consistent poverty, including children, to between 2% and 4% by 2012 in line with the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion; her views on whether the goal of elimination of consistent poverty by 2016 will still be achievable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29540/09]

David Stanton

Question:

638 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the groups in society that have the highest levels of consistent poverty; the steps she will take to reduce the poverty risk and poverty levels of these groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29541/09]

I propose to take Question Nos. 635, 637 and 638 together.

Combating poverty and building an inclusive society are key priorities for the Government. The overall goal of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) introduced in February 2007 is to reduce the number of those experiencing consistent poverty to between 2 per cent and 4 per cent by 2012, with the aim of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. These commitments and the social inclusion commitments in the National Development Plan have wide ranging support, having been drawn up in consultation with the social partners and other stakeholders.

The latest results from the EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), released in December 2008, which applied to 2007, indicated at that stage that the reductions in poverty were on target to achieve both the 2012 and 2016 goals. It showed that the rate of consistent poverty in the population in 2007 was 5.1 per cent, down from 6.5 per cent in 2006 and 7.0 per cent in 2005.

The position of groups most vulnerable to consistent poverty is as follows. The proportion of children experiencing consistent poverty reduced from 10.3 per cent in 2006 to 7.4 per cent in 2007. This significant reduction may be, at least in part, due to the major reduction in the incidence of consistent poverty among lone parents from 33.9 per cent in 2006 to 20.1 per cent in 2007. The other age group vulnerable to consistent poverty is people living alone and their position remained the same, apart from a slight increase for those over age 65. Other groups with a relatively high level of consistent poverty include the unemployed whose rate reduced from 22 per cent to 17.5 per cent and those not at work due to sickness or disability whose rate reduced from 17.9 per cent to 15.8 per cent.

The major factor determining whether people are vulnerable to consistent poverty, demonstrated by the findings of this and other similar surveys, is employment. The rate of consistent poverty in 2007 for households where no one was at work was 16.3 per cent, (although this was down substantially from 21.2 per cent in 2006). This rate was 4 times the rate for households where one person was at work. Where two people in a household were at work the rate was just 1.3 per cent.

Our challenge now is to create jobs for those without work. Economic policy is the major basis for creating jobs and reducing unemployment. I am confident that the Government is pursuing the right economic policies to achieve those aims. Employment participation, for example, is currently facilitated and incentivised by a range of education and employment supports made available by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to people in receipt of social welfare payments, particularly the long-term unemployed, lone parents, and sickness related welfare recipients. These include the Back to Education and Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Schemes. The Activation and Family Support Programme and the Second Chance Education Opportunities Scheme offer supports to social welfare customers and others to help them improve their employability and personal and family situations. People with families who are in lower paid employment are eligible to receive the Family Income Supplement which increases household income while enabling recipients to remain in, or take up, employment.

It is also more essential than ever in the current economic conditions to ensure that the resources devoted to social inclusion policies are used as effectively and efficiently as possible. The National Action Plan on social inclusion facilitates this through tackling poverty in a coordinated and ‘joined up' way so as to ensure better results in relation to both the people supported and the substantial resources expended. The range of policies subject to the National Plan include actions on employment, social welfare, education, health, housing, disability and equality.

The Government's commitment to prioritising the most vulnerable people in our society was clearly demonstrated in Budget 2009 which, despite the state of the public finances, provided increases of between 3% and 3.8% in basic social welfare rates. It is also vital however, that economic policies are pursued at this time that will enable better and more secure living standards for the future. Achieving the right combination of both economic and social policies will determine the extent to which we can achieve the overall goal of eliminating consistent poverty by 2016. I am confident that we are pursuing the correct combination of economic and social policies that will greatly increase the likelihood of achieving that goal.

Child Support.

David Stanton

Question:

636 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the level of consistent and at risk of poverty levels respectively for children under 18 years; if research has been conducted by her Department on the effects of the reduction and subsequent removal of the early childcare supplement and the possible taxation of child benefit on poverty levels of children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29539/09]

Policy matters in relation to the Early Childcare Supplement are a matter for the Minister for the Health and Children in the first instance.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs, through the social welfare system, provides significant support to families with children. Child Benefit is the main child income support payment.

Results from the most recent survey of Income and Living Conditions in Ireland (IRL-SILC) 2007 survey published in Dec 2008 showed the consistent poverty rate for children, aged 0-17, decreased from 10.3% in 2006 to 7.4% in 2007. The percentage of children ‘at risk of poverty' fell by over two per cent, from 22.3% in 2006 to 19.9% in 2007. These are the most recent figures SILC figures available.

Child income support payments have increased since 2007. More recently, a range of budgetary measures, effective from Jan 2009, costing over €56 million has been provided to benefit children and families with increases of between 3 % and 3.8 % in the basic payment rates.

However given the scale of the economic crisis, it is necessary to address all aspects of the public finances so as to a void excessive borrowing and to ensure that resources are targeted at those who need them most. It was in that context that the Minister for Finance announced in the Supplementary Budget the Government's intention to either subject child benefit to income tax or means test it from 2010.

The Department of Finance, together with my Department and the Revenue Commissioners are considering the issues involved in both approaches. All issues, including the ones the Deputy has outlined, will form part of the overall consideration.

Questions Nos. 637 and 638 answered with Question No. 635.

Domiciliary Care Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

639 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason she is removing the DCA for children with autism; if her attention has been drawn to the hardship that this is causing children with autism and their parents; her views on the value of the DCA for children with autism in the absence of the State providing adequate schooling for children with autism; if she will reconsider the removal of this allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29611/09]

There has been no decision to remove the Domiciliary Care Allowance from children with autism. Of the first 249 applications for Domiciliary Care Allowance processed by the Department, 149 were refused and 100 awarded. Further examination of these cases shows that of those awarded, 12 children were specifically diagnosed with either, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome and of the first 149 cases refused 16 children were specifically diagnosed with either Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorder or Asperger's Syndrome.

Eligibility for the allowance is not based primarily on the medical or psychological condition, but on the resulting lack of function of body or mind necessitating the degree of extra care and attention required. As such it is not possible to say if a child with autism or any other intellectual disability will or will not qualify for a payment under the scheme. Each application is assessed on an individual basis taking account of the evidence submitted.

Since the transfer to the Department the Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme is now a statutory scheme with the primary legislation provided for in the Social Welfare and Pensions Act 2008. Prior to the transfer the eligibility criteria for the scheme was set out by way of a Circular from the Department of Health and Children.

The Department uses a set of consistent and objective guidelines in determining the medical eligibility of children for the scheme. These guidelines were drawn up by a Group chaired by the Department's Chief Medical Advisor comprised of senior medical personnel from the HSE as well as eminent professionals in the areas of physical disabilities which affect children, and child psychiatry/psychology. All claims are assessed by designated Departmental Medical Assessors who have received special training in Human Disability Evaluation.

In the case of an application which is refused on medical grounds, the applicant may submit additional information and/or ask for the case to be reviewed by a different Medical Assessor specially designated for this task. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The provision of adequate schooling for children with autism is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Education and Science.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

640 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of applications for rent allowance currently being processed; the average processing time; the equivalent figures for this period in 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29756/09]

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. There are currently almost 90,000 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 51% since the end of December 2007.

The rent supplement scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the department and is delivered locally by community welfare officers. The operational arrangements for the processing of applications and the payment to qualifying individuals, is a matter for the respective community welfare division areas.

This year to date, almost 54,200 rent supplement claims have been registered computer system, of which 49,800 have been awarded a supplement. A further 30,800 rent supplement claims have been closed in the same period. There are currently almost 1,670 rent supplement claims pending payment.

A community welfare officer interviews applicants for rent supplement when they first present in order to determine if they satisfy the statutory qualifying conditions for entitlement. They also ensure that all the documentation required to make a decision has been provided. Claim details are recorded electronically in cases where it is established that rent supplement is payable. However, given the considerable pressures on the community welfare service, claim details are not always recorded on the system where no entitlement has been established to rent supplement. Where an appeal has been lodged with an appeals officer of the HSE, claim details are recorded electronically. For this reason, fully reliable statistics are not available on the total number of people for whom rent supplement claims are being processed at any given point in time. Average processing times are not available.

To qualify for rent supplement a person must satisfy a number of conditions. They must be a bona fide tenant, be habitually resident in the State, have a housing need and satisfy a means test. Also, the Health Service Executive must be satisfied that the accommodation is suited to the persons needs and the rent payable is within the prescribed limits.

The timescale for determining applications for rent supplement in individual cases is dependant, among other things, on the availability of the required information, such as details of the applicant's income, bank statements, information from landlords etc. Some aspects of the application are inevitably time consuming and delays can occur where investigations such as home visits or third party evidence are required. Delays can also arise if the applicant is slow to respond to requests for additional information.

The review of the administration of the mortgage interest supplement scheme is progressing. In addition to policy issues, the review will examine operational aspects of the scheme including best practice in the recording, collating and maintenance of statistical data on the mortgage interest supplement scheme. The findings of this review and any recommendations in the area of recording, collating and maintenance of statistical data will be equally applicable to the rent supplement scheme.

Social Insurance.

Michael McGrath

Question:

641 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of PRSI contributions, separated by class, paid to her Department for each of the years 2000 to 2008. [29760/09]

Michael McGrath

Question:

642 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of class S PRSI contributions paid to her Department from self-employed persons for each of the years 2000 to 2008. [29761/09]

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 641 and 642 together.

The information requested by the Deputy is contained in the following tabular statement.

Table: Financing of the Social Insurance Fund, 2000 to 2008.

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008(1)

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

€000

Sources of Finance Employer PRSI

2,763,419

3,251,639

3520,443

3692,896

4,000,313

4,532,572

5,167,274

5,762,011

5,944,212

Employee PRSI

745,569

819,752

974,219

1,077,203

1,257,639

1,196,858

1,380,234

1,539,147

1,633,519

Self-Employed PRSI

190,051

189,191

252,455

277,696

356,620

380,450

373,714

420,852

405,581

Investment Income

26,591

45,754

51,015

40,718

34,594

49,012

53,084

112,049

160,209

Other Receipts

210

19

111

19

454

126

105

88

19

Total Income

3,725,838

4,306,355

4,375,924

5,088,532

5,649,620

6,159,018

6,974,411

7,834,147

8,143,540

(1) Provisional.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

643 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for her Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29838/09]

The information requested by the Deputy for the time period involved is not readily available and cannot be assembled without significant commitment of staff resources and consequential administrative costs. If the Deputy wishes to contact the Department with a query in relation to a specific contract he will be provided with the relevant information.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

644 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if she is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29852/09]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) are responsible for property acquisition, project design, construction of new buildings and all major refurbishment projects on behalf of the Department and deal directly with contractors in that context and I have no function whatsoever in the matter.

Adoption Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

645 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason birth certificates for adopted persons are not available from Joyce House in Dublin on the same basis as all other birth certificates; if she will make arrangements to ensure that the same service is available to every citizen from Joyce House regardless of whether they were adopted or not; her views on the criticisms in the correspondence (details supplied); her views on whether the different treatment of adopted persons is appropriate; if she will ensure that there is a full review of the service in order that all of these deficiencies will be eradicated. [29887/09]

The provisions governing the registration of domestic adoptions and the issue of birth certificates drawn from the register of adoptions are set out in section 22 of the Adoption Act, 1952. Under these provisions, the Registrar General is charged with maintaining an Adopted Children Register and also to keep an index to make traceable the connection between each entry and the corresponding entry in the register of births. The index is not open to public inspection and no information from it may be given to any person except by order of a Court or of the Adoption Board. A certified copy of an entry in the Adopted Children Register, if purporting to be issued under the seal of Oifig an Ard-Chlaraitheora, shall, without further proof, be received as evidence of the facts stated therein and any requirement of law for the production of a certificate of birth shall be satisfied by the production of such certified copy.

Under the above provisions, birth certificates for adopted people are available only from the Office of the Registrar General. While it is appreciated that this may cause a degree of inconvenience in certain instances the security and confidentiality of the Adopted Children Register is of paramount importance and it is for this reason only that the restriction on availability exists. For this reason also, there are no plans to amend the legislation to change the current arrangements in relation to this matter.

At the moment persons applying to GRO for certificates of life events may do so in writing or by fax. Applications for certificates relating to adopted persons, made in Joyce House or in any registration office throughout the country are forwarded to the Office of the Registrar General and are processed as soon as possible. Payments are accepted by Visa or MasterCard. An on-line application facility for records of life events, including adoption events, is at an advanced stage of development and will be introduced shortly. Payments by credit card, including laser card, will be a feature of the on-line service.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Willie Penrose

Question:

646 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position, in view of the current economic climate and the financial circumstances which so many people who have mortgages find themselves in, regarding people who have mortgages and have been in receipt of mortgage supplement for at least 12 months; if she will confirm that mortgage interest supplement will be payable to people who qualify for periods in excess of 12 months, when their circumstances have not improved in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29894/09]

The mortgage interest supplement scheme is designed to help those who have difficulty meeting their mortgage repayment schedule where their means are insufficient to meet their needs. The scheme provides a short-term "safety net" within the overall social welfare scheme to ensure that people do not suffer hardship due to loss of employment. A supplement may be paid in respect of mortgage interest only to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence.

There are currently 12,900 people in receipt of mortgage interest supplement, an increase of 213% over those in payment at end 2007.

The mortgage interest supplement scheme is administered by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive on behalf of the Department and is delivered locally by community welfare officers.

In accordance with the statutory qualifying conditions, mortgage interest supplement is normally paid for the duration of the period for which entitlement exists. However, one of the statutory qualifying conditions for the receipt of mortgage interest supplement requires that the amount of mortgage interest payable by the claimant should not exceed such amount as the Executive considers reasonable to meet his or her residential and other needs and that it is reasonable to award a supplement having regard to the amount of any arrears outstanding on the loan. Where such circumstances arise, the Executive has the legislative power to award mortgage interest supplement for a period of not more than 12 months. A person is advised at the outset that the maximum duration of the mortgage interest payment will be 12 months. Before the 12 months has expired, entitlement to the supplement is reviewed and if there has been no change in circumstances, payment of mortgage interest supplement must be discontinued in accordance with the relevant legislative provisions.

Where there has been a change in circumstances such as sub-letting part of the accommodation or a change in the repayment arrangements e.g. an extension of the term of the loan, a review of the original decision may be warranted and a supplement awarded as appropriate, subject to all other statutory qualifying conditions being satisfied.

Guidelines on specific and immediate operational issues arising in the administration of the mortgage interest supplement scheme, including the exercise of additional discretionary provisions in the legislation, have recently been updated and issued to community welfareofficers.

Questions Nos. 647 to 649, inclusive, answered with Question No. 621.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

650 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the plans to tax or means test the child benefit payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29899/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

651 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated cost of means testing the child benefit payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29900/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

690 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to amalgamate qualified child allowances and family income supplements in order to develop a second tier of income support targeted at the poorest families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29944/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

691 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the status of the Programme for Government commitment to continue to increase child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29945/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

704 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated cost of means testing the child benefit payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29958/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

705 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the revenue which would be raised from applying income tax to child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29959/09]

I propose to take questions numbers 650, 651, 690, 691, 704 and 705 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the rates of child benefit have increased significantly since 2001 having trebled for the first two children and increased by over 185% for the third and subsequent children. Overall expenditure on child benefit grew from just under €965 million in 2001 to nearly €2.5 billion in 2008 as a result of these rate increases and growth in the number of eligible children. The Government was able to direct substantial increases in financial support to all Irish families in recent years. However, given the scale of the current economic crisis, it is necessary to address all aspects of the public finances so as to avoid excessive borrowing and to ensure that fairness exists in the allocation of resources.

It was in that context that the Minister for Finance announced in the Supplementary Budget the Government's intention to either subject child benefit to income tax or means-test it from 2010. The issues arising from which approach to adopt are considerable. In view of the complexities associated with the two options, the Commission of Taxation is currently examining the issues arising and their report will inform the Government's final decision on how best to proceed.

In relation to the Deputy's question regarding the costs of a possible means-testing of Child Benefit, this would depend on a range of factors including the range and complexity of income sources to be tested and the manner of how this would be implemented in practice.

The Programme for Government provides for the amalgamation of qualified child allowances and family income supplements in order to develop a second tier of income support targeted at the poorest families. The NESC Secretariat was asked to examine the issues and develop proposals for a second tier child income support scheme. However their research paper raises a number of significant issues which were not resolved by the NESC. These issues will be considered in the context of the future direction of child income support policy which is being kept under review by my Department.

As with the Programme for Government generally, any further improvements in the level of child benefit payments would have to be subject to overall budgetary resources.

The question of the amount of revenue to be raised from taxation of the CB payment is a matter for the Minister for Finance in the first instance.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

652 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and value of child benefit payments made to children resident outside of the State since 2004 to date in 2009; the average time it takes to process these payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29902/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

653 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the changes made to the rate and duration of the early child care supplement since its inception; the date such changes were announced; the date such changes were introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29903/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

654 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and value of early child care supplement payment made per year since its inception; the number and value of early child care supplement payments made to children resident outside of the State since its inception; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29904/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

655 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated full year cost of the early child care supplement in 2009; the estimated number of children eligible for the early child care supplement in 2009; the estimated number and value of payments made to children not resident here in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29905/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

656 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of outstanding early child care supplement applications waiting to be processed; the average time it takes to process payments, particularly for applications relating to children not resident here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29906/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 652 to 656, inclusive, together.

Child Benefit

The number and value of Child Benefit payments made to children resident outside the State from 2004 to date is as detailed in Table 1.

EU Migrant workers have an entitlement to Child Benefit and other "Family benefits" under EU Regulation 1408/71. Where a national of an EU state with a family is working in Ireland, the worker is entitled to payment of such benefits, even if the children of the worker are resident in the worker's home country. The average time taken to process these payments is currently three months.

Table 1: Child Benefit Payment in Respect of Non-Resident Children 2004-2009

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

July 2009

Number of Non-Resident Children

806

725

1,444

4,311

9,909

11,517

Total Cost

€0.7m

€1.6m

€2.9m

€4.77m

€20.9m*

€22.1m (est.d for a full year)

*The significantly increased expenditure in 2008 was largely a result of a major backlog of applications being approved that year.

Early Childcare Supplement

The Early Childcare Supplement was introduced in April 2006 and is administered by the Department of Social and Family Affairs on behalf of the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.

Changes made to the rate and duration of this payment since its inception is as detailed in Table 2.

Table 2: Early Childcare Supplement Changes Since Inception

Changes

Date of announcement

Date of introduction

Details

ECS first Introduced

December 2005 (Budget 2006)

April 2006

€250 payable quarterly for children up to age six

Rate increased

December 2007 (Budget 2008)

January 2008

Increased to €275 quarterly

Payment frequency changed. Age limit decreased

October 2008 (Budget 2009)

January 2009

Payable monthly in arrears and age limit decreased to age five and a half

Rate decreased. Age limit decreased

February 2009 (Supplementary Budget)

March 2009

Rate decreased to €83 per month and age limit decreased to age five

Rate decreased

April 09 (Supplementary Budget)

May 2009

Rate decreased to €41.50

Payment to cease

April 09 (Supplementary Budget)

December 2009

Last payment will be made in December 2009

The number and value of Early Childcare Supplements made per annum since its inception is as detailed in Table 3.

Table 3: Number and Value of Early Childcare Supplement Payments Since Inception

Year

Average number of children

Value of payments

Average number of payments in respect of non-resident children

Total value of payments in respect of non-resident children

€m

€m

2006

367,296

292

536

0.4

2007

382,182

417

1,724

1.1

2008

398,667

477

3,468

4.5

2009 (estd. for full year)

340,000

231

4,030

2.7

Early Childcare Supplement is a payment associated with the payment of Child Benefit. As such, no separate application process exists for the payment. Payment is automatically awarded in respect of eligible children.

The number of outstanding Child Benefit applications to be processed under EU Regulations is currently 3273. Of these, 3129 have been partially processed and are awaiting further information.

The number of outstanding resident Child Benefit applications is currently 858. Of these, 833 have been partially processed and are awaiting further information.

The average time taken to process payments is four weeks in respect of children born in Ireland and three months for children who are not resident in Ireland.

Social Welfare Fraud.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

657 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of staff employed by her who deal with fraud control; the number of staff who have been assigned away from fraud control to other work within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29907/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

658 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the target fraud control savings per social welfare payment per year since 2004 to date in 2009; the fraud control savings achieved per social welfare payment per year since 2004 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29908/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

659 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the target fraud control reviews per social welfare payment per year since 2004 to date in 2009; the fraud control reviews achieved per social welfare payment per year since 2004 to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29909/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

660 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money she expects to save through anti-fraud initiatives in 2009; the amount of money saved to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29910/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

661 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people prosecuted in respect of social welfare fraud since 2004 to date in 2009 in each payment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29911/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 657 to 661, inclusive, together.

Approximately 620 staff at local, regional and national level are engaged on a full or part-time basis on work related to the control of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system. About half of these work full time on control work, while the other half are responsible for routine investigations under the various schemes and for following up suspected cases of fraud where these are discovered. None of these staff are currently deployed to other work.

Traditionally it was estimated that 60% of the General Inspectors time was spent on undertaking control activity, including reviews and employer inspection work with the balance of Inspector's time devoted to new claim activity. This activity may also be regarded within the control framework. It includes identity checks, means investigations, and ensuring compliance with the various qualification conditions. However, it should be noted that due to increasing claim loads the actual resources available for control activity has reduced.

The Department is committed to ensuring that social welfare payments are available to those who are entitled to them. In this regard the control programme of the Department is carefully monitored and the various measures are continuously refined to ensure that they remain effective.

The Department has a target of over €600m for control savings in 2009.

Savings figures and review data for the first six months of the year will be available shortly and I will send them to the Deputy directly.

The control savings targets and actual savings achieved for 2004 to 20 08 are set-down in tabular statements.

The control review targets and actual reviews achieved for 2004 to 2008 are set-down in tabular statements.

The results of cases finalised in court for years 2004 to 2009 (end-June) are set-down in tabular statements.

The Department has a target of over €600m for control savings in 2009. Savings recorded to the end of May 2009 amounted to approximately €194m.

The control savings targets and actual savings achieved for 2004 to 2009 (end-May) are set-down in tabular statements).

The control review targets and actual reviews achieved for 2004 to 2009 (end-May) are set-down in tabular statements.

The results of cases finalised in court for years 2004 to 2009 (end-June) are set-down in tabular statements.

Control Savings

2004 SCHEME

ANNUAL TARGET 2004

ANNUAL SAVINGS 2004

% ANNUAL TARGET ACHIEVED

€m

€m

UNEMPLOYMENT

134.000

119.783

89%

ILLNESS

60.000

55.939

93%

PENSIONS

126.000

172.168

137%

CHILD BENEFIT

13.000

18.711

144%

CARERS

4.000

5.784

145%

FIS

1.000

0.374

37%

SWA

10.000

1.973

20%

PAYE/PRSI

12.000

11.355

95%

TOTAL

360.000

386.086

107%

2005 SCHEME

ANNUAL TARGET 2005

ANNUAL SAVINGS 2005

% ANNUAL TARGET ACHIEVED

€m

€m

UNEMPLOYMENT

130.000

120.388

93%

ILLNESS

73.000

73.554

101%

PENSIONS

150.000

162.316

108%

CHILD BENEFIT

21.000

19.621

93%

CARERS

8.500

7.32

86%

FIS

1.500

8.74

583%

SWA

10.000

5.556

56%

PAYE/PRSI

9.000

9.091

101%

TOTAL

403.000

406.585

101%

2006 SCHEME

ANNUAL TARGET 2006

ANNUAL SAVINGS 2006

% ANNUAL TARGET ACHIEVED

€m

€m

JOBSEEKER’S

135.000

123.109

91%

ILLNESS

80.950

63.034

78%

PENSIONS

170.150

138.313

81%

CHILD BENEFIT

19.300

17.805

92%

CARERS

7.200

6.230

87%

FIS

8.400

12.257

146%

SWA

10.000

6.828

68%

PAYE/PRSI

10.000

7.632

76%

TOTAL

441.000

375.208

85%

2007 SCHEME

ANNUAL TARGET 2007

ANNUAL SAVINGS 2007

% ANNUAL TARGET ACHIEVED

€m

€m

JOBSEEKER’S

137.000

138.639

101%

ILLNESS

76.000

70.102

92%

PENSIONS

153.500

188.128*

123%

CHILD BENEFIT

23.500

18.067

77%

CARERS

7.500

4.728

63%

FIS

12.500

12.540

100%

SWA

10.000

9.333

93%

PAYE/PRSI

10.500

6.047

58%

TOTAL

430.500

447.584*

104%

*These figures do not include Maintenance Recovery savings.

2008 SCHEME

ANNUAL TARGET 2008

ANNUAL SAVINGS 2008

% ANNUAL TARGET ACHIEVED

€m

€m

JOBSEEKER’S

150.000

100.639

67%

ILLNESS

88.500

72.776

82%

PENSIONS

198.500

223.241

112%

CHILD BENEFIT

30.000

48.595

162%

CARERS

8.000

6.951

87%

FIS

13.500

9.881

73%

SWA

13.000

7.697

59%

PAYE/PRSI

10.000

6.190

62%

TOTAL

511.500

475.971

93%

2009 YTD (May) SCHEME

YTD TARGET 2009

YTD SAVINGS 2009

% ANNUAL TARGET ACHIEVED

€m

€m

JOBSEEKER’S

69.004

24.288

35%

ILLNESS

33.469

34 .179

102%

PENSIONS

85.195

86.848

102%

CHILD BENEFIT

30.83

33.341

108%

CARERS

3.33

3.746

112%

FIS

4.375

6.514

149%

SWA

4.165

2.862

69%

PAYE/PRSI

2.863

2.151

75%

TOTAL

233.231

193.930

83%

Control Reviews

2004 SCHEME

REVIEWS TARGET 2004

REVIEWS ACHIEVED 2004

% OF TARGET

UNEMPLOYMENT

120,000

84,441

70%

ILLNESS

145,300

146,384

101%

PENSIONS

49,580

40,301

81%

CHILD BENEFIT

30,000

16,016

53%

CARERS

2,400

2,634

110%

FIS

15,200

15,983

105%

ER INSPECTIONS

10,000

6,645

66%

TOTAL

372,480

312,404

84%

Unemployment Assistance was renamed Jobseeker's Allowance in Oct 2006. Unemployment Benefit was renamed Jobseeker's Benefit in Oct 2006.

2005 SCHEME

REVIEWS TARGET 2005

REVIEWS ACHIEVED 2005

% OF TARGET

UNEMPLOYMENT

125,000

77,661

62%

ILLNESS

156,480

159,732

102%

OFP

21,500

24,907

116%

PENSIONS

33,500

25,452

76%

CHILD BENEFIT

35,000

16,438

47%

CARERS

3,500

2,950

84%

FIS

15,500

16,489

106%

ER INSPECTIONS

7,000

5,699

81%

TOTAL

397,480

329,328

83%

2006 SCHEME

REVIEWS TARGET 2006

REVIEWS ACHIEVED 2006

% OF TARGET

JOBSEEKER’S

125,000

73,389

59%

ILLNESS

156,480

164,771

105%

OFP

21,500

25,098

117%

PENSIONS

33,500

25,302

76%

CHILD BENEFIT

35,000

17,802

51%

CARERS

3,500

3,639

104%

FIS

15,500

19,172

124%

ER INSPECTIONS

7,000

4,853

69%

TOTAL

397,480

334,026

84%

2007 SCHEME

REVIEWS TARGET 2007

REVIEWS ACHIEVED 2007

% OF TARGET

JOBSEEKER’S

125,000

70,842

57%

ILLNESS

156,480

168,710

108%

OFP

46,508

43,156

93%

PENSIONS

33,492

15,936

48%

CHILD BENEFIT

35,000

16,360

47%

CARERS

3,500

2,998

86%

FIS

15,500

23,076

149%

ER INSPECTIONS

7,000

4,763

68%

TOTAL

422,480

345,841

82%

Social Welfare Benefits.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

662 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of overpayment awarded by her per year from 2004 to 2008 in each payment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29912/09]

The overpayment information for years 2004 to 2008 requested by the Deputy is set-down in the tabular statements. The figures for 2008 are provisional.

In 2006 a new debt management strategy was developed for the Department. The overall goal of this strategy is to actively pursue the recovery of debt to maximise recovery levels, with due regard to value for money and with particular emphasis on recovery from people no longer dependent on welfare payments. The objectives of the strategy are:

To maximise the recovery of overpayments;

To efficiently record, report and monitor the occurrence and recovery of overpayments;

To fulfil statutory, accounting and reporting obligations;

To conduct overpayment and debt management as efficiently as possible.

Overpayments may be recovered in the following ways:

a single payment covering the full amount owed;

regular periodic payments;

deduction(s) from the customers social welfare payment by taking civil proceedings.

Implementation of the debt management strategy to date has consisted of:

A review of debt on the old computer system;

The introduction of the ODM computer system;

The issue of guidelines setting out debt management procedures and defining the responsibilities of areas in relation to debt management and debt management procedures;

The restructuring of the Central Overpayments and Debt Management Unit.

Overpayments 2004 to 2008

Social Welfare Vote Schemes

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Value

Value

Value

Value

Value

Blind Pension

22,553

9,575

31,666

39,116

4,155

Back to Work Allowance

138,766

119,586

66,219

103,111

116,892

Back to Education Allowance

18,418

61,240

Child Benefit

1,673,455

1,967,698

3,241,782

2,489,377

3,229,321

Carers Allowance

713,715

1,058,210

883,662

383,129

2,046,425

Disability Allowance

1,271,099

2,166,557

2,570,976

2,524,905

2,818,827

Deserted Wife’s Allowance

3,455

39,590

32,241

46,503

13,973

Equal Treatment

0

0

0

0.00

0.00

Early Childcare Supplement

2,681.00

-2,175.00

Fuel Allowance

504

0

2,370

2,374

2,760

Farm Assist

180,252

292,159

232,278

179,562

157,605

Family Income Supplement

99,266

163,344

206,826

123,234

287,418

Guardian Payment Non Contributory

58,201

274,014

One Parent Family Payment

22,768,406

12,457,770

8,366,814

4,662,427

8,626,654

Old Age Non Con Pension

7,893,425

6,824,892

6,259,303

7,441,346

7,843,583

Part-time Job Allowance

156

7,889

350

364

2,139

Pre-Retirement Allowance

140,619

160,252

212,144

153,781

212,133

Rent Allowance

0

0

18,362

355,601

92,201

Second Level Allowance

24,860

36,218

24,365

400

10,310

Single Woman’ s Allowance

0

0

0

0

1,434

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

1,321,341

989,724

2,816,183

2,382,290

1,515,675

Third Level Allowance

3,494

0

0

0

2,202

Unemployment Assistance*

7,669,200

8,067,715

8,480,491

10,401,109

8,914,219

Widow/er’s Non-Con. Pension

307,434

318,721

456,450

270,797

129,145

SW Vote Schemes Total

44,231,999

34,679,900

33,902,481

31,638,726

36,360,150

Overpayments 2004 to 2008

Social Insurance Fund Schemes

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Value

Value

Value

Value

Value

Adoptive Parent Benefit

476

868

Carers Benefit

22,931

16,840

33,411

22,818

75,634

Carers Respite Grant

17,500

95,000

Constant Attendance Allowance

0

1,700

Guardian Pension Contributory

3,913

29,492

Disability Benefit*

1,411,156

1,298,501

1,713,461

2,423,692

3,276,728

Death Grant

635

0

0

0

0

Disablement Pension

74,244

29,347

65,575

26,763

44,556

Deserted Wife’s Benefit

541,626

285,345

43,695

213,544

142,300

Equal Treatment

0

-24,275

0

0

0

Health & Safety Benefit

938

0

9,577

1,951

2,896

Injury Benefit

14,033

34,533

23,807

22,041

31,416

Invalidity Pension*

875,856

1,325,987

1,558,795

2,425,349

1,322,276

Maternity Benefit

22,351

41,407

83,243

84,672

132,769

Medical Care

0

0

0

0.00

0.00

Old Age Contributory Pension*

976,168

609,209

805,677

3,542,598

3,482,991

Pay Related Benefit

8,100

-234

0

0.00

0.00

Retirement Pension*

478,403

288,458

468,559

401,504

373,913

Treatment Benefit

30,055

26,099

38,141

20,279

53,336

Unemployment Benefit*

6,555,175

5,656,493

5,722,241

7,155,906

8,026,254

Unemployability Supplement*

30,694

7,019

0

0.00

0.00

Widow/er’s Contributory Pension

1,000,405

1,160,455

621,471

1,125,501

1,021,409

SIF Total

12,042,768

10,755,183

11,187,653

17,488,507

18,113,538

Grand Total

56,274,768

45,435,083

45,090,134

49,127,233

54,473,687

*All of these schemes have been re-named from October 2006.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

663 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people claiming jobseeker’s benefit who notified her they will return to their home country or are seeking work in another EU country to date in 2009; the value of payment relating to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29913/09]

The number of people who requested transfer of their Jobseeker Benefit, in line with EU Regulations, to their home country since 1 January 2009 is 2,479. The maximum length of time that a person can transfer their benefit entitlement to another country is seventy eight days (13 weeks). The Department has reciprocal arrangements in place with five EU Member States whereby reimbursement of payments made by those countries for the customers (83) involved is not claimed. The maximum exposure, therefore, to which the Department could be exposed for the remaining 2,396 customers amounts to €6,282,529. However, where customers find employment and consequently do not claim their full entitlement in their home country the costs to the Department will be reduced accordingly. It is not possible to give the final cost to the Department until such time as reimbursement requests are received and processed.

Departmental Estimates.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

664 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the budget allocation to her Department per year since 2000 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29914/09]

The following table provides the budget allocation to the Department of Social and Family Affairs as published in the Revised Estimates Volume each year from 2000 to 2009. The amount for 2008 takes account of the Supplementary Estimate approved by the Dail for that year.

Year

Budget Allocation

IR£m

2000

5,360

2001

6,096

€m

2002

9,408

2003

10,230

2004

11,275

2005

12,199

2006

13,540

2007

15,335

2008

17,862

2009

21,271

Departmental Expenditure.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

665 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money allocated to the family resource agency; the amount of money allocated to each family resource centre; the location of family resource centres; the number of people employed in each family resource centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29915/09]

Funding for the Family Support Agency amounts to almost €36 million for 2009.

The main functions of the Agency include:-

The Family and Community Services Resource Centre (FRC) Programme

The scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling and related services

The Family Mediation Service

Funding for the FRC Programme amounts to over €18 million for 2009, supporting 107 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) nationwide. The aim of this Programme is to combat disadvantage and support families in coping with difficulties. The emphasis in the FRCs is on the involvement of the local community in developing approaches to tackle the problems they face and on creating successful partnerships between the voluntary and statutory agencies in the area concerned. FRCs assess the needs of their local communities and ensure that there are services and supports in place to address these needs.

The additional information in respect of each FRC is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

666 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she has achieved savings of €29.796 million announced on 8 July 2008; the way these savings were made; the target savings to be made in 2009; the way these savings will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29916/09]

On 8 July 2008 the Minister for Finance announced a range of measures which would be taken across the public service to control expenditure in 2008 to achieve savings on the Revised Estimates previously agreed for the public service. In the case of the Department of Social and Family Affairs, the expenditure control measures being undertaken were intended to achieve savings of €29.796 million.

These included savings on the Department's administrative budget in the areas of advertising and IT external service provision; a number of additional control activities; the deferment of the introduction of the Personal Advocacy Service by the Citizens Information Board; a reduction in funding to the Family Support Agency for new Family Resource Centres and the refurbishment of Family Mediation Service offices and reductions in spending on conferences, advertising and awareness raising activities by the Combat Poverty Agency.

The targeted savings were achieved in 2008.

The estimates approved by the Dáil in May 2009 include provision for reduced expenditure across a range of areas in 2009, some of which were a consequence of the measures introduced last year. However, no specific savings targets have been announced since the publication of the Revised Estimates Volume.

Consultancy Contracts.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

667 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money paid to consultants in each of the years from 2004 to date in 2009; the name of each consultancy firm; the work carried out by each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29917/09]

The Department has a major programme of business, organisational and technological change underway to enable it to modernise the services which it provides to its customers. Ensuring that the potential of Information Technology is fully utilised is a significant aspect of this.

Major IT projects require a high level of specialised technical expertise that often is not available within the Department. For this reason, the Department has a specific budget provision for IT External Service provision. IT External Service Provision is defined by the Department of Finance guidelines as where a person or organisation provides the services or the human/physical resources to meet the ICT needs of a Department. These requirements could include software development, network installation and management; infrastructure management, data centre hosting or managed services.

Consultancy is defined in the Department of Finance guidelines as where a person or organisation provides intellectual or knowledge based services (e.g. expert analysis and advice) through delivering reports, studies, assessments, recommendations, proposals etc that contribute to decision or policy making. For example, the Department has used consultancy expertise to support it in undertaking a review of the Social Insurance Fund and the equality review of the Social Welfare Code.

The total amount spent by the Department on consultants (IT external service provision and consultancy services) in each year since 2004 is set out in the table. The names of the individual companies, the purpose of the engagement services and the amounts paid are set out in Table 2.

Table 1: Consultancy and External Service Provision

Year

Total Paid

2004

2,822,000

2005

3,900,000

2006

8,728,000

Consultancy Expertise

IT External Service Provision

2007

1,035,000

7,067,907

2008

1,863,506

10,153,463

2009 (01/01/09 to 31/05/09)

227,429

3,484,377

Table 2

YEAR: 2004

Company

Purpose

BearingPoint Ireland Ltd.

1,826,186

Service Delivery Modernisation Programme Phase 2

Hewlett Packard Ireland Ltd.

383,782

Migration of Service Delivery Modernisation Phase 1 to Microsoft.net platform

Gartner

80,877

Organisational Review of the Department’s Information Systems Division

Fujitsu Consulting

72,771

Service Delivery Modernisation Phase 1 Post Implementation Support

Gartner

55,055

ISD Research

Propylon

42,380

Support services in relation to Central Records System Development

IBM Ireland Ltd.

36,300

Service Delivery Modernisation Phase 2 — Organisational change programme

Similarity Systems Ltd.

30,885

Data Quality Audit on Customer Identity Data

Lansdowne Market Research Ltd.

30,492

Expenditure review of Atypical Working Arrangements in relation to the Unemployment Scheme

Accourt Ltd.

26,391

Development work in relation to Public Service Card

BT

20,691

Technical Support — GVPN (Networks)

Qualbase Ltd.

17,854

Database support for Oracle Financials Application.

First Impression Design

16,335

Paper on demographic, economic, social and other changes impacting family life.

Peoplesoft UK Ltd.

15,365

Maintenance of HRMS Peoplesoft application

Goodbody Economic Consultants

13,310

Social Housing Cost Review for SWA Scheme

Hewlett Packard Ireland Ltd.

13,190

Post implementation support for .NET Microsoft upgraded platform.

James Doran & Associates Ltd.

10,890

Review of Dental Benefits Scheme

Finglas Cabra Partnership Ltd.

10,000

Consultancy Research

Oracle EMEA Limited

9,433

Maintenance of Oracle Financials application

CPL Solutions Ltd

8,833

Consultancy in relation to REACH Project

Public Appointments Service

8,479

Human Resources Consultancy

Mr Robert Dowdall

8,140

Review of PRSI Benefit in Kind Scheme

Technical Guidance Ltd.

7,926

Report on Insurance and Introduction of Actuarial Tables

Olivia O’Leary

6,655

Family Fora Report

Touchpaper Ireland Limited

6,351

Implementation of HelpDesk for Facilities Management

Edward Delaney & Associates

6,156

Advice on Decentralisation

The Policy Institute

5,396

Synthesis Report on NGO submissions in relation to family policy.

Open Interface Ltd.

5,055

Consultancy in relation to Office of Social Inclusion (OSI) website

Community & Enterprise Department

5,000

Research relating to Families

Una Ryan

4,600

Research

Queen’s University

4,590

Family Fora Report

Landsdowne Market Research Ltd.

3,872

Review the Back-To-Work Scheme

Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

3,594

Research

Richard Pawson

3,542

Support on Service Delivery Modernisation Business Object Modernisation (BOM)

Excellence Ireland

2,985

Q-Mark Mock Audit

LAN Communications

2,542

Webmarshall Installation & Consultancy

Blue Wave Technology

2,541

Information Services Technical Support

Mel Cousins

2,178

Methodological advice in relation to unemployment schemes

Core Computer Consultants Ltd.

1,742

Maintenance on Corepay Salaries Application

Matheson Ormsby Prentice

1,452

Research on Occupational Pensions Policy

Eircom

1,392

Anti Virus Consultancy Services

DSP Global Ltd.

1,215

Consultancy in relation to Oracle financials application,.

Frank O’Brien

1,210

Preparation of Commentary

UCD

1,120

Families Research Programme

Management Support Services (Ireland) Ltd.

1,065

Personnel investigation

S.H.B. Carers Development Unit

882

Family Services Project (FSP) Carers Newsletter

Morse

750

Advice on Optical Drive

SQT Training

550

Consultancy Training

YEAR: 2005

Company

Purpose

BearingPoint Ireland Ltd.

2,074,225

Service Delivery Modernisation Programme (SDM Phase 2)

IBM Ireland Ltd.

505,243

Service Delivery Modernisation Programme

BearingPoint Ireland Ltd.

151,234

Development of the Business Object Modernisation to support Overpayments & Debt Management

Accourt Ltd.

141,895

Developing the business & functional requirements for E-payments

Horwath Consulting Ireland Limited

108,810

Review of Medical certification, reporting, review & assessment for illness, disability & carers’ schemes

Prospectus Consultants

82,765

Review of the Management Advisory Committee (MAC)

Qualbase Ltd.

82,595

Database support for Oracle Financials application

IBM Ireland Ltd.

82,551

Development of a strategy for implementing change to support Overpayments & Debt Management System.

Millward Brown Irish Marketing Surveys Ltd.

73,000

Independent Customer Survey

SoftLaw Corporation (Europe) Ltd.

52,473

Proof of concept (POC) project in the use of legislative rule base technology (LRT)

Deloitte & Touche

51,425

Auditing consultancy

Price Waterhouse Cooper / Citicus

50,000

Embedding a structure, methodology and tools for managing Information Risk

Hewlett Packard Limited

47,698

Consultancy in relation to Visual Basic.NET

NTTX Limited

44,528

Health & Safety policy review

Indecon International Economic Consultants

39,812

Review of National Employment Action Plan

Nexus Europe (Ireland) Limited

38,667

Family Support Agency Software /Roll out of evaluation system for Family Resource Centres

Bayberry Consulting Ltd.

29,222

Payment and Agency Reconciliation Project (PARP)

Price Waterhouse Cooper

29,040

Officer identity & Access Management policy

Microsoft MIOL

20,226

Review of Service Delivery Modernisation Phase 2 technical architecture

Computer Associates PLC

19,602

Consultancy relating to Unicenter Systems Monitoring

Espion Ltd.

18,997

Network Perimeter Security

Hewlett Packard Ireland

18,690

Integration/performance testing/new architecture to diagnose problems.

XPERT Technology

14520

Technical Support

Core International

11,479

Maintenance on Salaries application

Technical Guidance Ltd

11,193

Planning Unit Consultancy

Steptoe & Johnson LLP

10,345

Planning Unit Consultancy

ESRI

8,430

Background research paper for development of strategic approach to supporting families

Dorothy Butler Scally

7,986

HR Consultancy

DSP Global Ltd.

7,485

Customisation of Oracle Financials Assets module to support DSFA business requirements.

Naked Objects Group Ltd.

7,260

Service Delivery Modernisation Phase 2 Review + Presentation

Polaris HR Limited

7,180

Personnel Investigations

Similarity Systems

6,050

Consultancy in relation to Overpayments and Debt Management Project

Red Dog Design

4,961

Design of Business Object Icons for Service Delivery Modernisation

Hewlett Packard Limited

4,764

Database support for Integrated Short-term Schemes system (ISTS)

Trinity College

4,500

Planning Unit Consultancy

Insight Test Services

4,500

IT Consultancy

Edward Delaney & Associates

4,477

Facilitation for Statement of Strategy Workshop; Vision Exercise

Mel Cousins

3,630

QA review of Back to Education Allowance Scheme

Propylon

2,723

Functionality Change Request

Compuware

2,552

IT Consultancy

Open Interface Ltd.

2,057

Website maintenance & services

Frank O’Brien

1,815

Planning Unit Consultancy

Blue Wave Technology

1,770

Maintenance on Parliamentary Question application

IFS Strategy Consulting

1,452

Transposition of Institutions Occupation Retirement Provisions (IORPS) Directive

Waterford Area Partnership

1,452

Consultancy on Cumas Report

Blue Wave Technology

1,180

Maintenance on Family Mediation Service Agency application.

Willem Adema

1,153

Presentation

Dr Valerie Richardson

900

Family Conference

HSE (Carers Development Unit/Services for Carers)

896

Family Service Project

Peoplesoft UK Ltd.

592

Maintenance of Peoplesoft application (Human Resource Management System)

YEAR: 2006

Company

Purpose

BearingPoint Ireland Ltd

6,990,986

Service Delivery Modernisation Programme & Business Object Modernisation Development

Price Waterhouse Coopers

257,047

Consultancy & Risk Analysis of IT systems

Horwath Consulting Ireland Limited

169,176

Review of Medical certification, reporting, review & assessment for illness, disability & carers’ schemes.

IBM

164,555

Service Delivery Modernisation Phase 2

Accenture

162,947

Strategy for Document Records & Information Management.

Fujitsu Services CFS Ireland

133,709

Upgrade to Oracle Financials application

Hewlett Packard

120,445

Develop a strategy & recommendations on use of Microsoft Windows Active Directory

PA Consulting

105,919

Programme management for Overpayments & Debt Management (ODM).

Bayberry Consulting Limited

97,405

To support the development of the functional specification for Payment and Agency Reconciliation Project (PARP)

IQ Content Ltd

57,999

To support the development of a strategy for DSFA website www.welfare.ie

Hewlett Packard

51,219

Proof of Concept consultancy

BearingPoint Ireland

43,219

DSFA contribution to Shared Services contract with CMOD

Hewlett Packard

41,685

Ongoing software maintenance and support services for DISC

Imformatica Ireland Ltd

37,056

Customer Identity Data Quality Management Consultancy

Propylon

28,604

Ongoing software maintenance and support services for DISC

NTTX Limited

26,939

Health & Safety review

ESRI

24,200

Consultancy on Customer Profiling

Mel Cousins

23,812

Consultancy on review of the social welfare code

Prospectus Consultants

20,861

Review of the Management Advisory Committee (MAC).

Red Dog Design

16,553

Design of icons.

Policy Institute

16,190

To provide a NAPS / Consultation report.

Alldocs Limited

16,026

Scanning & indexing of customer, claim & administrative papers.

RITS

15,464

IT Forensic Investigations

Qualbase Ltd.

15,202

Database Support for Oracle Financials application

REHAB Care

13,782

Locall Leaflet Distribution for DSFA customers

Hewlett Packard

13,281

Integration of Overpayments & Debt Management Application with Service Delivery Modernisation.

IBM

11,587

Scanning services

Mel Cousins

8,470

Quality Assessment of the Review of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme

Core International

7,367

Corepay support & maintenance

Technical Guidance Ltd

4,840

Consultancy on Pensions Policy Review.

Hewlett Packard

4,805

Post implementation support for Child Benefit (CB) V1.3 Code Base

Petrus Consulting

4,742

Consultancy on Expenditure Review of Carer’s review.

Data Conversion

4,295

Data Entry services

Mel Cousins

4,235

UA/UB Atypical Expenditure Review — assessment report

Open Interface Ltd.

4,006

Website Maintenance

Deloitte & Touche

3,267

ICT audit expertise

Agnition

1,815

Project Management Consultancy

SoftLaw Corporation (Europe) Ltd

1,753

Proof of concept (POC) project

Polaris HR Ltd. 2005

1,617

Personnel Investigations

Collette Gaughran

550

To assess IS needs for people in DSFA with a disability.

Irish Sign Link

270

Interpretation Services

Darren Malone

100

Website Development

YEAR: 2007

Company

Purpose

Bearing Point Ireland Ltd

6,786,136

Service Delivery Modernisation (SDM) Programme

Accenture

281,243

DSFA Corporate Taxonomy

Mercer Human Resource Consulting

199,650

Actuarial Review of Social Insurance Fund

Informatica Ireland Ltd.

82,818

Customer Identity Data Quality Management

Fujitsu Services CFS Ireland

77,656

Financial Support Systems — Oracle Financials Upgrade

Deloitte & Touche

72,916

IS Audit consultancy

OECD

70,000

Thematic Review on reforming Disability Benefit

Hewlett Packard

58,962

ISS Active Directory Strategy

Hewlett Packard

51,219

IT Consultancy in relation to Business Object Modernisation/Open VMS

Inpute Technologies

48,540

Intelligent Character Recognitions/Optical Character Recognition

Naked Objects Group Ltd

47,160

Business Objects Modelling Advice and Expertise for Service Delivery Modernisation (SDM) Programme

Mel Cousins & Associates

44,322

Equality Review of the Social Welfare Code

NTTX Ltd

43,560

Report on Health & Safety Programme

Goodbody Economic Consultants

36,784

Study on Social Housing/Rent Supplement

Goodbody Economic Consultants

31,037

Reports on Economic Implications of Demographic Change and Pensioner Support Ratio

Core International

30,078

Provision of Retro-Overtime Module to Corepay, Online Payslips, Time & Attendance System

IPSOS MORI Ireland

27,104

Customer Service Survey (South East Region)

Steve Wylie

24,200

Consultancy support for production of an Information Communication Technology Strategy

Naked Objects Group Ltd

17,001

Business Object Support — Medical Referral Assessment Implementation

Red Dog Design Consultants

13,806

National Anti-Poverty Strategy (NAPS) Consultation Report

Price Waterhouse Cooper

12,100

Management Advisory Committee (MAC) Risk Management Assessment Workshop

Data Conversion

10,521

Live Register customer profiling

Polaris HR Ltd

9,623

Personnel Investigations

Prospectus Ltd

6,624

Management Advisory Committee (MAC) Review

Dr. Muireann Cullen, Nutrition & Health Foundation

5,850

Advice in relation to healthy eating & specialised diets (Dietary Supplement Allowance)

UCD Bursar’s Office

5,227

Patterns & Trends Report (Family Affairs Unit)

Fujitsu Services CFS Ireland

3,150

DRIM Preparation & Design of Workshop

National Council for the Blind

2,500

Accessibility Consultancy Services

Edmond Cussen

1,800

Document Records Information Management (DRIM) Peer Review

Alldocs Limited

736

Capture of Documents in Electronic Format

Red Dog Design Consultants

436

Design Consultancy

Sign Language Interpreting Service

145

Sign Language Interpreting

YEAR: 2008

Company

Purpose

Bearing Point

5,432,151

Support & Maintenance of SDM Production System and Widows & Widowers (Contributory) Pension Schemes Project

Fujitsu Services

1,645,112

Payment & Agency Reconciliation Project

Hewlett Packard Ireland Limited

1,147,424

Development work in relation to corporate intranet portal and Office Systems Modernisation

Bayberry

676,147

Payment & Agency Reconciliation (business & organisational change)

Naked Objects

435,120

Business Objects Modelling Advice and Expertise (Service Delivery Modernisation Programme)

Accenture

368,573

Strategic Review of Client Eligibility Services

Hewlett Packard Ireland Limited

363,446

Consultancy support on migration of systems to Microsoft Exchange

PM Centrix

336,242

DSFA Website Redesign

Accenture

260,387

Systems Design & Development (General Register Office)

Grant Thorton

183,781

Strategic Review of Customer Facing Services

Mel Cousins

172,365

Equality Review of Social Welfare Code

ERSI

150,000

Assessment of impact of tax and welfare policy

Ernst & Young

120,000

Information Security Support

Deloitte

118,403

IS Audit Consultancy

Hewlett Packard Ireland Limited

81,266

Implementation of Centralised Infrastructural Management System

WRC Social & Economic Consultants

77,552

Review of Activation & Family Support Programme

Millward Brown

65,606

Family Income Supplement — Uptake Research Project

ERSI

51,847

National Employment Action Plan (NEAP) Evaluation

Core International

38,920

Travel & Subsistence Claim Processing

Inpute Technologies

38,784

Digital Documents

Lan Communications

37,455

Network Security Consultancy

Rits Information Security

30,454

Forensic Investigation Services

Fujitsu Services

27,116

Oracle Financials

ERSI

24,200

Live Register Customer Profiling

Core International

20,092

Time & Attendance System

Computer Associates

19,965

Implementation of Centralised Infrastructural Management System

Microsoft Ireland Ltd

17,120

Implementation of Centralised Infrastructural Management System

Core International

17,034

Corepay development & Upgrade

ERSI

16,000

Measurement & analysis of levels of consistent poverty

Camille Loftus- OPEN

14,000

Welfare to work review

Conal Devine Associates

10,905

CORE Functions — Organisational Design/Development and Configuration & Transition Management

Peoplesoft

8,057

Human Resource Management Support

Accenture

5,569

DSFA Corporate Taxonomy

Technical Guidance

5,392

Pensions Policy Report

Open Interface

484

Website Design (Office of Social Inclusion)

YEAR: 2009 (Provisional to 31/05/09)

Company

Purpose

Bearing Point

1,568,989

Support & Maintenance of SDM Production System

Fujitsu Services CFS Ireland

794,368

Payment & Agency Reconciliation Project

Bearing Point

287,698

Widows & Widowers (Contributory) Pension Schemes Project

Hewlett Packard Ireland

277,649

Consultancy support on migration of systems to Microsoft Exchange

Bayberry Consulting Ltd

170,597

Payment & Agency Reconciliation (business & organisational change)

Microsoft Ireland Operations Ltd

128,522

Security of ICT Services

Inpute Technologies

100,585

Digital Documents

Bearing Point

86,045

Medical Review and Case Management Project

Accenture

64,055

Business Process Improvement

Naked Objects Group Ltd

60,932

Business Objects Modelling Advice (Service Delivery Modernisation Programme)

Naked Objects Group Ltd

53,460

Technical Development Advice (Service Delivery Modernisation Programme)

PM Centrix

42,470

Departmental Website Redesign Project

Accenture

27,454

Ongoing Support & Maintenance of Civil Registration System (General Register Office)

WRC Economic Consultants

19,440

Review of Activation & Family Support Programme

A&L Goodbody Solicitors

15,455

Pensions Policy Advice

Deloitte & Touche

14,087

IS Audit Consultancy / Computer Audit Assistance

Departmental Agencies.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

668 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the bodies or agencies operating under the aegis of her Department; the financial allocation to same per year since their establishment; the number of staff employed by each per year since their establishment; the amount of money spent on public relations companies by each per year since their establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29918/09]

The four statutory bodies operating under the aegis of the Department are the Pensions Board, the Citizens Information Board, the Family Support Agency and the Social Welfare Tribunal. In addition the Pensions Ombudsman comes under the remit of the Department.

The Combat Poverty Agency has been integrated into the Office of Social Inclusion in the Department since 1 July 2009.

The information requested in respect of these bodies is set out in tables.

Agency/ Board

Financial Allocation per year since date of Establishment

Number of Staff employed per year since date of Establishment

Amount of money spent on public relation companies per year since date of establishment

The Pensions Board

Year

1991

8

1992

11

1993

11

6,800

1994

14

2,746

1995

17

6,300

1996

17

8,510

1997

20

16,192

1998

58,160

20

28,367

1999

38,092

19

26,800

2000

67,139

19

42,996

2001

991,550

23

41,072

2002

885,249

33

60,457

2003

1,912,745

37

125,689

2004

1,927,951

38

111,232

2005

1,804,119

39

91,776

2006

2,162,470

39

113,383

2007

2,073,161

37

113,217

2008

1,000,000

39.5

92,764

Notes: Financial Allocation

1. Contribution by DSFA to Board policy work in period 1998-2001.

2. Contribution to Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSAs) costs in period 2001-2007 This subvention ceased at the end of 2007.

3. National Pension Awareness Campaign (NPAC) costs from 2003.

Agency/ Board

Financial Allocation per year since date of Establishment

Number of Staff employed per year since date of Establishment

Amount of money spent on public relation companies per year since date of establishment

€000

Office of the Pensions Ombudsman

2003/4 — €842

8

No public relations company engaged at any time.

2005 — €733

8

2006 — €653

8

2007 — €1,058

10

2008 — €961

10

2009 — €974

10

Agency/ Board

Financial Allocation per year since date of Establishment

Number of Staff employed per year since date of Establishment

Amount of money spent on public relation companies per year since date of establishment

Social Welfare Tribunal

1982*

5 — Chairman and 4 ordinary members

NIL

1983*

1984*

1985*

1986*

1987*

1988*

1989*

1990*

1991*

1992*

1993*

1994*

1995*

1996*

1997 — £9,000.00

1998 — £9,000.00

5 — Chairman and 4 ordinary members

NIL

1999 — £6,000.00

NIL

2000 — £6,000.00

2001 — £6,000.00

2002 — NIL

2003 — €8,000.00

2004 — €3,000.00

2005 — €4,000.00

2006 — €4,100.00

2007 — €1,500.00

2008 — €6,000.00

2009 — €6,000.00

*Unfortunately it is not possible to ascertain the budget allocations for the Tribunal in respect of the years prior to 1997.

Agency/ Board

Financial Allocation per year since date of Establishment

Number of Staff employed per year since date of Establishment

Amount of money spent on public relation companies per year since date of establishment

Family Support Agency Established 06-05-2003

2003 : €17.280m

2003 : 32.80

2003 : Nil

2004 : €20.185m

2004 : 35.10

2004 : Nil

2005 : €24.460

2005 : 34.10

2005 : €25,017

2006 : €28.025m

2006 : 38.70

2006 : €50,033

2007 : €35.339m

2007 : 42.49

2007 : €50,033

2008 : €35.981m

2008 : 38.98

2008 : €55,830

2009 : €35.707m

2009 : 40.19 Full-time equivalent posts.

2009 : Nil

Agency/ Board

Financial Allocation per year since date of Establishment

Number of Staff employed per year since date of Establishment

Amount of money spent on public relation companies per year since date of establishment

Comhairle 2000 (part year only, est. 12/06/00)

€4.945m

70

€56,551

2001

€12.795m

72

€63,854

2002

€15.367m

75

€93,598

2003

€17.016m

85

€5,610

2004

€17.901m

90

Nil

2005

€20.997m

91

Nil

2006

€24.362m

92

Nil

Citizens Information Board (est. 21/02/07)

€28.140m

92

Nil

2007

€29.467m

88

Nil

2008

€28.000m

88

Nil

2009 (estimate)

(Ave no. of staff employed in the year, WTEs)

Departmental Bodies.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

669 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the current working groups established by her and what they are examining; when they are due to report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29919/09]

Details of current working groups are set out in the table.

Name of Board/Agency

Name of Working Group established by the Minister

Purpose of Group

Date Report Due

Department of Social & Family Affairs

Working Group to Review the Disability Allowance Scheme

To review the disability allowance scheme having regard to its objectives and the extent to which they are being achieved.

Q4 2009

Department of Social & Family Affairs.

Working Group to Review information services provided to customers

To examine the information provision function of the Department and that of the Citizens Information Board in relation solely to its provision of information on DSFA related schemes.

Q4 2009

Department of Social & Family Affairs

Steering Committee to Review Child Income Support policy and associated spending programmes

To examine the objectives of child income support (CIS) policy, consider if they remain valid, if programme spending and associated administrative costs are well configured to meet these objectives and if alternative approaches would achieve better outcomes and impacts.

Interim report: Late 2009 Final report — Early 2010 See footnote below***

Department of Social & Family Affairs

Mortgage InterestSupplementWorking Group

To review the mortgage interest supplement scheme.

End 2009

Working Group to Review the Disability Allowance Scheme

To review the disability allowance scheme having regard to its objectives and the extent to which they are being achieved.

Q4 2009

***The establishment of the review of Child Income Supports was made in the context of the Government's Value for Money and policy review initiative and predates the Minister for Finance's announcement in the budget to progress with either the means testing or taxation of child benefit from 2010. The review looks at the wider range of Child Income support payments than Child Benefit and therefore will continue its deliberations into 2010.

Job Creation.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

670 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when the JobSearch programme, which is being undertaken by FÁS in co-operation with her, was set up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29923/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

671 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number and percentage of people referred to FÁS in 2007; the number and percentage of people who were interviewed by FÁS; the number and percentage of people placed in jobs, training or education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29924/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 670 and 671 together.

The National Employment Action Plan/Job Search, operated jointly with FÁS, is the main activation measure for jobseeker's. It has been in operation since 1998 and has proven successful in that period in assisting people on the live register back into employment. It provides for a systematic engagement of the employment services with unemployed people.

Under the Plan, all persons between the ages of 18 and 65 years who are approaching 3 months on the Live Register, are identified by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and referred to FÁS for interview with the aim of assisting them to enter/re-enter the labour market.

Numbers Referred, Interviewed by FÁS, Placed in Jobs/Training/Education & Total Leavers 2007/2008

Year

2007

% of Referrals

2008

% of Referrals

No’s Referred

51,452

60,260

No.’s Interviewed

32,124

62%

40,933

68%

Placed in Jobs Training or Education

7,621

15%

7,846

13%

Total Leavers

32,359

63%

33,919

56%

The Employment Action plan process is fundamental in addressing the progression needs of those on the Live Register. It provides a stimulus to job search and affords an opportunity to explore, under professional guidance, the full range of employment and training services offered by FÁS.

The number of referrals under the National Employment Action Plan has been increased from 6,500 to 12,250 cases per month. This represents an unprecedented increase in capacity of nearly 100% for this programme.

Departmental Staff.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

672 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 10 June 2009, the number of facilitators in each location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29925/09]

The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the local office network. Facilitators hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office or by other agencies. In addition, cases are selected and referred to facilitators by employment support section. An appointment can be made by contacting the facilitator directly or via the appropriate local office.

A list of facilitators in each location is as follows for the information of the Deputy.

Locations Of Facilitators

Currently 60.5 Facilitators in Place

Apollo House, Dublin

1

Athlone

1

Athy

1

Ballina

1

Ballyfermott

1

Ballymun

1

Bishop’s Square, Dublin

1

Blanchardstown

1

Bray

1

Buncrana

1

Carlow

1

Castlebar

1

Cavan

1

Clondalkin

1

Clonmel

1

Coolock

1

Cork

5

Drogheda

1

Dun Laoghaire

1

Dundalk

1

Dungloe

1

Ennis

2

Finglas

1

Galway

2

Kilbarrack

1

Kilkenny

1

Killarney

1

Letterkenny

1

Limerick

2

Longford

1

Mallow

1

Maynooth — work sharing

0.5

Monaghan

1

Mullingar

2

Navan

1

Navan Rd, Dublin

1

Newbridge

1

North Cumberland St, Dublin

1

Nutgrove

1

Portlaoise

1

Sligo

1

Swords

1

Tallaght

1

Thomas St, Dublin

1

Thurles

1

Tralee

1

Tuam

1

Tullamore

1

Waterford

2

Wexford

3

Question No. 673 answered with Question No. 621.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

674 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of the back to education allowance for each of the past five years and to date 2009; the cost for each of these years and to date 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29928/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

675 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have applied for the back to education allowance for each of the past five years; the number of people who have been denied the allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29929/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 674 and 675 together.

Participants on the back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme transfer from another social welfare payment. Annual statistics are collated by the department for the number of participants on the basis of the relevant academic year. Statistics are not collated centrally on the number of applications received or the number who are refused entry to the scheme and, consequently, remain on their existing payment.

Details of the number of participants on the scheme (BTEA) for the academic years 2003/2004 to the 2008/ 2009 are presented in Table 1 below. Table 2 shows the annual expenditure on the scheme for full years from 2004 to 2008 and provisional figure for first six months of 2009. The tables show a significant increase in the number of participants and the level of expenditure on the scheme in recent years.

Table 1 — BTEA Participants 2004/2005 to 2008/2009

Academic year

Number of Participants

2004/2005

7,308

2005/2006

7,285

2006/2007

8,090

2007/2008

8,883

2008/2009

11,646

Table 2 — BTEA Expenditure 2004 to date

Year

Expenditure

2004

44,160,264

2005

46,694,897

2006

52,069,963

2007

64,142,351

2008

77,135,921

End June 2009

45,0892,039 (Provisional figure)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

676 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people in receipt of the back to work enterprise allowance for each of the past five years and to date 2009; the cost for each of these years and to date 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29930/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

677 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who applied for the back to work enterprise allowance for each of the past five years; the number of people who have been denied the allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29931/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 676 and 677 together.

The back to work enterprise scheme is designed to assist people on a social welfare payment return to work by setting up a self employment business. Participants on the back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) scheme transfer from another social welfare payment and retain a tapered percentage of their payment over a two year period.

Annual statistics are collated by the department for the number of participants on the scheme. Records are not collated as to the number of applications received annually or the number who are refused entry to the scheme and consequently remain on their existing payment.

Details of the number of participants in receipt of the back to work enterprise allowance since 2004 are presented in table 1 below. Table 2 shows the total expenditure on the back to work programme, which includes both the back to work enterprise allowance and the back to work employee allowance, for the full years 2004 to 2008 and provisional figures for the first 6 months of 2009. The back to work employee allowance has been closed to new applications since 1st May 2009 but existing participants continue to receive payment.

Table 1 — Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Participation levels 2004-2009

Year

Back to Work Enterprise Allowance

December 2004

6,855

December 2005

5,297

December 2006

4,373

December 2007

4,828

December 2008

4,604

End June 2009

4,388

Table 2 — Expenditure on Back to Work Allowance 2004-2009

Year

Expenditure on Back to Work Allowance

2004

65,711,714

2005

53,562,879

2006

56.497,494

2007

71,071,990

2008

73,168,872

To end June 09

32,587,955 (Provisional)

Olwyn Enright

Question:

678 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of people who have applied for the short-term enterprise allowance; the number of people participating in this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29932/09]

The short term enterprise allowance (STEA) was introduced by the Government to respond to the demand to provide support to someone who becomes unemployed and who wants to start their own business.

The short term enterprise allowance (STEA) is payable at the same rate and for the same duration as jobseeker’s benefit. It has been available since 1st May 2009 to claimants who qualify for jobseeker’s benefit, provided they have 104 contributions paid or have established entitlement to statutory redundancy from their latest period of employment. Anyone in this category with a viable business idea can avail of the scheme. Data is collated centrally in respect of awards only. At week ending 3rd July 2009 there were 148 people in receipt of the short term enterprise allowance.

Tax and Social Welfare Codes.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

679 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made regarding the programme for Government commitment to integrate the tax and social welfare systems fully to allow for more efficient data and money transfer mechanisms and to provide for a fully integrated PPS number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29933/09]

The Department has taken a lead role over the years in developing and implementing identity management policies and procedures based on the use of the Personal Public Services (PPS) number. This number was previously known as the Revenue and Social Insurance (RSI) number. The name was changed to indicate the broadening of its role to one which supports delivery of a broader range of public services but it is also still used for its original core purpose of providing a common identifier for the Revenue Commissioners and this Department.

As well as facilitating wider-scale exchange of information, the PPS number also has a role in the development of on-line services for individuals. The Department provides identity related services to a number of agencies in accordance with legislation.

The overall Government strategy is to realise the potential of the Information Society through innovation and modernisation of public services. As part of this, the Standard Authentication Framework Environment programme, co-chaired by this Department and the Department of Finance, provides the basis for a consistent set of registration and authentication services for customer interaction with public services.

The Department is developing a Public Services Card (PSC), to replace the existing Social Services Card. The aim is to develop a card that acts as a key for access to public services in general, identifying and authenticating individuals as appropriate and where required. The necessary legislative provisions were included in the 2007 Social Welfare and Pensions Act.

In December 2008, the Department and the Revenue Commissioners signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the purpose of improving and intensifying the levels and scope of existing policy, consultative, administrative and operational co-operative arrangements between them. The Department and the Revenue Commissioners recognize the necessity for clear and unambiguous communication and consultation on any policy, legislative, administrative, operational and modernisation proposals which may have implications for either organisation. This will include, for example, proposals being brought forward in the context of, inter alia, the Budget, Finance Act(s), Social Welfare Act(s), and national social partnership agreements.The Department will continue to explore on the basis of these ongoing developments how greater data and money transfer efficiencies could be realised in the future.

Social Welfare Code.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

680 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to maintain policy of phasing and use of transition payments for persons coming off social welfare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29934/09]

The Department is conscious of the need to facilitate persons in receipt of social welfare payments when taking up employment opportunities. To ensure that supports are structured to support this objective, a number of measures have been introduced in recent years to remove disincentives to taking up employment and to assist in the transition from welfare to work.

These measures include the introduction of a tapered withdrawal of means-tested payments for unemployed people and people with disabilities who engage in employment and a tapered withdrawal of certain earnings for people in receipt of the rent and mortgage interest supplements.

Significant progress in removing poverty and inactivity traps is also shown in two important reforms which were introduced in 2007. These improved the method by which a person's earnings from employment, or the earnings of their partner, are assessed and facilitate persons in increasing their level of employment and income. This means that both adults associated with a jobseeker's allowance claim are now assessed in a similar manner and ensures that the families gain when earnings increase, encouraging qualified adults to move beyond long-term part-time employment. These changes are designed in particular to be progressive for women, who currently make up the majority of qualified adults in the social welfare system. Under the previous assessment procedures a trap existed whereby the loss in benefits to a household could exceed the gain in income attained by an increase in the earnings of a partner.

The changes also removed an anomaly in the assessment of means which discriminated against people with children, through the introduction of a daily earnings disregard of €20, benefiting many part-time workers, but particularly those with children. For example, a couple earning €290 per week over three days with two children gained over €112 per week jobseeker's allowance under the new arrangements.

In addition, Family Income Supplement (FIS) provides cash support for employees on low earnings with families or those seeking to make the transition from welfare to work. This preserves the incentive to remain in employment in circumstances where the employee might only be marginally better off than if he or she were unemployed and claiming other social welfare payments. Take-up of the scheme has increased significantly in recent years with almost 43,000 new and renewal FIS claims in 2008, compared to almost 37,900 in 2007.

In order to respond effectively to the growing numbers on the Live Register, the changing profile of jobseeker's generally and the current employment situation, it decided to refocus the existing resources from the Back to Work Schemes on helping people into self-employment. To this end, the employee strand of the Back to Work Allowance was closed to new applicants.

From 1st May 2009 it has been replaced by two schemes; a 2 year back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) and a 1 year short term enterprise allowance (STEA). The STEA is payable to claimants who qualify for jobseeker's benefit, provided they have 104 contributions paid or have established entitlement to statutory redundancy from their latest period of employment. It is payable at the same rate and for the same duration as jobseeker's benefit.

The overall purpose of the new arrangements is to financially assist those on the Live Register to set up a business almost immediately they become unemployed, thereby ensuring that their knowledge, skills and expertise are fully utilised at an early stage in promoting enterprise and employment in the economy.

The measures outlined, including those recently introduced, will have the effect of greatly reducing the incidence and extent of poverty traps and ensure that they will only arise at significantly higher income levels than previously applied.

My Department will continue to monitor the operation of its schemes with a view to ensuring that poverty traps and disincentives are removed.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

681 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to ensure that women are treated fairly in the social welfare code and to examine the proposals in the Green Paper on Pensions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29935/09]

The social welfare system has been improved over recent decades to make it easier for people, and women in particular, to qualify for contributory pensions. Social insurance coverage has been extended to include new categories of employment such as part-time workers and qualifying conditions for pensions have been eased. The homemaker's scheme was introduced to limit the impact that periods spent out of the workforce on caring duties had on pension entitlements. The effect of these reforms, combined with increased workforce participation, will ensure that, in future, most people will qualify for a contributory pension in their own right.

A qualified adult increase is payable in respect of a spouse or partner who is wholly or mainly maintained by a claimant. Since 2002, pensioner couples have been able to choose to have the qualified adult portion of the pension paid direct to the spouse or partner. Many spouse partners without their own pension entitlement have received a direct payment in this way. Direct payment of the qualified adult increase became mandatory for all new pension claims from September 2007. Couples may opt to receive a single payment but only where the qualified adult indicates that she/he does not wish to receive a direct payment.

The Government committed itself to complete the process, begun in Budget 2007, to bring payments to qualified adults age over 66 up to the level of the state pension (non-contributory) over a period of three years. Increases in subsequent Budgets have brought the qualified adult rate to 94% of the state pension (non contributory).

There are, of course, some older women who, for various reasons, cannot benefit from the many changes already outlined. Their position and that of others not covered by the social welfare pensions system is discussed in the Green Paper on Pensions which was published in October 2007. Following the conclusion of the successful consultation process last year, the Government has been considering a number of options to address the challenges facing our pensions system and which were raised in the Green Paper process. These issues relate to social welfare pensions, the sustainability of our pension system generally, the adequacy of current provision, and other complex issues around regulation, public sector pensions and retirement age.

Over the last year, the economic environment has changed considerably and the Government needs to ensure that any decisions made in the pensions area are robust enough to withstand new and unprecedented challenges.

It is entirely appropriate that the Government takes the time to arrive at sound decisions about the future of our pension system, given the potential of such decisions to significantly impact on this and future generations. The objective is a system that will deliver an adequate retirement income for all which is, affordable and sustainable for the State and for those who sponsor and provide pension schemes. It is expected that the national pensions framework will be finalised in the near future.

In addition, the Department of Social & Family Affairs is currently carrying out a technical review of the entire social welfare code to examine its compatibility with the Equal Status Act 2000 (as amended). The review is examining the schemes and services provided for both in social welfare legislation and the administrative schemes operated by the Department. It will identify any instances of direct or indirect discrimination on any of the nine grounds under the Act, including gender, that are not justified by a legitimate social policy objective or where the means of achieving that objective are either unnecessary or inappropriate.

The findings of this review will contribute to informed planning and policy making to ensure that the social welfare system reflects the needs and expectations of all citizens and is equitable in meeting those needs. The Review is due to be completed by end 2009.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

682 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to recognise the role and economic contribution of spouses working on the farm within the social insurance system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29936/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

697 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to better recognise the role and economic contribution of spouses working on the farm within the social insurance system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29951/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 682 and 697 together.

Spouses working for self-employed contributors are specifically excepted from social insurance contributions. However, spouses who are actively engaged in a commercial partnership, including the operation of a farm, as opposed to simply being the joint owners of a property, are treated as individual self-employed contributors and are thus liable to social insurance contributions.

The Programme for Government states that ‘The role and economic contribution of spouses working on the farm will be better recognised within the social insurance system'. On foot of this commitment an information leaflet, ‘Working with your spouse: how it affects your social welfare contributions and entitlements', has been developed between the Department of Social & Family Affairs and the Revenue Commissioners to set out the social welfare and tax implications of families co-working in a shared business. It was published on the 25th of June, 2008.

Since June 2008 745 farm partnership applications have been received by my Department; 265 applications have been decided with 216 applications being granted partnership status.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

683 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to continue to maintain the value of the lowest rate of social welfare payments as agreed in the national action plan on social inclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29937/09]

The commitment in the Programme for Government is to maintain the value of the lowest social welfare payment at least at €185.80 per week in 2007 terms over the course of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion.

The Consumer Price Index increased by 4.1% since 2007. The lowest rate of social welfare payment was increased by €12 per week in the 2008 Budget and €6.50 in the 2009 Budget, a total increase of €17.50 or 9.4%. The rate currently stands at €204.30.

This level of increase is greater than movements in prices or wages over the same period thus ensuring that the value of the lowest payment has been more than maintained.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

684 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to further increase eligibility for the carer’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29938/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

687 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to develop a national carers’ strategy and that there will be appropriate consultation with the social partners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29941/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 684 and 687 together.

The Government is acutely aware of the sacrifices made by carers and has made many improvements in services and supports for carers.

The carer's allowance scheme has been significantly improved in recent years and in Budget 2009, I continued this process. The rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over increased by €7 to €239 per week and for those aged under 66 by €6.50 to €220.50 per week. These increases took effect from January 2009. Recipients of carer's allowance are also eligible for household benefits, free travel and the respite care grant.

Since 1997 weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been set at €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. This means that a couple with two children can earn in the region of €37,200 and qualify for the maximum rate of Carer's Allowance as well as the associated free travel and household benefits. A couple with an income in the region of €60,400 can still qualify for a minimum payment, as well as the associated free travel, household benefits package. These levels surpass the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure that those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.

From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008.

During 2008 an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process to develop a National Carers' Strategy. However, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time lines which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged.

It is estimated that the combined expenditure on carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant and half-rate carers will be €650 million in 2009.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

685 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to double the non-means tested respite care grant to €3,000 per person cared for; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29939/09]

Supporting and recognising carers in our society is, and has been, a priority of the Government since 1997. Over that period, weekly payment rates to carers have been greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have been significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

In 2005, the respite care grant was extended to all people providing full time care and attention, regardless of their means or social insurance contributions and it was made payable in respect of each care recipient. From June 2007, the level of the grant was increased by €300 per year to €1,500 per year in respect of each person being cared for.

In Budget 2008, the level of the grant was increased by a further €200 per year to €1,700 in respect of each care recipient.

Any further increases in the level of the grant will have to be considered in the context of future Budgets.

Social Welfare Code.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

686 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to extend the national fuel allowance scheme to cover eligible carers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29940/09]

The Department's social welfare recipients are assisted with heating costs through their basic payments, the fuel allowance scheme and the household benefits package of electricity and gas allowance. These schemes have been improved significantly in recent years.

The national fuel allowance scheme assists householders on long-term social welfare or health service executive (HSE) payments with meeting the cost of their heating needs during the winter season. The allowance represents a contribution towards a person's normal heating expenses. It is not intended to meet those costs in full.

Improvements to the fuel allowance in recent years include an easing of the means test, extending the duration of payment from 29 in 2006 to 32 weeks in 2009 and an increase in the rate of payment from €14 in 2006 to €20 (€23.90 in designated smokeless areas) in 2009. The income threshold for eligibility to fuel allowance was also increased in 2007 by €49 from €51 to €100 above the state pension (contributory) rate.

Almost 289,000 people benefited from the fuel allowance in 2006 at a cost of €130m while over 317,000 people are benefiting in 2009 at an estimated cost of €205m.

The carer's allowance scheme has been significantly improved in recent years and this process was continued in 2009. The rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over increased by €7 to €239 per week and for those aged under 66 by €6.50 to €220.50 per week. These increases took effect from January 2009. Since 1997 weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

The means test for carer's allowance has been significantly eased over the years, and is now one of the most generous means tests in the social welfare system, most notably with regard to spouse's earnings. Since April 2008, the income disregard has been €332.50 per week for a single person and €665 per week for a couple. These levels surpass the Towards 2016 commitment to ensure that those on average industrial earnings continue to qualify for a full carer's allowance.

From June 2005, the annual respite care grant was extended to all carers who are providing full time care to a person who needs such care, regardless of their income. The rate of the respite care grant has also been increased to €1,700 per year in respect of each care recipient since June 2008.

Recipients of Carers Allowance qualify for a Free Travel Pass, the Household Benefits Package, Island Allowance (where appropriate) and the Respite Care Payment. Income from Carer's Allowance is not taken into account in the assessment of means for a medical card.

Carer's Allowance is not a qualifying payment for a fuel allowance. Normally the carer must live with the person being cared for. However, in certain circumstances this requirement may be relaxed. In many cases the care recipient will already be in receipt of fuel allowance in his/her own right and only one fuel allowance is payable per household.

The rules on household composition and the means test for the purpose of qualifying for the fuel allowance determine the ability of applicant households to meet their normal heating requirements out of their own resources and to ensure that the maximum amount of support is targeted at those most in need of the fuel allowance support.

The extension of the national fuel scheme to eligible carers, as set out in the Agreed Programme for Government, will be examined in the context of the overall package of commitments relating to carers contained in the programme. Any additional costs arising from this or any other improvements to the scheme would also need to be considered in the light of annual budgetary requirements, having regard to overall resources available for social welfare schemes generally.

Question No. 687 answered with Question No. 684.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

688 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to implement a range of reforms to income support for lone parents, including removal of the cohabitation restriction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29942/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

689 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress regarding the programme for Government commitment to replace lone parents’ allowance with a new and improved family friendly allowance, and relaxing restrictions on work while retaining the social welfare payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29943/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 688 and 689 together.

The Government discussion paper, "Proposals for Supporting Lone Parents," put forward proposals to tackle obstacles to employment for lone parents and other low income families. These included proposals for the extension of the National Employment Action Plan to focus on lone parents, focused provision of childcare and the introduction of a new social assistance payment for low income families with young children.

Under the proposals the lone parenthood category of payment would no longer exist. Instead, a new payment would be made to all parents (living alone or with a partner), with young children, on low income.

Any proposed new payment cannot be introduced without co-ordinated supports and services being put in place by a number of Departments and Agencies. Issues including access to childcare support, education, training and activation measures are being discussed with the relevant Departments and Agencies in tandem with the development of a new payment scheme.

To facilitate the development of the policy and operational details of the new scheme the Department, with the co-operation of FÁS, the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Department of Education and Science, tested the proposals in 2008. The experience of this engagement process is feeding into the development of the approach to working with lone parents and qualified adults.

The Department is continuing to keep policies in relation to lone parents under consideration. However, the extent and speed at which these can progress will be impacted by the current economic climate.

Question No. 690 answered with Question No. 650.
Question No. 691 answered with Question No. 650.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

692 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in relation to the programme for Government commitment to implement significant improvements to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29946/09]

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when children start school each autumn. While the allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but it provides important assistance towards these costs.

A person may qualify for payment of an allowance if s/he is in receipt of a social welfare payment (including family income supplement), or Health Service Executive payment, is participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and has household income at or below certain set levels.

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme provided support for parents at a time of financial strain. Improvements to the scheme in recent years give a major boost towards meeting the financial costs associated with return to school for those who most need assistance.

The rates of the allowance have been increased significantly. Since 2006, the allowance has increased by 67% from €120 to €200 in respect of qualified children aged from 2 to 11 years and by 61% from €190 to €305 for those aged 12 to 2 years. As a special measure introduced in Budget 2009 , an additional temporary allowance of € 215 is payable to 18 year olds in respect of whom half rate Child Benefit is payable. Total payment in respect of children in this category is €520 for the years 2009 and 2010.

In Budget 2009, the income thresholds for entitlement to back to school clothing and footwear allowance were increased by €50, bringing the income limit for the allowance for parents with one child from € 470.80 to € 560.00 (for couples) and €331.30 to €407.00 for lone parents, increases of almost 19% and 23% respectively. An estimated 18,000 more families will benefit from the scheme as a result of the increase in the income thresholds.

The number of children benefiting from the allowance increased from almost 162,000 in 2006 to over 200,000 in 2008 and it is estimated that in excess of 250,000 children will benefit in 2009. The number of families benefiting has increased from almost 79,000 in 2006 to 102,000 in 2008 with an estimated 140,000 families to benefit in 2009. Expenditure on the scheme has increased from €25m in 2006 to €48 m in 2008 with a financial provision of €68m made for 2009, a 172% increase in expenditure since 2006.

The improvements in BSCFA rates in recent years are very significant when viewed in the context of clothing and footwear price trends. According to the Consumer Price Index for May 2009, the overall cost of clothing and footwear has fallen by 10.8% over the past twelve months. Since December 2006, clothing and footwear costs have decreased by 16.8%.

Further improvements to the back to school clothing and footwear allowance scheme will be considered in the context of annual budgetary requirements, having regard to overall resources available for social welfare payments generally.

Departmental Programmes.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

693 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in relation to the programme for Government commitment to implement significant improvements to the school meals programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29947/09]

The school meals programme gives funding towards the provision of food services for disadvantaged school children through two schemes. The first is the statutory urban school meals scheme, operated by local authorities and part-financed by the Department. The second is the school meals local projects scheme through which funding is provided directly by the Department to participating schools and local and voluntary community groups who run their own school meals projects.

The school meals programme has expanded significantly in recent years. Total expenditure has increased from € 13.6m in 2006 to € 32.4m in 2008. Provision has been made for expenditure of € 35m in 2009, an increase of 157 % on 2006. In 2006, 125,000 pupils in 1,400 schools benefited from the programme and this increased to almost 190,000 pupils and 1950 schools in 2008. It is expected that in excess of 200,000 pupils from approximately 1973 schools will benefit from the scheme in 2009. Priority for funding under the school meals local projects scheme is given to schools which are part of the Department of Education & Science's initiative for disadvantage schools, ‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools' (DEIS). That Department has indicated that there are approximately 153,000 pupils enrolled in 875 DEIS schools. Pupils from 730 DEIS schools currently benefit under the school meals programme. This is an increase of 330 DEIS Schools since 2006.

The schools meals scheme is a direct intervention providing meals to children. The focus of school meals scheme will remain on disadvantaged children and the inclusion of additional eligible DEIS schools in the scheme will continue to be the Departments' main priority.

Social Welfare Code.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

694 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in relation to the programme for Government commitment to review the standard means test for rent supplement and provide enhanced financial incentives to take up part-time employment, training, education or other progression items, minimising where possible, the impact of the sudden withdrawal of social welfare payments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29948/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

695 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her review of the rent supplement has been completed; the changes this review will make to the eligibility criteria and duration of payment of rent supplement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29949/09]

I propose to take Question Nos. 694 and 695 together. Rent supplement is payable to people who are unable to meet the cost of renting private accommodation. The supplement is intended as a short-term income support to eligible tenants whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs. There are currently almost 90,000 people in receipt of rent supplement, an increase of 51% since the end of December 2007. In recent years, a significant number of people have come to rely on rent supplement for extended periods. Over 32,600 people are getting a supplement for 18 months or more. For this reason, the rent supplement scheme has to be viewed in the context of overall housing policy, particularly in the case of long-term recipients.

The Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), which was introduced in 2004, gives local authorities specific responsibility for meeting the longer term housing needs of people receiving rent supplement for 18 months or more. Details of these cases are notified regularly by the Department to the local authorities. Local authorities meet the housing needs of these individuals through a range of approaches including the traditional range of social housing options, the voluntary housing sector and, in particular, RAS. Latest figures from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DoEHLG) indicate that to date, local authorities have transferred 20,000 people from rent supplement to RAS or social housing since 2005. In 2009 a target has been set of transferring an additional 7,000 households from rent supplement to RAS.

With regard to commitment to review of the rent supplement scheme and the associated means test, significant changes in the means test for rent supplement were implemented in 2007. Where a person, working up to 30 hours per week, has additional income in excess of the standard weekly rate of supplementary welfare allowance, the first €75 of such additional income together with 25% of any additional income above €75 is disregarded for means assessment purposes. This ensures that those returning to work or participating in training schemes are better off as a result of taking up such an opportunity. A person accepted as having a long term housing need under the RAS may engage in full time employment and still qualify for rent supplement.

The recent Supplementary Budget provided that the weekly minimum contribution which a person is required to pay towards their rent, be increased from €18 to €24 a week, with effect from 1 June 2009. This increased minimum weekly contribution aligns the rent supplement scheme more closely with the rent that local authority and RAS tenants have to pay. This should encourage more people to take up RAS and social housing offers.

The Supplementary Budget also provided for new maximum rent limits to take effect from 1 June 2009, to reflect the general reductions in private sector rent levels. Maximum rent limits were reduced by 6% to 7% on average ranging up to 10%, depending on the geographical area and household size. Rent supplement payments for existing tenants were similarly reduced from the same date.

Prior to the Supplementary Budget the Department analysed data from the Private Residential Tenancies Board, the CSO and a leading property rental website all of which showed significant drops in rental prices over the past year.

It is essential that state support for tenants who form a substantial section of the rental market, does not give rise to inflated rental prices. In the current climate, where there is a large number of vacant rental properties, it is expected that people should be able to get accommodation at the appropriate rental level.

The fact that there are almost 90,000 people are receiving rent supplement indicates that the scheme is effective in meeting needs. However, the rent supplement scheme will be kept under review and the Department will continue to work closely with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in ensuring that RAS meets its objective of catering for those on long term rent supplementation while enabling rent supplement to return to its original role of a short-term income support and that local authorities are supported in providing a wide range of social housing supports for those with a long-term housing need.

Question No. 696 withdrawn.
Question No. 697 answered with Question No. 682.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

698 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in relation to the programme for Government commitment to invest further in the Citizens’ Information Board to enable them to engage advocacy officials to assist people with disabilities in accessing their entitlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29952/09]

The provision of an advocacy service remains a priority for this Government. Significant resources have been provided since 2007, and will continue to be made available to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) for the development and provision of advocacy services for people including those with disabilities.

Funding of €6.1 million was provided to CIB in the period 2005 to 2008 for the development of advocacy services and for the implementation of the Disability Sectoral Plan. The estimated expenditure by CIB in 2009 for the provision of advocacy and disability services is €3.2m.

The Citizens Information Board has developed a Community and Voluntary Sector Advocacy Programme and has funded 46 separate advocacy projects. The overall focus of the programme is on representative advocacy for people with a disability. Projects either operate within a specific geographic area or are focused on a particular disability type.

Each of the projects poses different challenges, some requiring more intensive work with smaller caseloads while others have larger caseloads with shorter periods of client contact. Up to the end of June 2009, in excess of 5,000 members of the public have availed of the services provided by the projects.

The Citizens Information Board is monitoring the programme to ensure that the projects are operating in accordance with the Board's advocacy guidelines and a full evaluation of the Community and Voluntary Sector Advocacy programme will be completed in 2010.

The Citizens Information Board also provides advocacy through the Citizens Information Services focusing on access to services, welfare entitlements and employment rights. This type of mainstream advocacy is also open to people with disabilities and the Community and Voluntary Sector Advocacy programme is creating close links with the Citizens Information Services to ensure that people with disabilities are encouraged and supported to use the mainstream services where possible.

I am satisfied with the developments undertaken to provide advocacy services for people with disabilities through the Citizens Information Board. The funding provided has allowed for the continued increase in the number of people availing of the Community and Voluntary Sector Advocacy Projects and mainstream advocacy through the Citizens Information Services network. The Department will continue to work with the Citizens Information Board (CIB) to further enhance advocacy services for all citizens, including those with disabilities.

Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

699 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in relation to the programme for Government commitment to enhance the Money Advice and Budgeting Service by establishing it under legislation and that MABS would be given a central role in increasing access to affordable credit for low income earners and social welfare customers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29953/09]

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 53 independent companies nationwide with over 250 money advice staff operating the service. Almost €18 million has been provided in 2009 to assist the MABS in dealing with its workload.

The MABS provides a high quality personal service to the public and makes a difference to peoples lives. However, it has been recognised for some time that the Service needs a proper legislative basis and structure. The Programme for Government envisaged that such a new structure for the MABS would involve strong national leadership and would maximise the current local voluntary involvement in the service.

The Government has decided that this can best be achieved by placing the MABS with the Citizens Information Board. The MABS and Citizens Information Centres complement each other well as both are involved in providing information, advice and advocacy services to the public. In addition, the Citizens Information Board has a long association with the MABS at both national and local level and was involved in establishing some of the original MABS pilot projects. The relevant legislative provisions are contained in part 4 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2008 which extends the functions of the Citizens Information Board to include responsibility for the provision of the MABS. The transition process has progressed satisfactorily and is on schedule for completion of the transfer of responsibility from the Department to the Citizens Information Board on 13th July 2009. The regulation of financial institutions, including the banks, sub prime mortgage lenders and the credit unions, is part of the statutory remit of the Financial Regulator. Legislative issues in relation to the Financial Regulator are dealt with by the Minister for Finance.

MABS will continue to work closely with key stakeholders including the Financial Regulator and the Irish Banking Federation to ensure that the best advice is available to people encountering debt difficulties. MABS is represented on the Financial Regulator's Consumer Consultative Panel and the Financial Education Steering Group. MABS was also recently invited to participate in a National Payments Implementation Plan Advisory Group workshop to examine the introduction of Basic Bank Accounts as part of the recapitalisation of financial institutions.

The Citizens Information Board will continue to support the MABS in this work on behalf of people on low incomes as well as providing strong management support to the voluntary and community sector in the provision of a quality local budgeting and advice service that meets the needs of people with debt difficulties.

Social Inclusion.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

700 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in relation to the programme for Government commitment to continue to support the Office of Social Inclusion and review the effectiveness of the poverty proofing mechanisms currently being used; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29954/09]

With effect from 1st July 2009 (in line with the Government Decision announced in Budget 2009), the Combat Poverty Agency and the Office for Social Inclusion have been integrated to form a new division within the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The new division will combine the experience and expertise of the staff of both bodies. It will enable a strengthened and unified approach to the implementation of the Government's National Action Plan for Social Inclusion 2007 to 2016.

In accordance with the commitment made in the Programme for Government, the Office for Social Inclusion has been given the necessary support for reviewing the effectiveness of the poverty proofing mechanisms. Poverty proofing at national level has been developed, in the light of experience, into a more focused poverty impact assessment of policies. The overall aim of this new approach is to determine the impact of policies in the achievement of the goals, objectives and targets of the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion. This will not only determine whether the impact of policies is positive, neutral or negative, but the extent to whether there is potential to achieve more positive outcomes. These developments have been reflected in substantial revisions of the guidelines for Departments on poverty impact assessment, the most recent of which were made in March 2008. The overall aim is to work towards a situation where the process is mainstreamed into the development, review and evaluation of social inclusion related policies. The new division will, as a priority, continue the provision of assistance to government departments on the application of the poverty impact assessment guidelines, including their updating, as appropriate, in the light of experience

It will also advance further the significant work carried out by the Combat Poverty Agency on the implementation of poverty impact assessment at local level. In 2008, the Agency published guidelines on carrying out poverty impact assessment at local level as part of its updated guide to "Developing a Local Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Strategy'. The staff of the new division will continue to work with a number of local authorities on the application of new guidelines in a local government context.

The promotion and further development of poverty impact assessment will remain a key priority in the work of the new integrated division. It will feature as a significant theme in the National Programme for the EU Year (2010), on combating poverty and social exclusion. The new Division has been invited to give a presentation of its experience of poverty impact assessment at a Conference under the Luxembourg National Programme in April 2010, and a follow up conference will be held later that year in Dublin.

The experience gained from these processes at national and local level will assist in the ongoing development of training programmes for staff on their application of the poverty impact assessment guidelines across all government departments and local authorities, as part of their policy development, review and evaluation processes.

Departmental Agencies.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

701 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress in relation to the programme for Government commitment to continue to fully resource the Family Support Agency and its programmes of counselling, family resource centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29955/09]

The Family Support Agency was established on 6 May 2003 and its mission is to promote family and community well being through the provision of appropriate supports and services to families. Funding for the Agency has increased from€17.28 million in 2003 to almost €36 million for 2009.

The main functions of the Agency include:

The Family and Community Services Resource Centre (FRC) Programme

The scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling and related services

The Family Mediation Service

The 2009 funding allocation includes over €18 million for the Family Resource Centre Programme, supporting 107 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) nationwide.

The Agency's Counselling Grants Scheme provides financial support to voluntary and community organisations providing marriage and relationship counselling, marriage preparation courses, child counselling in relation to parental separation and bereavement counselling and support on the death of a family member.

In 2009, funding of over €11million is being granted to some 600 organisations. This includes funding of over €7.8 million for 29 major organisations who have been identified for multi-annual funding.

The Family Support Agency is responsible for the provision of family mediation to separating couples in Ireland. There are currently 16 family mediation centres throughout the country. Some 1,270 couples were assisted in 2008. Funding for the service in 2009 is over €3 million.

Departmental Staff.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

702 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the date on which the decision was made to transfer community welfare officers from the employment of the Health Service Executive to her Department; and the date on which this transfer is scheduled to take place. [29956/09]

The Government decided in February 2006 to transfer certain functions from the Health Service Executive and from the Department of Health and Children to the Department of Social and Family Affairs, as part of its reform of the Health Sector. The functions concerned included the administration of the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme by Community Welfare Officers and related staff.

Considerable progress has been made in the transfer of functions programme. The General Register Office transferred in 2008 and the administration of Domiciliary Care Allowance is currently being transferred. While preparations for the transfer of Community Welfare Officers and related staff are very advanced, there are a number of industrial relations difficulties to be resolved before that transfer takes place.

Discussions have been underway for some time with the trade unions representing the staff concerned in the health sector and in the civil service. The issues which it has not been possible to resolve with the health sector unions have been referred to the Labour Relations Commission and it is expected that a meeting of the parties will take place at the Commission in late August or early September. Discussions are continuing with the civil service unions within the civil service industrial relations structure.

The objective is to achieve a collective agreement with both sets of unions and to arrange for the transfer to take place as soon as possible.

Departmental Offices.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

703 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will ensure that the Office for Social Inclusion will report to the Joint Committee on Social and Family Affairs on a biannual basis and lay an annual report before the Dáil Éireann; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29957/09]

The preparation by the Office for Social Inclusion of an annual report is a key element in the social inclusion monitoring and evaluation processes set out in Towards 2016 — the social partnership agreement 2006-2015 and the National Action Plan for Social Inclusion (NAPinclusion) 2007 to 2016. The first annual Social Inclusion Report 2006-2007 prepared by the Office for Social Inclusion was published in November 2007. The report showed that progress was continuing and that the social inclusion targets were on track at that time. The report, in line with routine practice in the Department, was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The 2nd annual Social Inclusion Report covering the period from July 2007 to December 2008 is nearing completion and will be published early in September. The report will contain details of progress to date across all the various policy areas, an assessment the likely pace of progress in the years ahead, taking into account the current difficult economic conditions, and will identify new issues arising which might benefit from a more coordinated approach. The report will be presented to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, the Cabinet Committee on Social Inclusion and the Social Partnership Steering Group which has an oversight role in relation to implementing the lifecycle framework which forms the bases for the NAPinclusion and the social inclusion commitments in Towards 2016. The report will also be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

The Director and senior officials of the Office for Social Inclusion attended the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affair on 4th March 2009 to discuss the future role of the Office for Social Inclusion following the Government announcement in Budget 2009 that the Combat Poverty Agency was to be integrated with the Office for Social Inclusion within the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The Director and senior officials were invited to update the Committee on progress made in establishing the new integrated division and its proposed work plans and attended a meeting of the Committee on 8 th July 09.

Questions Nos. 704 and 705 answered with Question No. 650.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

706 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Department’s presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28847/09]

A total of 359 members of the Defence Forces are based at Aiken Barracks, Dundalk along with 9 civilian employees of my Department. An additional 2 members of the Defence Forces are based at Slua Hall, Drogheda. All of the personnel concerned have permanent, full-time positions.

Aiken Barracks, Dundalk and Slua Hall, Drogheda are both owned by my Department. There are no plans to close, amalgamate or expand either of these facilities. However, the operational and property requirements of the Defence Forces are under ongoing review.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

707 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Defence if he made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to him; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28893/09]

The Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes requested all Departments to prepare evaluation papers outlining potential areas for savings in staff numbers and expenditure. Such papers were prepared in respect of the Defence Group of Votes. The Secretary General of my Department and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces met with the Special Group in the course of its deliberations.

The Minister for Finance has recently received the Report of the Special Group and it is anticipated that he will bring the Report to Government in the near future. Decisions on the release of the Report and associated documents will be made by Government in that context.

Departmental Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

708 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29307/09]

Nine members of staff have applied for the Incentivised Career Break Scheme and five members of staff have applied for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement in my Department. A total of 14 civilian employees opted to retire in the past 12 months under voluntary early retirement schemes in connection with the closure of certain military facilities. As part of these schemes, the employees in question received statutory redundancy payments and other applicable benefits.

The relevant bodies under the remit of my Department are the Civil Defence Board, the Board of Coiste an Asgard and the Army Pensions Board. In relation to these bodies, I can confirm that no applications were received for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement or the Incentivised Career Break Scheme. I can also confirm that there were no redundancies in these bodies in the past twelve months.

Defence Forces Reserve.

David Stanton

Question:

709 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number and rank of members of the Permanent Defence Force attached full time and part time to the Reserve Defence Force in each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the cost each year respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29532/09]

David Stanton

Question:

710 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the reductions in the Permanent Defence Force staff attached to the Reserve Defence Force which are planned in 2009; when they will be implemented; the expected savings arising from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29533/09]

David Stanton

Question:

711 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence the number and rank of Reserve Defence Force members who were discharged, resigned or retired in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 respectively; the number attested in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29534/09]

David Stanton

Question:

712 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Defence if promotions in the Reserve Defence Force above the rank of private are permitted; if not, the way he proposes to ensure the continuity of the force; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29535/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 709, 710, 711 and 712 together.

The strength of the RDF Cadre comprises three elements:

Personnel who retained their pre-2005 appointments following the re-organisation

Personnel who held appointments pre-2005, but whose appointments were not continued. These personnel continue to serve in the RDF Cadre, but are designated as Serving Without Appointment (SWA)

Personnel who, for a variety of reasons, are on long-term attachment to the RDF Cadre units. These personnel do not hold either current, or pre-2005 appointments.

I am informed by the military authorities that as at 31 May 2009 421 personnel were serving with the RDF Cadre. There were 360 personnel in the first two categories above. A breakdown of these, by rank is provided in Table 1. In addition 61 members are on long-term attachment. Table 2 provides a breakdown, by rank of these. Tables 3-6 provide this information for the years 2005-2008 respectively.

The full costs associated with the RDF Cadre are not recorded under separate headings within the PDF expenditure records. Consequently, this information is not readily available but I will communicate further to the Deputy in due course.

The recent Government Decision on savings measures on public service numbers is being implemented in the Defence Forces. The economic reality is such that the Government decision must be implemented.

While there are no immediate plans to reduce the number of Cadre members, it can be anticipated that flexibility and re-structuring will be required arising from the implementation of the Government cost saving measures. I intend, within the resources available, to retain the capacity of the organization to operate effectively across all roles.

As the Reserve Defence Force Review Implementation Plan is reaching its conclusion, options for the future development of the Reserve will be considered. This will be informed by the lessons learned from the implementation process. In addition, the Reserve Defence Force has been selected for review as part of the 2009-2011 phase of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Review initiative. It is anticipated that this review, together with the general budgetary situation, will also assist in informing decisions regarding the future of the Reserve.

The numbers of members of the Reserve discharged, resigned and retired over the last three years are presented in Table 7 below. This also includes the numbers enlisted in the same periods.

In the context of the Government Decision on the implementation of savings measures on public service numbers and the reduced budgetary provision available for 2009, all recruitment to the Reserve Defence Force had been suspended.

Following a review and examination of Reserve Defence Force personnel numbers and budget, I am satisfied that there is sufficient provision to allow for paid training for existing members of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve this year. Accordingly, I have recently approved the commencement of limited recruitment to fill vacancies which may arise due to existing Army Reserve or Naval Service Reserve members resigning or being discharged during 2009, in the normal manner. This limited recruitment will be monitored and kept under review in the light of the uptake of paid training within the Reserve Defence Force and the future budgetary provision.

My Department, in the first instance, is progressing the position in regard to promotions in the Permanent Defence Force. In this regard, I have made a submission to my colleague, the Minister for Finance. The implications of the Government Decision regarding promotion insofar as it relates to the Reserve Defence Force is currently being examined by my officials in conjunction with the military authorities.

TABLE 1: CADRE STRENGTH MAY 2009

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

2LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

2

5

7

14

1

24

30

9

64

3

81

1 S BDE S.W.A1

0

1

2

11

14

25

39

2 E BDE

1

5

6

1

30

28

7

66

12

84

2 E BDE S.W.A

0

1

1

8

9

4 W BDE

2

8

3

13

1

32

28

8

69

3

85

4 W BDE S.W.A

0

14

14

28

42

RDFTA2

1

1

2

1

1

1

3

5

RDFTA S.W.A

0

0

0

NSR

1

2

3

3

4

2

9

3

15

NSR S.W.A

0

0

0

TOTAL Cadre

6

19

11

2

0

38

7

87

91

26

211

21

270

Total SWA

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

26

29

61

90

1 S.W.A.: Serving without appointment.

2 TA: Training Authority.

TABLE 2: ATTACHMENTS CADRE STRENGTH — MAY 2009

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

2LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

2

2

1

8

7

16

19

37

2 E BDE

2

6

1

9

1

1

10

4 W BDE

0

2

2

9

11

NS RDF

0

1

1

2

3

TOTAL

0

2

8

1

0

11

0

1

8

11

20

30

61

TABLE 3: CADRE STRENGTH DECEMBER 2005

Brigade

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

1

8

7

0

16

1

28

17

30

76

31

123

2 E BDE

0

6

0

0

6

1

19

12

6

38

15

59

4 W BDE

1

9

6

0

16

0

25

16

32

73

45

134

DFTA

1

1

0

0

2

0

0

1

0

1

0

3

NS RDF

0

2

2

0

4

4

0

5

0

9

4

17

TOTAL

3

26

15

0

44

6

72

51

68

197

95

336

IN ADDITION / ATTACHMENTS CADRE STRENGTH DECEMBER 2005

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

0

1

1

0

2

0

1

10

8

19

23

44

2 E BDE

0

2

6

0

8

0

1

2

2

5

1

14

4 W BDE

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

1

0

2

0

2

NS RDF

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

2

0

4

0

4

TOTAL

0

3

7

0

10

0

5

15

10

30

24

64

TABLE 4: CADRE STRENGTH DECEMBER 2006

Brigade

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

2 LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

1

6

8

0

0

15

1

21

16

4

42

1

58

1 S BDE S.W.A

1

4

3

24

32

32

64

2 E BDE

1

6

0

0

0

7

1

19

19

7

46

16

69

2 E BDE S.W.A

0

0

0

2

2

13

15

4 W BDE

1

8

3

0

0

12

0

23

16

5

44

4

60

4 W BDE S.W.A

0

2

0

25

27

26

53

DFTA

1

1

0

0

0

2

1

1

1

0

3

1

6

DFTA S.W.A

0

0

NSR

0

2

2

0

0

4

4

0

5

0

9

4

17

NSR S.W.A

0

0

TOTAL

4

23

13

0

0

40

8

70

60

67

205

97

342

IN ADDITION / ATTACHMENTS CADRE STRENGTH DECEMBER 2006

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

2 LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

0

0

1

0

0

1

0

1

8

8

17

22

40

2 E BDE

0

1

6

0

0

7

0

1

2

0

3

0

10

4 W BDE

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

3

14

17

NS RDF

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

2

4

0

4

TOTAL

0

1

7

0

0

8

0

2

13

12

27

36

71

TABLE 5: CADRE STRENGTH DECEMBER 2007

Brigade

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

2 LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

1

6

9

0

0

16

1

26

18

6

51

3

70

1 S BDE S.W.A

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

4

3

15

23

25

48

2 E BDE

1

5

0

0

0

6

1

30

25

9

65

12

83

2 E BDE S.W.A

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

2

2

8

10

4 W BDE

1

10

3

0

0

14

0

27

21

4

52

4

70

4 W BDE S.W.A

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

18

18

26

44

DFTA

1

1

0

0

0

2

1

1

1

0

3

0

5

DFTA S.W.A

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

NSR

0

1

3

0

0

4

3

0

3

2

8

3

15

NSR S.W.A

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

TOTAL

4

23

15

0

0

42

7

88

71

56

222

81

345

IN ADDITION / ATTACHMENTS CADRE STRENGTH DECEMBER 2007

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

2 LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

8

7

16

23

39

2 E BDE

0

1

7

2

0

10

0

1

1

0

2

0

12

4 W BDE

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

2

3

12

15

NS RDF

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

3

4

0

4

TOTAL

0

1

7

2

0

10

0

2

11

12

25

35

70

TABLE 6: CADRE STRENGTH DECEMBER 2008

Brigade

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

2 LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

2

5

7

14

1

28

30

8

67

3

84

1 S BDE S.W.A

0

1

1

2

11

15

25

40

2 E BDE

1

5

6

1

29

28

7

65

12

83

2 E BDE S.W.A

0

1

1

8

9

4 W BDE

2

8

3

13

1

29

29

8

67

3

83

4 W BDE S.W.A

0

14

14

28

42

RFTA

1

1

2

1

1

1

3

5

RFTA S.W.A

0

0

0

NSR

2

2

4

3

2

1

6

3

13

NSR S.W.A

0

2

2

2

TOTAL

6

21

10

2

0

39

8

88

92

52

240

82

361

IN ADDITION / ATTACHMENTS CADRE STRENGTH DECEMBER 2008

LT COL

COMDT

CAPT

LT

2 LT

TOTAL OFFICERS

CS

CQMS

SGT

CPL

TOTAL NCOS

PTES

GRAND TOTAL

1 S BDE

2

2

1

9

7

17

22

41

2 E BDE

1

7

1

9

1

1

1

11

4 W BDE

0

2

2

8

10

NS RDF

0

2

2

1

3

TOTAL

0

1

9

1

0

11

0

1

12

9

22

32

65

TABLE 7: RDF Discharges, Resignations, Retirements & Enlistments

Discharges Enlisted Personnel

Officers Resigned/Retired

Enlisted

2007

1,497

34

972

2008

1,544

51

1,037

2009

680 (May 09)

19

322

Total

3,721

104

2,331

Airport Exclusion Zones.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

713 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence if he will review the Baldonnel exclusion zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29695/09]

Section 36 of the Defence Act, 1954 provides the Minister of Defence with the authority to introduce protected area orders in respect of the vicinity of Casement Aerodrome or other military aerodrome. These zones were first introduced in 1955. Since the introduction of the Planning and Development Act the details of these restrictions have been incorporated into the various Development Plans for South Dublin County Council. The zones have been reviewed on a number of occasions and my Department is currently considering the most recent review. South Dublin County Council will be advised of the out come of this review in the context of the latest revision of the Development Plan.

The rationale behind the presence of the exclusion zone is one of flight safety and the safeguarding of members of the public in the vicinity of the Aerodrome. This is in line with international practice at all airports.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

714 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Defence the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 5 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29830/09]

Due to the substantial volume of information sought by the Deputy, it is impossible for my Department and the Defence Forces to collate all of the relevant material within any reasonable timescale.

The Deputy may wish to consider re-submitting a more specific question or he may wish to write directly to the Contracts Branch of my Department for the particular information that he is seeking. My Department will arrange to compile an answer to any such question as soon as possible thereafter.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

715 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Defence if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29844/09]

My Department has not engaged the services of CLG since 2002. It is my understanding that there is no issue in my Department regarding the non payment of sub-contractors.

Register of Electors.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

716 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 is not allowed to vote in a referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29378/09]

In order to be able to vote at elections and referenda in this jurisdiction, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides.

Subject to this primary requirement, the person's citizenship then determines the polls at which he or she is entitled to vote. Irish citizens who are registered to vote may vote at all polls. British citizens may vote at Dáil, European and local elections; other EU citizens may vote at European and local elections; and non-EU citizens may vote at local elections only.

While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, there are no proposals to alter the existing arrangements.

Tax Code.

Tom Hayes

Question:

717 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on introducing a small business rate relief scheme similar to the one that has been introduced in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29383/09]

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 relief 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.

Turbary Rights.

Denis Naughten

Question:

718 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the decision to ban turf cutting on 32 designated bogs in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28781/09]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 40 on 24 June. The position is unchanged.

National Parks.

Denis Naughten

Question:

719 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he will take to support the establishment of a wilderness park in the north midlands cut away bogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28790/09]

I assume that the Question refers to the proposal from a local group to establish a ‘North Midlands Peatlands Park' — formerly titled a ‘National Wetlands Wilderness Park' — in the cutaway area of the Mount Dillon group of bogs in Longford and Roscommon, which is owned by Bord Na Móna.

It is estimated that some 80,000 hectares of cutaway Bord Na Móna bog will become available by 2050. While I have no direct role in this matter, in principle I would very much welcome any arrangement between Bord Na Móna and local groups to restore the natural and amenity value of harvested bogs. I understand that the Mount Dillon group of bogs is contracted to supply Lough Ree Power for some time. In this regard, it is a matter for the local group proposing this initiative to engage directly with Bord Na Móna, as owners of the bogs concerned.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

720 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minter for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the incremental purchase scheme as presented in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 will be applicable, on its commencement, to existing residents of voluntary housing schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28806/09]

Under the incremental purchase scheme, currently operating on a pilot basis but for which statutory provision has been made in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, housing authorities and approved bodies may designate a proportion of their new build housing stock for sale under the scheme.

While the scheme does not apply to existing local authority or voluntary housing stock, households currently in receipt of social housing support can apply to purchase a dwelling which has been designated for sale under the incremental purchase scheme. Those households currently in receipt of social housing support include tenants of a local authority, voluntary/co-operative tenants and those being housed under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

Local Authority Housing.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

721 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Housing Finance Agency is applying interest rates of the order of 11% to local authority loans despite the reductions in European Central Bank interest rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28833/09]

The applicable interest rate paid by local authority borrowers on fixed rates is set by reference to prevailing fixed interest rates at the time of loan draw down. Loans in respect of which interest rates in excess of 10% apply were issued by local authorities prior to 1991 and reflect the long-term costs of the funds to the Housing Finance Agency (the Agency) prevailing at the time these loans were advanced. Rates were fixed for the life of the loan (generally 25-30 years). The introduction of variable interest rates for local authority mortgages provided borrowers with increased flexibility and choice.

Borrowers with these long term fixed rate local authority mortgages, which are no longer available, are permitted to redeem such loans without any interest rate penalty and refinance them in the private sector. This represents a significant concession, having regard to the redemption penalties (of up to six months interest or more) applied by commercial lending agencies in the event of early redemption of such mortgages. Early redemption without penalty means that the Agency — which operates on a self-financing basis — has had to bear the losses on such loans.

In 2001, the position regarding high fixed interest rates on local authority loans was reviewed in consultation with the Department of Finance. This review determined that a State subsidy to reduce such interest rates would not be appropriate, particularly given the cost already being borne by the State where the holders of such loans availed of the option to refinance in the private sector without penalty.

Local Authority Status.

Tom Hayes

Question:

722 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received an application from Newbridge Town Council, County Kildare, to change the status of that council; and when he will make a decision regarding same. [28834/09]

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

723 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of waste water treatment projects that South Tipperary County Council has applied for funding for in tabular form; the stage these projects are at; the amount of funding required for each project,; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28835/09]

Tom Hayes

Question:

724 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the water services investment projects South Tipperary County Council has applied for funding for; the stage these projects are at; the amount of funding required to complete each project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28836/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 723 and 724 together.

Details of all major water and sewerage schemes included for funding by my Department in South Tipperary 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 Council.

Natural Heritage Areas.

Frank Feighan

Question:

725 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will expedite payment to farmers who have opted to sell bogland under special areas of conservation and national heritage areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28842/09]

Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority is being given under the bog purchase scheme this year to those wishing to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation in 1999. For these sites the derogation by the Government, which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, expires in 2009.

A further 23 raised bog Special Areas of Conservation were nominated for designation in 2002. In these cases, the ten year derogation will expire in 2012.

Seventy-five Natural Heritage Areas were designated in 2004, and the 10 year derogation period for them will not expire until 2014.

Land transactions within those areas, where the derogation will not expire this year, will not qualify for priority attention this year.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

726 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Department’s presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28850/09]

There are no staff employed by my Department and based in office accommodation in County Louth.

Decentralisation Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

727 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28859/09]

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has responsibility for the provision of office accommodation under the decentralisation programme and it is managing the development of the Department's new headquarters on the Newtown Road in Wexford.

I have been advised by the OPW that following recent discussions between OPW and the contractor, the building is expected to be completed in mid-Autumn 2009. In the interim, the Department, through the OPW, has secured further temporary accommodation for its staff in Wexford and it is estimated that some 120 staff will be working from Wexford by September 2009.

The transfer of staff into the new office will take place as soon as the building has been handed over by the OPW to the Department.

Building Regulations.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

728 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding efforts to address all outstanding issues for pyrite affected home owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28865/09]

The position on this matter was most recently set out in reply to Question No. 350 of 26 May 2009.

As indicated, the resolution of problems being experienced by homeowners whose homes have been affected by pyrite are matters between the parties concerned, namely, the building owner, the builder and the builder's insurers. Where the construction of a building is the subject of a contract between the client and the builder, enforcement is a civil matter.

When the issue of pyrite arose, and following an intervention from my Department, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) proceeded to publish a new amended Standard Recommendation on the use of aggregates as infill for civil engineering and road construction work. The new Standard Recommendation came into effect on 7 December 2007 and it is intended to address the quality standards of new homes and buildings insofar as problems relating to pyrite are concerned. My Department incorporated this NSAI Standard Recommendation into the relevant Technical Guidance Document (TGD-C) of the Building Regulations. A copy of the relevant amendment to TGD-C is available on my Department's website at www.environ.ie. My Department has also notified Local Authorities, the Construction Industry Federation, the Irish Home Builders' Association and other key stakeholders of the provisions of the amended TGD-C. In addition, I am aware that HomeBond has included the amended NSAI Standard Recommendation in their published 6th edition of the House Building Manual.

Litter Pollution.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

729 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of fines issued for litter offences in Counties Wicklow, Wexford, Kildare, Meath and Louth in the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28866/09]

Statistics on local authority enforcement action on litter, including the numbers of fines issued for litter offences, are submitted by local authorities to my Department every six months; the latest figures available relate to the period July — December 2008 and are obtainable from the Oireachtas Library.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

730 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to him; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28896/09]

My Department made a submission to the Special Group on Public Service and Expenditure Programmes outlining the range of activities undertaken by my Department as well as providing detailed information on the associated funding and staffing arrangements. In addition, the Secretary General and senior officials met with the Group to discuss these matters. I understand that the Special Group is about to present its report to the Minister for Finance.

Closed Circuit Television Systems.

Richard Bruton

Question:

731 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there are regulations governing the use of security cameras when they have the capacity to invade the privacy of adjoining residences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28905/09]

Under section 3 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, "development" means, except where the context otherwise requires, the carrying out of any works on, in, over or under land or the making of any material change in use of any structures or other land. It is a matter for a developer to ensure that a proposed development satisfies all statutory planning requirements. Certain development or classes of development are exempted from the requirement for planning consent in accordance with the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2008. Schedule 2 Part 1 Class 32 of the regulations provides for an exemption from planning requirements for security cameras within an airport. There is no other specific exemption for security cameras in the regulations.

Special Protection Orders.

Richard Bruton

Question:

732 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the date an appeal was lodged by Dublin Port against an order for the introduction of a special protection order on part of Dublin Bay; the action he will take to deal with this appeal; the system for conducting the hearing and obtaining input from interested parties; the time frame within which appeals must be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28906/09]

My proposal to designate South Dublin Bay and Tolka Estuary Special Protection Area was advertised on 28 May 2008. An appeal from Dublin Port Company concerning the inclusion of part of the site within the SPA was received on 25 August 2008. My Department met representatives of the Dublin Port Company on 13 January 2009 to discuss its appeal. Based on information provided by Dublin Port Company and the scientific advice of my Department, on 4 March 2009 I informed the Company that it was not my intention to exclude the area in question from the SPA. The Company then availed of the opportunity to have the matter considered by the Designated Areas Appeals Advisory Board. The board considered this appeal on 2 July 2009 and has submitted its recommendations to me in recent days. I expect to be in a position shortly to inform the Company of my decision in this matter.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Richard Bruton

Question:

733 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have applied for housing aid for older people, mobility aids grants and housing adaption grants in Dublin and outside Dublin; the number whose applications were successful; the amount of money released under the schemes in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28908/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

734 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Question No. 174 of 26 February 2009, if he will provide the 2009 allocations; if additional funds will be provided to deal with the backlog; the number awaiting approval in each area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29264/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 733 and 734 together.

My Department's involvement with the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability and the Mobility Aids Grant scheme relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of individual grants. These schemes, introduced in November 2007, are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department, together with 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. In the case of the old Disabled Persons and Essential Repairs grant schemes these are funded by 67% recoupment, together with a 33% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of these schemes, including the assessment and approval of individual applications, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. Details of the Exchequer funding provided to each Local Authority under the new Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant scheme, the old Disabled Persons and Emergency Repairs grant schemes for 2007 and 2008, and the total allocation for 2009 from Exchequer and local authority sources, are set out in the table which follows this reply. At this stage I do not envisage making further allocations to local authorities in respect of the operation of these schemes in 2009. However, I will review the funding position later in the year, in the event of under spending by local authorities of their allocations for the grant schemes or other allocations under the wider social housing investment programme.

2007

2008

2009

County Councils

Carlow

782,807

1,534,923

1,375,500

Cavan

753,977

1,568,060

1,312,500

Clare

857,560

2,100,790

1,490,000

Cork

3,622,522

5,784,957

6,285,000

Donegal

2,790,698

3,112,498

4,820,000

Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown

1,245,293

1,692,890

2,160,000

Fingal

1,036,073

1,331,236

1,795,000

Galway

1,196,745

1,671,884

2,074,000

Kerry

1,701,174

2,320,709

2,950,000

Kildare

1,079,483

1,822,582

1,870,000

Kilkenny

534,311

596,350

930,000

Laois

1,734,170

1,829,228

1,910,000

Leitrim

1,030,084

1,310,551

1,790,000

Limerick

1,019,313

1,082,995

1,665,000

Longford

418,699

966,847

727,500

Louth

1,193,251

2,030,581

2,067,500

Mayo

1,630,838

2,011,125

2,775,834

Meath

1,586,679

3,283,476

1,000,000

Monaghan

1,253,446

1,470,218

2,177,500

North Tipperary

1,031,729

1,432,124

1,790,000

Offaly

861,935

993,344

1,465,000

Roscommon

1,101,955

1,579,457

1,910,000

Sligo

322,914

493,490

560,000

South Dublin

2,630,134

2,975,713

4,545,000

South Tipperary

882,395

1,358,885

1,530,000

Waterford

998,389

1,690,822

1,707,500

Westmeath

958,321

1,361,958

1,660,000

Wexford

1,340,572

1,656,321

2,325,000

Wicklow

709,099

1,416,332

1,230,000

City Councils

Cork City

1,218,359

1,546,070

2,112,500

Dublin City

8,309,518

9,227,259

14,400,000

Galway City

687,851

922,136

1,270,000

Limerick City

468,401

791,513

915,000

Waterford City

293,958

481,126

512,500

Borough Councils

Sligo Borough

272,296

300,894

472,750

Total

47,554,949

65,749,344

79,562,584

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

735 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will provide Roscommon County Council with final approval for the waste water treatment plants under the Roscommon towns and villages sewerage scheme which form part of the Water Services Investment Programme 2007 to 2009; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29269/09]

The Roscommon Towns and Villages Sewerage Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009. I understand that work is under way on the collection networks element of this scheme. In addition, my Department approved Roscommon County Council's contract documents to procure the waste water treatment plants for the ten towns and villages under a Design Build Operate contract last January. Accordingly, it is now a matter for the Council to seek tenders for those plants.

Denis Naughten

Question:

736 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will provide Roscommon County Council with final approval for the water treatment plants under the regional supply upgrade programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29270/09]

I assume the question refers to the Arigna, Boyle-Ardcarne stage 2, Roscommon central and south Roscommon regional water supply scheme, which is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007–09 at an estimated cost of €54 million. My Department awaits the submission of additional documentation from Roscommon County Council to enable the Department to complete its examination of the Council's contract documents for the scheme.

Denis Naughten

Question:

737 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will provide Roscommon County Council with final approval for the completion of the capital works and treatment plans on the amalgamated group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29271/09]

My Department issued approval last month to Roscommon County Council's tender report for the Roscommon group water supply scheme design build operate bundle that will involve the procurement of water abstraction and treatment facilities for six group water schemes and two public water schemes in Roscommon and one group water scheme in County Leitrim under a single design build operate contract. It is now a matter for the council to advance this scheme to construction. Accordingly, any further information on progress with this contract may be had from the Council.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

738 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29310/09]

To date, my Department has received 32 applications under the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement. The final date for the receipt of applications under the scheme is 1 September 2009. Some 43 applications were received under the Special IncentiveCareer Break Scheme by the closing date of 1 July 2009. Two Civilian Drivers were made redundant following the reduction in the numbers of Ministers of State, which was announced by the Taoiseach in April of this year. Information on the number of applications received by the local authorities under both schemes is not yet available in my Department. The final dates for receipt of applications by the local authorities for the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement and Career Break Schemes are 1 September 2009 and 31 July 2009 respectively. My Department does not compile data for the number of staff made redundant by each local authority. A total of three applications have been received under the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement and seven under the career break schemes for bodies under the aegis of my Department to date. Six staff were made redundant by the National Building Agency in the last 12 months.

Voluntary Housing Schemes.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

739 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the support he will provide to voluntary housing schemes which provide housing units for returning Irish emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29331/09]

Under my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme, funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of accommodation for groups with special housing needs including the elderly and returning emigrants who qualify under the Safe Home programme. Under the programme, the Safe Home organisation assesses applications from elderly returning emigrants and compiles a list of eligible applicants for use by approved housing bodies and local authorities in the allocation of accommodation in new schemes. Up to 25% of accommodation in new Capital Assistance Scheme funded projects throughout the country may be allocated to elderly returning emigrants who satisfy the eligibility criteria and are included in the Safe Home waiting list.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

740 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps being taken to protect Scragh Bog and Garriskil Bog in relation to proposals to upgrade the M4 from Mullingar to Roosky; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29332/09]

My Department has had extensive consultations regarding a number of sites of ecological interest along the possible route corridor, including both of the bogs mentioned, which are Special Areas of Conservation. A single route proposal is now expected, arising from the wider consultation process, and this will facilitate further consideration, as appropriate, including in regard to the need for any mitigating measures. My Department will make comments and, if necessary, recommendations to An Bord Pleanála on receipt of a copy of the Environmental Impact Statement which will be required.

Environmental Impact Statements.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

741 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps that have been taken following the judgement of the European Court of Justice on Ireland’s failure to carry out an environmental impact assessment in respect of the Derrybrien wind farm project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29333/09]

In its judgment of 3 July 2008, the European Court of Justice found, inter alia, that development consents given for a wind farm development and associated works at Derrybrien, County Galway, were not preceded by environmental impact assessments which conformed to the requirements of Council Directive 85/337/EEC. My Department is engaged in ongoing discussions with the European Commission concerning Ireland’s response to this judgment, and appropriate provision will be made in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2009 under which the status of developments encompassed by this judgment will be addressed in a manner to be agreed with the Commission. While I have no function in the determination of the current planning status of the wind farm in question, my Department has met local representatives and the local authority to discuss the wind farm and issues arising.

Quarrying Activity.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

742 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the need to prevent environmental damage from quarrying on the hill of Slane, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29334/09]

My Department understands from Meath County Council that there is no quarrying taking place on or near the Hill of Slane.

Anti-Social Behaviour.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

743 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the legislation in place to assist residents in private housing estates who are experiencing difficulties with their neighbours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29356/09]

Action to deal with anti-social behaviour is primarily a matter for An Garda Síochána. In the case of private rented dwellings landlords are, however, responsible for enforcing the obligations that apply to their tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2004. The Act, in this regard, prohibits a private rental tenant engaging in anti-social behaviour in, or in the vicinity of, a dwelling to which the Act applies and allows a landlord to terminate any tenancy where the tenant is engaging in or allowing others to engage in such behaviour, subject to a notice period of only 7 days in the case of serious anti-social behaviour or 28 days in the case of less serious but persistent behaviour. The Residential Tenancies Act also provides for a third party affected by anti-social behaviour to, subject to certain conditions, take a case to the Private Residential Tenancies Board against a landlord who has failed to enforce tenant obligations. The Board can direct the landlord to ensure that tenants comply with their obligation and can enforce compliance through the Courts. A specific condition is that the third party complainant must have taken all reasonable steps to resolve the matter by communicating or attempting to communicate with the parties to the tenancy concerned. The Private Residential Tenancies Board may furnish to a person proposing to make a third party complaint the name and address of the landlord concerned or his or her agent. The Board may be contacted at their offices at O'Connell Bridge House, Dublin 2, or by phone or email, contact details of which are available on their website.

Private Rented Accommodation.

Brian Hayes

Question:

744 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of inspections carried out by local authorities on privately rented properties by city and county councils; the number of cases taken to Court over the past year; the amount of money raised to date in 2009 from fines imposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29358/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

745 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of inspections carried out on privately rented properties by local authorities where the minimum standards were not met nationally; the breakdown for each city and county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29359/09]

I propose to take Question Nos. 744 and 745 together.

Minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, as made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure their rented properties comply with these regulations. Responsibility for enforcing the regulations rests with the relevant local authority, supported by a dedicated stream of funding allocated by my Department. This funding increased significantly between 2005 and 2008, rising from €1.5 million to €4 million. I am pleased that I will be in a position to maintain funding for this purpose in 2009 at the 2008 level of €4 million, bringing total funding allocations since 2004 to €15 million. In general, local authorities have significantly expanded their inspection activity in recent years with the number of inspections more than doubling, from 6,815 to 14,008, between 2005 and 2007. Details of the inspections of private rented accommodation carried out, the dwellings inspected which did not meet the statutory standards and prosecutions initiated up to 2007 on a county and city basis are included in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and on my Department's website, www.environ.ie. Work is under way on finalising the 2008 data which will be published later this summer. However, preliminary figures indicate a year-on-year increase of approximately 23% in the number of inspections carried out, with over 17,200 inspections completed in 2008. This further significant increase reflects the positive impact of the overall Action Programme on Standards, including increased funding, introduced on foot of a commitment in the Towards 2016 social partnership agreement, and progress with the implementation of the Rental Accommodation Scheme. The preliminary figures also indicate that of the 14,880 dwellings inspected in 2008, 2,854 did not meet the minimum standards and 8 prosecutions were initiated by local authorities. Information is not available to my Department on the amount of money raised to date from fines imposed in 2009.

It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide the specific details of its enforcement strategy and inspection arrangements. However, in discharging their responsibilities to the rental sector, authorities have been asked to have regard to the good practice guidelines for local authorities on standards in the private rented sector, Strategic Planning, Effective Enforcement, which were published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007. They make a range of recommendations on relevant issues, including targeting inspection activities. Following the enactment of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008, a comprehensive new sanctions regime will be available to local authorities. Fines for non-compliance with the regulations will be significantly increased. The maximum fine will be increased from €3,000 to €5,000. The fine for each day of a continuing offence will be increased from €250 to €400. However, a report published by the Centre for Housing Research in November 2007 points out that landlords’ responsiveness to notices of non-compliance issued by local authorities has ensured that the need to prosecute is relatively low. The report also concludes that the low volume of cases taken each year suggests that most examples of non-compliance are on a relatively minor scale.

Housing Aid for the Elderly.

Enda Kenny

Question:

746 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding granted to Mayo County Council for the scheme for housing aid for older people, the housing adaptation grant for people with a disability and the mobility aids housing grant to date in 2009; the amount of these allocations issued to Mayo County Council; if 2010 allocations have been decided upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29365/09]

An allocation of €2,775,834 was notified to Mayo County Council on 7 May, 2009 in respect of the operation of the schemes concerned in 2009. To date, €480,363 has been recouped to the Council by my Department. The allocations for these schemes for 2010 will be determined in light of the overall level of funding available.

Environmental Information Service.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

747 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. [29380/09]

There are no plans to terminate the ENFO service, a sub-section of my Department, which has provided an excellent service to the public in its 20 years of operation. The service has been under review in light of technological advances, people's expectations of instant access to up-to-date information, the number of State and other bodies now providing environmental information, the growing interest in such information and the State's obligation to facilitate access to such information in an integrated manner. These considerations, together with the need to optimise cost-efficiency in service provision, have lead to the development of a new enhanced service, details of which are being finalised and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Social and Affordable Housing.

James Reilly

Question:

748 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of applicants at the end of June 2009 on the social housing lists and affordable housing lists in each local authority area in tabular form; the total of each category nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29395/09]

The number of households on a local authority's waiting list fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information on the number of people 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, an increase of some 30% on these corresponding figure in 2005. Further information regarding the assessments is available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie, including a breakdown of the net need figure by housing authority. My Department does not collect national figures on the number of people applying for affordable housing. The management of affordable housing lists remains a matter primarily for the housing authorities themselves.

James Reilly

Question:

749 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the building plans and quantity of social houses and affordable houses for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 by local authority area; the funding set aside for such plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29396/09]

A total of €1.415 million in voted Exchequer capital and current funding is being provided for the various social housing and affordable housing programmes in 2009. The provision for 2010 and 2011 will be finalised in the context of the Estimates processes for each of those years. As part of a further restructuring of the Social Housing Investment Programme, I recently announced new arrangements for the delivery of social housing under which housing authorities may enter into long-term leases of private dwellings as a means of meeting housing need. The new leasing initiative, under which authorities will procure properties on long term leases of 10 to 20 years, is designed further to widen the sources of supply and thereby help create a flexible range of delivery mechanisms for local authorities to meet social housing needs. It is expected that through this measure at least 2,000 additional homes will be procured this year. 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, including through the new long-term leasing initiative, some 7,000 completions are expected to be achieved this year. The use of leasing arrangements in the coming years in the provision of social housing will allow for a substantial increase in the number of households who will have their housing needs met compared with what would otherwise be possible without such a restructuring of the Social Housing Investment Programme, given the prevailing budgetary and economic climate. In relation to affordable housing, it is evident that the housing market has changed very significantly since 2007, with substantial improvements in the affordability of housing. The question of future commitments in relation to affordable housing will obviously have to take this into account, together with the extent to which there is a significant quantum of completed affordable housing currently available for sale.

James Reilly

Question:

750 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of social houses provided in the past five years; the number of affordable houses provided over the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29397/09]

Information on social housing starts and completions, including acquisitions, and on affordable housing activity is published in my Department's Annual and Quarterly Housing Statistics Bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas library. Bulletins from 2000 onwards are also available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

James Reilly

Question:

751 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans for sewage waste water treatment plants in the Fingal County Council area; the amount of funding that will be set aside for the proposed plant at an area (details supplied) in County Dublin; when this plant will be commissioned; if it will be subject to cutbacks and delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29398/09]

Details of all major water and sewerage schemes included for funding by my Department in Fingal are set out in the Water Services Investment Programme 2007-09, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Additional information in relation to progress on individual contracts under the programme, or in relation to activity generally under the small public schemes measure of the devolved Rural Water Programme may be obtained from Fingal County Council. In so far as the Portrane, Donabate, Rush and Lusk scheme is concerned, my Department awaits the submission of additional documentation from the council to enable the Department to complete its examination of the council's tender report for the waste water treatment plant element of the scheme. I understand the council is in the process of preparing contract documents for the collection networks.

Waste Management.

Phil Hogan

Question:

752 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin County Council is changing the waste collection permits for private waste operators operating in the Dublin area in order that it can direct the commercial waste of private operators to incineration as well as domestic waste; his views on whether this is a threat to private operators jobs and that it is not likely to stop the private sector investing in this area when the country is in need of further investment and job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29401/09]

My Department has received correspondence, and is aware of media reporting regarding the imposition by Dublin City Council of a condition relating to the direction of waste in recently issued waste collection permits. While, as Minister, I am precluded under the Waste Management Act from involvement in specific decisions of local authorities where a statutory function has been conferred on them, I do have an interest in ensuring that regulatory systems for which the Department makes legal provision operate in a manner conducive to ensuring equity between service providers. My Department has always made it clear that the primary purpose of the permitting system is to facilitate appropriate controls on commercial waste activities for the purposes of environmental protection, that it is reasonable that all commercial collectors permitted by an authority should be subject to equivalent controls and obligations, and that conditions attaching to permits should not be such as to distort competition between operators and should be reasonable and proportionate. Regulatory matters, including in relation to competition between operators, will be addressed in the context of Government decision-making on the review of the existing regulatory framework for waste management and the overall review of waste management policy provided for in the programme for Government. Issues surrounding the direction of waste should not be isolated from the broader regulatory and policy review, now nearing conclusion, with possibly perverse effects for both private sector waste management companies and local authorities. However, my Department is holding a public consultation in the context of a strategic environmental assessment of a proposed ministerial direction under section 60 of the Waste Management Act which would, in part, seek to prevent the direction of waste to landfills and incinerators while permitting the direction of waste to other facilities higher in the waste hierarchy. My Department has written to Dublin City Council to seek an update regarding a request by the Irish Waste Management Association for a meeting with the Council to discuss this particular issue. I hope a mutually satisfactory outcome can be achieved.

Housing Grants.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

753 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will release funding to Kildare County Council to meet requirements in respect of disabled persons grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29488/09]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 474 of 7 July, 2009. The position is unchanged.

Constitutional Amendments.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

754 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on amending the constitution to lower the age limit for election to Dáil Éireann from 21 years to 18 years and the Presidency from 35 years to 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29576/09]

I refer to the reply to Question No. 455 of 7 July in connection with lowering the age limit for election to Dáil Éireann. Article 12.4.1 of the Constitution provides that a citizen must be 35 years of age to be eligible for election to the office of President. A lowering of the qualification age would require a constitutional amendment and there are no current proposals in this regard.

Local Authority Funding.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

755 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government further to Question Nos. 603 and 604 of 22 April 2009, the status of these proposals; the date by which he expects each of these proposals to be fully completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29578/09]

My Department approved funding for 2009 totalling €12 million to local authorities and bodies under its aegis to continue a programme of work begun in 2005 under the National Disability Strategy. My Department has written to all Local Authorities informing them of their allocations. Local authorities and other public bodies have a key role in implementing the requirements of the Department's Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act 2005. The funding will assist them in continuing the invaluable work of providing for the needs of those with disabilities and seeking to meet these needs in the most efficient manner possible. It will be used to provide disability awareness training and undertake accessibility audits, adapt information systems and equipment for people with disabilities, and to provide and improve, where needed, accessibility to public buildings, roads and pavements, parks, amenities, heritage sites and other public areas for which local authorities have responsibility. The process to bring about the merger of the Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board is at an advanced stage. As indicated previously, the question of underpinning legislation will be finalised in the second half of 2009. Operational arrangements are at an advanced stage. Decisions have been taken regarding the location of the merged body, and the implications of these have been communicated to all staff. The process for the recruitment of the Chief Executive Officer of the merged organisation is in hand, with an appointment expected in the last quarter of 2009. Proposals for the design of the new organisation have been developed, and staff in both organisations are co-operating at a practical level on a daily basis.

Environmental Policy.

Liz McManus

Question:

756 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding Ireland’s Kyoto targets; if he will support and push for higher targets at EU level leading into the talks in Copenhagen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29608/09]

The EPA is responsible for emission projections. Its most recent analysis, which reflected the ESRI's then assessment of the changed economic situation, was published in March 2009. The updated figures indicated a Distance to Target for the Kyoto period 2008-2012 in the range of 1.3-1.8 million tonnes per annum, a reduction of around 3 million tonnes from the projections of Autumn 2008. In the current economic climate, an unusually high degree of uncertainty attaches to all projections. It is now clear that the economic contraction will be deeper than assumed in the March projections. It is, accordingly, possible that Ireland will now meet its Kyoto target for the non-trading sector without using carbon credits. It is important to emphasise that the effect of the recession on our emissions is a short-term one and it would be a serious mistake to ease off on our efforts to address the underlying trend. When economic growth resumes, the emphasis has to be on putting Ireland on course to achieving a sustainable, low carbon economy. All relevant Government Departments are working on the development of further measures to reduce Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions. This work is overseen by the Cabinet Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security. Ireland is committed under the EU climate and energy package agreed in December 2008 to achieve, by 2020, a 20% reduction on 2005 levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the sectors of the economy not covered by the EU emissions trading scheme. This 20% target is binding in EU law, as will any adjustment to it in the light of the outcome to the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen later this year. The objective of the ongoing international negotiations under the Framework Convention on Climate Change is to reach agreement on a comprehensive global response to climate change at the Copenhagen conference. Ireland fully supports the EU position set out in the conclusions adopted by the Council on 2 March 2009 and subsequently. It is of the utmost importance that a new agreement is reached in Copenhagen in order to avoid any gap in the response to climate change when the Kyoto Protocol expires at the end of 2012. A key element of an effective outcome at Copenhagen will be continued leadership by developed countries in tackling climate change and I believe that a new agreement must set binding post-2012 greenhouse gas emission limitation or reduction targets for developed countries.

Docklands Development.

Simon Coveney

Question:

757 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will clarify his statement (details supplied); the other related projects he is referring to in the statement; his plans for the development of Cork Docklands; the time scale and cost that will be involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29618/09]

Simon Coveney

Question:

767 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if a decision (details supplied) was made by him or as a Cabinet decision. [29722/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 757 and 767 together.

I refer to the reply to Question Nos. 477, 478 and 499 of 7 July 2009. The Cork Docklands Development Forum Report envisages very significant investment in public infrastructure, including the provision of an Eastern Gateway Bridge and the relocation of the port to Ringaskiddy. Due to the prevailing budgetary conditions, decisions in relation to the bridge, enabling link roads and port re-location, for which funding has been sought under the Gateway Innovation Fund, have been deferred. Future decisions will be subject to the overall capital funding position to be determined as part of the annual Estimates process.

Litter Pollution.

Question:

758 Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans, in view of the high level of litter pollution due to chewing gum, to introduce a tax or a levy on chewing gum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29626/09]

I recently published the 2008 National Litter Pollution Monitoring System results which showed that chewing gum constitutes almost 31% of litter nationally, second only to cigarette related litter at 46%. The empirical data from the results indicate, however, that the general litter levels recorded nationally have decreased steadily over the last number of years. This position is supported by the improved results also reported by Irish Business Against Litter in its annual Litter League. While it would not be possible to ascertain absolute levels of chewing gum litter in Ireland, if overall national litter levels are decreasing while the percentage represented by chewing gum has remained constant, this suggests that the chewing gum litter situation has improved in line with national progress. My Department entered into a negotiated agreement designed to tackle chewing gum litter with the chewing gum industry in March 2006. This three-year programme involved a major outdoor advertising campaign, a wide-reaching schools education module, in-store and around store advertising, point of sale materials and the promotion of greater awareness of litter law enforcement through higher visibility of litter fines for irresponsible disposal of gum in the local authority areas throughout the country. The third and final awareness campaign is currently underway in 28 of the 34 city and county councils and also in two town council areas. I am carrying out a comprehensive review of the negotiated agreement programme to evaluate its impact on chewing gum litter levels countrywide with a view to informing future policy development in this area. All options, including the possible introduction of a levy on chewing gum or a further negotiated agreement, will be examined.

Local Authority Housing.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

759 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason Kildare County Council’s allocation for local authority housing has been reduced by 44% in 2009, when nationally there was a 27% reduction. [29630/09]

In January 2009, to facilitate local authorities in planning for and managing projects, provisional allocations were notified to authorities. Following this, my Department held Housing Action Plan meetings with all housing authorities during which the direction and content of social housing supply and improvement programmes were discussed. The final allocations which issued to all housing authorities, including Kildare County Council, took into account housing need and the information received during the course of this round of Action Plan meetings. While the intention was to ensure that the final allocations would be as close as possible to the provisional allocations, adjustments had to be made to reflect each authority's existing commitments, as agreed during the Housing Action Plan process and the funding available under the Revised Estimates for 2009. All housing authorities including Kildare County Council plan their social housing investment programmes having regard to the specific social housing priorities in their areas, to the Exchequer funding allocations and the suite of social housing supply options available to them. In recent years, the supply options have been expanded, and in addition to construction, 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, for which €20 million has been set aside in 2009. At the same time there has also been an expansion in the scale of accommodation provided through the voluntary and co-operative housing sector. Kildare County Council is provided with a specific allocation of €1.945 million in respect of the Rental Accommodation Scheme for 2009 as part of their final housing allocation of €37.7 million. No proposals have yet been received from the Council under the long-term leasing initiative.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

760 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the reason County Leitrim, with a population of 28,837 people according to census 2006, received €1,790,000 for house grants for older people and people with a disability, whilst County Kildare, with a population of 186,075 people according to Census 2006 only received €1,870,000. [29631/09]

The annual allocations to local authorities under the schemes concerned are calculated on foot of detailed discussion between my Department and individual authorities and on the basis of a number of criteria, including the level of applications on hand that have been assessed as eligible, applications yet to be assessed and projections for new applications to be received during the year. It is a matter for each local authority to decide on the specific level of funding to be directed towards each of the individual schemes, from within the combined allocation notified to them by my Department, and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within their allocation.

Local Government Reform.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

761 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will publish the White Paper on Local Government Reform. [29637/09]

The White Paper on Local Government will be published later this year following, inter alia, the Government’s consideration of the Report of the Commission on Taxation.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

762 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has received contract documents for the Castlewarden to Ballygoran water supply scheme in County Kildare. [29638/09]

Kildare County Council's revised contract documents for the scheme are still awaited in my Department.

Water Quality.

Denis Naughten

Question:

763 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the instruction he has issued to local authorities in the past two months on performing on farm inspections under the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Water) Regulation 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29670/09]

Local authorities operate under the general supervision of the EPA in relation to the performance of their environmental functions. Article 29(6) of the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2009 requires, inter alia, the EPA to make recommendations and give directions to a local authority in relation to the monitoring and inspections to be carried out for the purposes of the regulations. The EPA issued a direction to local authorities under this article on 7 April 2009.

Grant Payments.

Dan Neville

Question:

764 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding funding owed to an association (details supplied). [29682/09]

Funding of €1,281,914 was approved under my Department's capital assistance scheme for this project. To date, €1,217,818 has been paid to Cork County Council, which is responsible for the administration of the scheme in its area. An application from the council for funding of €90,000 under the Communal Facilities Grant scheme has been received and is being considered in the light of available resources and competing demands.

Dan Neville

Question:

765 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding outstanding moneys owed to an association (details supplied). [29683/09]

Funding of €1,419,801 was approved for this project under my Department's capital assistance scheme. To date, €1,348,811 has been paid to Cork County Council, which is responsible for the administration of the scheme in its area. An application from the council for supplementary funding to meet the cost of site remediation works is under consideration in my Department and a decision will be made as soon as possible.

Waste Management.

Phil Hogan

Question:

766 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the site clearance works for the Poolbeg incinerator, Dublin have commenced or will commence; the person at whose cost they have been undertaken; if he will confirm that the costs that will neither be incurred or be underwritten by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29703/09]

Phil Hogan

Question:

777 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will confirm the exposure to the State, in the form of Dublin County Council, will be in monetary amount in respect of the put and pay element of the Poolbeg incinerator contract; the amount the State will have to pay in respect of the 320,000 tonnes which Dublin County Council has committed to provide; if he expect to make any payments for waste not provided to the incinerator; if he will confirm that this is the total liability for the State in respect of the put and pay element of the Poolbeg contract and that the State does not have any other exposure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30067/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 766 and 777 together.

In line with national policy, the Exchequer does not fund new heavy waste infrastructure, landfills or incinerators. These are to be provided as purely private sector commercial initiatives or by way of public private partnerships with local authorities. In consequence, the capital cost of this project will not fall to be met by the Exchequer. In addition, my Department has not provided any guarantee to Dublin City Council in respect of this project, including in regard to any commitments as to the volume of waste to be provided to the plant. The issue of site clearance works and any costs associated with them are a matter for Dublin City Council.

Question No. 767 answered with Question No. 757.

Register of Electors.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

768 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is satisfied with the regime for ensuring the accuracy of the electoral register and for preventing electoral fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29724/09]

In law, the preparation of the Register of Electors is a matter for each local registration authority. It is their duty to ensure, as far as possible and with the cooperation of the public, the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the Register. Electoral law provides that each application for entry to the supplement to the Register must be signed in the applicant's local Garda station in the presence of a member of the Garda Síochána, who must first be satisfied as to the person's identity before signing, dating and stamping the form. The Garda may request photographic or other identification. Where the applicant is unable to go to the local Garda station, and sets out the reason in writing, the form can be signed in the presence of an official of their registration authority. Again, photographic or other identification may be required. If neither option is viable due to physical illness or physical disability, the application form must be accompanied by a medical certificate. I consider that the current arrangements strike a reasonable balance between having a flexible supplement facility and, at the same time, ensuring that there are adequate measures in place to counteract any possible abuse. Electoral law also provides for significant measures in relation to voter identification and the prevention of personation.

Electronic Voting.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

769 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of e-voting machines which have been disposed of since his announcement of 23 April 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29725/09]

On 23 April 2009, I announced that the Government had decided not to proceed with the implementation of electronic voting in Ireland. The Government decision provided for the establishment of an Interdepartmental Task Force, chaired by my Department, to bring the project to an orderly conclusion, and to oversee the disposal of the electronic voting and counting equipment and the ending of storage arrangements. The process includes discussions with the original supplier as well as consideration of several expressions of interest that have been received by my Department, with a view to obtaining best value for money. The Task Force had its first meeting earlier this month.

Local Authority Funding.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

770 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he is monitoring the level of development levies and contributions payable to local authorities; if his attention has been drawn to the fall in the amount being paid; if he is working with local authorities to tackle this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29748/09]

My Department provides the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each local authority. However, the adoption of development contribution schemes is a reserved function of the locally elected members of each planning authority. It is a matter for the members to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply. Each planning authority is also required to include details of contributions received and contributions owing to it, together with information on how the contributions have been expended, in the statutory annual report of the authority. As with all local charges, the invoicing and collection of development levy amounts is a matter for the local authority concerned to manage in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal accountancy procedures. Development contributions have been an important addition to the capital funding resources of local authorities but they are only one element and local authorities generate capital income from a variety of sources. My Department will continue to work closely with local authorities on this and other matters.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

771 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the funding and budgetary situation of each of the local authorities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29749/09]

Funding for service provision, as opposed to capital infrastructure, comes from a range of income sources such as commercial rates, housing rents, environmental and other waste charges and charges for non-domestic water services. Taken as a whole these provide over half of the current funding needs of local authorities. The balance comes from the Local Government Fund in the form of General-Purpose Grants and through a number of specific State grants; the latter include the local and regional road grants from the Department of Transport. General-Purpose Grants are the contribution that my Department makes to local authorities to meet the gap between the cost to them of providing a reasonable level of day-to-day services and the income they obtain from other sources. In October 2008 I announced provisional General-Purpose Grant allocations of €935.2m. As a result of lower than anticipated motor tax receipts it has been necessary to reduce the General-Purpose Grant allocation to local authorities by some €30m. General-Purpose Grants are discretionary and it is a matter for each local authority to prioritise its spending, within the resources available to it, across the range of services it provides.

In the Budget of October 2008, the Government announced its intention to introduce a €200 charge on non principal residences, and the legislation necessary to give effect to this measure will be debated in the House today. The charge will apply mainly to the owners of residential rental property, holiday homes and vacant properties unless the vacant property is newly constructed but unsold. The charge will be collected and retained by local authorities. It is the first locally based revenue stream to be made available to local authorities in the last thirty years. I consider this to be a very significant development as it will reduce the dependency of local authorities on central funding.

The Government decision to introduce public sector pension-related measures applies to all public sector employees, including those employed by local authorities. The pension related deductions in respect of local authority staff are being retained by local authorities and there will be a corresponding reduction in the Exchequer contribution to the Local Government Fund resulting in a neutral impact on local authority finances.

I am satisfied that the level of funding provided through both general purpose grants and the new revenue stream arising from the charge on non principal private residences makes a significant contribution towards enabling all local authorities to provide a reasonable level of services to the public. The revised General-Purpose Grant allocations for each local authority are set out in the following table.

Local Authority

Revised General Purpose Grant 2009

Arklow Town Council

1,634,797

Athlone Town Council

1,917,374

Athy Town Council

767,623

Ballina Town Council

1,632,670

Ballinasloe Town Council

920,181

Birr Town Council

817,077

Bray Town Council

4,531,181

Buncrana Town Council

980,244

Bundoran Town Council

601,052

Carlow County Council

11,910,119

Carlow Town Council

1,831,382

Carrickmacross Town Council

605,674

Carrick-on-suir Town Council

1,164,428

Cashel Town Council

684,703

Castlebar Town Council

1,037,375

Castleblaney Town Council

496,043

Cavan County Council

18,832,045

Cavan Town Council

867,812

Clare County Council

14,883,494

Clonakilty Town Council

626,151

Clones Town Council

583,122

Clonmel Borough Council

3,295,919

Cobh Town Council

1,254,730

Cork City Council

25,764,998

Cork County Council

51,707,370

D.Laoire/Rathdown County Council

37,165,016

Donegal County Council

40,140,417

Drogheda Borough Council

4,688,795

Dublin City Council

94,709,663

Dundalk Town Council

5,289,816

Dungarvan Town Council

1,037,498

Ennis Town Council

2,461,593

Enniscorthy Town Council

1,235,578

Fermoy Town Council

874,009

Fingal County Council

30,404,698

Galway City Council

8,830,378

Galway County Council

36,888,227

Kells Town Council

502,483

Kerry County Council

26,457,145

Kildare County Council

25,754,427

Kilkenny Borough Council

1,893,103

Kilkenny County Council

20,020,063

Killarney Town Council

1,865,408

Kilrush Town Council

647,720

Kinsale Town Council

419,623

Laois County Council

17,580,214

Leitrim County Council

14,820,652

Letterkenny Town Council

1,176,732

Limerick City Council

11,050,841

Limerick County Council

24,864,456

Listowel Town Council

795,421

Longford County Council

14,118,480

Longford Town Council

1,232,768

Louth County Council

12,725,378

Macroom Town Council

629,483

Mallow Town Council

1,132,311

Mayo County Council

36,586,871

Meath County Council

27,601,149

Midleton Town Council

572,789

Monaghan County Council

15,094,413

Monaghan Town Council

1,184,794

Naas Town Council

1,484,461

Navan Town Council

582,061

Nenagh Town Council

1,140,538

New Ross Town Council

987,575

Offaly County Council

15,704,327

Roscommon County Council

21,065,007

Skibbereen Town Council

450,894

Sligo Borough Council

3,142,285

Sligo County Council

16,997,791

Sth Dublin County Council

24,676,357

Templemore Town Council

658,712

Thurles Town Council

1,014,871

Tipp NR County Council

18,630,156

Tipp SR County Council

22,788,742

Tipperary Town Council

871,488

Tralee Town Council

3,280,851

Trim Town Council

582,432

Tullamore Town Council

1,324,142

Waterford City Council

8,064,061

Waterford County Council

22,059,029

Westmeath County Council

20,625,403

Westport Town Council

859,045

Wexford Borough Council

2,348,994

Wexford County Council

21,282,429

Wicklow County Council

19,922,275

Wicklow Town Council

1,648,281

Youghal Town Council

1,163,499

Total

905,155,681

Waste Management.

Michael McGrath

Question:

772 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the necessary environmental clean up at the former steel plant site on Haulbowline Island, County Cork. [29779/09]

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.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

773 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29833/09]

The detailed information sought in the question is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work. The Department procures all goods and services in accordance with the Department of Finance Public Procurement Guidelines.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

774 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he has satisfied himself that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29847/09]

My Department has not contracted the company in question to build facilities on behalf of the State.

Departmental Expenditure.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

775 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he has carried out, during 2008 and during the first six months of 2009, advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by him; the name of the campaign or relevant programme; the cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising, outdoor advertising and consultancy or production costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29871/09]

My Department carries out a number of advertising campaigns relevant to its remit, in order to promote awareness and behaviour change, to consult with the public, or to provide information. Details of advertising campaigns to promote policies or programmes being implemented by my Department carried out during 2008 and the first six months of 2009 are set out in the following table. Costs shown include the total cost of advertising in publications, broadcast advertising or outdoor advertising, which incorporates consultancy and production costs, where applicable.

Advertising Campaign

Cost (including VAT)

Year

National Climate Change Awareness Campaign

862,666

2009

Information for Electors relating to the European, Local and Dáil Bye-elections held on 5 June 2009

141,797

2009

Introduction of Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008

3,655

2009

Public Consultation Process for the Review of Residential Tenancies Act 2004

5,915

2009

Promotion of EU Life+ Funding Programme for Environmental Projects

5,258

2009

Public Consultation Process for the European Communities (Freshwater Pearl Mussel) Regulations 2009

7,068

2009

Public Consultation Process for Draft Management Plans for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel

6,392

2009

National Biodiversity Week 2009

4,794

2009

National Climate Change Awareness Campaign

3,476,958

2008

Public Consultation Process for “Increasing Affordable Housing Supply” Report

5,128

2008

Public Consultation Process on Noise Pollution

4,536

2008

Draft Register of Electors Awareness Campaign

137,115

2008

Public Awareness Campaign on Lisbon Treaty Referendum

223,793

2008

Public Consultation Process for Electoral Area Boundary Committee

23,721

2008

Fire Safety Promotion

437,603

2008

Launch of Green Paper on Local Government Reform

17,889

2008

Public Consultation Process on National Biodiversity Plan

6,455

2008

National Biodiversity Week 2008

4,689

2008

Public Consultation Process on Irish Language Scheme

5,362

2008

Public Consultation Process on World Heritage Tentative List

11,475

2008

Public Consultation Process on Standards for Rented Houses

2,668

2008

101 Fun things to do with your Kids 2008

1,392

2008

Heritage Week

8,450

2008

Open Season Regulations allowing hunting of Muntjac Deer

7,880

2008

Health and Safety Programmes.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

776 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of funding he has allocated to individual projects on domestic violence for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29882/09]

Capital funding is available through my Department's Capital Assistance Scheme to approved voluntary housing bodies to provide accommodation to meet the special housing needs of groups including the elderly, the homeless, persons with disabilities and victims of domestic violence. Given that the accommodation provided by voluntary housing bodies for victims of domestic violence may often be in multi-purpose accommodation or may not be categorised specifically as refuges, a separate figure is not available for capital expenditure on accommodation for victims of domestic violence.

My Department recoups to local authorities 90% of approved current accommodation costs in the operation of homeless facilities, including certain facilities provided specifically to accommodate people who become homeless as a result of domestic violence. The facilities for which my Department has provided funding and the amounts recouped in respect of each project over the past five years are set out in the following table: Revenue funding recouped by Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to local authorities in respect of facilities provided specifically to accommodate people who become homeless as a result of domestic violence.

Local Authority

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

REFUGEES

Athlone TC, Esker House

51,919.59

16,298.05

0.00

0.00

0.00

Clonmel BC, Cuan Saor Refuge

100,477.14

80,381.71

80,381.72

102,577.52

102,577.50

Cork City, Cuan Lee

57,315.60

60,025.50

61,938.68

64,106.52

64,292.28

Donegal Co Co, Letterkenny

5,439.46

3,839.54

28,516.07

28,196.10

15,099.79

Drogheda BC, Drogheda

8,007.86

23,494.36

29,413.83

24,096.60

24,096.60

Dublin City, Coolock

181,022.00

301,702.22

241,362.00

241,362.00

241,362.00

Dundalk TC, Dundalk

62,332.88

57,145.50

0.00

41,220.90

82,782.00

Ennis TC, Clare Haven Services

210,816.00

210,240.00

215,294.85

242,024.40

226,274.28

Galway City, Waterside House

92,988.90

108,662.40

129,524.95

88,285.49

116,401.87

Kilkenny County

73,260.29

58,384.30

58,384.31

58,384.31

67,127.83

Limerick City, Adapt House

208,597.52

208,597.52

215,898.42

230,573.85

230,573.88

Mayo County, Castlebar

7,955.10

33,219.43

10,012.50

35,603.27

33,750.00

Meath County, Navan

83,667.60

83,210.40

83,439.00

41,376.60

125,501.00

Sth Dublin County, Saoirse Housing Tallaght

0.00

0.00

65,091.32

57,376.56

85,813.77

Kerry County, Adapt Tralee

149,111.28

148,479.30

148,570.20

148,664.71

149,108.58

Waterford City, Oasis Housing

91,786.04

99,732.60

100,096.20

99,734.40

99,732.60

Wexford BC, Wexford Town

92,034.36

91,782.90

91,782.90

91,782.90

83,736.18

1,476,731.62

1,585,195.73

1,559,706.95

1,595,366.13

1,748,230.16

TRANSITIONAL

Dundalk TC, Sonas Dundalk

32,670.00

32,670.00

0.00

65,752.20

33,441.50

Mayo County, Sonas Ballina

34,511.55

42,436.65

39,136.03

48,920.00

29,352.00

Dublin City, Sonas Ballymun

60,981.32

63,115.21

65,008.80

66,959.11

68,298.32

Dublin City, Sonas Killester

79,029.46

81,795.61

84,249.91

86,777.11

88,512.32

Dublin City, Sonas Ranelagh

35,210.71

36,441.43

5,408.78

17,110.80

17,452.80

Dublin City, Sonas Ringsend

71,514.90

74,017.81

83,017.80

85,508.56

87,218.12

Sth Dublin County, Sonas Fortunestown Tallaght

0.00

19,490.63

26,766.90

27,569.69

28,121.40

Sth Dublin County, Sonas Kilronan Clondalkin

78,274.85

81,014.40

83,445.30

85,948.20

87,667.20

392,192.79

430,981.74

387,033.52

484,545.67

440,063.66

TOTAL FUNDING

1,868,924.41

2,016,177.47

1,946,740.47

2,079,911.80

2,188,293.82

Question No. 777 answered with Question No. 766.

Energy Conservation.

Richard Bruton

Question:

778 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of people who have applied for grants in respect of energy savings in Dublin and outside Dublin; the number whose applications were successful; the amount of money released under the scheme to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28907/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

779 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the greenhouse home energy scheme on a county basis; the amount of money spent out of the budget of €100 million; the number of households which have availed of the scheme by category (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28800/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 778 and 779 together.

The Programme for Government commits €100m to the Home Energy Saving Scheme (HES), of which €49m has been made available in 2009. The scheme provides grant assistance to homeowners for energy efficiency measures such as attic and wall insulation, efficient boilers, heating controls and Building Energy Rating (BER) assessments. The scheme has been open to applications for just over three months and to date has attracted over 14,000 household applications, of which 2,282 are in Dublin. Some €19m has already been committed under the scheme. Payment of grant aid is fully contingent on individual works being completed. While just €638k has been paid to homeowners in respect of work completed to date, payment trends are expected to escalate as homeowners complete their works over the coming weeks and months. The number of approvals per measure is shown in Table 1.

Table 1: No. of HES approvals per measure

Measure Type

Number

Percentage %

Roof Insulation

10,273

32.5

Cavity Wall

7,626

24.1

Dry-Lining Insulation

2,227

7.0

External Insulation

658

2.1

Heating Controls Upgrade

1,278

4.0

High Efficiency Gas Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade

2,208

7.0

High Efficiency Oil Boiler with Heating Controls Upgrade

3,415

10.8

Before/After BER

3,944

12.5

Total Live Measures Number

31,629

The Greener Homes Scheme (GHS), which has been open for applications since 2006, provides grant assistance for renewable energy based heating systems. Grant commitments under the GHS to date are €66m, of which over €57m has been paid. The numbers of approvals and payments under the GHS are listed in Table 2.

Table 2: No. of GHS approvals and payments

Residential Technology

Number of approved

Installed and paid

Biomass

5,946

5,420

Heat Pump

5,953

5,308

Solar

15,624

11,307

Wood Gasification Boiler

84

37

Total

27,607

22,072

Alternative Energy Projects.

Joe McHugh

Question:

780 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the efforts being made to develop wave energy projects here; if he will refer specifically to research and development projects in third level institutions here; if efforts are being conducted in collaboration with Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28802/09]

The Government's Ocean Energy Strategy includes a programme of grant support to companies developing full scale prototypes and the development of a test site for full scale electricity generation in County Mayo. The Ocean Energy Strategy is being overseen and implemented by the Ocean Energy Development Unit in Sustainable Energy Ireland working in partnership with all key players.

A key priority under the Strategy is to increase the research and design capabilities in ocean energy in Ireland. The wave-tank facility at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC), University College Cork, is Ireland's centre of excellence in ocean energy research, modelling and technical support for early stage device developers. The Centre's capabilities have been enhanced in recent years and it has been successful in securing significant EU project funding. The Centre also provides testing, modelling and technical advisory services to wave and tidal device developers.

The facility will continued to be enhanced with the provision of €2.5m of funding under the Ocean Energy Strategy to the upgrading of the existing wave basin test tank and research capabilities at the facility over the period 2008 to 2010. Research at the HMRC is also being supported through funding of over €3 million over 7 years, under the Parsons Initiative, initiated by my Department and managed by Science Foundation Ireland.

Other R&D initiatives in the ocean energy sphere include Innovation Partnerships, funded by Enterprise Ireland, involving collaborative research between third level and industry, at Limerick and Maynooth Universities.

The Ocean Energy Development Unit is also liaising closely with Northern Ireland colleagues on a number of initiatives, designed to deliver the benefits of ocean energy development for the economy of the island as a whole.

Two specific collaborations include a review of Engineering and Specialist Support Requirements for the ocean energy sector; and an economic study for ocean energy development. Both of these studies will inform the ongoing development and commercialisation of ocean energy on the island.

Joe McHugh

Question:

781 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to develop wind energy here; the efforts that have been made by public agencies and publicly funded universities or institutes of technology in this respect; if these efforts involve 32 county collaboration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28803/09]

The Government has set targets to increase the contribution from renewable energy sources to electricity consumed to 15% by 2010 and 40% by 2020. The All Island Grid Study published jointly by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment Northern Ireland in 2008 confirmed that an all island target of 42% for renewable energy was technically feasible. There is ongoing liaison with Northern Ireland on progressing renewable energy objectives.

The primary support programme to achieve these targets is the Renewable Energy Feed-In Tariff (REFIT) which supports renewable energy plants exporting power into the grid. The available data on renewable energy projects with connection offers and awaiting connection offers under the Gate 3 process shows that the majority of projects are wind energy. In February last I announced measures to encourage the on-site micro-generation of electricity in domestic homes and farms from wind turbines and other renewable technologies. Among the measures is a guaranteed price up to 19 cent per kilowatt hour for electricity produced and exported to the national grid. This feed-in tariff will apply to the first 4,000 micro-generation installations countrywide over the next 3 years. In addition Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has commenced an electricity micro-generation programme to support a number of micro-scale projects including wind turbines to resolve future technical issues including: requirements for the future certification of turbines and certification and training of installers.

Considerable research has been undertaken by the ESRI, SEI and third level institutions including UCD, UCC, DIT and Queens University, on the island of Ireland into the technical and market aspects of integrating significant amounts of wind and other renewable energy technologies into the island's electricity system. This research, together with ongoing R&D supports, from SEI in particular, is critically underpinning the accelerated delivery of our national and EU renewable energy targets.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

782 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Department’s presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28845/09]

My Department does not employ any staff in County Louth.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

783 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to him; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28891/09]

At the commencement of its work, the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes requested all Departments to prepare evaluation papers outlining potential areas for savings in staff numbers and expenditure. Such a paper was prepared in respect of the Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Vote. The Special Group met the Secretary General and officials of my Department in the course of its deliberations. I am aware that the Minister for Finance recently received the Report of the Special Group, and that he will be bringing the Report to Government in the near future. Decisions on the release of the Report and associated documents will be made by Government in that context.

Telecommunications Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

784 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to ensure the provisions of broadband under the national broadband scheme in an area (details supplied) in County Sligo. [29288/09]

Finian McGrath

Question:

785 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [29289/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 784 and 785 together.

Broadband services are provided over various platforms including DSL (i.e. over telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre by private sector service providers. I understand that broadband is available in Lecklasser, County Sligo from wireless and satellite service providers. It is important to clarify that, in designing the NBS, which was approved by the EU Commission, a balance had to be struck between reaching as many unserved areas as possible and minimising the impact of the scheme on businesses already providing broadband services in rural areas.

EU state aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers. The nature of broadband networks is such that they provide a coverage footprint over a certain area rather than an individual link to isolated premises. It was essential to guard against the NBS coverage footprint spilling over, to an extent which would be unacceptable from a state aids perspective, into surrounding areas already served by existing service providers.

Accordingly, to include individually unserved premises that are located within EDs deemed to be already served within the scope of the NBS would have given rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion and therefore, such areas had to be excluded. More recently, the EU Commission has announced the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP). My Department is currently considering how isolated unserved rural premises, including any unserved premises in Sligo, might be addressed by an appropriate intervention under the EERP and within the State.

Details of the availability of broadband services in Lecklasser, Co Sligo are in the following table and are also available at www.broadband.gov.ie. Broadband Service Providers in Lecklasser, Ballintrillick, Co. Sligo

Platform

Service Provider

Website

Phone

Wireless

Fastcom Broadband

http://www.fastcom.ie

1890 71 71 71

Satellite

Applied Solutions

http://www.ADSLnow.ie

1890 924 854

Avonline

http://www.avonlinebroadband.co.uk

0044 800 073 1102

Broadband Wherever

http://www.broadbandwherever.net

0044 800 068 3358

Cross Country Broadband Limited

http://www.crosscountrybroadband.com

053 92 55428

Digiweb Satellite

http://www.broadband.digiweb.ie

042 939 3300

e3 Broadband

http://www.e3broadband.ie

1850 303333

ehotspot

http://www.ehotspot.ie

0044 1262 409109

Eircom Satellite

http://www.eircom.ie

1901

Fastnet Broadband Satellite

http://www.fastnetbroadband.com

01 2303746

Media Satellite Ireland Limited

http://www.mediasat.ie

1850 202 144

National Broadband Limited

http://www.nbb.ie

045 982130

Orbitlink

http://www.orbitlink.ie

01 8601995

Pure Telecom Limited

http://www.puretelecom.ie

01 2895555

Satellite Broadband Ireland

http://www.satellitebroadbandireland.ie

044 9372514

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

786 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29305/09]

To date, three members of staff in my Department have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme (ISER). In addition, nine staff have applied for the incentivised career break scheme (ICBS), which closed for applications on 1 July 2009.

Two civilian drivers to the former Minister of State at my Department, ceased employment in my Department in 2009, following the recent reallocation of Minister of State assignments.

In relation to the Agencies under my Department's remit the following table shows the latest figures available.

Agency

ISER

ICBS

ComReg

1

0

SEI

0

0

CER

0

0

BCI

0

0

Digital Hub

0

0

Central and regional fisheries boards

0

0

OSi

5

3

Telecommunications Services.

Joe McHugh

Question:

787 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he will take to provide broadband services to County Donegal communities that can not avail of broadband from existing suppliers and are not covered by the national broadband scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29349/09]

When considering the exclusion of certain unserved premises from the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), it is important to clarify that, in designing the NBS, which was approved by the EU Commission, a balance had to be struck between reaching as many unserved areas as possible and minimising the impact of the scheme on businesses already providing broadband services in rural areas.

EU state aid and competition rules govern how states can intervene in areas where there are existing service providers. The nature of broadband networks is such that they provide a coverage footprint over a certain area rather than an individual link to isolated premises. It was essential to guard against the NBS coverage footprint spilling over, to an extent which would be unacceptable from a state aids perspective, into surrounding areas already served by existing service providers.

Accordingly, to try to include individually unserved premises that are located within EDs deemed to be already served within the scope of the NBS would have given rise to an unacceptable level of market distortion and therefore, such areas had to be excluded. More recently, the EU Commission has announced the European Economic Recovery Plan (EERP). My Department is currently considering how isolated unserved rural premises, including any unserved premises in Donegal, might be addressed by an appropriate intervention under the EERP and within state aid rules.

Postal Services.

Michael McGrath

Question:

788 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the planned liberalisation of the postal market here and the impact this will have on An Post. [29354/09]

The Irish postal market is due to be liberalised from 1st January 2011 as set out in the 3rd EU Postal Directive. My Department is currently developing a framework dealing with the key issues to be decided in transposing the Directive into Irish law by the end of 2010. The initial consultation process has been completed and the views submitted as well as the experiences of other countries are being examined to inform the development of the framework. Following this, the necessary legislation will be prepared.

While it is Government policy that An Post remains a strong and viable company, in a position to compete in a liberalised market, it is the responsibility of the board and management of the company to make strategic decisions regarding its future and how it will prepare itself for future competition, particularly in advance of the deadline for full liberalisation.

In preparation for competition, it is vital that the company restructures itself effectively and that management and trade unions in An Post work together to transform the company into an efficient, innovative and modern service provider by implementing the agreed restructuring programme and providing innovative new service arrangements for the public.

Alternative Energy Projects.

Tom Hayes

Question:

789 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind turbines contributing to the national grid; the number awaiting connection to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29392/09]

Liz McManus

Question:

798 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind connections to the grid; the percentage of electricity generated from wind; the amount which comes from onshore versus offshore wind; the number of applications awaiting grid connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29606/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 789 and 798 together.

There are currently over 1,400 megawatts (MWs) of renewable powered electricity generating plants connected to the electricity grid of which in excess of 1,000 MWs is wind-powered plant, followed by hydropower with 240 MWs approximately, and various biomass projects constituting the remainder. There are an additional 1,400 MWs, approximately, of renewable powered project proposals, which have received connection offers. A further 3,900 MWs of renewable powered capacity are awaiting connection offers under the Gate 3 Decision recently published by the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Approximately 70%, of the 1400 MWs of generating capacity currently operating, is wind-powered capacity, including one 25 MW offshore project. Wind powered capacity also constitutes more than 90% of both the 1400 MWs of additional capacity which have connection offers but are not yet built and the 3900 MWs capacity which is in Gate 3 awaiting connection offers.

Renewable energy powered technologies contributed 12.2% of electricity consumed in 2008, compared to 4.4% in 2003. A detailed breakdown by technology for 2008 will be available later this year, when Sustainable Energy Ireland publishes the Annual Energy Statistics.

Telecommunications Services.

Tom Hayes

Question:

790 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the national broadband scheme; the number of projects which will be completed by end 2009 under that scheme; the amount of allocated funding which has been spent to date in 2009; and his plans for people who are on carrier lines in areas to be covered by the NBS. [29393/09]

In December 2008, my Department entered into a contract with "3", a Hutchison Whampoa company, for the delivery of the National Broadband Scheme (NBS). 3 will be required to provide services to all residences and businesses that are located within the NBS area and who seek a service.

Challenging roll-out targets have been agreed with 3 and NBS services have already been launched in a small number of rural areas at the end of April 2009. The network is being rolled out progressively and 3 are on track to reach 48% of Electoral Divisions by year end. All of the EDs in the NBS coverage area are required to be enabled by the end of September 2010. The EDs to be covered by end July have been identified and are now highlighted on 3's NBS coverage map available at http://www.three.ie/nbs/index.htm. 3 has commenced its marketing campaign in these areas to announce the forthcoming service availability.

Further information regarding the NBS and the most up-to-date rollout information can be found by contacting 3's dedicated NBS customer service team on 1913 or by accessing 3's website at http://three.ie/nbs/

Details of the availability of broadband services in the specific areas not covered by the NBS are available at www.broadband.gov.ie

The overall Exchequer investment in the scheme will be €79.8m of which circa €16m has been spent to date. The project is eligible for EU co-funding under the ERDF 2007-2013. Any fixed residential or business customer including those on carrier lines within the NBS coverage area can apply for a broadband service under the scheme.

Departmental Agencies.

Simon Coveney

Question:

791 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has provided money since 2000 to date in 2009 to semi-State energy companies to fund infrastructure investment; the borrowing limit set for each semi-State energy company; the debt for each semi-State; his views on the manner in which investment is funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29527/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table:

State-sponsored body

Exchequer funding provided?

Statutory Borrowing limit

Debt as detailed in most recently published Annual Report

Bord Gáis

No

€3 billion

2008 – €1.2 billion

Bord na Móna

No

€400 million

2008 – €96 million

EirGrid

No

€750 million

2008 – €37 million

ESB

No

€6 billion

2007 – €1.9 billion

National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA)

No

€1 billion

2007 – €158 million

Irish National Petroleum Corporation (INPC)

No

Nil

Nil

The activities of NORA are financed by a levy on sales of certain oil products. The INPC has no operational capacity or function but discharges certain residual statutory functions in relation to environmental liability obligations on foot of the sale of Whitegate in 2001. INPC's funding derives from the sale of its business and commercial interests in 2001.

The income of the State-sponsored energy companies is generated through their regulated and/or commercial activities. The companies do not have any recourse to Exchequer funding and their investment programmes in strategic energy infrastructure and other capital projects are funded through approved borrowing.

Departmental Expenditure.

Simon Coveney

Question:

792 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the amount spent on travel, both national and international, within his Department since the 2007 general election in tabular form. [29529/09]

Expenditure incurred by my Department since its formation in June 2007 on national and international travel is detailed in the following table.

Year

National

International

2009 (to 7th July 09)

136,068

133,943

2008

392,305

496,869

2007 (June to December)

285,332

379,811

These amounts include all costs associated with travel such as transport, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Television Licence Fee.

Simon Coveney

Question:

793 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to reform the way the television licence system is operated here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29530/09]

I have previously stated my view that in the future we may have to move away from the television licence as a basis for the funding of public service broadcasting. I have, however, no immediate plans in this regard.

However, it is also my view that the licence fee has served us well to date, despite its limitations. It has ensured some measure of independence for RTÉ from both political and commercial pressures. It has also acted as a direct link between audiences and RTÉ, reminding the national public service broadcaster to whom its public service duty is ultimately owed. As such we must review proposed alternatives with caution and due diligence.

Every effort has been made in the Broadcasting Bill 2008 to help make the television licence system more efficient and to reduce evasion, including providing for a fixed payment penalty mechanism and that the television licence fee may be pursued by An Post as a civil debt rather than prosecuted as a criminal offence, thus providing alternatives to criminal proceedings.

Telecommunications Services.

Frank Feighan

Question:

794 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the provision of broadband for areas in Counties Leitrim and Roscommon. [29567/09]

Broadband services are provided by private service providers over various platforms including DSL (i.e over the telephone lines), fixed wireless, mobile, cable, satellite and fibre.

Details of broadband availability from service providers together with the availability of broadband services in specific areas, including areas in County Leitrim and County Roscommon, are available at www.broadband.gov.ie. Additionally, the National Broadband Scheme (NBS) will bring broadband services to some areas of County Leitrim and County Roscommon. Details of the areas to be covered by the NBS can be found at www.three.ie/nbs. These areas are shown in the following list on an Electoral Division (ED) basis.

National Broadband Scheme (NBS)

Electoral Divisions (ED) to be Covered by the NBS in Co. Leitrim

ED Name

ED Reference No.

AGHACASHEL

ED 117001

AGHAVAS

ED 117004

ANNADUFF

ED 117006

ARIGNA

ED 117007

BALLAGHAMEEHAN

ED 117008

BARNAMEENAGH

ED 117010

BREANDRUM

ED 117013

BUNNYBEG

ED 117014

CARRIGALLEN EAST

ED 117016

CARRIGALLEN WEST

ED 117017

CASTLEFORE

ED 117019

CLOONE

ED 117022

CLOVERHILL

ED 117024

CORRALA

ED 117025

CORRIGA

ED 117026

DRUMREILLY EAST

ED 117031

DRUMREILLY NORTH

ED 117032

DRUMREILLY SOUTH

ED 117033

DRUMREILLY WEST

ED 117034

DRUMSNA

ED 117036

FENAGH

ED 117038

GARADICE

ED 117039

GLENANIFF

ED 117042

GLENCAR

ED 117044

GLENFARN

ED 117045

GORTERMONE

ED 117046

GORTNAGULLION

ED 117047

GOWEL

ED 117048

GREAGHGLASS

ED 117049

KEELDRA

ED 117051

KESHCARRIGAN

ED 117052

KILLARGA

ED 117054

KILLYGAR

ED 117055

KILTUBBRID

ED 117056

KILTYCLOGHER

ED 117057

LISGILLOCK

ED 117060

MAHANAGH

ED 117062

MOHER

ED 117065

NEWTOWN GORE

ED 117068

OUGHTERAGH

ED 117069

RIVERSTOWN

ED 117071

ROWAN

ED 117073

SRAMORE

ED 117074

STRALONGFORD

ED 117076

YUGAN

ED 117078

.

National Broadband Scheme (NBS)

Electoral Divisions (ED) to be Covered by the NBS in Co. Roscommon

ED Name

ED Reference No

AGHAFIN

ED 197001

ALTAGOWLAN

ED 197002

ARTAGH SOUTH

ED 197005

AUGHRIM EAST

ED 197009

AUGHRIM WEST

ED 197010

BALLAGHADERREEN

ED 197011

BALLINLOUGH

ED 197012

BALLINTOBER

ED 197013

BALLYFORMOYLE

ED 197016

BUCKILL

ED 197024

CALTRAGH

ED 197026

CAMS

ED 197027

CARNAGH

ED 197028

CASTLETEHEEN

ED 197034

CLOONFOWER

ED 197037

CLOONTEEM

ED 197039

CLOONYGORMICAN

ED 197041

CREEVE

ED 197046

CROGHAN

ED 197049

CROSSNA

ED 197050

DUNAMON

ED 197055

EDMONDSTOWN

ED 197057

KEADEW

ED 197064

KILBRIDE NORTH

ED 197065

KILBRYAN

ED 197067

KILGLASS SOUTH

ED 197072

KILLUMMOD

ED 197076

KILMORE

ED 197078

KILTULLAGH

ED 197081

LACKAN

ED 197082

LISMAHA

ED 197085

LOUGH ALLEN

ED 197087

OAKPORT

ED 197092

OGULLA

ED 197093

ROCKHILL

ED 197094

ROCKINGHAM

ED 197095

ROSMOYLAN

ED 197099

TAGHMACONNELL

ED 197105

TULSK

ED 197109

TURROCK

ED 197112

Fishing Industry Development.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

795 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to Parliamentary Question No. 393 of 28 April 2009, the progress made in this area; when he expects the process to have been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29581/09]

As previously advised, primary legislation is required for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector, which includes the creation of a single strengthened national inland fisheries authority to be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. Details of the draft Heads of Bill for this purpose, as approved by Government, have been made available for the information of the boards, management and staff, as well as interested stakeholders.

This project remains on track and it is expected that the legislation will be published in late summer, progressed through the Oireachtas later this year and that the new structures will be in place before the end of 2009.

Smart Economy.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

796 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the proposal (details supplied); if he will request that an independent assessment be carried out of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29587/09]

I have no plans to have an independent assessment of the proposals in the policy document referred to by the Deputy carried out. My views on the proposals contained within the document were articulated during the Dáil debate on 29 April last and are on the record of the House. More generally I am satisfied that the policy issues in my area of responsibility referred to in the document will continue to be addressed through implementation of the Programme for Government, the Government policy paper of December last "Building Ireland's Smart Economy" and through ongoing policy implementation.

Energy Resources.

Liz McManus

Question:

797 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he will publish the biofuels obligation; the position regarding biofuels; if he is satisfied that biofuels imported into Ireland are sustainable; the percentage of transport fuels in transport which are biofuels; the percentage of biofuels which are imported; the location from which they are imported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29605/09]

The Programme for Government commits to the introduction of a Biofuel Obligation, which will underpin delivery of the national biofuel target and which will take full account of EU biofuels policy. My Department is currently finalising proposals for the necessary legislation, with a view to the introduction of the Obligation in 2010. The Biofuels Obligation will also integrate the EU Sustainability Criteria, which are currently being finalised. The objective is to ensure that all biofuels counted towards the national obligation are fully sustainable in line with EU legal requirements.

The EU sustainability criteria will be the first internationally agreed set of rules governing the origins of biofuels. The commodities from which biofuels are made, are internationally traded, which can make it difficult to determine their ultimate origin. Those companies participating in the Mineral Oil Tax Relief (MOTR) schemes are required to inform my Department as to the origin of the biofuels utilised there. The acknowledged difficulties in tracking biofuels back to origin underline the importance of an international sustainability scheme, such as that planned by the EU.

To date, the use of biofuels in Ireland has been incentivised under the MOTR schemes. Up to the end of 2008, a total of 40% of the biofuel available in Ireland under the MOTR Scheme II was imported from European Union Member States. On the basis of the provisional figures available for 2008 the market penetration rate for biofuels as a percentage of road transport fuels was approximately 1.6%, which is an increase from 0.6% in 2007.

Question No. 798 answered with Question No. 789.

Broadcasting Services.

Liz McManus

Question:

799 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he is satisfied that RTÉ has the capacity to roll out a full digital terrestrial television infrastructure by the end of 2009 due to funding challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29609/09]

Under the Broadcasting (Amendment) Act 2007, RTÉ, the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) and the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) have obligations to provide for the rollout of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and to assist in the development of a plan for analogue switch off.

There is no requirement on RTÉ to roll out a full DTT infrastructure by end 2009. I am informed by RTÉ that a considerable part of the DTT network has already been built by the company. This build represents the most difficult and costly part of the build plan as it includes the main transmitter sites in Ireland. It is expected that the first phase of DTT services, the date of commencement of which is not yet decided, will provide coverage of about 85% of the country. In order to develop a viable and reliable national DTT service, additional build work will be necessary. In particular, the country's minor transmitter sites will need to be upgraded.

This will provide ‘infill' coverage to ensure that the DTT service is reliable and to ensure that outlying areas in the West, North, North West and South of the country, those areas most reliant on the analogue terrestrial service, are also served by DTT. I am confident that the DTT network will be built in time for the switch off of the analogue television services in 2012.

Liz McManus

Question:

800 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the effects of the Wales analogue switch-off in autumn 2009 on television viewers in the south east; the counties which will be affected; the measures in place to ensure minimal disruption; his advice for the affected viewers; if he will provide information and support to these viewers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29610/09]

Wales is set to switch off its analogue television services in autumn 2009. As the Deputy will realise this is a development over which I have no control. It is likely to impact viewers along the South East of the country who currently receive overspill of the UK television signals. Viewers on cable and satellite will not be affected.

The Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) has statutory responsibility for the licensing of DTT and is currently engaged in negotiations with a consortium in this regard. Depending on the commercial DTT package available, persons who subscribe to future commercial DTT services should be able to receive UK television channels currently available via analogue overspill.

Telecommunications Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

801 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding Parliamentary Question No. 396 of 28 April 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29673/09]

The position remains that any future broadband investment decisions, including investment in any further phases of the Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) Programme, will be guided by (i) the policy paper on Next Generation Broadband, which I published last month, (ii) the Value for Money and Policy Review undertaken on Phase I of the MANs Programme, (iii) the availability of resources, and (iv) other analyses as appropriate.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

802 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29962/09]

In the time available the information requested by the Deputy cannot be extracted and collated into a reply. The scope of the request is such that it would require the commitment of significant resources and staff time that cannot be justified. If the Deputy has a specific issue that he wishes to have examined, I will arrange to have it looked into

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

803 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29842/09]

I can advise the Deputy that the company in question has not been contracted to build any facilities by my Department.

Contracts entered into by bodies operating under the aegis of my Department are day to day operational issues for those bodies and therefore a matter for them.

Foreshore Licences.

Michael McGrath

Question:

804 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a foreshore lease will be put in place between his Department and the Port of Cork in relation to a pier in Cork (details supplied). [29778/09]

This is a longstanding case involving leasing arrangements put in place initially in 1937.

Following refurbishment of the pier in the late 1990s, the Port of Cork indicated a wish to alter the leasing arrangement with a view to ultimately acquiring the freehold of the area of foreshore in question. At a meeting between officials of my Department and representatives of the Port Company held in December 2007, a number of crosscutting issues associated with the Company's proposal were discussed.

The complexities of this case are receiving ongoing attention within my Department as a matter of priority and every effort is being made to arrive at a solution which will, if possible, meet the needs of the company.

Harbours and Piers.

Joe McHugh

Question:

805 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of non-tidal ports in Counties Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Clare; the names and number of ports, other than non-tidal, for these counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28794/09]

My Department, owns, manages and operates two Fishery Harbour Centres in the counties referred to. Namely Killybegs Fishery Harbour Centre in Donegal and Ros An Mhíl Fishery Harbour Centre in Galway.

Large fishing vessels can access both of these Fishery Harbour Centres at all stages of the tide.

Information with regard to ports not under the control of my Department should be sought from the Department of Transport and the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government.

Fishing Industry Development.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

806 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 219 of 2 April 2009, the position to date regarding a fishery (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28808/09]

The cockle fishery remains closed due to restrictions arising from our obligations under the Birds & Habitats Directives and a related European Court of Justice Judgement. A plan outlining Ireland's roadmap to compliance with these Directives has been submitted to DG Environment and a follow-up meeting between Irish officials and the Commission took place in May.

DG Environment advised that it was positively disposed towards an interim approach for wild fisheries whereby best available data together with the collection of some limited additional data would be used as an interim assessment to consider the impacts of these activities on the Natura sites. This assessment would inform and determine possible fishing opportunities, based on a precautionary approach. Fisheries opened in Natura sites would, in any case, have to be subject to stringent management arrangements (including possibly limiting access, restrictions on areas fished / gears used, time spent fishing) and additional control arrangements. As soon as full data is available on sites, these fisheries will be subject to full Appropriate Assessment under the Directives.

In the case of the fishery specified a lot of work has been carried out at this site including most recently a stock survey. However the fishery will not be considered for opening until the Road map for compliance submitted to DG Environment has been formally accepted. That response is currently awaited from the Commission. In line with the provisions of the road map any proposed fishery will be subject to an interim assessment and a fishery will be subject to the outcome of that assessment.

My officials are in regular contact with the fishermen's representatives and will continue to keep them updated on developments in this regard.

Grant Payments.

Dan Neville

Question:

807 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Parliamentary Question No. 571 of 9 June 2009, if an application for funding under the farm waste management grant in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick has been successful. [28814/09]

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in early January 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in January 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in January 2011 along with the final instalment.

Payment of the first instalment of 40 per cent was made to the person concerned on 22 June 2009.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

808 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Department’s presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28843/09]

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table.

Drogheda Local Office

Staff

Number

Executive Officer

1

Fulltime

Permanent

Staff Officer

1

Fulltime

Permanent

Clerical Officer

1

Fulltime

Permanent

3 (50%)

Partime

Permanent

Veterinary Officers

3

Fulltime

Permanent

District Superintendent

1

Fulltime

Permanent

1 (3 day week)

Partime

Permanent

Supervisory Agricultural Officer

1

Fulltime

Permanent

Technical Agricultural Officer

6

Fulltime

Permanent

Dundalk AES Office

Staff

Number

Clerical Officer

2

Fulltime

Permanent

Supervisory Agricultural Officer

2

Fulltime

Permanent

Technical Agricultural Officer

1

Fulltime

Permanent

In relation to accommodation costs, I understand that these offices are state owned.

A comprehensive review of my Department's local offices is being considered. I expect to make an announcement once the process is complete and the decisions taken.

Grant Payments.

Ned O'Keeffe

Question:

809 Deputy Edward O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding farm grant payments in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [28876/09]

The person named is an applicant under both the Farm Waste Management and the Farm Improvement Schemes. In both cases on completion of the works concerned, grant-aid was calculated in accordance with my Department's Standard Costs or on the total of the eligible receipts/invoices submitted by the applicant, whichever is the lesser.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

810 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he made submissions to the McCarthy Group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to him; the contents of these proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28889/09]

At the commencement of its work, the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes requested all Departments to prepare evaluation papers outlining potential areas for savings in staff numbers and expenditure.

The Special Group met the Secretary General and senior officials of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in the course of its deliberations. The Group has not made proposals to my Department.

Departmental Schemes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

811 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to parliamentary Question No. 313 of 18 December 2008, the funding paid to date; the funding committed to projects; the successful projects and the funding allocated to each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29261/09]

Under my Department's Marketing and Processing Scheme of Investment Aid grant-aid of €16.8 million was awarded in December 2008 to 66 enterprises in the horticulture (13 projects awarded €5.4m), livestock marts (22 projects awarded €3.6m) and small meat (31 projects awarded €7.8m) sectors. This package is expected to contribute to investment on projects in the region of €70 million. Details of the awards are set in the table. Payments to date in respect of this multi-annual investment package amount to €237,095.

My Department is also funding the Dairy and Beef and Sheepmeat Funds under which awards of €114 million and €69 million have been made. The Funds are managed on my Department's behalf by Enterprise Ireland. Payments to date amount to €33 million.

Capital Investment Scheme for Marketing and Processing Livestock Mart Sector

County

Project(s)

Location

Grant

Cork

Cork Marts

Fermoy

396,462

Donegal

East Donegal Co-Op Livestock Mart

Raphoe

84,451

Milford Co-Op Livestock

Milford

56,851

Galway

Headford Co-Op Mart

Headfordt

117,607

Ballinasloe Livestock Mart

Ballinasloe

64,255

Athenry Co-Op Livestock Mart

Athenry

42,560

Gort Co-Operative Livestock Mart

Gort

20,160

Laois

Mountrath Mart

Mountrath

60,452

Ballinakill Mart

Ballinakill

143,923

Leitrim

Connacht Gold Co-Op Mart

Mohill

369,690

Midland and Western Livestock Improvement Society

Carrick-on-Shannon

891,404

Limerick

Golden Vale Co-Op Mart

Kilmallock

48,384

Kerry

Listowel Livestock Mart Ltd

Listowel

98,193

Marglann an Daingin Teoranta

An Daingin

218,771

Kenmare Livestock Mart Co-Op

Kenmare

23,720

Mayo

Connacht Gold Co-Op Mart Balla

Balla

338,576

Meath

Carnacross Mart

Carnacross, Kells

42,285

Offaly

Golden Vale Co-Op Mart

Tullamore

48,384

Roscommon

Elphin Co-Op

Elphin

42,336

Tipperary

Mid-Tipperary Co-Op Mart

Thurles

231,222

Central Auction Services Co-Op

Roscrea

147,674

Central Auction Services Co-Op

Nenagh

115,791

Capital Investment Scheme for Marking and Processing Meat Sector

County

Project(s)

Location

Grant

Carlow

Carlow Foods Ltd

Fenagh, Co Carlow

306,681

Cork

Gubbeen Farmhouse

Schull

49,968

Skeaghanore Fresh Farm Duck

Ballydehob

248,653

Hodgins Sausage Ltd

Mitchelstown

331,935

Finns Meats

Mitchelstown

178,844

Jack McCarthy Ltd Craft Butchers

Kanturk

99,893

Donegal

Swilly Meats Ltd

Ballybofey

464,554

Dublin

M&K Meats

Rathcoole

100,571

Sandyford Meats

Sandyford

107,547

Courtney Food Services

Kimmage

36,422

Hicks Foods Ltd

Ballymount

83,687

Galway

Heaney Meats Catering Co

Casla, Connemara

637,110

Kerry

PLM Foods

Glenfisk, Killarney

167,619

Kildare

Brady Family Food

Timahoe, Naas

567,689

McConnon’s Meats

Rathangan

487,570

Laois

Festa Fine Foods

Portlaoise

195,115

Leitrim

Campbell Meats

Drumshanbo

215,797

Limerick

Ashgrove Meats

Newcastle West

44,760

Longford

Louis Herterich

Longford

138,700

Sheelin Meats Ltd

Granard

167,675

Louth

Ashbrook Foods Ltd

Dundalk

99,594

Mayo

Imam Casing & Foods

Ballyhaunis

407,846

Meath

Traditional Meat Company

Oldcastle

670,093

Boyne Valley Meats

Garristown

359,825

Monaghan

Farney Foods Ltd

Carrickmacross

98,831

Connolly Meats

Scotstown

126,696

Roscommon

O’Brien Butchers

Whitehall

174,267

Gilligans Farm Fresh Meats

Four Mile House

223,855

Tipperary

Darcy Meats

Nenagh

219,806

Wexford

Thomas Kinsella Meats

Enniscorthy

125,090

Wicklow

Michael Whelan Pudding Manufacturers

Blessington

618,923

Capital Investment Scheme for Marketing and Processing Horticulture Sector

County

Project(s)

Location

Grant

Dublin

K&K Packs

The Ward

551,967

Neil Kerrigan

Lusk

882,913

Dublin Meath Growers

The Ward

115,755

GVS — Groomes

Balbriggan

749,621

Keelings Softfruits

St Margarets

967,931

Vincent Thorne

Rush

310,210

Kildare

Boylan Fruits Ltd

Johnstownbridge

71,426

Meath

Pat Reynolds and Sons

Navan

266,889

Monaghan

Gold Circle Mushrooms

Monaghan

187,742

Offaly

Milne Foods Ltd

Birr

795,966

Tipperary

Con Traas Ltd

Cahir

109,495

Waterford

Meadowfresh Foods

Tallow

317,515

Wicklow

Dolmenview Ltd t/a O’Hanlon Herbs

Glenealy

65,513

Proposed Legislation.

Denis Naughten

Question:

812 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the new animal health and welfare Bill; the reason for the delay in its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29272/09]

Work is proceeding on drafting the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which gives effect to a number of commitments in the area of animal health and welfare contained in the Programme for Government. Following the public consultation process initiated on the bill in 2008, almost 400 submissions/comments were received from stakeholders, including organisations and individuals, with an interest in animal health and welfare issues. My officials met with a wide range of organisations and this element of the process was very informative and provided an opportunity for organisations to elaborate on their respective submissions. Drafting of the bill is now continuing taking account of the further comments received.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

813 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29303/09]

To date 34 staff in my Department have applied for the incentivised scheme of early retirement and 53 staff have applied for the special incentive career break. With regard to state agencies under the aegis of my Department, the number of staff who have applied for the incentivised scheme of early retirement and the special incentive career break is a matter for the Bodies themselves as part of their day-to-day activities. Four industrial staff members in my Department were made redundant in the past 12 months.

Fisheries Protection.

Joe McHugh

Question:

814 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce a quota system for sand dogs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29336/09]

The EU Fisheries Council acting on a proposal from the EU Commission decides which fish stocks are subject to a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and quota regime. The Commission in formulating it's proposal takes account of the latest scientific advice on fish stocks. Sand dog, otherwise known as lesser spotted dogfish, Scyliorhinus canicula is not currently subject to a TAC and quota regime.

Grant Payments.

Joe McHugh

Question:

815 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount paid out in REP scheme payments in County Donegal to date in 2009; when he expects to have awarded all Donegal REP scheme payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29342/09]

To date a total of €1,142,294.93 has been paid in 2009 in respect of REPS 3 and 4. REPS 3 payments continue to be made on an ongoing basis. Under EU rules, payments to REPS 4 participants may be made in two instalments, the first at 75% on completion of all administrative checks and area checks on all files and the remaining 25% once all on-farm inspections have been completed. The majority of applicants for REPS 4 in 2007 and 2008 have received the first stage of their payments and I expect to be in a position to release the second stage in these cases within weeks. A small number of applications are still being processed. Payment of the first REPS 4 instalment for 2009 will be made in the autumn.

Food Labelling.

Tom Hayes

Question:

816 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce legislation requiring operators in the retail and catering sectors to provide country of origin information on pig meat, poultry and sheep meat; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29394/09]

My Department submitted to the EU Commission draft national legislation that would require the country of origin to be indicated on pigmeat, poultrymeat and sheepmeat and on food products containing over 70% of these meats. My Department engaged in extensive communications with the Commission with a view to justifying and pressing the case for the proposed legislation. The Commission, however, adopted a negative opinion in relation to the proposal on the grounds that it was not consistent with the EU Labelling Directive. The Commission has however reviewed the Labelling Directive and has brought forward proposals for new food labelling regulations. These regulations will be considered by Council of Health Ministers and the question of origin labelling continues to be pursued in that context.

Forestry Sector.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

817 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to parliamentary Question No. 413 of 28 April 2009, if the merger of COFORD back into his Department has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29582/09]

The work of COFORD will be subsumed into the Department with effect from 1 August this year. The Board of COFORD will continue to operate in an advisory capacity to the Department on the areas of forestry and forestry research.

Shipwreck Salvage.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

818 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he will take in relation to the boat wrecks which have been abandoned for some years at an area (details supplied) in County Cork; if same will be removed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29677/09]

The removal of boat wrecks comes under section 52 of the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993 which permits a harbour authority or, in certain circumstances, a local authority to take steps to remove the wreck. Accordingly, my officials have raised this matter with the Department of Transport as the 1993 Act comes under that Department's remit.

Aquaculture Licences.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

819 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will ensure that the application for the transfer of an aquaculture licence (details supplied) in County Cork will be approved in view of the fact that applications therefore were made in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29678/09]

The assignment of an aquaculture licence by the licensee to a third party requires the consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The individual in question applied on 18 September 2007 to my Department for approval to assign to another person the area in Roaringwater Bay covered by his aquaculture licence. The application was forwarded in the normal way to the Department's consultees for their consideration. At this point the application is still under consideration by my Department's Engineering Division. It is understood that a comprehensive survey of all sites in the bay will be required before Engineering Division is in a position to respond. Every effort will be made to expedite this application having regard to the issues outlined above.

Grant Payments.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

820 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be awarded their REP scheme four payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29794/09]

To comply with European Union regulations all REPS 4 applications and plans, including adjusted plans, are subject to eligibility and other checks. The checking procedures are in the final stages and I expect that payment in this case will issue in the next few weeks.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

821 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29960/09]

The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available within my Department. Given the timeframe comprehended in his question it would take a disproportionate amount of time to retrieve and compile. However, should the Deputy have a specific query on contracts awarded by my Department, I will be happy to have that matter examined.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

822 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied that sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29840/09]

My Department has no contract with the company named by the Deputy.

School Staffing.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

823 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will deal with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28861/09]

I understand that the Deputy's question refers to general operatives employed by City of Dublin VEC. Officials of my Department contacted the VEC and established that these employees had fixed term contracts for the period from September 2008 to June 2009 (i.e. the school year). This is in line with the usual practice in the VEC.

Departmental Staff.

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

824 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff employed by his Department in County Louth by location; if such staff are permanent, temporary, part time or on fixed contracts and so on; the accommodation used by such staff and if same is owned, leased or otherwise rented by his Department; the cost of same per annum; if leased, when such lease expires; his proposals to close, amalgamate or expand his Department’s presence in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28848/09]

My Department currently has 7 staff assigned to the National Educational Psychological Services (NEPS) based at Donore Road Industrial Estate, Drogheda, Co. Louth and 3 school inspectors based at the Regional Development Centre, Dundalk Institute of Technology. All are permanent employees. The office properties that accommodate the staff concerned are leased by the Property Management Services of the Office of Public Works (O.P.W.) who act as an agent on behalf of Government Departments in relation to the rental/lease of office properties. As such the cost and terms of leases are a matter for the O.P.W. There are no proposals at present to alter the existing staffing or accommodation arrangements.

Adult Education.

Billy Timmins

Question:

825 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position on graduates who are in receipt of the jobseeker’s allowance; if there are new courses they can avail of; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28868/09]

I recently announced a new initiative whereby unemployed workers will have access to 2,500 new places on part-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses from September 2009. All 2,500 places will be on courses that support the goals of the Government's "Smart Economy" plan and particularly those relating to specific skills needs of exporting sectors identified by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs. 1,000 of these places will be available for unemployed graduates to undertake part-time postgraduate diplomas or conversion programmes at levels 8 to 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

The scheme will be open to people who have been on the Live Register for at least six months on 1 September 2009, or who have been awarded Statutory redundancy and have an entitlement to a relevant social welfare payment. One of the conditions for people participating on these new part-time places is that they continue to be available and seeking work. Once they satisfy these conditions they will be entitled to retain their social welfare payments. Where they receive an offer of full-time work they must take up this offer of employment.

Details of the third level institutions providing these places and information on how to apply for a place will be announced in the coming weeks. The information will also be made available through local FÁS and Department of Social and Family Affairs offices. Unemployed graduates on full-time postgraduate programmes may also be eligible for support under the Department's Student Maintenance Grant Scheme. Provision of grants are subject to a means test and other eligibility criteria. Further information on how to apply for a student maintenance grant is available on the Student Finance website: www.studentfinance.ie

School Staffing.

Richard Bruton

Question:

826 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if schools who were forced to merge junior infants with senior infants classes, with class sizes of 30 and more, have grounds for appealing for additional teaching resources under the terms of the teacher allocation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28874/09]

Combined classes are a feature of the majority of schools in the country and this arrangement has no adverse implications for the quality of the education children receive. While the staffing schedule allocates on the basis of an average number of pupils each individual school decides on how to arrange its classes. In terms of class sizes almost 80% of primary pupils were in classes of less than 30 pupils during the last school year. With over 20,000 individual classes spread across all schools throughout the country there will inevitably be differences in individual class sizes. Some schools can have class sizes of greater than 27 or 28 but this is often because of a local decision by a school to use its teaching resources in order to have smaller numbers in other classes.

Where it is possible, I believe that principals should consider the benefits of having smaller multi-grade classes as against having particularly large differences in class sizes at different levels in the school. In general, the view of my Department is that, where combined classes are formed, mixed-ability classes are preferable and my Department recommends random selection as a fair and educationally sound approach to the assignment of pupils to such classes.

It is open to any Board of Management to submit an appeal under certain criteria to an independent Appeal Board which was originally established to adjudicate on appeals on mainstream staffing allocations in primary schools. Details of the criteria for appeal of mainstream staffing are contained in the staffing schedule, Circular 0002/2009 which is available on my Department's website. The Appeal Board operates independently of the Department and its decision is final.

Schools Building Projects.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

827 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Education and Science when work will commence on the proposed new school for a school (details supplied) in County Kerry based on the amalgamation of schools in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28883/09]

As the Deputy may be aware, I announced in September 2008 that the project for the school in question was to proceed to re-tender and construction. My Department's Building Unit is currently awaiting a Stage 2B (Detailed Design) submission, to comply with the new form of Government Construction Contract. Once it is received and examined, my officials will be in contact with the school authorities regarding further progress.

Public Service Review.

Richard Bruton

Question:

828 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he made submissions to the McCarthy group on potential savings in his Department; the contents of the submissions made; if the McCarthy group made proposals to him; the contents of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28894/09]

At the commencement of its work, the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes requested all Departments to prepare evaluation papers outlining potential areas for savings in staff numbers and expenditure. Such papers were prepared in respect of the Education and Science Vote. The Special Group met the Secretary General of the Department of Education and Science in the course of its deliberations.

The Report of the Special Group has recently been submitted to the Minister for Finance, who will be bringing it to Government in the near future. Decisions on the release of the Report and associated documents will be made by Government in that context.

School Enrolments.

Richard Bruton

Question:

829 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the average class sizes for primary and secondary schools in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin in 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 broken down by school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28903/09]

My Department does not calculate class size information by Dublin postal code. However the Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual primary school level for the 2006\2007 and 2007\2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the summer Class size data is not calculated at individual post primary school level. 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.

Schools Building Projects.

Richard Bruton

Question:

830 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools in areas (details supplied) in County Dublin that require building work and their band rating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28904/09]

I wish to confirm that applications have been received from a number of schools in the areas to which the Deputy refers, for major capital investment. All applications for capital funding are assessed in the School Capital Appraisal Section of my Department. As part of the assessment process, a project is assigned a band rating under published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects. These criteria were devised following consultation with the Education Partners. The following is the list of the number of projects in each Band as requested by the Deputy.

Band 1 — 2 schools;

Band 2 — 13 schools;

Band 3 — 7 schools;

Band 4 — 2 schools.

Special Educational Needs.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

831 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28930/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

832 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28931/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

833 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28932/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

834 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28933/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

835 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28934/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

836 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28935/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

837 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28936/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

838 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28937/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

839 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28938/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

840 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28939/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

841 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28940/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

842 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28941/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

843 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28942/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

844 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28943/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

845 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28944/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

846 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28945/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

847 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28946/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

848 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28947/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

849 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28948/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

850 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28949/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

851 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28950/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

852 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28951/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

853 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28952/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

854 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28953/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 831 to 854, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the total number of whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) employed in Primary schools in County Laois on 30 June 2008 was 127 and on 30 June 2009 was 130. The total number of whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistants employed in Secondary, and Community and Comprehensive schools in Co Laois on 30 June 2008 was 11 and on 30 June 2009 was 12. My Department is not in a position to provide the information in relation to the large number of individual schools as requested by the Deputy.

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 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. The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care needs leaving, the number of new pupils with care needs and/or the changing needs of the pupils. The Deputy will be aware that the NCSE has been requested by my Department to arrange for its SENOs to review SNA allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. The review is currently underway and it is intended that it will be completed during 2009. It is open to a school or parent to contact their local SENO to discuss any special education needs that pupils may have.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

855 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28954/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

856 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28955/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

857 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28956/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

858 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28957/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

859 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28958/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

860 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28959/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

861 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28960/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

862 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28961/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

863 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28962/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

864 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28963/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

865 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28964/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

866 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28965/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

867 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28966/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

868 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28967/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

869 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28968/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

871 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28970/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

872 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28971/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

873 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28972/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

874 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28973/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

875 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28974/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

876 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28975/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

877 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school. [28976/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

878 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28977/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 855 to 869, inclusive, and 871 to 878, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the total number of whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) employed in Primary schools in Co Laois on 30 June 2008 was 127 and on 30 June 2009 was 130. The total number of whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistants employed in Secondary, and Community and Comprehensive schools in Co Laois on 30 June 2008 was 11 and on 30 June 2009 was 12. My Department is not in a position to provide the information in relation to the large number of individual schools as requested by the Deputy.

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 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.

The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care needs leaving, the number of new pupils with care needs and/or the changing needs of the pupils.

The Deputy will be aware that the NCSE has been requested by my Department to arrange for its SENOs to review SNA allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. The review is currently underway and it is intended that it will be completed during 2009.

It is open to a school or parent to contact their local SENO to discuss any special education needs that pupils may have.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

870 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28969/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

879 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28978/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

880 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28979/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

881 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28980/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

882 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28981/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

883 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28982/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

884 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28983/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

885 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28984/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

886 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28985/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

887 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28986/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

888 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28987/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

889 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28988/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

890 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28989/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

891 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28990/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

892 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in SNA allocation to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28991/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 870 and 879 to 892, inclusive, together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that the total number of whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) employed in Primary schools in Co Laois on 30 June 2008 was 127 and on 30 June 2009 was 130. The total number of whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistants employed in Secondary, and Community and Comprehensive schools in Co Laois on 30 June 2008 was 11 and on 30 June 2009 was 12. My Department is not in a position to provide the information in relation to the large number of individual schools as requested by the Deputy.

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 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.

The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care needs leaving, the number of new pupils with care needs and/or the changing needs of the pupils.

The Deputy will be aware that the NCSE has been requested by my Department to arrange for its SENOs to review SNA allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. The review is currently underway and it is intended that it will be completed during 2009.

It is open to a school or parent to contact their local SENO to discuss any special education needs that pupils may have.

Questions Nos. 871 to 878, inclusive, answered with Question No. 855.
Questions Nos. 879 to 892, inclusive, answered with Question No. 870.

School Staffing.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

893 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28992/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

894 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28993/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

895 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28994/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

896 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28995/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

897 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28996/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

898 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28997/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

899 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28998/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

900 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28999/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

901 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29000/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

902 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29001/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

903 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29002/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

904 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29003/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

905 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29004/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

906 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29005/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

907 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29006/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

908 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29007/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

909 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29008/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

910 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29009/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

911 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29010/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

912 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29011/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

913 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29012/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

914 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29013/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

915 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29014/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

916 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29015/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

917 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29016/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 893 to 917, inclusive, together.

The Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

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.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

918 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29017/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

919 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29018/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

920 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29019/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

921 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29020/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

922 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29021/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

923 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29022/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

924 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29023/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

925 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29024/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

926 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29025/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

927 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29026/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

928 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29027/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

929 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29028/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

931 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29030/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

932 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29031/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

933 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29032/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

934 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29033/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

935 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29034/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

936 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29035/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

937 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29036/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

938 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29037/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

939 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29038/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

940 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29039/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

941 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29040/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

942 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29041/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

943 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29042/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 918 to 929, inclusive, and 931 to 943, inclusive together.

The Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

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.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

930 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29029/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

969 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29068/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

970 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29069/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

971 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29070/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

972 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29071/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

973 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29072/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

974 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29073/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

975 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29074/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

976 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29075/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

977 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29076/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

978 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29077/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

979 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29078/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

980 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29079/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

981 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29080/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

982 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29081/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

983 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29082/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

984 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29083/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

985 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29084/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

986 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29085/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

987 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29086/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

988 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29087/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

989 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29088/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

990 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29089/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

991 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29090/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

992 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29091/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 930 and 969 to 992, inclusive, together.

The Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

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.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Questions Nos. 931 to 943, inclusive, answered with Question No. 918.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

944 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29043/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

945 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29044/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

946 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29045/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

947 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29046/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

948 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29047/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

949 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29048/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

950 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29049/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

951 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29050/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

952 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29051/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

953 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29052/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

954 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29053/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

955 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29054/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

956 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29055/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

957 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29056/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

958 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29057/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

959 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29058/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

960 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29059/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

961 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29060/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

962 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29061/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

963 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29062/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

964 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels. [29063/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

965 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29064/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

966 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29065/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

967 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29066/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

968 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29067/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 944 to 968, inclusive, together.

The Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006\2007 and 2007\2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

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.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist.

The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Questions Nos. 969 to 992, inclusive, answered with Question No. 930.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

993 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29092/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

994 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29093/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

995 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29094/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

996 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29095/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

997 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29096/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

998 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29097/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

999 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29098/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1000 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29099/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1001 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29100/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1002 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29101/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1003 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29102/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1004 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29103/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1005 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29104/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1006 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29105/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1007 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29106/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1008 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29107/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1009 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29108/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1010 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29109/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1011 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29110/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1012 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29111/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1013 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29112/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1014 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29113/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1015 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29114/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1016 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29115/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1017 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29116/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 993 to 1017, inclusive, together.

The Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006\2007 and 2007\2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

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.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1018 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29117/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1019 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29118/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1020 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29119/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1021 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29120/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1022 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29121/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1023 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29122/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1024 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29123/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1025 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29124/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1026 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29125/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1027 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29126/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1028 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29127/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1029 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29128/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1030 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29129/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1031 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29130/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1032 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29131/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1033 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29132/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1034 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29133/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1035 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29134/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1036 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29135/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1037 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29136/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1038 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29137/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1039 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29138/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1040 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29139/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1041 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29140/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1042 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29141/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1018 to 1042, inclusive, together.

The Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006\2007 and 2007\2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

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.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1043 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29142/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1044 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29143/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1045 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29144/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1046 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29145/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1047 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29146/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1048 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29147/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1049 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29148/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1050 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29149/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1051 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29150/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1052 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29151/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1053 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29152/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1054 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29153/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1055 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29154/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1056 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29155/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1057 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29156/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1058 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29157/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1059 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29158/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1060 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29159/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1061 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29160/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1062 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29161/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1063 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29162/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1064 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29163/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1065 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29164/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1066 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29165/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1067 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29166/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos 1043 to 1067, inclusive, together.

The Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006\2007 and 2007\2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

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.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1068 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29167/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1069 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29168/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1070 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29169/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1071 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29170/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1072 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29171/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1073 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29173/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1074 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29175/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1075 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29176/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1076 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29177/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1077 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29178/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1078 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29179/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1079 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29180/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1080 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29181/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1081 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29182/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1068 to 1081, inclusive, together.

The Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range and the number of teachers in each school. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the year.

I am committed to providing information in relation to the allocation of teachers to schools and as a new feature on my Department's website. The process has begun with the provision earlier this year of initial information on the allocation of mainstream classroom teachers to primary schools under the revised schedule for 2009/10.

In terms of the position at individual primary school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008. The annual process of seeking this enrolment data from schools took place in the autumn and the data has since been received and processed in my Department enabling the commencement of the processes by which teaching resources are allocated to schools for the school year that begins next September.

My Department has written to the primary schools that are projected to have a net loss or gain in classroom teaching posts in September, 2009. As part of my efforts to ensure that relevant information is openly available to the public detailed information on the opening position for primary schools is published on my Department's website. This provisional list sets out the details on individual schools that, taken collectively, are projected to gain 128 posts and to lose 382 posts — a net reduction of 254 posts. It is my intention to have this information updated and ultimately to set out the final position when the allocation processes are completed.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist.

The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1082 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29183/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1083 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29184/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1084 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; and the reason for a change in staffing levels. [29185/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1085 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29186/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1086 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29187/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1087 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29188/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1088 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29189/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1089 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29190/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1090 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29191/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1091 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29192/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1092 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29193/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1093 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29194/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1094 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29195/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1095 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29196/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1096 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29197/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1097 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29198/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1082 to 1097, inclusive, together.

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 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.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1098 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29199/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1099 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29200/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1100 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29201/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1101 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29202/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1102 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29203/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1103 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29204/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1104 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29205/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1105 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29206/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1106 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29207/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1107 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29208/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1108 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29209/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1109 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29210/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1110 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29211/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1111 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29212/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1112 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29213/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1113 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29214/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1114 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29215/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1115 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29216/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1116 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29217/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1117 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29218/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1118 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29219/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1119 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29220/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1120 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29221/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1121 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29222/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1122 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29223/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1098 to 1122, inclusive, together.

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 examinig 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 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.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1123 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29224/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1124 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29225/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1125 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29226/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1126 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29227/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1127 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29228/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1128 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29229/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1129 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29230/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1130 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29231/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1131 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Offaly in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29232/09]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1132 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers in a school (details supplied) in County Laois in 2008; the number of same in 2009; the reason for a change in staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29233/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1123 to 1132, inclusive, together.

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 examinig 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 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 Recognition.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1133 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 664 of 8 July 2008, the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29251/09]

I understand that the Deputy is referring solely to progress on the commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to the centres in the pilot scheme.

I am pleased to advise that broad agreement has been reached on the core conditions to enable the centres to be recognised as special schools. Applications have now been received for special school recognition as well as applications from two organisations seeking recognition as school patrons. My Department has recently requested some further documentation in order to fully consider the applications.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1134 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of primary school class sizes for each county showing in each case the number of pupils in classes of 19 and under, 20 to 24, 25 to 29, 30 to 35, 36 to 39 and 40 plus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29252/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

1148 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown by county of the number of children at primary level in classes of 30 or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29405/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1134 and 1148 together.

Information in relation to average class size and pupil teacher ratio is provided in the annual census of primary schools. The details for the current school year (2008/2009) are currently being compiled by my Department and the final outcome will be available later in the summer.

The Deputy may be interested to know that the Statistics section of my Department's website now contains class size data at individual school level for the 2006\2007 and 2007\2008 school years. The information includes the number of pupils in each class, the number of pupils in each class size range, and the number of teachers in each school.

School Curriculum.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1135 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will establish a time scale for the introduction of physical education as an examination subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29273/09]

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second-level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered in the school timetable. The syllabuses have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.

A revised syllabus in Physical Education as a non-examinable subject at junior cycle was implemented, phased over a 3 year period, beginning in 2003, supported by a comprehensive programme of professional development for teachers. No date was agreed for implementation at senior cycle, and issues concerning the inclusion of PE as an examination subject at Leaving Certificate level remain to be addressed. In the meantime, the Council made proposals for a fundamental re-structuring of senior cycle into subjects, short courses and transition units. The proposals included the provision of PE as a subject, and the inclusion of a short course in Sports Studies. It was considered that the inclusion of PE as both a subject and Sports Studies short course could only be examined within the broader context of plans for senior cycle reform generally.

The Council has continued to undertake further analysis and development work with schools on the issue of senior cycle reform. It currently has a specialist committee working on a syllabus for Leaving Certificate Physical Education and will have a draft available for consultation with schools towards the end of the current year. When revised proposals are submitted to my Department, the implementation implications will be examined in the context of the overall priorities and resources available to the education sector at that stage.

This Government has worked hard to improve the opportunities for young people to get physical exercise both in school and in their local communities. In a new school building or refurbishment/extension, PE facilities are included as part of the design, and new PE equipment such as balancing benches and gym mats are funded as part of any major building programme.

A special PE funding package of €3 million issued to post-primary schools in 2007, providing a grant of €4,000 per school towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment. This grant was issued, as a once-off measure, to enable schools to replace older equipment such as goalposts, PE mats, benches etc.

So, through an increased focus on exercise in school and in the community, we are working to encourage more children and young people to get active. Indeed, the second ‘State of the Nation's Children' report launched by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs found that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking first across the 41 participating countries in being physically active for at least 4 hours per week.

Public Service Staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

1136 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of staff in his Department, including all authorities, agencies or other institutions under the aegis of his Department, who have applied for the incentivised early retirement scheme and the incentivised career break scheme; the number who have been made redundant in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29308/09]

To date, 13 applications have been received from staff of my Department to retire under Circular 12/09: Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement. The closing date for this scheme is 1 September, 2009.

In addition, 24 applications for career breaks have been received from staff of this Department under Circular 13/09: Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme 2009, by the closing date of 1 July, 2009.

I can confirm that no staff of my Department have been made redundant in the past 12 months. Data on staff made redundant by bodies under the aegis of the Department is not readily available and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

The application of these schemes to the wider education sector has only recently been agreed with the Department of Finance. Circulars issued on 26 June, 2009, to bodies in the wider education sector, with employees eligible for these schemes and on 2 July, 2009 to bodies in the higher education sector. As agreed between this Department and the Department of Finance, the closing dates for applications are 14 August, 2009, for the Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme 2009 and 11 September, 2009, for the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement. I have requested officials of my Department to forward information on numbers of applications in the education sector to you following the closing dates of the two schemes.

School Accommodation.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

1137 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the temporary accommodation for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29330/09]

It is the intention of my Department to provide the school to which the Deputy refers with a new building. In this regard, agreement has been reached to provide the new building on a V.E.C. owned site.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including the project in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Special Educational Needs.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

1138 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will reconsider his decision to cut the mild general learning disability class at a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29335/09]

I wish to assure the Deputy that there will be no pupil with a special educational need who will be without access to a special needs teacher as a result of the decision to apply the normal rules which govern the appointment and retention of teachers of special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability.

All primary schools were allocated additional teaching resources under the General Allocation Model to enable them support pupils with high incidence special educational needs including mild general learning disability (MGLD). Schools can decide how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils. Most pupils with a MGLD are included in ordinary classes with their peers and are supported by their class teacher. The curriculum is flexible so that teachers can cater for the needs of children of different abilities.

The Deputy will be aware that teacher allocations to schools typically increase or decrease depending on pupil enrolment. In the case of classes for MGLD the normal pupil teacher ratio that applies is 11:1. My Department however permits schools to retain a teaching post where it has a minimum of 9 pupils in the class. This minimum was not fulfilled in a number of classes, including in this school, and therefore schools no longer qualify to retain the classes.

Following an appeal from the school, my Department did review the decision taken. However, the school's special class enrolment was insufficient to warrant the retention of the post. I wish to advise the Deputy that in addition to the general staffing for the 2009/10 school year, the school also has six learning support resource teachers, one language support teacher, two teachers for two special classes and one resource teacher for traveller pupils.

I wish to reiterate that pupils with a mild general learning disability have, and will continue to have, access to additional teaching resources to support their education. However, there is a requirement to make appropriate use of the resources available and along with all other areas of expenditure, provision is dependent on the resources available to the Government.

School Services Staff.

Joe McHugh

Question:

1139 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science his position regrading circular 0040/2009 in view of the ongoing campaign by school secretaries to receive salary and service recognition; his views on the fact that the same circular will have a detrimental effect on this campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29338/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1145 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason he has authorised boards of management to divert moneys provided for paying school secretaries and caretakers and instead spend these moneys on day-to-day running of schools as per circular 0040/09; if his attention has been drawn to the poor remuneration school secretaries and caretakers find themselves in; if he expects these staff to pay the costs of mismanagement of the economy by offsetting the loss of income schools face since the 2009 Budgets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29363/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1139 and 1145 together.

Circular 40/2009 clarifies issues relating to the allocation of funding for primary schools. The circular states that capitation funding provided this year for general running costs and funding provided for caretaking and secretarial services may be regarded as a common grant from which the Board of Management can allocate according to its own priorities. In due course, both grant schemes will be merged. In the interim, both grants will continue to be paid according to existing timelines and calculated separately as heretofore.

I have consistently said that it is my intention to streamline and rationalise the different grant schemes that provide funding to primary schools. This will ensure that school management has greater autonomy over how funding is allocated. For example, as outlined in the circular, schools that are not in receipt of DEIS funding may utilise capitation or caretaker/secretarial funding to support book rental schemes or to otherwise help provide books for individual pupils where this is considered by a Board of Management to be a priority for the school.

With regard to salaries for secretaries and caretakers, a forum has recently been set up with the aim of establishing the position in schools regarding the terms and conditions of employment of school secretaries and caretakers. The forum is jointly chaired by the Department of Education and Science and the Department of Finance and includes the relevant management bodies and the unions involved (SIPTU and IMPACT).

In order to establish the factual position of secretaries and caretakers, a survey, developed in conjunction with the school management bodies and the relevant unions, was carried out in all schools recently. The results of the survey will feed into the work of the forum.

Schools Building Projects.

Joe McHugh

Question:

1140 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding all school building projects in County Donegal; if he will list all projects and all deadlines that were set at the outset of the projects; when the projects will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29344/09]

The tabular statement provides the list of current major building projects in County Donegal requested by the Deputy.

Expected completion dates are provided for those projects which are currently on site and for which contracts have been placed. However, for the remaining projects, until a contract is in place, it is not possible to provide a definitive timescale for their completion.

Projects under construction in Donegal in 2009

Roll No.

School Details

Project

Expected Completion Date

16642G

Clonmany Mixed NS

new 8 classroom school

Sep-09

20054L

Scoil Eoghan, Moville

new 8 classroom school

Sep-09

19333I

Dooish N.S., Ballybofey

3 classroom extension plus 1 classroom ASD Unit

Dec-09

In addition the following projects are in architectural planning but until a contract is in place it is not possible to give an expected completion date.

Projects under construction in Donegal in 2009

Roll No.

School Details

Project

Current Status

17268N

SN an BH M O Cleirigh, Creevy

3 classroom extension plus refurbishment

Out to tender at present

71240U

Finn Valley College, Stranorlar

New school for 325 pupils

In advanced Arch Planning

18219F

SN Chonaill, Bun Beag

Extension/Refurbishment

In advanced Arch Planning

18052S

Scoil Mhuire gan Smal, Letterkenny

Extension/Refurbishment

In advanced Arch Planning

16672P

St. Patricks Primary School Lurgybrack

Extension/Refurbishment

In advanced Arch Planning

91409A

Pobail Scoil, Gweedore

PE Hall

In advanced Arch Planning

20150H

Holy Family NS, Ballyshannon

Extension/Refurbishment

In advanced Arch Planning

19971R

Gaelscoil Adhamhnain, Letterkenny

Extension/Refurbishment

In early Arch Planning

62830R

St Eunan’s College, Letterkenny

Extension/Refurbishment

In early Arch Planning

School Accommodation.

Joe McHugh

Question:

1141 Deputy Joe McHugh 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 Moville, Buncrana, Carndonagh, Milford, or Ramelton; if he will report on each of these towns individually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29345/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

1142 Deputy Joe McHugh 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 Letterkenny, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29346/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

1143 Deputy Joe McHugh 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 Inishowen area; if this review includes primary and post-primary schools in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29347/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

1144 Deputy Joe McHugh 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 Letterkenny area; if this review includes primary and post-primary schools in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29348/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1141 to 1144, inclusive, together.

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. School accommodation requirements in the Letterkenny area and its environs will be considered as part of this detailed study of the 42 areas identified. It is expected that the report on the Letterkenny area will be completed in the coming weeks.

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 County Donegal will be fully considered in this context.

Question No. 1145 answered with Question No. 1139.

Institutes of Technology.

Tom Hayes

Question:

1146 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the situation regarding an estate (details supplied) in County Tipperary; if his Department is closer to having functions of Tipperary Institute of Technology based there; and if he will make a statement on this development for Clonmel and surrounding areas. [29389/09]

Officials from my Department recently visited the estate referred to by the Deputy and met with representatives from the Institute to discuss the proposed relocation and associated matters arising including the potential benefits for the surrounding area. All matters discussed at the meeting remain under consideration within my Department.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1147 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding approval for an extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [29403/09]

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.

Question No. 1148 answered with Question No. 1134.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1149 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the overall reduction in teacher numbers at primary and second level for the 2009-10 school year compared to the 2008-09 school year as a result of the change to the staffing schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29406/09]

I am committed to providing information in relation to the allocation of teachers to schools and as a new feature on my Department's website. The process has begun with the provision earlier this year of initial information on the allocation of mainstream classroom teachers to primary schools under the revised schedule for 2009/10.

To be clear there is no doubt that the budget measures concerning staffing will have an impact. There is simply no easy way to control or reduce public expenditure.

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 at post-primary level the changes will impact on the capacity of individual schools to offer as wide a range of subject choices as heretofore in future years. My Department will through the normal processing 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 therefore more likely to impact on the range of subjects that schools will be able to offer to those starting the Junior or Leaving Certificate programmes next September.

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 be further updated later in the year when final allocations are determined.

All the above allocations, primary and post-primary are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as 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 may end up retain teachers, though over quota.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1150 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of unqualified personnel employed at both primary and second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29407/09]

The number of unqualified teachers on a regular contract of employment in June 2009 within the post primary sector is 53 and 377 within the Primary sector.

Schools may have to employ unqualified casual/non-casual teachers where it is not possible to obtain a trained substitute teacher for short term absences.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1151 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special needs assistants who have been removed from the classroom in the past year or had their hours reduced as a result of the ongoing review of special needs assistants here; the breakdown by county of the changes to SNA staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29408/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the total number of whole-time equivalent Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) employed in Primary schools in June 2008 was 8,375 and in June 2009 was 8,582. The total number of whole-time equivalent SNAs employed in Post Primary schools in June 2008 was 1,826 and in June 2009 was 2,014. My Department is not in a position to provide the information in relation to the large number of individual schools as requested by the Deputy.

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 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.

The allocation for any school and any adjustments to that allocation depends on a number of factors such as the number of pupils with care needs leaving, the number of new pupils with care needs and/or the changing needs of the pupils.

The Deputy will be aware that the NCSE has been requested by my Department to arrange for its SENOs to review SNA allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. The review is currently underway and it is intended that it will be completed during 2009.

It is open to a school or parent to contact their local SENO to discuss any special education needs that pupils may have.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1152 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of primary teachers by at least 4,000 and the staffing schedule to be reduced from a general rule of at least one teacher for every 27 pupils in 2007-08 by one point a year, to one for every 24 pupils by 2010-11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29409/09]

I have consistently said that the 2009 Budget required difficult choices to be made across all areas of public expenditure. These decisions were made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this respect Education, while protected to a much greater extent than most other areas of public expenditure, could not be totally spared. This obviously impacted on the ability to follow through on commitments in the Programme for Government. The various impacts at school level were included in the Budget day announcements. Even with the budget measures in place there will still be a significantly increased borrowing requirement in 2009.

In relation to staffing, when the country was able to afford it we reduced the basis on which primary teachers are allocated to schools from being based on an average number of primary pupils per teacher from 35 pupils in 1995/96 down to the current level of 27 pupils. This is reflected in the improvements that we have made on class sizes over the years and these improvements reflect our commitment to education. The change to a new average of 28 pupils per teacher from September 2009 has to be viewed in that context. Although it reverses some of the progress that we have made in recent years I had no option but to curtail the annual increase in teacher numbers. The reduced class sizes for the most disadvantaged in our DEIS schools of an average of 1 teacher for every 20 pupils in Junior classes and an average of 1 teacher for every 24 pupils in Senior classes are not affected by the Budget decision.

While the budget measures will impact on class sizes it will be necessary in the more testing economic climate ahead for us to continue to target and prioritise our resources to maximum effect for everyone. While teacher numbers are important numerous influential reports have highlighted the fact that teacher quality is the single most important factor — far and above anything else — in improving educational outcomes for children. Ensuring high quality teaching and learning is a challenge and dealing with factors that inhibit it represent a challenge for the Government, the Department, school management and indeed the teacher unions.

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.

The final position for any one school will depend on a number of other factors such as additional posts for schools that are developing rapidly and posts allocated as a result of the appeals processes. The operation of redeployment arrangements also impacts on the final position as a teacher can remain in his or her existing school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist. The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed for mainstream classroom teachers and appeals to the Staffing Appeals Board will have been considered.

I am confident that as the global economy improves it will be possible to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.

Pupil-Teacher Ratio.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1153 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to prioritise reductions in the size of classes in the core subjects of Irish, English and mathematics at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29411/09]

The particular Programme for Government commitment referred to by the Deputy would require additional teaching posts in second level schools and therefore cannot be considered until the public finances are stabilised, economic recovery is underway and tax revenues improve.

Teaching Qualifications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1154 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to reform the initial teacher training programmes, ensure that all teacher training colleges reserve places for students from disadvantaged areas and prioritise high quality in career professional development for teachers and principals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29412/09]

The Deputy may be aware that the Teaching Council has a statutory role in relation to the review of standards required for entry into the teaching profession, including the standards of knowledge, skill and competence required for the practice of teaching. In the context of Section 38 of the Teaching Council Act, the Teaching Council has begun work on the development of its strategy for the Review and Accreditation of Programmes of Initial Teacher Education. To this end, the Council held a series of consultation fora for stakeholders in education in February and October last year, and the Council will continue to consult with education partners, including my Department, over the course of their work. I look forward to receiving the Council's Strategy in due course.

Regarding the reservation of places for students from disadvantaged areas, the Colleges of Education operate direct entry schemes for such applicants. The intake of students via this stream of entry to initial teacher education programmes has admittedly been low; this is due to a number of factors including low numbers of applicants and the fact that some students from disadvantaged areas apply successfully for teacher education programmes via the ‘normal' route. My Department will continue to monitor the intake of students from disadvantaged areas in the Colleges of Education and will liaise with the Colleges as necessary.

My Department continues to prioritise high quality in-career professional development for teachers and principals. There are a range of national programmes in place to support teachers' professional and personal development covering such diverse areas as curricular or syllabus change, support for teaching and learning methodologies, improving teachers' competence in the teaching of the Irish language as a communicative tool, child protection, student behavioural issues, development of leadership skills in schools, whole school planning, addressing the teaching of children with special educational needs and so on. In addition, the national network of education centres provides a range of local and summer courses for teachers, which respond to identified needs and advance the quality of teaching and learning generally.

Capitation Grants.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1155 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase day to day funding for schools in real terms and double the capitation grant for primary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29413/09]

This Government's continued prioritisation of education is evidenced from our investment in 2009 of €9.6 billion — over treble what it was in 1997.

The increase of €302m in the Education budget for 2009 is therefore a real achievement in the current economic climate. Education is one of only three Government Departments to have increased funding in 2009.

The budget for education is showing an increase of just over 3% overall, while the 2.6% increase in current expenditure sets the growth in expenditure for education in 2009 second only to Social Welfare. The commitment in relation to doubling the capitation grant to primary schools can only be looked at and considered in the context of the overall economic and budgetary position.

I am aware of the funding pressures on schools and I fully recognise the contribution of parents fund-raising to support their local school. In relation to day to day funding for schools I have prioritised funding for primary schools.

The Education Budget for 2009 has provided for improvements to the overall level of day to day funding for primary schools which will see funding increase from €167 million in 2008 to almost €190 million in 2009.

This builds on the progress has been made in recent years that has seen the primary school capitation grant increased from €81.26 per pupil in 2000 to its current rate of €200. This represents an increase of 146% in the standard rate of capitation grant since 2000.

The primary capitation grant has been improved by more than €21 to bring the rate to €200 per pupil and the ancillary services grant for primary schools will also be improved by €3.50 to €155 per pupil.

Taken together, these increases mean that primary schools eligible for the full ancillary services grant will get €355 per pupil — or almost €25 extra — in this school year to cover their day to day running costs, with a primary school of 300 pupils getting €7,475 more. In 2000, a primary school with 300 pupils was in receipt of less than €40,000 to meet its day to day running costs. That same school under these new rates will receive €106,500. This excludes the salary of teachers and Special Needs Assistants which are paid by my Department.

Furthermore enhanced rates of capitation funding are paid in respect of children with special educational needs who attend special schools or special classes attached to mainstream schools. The current rates range from €512 to €986 per pupil — an increase of 59% from the rate in 2006.

By any standards there have been very significant improvements within a relatively short period of time and the Government is committed to further increasing funding for schools as resources permit. While increasing resources is important, we must also focus on measures to enhance the quality of education in our schools to ensure that increased resources lead to the best possible outcomes for our children.

We are committed to investing in education but we have to invest at a level that is consistent with what we can afford and what is sustainable at the moment given economic circumstances. I am confident that as the global economy improves it will be possible to build again on the significant achievements of recent years and do so in a manner consistent with overall prudent management of the Irish economy.

Departmental Expenditure.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1156 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to complete the process of equalisation of funding at second level within two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29414/09]

The funding arrangements made by my Department for second-level schools reflect the sectoral division of our second-level system. At the core of all arrangements is reliance upon capitation as the principal determinant of funding.

My Department provides funding to secondary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils.

There have been significant improvements in recent years in the level of funding for voluntary secondary schools. With effect from January 2009, the standard per capita grant was increased by €14 per pupil and now amounts to €345 per pupil. In addition, voluntary secondary schools have benefited by the increase of €8 per pupil in 2009 in the support services grant bringing that grant to €212 per pupil.

The cumulative increase of €22 per pupil in a voluntary secondary school brings the aggregate grant to €557 per pupil. These grants are in addition to the per capita funding of up to €40,000 per school that is also provided by my Department to secondary schools towards secretarial and caretaking services. For example, in the case of a secondary school with 500 pupils, this brings annual grants towards general expenses and support service to over €318,500. The corresponding figure in 2000 was approximately €147,300.

Budget allocations for schools in the Community and Comprehensive school sector, along with those in the VEC sector, are increased on a pro rata basis in line with increases in the per capita grant paid to voluntary secondary schools. All schools are eligible for recurrent per capita grants towards special classes and curricular support grants.

My Department has provided an estimated €18.4 million per annum to voluntary secondary schools in equalisation funding to date.

These significant increases in the funding of post-primary schools are a clear demonstration of my commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools. I will consider how best to complete the process of equalisation of funding at second level, as envisaged in the Programme for Government 2007-2012, having regard to available resources.

Waste Management.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1157 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to examine the provision of waste and water allowances to schools, with charges becoming effective after these agreed allowances are exceeded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29415/09]

I am very much aware of the cost pressures on schools, including those arising from waste charges and the changes in relation to water charges.

With regard to waste charges, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to examine the feasibility of introducing waste allowances for schools. The progression of this commitment is primarily a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. My predecessor was in contact with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on this issue, and my Department will of course input to and support as required any work being done by that Department on the commitment.

The Government agreed a transition period to full water charges in the case of non fee-charging recognised schools. The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has advised local authorities of the detailed arrangements regarding the implementation of this decision.

The transitional arrangements afford schools the opportunity to put in place water conservation arrangements and practices and to undertake works that can help reduce water usage significantly before full water charges are introduced. By virtue of good water conservation, schools can be in a much stronger position to reduce the impact of water charges on their overall budgets.

Under the transition arrangements agreed by the Government, schools pay a flat rate per pupil fee as follows: 2007 — €3 per pupil; 2008 — €3.50 per pupil; and 2009 — €4 per pupil.

Guidance was also issued to schools on the most appropriate measures to minimise excess consumption of water and to reduce wastage where it exists. In addition, water conservation issues will continue to be addressed by my Department as a matter of routine where new schools are being built or where major renovations are being carried out to existing schools under the schools modernisation programme. Furthermore, those schools with very high water consumption will be identified and contacted with a view to introducing measures to help them reduce water usage.

In the context of reducing water costs for schools, it has been demonstrated that fitting simple water-saving devices to toilets and sinks can reduce water consumption considerably at very little cost, as can other small works such as fixing easily identifiable leaks. Primary school authorities may use their annual minor works grant to fund such measures.

My Department remains in close liaison with the Department of Environment and Local Government regarding water conservation and is supportive of any initiatives by it and local authorities that will help reduce water costs for schools.

In relation to day-to-day funding for schools, I prioritised funding for primary schools in the recent budget, increasing the standard rate of capitation grant at primary level to €200 per pupil. The increases in the enhanced rates for special needs pupils in special classes and special schools brings the top rate up to almost €1,000 per pupil.

The capitation grant for post-primary schools has been increased by 4.3%, representing an increase of €14 per pupil, to bring it to €345 per pupil from January 2009. Voluntary secondary schools benefitted also from an increase in the school services support grant by €8 per pupil from January 2009. This means, for example, that a secondary school with an enrolment of 500 pupils will receive an additional €11,000 in funding in 2009.

While I clearly aim to improve funding as soon as circumstances permit, I am anxious to make the capitation grant mechanism the single funding channel for schools.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1158 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to establish a developing areas unit in his Department to liaise with local authorities, identify locations where new schools are needed and ensure that they are delivered in the fastest possible timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29416/09]

As the Deputy will be aware the Programme for Government contains a commitment to establish a Developing Areas Unit to liaise with local authorities, identify where new schools are needed and ensure that they are delivered in the fastest possible timeframe. This Unit was established early in 2008.

This fast-track approach to the provision of school buildings delivered 26 major building projects in 2008 providing accommodation for about 7,000 students and ensured there was no shortage of pupil places. Twenty of these buildings consist of eight-classroom units and the remainder are 16-classroom units. They are located in areas which have experienced rapid population growth over the past number of years.

Vital to the successful delivery of the programme in 2008 was the co-operation of the relevant local authorities who worked closely with my Department on the acquisition of sites and on general pre-planning issues.

A further "rapid delivery" programme of urgently required new schools is being delivered in time for September 2009 opening.

The Forward Planning Section of my Department is identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for 2009 and onwards.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

Site Acquisitions.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1159 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to improve the arrangements for acquiring sites for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29417/09]

The Programme for Government sets out a number of measures in relation to school provision including improving arrangements for the planning of new schools.

A Code of Practice in relation to "The Provision of Schools and the Planning System", which was published in July 2008 sets out the best practice approaches that should be followed by planning authorities and by my Department in ensuring that the planning system plays its full part in facilitating the timely and cost-effective provision of school facilities.

This Code of Practice, which was published as a statutory planning guideline, sets out the fundamental principles or agreed actions that will foster greater partnership between the planning authorities and my Department.

These principles include:

1. Forecasting Future Education Demand,

2. Planning for New Schools through Local Authority Development Plans,

3. Planning Considerations relating to the location of schools,

4. Site Development Standards,

5. School Development Proposals and the Development Management Process,

6. School Site Identification and Acquisition.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1160 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure the maximum use of the top class standard designs for primary schools that have been developed to deliver new buildings in the fastest timeframe possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29418/09]

The Professional and Technical staff in my Department continuously review and update the design of school buildings. A suite of technical guidance documents is available on my Department's website to assist external design teams in best practice in the design and development of projects and to encourage a complete design team approach from project conception to completion.

My Department has developed Generic Repeat Designs and flexible design templates to reduce the cost, speed up the delivery of new schools particularly in developing areas and ensure that the most up to date technologies are used. Innovative methods, using appropriate off site construction technologies, have been employed to provide new school buildings in developing areas in very short timeframes.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1161 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to prioritise energy efficiency and eco design in new school buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29419/09]

My Department is at the forefront of design with respect to energy efficiency in school buildings and this performance has been recognised at both national and international level with sustainable energy awards for excellence in Design and Specification.

The Department's Technical Guidance Documents which set the benchmark for low energy design in schools are clearly focused on energy efficiency and are based on solid energy research projects.

It has been demonstrated that all Primary Schools designed and built in line with the above policy and the technical guidance documents can have an energy performance that is 2.3 times more efficient than international best practice and nearly five times more efficient than schools built in the late 1980s.

My Department's policy is supported by a strong research programme with over thirty research projects at various stages currently in hand.

A hybrid approach is taken with respect to low energy design in schools based on maximising natural resources and energy efficient technologies. Schools are positioned to maximise gain from the sun during the day for passive solar heating and natural daylight. Passive solar design saves 20% of the early morning heating period and adequate natural daylight when combined with automated lighting systems in the classrooms can eliminate the need for electrical light for up to 80% of the schools teaching hours.

Energy efficient boilers and individual room temperature controls combined with a strong emphasis on air tight testing and high insulation levels minimise heat requirements. Water usage is minimised through automatic shut off taps and dual flush toilets, while local water blending valves are provided to prevent scalding and rain water recovery is provided.

My Department is conducting a demonstration and research project to evaluate the suitable application and performance and compatibility of biomass systems with school heating requirements in terms of heating demand characteristics, controls, reliability, fuel storage and maintenance and operation. This project comprises the design, installation and monitoring of Biomass heating systems in Primary and Post Primary Schools. Fifteen boiler systems are presently installed.

The project also includes the development of a good practice guide for the design and installation of biomass heating systems in schools specifically aimed at school design teams and managers and will lead to the development of a suite of case studies on the selected projects.

Furthermore, in order to improve energy efficiency in existing schools I have introduced a new €20 million scheme to improve roof and cavity wall insulation levels in school buildings across the country. The devolved energy efficiency scheme, which is being implemented with the help of Sustainable Energy Ireland, allows schools to apply for funding on a once-off basis to upgrade the fabric insulation in attics and the external cavity walls of their buildings. My Department is providing 100pc grant-aid for these projects which can be carried out over the summer months, weekends or other times when the schools are closed.

To expedite claims and streamline the application process for the scheme, an on-line application form, frequently asked questions and other guidance documents for schools are on www.energyeducation.ie.

School Accommodation.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1162 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to promote and support the use of school facilities by community groups and other appropriate services and design new schools in order to facilitate multi use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29420/09]

The primary responsibility of my Department in this area is the provision of school facilities for the effective delivery of the primary and post-primary curricula. In addition, school authorities have a considerable degree of autonomy in relation to how their premises are managed and utilised at local level.

However, the Government recognises that there is a lack of recreational facilities for community use in certain areas which could be met if school premises were made available to the wider community. To encourage schools in this respect, my Department issued a circular to all school authorities in late 2005 urging trustees and Boards of Management to make their facilities available, where possible, for community education and recreation purposes.

Decisions in relation to the use of school facilities remain entirely at the discretion of the school authorities, subject to the condition that the needs of the students attending the school are prioritised in the first instance. It is also important that schools should ensure that insurance and security are covered as it is unlikely that the school's insurance policy would cover non-school activities or that a caretaker would be routinely available to open/lock up premises.

My Department has also progressed a number of school building projects within the Fingal and Adamstown areas of Dublin with local authorities/developers to produce an integrated solution to education and community facilities that matches the delivery of new housing.

In respect of PPP schools, the contract arrangements provide for school facilities to be available for community use when not required by the school.

My Department's position generally is that the availability of such facilities should be self-funding i.e. adequate to cover the heat/light/caretaking arrangements as well as making some contribution to the repair of wear and tear on premises caused by increased use.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1163 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to abolish the local contribution to building projects and to the rental of accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29421/09]

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to abolish the local contribution towards the costs of school building projects and the rental of school accommodation. This matter is currently under consideration within my Department.

Schools Refurbishment.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1164 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the minor works grant 1999 to improve funding to schools to maintain their buildings in good condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29422/09]

In November 2006 the funding for the minor works grant was increased by 44% on the previous year. Around €27m was paid out that year and a similar amount for the 2007/8 and 2008/9 school years to primary schools throughout the country to enable thousands of small scale works to be completed without the need to interact with my Department. Individual primary schools received a grant in the sum of €5,500 plus €18.50 per pupil.

The level of grant to be paid under the grant scheme for the 2009/2010 school year will be considered in the context of available funding.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1165 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that when the State builds a new school on land which it owns, the building will be in the ownership of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29423/09]

All buildings constructed on land in the ownership of the State remain in the ownership of the Minister or a Vocational Education Committee as appropriate.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1166 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of release days for teaching principals at primary level and expand the pilot scheme of substitute cover for principals release days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29424/09]

All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. The commitment in relation to increasing the number of release days for teaching principals and expanding the pilot scheme of substitute cover for principals release days can only be looked at and considered in the context of the overall economic and budgetary position that might prevail in the coming years and the competing priorities for available resources.

In-service Training.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1167 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide improved training options for principals, middle management and aspiring school leaders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29425/09]

Since 2003 the Leadership Development for Schools Programme (LDS) has expanded the range of supports and services that it offers to school leaders and over 9000 teachers from principals to middle managers have successfully completed LDS module programmes such as Misneach, Spreagagh, Forbairt, Tánáiste, Cumasú and Cothú. This investment has now led us to a point where there are structured professional development opportunities for all school leaders in our system from their point of appointment to day of retirement.

In September 2008 LDS, in conjunction with NUI Maynooth, introduced Toraíocht, a formal training programme for aspiring school leaders. The Toraíocht Programme was designed in conjunction with the Department of Education at Maynooth and the wider educational partners and responds to the need for professional development that prepares school leaders of the future. 160 places were available on the programme and in total 240 applicants sought a place. This programme leads to an award of a Post-Graduate Diploma from NUI, Maynooth. For the next round of Toraíocht which is scheduled to commence this September there were over 200 applicants for the 160 places.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1168 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to review the role of middle management and put a new system in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29426/09]

This is one of a number of commitments which are being advanced under the auspices of the Teachers Conciliation Council, which is the agreed forum for dealing with the pay and conditions of service of Teachers. The Parties to the forum include representatives of the managerial authorities of schools, the teacher unions and the Departments of Education & Science and Finance. The purpose is to ensure that maximum benefit is derived from the management structure in schools to assist school authorities in the running of schools.

Information and Communications Technology.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1169 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to maximise the use of information technology to cut down on administration and put a database in place to track primary pupils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29427/09]

My Department continues to seek to reduce the administrative overhead for schools through the use of information technology most notably in providing on-line facilities to streamline the collection of data and reduce the number of manual tasks. The esinet portal through which these on-line services are delivered already provides an On-Line Claims System (OLCS) which allows each primary school and Voluntary Secondary, Community and Comprehensive school record absences and submit claims to the Department for the payment of casual and non casual teachers and Special Needs Assistants. This system has significantly reduced the process of manual form filling at school level and manual data input at Department level. A Returns service has also been provided to enable post primary schools upload pupil data.

With regard to the database to track primary pupils, it has not been possible to begin the development of the Learners Database this year however it is intended that it will proceed as soon as resources permit.

In-service Training.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1170 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that the new boards of management that will take up office in 2007 have access to training support on a wide range of issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/09]

Intensive training for boards of management at both primary and post primary level has been taking place since 2007. The essential core areas that are covered in the training are Financial Management, Child Protection Guidelines, Health & Safety, Employment Law and Human Resource Management. Other areas that are covered in training include Background Information re: the Education System, Role and Function of the Board, How a BoM Operates, Policies and Procedures. All representative bodies form part of the Steering Committee for BoM training and these bodies also provide training in additional areas which they identify pertaining to their respective values.

The BoM Training is administered by Drumcondra Education Centre.

My Department has provided funding of €1,060,000 to date for this training which has proved extremely worthwhile and will remain committed to ensuring that the boards of management of schools will continue to receive appropriate training to tackle the issues that they will face in the ever changing needs of schools.

Physical Education Facilities.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1171 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide a dedicated fund for investment in physical education facilities for schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29429/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

1173 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide physical education equipment grants to schools every three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29431/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1171 and 1173 together.

The Government is committed to promoting appropriate levels of exercise for our children and young people — both in their communities and at school. In a new school building or refurbishment/extension, PE facilities are included as an intrinsic part of the design.

A special PE funding package of €6.5 million issued in 2006 to primary schools, and in 2007 a similar package of €3 million issued to post-primary schools. In addition, since 2000, my Department has provided in excess of €5.5m in grant-aid to primary schools to facilitate the provision of coaching or mentoring in connection with physical education or to purchase resource materials associated with the provision of physical education. Such materials and equipment would normally have a useful life of several years.

The extent and quality of local sports facilities has been improved dramatically in recent years, with more than €450 million invested by the Government since 1998 in over 5,000 projects through the Sports Capital Programme. At the same time, PE, general purpose and outdoor play facilities have been provided for schools all over the country through the School Building Programme.

Expenditure on PE equipment and PE facilities in schools will arise for consideration in the context of the funding available for my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1172 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to make physical education mandatory at second level and put a revised PE curriculum for senior cycle students in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29430/09]

In accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools, all second-level schools should provide Physical Education as part of the curriculum. The programme that each school plans and delivers should be based on my Department's approved syllabuses and the teaching hours should be registered in the school timetable. The syllabuses have been developed on the basis of a time allocation of two hours per week.

A revised syllabus in Physical Education as a non examinable subject at Junior Cycle was introduced in post-primary schools in September 2003 and implemented on a phased basis over the period to 2005, supported by a comprehensive programme of professional development for teachers. No date was agreed for implementation at senior cycle, and issues concerning the inclusion of PE as an examination subject at Leaving Certificate level remain to be addressed. In the meantime, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment made proposals for a fundamental re-structuring of senior cycle into subjects, short courses and transition units. The proposals included the provision of PE as a subject, and the inclusion of a short course in Sports Studies. It was considered that the inclusion of PE as both a subject and Sports Studies short course could only be examined within the broader context of plans for senior cycle reform generally.

The Council has continued to undertake further analysis and development work with schools on the issue of senior cycle reform. It currently has a specialist committee working on a syllabus for Leaving Certificate Physical Education and will have a draft available for consultation with schools towards the end of the current year. When revised proposals are submitted to my Department, the implementation implications will be examined in the context of the overall priorities and resources available to the education sector at that stage.

This Government has worked hard to improve the opportunities for young people to get physical exercise both in school and in their local communities. In a new school building or refurbishment/extension, PE facilities are included as part of the design, and new PE equipment such as balancing benches and gym mats are funded as part of any major building programme.

A special PE funding package of €3 million issued to post-primary schools in 2007, providing a grant of €4,000 per school towards the cost of replacing and upgrading PE equipment. This grant was issued, as a once-off measure, to enable schools to replace older equipment such as goalposts, PE mats, benches etc.

So, through an increased focus on exercise in school and in the community, we are working to encourage more children and young people to get active. Indeed, the second "State of the Nation's Children" report launched recently by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs found that children in Ireland are doing well on physical activity, ranking first across the 41 participating countries in being physically active for at least 4 hours per week.

Question No. 1173 answered with Question No. 1171.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1174 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of guidance counsellors at second level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29432/09]

My Department makes a specific allocation of teaching posts in respect of guidance to schools in the second level system. This allocation is based on the pupil enrolment in September of the preceding school year.

As a result of the decision to allocate an additional 100 posts to guidance from September 2005 an enhanced guidance allocation provision has been put in place from the commencement of the 2005/06 school year. This enhanced provision means that in the case of schools in the Free Education Scheme, the level of allocation ranges from 8 hours per week for schools with enrolments below 200 pupils to 47 hours per week for schools with an enrolment of 1,000 pupils or more. The additional posts included provision for a further improvement in the allocation of Guidance hours for post-primary schools participating in the DEIS programme — Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools. The allocation for these schools now ranges from 11 hours per week for schools with enrolments below 300 to 55 hours per week for schools with an enrolment of 1,000 pupils or more. There are currently a total of 708 whole time equivalent posts allocated for guidance in post primary schools.

All Programme for Government commitments to improve public services are contingent on the economic and budgetary environment and the need for prudent expenditure and fiscal management. The commitment in relation to increasing the number of guidance counsellors at second level can only be looked at and considered in the context of the overall economic and budgetary position that might prevail in the coming years and the competing priorities for available resources.

Road Safety.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1175 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that education is provided in road safety at different stages of the school system, including a specific transition year course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29433/09]

I believe that schools have a role to play both in teaching students about road safety issues and in helping them to develop the attitudes necessary to promote safe behaviour on the roads.

The Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) programme, which is mandatory in primary schools and at junior cycle level, provides a framework under which the generic values and skills which underpin responsible decision-making, and respect for the rights and safety of others, can be developed and promoted among students. SPHE has a specific personal safety strand within the programme, and this provides a mechanism through which road safety issues for all can be best dealt with in an age appropriate way.

In February of 2007, the Road Safety Authority launched the RSA MACE "Safe to School" campaign at primary level. The programme is aimed at helping primary school children learn effective road safety lessons. The 2007 campaign covered walking to school safely, in 2008 the campaign is focused around the topic of Cycling to School Safely. A dedicated website, www.safetoschool.ie, has also been launched as part of the campaign.

The Streetwise programme for junior cycle pupils was launched in UN Road Safety Week on 24 April 2007. It covers road safety across 9 topics — walking, cycling, seatbelts, airbags, speed, driver fatigue, motor cycle safety, hazard recognition and the engineering aspects of road safety — to be delivered over nine class periods.

In addition, a Road Safety programme for Transition Year, developed by the Road Safety Authority in collaboration with my Department, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the Second level Support Service was introduced as a mainstream option in September 2008 following a successful pilot phase.

My Department will continue to work with the Road Safety Authority to strengthen the role of schools in promoting road safety even further. A range of measures are also being taken to promote safety on school buses.

Stay Safe Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1176 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to require all primary schools to implement the stay safe child abuse protection programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29434/09]

Continuing Professional Development to support the implementation of the Stay Safe programme is provided by the Child Abuse Prevention Programme (CAPP). Results of a survey on the uptake of Stay Safe carried out by CAPP and my Department in 2006 showed that at that time: 2,514 schools (84.19%) were providing the programme; 472 (15.81%) were not providing the programme; and 263 schools (8.8%) of respondents) were not teaching the sections on inappropriate sexual contact and secrecy.

Of the 472 schools that were not teaching stay safe, 240 (8.0% of respondents) reported that child abuse prevention was covered as part of the curriculum.

Following this survey my Department has been taking a targeted approach to the provision of training. Two additional primary school teachers were seconded to CAPP in September 2007 to assist with this training which is being directed at those schools that had indicated they are not implementing the programme.

The following table illustrates the most up to date position in relation to the provision of training by CAPP for teachers in the 735 schools that were either not providing the programme, or not teaching particular sections of it:

Total in Target Group — 735.

Training Delivered/Organised — 488.

Further follow up required — 177.

Have not yet availed of training — 70.

The figure of 488 schools that have received training quoted above represents training for 3,660 teachers and 802 special needs assistants.

In addition to this targeted training, CAPP continues to provide in-service training and support to all primary schools on request.

In the 2008/2009 school year CAPP has provided training to approximately 979 schools, over 6,000 teachers and 1,400 special needs assistants.

Student Councils.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1177 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to encourage the establishment of student councils and provide for formal liaison arrangements between them and their school’s board of management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29435/09]

The Education Act 1998 provides for the establishment of student councils, intending them to play an integral and important role in the post-primary school community. Student councils provide a representative structure through which students can debate issues of concern and undertake initiatives of benefit to the school and wider community.

Section 27 of the Act, requires Boards of Management of schools to establish and maintain procedures for the purposes of informing students in a school of the activities of the school. The procedures established and maintained for this purpose shall facilitate the involvement of the students in the operation of the school, having regard to the age and experience of the students, in association with their parents and teachers. Students of a post-primary school may establish a student council and a board of management of a post-primary school shall encourage the establishment by students of a student council and facilitate and give reasonable assistance to students who wish to establish a student council and to student councils when they have been established.

An assistant National Co-ordinator with responsibility for student councils was appointed to the Second Level Support Service in 2007. This co-ordinator has designed and is delivering a programme of professional development to respond to the identified needs and to support teachers with establishing student councils in their schools. In addition, this co-ordinator provides support to the whole school: management, staff and the students prior to establishing its students council and to the students on the council, following their election.

As part of Whole School Inspection, the Inspectorate engages with the student council of the school and where there is no council they recommend that a council should be established. Information on the establishment of a student council is available on a school by school basis from the school's inspection reports.

Both the work of the Inspectorate and the National Co-ordinator provide valuable information to my Department in relation to the establishment of student councils across post primary schools. My Department understands that student councils have been established in the majority of post-primary schools and that the remaining schools are in the process of establishing councils.

School Curriculum.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1178 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to complete the senior cycle review that is currently being undertaken by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29436/09]

The NCCA proposals for reform envisaged re-structuring of senior cycle programmes into subjects, short courses and Transition Units, a strengthening of practical project and portfolio assessment, a spread of assessment events with subjects having two assessment components, and embedding of key skills into subjects.

In response, the then Minister Mary Hanafin. T.D. welcomed the embedding of core skills, the inclusion of a second assessment component, and the moves to standardise transition units. She asked that change be implemented on a phased basis over a significant period of time, minimising disruption, taking account of logistical and cost factors and system capacity to change. The Minister asked the NCCA to prioritise the reconfiguration of subjects generally within the Leaving Certificate in order to embed key skills, and to provide for a second assessment component. She indicated her concern the TYP should remain as a single year programme for equity reasons. On short courses, she asked the NCCA to develop as an exemplar a short course in Enterprise education, building on the existing Links Modules, so that the Department could better assess the implementation issues.

The NCCA has established a network to undertake development work with schools. A standardised framework for Transition Unit descriptors has been developed, and organisations are using these as new programme options for TYP are being developed. Reforms are under way in Irish to strengthen oral competence and to increase the proportion of marks for the oral examinations to 40% for all new entrants to second level from 2007/8.

The NCCA has submitted short courses in Enterprise and Psychology and a curriculum framework for Social Personal and Health Education at senior cycle to the Department for consideration, but I am not in a position to advance implementation of these at present. The Council is also engaging in consultation with schools on a new subject, Politics and Society in senior cycle, and on revised draft syllabuses in Leaving Certificate Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

A revised syllabus in Design and Communications Graphics and a new subject Technology were introduced in 2007 and examined for the first time in the Leaving Certificate 2009.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1179 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to review the format and content of transition year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29437/09]

The proposals of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment for reform of senior cycle envisaged a re-structuring of programmes into subjects, short courses and transition units. The Council proposed the development of Transition Units as 45 hour units of study which would provide a broad range of experiences for learners, incorporating innovative methodologies and supporting the development of key skills. The Council proposed that school based assessment would be inbuilt into each transition unit, and models for the validation of schools to develop their own Transition Units would be explored.

The units would cover such areas of learning as creative applications, skills, personal achievement, sampling of subjects, enterprise, civic and social education, and work and future.

In response, the then Minister Mary Hanafin TD welcomed the measures to standardise transition units, and indicated her concern that the Transition Year Programme should remain as a single year programme for equity reasons.

The NCCA has established a network to undertake development work with schools. A standardised framework for Transition Unit descriptors has been developed, and organisations are using these as new programme options for TYP are being developed. The descriptors are designed to promote better planning and communication and provide for greater clarity and coherence in the implementation of the programme. They require schools to set out the aims of the unit, its learning outcomes, how key skills are being integrated, what methodologies and assessment approaches will be taken and how it will be evaluated.

New Transition Units have been developed and posted to the NCCA website in a range of areas and a guide has been produced to help schools to develop their own units in keeping with the descriptor format. Schools may forward their Transition Units to the NCCA for further feedback and support. Guidelines have also been developed for agencies and non governmental organisations wishing to develop a Transition Unit, and a range of Transition Units are currently being developed by these bodies.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1180 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ring-fence funding for science laboratories, improve science equipment in schools, and ensure a greater focus on high quality science education at all levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29438/09]

As part of the multi-annual school building programme, the Government has invested heavily in the modernisation of school facilities throughout the country including science facilities in post-primary schools. Provision of science facilities is an intrinsic part of all major projects at post-primary level.

Schools have also received devolved capital grants under the Summer Works and Emergency Works Schemes to enable them to refurbish science laboratories.

Additionally, the Government has funded the provision of class materials, basic general equipment and chemicals for practical work for the Sciences. My Department also spent in excess of €13m in 2004 to facilitate the introduction of a revised Junior Science syllabus. Schools received a basic grant of €3500 per science laboratory to enable them to provide the new curriculum.

Expenditure on science laboratories and science equipment in schools will arise for consideration in the context of the funding available for my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1181 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase resources and services for gifted children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29439/09]

Schools at both primary and second level use strategies such as curriculum differentiation, curriculum enrichment and acceleration to facilitate the development of pupils who are exceptionally able.

Recently devised syllabi and curricula for second-level schools have been designed in such a way to enable teachers cater for the wide range of pupil ability. The revised primary curriculum, which has been supplied to every primary teacher, recognises the importance of developing the full potential of the child and caters for pupil diversity, including meeting the needs of exceptionally able pupils.

Content is outlined in the curricula at both levels and process is also heavily emphasised. Enabling children to learn how to learn is stressed and facilitated. The development of language skills, investigatory and problem-solving skills, higher-order thinking skills and working individually, and as a member of a group, are all encouraged at both levels. While the use of information and communication technologies and the use of class and school libraries are of benefit in project work with all pupils, they have a special importance for pupils who are exceptionally able.

In addition, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), in collaboration with its counterparts in Northern Ireland, the Council for Curriculum Examination and Assessment, has produced draft guidelines for teachers of exceptionally able students. These guidelines issued to all Primary and Post Primary schools in November 2007 along with a questionnaire for feedback. Over the last few months the NCCA has sought feedback on the draft guidelines from teachers, school management and other interested individuals and organisations.

These draft guidelines are designed to raise awareness of the social, emotional and academic needs of exceptionally able students and to assist teachers in planning their teaching and learning. They feature ways in which teaching and learning can be effectively differentiated for such students, in particular how learning skills can be embedded in increasingly complex content. Case studies included in the guidelines present rich real-life contexts which consider the issues around exceptionality through the eyes of teachers, parents and students.

The Special Education Support Service also provides support for school personnel working with talented/gifted students.

The 1998 Education Act requires Boards of Management of each school to publish the policy of the school relating to participation by students with special educational needs, including students who are exceptionally able. The measures schools take in this regard are required to be stated in the school plan. It is the duty of the Board of Management to ensure that appropriate education services are made available to such students.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1182 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to encourage more schools to offer alternative curricula such as the junior certificate schools programme and the leaving certificate applied course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29440/09]

There are currently 221 schools/centres offering the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP), and the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) is currently offered in some 380 schools/centres and taken by around 6% of students each year.

The DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) Action Plan for Educational Inclusion provides for extended access to the JCSP for second-level schools with the highest concentrations of disadvantage. An additional 30 schools joined the programme in 2007, and a further 24 schools joined in 2008.

Arrangements are being made for the final phase of rollout of JCSP to DEIS schools in 2009/10. Participation in the programme is supported by an enhanced pupil:teacher ratio and by the provision of professional development support to schools and teachers.

Participation in the Leaving Certificate Applied programme is also supported by an enhanced pupil:teacher ratio and by the provision of professional development support to schools and teachers. Given the budgetary situation my Department is not in a position to approve further expansion of the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme at present, except where schools can deliver it from within existing resources. Schools already offering the programme are not affected by this.

In the October Budget, a number of separate grant payments to second-level schools were abolished including the those for the Junior Certificate School Programme and the Leaving Certificate Applied.

However, I made provision for the rates of capitation grant for post-primary schools to be increased by 4.3%, representing an increase of €14 per student, to bring it to €345 per student from January 2009. In addition, voluntary secondary schools will benefit from an increase of €8 per student in the school services support grant from January 2009. This will mean, for example, that a secondary school with an enrolment of 500 students will receive an additional €11,000 in funding in 2009.

Youthreach Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1183 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of Youthreach places in line with Towards 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29441/09]

Towards 2016 provided for an increase of 1,000 places on the Youthreach programme from 2007 to 2009. In 2007, funding was provided for 400 places and these were allocated to VECs. As a result there are almost 3,700 places available nationwide on the Youthreach programme in over 100 centres run by VECs.

Due to the difficult budgetary position it has not been possible to allocate further funding for the creation of additional places.

Disadvantaged Status.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1184 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide a scholarship scheme for children from disadvantaged areas to attend courses in the Gaeltacht and funding for summer courses in the children’s local areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29442/09]

With regard to the summer courses in Irish for primary school children in designated disadvantaged schools, these commenced on a pilot basis in 2007 and are referred to as Campaí Samhraidh. Children's command of Irish is improved through participation in a range of activities, including music, arts and crafts and games, conducted through the medium of Irish. The programmes are developed by teachers working to guidelines produced by the Department of Education and Science. The scheme is run by Dublin West Education Centre in conjunction with the Primary Professional Development Service. A grant of €5420 is paid to each participating school to cover the project costs. In 2009, funding of €160,000 has been provided to cover the costs of training the teachers and project costs for participating schools. There are 20 schools participating in the week long course and each school has capacity for up to 36 students from 3rd to 6th class.

The Gaeltacht Scholarship scheme has been established. It is designed to enable children enrolled in designated disadvantaged post-primary schools to attend Coláistí Gaeilge. In 2007, 91 students availed of the scheme at a cost of €66,554 and 128 students availed of the scheme in 2008 at a cost of €100,454.

Information and Communications Technology.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1185 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment made in the programme for Government to give the opportunity to second level students to acquire an ECDL qualification in computers by the time they leave school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29443/09]

The curriculum in schools is devised on the basis that ICT is not a subject but rather a tool to be integrated into the teaching and learning of all subjects. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment has developed an ICT framework which sets out a structured approach to ICT in curriculum and assessment. This sets out the types of learning appropriate for students during the period of compulsory education, and provides a guide to teachers for embedding ICT across the curriculum. It is supported by a website which will provide exemplars of teaching and learning in different settings, and show the classroom application of learning outcomes and demonstrations in the ICT framework. The overall implementation of ICT in schools is supported by the National Centre for Technology in Education which provides for extensive training and guidance for schools on the integration of ICT into teaching and learning.

The European Computer Driving Licence is a widely used private sector qualification providing basic competences in a range of functions such as word-processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, web browsing and e-mail. There are also other qualifications attesting to similar or higher levels of skill, some of which are included in the national framework of qualifications. The 2005 census of post primary and special schools undertaken by the National Centre for Technology in Education indicates that 75.7% of schools, and 46% of special schools, offered certification opportunities in ICT. 74% of post primary schools and 32% of special schools offered external certification, primarily using ECDL. Other awards in ICT offered included FETAC, City and Guilds, Royal Society of Arts, Microsoft, etc. Many schools offer ECDL as part of the Transition Year Programme.

DEIS Programme.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1186 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to compete the roll-out of the DEIS action plan to ensure a comprehensive package of targeted supports for school children in the most disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29444/09]

DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools), the action plan for educational inclusion, provides for a standardised system for identifying levels of disadvantage and an integrated School Support Programme (SSP). As a result of the identification and review processes, 876 schools have been included in the School Support Programme (SSP) under DEIS. These comprise 673 primary schools (urban and rural) and 203 second-level schools. The plan, which is being rolled out on a phased basis over the period 2005 to 2010 involves an additional annual investment of some €40m on full implementation. It has also involved the creation of about 300 additional posts across the education system generally.

Since DEIS was launched in 2005, considerable progress has been made in relation to the roll out of supports to participating schools. All DEIS schools are supported by the provision of additional financial supports. In respect of the 2008/09 school year, grants amounting to approximately €10.5 million issued to the 673 DEIS Primary schools while almost €3.4 million was paid in the course of the year in respect of the 203 DEIS Post Primary schools.

In addition to this approximately €1million was paid to 74 Post Primary Schools receiving grants under pre-existing schemes while some 1,900 primary schools received almost €3.3 million of grant assistance to assist them with their respective levels of dispersed disadvantage.

2006 saw the implementation of targeted class size reductions of 20:1 in junior classes and 24:1 in senior classes in urban/town primary schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

In line with DEIS priorities there has been a significant development of literacy and numeracy programmes, including Reading Recovery and Ready set go, maths for schools in the urban primary strand of DEIS. Support has been extended to 19 family literacy project.

Access to the Junior Certificate School Programme (JCSP) has been extended with 23 DEIS schools joining the programme in 2008/2009. The JCSP is now available in 163 DEIS schools. 138 DEIS schools are currently providing the Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA) programme, 5 of these schools joined in 2008/2009.

There are currently 25 DEIS schools in the Demonstration Library Project of the targeted top 50 DEIS schools, including 10 schools that joined the project in 2008/2009.

During 2006 Home School Community liaison and School Completion Programme services were extended to those urban/town primary schools and second-level schools not already benefiting from them. Access to teacher/co-ordinator support for any of the rural primary schools, not already in receipt of such support under a previous measure has also been implemented.

An additional 80 posts were provided under DEIS for the expansion of HSCL and in the region of €30 million has been allocated to HSCL for 2009. 184,000 pupils attending 651 schools (281 post primary and 370 primary) have access to Home School Community Liaison, with approx. 50,000 of these pupil's families being specifically targeted for the services of 450 local Home School Community Liaison Coordinators.

Some €31 million has been allocated to the School Completion Programme in the current school year. 124 projects, targeting over 36,000 young people, are now participating in the School Completion Programme and spanning 26 counties. The 124 projects includes 81 projects originally selected to participate in SCP in 2002 and 43 new SCP clusters created in 2006/07 including the new DEIS schools.

Templates for three year action plans to support school planning were introduced into schools in the primary strand of DEIS during autumn 2007. Planning templates have been introduced in DEIS post primary schools in the current school year.

My Department has commenced a comprehensive evaluation of measures under DEIS that will continue over the period to 2010.

Literacy Levels.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1187 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that all children are tested in literacy and numeracy at two stages during their primary school education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29445/09]

My Department issued Circular 0138/2006 in December 2006 to primary schools requesting that they ensure that standardised testing is implemented on an annual basis for all pupils in English reading and Mathematics at the end of first class or the beginning of second class, and at the end of fourth class or the beginning of fifth class, beginning in the calendar year 2007.

The introduction of the measure was supported by a national programme of teacher professional development in assessment for learning. Grants of €1.65m, €1.7m and €1.76m issued to schools in December 2006, December 2007 and December 2008 for the cost of test materials, teachers' manuals, test scoring services or test-related software.

The implementation of standardised testing at school level is being complemented by a separate programme of national monitoring so that national trends in different categories of school can be tracked over time. Schools in the DEIS programme have already been sampled by the Educational Research Centre for this purpose, the sample of English medium schools has been undertaken this year, and Irish medium schools will be sampled in 2010. The development work for this was completed in 2008.

Guidelines on assessment developed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment were published in October 2007 and issued to all teachers to assist schools in developing and implementing a policy on assessment practice in classrooms and on reporting to parents.

Disadvantaged Status.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1188 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to recruit extra staff to the Educational Welfare Board and the National Educational Psychological Service, both of which will prioritise disadvantaged schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29446/09]

The Education (Welfare) Act 2000 established the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) as the National body with responsibility for school attendance. The general functions of the Board are to ensure that each child attends a recognised school or otherwise receives a certain minimum education.

The service has been developed incrementally, and, in April 2007, sanction was given to the Board for 15 additional staff bringing the total authorised staffing posts to 109 of which 104 are currently filled. In 2009 the allocation to the Board is €9.9 million. The funding allocation to the Board has increased incrementally as the service developed and since its establishment in 2003.

In May this year I announced plans to expand the remit of the NEWB with effect from the 1st September 2009, to include responsibility for the Home School Community Liaison (HSCL), the School Completion Programme (SCP) and the Visiting Teacher Service (VTS) for Traveller pupils as well as the National Educational Welfare Service. The expanded remit will bring together four individual services under one common management team thereby providing for a single, more focused, strategic direction at local, regional and national levels reflecting equally the nature and strength of each of the services.

The integration of these services brings together some 750 personnel employed throughout the country under the management of the new expanded NEWB. The underlying rationale for this new single strategic approach, acknowledging and utilising the combined strengths and capacities of the four services, is to deliver better outcomes for children, families and schools.

Combining these four services to deliver a composite service at national, regional and local levels is a positive development and one that will in time realise significant benefits. During the transition to full integration all services are committed to maintaining continuity of services to children, families and schools.

The National Educational Psychologist Service currently has a staffing complement of 159 psychologist staff distributed over some 22 regional and local offices nationwide.

As the Deputy is aware, in regard to further improving the service to schools, I was pleased to announce recently, an increase in the funding available to NEPS which will allow for the recruitment of additional psychologists. Recruitment of these psychologists is currently underway from an existing panel of qualified personnel and upon its depletion discussions will commence between my Department and the Public Appointments Service in relation to the establishment of a new panel in this regard.

Psychological Service.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1189 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to prioritise early assessment and increase the number of educational psychologists in his Department’s National Educational Psychological Service to 200 by 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29447/09]

The National Educational Psychologist Service currently has a staffing complement of 159 psychologist staff distributed over some 22 regional and local offices nationwide.

As the Deputy is aware, in regard to further improving the service to schools, I was pleased to announce recently, an increase in the funding available to NEPS which will allow for the recruitment of additional psychologists. Recruitment of these psychologists is currently underway from an existing panel of qualified personnel and upon its depletion discussions will commence between my Department and the Public Appointments Service in relation to the establishment of a new panel in this regard.

Special Educational Needs.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1190 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide each child with special needs with the right to an individual education plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29448/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

1191 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29449/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

1203 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to complete the roll out of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004, giving all children with special needs, the right to an individual education plan to ensure the best outcome for them, and putting in place a new appeals procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29463/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1190, 1191 and 1203 together.

The Deputy will be aware that a significant number of sections of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004 have been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special educational needs. Specifically, the following sections have been commenced: 1, 2, 14(1)(a), 14(1)(c), 14(2) to 14(4), 19 to 37, 40 to 53.

The Deputy is also aware that the EPSEN Act makes provision for an education plan for each individual pupil with special educational needs, and this will become mandatory when the relevant sections of the Act are commenced. In preparation for this, the NCSE have published guidelines on the Individual Education Plan process and a copy issued to all primary and post primary schools at the commencement of the 2006/2007 school year. These guidelines provide advice and assistance to schools, teachers and parents on devising and implementing individual education plans.

The Special Education Appeals Board (SEAB) was established under the EPSEN Act, to hear and determine appeals under the Act. Board members are presently working to ensure that appropriate structures and processes will be in place once the relevant sections of the act, which would allow appeals to be undertaken, are commenced.

As required under the Act, the NCSE provided a report making recommendations regarding the implementation of EPSEN which suggested additional investment over a period of years of up to €235m per annum across the education and health sectors. Having considered the NCSE report, and consulted with the education partners, the Department of Health and Children and the HSE, my Department identified a range of options for the implementation of EPSEN. My Department's opinion is that the level of investment required would be greater than that envisaged in the NCSE report.

In the light of the current financial circumstances, it is therefore not possible to proceed with full implementation in 2010 as originally envisaged. However, the Government will keep the matter under review and is committed to the full implementation of EPSEN at the earliest possible date.

I want to reiterate that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents and children, and teachers and special needs assistants will continue to be deployed to schools to meet children's needs. Additional funding was provided as part of last October's budget and is being used to strengthen and enhance health and education services and continue the preparation for the full implementation of the Act at a later date.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1192 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to improve second level provision for children with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29450/09]

A key priority for the Government over the past decade has been to improve the provision of additional resources for all pupils with special educational needs (SEN), including those attending post-primary schools.

Second level schools should be informed and guided in their support of students with SEN by the guideline document "Inclusion of Students with Special Educational Needs: Post-Primary Guidelines". This was produced by the Inspectorate of my Department in 2007 and provides practical advice and guidance to schools on the organisation and co-ordination of resources to maximise the support to each individual student.

My Department, either directly or through the National Council for Special Education, provides for a range of supports in second level schools to enable them cater for students with SEN. These supports include additional teachers, special needs assistants, investment in assistive technology, specialist equipment and special transport arrangements.

The precise model of provision made available at second level will depend on the assessed needs of the students involved. A key priority for my Department is to facilitate the maximum possible inclusion of students with special educational needs while always allowing for individuals for whom inclusion with mainstream peers may not be in their best interests.

Some students are capable of attending ordinary classes on an integrated basis with additional teacher and/or special needs assistant support. In other cases, the provision of special dedicated classes within the school may be the more appropriate response. Such special classes operate at significantly reduced pupil teacher ratios.

At present there are over 4,700 adults working solely with students with special educational needs in second level schools, including over 2,700 teachers and more than 2,000 Special Needs Assistants.

While the increase in such supports over the last 10 years has significantly improved second level provision for students with SEN, the Programme for Government commitment was also being considered in the context of the proposals for the implementation of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act. In the light of the current financial circumstances, it is not possible to proceed with full implementation of EPSEN in 2010 as originally envisaged. However, the Government will keep the matter under review and is committed to the full implementation of EPSEN at the earliest possible date.

Although implementation of the Act has been deferred, my Department continues to support schools, parents, children and teachers in providing for an appropriate education for pupils with SEN. I want to reiterate that students with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. The National Council for Special Education will continue to support schools, parents and children, and teachers and special needs assistants will continue to be deployed to schools to meet children's needs. Additional funding was provided as part of last October's budget and is being used to strengthen and enhance health and education services and continue the preparation for the full implementation of the Act at a later date.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1193 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to further increase the number of language support teachers from 1,450 to 1,800; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29451/09]

In light of the Budget 2009 decision in relation to language support my Department has 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 over 1,500 language support teaching posts in our primary and post-primary schools in September 2009 and up to about 500 other teachers in part-time posts. By any standards this is a very significant resource and the challenge will be to ensure that it is used to maximum effect.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1194 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide access to English language classes for adult immigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29452/09]

My Department provides for English language training for adult immigrants (English for Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL) through the adult literacy budget. Funds are allocated to VECs who are the main statutory providers of ESOL tuition. In 2008, over 12,500 learners availed of ESOL tuition, up from 6,000 in 2003. Over 61,000 participants have availed of English language tuition since 2003.

My Department also provides for the English language and socialisation needs of adult refugees through the Adult Refugee Programme (ARP), formerly Integrate Ireland Language and Training (IILT). The ARP is co-ordinated nationally by County Dublin VEC and provided locally by other VECs, as demand arises. The 2009 provision for the ARP is approximately €2.8 million.

An independent review was commissioned to assist in the development of a national English language training policy and framework for legally-resident adult immigrants based on extensive stakeholder consultation. The report in this regard is under consideration by the Minister for Integration.

School Transport.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1195 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to review the school transport system, including the catchment boundaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29453/09]

A Value for Money Review of the School Transport Scheme, including catchment boundaries, is currently being undertaken by my Department and is due to be completed by the end of the year.

The Steering Committee of the Review is looking at the original objectives of the scheme, whether these objectives remain valid today, the extent to which the objectives are being achieved and whether there are possibilities for economies or efficiencies that would improve the value for money of the scheme. In this context, the review is also looking at fundamental issues such as catchment boundaries, which is in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.

The review, when completed, will be published and sent to the Oireachtas Select Committee on Education and Science.

Literacy Levels.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1196 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to expand the number of adult literacy training places by 4,000 on top of the extra 3,000 places put in place in 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29454/09]

Adult Literacy services are funded by my Department through annual grants to the Vocational Education Committees (VECs), which deliver the services locally.

Community groups and community development projects may also apply to their local VEC for funding to provide adult literacy tuition.

The Adult Literacy service has expanded significantly in recent years from 5,000 participants in 1997 to almost 50,000 in 2008. Expenditure increased from €1,000,000 in 1997 to €30,000,000 in 2008. In 2009, funding is being maintained at similar levels to 2008. Due to the difficult budgetary position it has not been possible to provide funding for any further increase in places.

Adult Education.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1197 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to increase the number of places on the back to education initiative to 10,000 and expand the vocational training opportunities scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29455/09]

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) commenced in October 2002. It provides flexible, part-time options across Further Education and an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. It is aimed at adults with less than upper second level education, including unemployed adults.

The Programme for Government (2007-2012) provided for an increase in the number of places on the BTEI to 10,000. 1,000 additional places were allocated in 2007 and a further 500 places were allocated in 2008 bringing the total number of places to 9,500.

For 2009, difficult choices around priorities for investment had to be made to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run. In this context, it was necessary to reduce the number of places on the BTEI by 500, returning it to the 2007 level of 9,000. This reduction should be seen in the context of the significant increase in expenditure on the BTEI in the last six years, up from €6,000,000 in 2002 to €18,750,000 in 2008.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) was introduced in 1989 to encourage adults over the age of 21 and in receipt of unemployment payments to return to education and training. Over the following years, the Scheme was expanded to people in receipt of other payments, such as One-Parent Family allowances, Disability allowances and Invalidity Pension.

VTOS is a full-time second chance education and training initiative delivered and managed locally by the VECs. Its primary target group is the longer-term unemployed, the low-skilled and disadvantaged. Courses of up to two years duration and between levels 3 and 6 on the National Qualifications Framework are offered. Tuition, stationery and books are provided free of charge. A childcare grant and meal and travel allowances are also available to students and they can access the adult guidance service.

There are 5,000 VTOS places available nationally every year. Due to the difficult budgetary position it has not been possible to increase the numbers further.

It should be noted that there has been a significant increase in expenditure on VTOS in the last five years, up from approximately €51,000,000 in 2003 to €71,000,000 in 2008.

Educational Disadvantage.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1198 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to further increase third level participation rates, with a special focus on persons from disadvantaged areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29458/09]

The capacity of higher education institutions to address key national objectives, including increasing access and participation, is supported through core and strategic funding allocated under the Human Capital Priority of the NDP. The Social Inclusion Priority of the NDP also supports increased participation by disadvantaged groups through funding allocated through the higher education grant scheme and the third level access measure.

The combination of these measures, as well as the investment of other resources across the education system are achieving their intended objective. Targets for increased participation in higher education set by the Action Group on Access in 2001 have been achieved, both by disadvantaged and mature entrants to the sector. Evaluations of progress show that all of these measures have contributed to significantly increased participation rates in higher education.

New targets have been set in the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-13.

In 1998 the overall participation rate in higher education was 44%. By 2004 it had risen to 55%. The HEA estimate that in 2007 participation rose to 64% of the relevant age cohort. A target of 65% has been set by the National Access Plan for 2013 and a target of 72% by 2020.

In 1998 mature students represented 5% of entrants to higher education; in 2006 this had increased to 13%. A target of 20% by 2013 has been set by the National Access Plan 2008-13.

In 1998 just 23% of young people aged 17-19 from a socio-economic disadvantaged background entered higher education. By 2004 this had increased to 33%. A new target of 45% participation by 2020 has been set by the National Access Plan 2008-13.

In addition, the more recent Labour Market Activation measures that are underway are also supporting access to higher education through an expansion in part-time places as well as a broadening of entry routes through the preparatory and accelerated entry mechanisms which have been put in place over the past few months. The strategy on Higher Education, currently in preparation, will address participation issues as part of its work.

Third Level Fees.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1199 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to introduce a new system of means-tested free fees for approved part-time courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29459/09]

The implementation of this Programme for Government commitment will be considered in the context of the development of policies on how best to meet the future funding requirements of the higher education sector, having regard to available resources.

Third Level Sector.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1200 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to promote more explicit arrangements for student transfer between institutes of technology and universities and open new routes of access from the further education sector to third level sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29460/09]

My Department, together with the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) supports the work of third level institutions in broadening routes of access to higher education. The National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008–2013, which I launched in July 2008, seeks to encourage the broadening of entry routes to higher education institutions to greater reflect the fundamental changes being brought about through implementation of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).

The NQAI have undertaken a major study on the Implementation and Impact of the National Framework of Qualifications and it is expected that the report will deal with a number of issues in relation to access, transfer and progression at all levels of the NFQ. The report is expected to be published by September 2009. The NQAI's Qualifax service, which gives information on programmes of education at all levels throughout the State, includes information on progression opportunities for those who complete programmes.

FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) Level 5 and 6 qualifications are accepted as a basis for admission to the majority of higher education institutions and these qualifications are used as a route of access by increasing numbers of CAO applicants each year. The proportion of higher education places accepted by holders of FETAC major awards has grown from less than 3% in 2005 to over 10% in 2008 (4,309 students).

The Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS), introduced in 1995, links specific FETAC Level 5 Certificates and Level 6 Advanced Certificates to reserved places on a variety of higher education programmes. More recently, under an additional Pilot Scheme, course places are open to both FETAC applicants and Leaving Certificate applicants. Both schemes are intended to facilitate greater progression to third level programmes.

In October 2008 FETAC published a leaflet outlining current progression routes for holders of the FETAC Advanced Certificate — Craft, formerly known as the National Craft Certificate. This leaflet details progression routes to Levels 6, 7 and 8 full-time and part-time courses offered by a number of higher education institutions.

While almost all universities are prepared to consider applications for transfer from HETAC (Higher Education and Training and Awards Council) or DIT (Dublin Institute of Technology) qualifications, the number of transfers has been falling as opportunities to progress to degree level programmes within the institutes of technology have increased.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1201 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to provide a multi-annual capital fund of €2 billion for higher education institutions to support investment in the developing of modern campus facilities with leading edge teaching and learning infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29461/09]

In the two years 2007 and 2008, the Government has invested in excess of €300m in developing the country's higher education infrastructure. In 2009 an additional €200m is being invested. Investments since 2007 have enabled the Government to expend €82m on dedicated research projects under Cycles 3 and 4 of the Programme for Research in Third Level Institutions (PRLTI) thereby advancing national strategic objectives of creating a knowledge economy. The Deputy will also be aware that earlier this year I announced the launch of Cycle 5 of PRLTI with planned investments of €300m in generating research capacity.

In addition to PRTLI sponsored initiatives, the Government has funded a €58m investment programme in upgrading existing research facilities. A total of 19 higher education institutions around the country benefited from this scheme, with €54m expended last year. In 2007, the Government invested €28m in funding a dedicated research equipment grant.

In terms of under graduate facilities, the Government has provided almost €30m to the institute of technology sector between 2007 and 2008 to enable institutes undertake programmes of minor works. Due to the success of this scheme, it has been expanded in 2009 to include the 7 Universities and an increase in the scope of the works, bringing the total cost of the scheme to €40m in 2009 alone. Additionally, there are 13 mainstream large scale capital projects currently at construction within the sector. Among them are in IT Building at NUI Cork; an Engineering Building at Athlone IoT; the refurbishment of the Carroll's Facility at Dundalk IoT and the second phase of the campus re-development at Mary Immaculate College of Education in Limerick. Phase 1 of the campus development at Mary Immaculate College completed construction in 2008 together with a further 15 projects.

A further 10 capital projects are at varying stages of planning with the target of being on site later this year or early in 2010. Among them are the Engineering School at NUI Galway; new library facility at NUI Maynooth; a new Law School and a new Science facility at UCD and the re-development of St. Patrick's College of Education in Dublin. These latter projects are separate from the Third Level Public Private Partnership Programme which involves three bundles of 17 projects across 9 institutions. These building projects will deliver enhanced facilities in the key strategic areas such as Engineering, IT, Science and Technology, Catering, Tourism and the Arts.

Student Representation.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1202 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to appoint two student representatives to each of the Higher Education Authority and the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29462/09]

The commitment to appoint a second student representative to the Board of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is considered when appointments are being made, having regard to the need to ensure an overall balance of stakeholder interests. The HEA engages extensively with student interests as an integral part of its ongoing work and the USI plays an active role in this process and continues to ably represent its constituency.

Section 6 of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 sets out the composition of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and provides for one member of the Authority to be representative of learners. As part of the Budget Speech in October 2008, the Minister for Finance announced the Government decision to amalgamate the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland with the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council. The Department of Education and Science published a consultation paper in May 2009 on the implementation of the Government decision and it proposes a maximum of six members on the board of the new organisation. It proposes that members of the amalgamated organisation would have expertise in key areas but would not be nominated by stakeholders. The paper acknowledges the importance of there being a learner perspective on the board.

Question No. 1203 answered with Question No. 1190.

In-Service Training.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1204 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to ensure that all teachers and assistants have access to specialist training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29464/09]

My Department has provided for a comprehensive system of continuing professional development (CPD) for teachers in the area of special educational needs. Central to this is the "Special Education Support Service" (SESS) which was established in September 2003. The service consolidates co-ordinates, develops and delivers a range of professional development initiatives and support structures for school personnel working with students with special educational needs in a variety of educational settings. These settings include mainstream primary and post-primary schools, special schools and special classes.

The CPD provided by the SESS covers a range of specialties, including inter alia:

Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs);

Dyslexia;

Challenging Behaviour;

Post-primary issues in Special Educational Needs;

Specialist training for Autism Units attached to schools.

The SESS has also been involved in the provision of intensive CPD for teachers working in new Autism Units opened since 2007. The SESS provides a wide range of supports and interventions in the area of Autism via online training, face-to-face training, phone advice and individualised support for schools identified with continuing professional development needs. The approaches include Language and Communication, Managing Inclusion, Curriculum Access for Pupils with General Learning Disabilities and Autism, Sensory Integration, PECS, TEACCH, Social Stories, and Applied Behaviour Analysis. Delivery of this CPD begins prior to their entry to the units and continues following the opening of the unit with ongoing in school support as well as programmes of CPD. Furthermore, as part of an initiative rolled out for the 08/09 school year, teachers can have SESS CPD in the area of ASDs accredited by St Angela's College in Sligo.

My Department has established a Special Educational Needs Behaviour Team as part of the SESS. This team has responsibility for the delivery of CPD and support to consolidate teachers' knowledge and skills in behavioural support and in the application of behavioural principles to learning through the use of contemporary applied behaviour analysis strategies.

In addition, my Department funds several third level courses in teacher training colleges and universities. These include:

Combined Post-Graduate Diploma Programme of Continuing Professional Development for Teachers involved in Learning Support and Special Education (available in seven colleges across the country) (300 places available annually).

Masters in Special Educational Needs (St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra) (16 places available annually).

Graduate Certificate in the education of pupils with ASD (St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra) (18 places available annually).

Online Certificate/Diploma in Education (Special/Inclusive Education) (225 places available annually).

My Department is also currently examining all available options with regard to the provision of CPD to provide teachers with the skills necessary for the design, implementation and evaluation of learning and teaching programmes for students learning through the medium of Irish Sign Language.

CPD also forms a significant part of the preparatory work necessary for the successful implementation of the Education for People with Special Educational needs (EPSEN) Act. The SESS will provide one full day of CPD for the Principal and a number of key teaching staff in all Primary and Post-Primary schools during 2009. This programme of CPD commenced in primary schools in May 2009 and is expected to commence in post-primary schools in Autumn. The CPD centres on principles of best practice in relation to individualised planning for students with special educational needs.

The Special Education Support Service (SESS) provided over 25,000 continuing professional development (CPD) places in 2008. 36,000 places are to be provided by the SESS in 2009.

In terms of training for Special Needs Assistants, my Department currently funds a certificate for Special Needs Assistants delivered by:

St. Angela's college, Sligo (55 places available annually).

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick (45 places available annually).

Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines (25 places available annually).

Introductory courses are also provided through Education Centres, which can be taken as a stand alone course or as part of the above-mentioned certificate.

Special Educational Needs.

Brian Hayes

Question:

1205 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to provide for improved access to lifelong learning for adults with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29465/09]

My Department is committed to encouraging and facilitating the participation of people with disabilities in Further Education by providing supports to enable their access to the various programmes on offer.

The Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) provides part-time Further Education programmes for adults to give them an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. People with disabilities are one of the target groups of the programme.

The Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS), while primarily targeting the unemployed, also facilitates people with disabilities. Under VTOS, full-time courses of one or two years duration are provided to participants to enhance their employability.

Adults with disabilities may also avail of adult literacy courses provided by VECs around the country. A grant has been provided to the Irish Deaf Society to train tutors to give literacy tuition. A grant is also awarded annually to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland as a contribution towards assessments.

An action research pilot project is continuing in a number of Further Education Colleges in the Dublin area. This project is supported by three Disability Support Officers, the National Training and Development Institute and flexible additional funds for transport, equipment, interpreters, etc. The service identifies and offers support to students and staff around the area of disability. The provision of awareness-raising sessions and participation in college open and recruitment days is also an integral element of the role of the Support Officers.

My Department is also currently working with the National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education and the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) to address special education needs of adults in further education.

In 2007/08, a total of 3,099 students with disabilities attending third level and further education accessed funding through the Fund for People with Disabilities which is administered by the Higher Education Authority. The total amount provided to students through this fund was €13.53 million. Of this €2.88 million was allocated to 331 students in the further education sector up from €1.745 million and 279 students in 2006/2007.

In 2008, AHEAD, in conjunction with the National Council for Guidance in Education (NCGE) launched a Handbook for Guidance and Information Officers on disability issues in Further Education.

Following the input of key stakeholders on possible ways forward for the development of services for people with intellectual disabilities, a scoping paper on the parameters of provision for adults with disabilities in adult education and lifelong learning was received in 2008. This is forming part of the consideration and development of an overall policy to address special needs and disability in Further Education.

School Curriculum.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

1206 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the fact that pupils of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford have no teachers for physical education, music or speech and drama; his views on whether children with special needs can benefit from participation in arts based subjects and physical education; if he will review the teaching complement in this school with a view to broadening the curriculum to include PE, music and speech and drama; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29528/09]

I believe that the arts and physical education have an important role to play in the education of the individual. Music, the visual arts and drama provide for sensory, emotional, intellectual and creative enrichment and contribute to the young person's holistic development and self esteem. Physical Education plays an important role in promoting physical and motor development, promoting social interaction and co-operation with others, an understanding of fair play, an experience of success, and enjoyment and positive attitudes towards physical activity. It is important that participation for all in physical education is promoted for all in accordance with children's abilities.

Arts education (visual arts, music and drama) and physical education are core elements of the integrated curriculum for primary school pupils. All qualified primary teachers including new graduates of the Colleges of Education for primary teaching are qualified to teach all aspects of the primary school curriculum including physical education, music and drama.

The school referred to by the Deputy is a Special School catering for pupils with a Mild General Learning Disability. The school have a staffing of an administrative principal as well as 10 teaching posts with an enrolment of 96 pupils. This is in excess of the staffing allocation that the school is entitled to in the context of its classification. In the circumstances, my Department has no plans to review the teaching complement in the school.

Teaching Qualifications.

Denis Naughten

Question:

1207 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to introduce a certification system for interpreters, especially those working with Government and its agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29557/09]

It is open to providers of higher education to establish and provide certified programmes of education and training in the field of interpreting. For example, I am aware of a programme leading to a Graduate Certificate in Community Interpreting provided by Dublin City University. There are also many people in the interpreting industry who have certified qualifications from outside the State.

It is a matter for those seeking interpreting services, including Government Departments and State Agencies, to determine their requirements depending on the particular context in which the service is required.

Schools Building Projects.

Frank Feighan

Question:

1208 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a proposed school (details supplied). [29565/09]

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.

Liz McManus

Question:

1209 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if he has received an application by a school (details supplied) for emergency works; his views on this application; the position regarding this school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29603/09]

The Planning and Building Unit of my Department has no record of an application for emergency funding from the school in question. Should an application be received it will be assessed and the school authorities notified of the outcome without delay.

A proposed major capital project to refurbish and extend the school building is at an advanced stage of architectural planning. 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 proposed project at this time.

Schools Recognition.

Liz McManus

Question:

1210 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on calls for the need to recognise a school (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29604/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that a single school is funded by my Department to provide education for pupils with a moderate, severe or profound general learning disability or pupils who have autism. Some of school's classes take place in a separate building, referred to by the Deputy, and this may have led some observers to think that these classes are a separate entity. This is not the case. There is one single school that caters for all the pupils.

This school has full Departmental recognition and therefore the issue of recognition of a component part of the school does not arise.

Schools Building Projects.

James Reilly

Question:

1211 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Education and Science the school building programme for north Dublin in the next three to five years; the number of secondary schools that are planned and the areas; the expected build cost; if sites have been acquired; if funds have been approved for these schools; the number of national schools that are planned and the areas; the expected build cost; if sites have been acquired; if funds have been approved for these schools; if the school building programme in north Dublin will be subject to cutbacks and delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29612/09]

The 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. The school accommodation needs in north Dublin will be fully considered in this context.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including the projects for the area in question, from initial design stage through to construction phase will continue to 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 individual projects at this time.

Teaching Qualifications.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1212 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the Teaching Council has repeatedly delayed certifying a primary degree for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; if he will confirm that they are suitably qualified in order that they may confirm their place in the postgraduate course. [29616/09]

Since its establishment on 28 March 2006, the Teaching Council is the designated authority for the recognition of qualifications for teaching in the State.

I have made enquiries with the Teaching Council regarding this case and have been advised that the Council has been in contact with the applicant on an ongoing basis and understands that a decision is required shortly and that once a decision has been made the applicant will be informed of the outcome without delay.

Teachers’ Remuneration.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1213 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason his Department is seeking to reclaim €2000 from the salary of a person (details supplied); if he will reconsider the decision to deduct €220 a month from their salary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29617/09]

The case referred to by the Deputy is being examined by officials from my Department. I will arrange for the Deputy to be advised of the position as soon as possible.

School Staffing.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1214 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 442 of 26 May 2009, if sanction for the recruitment of a replacement caretaker has been given. [29635/09]

The Deputy is of course aware of the Government decision to implement a recruitment and promotion moratorium in the public sector. In the VECs, positions other than teacher and SNA posts in schools, and teacher equivalents that are directly providing tuition to pupils in schools, in special programmes or in an adult and further education, are comprehended by this decision.

In the case of the replacement caretaker referred to by the Deputy, my Department obtained the sanction of the Minister for Finance for a limited derogation to apply. In that regard approval was given to Co. Kildare VEC to award a fixed term contract to one person to act in a temporary capacity. The contract was awarded on the basis that its duration was limited to the period of the Certificate Examinations in June 2009, and accordingly the sanction has now expired. My Department has recently requested approval from the Department of Finance for the exemption from the moratorium in this case to be continued. However, the Department of Finance has confirmed that the moratorium applies to VECs and therefore Co. Kildare VEC, like all other public sector organisations, will have to make arrangements to continue to provide the best level of service it can manage within the resources available to it.

Schools Refurbishment.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1215 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if the tender for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare has been awarded. [29639/09]

The tender report for the proposed extension/refurbishment project at the school in question was received in my Department on 30th June. It is currently being assessed by the Professional and Technical Staff of the Building Unit. When this assessment is complete the project will be considered for the construction stage.

Site Acquisitions.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1216 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if there has been progress in purchasing a site for a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [29640/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department recently sanctioned approval for Kildare VEC to purchase a site for the school in question. I am advised that negotiations are at an advanced stage. The Deputy will appreciate that given the commercial sensitivities in relation to the acquisition of sites generally, I am not in a position to comment any further at this time.

Schools Building Projects.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1217 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when tenders will be invited for a permanent school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [29641/09]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1218 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when tenders will be invited for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [29642/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1217 and 1218 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, in February, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction. The projects at the schools referred to by the Deputy were both included in this announcement.

My Department is currently awaiting the submission of the Stage 2b documentation from the schools' Design Teams on these projects. Until this documentation is received and approved it will not be possible to provide a definitive timescale for the progression of these projects to tender stage.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1219 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science when tenders will be invited for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [29643/09]

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.

The project is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning and the next step will be to submit an application for planning permission to the local authority. Until planning permission has been secured and stage 2b of architectural planning has been approved it will not be possible to give an indication of the timeframe for completion of the tender process.

Schools Refurbishment.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1220 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will sanction the appointment of a design team for the required extension to a school (details supplied) in County Kildare. [29644/09]

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 1.1 band rating. The project is ready for 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 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.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1221 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 144 of 9 April 2009, if there has been finalisations in relation to recommendations regarding a Gaelcoláiste for north Kildare. [29645/09]

The forward Planning Section of my Department is still in the process of identifying the areas where significant additional accommodation will be required at primary and post-primary level for future years.

Factors under consideration include population growth, demographic trends, current and projected enrolments, recent and planned housing developments and the capacity of existing schools to meet demand for places. Having considered these factors decisions will be taken on the means by which emerging needs will be met within an area.

Post-primary accommodation requirements in the North Kildare area, and any subsequent issues which may arise, such as the need for a new gaelcholaiste will be considered in this regard.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

1222 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to ensure there are sufficient places for children wishing to attend a school (details supplied) in County Kildare in September 2009. [29646/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers applied to my Department for large scale capital funding to provide for an 8 classroom extension to the existing school. More recently the school has sought a devolved grant to purchase a four classroom room modular build with the capacity to extend, in time, to eight classrooms.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. In light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

In the meantime it is open to the school management to apply to my Department for funding towards the provision of temporary accommodation to meet any shortfall in accommodation that might arise pending the progression of the large scale building project.

Departmental Correspondence.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

1223 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question 40 of 2 July 2009, if he will provide a copy of the relevant protocols which dealt with the release of his interest in vacant Catholic national schools before the current version was agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29700/09]

I am arranging to have a copy of the legal indentures used by the Department forwarded to the Deputy.

Schools Refurbishment.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1224 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29704/09]

My Department has approved the project to which the Deputy refers to proceed to appointment of a design team. The Board of Management for the school is currently at the final stages of appointing a design team to commence architectural planning on this project. My Department recently requested further information on the proposed design team from the school. When this information is received my Department will revert to the school regarding the appointment of the design team and the commencement of architectural planning.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1225 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of an extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29705/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early stage of Architectural Planning and the school in question has recently been authorised to progress this project to Stage 2A — Developed Sketch Scheme.

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.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1226 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of an extension and new car park for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29706/09]

The project to which the Deputy refers is at an early 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.

Site Acquisitions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1227 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the acquisition of additional lands for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29707/09]

I refer the Deputy to my reply to PQ No. 292 of 28 January, 2009. The position remains unchanged. There are no plans to acquire additional lands for the school in question.

Schools Refurbishment.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1228 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of a sports hall and extension for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29708/09]

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.

Site Acquisitions.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1229 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the acquisition of site and permanent buildings for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29709/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1231 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the acquisition of a site and permanent buildings for a school (details supplied in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29711/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1232 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the acquisition of site and permanent buildings for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29712/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1229, 1231 and 1232 together.

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department requested Fingal County Council earlier this year to acquire permanent sites for the schools in question under the terms of the Fingal Memorandum Agreement. I am advised that negotiations are ongoing. Due to the commercial sensitivities relating to site acquisitions, I am not in a position to comment further on the matter at this time.

The acquisition of the sites will be dependant on the successful outcome of negotiations held by the local authority and will also need to be considered in the context of the capital budget available to my Department for school buildings generally.

Schools Refurbishment.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1230 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the refurbishment of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29710/09]

I can confirm to the Deputy that the school to which he refers has applied for major capital grant aid. The school's application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria of my Department and has been assigned a Band rating of 2.4.

The progression of all large scale projects, including this project, 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.

Since 2004, the school has received significant funding under the Summer Works Scheme and the Emergency Works Scheme for refurbishment works on areas such as roofs, drainage, windows and toilets. The school was also awarded a grant under the Permanent Accommodation Scheme for the provision of permanent classrooms.

In addition, two projects under the Summer Works and Emergency Works Schemes relating to refurbishment of science labs and roof works have been approved for the school in 2009.

Questions Nos. 1231 and 1232 answered with Question No. 1229.

School Accommodation.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1233 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of permanent buildings for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29713/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that construction has started on a permanent 24 classroom building for the school to which the Deputy refers.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1234 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science his plans to proceed with a new primary school on the former Phoenix Park Racecourse in 2010 which was previously postponed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29714/09]

The school referred to by the Deputy was announced to open in September 2008 under VEC patronage as a pilot under the new VEC community model. However, as the anticipated demand did not materialise, the project was postponed.

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. 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 Recognition.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

1235 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science his view on Educated Together’s application to establish a second level school under their patronage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29715/09]

My Department is currently considering a number of broad policy issues relating to the recognition process for second level schools. To facilitate full consideration of all of the issues involved, my Department has sought legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the system of patronage at second level. Officials from my Department have already met with their counterparts in the Office of the Attorney General to discuss the matter.

I can assure the Deputy that the application from Educate Together to be recognised as a patron body at second level will be fully examined within the context of the legal, financial and other factors that I must consider.

School Accommodation.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1236 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the provision of adequate accommodation for a primary school (details supplied) in County Cork for the 2009-10 school year. [29721/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers applied to the Department for approval to re-locate to alternative accommodation for the 2009/10 school year. The Department have been in contact with the school authority regarding revised costings and are currently awaiting same from the school. The matter will be further considered on receipt of a reply.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1237 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the planned development of a new school (details supplied) in County Cork. [29763/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that a project for a new 16 classroom building for the school to which he 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.

Schools Refurbishment.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1238 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding planned refurbishment work and a new building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [29764/09]

The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is at an early 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.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1239 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position in relation to a planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [29765/09]

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.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1240 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science when tender documents will be published for a planned new building for a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [29766/09]

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 of the school and the design team subsequently attended a briefing in my Department's offices in Tullamore 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 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.

Schools Refurbishment.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1241 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding planned extension and refurbishment works at a school (details supplied) in County Cork. [29767/09]

The project at the school to which the Deputy refers was included in my February announcement of 25 projects to commence architectural planning. The project is currently awaiting the appointment of a Design Team.

Michael McGrath

Question:

1242 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding a planned extension to a school (details supplied) in County Cork; and the time line for the completion of the project.. [29768/09]

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 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.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1243 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Laois; if he will make an announcement in relation to same in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29792/09]

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.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1244 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Laois; if he will make an announcement in relation to same in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29793/09]

The Department received an application for large scale capital funding to provide accommodation to cater for the amalgamation of the two primary schools in the town referred to by the Deputy. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a band 1.4 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. 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.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

1245 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding an application by a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; if he will make an announcement in relation to same in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29795/09]

The building project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. As the Deputy will be aware, in February, I announced details of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction and 25 high priority projects to commence architectural planning. The project to which the Deputy refers was not included in this announcement. Therefore, it is unlikely that it will be progressed further in 2009.

The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will continue to be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Schools Refurbishment.

Thomas Byrne

Question:

1246 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on the provision of new classrooms at a school (details supplied) in County Meath. [29811/09]

I am pleased to advise that tenders were returned on 1st July for the school to which the Deputy refers. The Design Team are currently preparing a tender report for submission to the Department. Upon receipt of this report, the project will be considered for progression to construction.

Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

1247 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a situation at a college (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29828/09]

The situation referred to by the Deputy relates to a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course. Conditions of approval for PLC courses require that certification on completion of the programme is appropriate, e.g. FETAC Level 5 Certificate or FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Certification of the course referred to by the Deputy is awarded at FETAC Level 5 on the NFQ.

Departmental Contracts.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

1248 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science the companies which have been successful in tendering for contracts for his Department in the past 20 years; the other companies which tendered for the same contracts; the tender prices for these contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29831/09]

My Department procures a wide range of goods, services and works. These range from goods and services procured in connection with my Department's operational requirements to procurement in connection with major programmes of expenditure such as the schools capital programme. The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available and would require a significant allocation of staffing resources in sections throughout my Department to compile. It is the case that the bulk of the relevant records are held in central storage and the retrieval costs alone would be considerable. For these reasons it is not feasible to provide the information requested.

However, if the Deputy has an interest in any particular types of contract awarded in particular years my Department will endeavour to provide the relevant information.

Michael D'Arcy

Question:

1249 Deputy Michael D’Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if he contracted a company (details supplied) to build facilities on behalf of the State; if he is satisfied himself sub-contractors were paid for works carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29845/09]

I am aware that the company to which the Deputy refers was contracted by my Department to build a number of schools as part of my 2008 "rapid delivery" programme in developing areas. The construction of the schools under the programme was procured by my Department under design and build contracts. My Department's contractual relationship in each case was with the main contractors.

In general all sub-contractors employed on school building projects are employed directly by the Main Contractor or indirectly by the Main Contractor through other sub-contractors. It is a matter for all sub-contractors to agree terms and conditions and a schedule of payments with the Main Contractor or with the entity with whom they are in contract. As the Department had no direct contractual relationship with sub-contractors engaged by the company in question, it holds no information relating to same.

Third Level Education.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

1250 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of people enlisted in third level courses in agriculture, fisheries and food for 2009; the number of people enlisted in third level courses in agriculture, fisheries and food in each year for the past ten years; the funding and subsidies available to colleges for the provision of these courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30144/09]

The number of students enrolled in universities and Institutes of Technology in agriculture, fisheries and food courses in the academic years 1998/1999 to 2007/2008 is included in the table. Final numbers of students taking these courses in the current academic year is not yet available. It should also be noted that graduates from other disciplines may also find employment in these industries.

Standard funding arrangements and supports apply to courses in the agricultural, fisheries and food-processing disciplines, with funding allocated in the normal manner through the Higher Education Authority's Recurrent Grant Allocation Model.

Full-time undergraduates

1998/99

1999/00

2000/01

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

University (Level 8)

1,498

1,493

1,457

1,325

1,234

1,204

921

871

616

876

IoTs (Level 6-8)

429

509

684

857

849

767

812

850

Total

1,498

1,493

1,886

1,834

1,918

2,061

1,770

1,638

1,428

1,726

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