Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009

Vol. 689 No. 3

Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].
Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, answered orally.
Questions Nos. 4 to 6, inclusive, resubmitted.
Questions Nos. 7 to 13, inclusive, answered orally.

Garda Investigations.

Terence Flanagan

Question:

14 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will report on allegations that solicitors are acting as criminal intelligence officers for criminal gangs; if criminal investigations are taking place in respect of the alleged misconduct; the action he proposes to take to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31478/09]

I take it what the Deputy has in mind in referring to solicitors acting as ‘criminal intelligence officers' for criminal gangs are any instances where solicitors may improperly pass information to their clients who are members of gangs.

I should stress, initially, that I am satisfied that the vast majority of solicitors behave with the utmost propriety in their dealings with clients. That said, I am aware of suggestions that a tiny minority of solicitors have been behaving improperly in the context outlined in the Deputy's question.

It is because the numbers involved would be so small that I am constrained in what I can say to the House about particular investigations which may be under way at this time. Any such information might tend to lead to the indentification of the suspects concerned. I can, in any event, assure the House that I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that instances where it is believed that solicitors have been involved in criminal activity have been, and will continue to be, fully investigated by the Gardaí and files submitted to the Director of Prosecutions.

I have no doubt either that the regulatory body for solicitors, the Law Society, would treat with great seriousness any evidence of such improper activity on the part of its members.

For my own part, the House will be aware that I took certain measures in the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act, 2009 to counteract this problem through providing, in strictly defined circumstances, for particular evidence relating to an ongoing investigation to be heard in private. During the course of the passage of the legislation in the House I expressed the view that the exclusion of legal representatives was necessary, not just to deal with the activities of a very small number of solicitors who might behave improperly, but to avoid a situation where legal representatives, if they were allowed to remain, could come under extreme pressure from their clients to disclose certain matters to them.

Garda Training.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

15 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the indoor firearms training range at Garda headquarters was closed down as a result of ricochet and other problems; when the feasibility study into the measures required to bring the firearms range up to standard was carried out; the estimated cost; and when it is expected that the work will be completed. [31174/09]

I am advised by the Garda authorities that the indoor firearms training range at Garda Headquarters was closed in December 2005 on a precautionary basis due to health and safety issues.

I am further advised by the Garda authorities that a feasibility study into the measures required to bring the indoor firearms range located at Garda Headquarters up to the highest international standard was carried out in 2007 and the estimated cost is approximately €2.6 million. The recommendations in this study will be considered having regard to the Garda authorities identified future training requirements and the availability of capital funding.

There has been considerable investment in the provision of firearms training facilities for An Garda Síochána over the past number of years including the provision of two Prefabricated Modular Firearms ranges, one at the Garda College and one in the Dublin Metropolitan region. These prefabricated ranges are designed to facilitate live fire shooting for up to four persons in a carefully contained environment which adheres to all range safety requirements.

In addition, three Firearms Automated Training System (FATS) units were purchased by An Garda Síochána in January 2006, at a cost of just over €0.5m. This has proved to be a very successful initiative and has allowed the development of judgmental firearms training as well as traditional marksmanship training in a non-live fire environment.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that there are sufficient resources and infrastructure currently in place to provide training for members of the Garda Síochána who are authorised to carry Firearms Authorisation Cards.

Proposed Legislation.

Phil Hogan

Question:

16 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans in respect of the establishment of a judicial council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31484/09]

As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 351 of 7 July 2009 the work on the scheme of the Judicial Council Bill is at an advanced stage of development. Consultations on the proposed Bill have, as is usual in the development of any legislative proposals, taken place with the Office of the Attorney General. It was also considered prudent, given the nature of the subject, to consult with the Chief Justice. Following initial contacts with the Chief Justice on the proposals for a Judicial Council, a working group has been established to advance the Bill establishing the Council. The Chief Justice is in consultation with his fellow members of the judiciary on the details of the proposals and his response, taking into account that consultation, is in the process of being finalised. On receipt of the relevant documentation from the Chief Justice, I intend to seek Government approval as quickly as possible for drafting of the Bill.

Drug Seizures.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

17 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the quantity of drugs seized in Mountjoy Prison in 2008 and to date in 2009; the number of places available for drug treatment programmes in Mountjoy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31457/09]

Up to and including 13 September 2009 there have been 696 drug seizures within the Irish prison system this year, with 302 of those in Mountjoy Prison. From May 2008 (when new security initiatives were first introduced) to 31 December 2008, there were 351 drug seizures within the Irish prison system, with 192 of those in Mountjoy Prison. Prior to May 2008 seizure of drugs was recorded under the generic description "prohibited articles" and a detailed breakdown is not readily available.

At present, any person entering Mountjoy Prison giving a history of opiate use and testing positive for opioids is offered a medically assisted symptomatic detoxification if clinically indicated. Patients can, as part of the assessment process, discuss with healthcare staff other treatment options. These may include stabilisation on methadone maintenance for persons who wish to continue on maintenance while in prison and when they return to the community on release. Prisoners who on committal are engaged in a methadone substitution programme in the community will, in the main, have their methadone substitution treatment continued while in custody. In Mountjoy, in excess of 220 prisoners are currently on methadone substitution treatment.

The Medical Unit in Mountjoy Prison has 9 spaces specifically allocated for a therapeutic drug free programme. There is capacity for approximately 70 prisoners a year on the programme. This programme is 6 weeks in duration and includes involvement from both prison based staff and external community agencies. Its aim is to assist prisoners in achieving drug free status. However, that is not to say that this is the only detox programme available in the prison system. Up to the end of July this year, 1200 prisoners have undergone other detox programmes.

I can assure the Deputy that my Department and the Irish Prison Service strive to ensure that the provision of healthcare to prisoners is of a standard consistent with that which applies in the general community. Given the large number of prisoners requiring drug treatment services, the Prison Service endeavours to provide a comprehensive range of such services in all closed prisons not just Mountjoy.

Overall the programmes in place in our Prisons seek to reduce the demand for drugs within the system through education, treatment, rehabilitation services for drug-addicted prisoners. Particular initiatives include, inter alia, the provision of detoxification, methadone maintenance, education programmes, addiction counselling and drug therapy programmes. The Prison Service has committed significant investment in recent years in responding to addiction issues in the prison system.

These programmes continue to be expanded and enhanced, in partnership with community based services, notwithstanding the current difficult economic climate. In consultation with the HSE community addiction services, the Irish Prison Service makes every effort to ensure that prisoners engaged in treatment programmes are linked to community addiction services on their release.

A very significant development has been the awarding of a contract for the provision of Addiction Counselling Services to Merchants Quay Ireland. The Addiction Counselling Service is, in conjunction with other developments, now delivering nearly 1000 hours per week of prisoner access to addiction counselling across the prison system.

The allocation of additional Nurse Officers and Prison Officers to Dedicated Drug Treatment Teams in prisons with significant needs has improved the service quality in prisons. The provision of additional specialist sessions in addiction psychiatry, is also significantly improving the quality, coordination and availability of drug treatment in prisons.

Methadone substitution treatment is provided in eight of the 14 prisons (accommodating over 80% of the prison population). 2,014 prisoners were in receipt of methadone maintenance during 2008. The comparable figure for 2007 was 1,840.

Prisoners have access to a range of medical and rehabilitative services such as psychosocial services and ‘work and training' options which assist in addressing substance misuse issues. The Irish Prison Service is seeking to enhance and expand specialist treatment at all prisons where demand is high for drug treatment services. (It is intended to expand drug treatment services in Castlerea, Portlaoise and Midlands in the coming months.)

As previously stated the priority of my Department and the Irish Prison Service is, notwithstanding present resource difficulties, to ensure that an appropriate range of treatment services is available to all prisoners requiring same.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

18 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount paid out in compensation in respect of claims made against members of the Garda in respect of each of the past five years for wrongful arrest, assault and for other reasons, broken down by amounts awarded by the courts and by claims settled in advance of court hearings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31152/09]

The detailed information requested by the Deputy on damages paid in respect of civil claims against members of the Garda Síochána is set out in the table. It is also available on my Department's website.

In summary, the total amount paid out in court awards, legal costs and out of court settlements amounted to approximately €939,000 in 2004, €4.9 million in 2005, €2 million in 2006, €14 million in 2007, €7 million in 2008 and €3 million so far this year. The sharp spike in damages in 2007 and to a lesser extent in 2008 can be substantially attributed to Donegal-related cases, which have so far cost the State around €10 million, with 20 cases still on hand.

Actions taken by Civilians against Gardaí

The number of cases settled/or awards made by the Courts are shown in brackets

Year

Category of payment

Assault

UnlawfulArrest

Other

Overall Total

2004

Awards

15,000(1)

Nil

3,215.06(1)

Settlements

198,697.48(5)

73,007(5)

50,500(3)

Costs

231,646.62

100,019.36

266,713.57

Total

445,344.10

173,026.36

320,428.63

938,799.09

2005

Awards

1,000.00(1)

2,025,321.00(3)

85,125.00(2)

Settlements

130,250.00(7)

1,569,114.00(9)

58,000(2)

Costs

137,447.90(10)

658,508.78(10)

205,466.85(15)

Total

268,697.90

4,252,943.78

348,591.85

4,870,233.53

2006

Awards

18,076.32(1)

41,443.80(3)

Nil

Settlements

386,200.00(17)

622,000(15)

606,500.00(8)

Costs

187,797.28(11)

60,983.61(10)

28,983.93(3)

Total

592,073.60

724,427.41

635,483.93

1,951,984.94

2007

Awards

97,500.00(2)

Nil

5,246,047.00(4)

Settlements

238,000.00(8)

1,297,000.00 (10)

4,451,000.00(34)

Costs

485,944.95(10)

1,488,193.20(9)

1,125,597.19(29)

Total

821,444.95

2,785,193.20

10,822,644.19

14,429,282.34

2008

Awards

12,500.00(1)

5,500.00(1)

12,500.00(1)

Settlements

505,000(15)

56,024.34(6)

648,157.58(20)

Costs

816,847.70(15)

713,468.42(16)

4,317,975.40(36)

Total

1,334,347.70

774,992.76

4,978,632.98

7,087,973.30

2009 (to 09/09/09)

Awards

Nil

Nil

30,610.74(1)

Settlements

192,200.00(10)

133,150.00(8)

879,173.98(17)

Costs

607,791.16(11)

134,432.93(9)

1,098,676.12(28)

Total

799,991.16

267,582.93

2,008,460.84

3,076,034.93

Proposed Legislation.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

19 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans to amend the law to give unmarried fathers automatic guardianship rights to their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31467/09]

Under the law as it stands — section 6A of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, as inserted by section 12 of the Status of Children Act 1987 — an unmarried father may apply to the court to be appointed a guardian of his child. Alternatively, where there is agreement between the parents, they can make a statutory declaration under section 2(4) of the Guardianship of Infants Act, as inserted by section 4 of the Children Act 1997, conferring on the father the status of guardian. Under section 11 of the 1964 Act, a guardian may apply to the court for its direction on any question affecting the welfare of the child, including directions as to custody and access. In addition, the section provides that the unmarried father of a child, even if he is not a guardian, may apply to the court for orders on custody and access. Section 3 of the Act provides that, in deciding on an application relating to the custody, guardianship or upbringing of a child, the court shall regard the welfare of the child as the first and paramount consideration.

Where appropriate and practicable, the court will also take into account the child's wishes in the matter having regard to the age and understanding of the child. In addition, the law now places an emphasis in terms of recognising the rights of the child to the society of both his or her father and mother: Section 11D of the 1964 Act (inserted by the Children Act 1997) obliges the court in proceedings relating to the welfare of a child to consider whether the child's best interests would be served by maintaining personal relations and direct contact with both his or her father and mother on a regular basis.

These legislative provisions are comprehensive. They permit the court in cases of disagreement to decide on arrangements for the child's care and upbringing having regard to the child's best interests.

As part of its Third Programme of Law Reform 2008-2014, the Law Reform Commission recently published a consultation paper ‘Legal Aspects of Family Relationships', in which it makes provisional recommendations on the rights and duties of fathers in relation to guardianship, custody and access to their children. The Commission has invited submissions on its provisional recommendations as part of the consultation process. I look forward to examining the Commission's final report in due course.

Community Policing.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

20 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received, from the Garda Commissioner, the report of the working group developing proposals for a comprehensive model of rural and urban community policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31168/09]

I was present on the 26th of January 2009 at the opening of the new Ballymun Garda Station when the Commissioner launched the new Garda Síochána National Model of Community Policing. This new model will renew, re-invigorate and re-structure the Community Policing function within An Garda Síochána to deliver:

A consistent national structure to the Community Policing function

A more coordinated and efficient Garda service to the community

The spread of good practices and quality service in Community Policing on a national basis.

A National Community Policing Office has been established within Garda Community Relations Section to develop and oversee the implementation programme.The model is being rolled out nationwide in line with an action plan which has been developed for implementation. Training has already commenced in some Districts and it is intended that every District Officer throughout the country will take ownership of community policing within their area of responsibility.

The Garda Síochána National Model of Community Policing Report is available on the Garda website www.garda.ie.

Garda Strength.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

21 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the strength of An Garda Síochána at the latest date for which figures are available broken down by full members, those who have attested but not concluded their training and those in training; the expected number who will be recruited during 2009; the anticipated number at each stated category at the end of 2009; the number of members of the force who are expected to retire during 2009; the number who will be recruited in the first half of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31165/09]

Liz McManus

Question:

22 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications received to date in 2009 for early retirement from members of the Garda, broken down by rank; the way this compares with the same period in each year from 2002; his views on reports that a significant number of senior gardaí are planning to take early retirement; the implications of such retirements for policing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31155/09]

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

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of applications from members of the Garda Síochána to voluntarily retire received so far in 2009, and the number who voluntarily retired in each year from 2002 to 2008, is as set out in the table. I should explain that practically all Garda retirements, whether they occur early or late in a member's career, are in a technical sense voluntary, in the sense that they do not occur on the last day of potential service. Only an exceptionally small number choose to serve until the day upon which they must retire compulsorily on age grounds.

In summary, the figures show that the number of such voluntary retirements was 234 in 2002, 252 in 2003, 323 in 2004, 284 in 2005, 238 in 2006, 177 in 2007, 243 in 2008, with 579 applications so far in 2009.

Clearly the current rate of retirements has increased appreciably compared to previous years. It must be remembered of course that the retirement age for the ranks of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector was increased in 2006 by 3 years to 60, so that we may now, 3 years on, be seeing an element of deferred retirements. Significantly however, even with this trend of increased retirements, 2009 will see an overall increase in the number of Gardaí, and by that I mean attested Gardaí with full police powers. This is because some 900 members will become attested this year, a number which significantly exceeds any anticipated rate of retirement.

To elaborate on the figures, the personnel strength of attested members of the Garda Síochána, on the latest date for which figures are readily available, was 14,516. This figure includes 831 probationer Gardaí who have been attested but have not yet graduated. It is anticipated the majority of these probationers will complete their training in 2009. On that date there were also an additional 600 unattested students in training. To repeat the main point, however, around 900 student Gardaí will have become attested to the force throughout the course of this year, which will put Garda strength at an historic high going into 2010.

A total of 200 students were inducted into the Garda College in 2009, 100 in February and 100 in May. The moratorium on Public Service recruitment now applies to Garda recruitment, but I intend to review the position during the course of 2010 in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Detailed table of voluntary retirees by Rank and by Year (2009 figure latest available).

Rank

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

Commissioner

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Deputy Commissioner

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Assistant Commissioner

0

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

Chief Superintendent

5

0

0

3

2

2

0

5

Superintendent

22

2

7

8

8

4

1

6

Inspector

24

13

6

9

10

6

6

9

Sergeant

126

52

36

54

62

66

39

48

Garda

402

174

128

162

202

244

201

168

Total

579

243

177

238

284

323

252

234

Juvenile Offenders.

Dan Neville

Question:

23 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of young offenders in St. Patrick’s Institution; and the number of young offenders who have repeatedly spent time in St Patrick’s. [31498/09]

I wish to inform the Deputy that on 17 September, 2009 there were 223 young offenders in custody in St. Patrick's Institution. Of these 223 persons, 62 were under 18 years of age with the remaining 161 aged between 18 and 21 years of age.

An accurate breakdown of statistics as requested by the Deputy is not available without the manual examination of a considerable amount of records going back over a considerable time period. Such an examination would require a disproportionate and inordinate amount of staff time and effort and could not be justified in current circumstances where there are other significant demands on resources.

In March 2008, the Government approved the development of new national children detention facilities on the Oberstown campus near Lusk, Co. Dublin, which will accommodate all under 18 year olds who have been ordered to be detained by the Courts.

The project is currently at the design stage and it is expected that the tendering process for construction should take place in 2010. Construction is expected to be undertaken in phases with the first phase scheduled to be completed by 2012.

The Deputy will be aware, however, that tendering for the construction of the new facilities will be subject to Government approval and to the necessary funding being made available.

Debt Collection Industry.

Enda Kenny

Question:

24 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the absence of regulation for debt collectors; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that debtors are being intimidated by criminal elements within the debt collection industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31489/09]

I am aware that the Law Reform Commission, in its Consultation Paper on Debt Management and Debt Enforcement, to be published later today provisionally recommends that a licensing system should be introduced for the debt collection industry. Moreover, the theme of the Annual Conference of the Commission to be held in November will also be the subject of debt management and enforcement. This work of the Commission is timely and its final recommendations based on necessary consultations will be carefully examined in the relevant Departments including my own with a view to their early implementation.

I am of course aware of the media reports which allege intimidation of persons owing money in various circumstances. Intimidation and threatening behaviour of debt collectors, no more than such behaviour by any person, comes within the scope of the provisions of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. Any person who is threatened or intimidated by debt collectors should, therefore, report the incident to the Gardaí who will, based on the evidence, take appropriate action.

I am satisfied that the code of criminal law as it stands has the necessary strength to be applied to cases of intimidation by debt collectors. However, I can assure the Deputy that my Department continues to review the operation of the law in this specific area in consultation with other Departments, the Garda Síochána and relevant interests. I would not hesitate to take further action if I thought it was necessary.

I should also like to point out that the current legal framework has been recently reformed to provide support to persons who are in debt and have difficulties. Government policy, by way of improved systems for the management of personal debt collection, is reflected in the following measures:

a Code of Conduct for mortgage arrears issued by the Financial Regulator which came into force in February of this year and which applies to principal private residences,

new procedures to ensure that all repossession or sale proceedings on housing loan mortgages must be taken locally in the Circuit Court rather than in the High Court. This will reduce the cost and inconvenience involved in making a court appearance and, thereby, encourage borrowers who are in arrears to enter a defence in such proceedings,

new powers to allow registrars of Circuit Courts to deal with applications for repossession orders. County Registrars' hearings are likely to be less costly and intimidating than a judicial hearing. Where a case is being defended, the County Registrar will be able to give directions to enable the case to be fully prepared for trial before it comes before a judge. The County Registrar may also approve a settlement of the case between the parties,

the Enforcement of Court Orders (Amendment) Act 2009 provides a process under which the court is required to satisfy itself that the debtor is unable to pay and that all other means possible have been taken to recover the debt,

debtors are supported by the welfare services through the Money Advice and Budgeting Service and other agencies.

Pre-nuptial Agreements.

Damien English

Question:

25 Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason no action has been taken following the publication of the Report of the Study Group on Pre-Nuptial Agreements in April 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31470/09]

The Study Group on Pre-Nuptial Agreements examined the operation of the law since the introduction of divorce in 1996 with respect to pre-nuptial agreements, having regard to the provisions in the Constitution on the protection of marriage and the requirement that proper provision be made for each party in divorce proceedings.

The Report of the Study Group recommended that provision be made in both the Family Law Act 1995 and Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996 to provide only that the courts be required to have regard to existing pre-nuptial agreements when making ancillary relief orders in judicial separation and divorce proceedings. The Group in making this limited recommendation recognised that the court under our Constitution must on granting a decree of divorce be satisfied that proper provision is made for a spouse and children. The effect is that the court must be in a position to look at all the circumstances of a case not just circumstances, for example, that might arise on the basis of a legal separation or some other form of consensual agreement.

The report made recommendations on the formalities necessary for the proper making of pre-nuptial agreements so that parties making such agreements would be both fully informed and protected. The report also recommended the introduction of a statutory basis upon which a court may make financial provision for a surviving spouse who may be unfairly affected by the provisions of a pre-nuptial agreement on the death of the other spouse through changes in circumstances since the agreement was concluded, e.g. as a result of the passage of time or other intervening events.

These recommendations are being considered for inclusion in the Family Law Bill referred to in the Government Legislation Programme announced on 16 September 2009.

Garda Investigations.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

26 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when arrangements will be made to instruct members of An Garda Síochána that it is not necessary to take a longhand note of interviews with persons in custody when such interviews are being electronically recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31157/09]

My Department and the Garda Síochána, in consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Office of the Attorney General, are considering proposals for a new system which would allow the taking of contemporaneous written notes to cease where interviews are electronically recorded.

There is a complex range of training, technological, financial and legal issues to be addressed before the changeover to a new system could take place.

The Garda Síochána are at an advanced stage in developing proposals for the operational aspects of a new system. Because of the complexities involved, it is likely that any new system would initially be introduced on a pilot basis to allow all the operational and legal aspects to be fully tested and evaluated.

Detention Centres.

Shane McEntee

Question:

27 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress being made in relation to the development of the new national child detention centre at Lusk, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31494/09]

In March 2008, the Government approved the development of new national children detention facilities on the Oberstown campus near Lusk, Co. Dublin.

The project is currently at the design stage and it is anticipated that the tendering process for construction should take place in 2010. Construction is expected to be undertaken in phases with the first phase scheduled to be completed in 2012.

The Deputy will be aware, however, that tendering for the construction of the new facilities will be subject to Government approval and to the necessary funding being made available.

Dublin-Monaghan Bombings.

Joan Burton

Question:

28 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being caused to victims of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings as a result of the halving of the funding from him in respect of therapy treatment; if his further attention has been drawn to the implications for victims who received no help at the time and who will lose their access to therapy when the funding is ended at the end of 2009; if alternative arrangements are being made for the small number of survivors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31142/09]

I assume that the Deputy is referring to financial assistance which was until recently provided by the Remembrance Commission under the ambit of the Scheme of Acknowledgement, Remembrance and Assistance for Victims in this Jurisdiction of the Conflict in Northern Ireland.

In relation to the long-term medical expenses of survivors of incidents in this jurisdiction arising from the conflict in Northern Ireland, I can confirm, again, that these will continue to be provided for by my Department. Accordingly I have made provision that these will continue to be met by the Victims of Crime Office, which can be contacted at Pinebrook House, 71-74 Harcourt Street, Dublin 2.

The Remembrance Commission was established in 2003 for an initial period of 3 years. The Commission's term of appointment was subsequently extended on two further occasions to give more time to those persons eligible for payments under the Scheme to make applications to the Commission. The Commission undertook extensive advertising campaigns to ensure the widest possible awareness of its role and of the categories of payments which could be made. The Commission's term of office came to an end on 31 October 2008 and no further payments under the Scheme can therefore be made.

Under the Scheme, payments could be made to individuals under various categories, such as acknowledgement payments, economic hardship payments and medical expenses payments. The Scheme also contained a provision to enable payments to be paid to groups offering support services to victims of the conflict. Under this element of the scheme payments were made to the victim support group Justice for the Forgotten for the purpose of meeting the counselling and other needs of victims or their family members. Although the Remembrance Commission's term of office has ended and funding under the Scheme is no longer available, I made arrangements to provide €190,000 to Justice for the Forgotten out of my Department's vote for 2009 to enable it to continue to operate for a further period. I understand that this funding will be sufficient to allow the group to continue to operate well into next year.

Licensed Firearms.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

29 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of licensed handguns in respect of each year from 2002 to date in 2009; the number of licensed handguns that were reported as stolen; the number of such stolen guns that were subsequently used in crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31164/09]

I refer the Deputy to a tabular statement setting out the information sought by him on handguns licensed and handguns stolen for the years 2004, when handguns began to be licensed again, to date. The figures show that 52 firearms classified as handguns were stolen in the period in question while the current number of handguns currently licensed is approximately 1,900.

As I have stated previously in the Dáil I am advised by the Garda Authorities that stolen firearms do subsequently get used in the commission of other criminal offences. Not all stolen firearms used in the commission of these offences are recovered so it is not possible to say precisely how many formerly legally held handguns were used in the commission of criminal offences.

2003/04

2004/05

2005/06

2006/07

2007/08

2008/09

Handguns licensed1

1

370

948

1,368

1,895

1,902

1 The number of handguns, recorded on PULSE, for which a firearms certificate has been issued for years 2004 to 2009 (to 10 September).

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Hanguns stolen2

3

7

10

7

7

18

2Between 2004 and 2009, 52 handguns are recorded as stolen. The 2009 figure includes firearms stolen during an aggravated burglary at the home of a firearms dealer in Tipperary in January 2009.

Road Safety.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

30 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when action number 26 of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 for the roll out of 6,000 hours per month of speed camera monitoring on roads here will occur; if a company (details supplied) is the preferred bidder to operate the national speed camera programme; if he, the Department of Transport or the Department of Finance is providing funding for the national speed camera roll out; his views on recent criticisms on this matter by the European Transport Safety Council which highlighted the role of speed cameras in reducing excessive speed and road deaths in the Netherlands, France, Finland and the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28387/09]

Shane McEntee

Question:

73 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will outline the progress to date of the implementation of the speed camera programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29664/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 73 together.

I welcome the finding of the European Transport Safety Council in a report issued last June that Ireland is now the sixth lowest out of the 27 EU Member States in the number of road deaths per million population in 2008.

The Garda authorities are progressing the implementation of a safety camera network as provided for in the Government's Road Safety Strategy 2007 — 2012. An Garda Síochána is engaged in a procurement process, in accordance with EU Directives, national public procurement procedures and relevant legislation, for the provision and operation of the cameras.

Every effort is being made to proceed with this project as speedily as possible. A preferred bidder has been selected, and contract discussions are currently underway. Until these discussions are concluded, it is not possible to indicate details of the proposed introduction of or a specific timetable for the project.

Decisions on the provision of funding for the project will be made in the context of the 2010 Estimates and in accordance with existing Government decisions.

Criminal Assets Bureau.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

31 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on amending the law to allow the Criminal Assets Bureau apply to forfeit seized property after two years rather than the seven year wait; if he has an estimate of the additional revenue that would be raised if this change were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31150/09]

The Criminal Assets Bureau operates under the Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996 and 2005 (as amended).

Under this legislation, monies or property frozen pursuant to Section 2 or Section 3 of the Act remain frozen for a period of at least seven years. The only exception to this minimum seven year waiting period is in circumstances whereby all relevant parties agree to the application of a Section 4a order which allows for a disposal order to be made by the High Court within the seven year period. This application is made with the consent of all parties.

The consent provisions were introduced in 2005 under the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Act of that year.

The issue of the standard minimum seven year waiting period being reduced to a minimum three year period was considered by the Oireachtas during its examination and discussion of the 2005 Amendment Act.

Taking account of the introduction of the new consent provisions, the approach taken in the legislation was to retain the standard minimum seven year waiting period primarily on the basis that a reduction of the period between the interlocutory order and the disposal order to three years might render the legislation more open to challenge in terms of due process.

I have asked my officials to review the legislation pertaining to the length of time an asset must be held before it can be disposed of. I have also asked my officials to examine this possibility with a view to ensuring that certain types of assets may be disposed of before they depreciate significantly.

Garda Stations.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

32 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation contained in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that the Garda station network should be reduced by approximately half, which would result in the closure of around 350 Garda stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31139/09]

Planned expenditure levels for all the votes in my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary processes for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.

Programmes for Government.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

33 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date with regard to implementation of those sections of the programme for Government under the headings community payback, parental responsibility, and anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31140/09]

The Criminal Justice (Community Service) Act, 1983 provides that a Court may make a Community Service Order as an alternative to a sentence of imprisonment or detention in respect of any individual over the age of 16 years who has been convicted of a criminal offence and who consents to the Order being made.

The Probation Service has responsibility for the supervision and management of Community Service Orders. A Community Service Order requires an offender to perform unpaid work for between 40 and 240 hours, usually to be completed within 12 months. The aim of a Community Service Order is to rehabilitate the offender and make meaningful reparation to the community for his or her crime.

A Community Pay Back Scheme which is provided for in the Programme for Government will build on the Community Service Scheme which is currently the subject of a Value for Money and Policy Review by an independent evaluator. The Review, which will be published shortly, will influence how best to progress this aspect of the Programme for Government.

The Children Act 2001, as amended, provides for a number of measures in relation to parental responsibility in respect of children involved in anti-social behaviour and children found guilty of offences. These include parental supervision and compensation orders. The imposition of any particular sanction provided for by the Act on parents or guardians of an offending child is a matter for the courts. The National Youth Justice Strategy 2008 — 2010 provides for the monitoring of the use of the anti-social behaviour measures in the Act. This is being progressed during the term of the Strategy in the context of the commitment in the Programme for Government.

Public order is one of my priorities for the Gardaí in 2009 and is one of the 6 strategic goals in the Garda Policing Plan 2009. The commitments relating to anti-social behaviour in the Programme for Government are being implemented in co-operation with other Departments and agencies as necessary, in the context of the resources available. Section 22 and Schedule 2 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provide for increases in the level of fines under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. The fine for supplying alcohol to under 18s was increased from €1,500 to €5,000 by Section 17 and Schedule 1 of the 2008 Act. The Deputy will be aware, in particular, that the Gardaí launched a new National Model of Community Policing in January 2009. One of its strategic objectives is to use problem sharing initiatives in partnership with communities and local agencies to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Prison Building Programme.

Joe Costello

Question:

34 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to the proposed prison at Thornton Hall; the amount spent on the project to date, including the cost of the purchase of the site, preparatory work, professional fees and other costs; when it is expected that building work on the project will commence; when it is expected to be completed and operational; the planned capacity of the prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31684/09]

In May of this year, negotiations with the preferred bidder for the construction of a prison complex at Thornton Hall, Kilsallaghan, County Dublin were broken off as their final offer, which was significantly higher than the original price tendered, was determined to be unaffordable. The original tender competition, which was initiated by the issue of formal invitations to tender in late 2007, was then abandoned as it did not offer the opportunity to obtain the best value for money for the tax payer in the light of the changed circumstances.

In June of this year the Government re-affirmed its commitment to developing a new prison campus at Thornton Hall, Kilsallaghan, County Dublin and approved the launching of a new tendering process for the construction of a more affordable and better value prison campus at Thornton. The aim is to provide good quality, regime focussed accommodation with appropriate support and rehabilitation facilities to prepare prisoners for re-integration back into society. The new facility will provide accommodation for 1,400 prisoners with operational flexibility to accommodate up to 2,200 prisoners in a range of security settings.

The development will now proceed on a phased basis with Phase one comprising essential basic preliminary works required for the development including the construction of the access route and perimeter wall. It is intended that this work will proceed in the short term on the basis of separate contracts. The tender documentation and scope of works are currently being drafted. It is anticipated that work on Phase one will commence towards the end of this year or early next year.

While Phase one work is in progress the procurement process for the buildings and other facilities that will make up the new prison campus will be examined and finalised in accordance with the Department of Finance guidelines for capital projects. The objective is to complete the design and procurement process for the main prison complex while the construction of the phase one work is underway. While an outline design plan has been prepared, work is ongoing on more detailed design plans which are required for the tendering process. The two phase approach means that once a contract is signed for Phase two the main prison development, the fact that the preliminary works envisaged by Phase one will have already have been completed will allow for construction to commence immediately on the main prison buildings within a secured perimeter.

The development of the new prison campus at Thornton Hall is a complex project which is governed by Department of Finance and EU procurement guidelines. The guidelines set out a range of actions that must take place prior to inviting tenders for the project. The Irish Prison Service is being assisted in this work by the National Development Finance Agency. It is intended to invite tenders for the construction of the Phase 2 — the main prison development next year. I would expect the new prison to be operational within 3 years of the signing of a contract for Phase 2.

In relation to expenditure on the project, the cost of the acquisition of the site for the prison development at Thornton Hall, Kilsallaghan, County Dublin was €29.9 million. The cost of the site was largely offset by the sale of surplus prison lands at Shanganagh, County Dublin. An additional 8.7 acres has also been acquired at a cost of €1.3m to provide a dedicated access route to the main prison site. This was done following representations from the local community which reflected concern in relation to the effect of increased traffic generated by the prison development.

A total of €41.8m, including the site acquisition costs above, has been expended to end August 2009 on professional fees, site preparation and engineering surveys, landscaping and security work. As is the case with all major infrastructure projects a comprehensive set of geological, engineering and archaeological surveys were conducted at the site. These essential preliminary site surveys will help to reduce the overall construction programme once a contract is signed.

Crime Levels.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

35 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of occasions in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 in which grenades, bombs or improvised explosive devices have been used; the number of occasions in each year when the gardaí called on the assistance of the Army ordinance unit to deal with such devices; the number of prosecutions initiated as a result of the discovery of such devices; his views on the increased use of such devices by criminal elements; the steps being taken to curb the use of such devices, particularly having regard to the danger they pose to the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31166/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that in 2009 (to 10 September) there have been 142 incidents involving suspected grenades, pipe-bombs or other improvised devices, nationwide at which a Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Device team has attended, with 180 such incidents recorded in 2008 and 98 incidents in 2007.

I am further informed that in respect of the incidents that occurred in 2008 and 2009, up to 10 September, there have been a total of 86 arrests. There have been four convictions and in another 54 cases the matters are currently before the courts or files are with the DPP. The Deputy will appreciate that it is in the nature of proceedings for criminal offences that there may be a time period for the investigation, charge, prosecution and eventual conviction or acquittal, and the figures given may, therefore, be subject to change. A detailed breakdown of the figures for 2007 is not readily available.

Investigations by the Garda Síochána into certain recent incidents involving the use of pipe bomb attacks in the greater Dublin area indicate links between members of a republican group and organised criminal elements.

Garda strategies in counteracting these activities are firmly focused on disrupting these organised criminal groups and where sufficient evidence is adduced, proffering charges and bringing such persons before the Courts. The Gardaí will continue to take vigorous action in counteracting the threat posed by these gangs. One of the priorities I have set for the Garda Síochána in 2009 is the targeting of serious crime, in particular organised, gun and drug related crime. The Garda Policing Plan for 2009 contains a series of measures aimed at reducing the impact of crime and criminal behaviour. These goals are backed up by strategic actions which include a commitment to continue and intensify intelligence-led operations against groups and individuals engaged in criminality.

Operation Anvil is an important nationwide operation to deal with serious crime, including murder and other violent crime. The primary focus of the Operation is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static checkpoints by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols.

The Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, which became law on 23 July, further strengthens the law dealing with those involved in criminal organisations. As a result, all organised crime offences will be tried in the Special Criminal Court unless the DPP directs otherwise. This is being done to prevent intimidation of juries in those cases where such measures are necessary. A new offence of directing or controlling a criminal organisation has been created, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The maximum penalty for the offence of participation or involvement in organised crime has been increased from 5 years to 15 years imprisonment. Expert Garda opinion evidence on the existence and operations of criminal gangs is now admissible in evidence. Furthermore, there are significant new provisions relating to bail, sentencing, drawing of inferences by the courts, intimidation of witnesses and jurors and a simplification of the procedures relating to the extension of time for questioning.

Other significant pieces of legislation introduced to target organised crime include the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act 2009, which provides a statutory framework for evidence obtained by means of covert surveillance to be used in criminal trials, and the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 which further tightens the legislative provisions relating to guns and knives and similar weapons.

Criminal Prosecutions.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

36 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the extent to which criminal gangs have been prosecuted under the new criminal justice legislation since the Acts were initiated; the numbers of persons charged and released without charge under this legislation; the number in respect of which charges have been preferred; the extent to which criminal gang leaders living abroad wanted on foot of crime here have been sought out for extradition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31237/09]

The issue of tackling serious crime remains of the highest priority. I am happy that recent legislation I brought before this House to help combat this issue was enacted by way of the Criminal Justice Amendment Act 2009. This legislation was brought into effect on 23 July this year.

This Act is wide ranging and seeks, among other things, to remove the effects of jury intimidation. It also provides for the use of the Special Criminal Court in trials involving the most serious of crimes.

Provision has been made in the legislation for increasing the powers of detention available to Gardai and a new offence, that of directing a criminal organisation, has been created which can attract a sentence of up to life in prison if proven guilty.

As the Deputy is aware, the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 is a very new piece of legislation. While the Garda authorities are already making use of its provisions, it will take some time before they are in a position to bring criminals before the Courts.

This legislation is aimed at tackling very serious crimes and I am sure that the Deputy would not welcome Gardai rushing investigations with the possibility of failing to provide anything other than comprehensive evidence of criminality to the Courts in very serious cases. A major conference of senior Gardaí, chaired by the Garda Commissioner, took place in the Garda Training College, Templemore last week to coordinate the efforts of those involved in investigating serious crime. I have no doubt that the effects of Garda ongoing activities will be demonstrated in a very positive way with cases being brought before the Courts in due course.

I am informed that An Garda Síochána maintains close liaison with law enforcement agencies throughout Europe and elsewhere, exchanging information and intelligence on Irish criminals living abroad. This ongoing liaison has led to a number of successful joint operations, targeting attempted importations of drugs and firearms, resulting in a number of significant arrests here and in other Jurisdictions. Where intelligence, supported by evidence, is available law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions put operations in place, as appropriate, to prevent and detect such criminality.

Where information exists that a person, who is wanted in relation to a particular crime in this jurisdiction is living abroad, and where the particular legal requirements apply, extradition is sought or a European Arrest Warrant is applied for. In addition, Ireland is a party to various International Conventions which provide for assistance in criminal matters between jurisdictions.

Crime Prevention.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

37 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the initiatives he has put in place to tackle knife crime; if such initiatives are subject to periodic evaluation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31450/09]

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

66 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the additional steps he plans to take to combat the use of knives in assaults and murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31153/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 66 together.

A comprehensive and robust legal framework is now in place in this area including heavy penalties for breaches of the laws concerned. The Garda Commissioner last year made recommendations to me in relation to knives and sharply pointed or bladed weapons, and subsequently the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 was enacted, further strengthening the law and responding to Garda concerns about knife crime. The maximum penalty for possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority has been increased from one to five years, and An Garda Síochána have been given an extended power of search without warrant in relation to knives and offensive weapons.

In tandem with the new legislation, samurai swords have generally been banned from importation and sale.

Last February, the Garda Commissioner and I launched a Knife Awareness Campaign by An Garda Síochána to inform and educate young people on the dangers of carrying knives and with the aim of reducing the number of incidents of knife crime. Young people, mainly in their 20s, make up approximately one third of knife crime offenders. The campaign is therefore targeting a young male audience with messages about the dangers of knives and knife crime delivered through role models in both the sporting and media world. The campaign is featuring twelve road show meetings during 2009 which are complemented by targeted online advertising.

The roll out of the local road show meetings is supported by print and broadcast media initiatives that are designed to be specific to the locality of the meeting. The campaign is supported online by a dedicated website and a presence on social networking websites, as well as uploaded videos and a viral video. This will help deliver the campaign message through media that its target audience find accessible and feel comfortable with. Information leaflets on the campaign will also be made available to young people and their parents.

The campaign is linked with programmes which support youth workers on youth diversion projects, thereby enabling the campaign message to reach at-risk young people. This work is further strengthened by community Gardaí who, as part of their functions, visit schools to cover a number of topics such as underage drinking, drugs and bullying. These community Gardaí have been supplied with the necessary tools to bring the key messages of the campaign into schools around the country.

More generally, all members of An Garda Síochána proactively target public disorder and anti-social behaviour, including knife related crime. Areas identified as public order hot-spots by local Garda management are the subject of additional foot and mobile patrols. Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and are dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law. Almost 575,000 offences have been detected since the commencement of Operation Encounter, which was commenced by the then Commissioner in February, 2002 to target public disorder and anti-social behaviour against the local and business communities.

Statistics show that nearly one third of knife crimes occur in domestic settings and often with a degree of spontaneity, which increases the challenges of policing and enforcement.

The whole area of knives and knife crime is kept under constant review.

EU Directives.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

38 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of EU directives for which he has responsibility remaining to be implemented; the directives that are overdue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31163/09]

My Department has responsibility for seven EU Directives which have to be implemented. There are four Directives which are currently overdue as follows:

Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 1 December 2005 on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status.

Irish law and practice in this area is already substantially in compliance with the terms of this Directive. The Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill, 2008 contains provisions to restate the law on refugee and other protection procedures with some amendments. These restatements are in compliance with Ireland's obligations under the Directive. The Bill is currently being considered by Dáil Éireann.

Directive 2006/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the retention of data generated or processed in connection with the provision of publicly available electronic communications services or of public communications networks and amending Directive 2002/58/EC.

Part of the Directive is covered by Part 7 of the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005. The remainder is to be transposed by the Communications (Retention of Data) Bill 2009 which was published on 9 July 2009 and is currently before Dáil Éireann.

Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2005 on the prevention of the use of the financial system for the purpose of money laundering and terrorist financing; and

Commission Directive 2006/70/EC of 1 August 2006 laying down implementing measures for Directive 2005/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the definition of politically exposed person and the technical criteria for simplified customer due diligence procedures and for exemption on grounds of a financial activity conducted on an occasional or very limited basis.

The Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Bill 2009, which will transpose these Directives, was published on 28 July, 2009 and is currently before Dáil Éireann.

There are three Directives which remain to be implemented. They are not overdue. They are:

Directive 2008/51/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 amending Council Directive 91/477/EEC on control of the acquisition and possession of weapons;

Directive 2007/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 May 2007 on the placing on the market of pyrotechnic articles;

Directive 2008/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercial matters.

Departmental Bodies.

David Stanton

Question:

39 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 473 of 22 April 2009, the dates on which the Senior Official and National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Groups have met since their establishment; the next date they are both due to meet; the issues being addressed or to be addressed by the groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31426/09]

The Senior Officials Group on Disability met on the following dates: 24 October 2005; 2 March 2006; 16 May 2006; 15 June 2006; 23 June 2006; 26 October 2006; 30 November 2006; 20 April 2007; 29 November 2007; 29 January 2008; 29 April 2008; 7 November 2008; 18 February 2009. The next meeting of the Group is scheduled to take place on 29 September 2009.

The National Disability Strategy Stakeholder Monitoring Group met on the following dates: 30 November 2006; 2 July 2007; 29 January 2008; 12 June 2008; 24 February 2009. The next meeting of the Group is scheduled to take place on 5 October 2009.

Both Groups monitor the implementation of the National Disability Strategy.

Criminal Assets Bureau.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

40 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the coordination that exists between his Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in respect of criminals against whom the Criminal Assets Bureau has obtained judgments receiving social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31508/09]

Michael Noonan

Question:

46 Deputy Michael Noonan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the coordination that exists between his Department and the Department of Social and Family Affairs in respect of criminals subject to investigation by An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau receiving social welfare payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31500/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 46 together.

The Criminal Assets Bureau includes a number of Social Welfare inspectors who are appointed as Bureau Officers and who are actively engaged in identifying and targeting funds accumulated by criminals. Where such assets are identified they are seized in order to deprive criminals of the opportunity of benefitting from the use of those assets.

Social Welfare inspectors attached to the Bureau also investigate and determine social welfare entitlements of persons who are suspected of deriving assets from criminal activity.

In addition, the Regional Director's Office of the Department of Social and Family Affairs fully cooperates with all requests in relation to cases of interest to Bureau Officers and also refers Departmental cases deemed suitable for consideration of investigation and determination by the Bureau.

The effectiveness of this approach can be seen from the fact that in the period since its inception up to the end of 2007, CAB made savings of over €3.5m and recovered €2.5m in relation to social welfare payments.

Sentencing Policy.

Pat Breen

Question:

41 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the average length of a life sentence in Irish prisons; and if, in view of the role of the Houses of the Oireachtas in the matter of mandatory prison sentences, he will elaborate further on comments he made recently on the matter. [31438/09]

A person subject to a life sentence remains the subject to that sentence for life. A life sentence is mandatory in a limited number of cases most importantly in the case of a conviction for murder.

The Houses of the Oireachtas in enacting the Criminal Justice Act 1960 and the Criminal Justice (Temporary Release of Prisoners) Act 2003 provided a framework whereby the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform may release prisoners for such period and subject to such conditions as may be specified. Temporary release may be granted on a number of grounds including humanitarian grounds or where the Minister is of the opinion that the person has been rehabilitated and would upon being released be capable of reintegrating into society. Before making a decision regard has to be had to a number of factors including the nature and gravity of the offence, the period of imprisonment served and the potential threat to the safety and security of the public.

A person who has been sentenced to a life sentence and continues to remain a threat will serve his or her life sentence in custody. Five life sentenced prisoners have died in custody since 1997 and a number of current life sentenced prisoners have served more than 30 years in custody.

However when a prisoner has served a lengthy period of imprisonment and has been rehabilitated, consideration is given to granting extended periods of temporary release to such a person. Those life sentenced prisoners on temporary release remain subject to their sentence and if they breach any conditions they will be returned to custody.

The average time spent in custody by life sentenced prisoners given extended periods of temporary release over the last five years is 16 years. The comparable figure for the period 1975 to 1984 was 7 to 8 years.

Clearly there are different circumstances which must be taken into account in each tragedy which attracts a mandatory life sentence. Consequently to impose a mandatory period of a specific duration which must be served in custody without any prospect of temporary release would not, in my view, be the correct way to proceed. Our current system provides that all prisoners who are serving a life sentence are eligible to have their cases reviewed by the Parole Board when they have served seven years in custody. The Board makes recommendations to me as Minister on how such life sentences should be managed. Generally speaking — as the average sentence length suggests — life sentenced prisoners are reviewed on a number of occasions before any substantial recommendations are made that might eventually lead to the release of the prisoner into the community to continue to serve his/her sentence, subject to strict conditions. The Parole Board process has, I believe, served us well and I do not propose to alter the current practice.

European Arrest Warrants.

Bernard Allen

Question:

42 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason suspects subject to European arrest warrants were released in 2008 due to processing delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31433/09]

The three cases referred to by the Deputy were reported by Ireland in response to an EU questionnaire on the operation of the European Arrest Warrant. In two of the cases, the subjects were released in 2008 and the third subject was released in March 2009. The three subjects were released because the issuing authority failed, in each case, to collect the subjects within the statutory time limit.

Under the provisions of the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003, as amended, a person, whose surrender has been ordered by the High Court, must be surrendered to the requesting state within 10 days from the date the Order takes effect. The Act provides for an extension of the time limit in circumstances where a date is agreed between the issuing authority and the Irish Central Authority for the European Arrest Warrant . The courts in this jurisdiction have ruled that applications for such extensions must be made to the courts and that the issuing authorities must show good reason why it was not possible to collect the subject within the time limit. If no extension is sought or, if sought, the extension is refused, the subject must be released on expiration of the Order. In each of the three cases in question, the Irish Central Authority notified the issuing authorities of the Order for surrender and the time limit in accordance with standard procedures. In each case, the issuing authority was unable to collect the subject within the statutory time limit.

Following legal proceedings in two of the cases, the courts ordered release of the subjects on the grounds that the reasons advanced by the issuing authorities for failure to collect within the time-limit were not sufficient. As the Deputy will appreciate, the courts are, subject to the law and the Constitution, independent in the exercise of their functions and it is not open to me to make any comment in relation to these proceedings. In the third case, the subject was released on legal advice after the issuing authority failed to respond to the Irish Central Authority.

Since the European Arrest Warrant Act came into force, Ireland has surrendered 234 persons on foot of warrants.

Finally, I should add that the Central Authority has raised the issue of non-collection with the authorities of a particular Member State. In response, the authorities in the state concerned have assured the Irish authorities that subjects will be collected on time. The Central Authority will continue to monitor the situation and take action as appropriate.

Departmental Reports.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

43 Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation contained in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that the system of Garda allowances on top of pay, and high levels of overtime should be reviewed with a view to making savings of €50 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31147/09]

Planned expenditure levels for all the votes in my Department will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary processes for 2010. This will include consideration of the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.

Garda Reserve.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

44 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of members of the Garda Reserve recruited to date; the stations to which they have been allocated; the number of applicants for the Reserve currently in training; if he is satisfied with the rate of recruitment; when he expects that the full complement of 1,500 will be in place; if restrictions have been placed on recruitment to the Reserve arising from budgetary restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31167/09]

At 31 July 2009, there were 407 attested Reserve Gardaí and 151 Reserve trainees. Details of the stations to which the Reserve members were assigned are set out in the table below.

The Agreed Programme for Government has set a target strength for the Reserve at 10% of the full-time strength of the force. As the Garda Reserve depends on volunteers who undertake their training and other duties during their free time, it is difficult to predict how many people will commence training in any particular period. However, I can assure the Deputy that the Garda Commissioner is continuing to make every effort to reach the recruitment target. In that context, I would point out that the moratorium on recruitment and appointments in the public service does not apply to the Garda Reserve, as members are volunteers and do not draw a salary.

Recruitment is ongoing and the Public Appointments Service has received over 1,700 expressions of interest to join the Reserve in 2009. The PAS holds interviews on a rolling basis at a range of locations around the country. The ongoing public information campaign to recruit members to the Garda Reserve includes indoor and outdoor awareness raising campaigns and radio and TV promotional interviews nationally and locally.

The Government is strongly committed to the development of the Reserve.

Reserve Gardaí at 31/07/2009

Station

Total

D.M.R.S.C

Kevin Street

6

Kilmainham

3

Pearse St.

17

Harcourt Tce.

0

Donnybrook

4

Irishtown

0

Total

30

DMR NC

Store Street

6

Bridewell

5

Fitzgibbon Street

8

Mountjoy

0

Total

19

DMR North

Santry

5

D/Airport

0

Whitehall

2

Ballymun

7

Raheny

3

Clontarf

4

Howth

2

Coolock

8

Swords

5

Malahide

1

Balbriggan

5

Skerries

0

Lusk

0

Rush

0

Garristown

0

Total

42

DMR East

Dun Laoghaire

7

Dalkey

0

Cabinteely

0

Kill-O-Grange

0

Shankhill

0

Blackrock

7

Dundrum

0

Stepaside

0

Total

14

DMR South

Crumlin

5

Sundrive Road

1

Tallaght

6

Rathfarnham

3

Rathmines

2

Terenure

4

Total

21

DMR West

Cabra

0

Finglas

7

Blanchardstown

17

Lucan

8

Ronanstown

1

Ballyfermot

4

Clondalkin

6

Rathcoole

0

Total

43

DMR Total

169

Waterford

Waterford

9

Tramore

2

Dungarvan

0

Total

11

Wexford

Gorey

3

Enniscorthy

2

New Ross

1

Wexford

2

Total

8

Tipperary

Nenagh

1

Thurles

1

Roscrea

1

Carrick-On-Suir

1

Clonmel

4

Cahir

3

Tipperary

2

Total

13

Kilkenny/Carlow

Kilkenny

6

Thomastown

0

Carlow

5

Total

11

S/Eastern Region Total

43

Cork City

Anglesea Street

10

Mayfield

4

Watercourse Road

4

Togher

7

Gurranbraher

8

Total

33

Cork North

Cobh

1

Fermoy

2

Midleton

4

Total

7

Cork West

Bandon

1

Clonakilty

2

Macroom

1

Total

4

Kerry

Tralee

2

Killarney

0

Total

2

Limerick

Henry Street

10

Total

10

Southern Region Total

56

Donegal

Letterkenny

9

Ballybofey

1

Total

10

Cavan/Monaghan

Cavan

3

Monaghan

3

Total

6

Sligo/Leitrim

Sligo

6

Carrick-On-Shannon

1

Total

7

Louth

Drogheda

8

Dundalk

5

Ardee

1

Total

14

Northern Regional Total

37

Clare

Ennis

8

Killaloe

0

Total

8

Mayo

Castlebar

9

Ballina

3

Swinford

1

Claremorris

1

Westport

3

Total

17

Galway

Galway

24

Tuam

2

Salthill

2

Total

28

Roscommon/Longford

Roscommon

3

Longford

2

Total

5

Western Region Total

58

Westmeath

Athlone

2

Mullingar

7

Total

9

Meath

Navan

3

Ashbourne

1

Trim

2

Kells

2

Total

8

Kildare

Kildare

5

Naas

2

Athy

2

Celbridge

1

Newbridge

3

Total

13

Laois/Offaly

Tullamore

5

Birr

1

Portlaoise

2

Total

8

Wicklow

Bray

4

Arklow

1

Baltinglass

1

Total

6

Eastern Region Total

44

Total

407

Departmental Reports.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

45 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation contained in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that responsibility for the operation of immigration control at the point of entry should be transferred to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31148/09]

Decisions on all of the issues arising from this Report will be a matter for Government. It is important to recognise that immigration controls at ports of entry are the first line in maintaining the integrity of the State's immigration system and are critical to the security of the State. Dublin Airport is by far the State's largest port of entry accounting for over 20m passenger journeys each year. It is essential therefore that any proposed change to the existing system of immigration controls is carefully considered.

The most effective approach to maintaining the integrity and security of the states borders is currently being reviewed at a senior level within the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service and the Garda National Immigration Bureau and this review will take in the elements which can contribute to maximising the effectiveness and delivery of that function and, will of course, take on board the relevant comments and recommendations in this respect contained in the Special Group Report.

Question No. 46 answered with Question No. 40.

Crime Levels.

Liz McManus

Question:

47 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of gun murders which have taken place since the beginning of 2009; his views on the spate of such gun murders in the Dublin area and the extent to which this reflects the continued operation of criminal gangs; the steps being taken to deal with such murders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31156/09]

Willie Penrose

Question:

59 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of murder in which firearms were used in respect of each year from 1998 to date in 2009; the number of such cases in which prosecutions for murder were initiated; the number of such cases where convictions were secured; if he is satisfied with the level of detection and conviction in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31162/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 59 together.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the following table contains the number of cases of murder in which a firearm was used, proceedings commenced and convictions secured from 1998 to 2008 and in 2009 up to 10 September. Of these murders, nineteen took place in 2009.

As the Deputies are aware, these statistics, by their nature, carry a significant health warning. The detection rate for murders by its nature increases over time as Garda investigations progress. It is expected that the number of convictions obtained will increase as Garda investigations are concluded and proceedings commenced are finalised by the courts. This applies particularly to murders committed in the most recent years. In addition, directions may be received from the Law Officers to charge persons arrested in connection with such incidents with offences other than murder, for example firearms offences. Furthermore such persons charged and brought before the courts may be convicted of offences other than murder.

All killings, regardless of the circumstances involved, are the subject of rigorous investigation by An Garda Síochána and will continue to be so.

While An Garda Síochána have made significant progress in the investigation of a number of killings, there can be considerable difficulties for them in obtaining evidence in shootings which are the result of gangland activities. It has to be accepted that the reality is that associates of a victim of a gangland killing who would have information of value to An Garda Síochána often do not cooperate with Garda investigations. Indeed, they frequently fail to cooperate even when they themselves are the victims of violence. A number of changes to the law on evidence have been made to address this. It has also to be accepted that there is often no connection or personal association between the victim and the perpetrator, which makes it very difficult for An Garda Síochána in their investigation of such a murder. Witnesses may also be subject to high levels of intimidation not to come forward, and it is to assist such witnesses that the Witness Protection Programme is in place.

Our criminal law has been significantly strengthened in recent years. Many of these changes are targeted at fighting gangland crime. The Criminal Justice Acts of 2006 and 2007, in particular, introduced wide ranging reforms to strengthen the capacity of An Garda Síochána to tackle serious crime. One of the most far reaching has been the introduction of seven day detention for offences connected with organised crime such as murder or kidnapping involving the use of a firearm. The bail laws have been strengthened to allow the prosecution mount a more effective challenge to bail applications. For example, applicants for bail can be required to provide a statement of their means so that the prosecution can highlight any divergence between their lifestyles and their stated means as evidence of their involvement in gangland activity. The circumstances in which inferences may be drawn at trial from a suspect's silence in response to Garda questioning have also been expanded.

A significant further strengthening of the law dealing with those involved in criminal organisations took place with the enactment of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009, which became law on 23 July. As a result, all organised crime offences will be tried in the Special Criminal Court unless the DPP directs otherwise. This is being done to prevent intimidation of juries in those cases where such measures are necessary. A new offence of directing or controlling a criminal organisation has been created, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The maximum penalty for the offence of participation or involvement in organised crime has been increased from 5 years to 15 years imprisonment. Expert Garda opinion evidence on the existence and operations of criminal gangs is now admissible in evidence. Furthermore, there are significant new provisions relating to bail, sentencing, drawing of inferences by the courts, intimidation of witnesses and jurors and a simplification of the procedures relating to the extension of time for questioning.

Other significant pieces of legislation introduced to target organised crime include the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act, which provides a statutory framework for evidence obtained by means of covert surveillance to be used in criminal trials, and the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 which further tightens the legislative provisions relating to guns and knives and similar weapons.

A further important development is the publication of the Criminal Procedure Bill 2009 which gives effect to the measures contained in the Justice for Victims Initiative. The Bill provides for reform of the law on victim impact statements and proposes to end the ban on retrying people who have been acquitted in specified circumstances.

I expect that the Criminal Justice (Forensic Sampling and Evidence) Bill, which will provide for the establishment and operation of a DNA database, will be published in this session.

One of the priorities I have set for An Garda Síochána in 2009 is the targeting of serious crime, in particular organised, gun and drug related crime. The Garda Policing Plan for 2009 contains a series of measures aimed at reducing the impact of crime and criminal behaviour. These goals are backed up by strategic actions which include a commitment to continue and intensify intelligence-led operations against groups and individuals engaged in criminality.

Operations against organised criminal gangs operating in this jurisdiction are undertaken on an ongoing basis. The members of such gangs and their operating methods, criminal interests and financial assets are the subject of such operations, which are primarily undertaken by specialist units of An Garda Síochána, including the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Garda National Drugs Unit, the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau.

In particular, Operation Anvil commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region in 2005 to deal with serious crime, including murder and other violent crime, and was extended nationwide in 2006. The primary focus of the Operation is the targeting of active criminals and their associates involved in serious crime by preventing and disrupting their criminal activity through extensive additional overt patrolling and static checkpoints by uniform, mobile and foot patrols, supported by armed plain clothes patrols.

Under Operation Anvil, up to 6 September, 2009, over 2,700 firearms have been recovered. There have also been over 8,200 arrests for serious crimes such as murder, serious assault, robbery and burglary in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and over 79,700 searches for weapons, drugs and stolen goods. An Garda Síochána will continue to address the issue of illegal guns relentlessly through Operation Anvil.

I am determined that the highest priority will continue to be given to frontline policing. In addition to Operation Anvil, other key operations will be maintained through 2009, and I am determined that any savings that will have to be made will not be allowed to diminish frontline policing.

Number of murders recorded in which a firearm was used, proceedings commenced and convictions from 1998 to 2008 and in 2009 up to 10 September

Recorded

Proceedings Commenced

Convictions

180

47

20

Drugs in Prisons.

Jack Wall

Question:

48 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the disclosure contained in the annual report of the Inspector of Prisons that almost half of inmates in a single prison (details supplied) tested positive for illicit drugs; the steps being taken to stem the flow of drugs into prisons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31144/09]

A significant number of prisoners go to Loughan House on the first day of their sentence or soon after being admitted into the prison system. Accordingly, testing positive for drugs on arrival in Loughan is not an indication that a prisoner has consumed drugs while in the prison.

It is acknowledged that drugs present a major challenge to the Irish Prison Service and in this context, the Irish Prison Service Drugs Policy & Strategy, entitled Keeping Drugs out of Prison was launched in May 2006. The implementation of this Policy & Strategy has seen an intensification of efforts in the prison system to eliminate the availability of illicit drugs within prisons including:

Tighter control and monitoring of prisoner visits in all closed prisons;

New visiting arrangements in most closed prisons, with visitors required to be pre-approved by the Governor and required to provide identification on each visit; Greater use of screened visits;

Greater vigilance in examining mail by prison censors and searching of other items entering the prison;

Increased random searching of cells and their occupants;

Stricter searching of all persons committed to custody and prisoners returning from court, temporary release, after visits or on receipt of intelligence;

Use of modern cameras and probe systems which assist in searching previously difficult areas such as hollow chair or bed legs, under floor boards and other cavities;

Installation of nets over exercise yards to prevent access to contraband items, including mobile phones and drugs;

Use of phone detectors and phased installation of telephone blocking technology.

In addition, a number of new security initiatives have been introduced in all closed prisons including:

The introduction of enhanced security screening for all persons (visitors and staff) entering our prisons;

The establishment of a drug detection dog service within the Irish Prison Service involving approximately 30 handling teams;

The establishment of Operational Support Units dedicated to and developing expertise in searching and gathering intelligence on illicit material being hidden inside our prisons; they will be available in addition to the normal prison staff and can target specific security problem areas;

The Body Orifice Security Scanner (BOSS) chair was introduced by the Irish Prison Service in early 2008 and to date eight chairs have been installed.

The new security screening at prison entrances and the measures introduced have had considerable success in preventing the flow of and assisting in the capture of contraband such as illicit drugs.

As the Inspector of Prison states in his recently published 2008 Annual Report, the new security measures have significantly impacted upon the availability of drugs in prison. However, the reality is that as long as there is drug misuse in the community this will be inevitably reflected in a prison setting. That said, the Irish Prison Service continues to work to implement its Drugs Policy and Strategy, which also includes continued investment in services within prisons to reduce the demand for illicit drugs in the prisoner population as well as meeting prisoners' treatment and rehabilitative needs.

Court of Appeal.

Simon Coveney

Question:

49 Deputy Simon Coveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his plans in respect of proposals to establish a new Court of Appeal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31454/09]

The Report of the Working Group on a Court of Appeal, chaired by Mrs Justice Susan Denham, was presented to Government in July last and published in August. The Group's recommendations will be examined in detail in consultation with relevant Departments, the Attorney General and relevant interests. The Deputy will appreciate that the Government is concerned to ensure that the examination should focus on identifying an approach to implementation which would minimise the net additional costs, having regard to the economic and financial benefit of a more timely conclusion of litigation. It is also necessary to ensure that multiple avenues of appeal, which would have a negative impact on costs and delays, do not develop.

No decision has yet been made regarding the holding of a referendum, as recommended in the Report, pending completion of the examination I have mentioned

Departmental Reports.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

50 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation from the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that the Office of the Minister for Integration should be discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31173/09]

Joe Costello

Question:

72 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation contained in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes that the Office of the Minister for Integration should be discontinued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31146/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 72 together.

The Report referred to in the Questions will be considered as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010 and the decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of this consideration.

Criminal Investigations.

Tom Hayes

Question:

51 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the success of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31482/09]

The legislation I have brought into effect through the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009 will greatly assist the Gardaí in targeting those engaged in the most serious of criminal activities.

As the Deputy will understand, it remains very early in the day in order to provide definitive evidence of the success of this legislation due to the fact that the gathering of evidence by the Garda authorities against those engaged in illegal activities takes time. The investigation of serious crimes cannot be carried out in a rushed manner.

I have no doubt however that the Gardai will use the new powers available to them to best effect.

Residency Permits.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

52 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the hardship being imposed on migrants who are granted long-term residency here arising from the recent imposition, with little notice, of a €500 fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31171/09]

The Deputy should be aware that Ireland is virtually alone among E.U. member States in not hitherto charging a fee for long term residency status. The fee now imposed is not considered excessive and compares favourably with that charged by the U.K. immigration authorities, for example, where a fee of €950 is levied for conveying a similar status.

Long term residency is an administrative scheme operated by my Department since 2004. It enables individuals who have been legally resident in the State on the basis of work permit/work authorisation/work visa conditions to apply for the status of long term resident thus allowing them to engage in employment without the need for a work permit/work authorisation and negating the need for them to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau on an annual basis. A long term residency permission is valid for a period of five years and on its expiry, the individual may apply to have same renewed.

The procedures involved in processing applications for long term residency are very similar to those applicable to applications for naturalisation i.e. the individual in question must be legally resident in the State for a specific period, he or she must be financially self-sufficient, be of good character, etc. The processes used to determine eligibility have been developed and refined since the scheme was introduced and, as is the case with naturalisation, are necessary to maintain the integrity of the process. Depending on the complexity of any given case, these processes can necessarily take some time to complete and involve a substantial burden on State resources. It is entirely appropriate that the State should seek to recover some of these costs. It should be noted that the fee involved does not fully meet the cost of processing the application.

The fee of €500 applies to all applicants on the initial grant of a long term residency status on or after 7 September, 2009. This status shall be valid for a period of five years at which time, the person concerned will be required to re-apply for long term residency. No fee will be payable to renew such a permission other than the existing registration fee payable to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (G.N.I.B.). Accordingly, it is worth noting that the overall cost to the applicant of long term residency, even with the fee, is less than he/she would incur by registering annually with G.N.I.B. during the currency of the long term residency permission.

Irish Prison Service.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

53 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to a newspaper article (details supplied); his views on its opinion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31514/09]

The mission of the Irish Prison Service is to provide safe, secure and humane custody for people who are sent to prison. The Service is committed to managing custodial sentences in a way which encourages and supports prisoners in their endeavouring to live law abiding and purposeful lives as valued members of society.

Prisoner rehabilitation involves significant multi-dimensional input by a diverse range of general and specialist services provided both by the Irish Prison Service and in-reaching statutory and non-statutory services. Amongst these are healthcare, psychiatric, psychological, educational, vocational, counselling, welfare and spiritual services. These services are important in addressing offending behaviour, drug and alcohol addiction, missed educational and vocational opportunities, anger management, and self management in the interest of encouraging positive personal development in prisoners, and preparing them for re-integration and resettlement on release from custody.

The Irish Prison Service is also engaged in introducing an enhanced model of sentence management for prisoners (Integrated Sentence Management — ISM). ISM will involve a new emphasis on prisoners taking greater personal responsibility for their own development through active engagement with both specialist and non-specialist services in the prisons. The end result will be a prisoner-centred approach to working with prisoners with provision for initial assessment, goal setting and periodic review to measure progress. The development and roll-out of this model is planned to take place on a phased basis with the new system currently being piloted in two Dublin prisons.

In addition the Probation Service also has an active role during the course of the prisoner's sentence in helping maintain links with family and community agencies, encouraging prisoners to address their offending behaviour and engaging prisoners in individual counselling and group counselling programmes. The Service also provides supervision in certain cases under temporary release provisions.

As the Deputy is aware the Government recently re-affirmed its commitment to developing new prison facilities at Thornton Hall to replace the outdated prison facilities at Mountjoy Prison. The current lack of space, the poor physical infrastructure in Mountjoy Prison severely impacts on the ability of the Irish Prison Service and other agencies to provide the range of work training, education, and other rehabilitation programmes expected of a modern prison system.

Building a new prison on a green field site will open up new opportunities for the development of progressive regime facilities that will support the rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners on completion of their sentence. In developing a design concept for Thornton Hall, the Irish Prison Service will deliver a modern and operationally efficient prison facility which is regime led and which provides safe and secure custody.

A two phase approach is being adopted for the development of the new prison. The first phase involves essential basic work required for the development, including the construction of a dedicated access route and a perimeter wall. This work will proceed in the short term on the basis of separate contracts. It is intended to complete the procurement process for the main prison development while the construction of phase one work is underway. Once a contract is signed for the main prison complex, it will allow for construction to commence immediately.

It is acknowledged that severe mental illness is more significant in the prisoner population compared to the general population. Under current arrangements the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) provides twenty-one Consultant led in-reach forensic mental health sessions weekly to Arbour Hill, Cloverhill, Wheatfield, Mountjoy, the Dóchas Centre, Training Unit, St. Patrick's, Portlaoise and the Midlands Prisons. In Cork, Limerick and Castlerea, specialist in-reach services are in place for Consultant led mental health sessions. Clinicians in other prisons (outside the CMH catchment prisons) arrange transfers to CMH services — mainly in Cloverhill — for assessment or admission to the CMH. Earlier this year, 10 additional beds were made available by the CMH. My officials will continue to keep this issue under review.

It is my intention to reduce, as far as possible, a dependence on imprisonment for default on payment of fines. While very few persons are in prison at any one time solely for non-payment of a fine, I am determined to reduce those numbers further. The Fines Bill 2009 is currently before the House and awaiting Committee Stage. Section 14 of the Bill allows for application to be made to a court to have a fine paid by instalments. The Bill also allows the courts to impose a community service order on a person who has not paid a fine by the due date for payment.

As you will be aware I have also set up a Project Board to examine the whole area of Electronic Monitoring. The final report from that Group is due shortly and that will inform the decision(s) to be made on using EM here for a pilot period as a management tool to support the work of the Gardaí and the Probation Service.

Departmental Reports.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

54 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recommendation in the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes to transfer disability functions to the Department of Health and Children; if his attention has been drawn to the opposition to such a transfer expressed by a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31172/09]

The recommendation contained in the McCarthy Report that disability functions in my Department be transferred to the Department of Health and Children is the subject of consideration by the two Departments with a view to identifying efficiencies and overall savings as well as ensuring that policy in support of equality for people with disabilities is maintained.

Given their representative character, the concerns expressed by this Group will be carefully taken into account in the deliberations on this matter. The Group's contention is that the role in co-ordinating overall policy among Departments under the National Disability Strategy and of promoting equality under that strategy should remain in my Department. The Group also suggests that the McCarthy recommendations appear to assume that my Department's functions involve the delivery of services whereas those functions centre instead around the promotion of the policy of equality. The question, ultimately for consideration by the Government in the context of the Estimates process, is whether the system of government in relation to disability equality matters can be better organised and improved at less cost. I can assure the Deputy that any decision that is made will be in the best interests of persons with disabilities.

Prison Accommodation.

Jack Wall

Question:

55 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the warning contained in the annual report of the Inspector of Prisons that overcrowding in some prisons is so acute that it is in danger of causing serious injury or loss of life; the steps being taken to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31143/09]

The Inspector of Prisons Annual Report 2008 stated that overcrowding in prisons is an international problem, not unique to Ireland.

As the Deputy will appreciate the Irish Prison Service must accept all prisoners committed by the Courts into its custody and do not have the option of refusing committals. It is the case that there has been a consistent increase in the total prisoner population over recent years. This situation is particularly apparent over the past 12 months during which time the total number in custody has increased by 306. This represents an 8.5% rise in the number in custody.

On 17 September, 2009, there were 3,904 prisoners in custody as compared to a bed capacity of 3,947. This represents an occupancy level of 99%.

The Irish Prison Service has been engaged in an extensive programme of investment in prisons' infrastructure. This has involved both the modernisation of the existing estate and the provision of extra prison spaces. There are contingency plans in place in all of our prisons to deal with peak population numbers. Since 1997, in excess of 1,400 additional spaces have been introduced in the prison system including a new accommodation block for 100 prisoners recently opened at Castlerea Prison. Furthermore, current projects will also provide the potential for an additional 450 prison spaces during 2009 by means of:

a new block in Portlaoise Prison which will have the potential to accommodate approximately 200 prisoners;

a new block in Wheatfield Prison which will also have the potential to accommodate approximately 200 prisoners;

opening the separation unit in Mountjoy Prison which will have the potential to accommodate 50 prisoners.

Despite this significant investment, it is quite clear that in some of our prisons we are operating in excess of our bed capacity at this time. In the longer term, the Government remains firmly committed to replacing the prisons on the Mountjoy complex with modern prison accommodation at Thornton Hall. Building new prison facilities at Thornton Hall on a green field site will open up new opportunities for the development of structured regime activities that support rehabilitation and resettlement of prisoners. In developing its design concept for Thornton Hall the Irish Prison Service sought and continues to seek to deliver a modern, operationally efficient and cost effective facility which will provide decent living conditions for prisoners with appropriate support programmes including the provision of modern facilities for prison staff.

The mission of the Irish Prison Service is to provide safe, secure and humane custody for those placed into custody. This is one of the main reasons for the introduction of recent security initiatives, such as airport style security screening including x-ray machines and scanning equipment, the establishment of the Operational Support Group, the establishment of the Drug Detection Dog Service within the Irish Prison Service, the segregation of a number of serious drug and criminal gang members in a high security unit in Cloverhill Prison and the use of phone detectors and phased installation of telephone blocking technology.

No level of inter prisoner violence is acceptable. Every effort is made by prison staff and management to limit the scope of acts of violence. While the prison regime is designed to limit the scope of acts of violence, it is not possible to completely eliminate the possibility of such acts in prisons holding a high proportion of violent offenders without introducing a regime that would be unacceptable. When you consider that in 2008 the Irish Prison Service provided almost 1.3 million bed nights to predominantly young males, the number of assaults on prisoners, particularly those using a weapon, was comparatively low. There were a total of 759 incidents of violence among prisoners during the year of which less than 7% included the use of a weapon. This amounts to an average of 2 incidents per day among a population of more than 3,500. Moreover, prisoner on prisoner attacks are very rarely random acts of violence. They are invariably related to matters such as drug debts and gang rivalries, all of which have their origins outside the prison setting.

Garda Training.

Lucinda Creighton

Question:

56 Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the amount spent on renovating Templemore Garda College, County Tipperary, in each of the past five years; the percentage capacity at which the training college will be running for each of the next three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31513/09]

I have requested details from the Garda Authorities in relation to the amount spent on renovating Templemore Garda College and I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

The Garda Training College continues to provide an excellent and essential service to An Garda Síochána and will do so into the future.

There are currently a total of 600 Garda students in training and approximately 900 student Gardaí will have become attested to the force throughout the course of 2009. The Public Service recruitment moratorium does not apply to the Garda Reserve and recruitment to the Reserve is ongoing. There are currently 151 reserve members at various stages of training and these trainees attend the Garda Training College as part of their training programme.

In the past few years the accelerated recruitment campaign resulted in additional demands on the capacity of the training college. In response to on-going training requirements, some in-service Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Courses for full-time members of the Force were transferred to an outsourced centre at the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh in 2005. This allowed the Garda College to concentrate on recruitment training. In recent months the outsourcing has discontinued and CPD training is now taking place in the Garda College with a consequent reduction in associated training costs. Members of An Garda Síochána can avail of CPD courses in areas such as Crime Prevention, Tactical Training, Forensic Collision and Cultural Diversity issues.

The following table shows the number of course places available to Gardaí over the past 5 years:

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

to Nov 2008

5,908

6,613

6,976

8,076

8,422

7,362

The situation in relation to recruitment and training will continue to be monitored to ensure that optimum use is made of the resources available at the Garda Training College.

National Disability Strategy.

David Stanton

Question:

57 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 25 February 2009, if the strategic document outlining the vision, mission and objectives of the National Disability Strategy has been published in line with commitments in Towards 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31425/09]

The strategic document outlining the vision, mission and strategic objectives of the National Disability Strategy was, following the approval of the Government, published on 27 May 2009 in accordance with the commitment in Towards 2016. It is available on the websites of my Department and of the National Disability Authority.

Refugee Resettlement Programme.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

58 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the calls made by the European Commission for more refugees from conflict zones to be admitted into the EU; the steps he is taking in order to achieve this aim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31742/09]

Ireland is one of a number of EU Member States with a national resettlement programme. Since 2000, Ireland has accepted over 900 persons for resettlement from over 20 countries. Under the applicable Government Decision, the annual resettlement quota under the UNHCR Resettlement Programme is currently 200 persons to be admitted as programme refugees.

On 2 September 2009, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the establishment of a Joint EU Resettlement Programme which would be a new element of the Common European Asylum System. The Commission proposes that the Joint Programme would have the following added value compared to the existing national programmes of some of the Member States:

increased humanitarian impact through greater and better targeted support to the international protection of refugees through resettlement.

enhanced strategic use of resettlement by ensuring that it is properly integrated into the Union's external and humanitarian policies generally.

streamlining the Union's resettlement efforts delivering benefits in the most cost-effective manner.

The Commission proposal is based on the following guiding principles:

participation by Member States in resettlement should remain voluntary.

the scope of resettlement activity in the EU should be widened.

the mechanism for setting resettlement priorities annually should be adaptable.

actors other than Member States should participate, including UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration.

The resettlement activities of EU Member States are eligible for financial support from the European Refugee Fund (ERF) which was established for the period 2008 to 2013 by Decision No 573/2007/EC. The Commission proposes that the ERF Decision be amended to provide the mechanism for setting common EU resettlement priorities for the following year through a Decision to be taken by the Commission. Following the adoption of the Commission Decision, the Member States will provide pledges of numbers of persons whom they will resettle according to the common EU annual priorities. On the basis of these pledges Member States will receive financial assistance of €4,000 per person to be resettled.

The Commission proposal for an amendment to the 2007 ERF Decision is subject to the co-decision procedure involving the European Parliament and the Council. Detailed work on the proposal by the preparatory bodies of the Council has yet to commence. However, as this work proceeds my Department will be concerned to ensure that the advantages of a Joint EU Programme which are suggested by the Commission are in fact achievable and that the positive elements of the national resettlement programmes are not lost with the establishment of a Joint EU Programme.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 47.

Garda Deployment.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

60 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of garda personnel engaged in providing driver and security services to the Members of the Government, members of the Judiciary, former Taoisigh or former Government Ministers; his plans to review the number involved with a view to transferring some of those garda officers to front line duties fighting crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31151/09]

I have been informed by the Garda Commissioner that there are 54 members of An Garda Síochána permanently assigned duties as Garda Protection Officers to 26 designated persons including current Office holders and four former Taoisigh. Included in the duties of the Protection Officer is a requirement to drive the Protected Person. There are no protection officers assigned to former Ministers.

Responsibility for the allocation of personnel rests with the Garda Commissioner, in conjunction with his senior management team. Resource levels are constantly monitored, in conjunction with crime trends and other demands made on An Garda Síochána, and are kept under review.

Drug Seizures.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

61 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the quantity and value of seizures of heroin, cocaine, cannabis, and of other drugs here during 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the proportion of the overall flow of drugs into Ireland which is believed to be represented by these seizures; the new initiatives he plans to control the flow of illegal drugs into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31159/09]

The following tabular statement gives the latest available information in relation to drug seizures for 2007, 2008 and this year to date.

This statement shows seizures of a total value of over €168m being made in 2007 and just over €200m in 2008.

Because of the covert nature of the activity, it is simply not possible to give a reliable estimate of the proportion of drugs coming into the country that these figures represent.

While it is true that some international studies attempt to estimate the proportion of overall drugs seized to production, this is not a reliable guide to the situation in any particular country. In particular, such figures cannot reflect increased enforcement levels in a country.

Through ongoing specific initiatives and intelligence-led operations, An Garda Síochána continues to seize substantial quantities of illegal drugs and identify those involved in the importation, distribution, sale and supply of illegal drugs.

In addition to the officers of the Force specifically assigned to the drugs issue who are attached to the Garda National Drugs Unit and the Divisional Drug Units, officers from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Organised Crime Unit and the Criminal Assets Bureau all assist in our overall law enforcement response to drug trafficking and drug dealing.

In addition, the Gardaí work closely with Customs and the Naval Service under the umbrella of the Joint Task Force on Drugs as well as with their international colleagues in tackling the problem.

An Garda Síochána is satisfied that, in addition to the considerable volume of drugs seized to date in 2009, a significant impact continues to be made by the arrest and prosecution of a number of major players involved in drug trafficking.

Recent and ongoing initiatives include

the operation of the Organised Crime Unit on a permanent capacity,

ongoing Irish involvement in the work of the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre in Lisbon,

strengthened provisions in the Criminal Justice Acts 2006 and 2007 and

the ringfencing of resources this year for Operation Anvil.

I am also confident that the recent legislation that I introduced dealing with surveillance coupled with the further measures put in place to tackle organised crime through the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act will be of particular value in tackling drugs gangs.

Finally, it is clear that we cannot tackle the problem of drug misuse through law enforcement measures alone. As set out in the Government's recently launched new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009 to 2016, we need to address the problem in a co-ordinated way across the pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.

In this context, I can assure the House that my Department, and all the agencies under its aegis, are fully committed to this approach and to the implementation of the Strategy.

The Garda authorities advise that the following tables show the quantities of drugs seized in 2007, 2008 and up to and including 11 September, 2009, on the basis of cases already reported to the Forensic Science Laboratory.

2009: Drug Seizures (up to and including 11 September 2009)

Drug Type

Quantity

Estimated Street Value

Cannabis

350,812.993 grams

4,209,755.916

Cannabis Resin

1,246,001.593 grams

7,476,009.558

Heroin

55,549 grams

8,332,350

Cocaine

56,237.687 grams

3,936,638.09

Ecstasy

12,872 tabs & 799.675 grams

104,343.75

Amphetamine

17,114.723 grams

256,720.845

Total Value

24,315,818.159

*Statistics provided for 2009 are operational, provisional and liable to change.

2008: Drug seizures

Drug Type

Quantity

Estimated Street Value

Cannabis

1,014,372.661 grams

2,028,745

Cannabis Resin

5,366,190.236 grams

37,563,332

Heroin

212,312.287 grams

42,462,457

Cocaine

1,688,091 grams

118,166,370

Ecstasy

113,884 tablets & 1,185.359 grams

1,198,108

Amphetamine

11,767.840 grams, 1,698 tablets

201,988

Total Value

201,621,000

2007: Drug seizures

Drug Type

Quantity

Estimated Street Value

Cannabis

779,310.871 grams

1,558,622

Cannabis Resin

1,279,697.544 grams

8,957,883

Heroin

148,520 grams

29,704,000

Cocaine

1,768,990.933 grams

123,829,365

Ecstasy

279,017 tablets, 17,375.362 grams

3,658,938

Amphetamine

58,223 grams, 10,471 tablets

1,030,410

Total Value

168,739,218

Civilianisation Programme.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

62 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason the creation of 900 civilian posts within the gardaí has resulted in the release of only 144 garda personnel for frontline policing duties, as highlighted in the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32619/09]

An effective police civilianisation programme does not always invoke pure "one for one" replacement of individual Gardaí with civilians — it can take a number of forms. Firstly, of course there is the replacement of sworn members, who are engaged in exclusively clerical, administrative or technical duties, with civilian staff. Secondly, and very importantly there is the use of civilian support which allows sworn members who would otherwise have to devote a significant part of their working day to performing some administrative duties to focus exclusively on front-line policing duties. Thirdly, there is the recruitment of civilians to perform completely new or expanded administrative, managerial and professional support roles in An Garda Síochána, for example as crime analysts or IT specialists.

On this account, and because of the significant restructuring of roles, functions and business areas that has taken place at all levels of An Garda Síochána in recent years, it is very difficult to quantify the exact number of posts which were occupied by sworn members but which today are held by civilians. I can however confirm that since 2003 the number of civilians in An Garda Síochána has more than doubled to approximately 2,130 whole time equivalents. Civilian staff are now involved in the provision of vital support services in a wide range of administrative, professional, technical and industrial areas, including Human Resources, Training & Development, IT and Telecommunications, Finance and Procurement, Internal Audit, Communications, research and analysis, accommodation and fleet management, scene-of-crime support and medical services. In addition, a number of essential operational support areas are either wholly or largely staffed by civilian staff, such as the Central Vetting Unit, the Garda Information Services Centre, and the Fixed Charge Processing Office. The Garda Síochána Analysis Service, to which I referred earlier, is staffed by qualified and highly trained civilian analysts and civilian Telecommunications Technicians provide front-line support to the whole of the Garda organisation across a range of technologies and services.

Citizenship Applications.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

63 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his definition of a stateless person; the extent to which this is in accord with International agreements and regulations; the number of such persons who have applied for naturalisation here in each of the past five years and to date in 2009; the number of such cases approved, rejected or pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31236/09]

The Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts 1956 to 2004 define a Stateless person as being ‘within the meaning of the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons of the 28th day of September, 1954'. The definition of a ‘Stateless Person' as outlined under this Convention is ’a person who is not considered as a national by any State under the operation of it’s law’. Every application for a certificate of naturalisation is dealt with on an individual basis, if the applicant claims to be stateless then the citizenship laws of the country of origin, country of birth and any other country that may be involved are examined to determine whether the applicant is entitled to citizenship. It is only after these checks are completed will a determination on the nationality of the applicant be made.

The number of applications in the last five years from persons who have presented as being Stateless is twenty three. Eleven of these applications are pending a decision, while three have been refused and four were ineligible. Five applications have been approved. Of these one had their status confirmed as Stateless, two were found to have nationality of another country and two are currently being examined to determine if they have an entitlement to nationality of another country.

In the overall context the proportion of applicants presenting as Stateless is very low at 1 in every 2,000 applications. Some people may consider themselves to be Stateless for example due to their ethnic origins but nonetheless have entitlement to nationality of their country of birth or nationality of another country through descent.

Crime Levels.

Willie Penrose

Question:

64 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the discussions he has had with the financial institutions to prevent so-called tiger robberies; if new security measures have been agreed to ensure the safety of staff and the security of money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31161/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

65 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the stage of the Garda investigation into the robbery of €7.6 million from a bank (details supplied) in a so-called tiger robbery; the amount of the money recovered to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31160/09]

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

I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the incident to which the Deputy refers remains the subject of an active and ongoing investigation. A number of persons have been charged and are currently before the Courts in connection with the incident. Consequently, it would not be appropriate for me to go into any further details about the matter, including the amount of money recovered to date.

As I stated in the immediate aftermath of this robbery, I spoke to the Chief Executive of the institution and expressed my concern that such a large sum of money could be removed from the bank in this manner. Several meetings have also taken place between An Garda Síochána and representatives from the financial institutions to discuss issues relating to their security arrangements, including the issue of so-called ‘tiger' kidnappings. There are agreed response procedures, which are detailed and all-encompassing, between An Garda Síochána and the financial institutions to deal with situations where members of staff or their families are taken hostage in order to facilitate robberies of such institutions. An Garda Síochána does not, for obvious security reasons, disclose information relating to such procedures and protocols.

I know that the members of this House will agree with me that it is vitally important that financial institutions follow the robust procedures and protocols that are in place to prevent robberies. These are there, first and foremost, to protect employees. It is important to recognise that it is only by rendering so-called ‘tiger' kidnapping attempts unsuccessful that we will stop them happening, and thereby protect innocent employees from being caught up in them in the future.

Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 37.

Criminal Records.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

67 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new procedures planned by the gardaí to ensure that officers do not access people’s criminal records for anything other than investigative purposes, particularly in view of the concerns expressed by the Garda Ombudsman Commission regarding the release of inaccurate information concerning a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31169/09]

The matter to which the Deputy refers concerns the alleged leaking of official material from Garda sources to the media relating to a deceased person. An investigation under section 98 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 into the matter was carried out by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and the full text of that report is available on its website.

The Ombudsman Commission report recommends to the Garda Commissioner that supervisory ranks of An Garda Síochána should regularly monitor the use of PULSE to ensure that members adhere to their legal and disciplinary obligations with regard to its proper use. The report also recommends that suitable measures be put in place by the Garda authorities to ensure audit trails of the usage of PULSE and any other official information systems can always be accurate and verifiable.

With regard to PULSE, An Garda Síochána have detailed procedures and instructions in place on the operation of the PULSE system. The PULSE system incorporates an accurate audit system which records all record creations and updates made on the system. The audit record includes the date and time when the update on the system took place and contains details of the user signed onto the system at that time. Audit-trails also record all inquires made on the core items of interest on the PULSE system including Person and Vehicle. Audit records are written at the time the associated transaction took place. These audit records can only be accessed centrally and are not available or visible to the users.

In response to the report, a review to consider the matters raised and identify options for enhanced usage of the PULSE Audit data in respect of the monitoring of data access has been conducted by the Gardaí. Specific proposals in this regard have been formulated and are presently under consideration by senior Garda management. Under these proposals an ‘Exceptional activity level report' and related business process has been advanced which will highlight to Garda Management specific PULSE records which are subject to a high level of data access activity occurring within a defined period. This new functionality will be included in the next major release of PULSE.

Equality Laws.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

68 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the recent complaint lodged with the European Commission by the Equality and Rights Alliance that Ireland is in breach of EU equality laws; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31154/09]

I understand that an ad-hoc group of non-governmental organisations has made a complaint to the European Commission about the level of Government funding for the Equality Authority.

The Commission has a mechanism for considering complaints from the general public of failure by a Member State to fulfil an obligation under Community law. It is a matter for the Commission in its own discretion to decide to commence proceedings on foot of a complaint. The individual complainant has no say in determining whether or not the Commission actually initiates proceedings against a Member State.

It would be inappropriate therefore for me to comment further at this stage, before the Commission has had an opportunity to consider the merits of the complaint.

Garda Investigations.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

69 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the new instructions which have been issued to members of the gardaí arising from those recommendations of the Monageer inquiry relating to the gardaí; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31158/09]

The Garda Commissioner has accepted the findings of the Monageer Inquiry and is committed to ensuring that the safety and protection of children is a key priority for An Garda Síochána.

The Children First guidelines provide the essential framework for the work of An Garda Síochána and the Health Service Executive in dealing with the sensitive area of child safety. The guidelines, as the national guidelines for the protection and welfare of children, together with the relevant legislation, in particular the Child Care Act 1991 as amended, are being fully applied by An Garda Síochána. The recommendations of the Inquiry are being utilised to refine the practices and procedures of An Garda Síochána to ensure that they complement the guidelines.

On 5 June 2009, the Health Service Executive, in consultation with An Garda Síochána, established an out of hours emergency place of safety service, which is being provided by a private operator as agent of the HSE, for children found to be at risk (outside the Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow catchment area for which provision had already been made). These arrangements have been brought to the attention of members of An Garda Síochána.

Road Traffic Offences.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

70 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of drivers who have been tested and prosecuted for suspected drug driving in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28393/09]

I am informed by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy, regarding the number of drivers tested for suspected drug driving in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009, without a disproportionate expenditure of Garda time and resources. In relation to statistics for drug driving prosecutions, 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.

Crime Levels.

Joan Burton

Question:

71 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a statement on the crime figures for the second quarter of 2009 published by the Central Statistics Office and in particular the continuing high level of drug related crime. [31141/09]

Overall the statistics on recorded crime in the second quarter of 2009 published by the Central Statistics Office show a continuation of the encouraging trends of the previous quarter which is very welcome.

As I said at the time of the release of the statistics it is heartening that of the 14 crime groups for which statistics are given, 11 show reductions, including public order, weapons and explosives and sexual offences and I am encouraged by positive trends which these statistics reveal.

That is not to ignore the fact that the statistics also reveal some matters of particular concern to which the Government is vigorously responding.

For example, while the number of homicides overall show a decrease of 20.8% (due to reduced numbers of cases of manslaughter and cases of dangerous driving leading to death) there has been an increase in the number of murders, from eight in the second quarter of 2008 to 15 in the equivalent period for 2009.

Many of these were gangland related, and it was partly to combat this trend that I piloted significant legislation through the Oireachtas in the past number of months, including the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act and the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Act.

In terms of drugs offences, Garda operations have contributed to the significant increase of 54.8% in the number of detections of cultivation or manufacture of drugs.

This, allied with decreases in the possession of drugs for sale or supply (- 4.3%) and for personal use (- 0.8%), is the result of the priority given by An Garda Síochána to intercepting the supply of drugs.

The House will be aware from media reports and elsewhere of the ongoing action being taken by An Garda Síochána in pursuing the activities of drugs gangs and the ongoing considerable success they are having in making major seizures and arrests.

Indeed I warmly commend our law enforcement agencies, specifically our Customs Service and An Garda Siochana on their recent high profile successful operations in this regard.

There is no room for complacency and this work is ongoing.

Finally , it is clear that we cannot tackle the problem of drug misuse through law enforcement measures alone. As set out in the Government's new National Drugs Strategy for the period 2009 to 2016, we need to address the problem in a co-ordinated way across the pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research.

In this context, I can assure the House that my Department, and all the agencies under its aegis, are fully committed to this approach and to the implementation of the Strategy.

Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 50.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 30.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

74 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32418/09]

My Department processed a total of 589 payments to suppliers and other contractors during the period 19 May 2009 to 18 September 2009. Of the payments processed, 44% were processed within 15 days, 47% within 30 days (of which 26% were within 20 days), and 9% over 30 days.

Small and Medium Enterprises.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

75 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of small and medium enterprises here; the number of SMEs here as a percentage of total companies here; the percentage of the workforce that these SMEs employ; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32004/09]

Statistical information as sought by the Deputy is not collected through my Department. Responsibility for statistical information rests with the Central Statistics office (CSO). The CSO have provided the information as set out in the table. The information relates to 2007 and is based on information coming from the CSO Business Demography 2007 report. This figure is taken from the CSO Business Register and includes enterprises that were active at some stage during the year 2007.

The CSO figures above do not include some NACE Code sectors that are not yet covered reliably on the Business Register. The current CSO figures are different from some of the figures previously quoted (i.e. 233,200) in the supporting material to the Report of the Small Business Forum (SBF). The numbers of enterprises that are not included in the CSO figures above but which are included in the supporting material to the Report of the Small Business Forum (SBF) amount to an overall total of approximately 45,400. The sectors and numbers involved are J — Financial Services (8,100), M — Education (4,700), N — Health (11,100) and O — Other Services (21,500). In addition the CSO figures only include businesses which are active on Revenue records. The two main Revenue sources used are VAT payments and employer registrations. Businesses are included in the population of active enterprises for the year 2007 if they pay VAT to Revenue or are registered as an employer with Revenue. So enterprises that have no employees, and are either below the VAT threshold or exempt from VAT, would have been included in the earlier SBF figures but are excluded from the CSO Business Demography report.

Since the CSO figure includes enterprises that were active at any stage during the year 2007, these figures are not affected by the economic downturn.

CSO is continuing to improve and expand its Business Register in order to collect and publish more extensive information.

Table: CSO Information Relating to 2007

Number of Enterprises

Percentage of Total Enterprises

Percentage of Total Employment

%

%

Micro (0-9 employees)

141,894

87.73

27.20

Small (10-49 employees)

16,711

10.33

25.28

Medium (50-249 employees)

2,703

1.67

20.60

Large (250+)

427

0.26

26.92

All SMEs

161,308

99.74

73.08

Job Losses.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

76 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the outflow of jobs from the internationally trading foreign owned base since 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32022/09]

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains and losses in companies that are supported by the industrial development agencies. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and the latest year for which figures are available is 2008.

The Survey shows that in the 9 year period, 2000 to 2008, the total number of jobs lost in IDA supported companies was 99,844. In the same period 109,289 new jobs were created, giving rise to a net gain of 9,445 jobs.

Departmental Expenditure.

John Deasy

Question:

77 Deputy John Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost to the Exchequer for the rental of property for FÁS in Waterford city in each of the past five years; the individual units involved; and the rental cost of each building. [32089/09]

The cost for the rental of property for FÁS in Waterford City for each of the past five years is set out in the table.

Rental of Property for FÁS in Waterford City: 2004-2008

Waterford City

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

Parnell St

63,488

63,488

70,868

83,167

83,167

Kilcohan:

8A

6,444

12,888

6,444

9

25,350

25,350

25,350

25,350

25,377

9K

74,497

79,497

79,497

74,497

79,579

10

25,350

25,350

25,350

25,350

25,350

11

25,350

25,350

25,350

25,350

25,350

12

26,669

26,669

26,669

26,669

26,696

13A

12,669

30,405

30,405

30,405

30,405

14

26,973

26,973

26,973

26,973

27,001

15

26,973

26,973

26,973

26,973

27,001

13

6,664

26,655

26,655

Agri Garage

30,739

30,739

30,739

Agri Compound

12,100

12,100

12,100

12,100

12,100

Unit 312A

19,602

39,204

Unit 312

87,698

90,195

102,608

102,608

102,608

Unit 215

50,000

IDA Northern Extension

5,551

55,510

5,551

Durands Court, Unit 5

17,878

23,837

23,837

Durands Court, Unit 6

3,973

23,837

23,837

23,837

Durands Court, Unit 3

10,140

Total

675,490

Employment Rights.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

78 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all of the outstanding issues relating to the exploitation of workers by an organisation (details supplied) have been fully addressed and the workers involved have been paid in full including overtime or compensatory payments; if a bank is currently being investigated for its alleged role in the alleged non-payment of the workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32154/09]

The Supreme Court judgment of 30th April 2009 allowed the report of the inspector to be circulated to certain bodies. These certain bodies are those as listed in the interlocutory order made by the High Court on 22 April 2005 and are as follows:

(i) the Garda National Immigration Bureau

(ii) the Competition Authority

(iii) the Director of Corporate Enforcement

(iv) the Garda Fraud Squad

(v) the Revenue Commissioners.

All of the parties already listed above have been made aware of the Supreme Court judgement and all have copies of the report.

The final step in the legal process following on the Supreme Court judgement delivered on 30th April 2009 is the granting of a final perfected order by the Court. This order will be consistent with the Judgement delivered. The Supreme Court has asked that the Minister have an order drafted that will include a list identifying those entities to whom the Report should be circulated. This draft has already been made up and sent to counsel for advice and presentation to the Supreme Court. The draft will be pleaded before the Supreme Court by both sides and a perfected final order will then be granted by the Supreme Court. As regards the investigation of any body following on information contained in this report it is the case that until such time as the perfected final order of this judgement has been granted by the Supreme Court no action relating to the report may be taken by any of the bodies in possession of the report.

Great difficulties have been experienced in ascertaining whether and what payments were eventually made to the GAMA workers involved. Awards of €8,000 each in lieu of overtime were made at an early stage through LRC/Labour Court adjudication to a number of the protesting GAMA workers and others. It was difficult from the information supplied to confirm for certain whether all of the Irish Gama workers had received full value for the amounts transferred to them by payments made to them through their personal Finansbank and Isbank accounts. It will be open to the various agencies of the State to consider what further action may be possible when the final order is granted by the Supreme Court.

John O'Mahony

Question:

79 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a company (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their employer’s rebate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32359/09]

The Redundancy Payments Section of the Department received applications from the above company in respect of statutory rebates for two of their former employees. An application which was received in late 2008 has been authorised and payment will issue shortly. The second application received from the company in June 2009 awaits processing.

Due to the unprecedented increase in the volume of claims on hand, claims completed manually, submitted by post and received in January and claims submitted online (to www.entemp.ie) received in February are currently being processed. Claims submitted online because of their nature tend to have a faster processing time. All claims are processed strictly in order of date of receipt in fairness to all claimants.

EU Directives.

Willie Penrose

Question:

80 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if in the context of the transposition of the Services Directive 2006/123/EC, which has to be passed into law here with a deadline of December 2009, she will permit an opportunity for the Houses of the Oireachtas to discuss the proposed legislative provisions, rather than the proposal set out in her consultation document which provided for transposition of this directive by way of statutory instrument; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32397/09]

Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market ("Services Directive") was agreed at European level by way of a co-decision by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers in December 2006.

The negotiation process leading to the adoption of the Directive was lengthy and complex and involved extensive consultation with all key national stakeholders. The draft Directive was the subject of debates in the Dail on 25th and 26th of January 2006 and in the Seanad (on employment issues) on 25th January 2006. Ireland supports the Directive, as adopted, as a good basis for creation of a single market in services that will benefit both Irish service providers and Irish consumers.

The work being done now is largely technical, in terms of how to give effect in Irish law to what was agreed in 2006. The Directive must be brought into force by 28th December of this year.

I propose to bring the Directive into effect by way of statutory instrument, under the European Communities Act 1972. This is the approach used for the majority of EU Directives and, in this case, will facilitate the transposition of the Directive by the due date. Work on the transposition of the Directive is well advanced and my Department has continued to consult widely. The Directive is unusual in that the transposition process involves a great deal of administrative work as well as legal drafting. The legal aspect of the transposition process will mainly involve ensuring that the provisions of the Directive are reflected in the transposing instrument. This work is detailed and technical and involves a great deal of co-operation with other Departments (which has been ongoing since the Directive was first proposed in 2004). The transposing legislation will faithfully reflect what is set out in the Directive.

Small and Medium-Size Enterprises.

Joan Burton

Question:

81 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to improve supply chain finance here, particularly in respect of contractors and suppliers to Government Departments and State agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32401/09]

Access to finance and credit for SMEs has been a prime focus of Government initiatives. Central to our efforts has been the restoration of a properly functioning banking system to support our wider economy and to facilitate our enterprise sector to deal with the current economic situation and to be prepared to benefit from any upturn in the global economy.

Government action has included the bank guarantee scheme, the Banks' Recapitalisation Scheme, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank and the publication of the National Assets Management Agency Bill. SMEs are benefiting from the following initiatives:

Under the banks' Recapitalisation Package, the recapitalised banks are committed to increase their lending capacity to SMEs by 10% over 2008.

A €100m environmental and clean energy innovation fund has been established by each bank as well as a further €15m each to new or existing seed capital funds. Much of the funding is flowing to small and medium enterprises.

SMEs are now covered by the Code of Conduct on Business Lending to SMEs. This 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 are providing funding for SMEs on foot of €300m facilities provided by the European Investment Bank to assist developing SMEs.

The Minister for Finance and I established a Credit Supply Clearing Group last May 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 Minister for Finance has published the Review of Bank Lending to SMEs (Mazars Report) which looked at credit availability and recommended appropriate action. Follow-up work on implementing the recommendations in the Mazars Report is currently ongoing.

To assist and complement the work of the Credit Supply Clearing Group, Billy Kelleher, T.D., the Minister for Trade and Commerce at my Department held eight regional meetings over a two-week period during June and July to discuss with representatives of business, banks and the State sector, their experience of gaining access to bank credit at local and regional level.

As part of the ongoing work of the Government's Credit Supply Clearing Group, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment launched an email link on 28 August last calling for submission from viable businesses that have been refused credit by banks. Such businesses, where the flow of credit appears to be blocked, can now send their details to a dedicated email contact point at the Department.

Apart from initiatives in the banking sector, Government has taken other actions additional to the range of assistance already provided by the enterprise support agencies, to directly assist SMEs getting access to financing.

The Government has provided €100m for an Enterprise Stabilisation Fund. Under the scheme, Enterprise Ireland can give up to €500,000 to viable companies with robust business models that are facing difficulties as a result of the current economic environment.

I have also announced a €250m Scheme to protect up to 27,400 vulnerable jobs in the productive sector of the economy. The Temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme will provide a subsidy of €9,100 per employee over fifteen months to qualifying exporting enterprises in the manufacturing and/or internationally traded services sectors.

With effect from 15 June last all Government Departments are required to pay suppliers and contractors within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice. Responsibility for implementing the terms of the Government Decision rests with each individual Department. Suppliers pursuing payments should contact the relevant Departmental section with which the contract was arranged. As part of the new arrangements, Departments will be required to report quarterly to my Department on the manner in which they have complied with the Government commitment. These first reports are due to be submitted by 15 October. Departments will also include information on the implementation of the measures in their subsequent Annual Reports.

As a result of this measure, Departments are required to give greater priority to making timely payments and to ensure that suppliers themselves are aware of how they can assist the process by meeting the requirements of Departments in relation to the submission of invoices.

On a more specific level, options for various supply chain finance systems have been brought to the attention of different Departments and Agencies, including my own Department. Promoters of supply chain finance systems have made representations in the context of explaining their proposed systems and outlining opportunities for suppliers and buyers.

Supply Chain Finance involves systems under which payments to suppliers are organised through a financing entity on behalf of a significant buyer or buyers in accordance with the payment terms under the supply contract. Systems can facilitate both private sector and public sector buyers. Within the system the capacity exists for the payment of suppliers by the financing entity earlier than provided for in the supply contract. Such earlier payments would be at a discounted rate on the original invoice. In most supply chain finance systems, the authorisation of the invoice for payment by the buyer is required before the financing entity makes payments to the supplier. Under the arrangement, buyers are required to commit to paying the financing entity in respect of all invoices authorised for payment, within the period of the supply contract.

Supply Chain Finance systems usually require a critical mass of suppliers and buyers, significant initial funds to meet earlier payments and appropriate IT platforms to administer the arrangements and to interface with relevant buyers and suppliers. Apart from these considerations, the Government's commitment mentioned above, for central Departments to pay suppliers within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice lessens the impact of such supply chain finance systems.

The Government will continue to keep under review access to finance and credit for SMEs and will consider what additional initiatives can be taken to improve the situation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

82 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will comment on her initiative, announced in May 2009, ensuring that all Departments pay suppliers and contractors within 15 days of invoice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32402/09]

As on and from 15 June last all Government Departments are required to pay suppliers and contractors within 15 days of receipt of a valid invoice.

Responsibility for implementing the terms of the Government Decision rests with each individual Department. Suppliers pursuing payments should contact the relevant Departmental section with which the contract was arranged.

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

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

As a result of the measures Departments are required to give greater priority to making timely payments and to ensure that suppliers themselves are aware of how they can assist the process by meeting the requirements of Departments in relation to the submission of invoices.

Small and Medium-Size Enterprises.

Joan Burton

Question:

83 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of entities here that have applied for the RCM micro-credit pilot facility, managed by the European Investment Fund, under JASMINE; her efforts to encourage the participation of Irish entities in this pilot scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32403/09]

Under EU Cohesion Policy 2007-13, the European Commission has a number of joint initiatives with the European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund aimed at improving access to finance using financing engineering instruments.

One of these instruments is JASMINE (Joint Action to support microfinance institutions in Europe), a pilot initiative by the European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the European Investment Fund.

When Ireland's ERDF Structural Programmes 2007-13 were being developed, the instruments were examined by the Department of Finance, in consultation with representatives of my Department, Enterprise Ireland, the Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly and Border, Midland and Western Regional Assembly in the context of the existing arrangements in place to assist SMEs in accessing appropriate financial support.

Given the nature and structure of the financial instruments, particularly in terms of the scale of operations that would be required to secure EIF participation, it was not considered suited to our Structural Funds Programmes.

Following the change in economic circumstances, the EU Commission launched the European Recovery Plan in November 2008. In this context, the Irish Authorities are considering if participation in the various financial instruments are appropriate having regard to the ERDF Programmes and the potential benefits to Irish Businesses.

Access to finance and credit for SMEs has been a prime focus of Government initiatives. Central to our efforts has been the restoration of a properly functioning banking system to support our wider economy and to facilitate our enterprise sector to deal with the current economic situation and to be prepared to benefit from any upturn in the global economy.

Government action has included the bank guarantee scheme, the Banks' Recapitalisation Scheme, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank and the publication of the National Assets Management Agency Bill. In my reply to Question No. 32401/09 to the Deputy today, I outlined in detail the initiatives currently in place to assist the SME sector in the current economic environment.

The Government will continue to keep under review access to finance and credit for SMEs and will consider what additional initiatives can be taken to improve the situation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

84 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of payments made by her Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32411/09]

Over the period 19 May 2009 to 31 August 2009, my Department made 1,362 payments to suppliers and contractors. Of these, 81.7% (1,113 payments) were made within 15 days, 95.5% (1,301 payments) were made within 30 days and 4.5% (61 payments) were made more than 30 days after receipt of the invoice.

Only 6 payments over the period 19 May 2009 to 31 August 2009 attracted interest on late payment under Prompt Payment legislation. Under the legislation, in the absence of any other agreed payment terms between the supplier and the purchaser, late payment interest falls due after 30 days has elapsed from the date of receipt of a valid invoice.

Redundancy Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

85 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive their redundancy payment. [32499/09]

My Department administers the Social Insurance Fund (SIF) in relation to redundancy matters on behalf of the Department of Social and Family Affairs. There are two types of payment made from the SIF — rebates to those employers who have paid statutory redundancy to eligible employees, and statutory lump sums to employees whose employers are insolvent and/or in receivership/liquidation.

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department received a statutory lump sum application from the individual concerned on 17 June 2009. When an employer claims inability to pay, the onus is on the employer to provide sufficient proof to substantiate the claim. In this case further information has to be requested from the employee to establish whether the employer has since provided the statutory payment. This is causing a further delay in processing the claim, in addition to the delays being experienced arising from the unprecedented high volume of claims on hand.

Departmental Agencies.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

86 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the names, backgrounds and positions of the chairpersons of AnCO and FÁS since 1968. [32557/09]

Given that the information relates to events going back some 42 years, I am endeavouring to retrieve all of the information relating to the names and relevant backgrounds of all past chairpersons concerned. I will reply to the Deputy as soon as the material is retrieved.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

87 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the names of the director generals of AnCO and FÁS since 1968; and the dates of their appointment. [32558/09]

The following is a list of Director Generals of AnCO, and then FÁS, since 1970. Information relating to Directors General prior to Mr Agnew's appointment in 1970 is being collated and will be provided to the Deputy at a later stage.

Directors General of AnCO/FÁS

Name

Dates of appointment

1. Jack A. Agnew

30/07/1970 – 31/10/1982

2. Malachy Sherlock

01/11/1982 – 31/12/1987

3. J. B. Leahy

01/01/1988 – 31/12/1990

4. John J. Lynch

01/03/1991 – 01/10/2000

5. Rody Molloy

02/10/2000 – 25/11/2008

6. Eddie Sullivan

08/12/2008 – 05/06/2009

7. Paul O’Toole

08/06/2009 onwards

Róisín Shortall

Question:

88 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the circumstances surrounding the departure of the first director general of FÁS in 1989-1990; the conditions attached to their departure; if a lump sum was awarded on their departure; and, if so, the basis on which it was paid. [32559/09]

Given that the events took place 19 years ago I am endeavouring to locate the relevant records involved and will reply to the Deputy as soon as the material is retrieved.

Redundancy Payments.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

89 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the entitlement to redundancy in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32586/09]

The position in relation to the person mentioned has not changed since the Deputy raised the issue on 5th February, 5th March and 6th of May, 2009, and for ease of reference the relevant details previously mentioned are outlined as follows.

As there are no records of a claim relating to this person either on the Redundancy Payments System or, I am informed, on the Employment Appeals Tribunal database, it would be prudent at this stage for the individual concerned to bring an appeal for a determination in favour of his claim to a redundancy payment directly to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT). An employee must make application for a redundancy payment or seek a determination from the EAT within twelve months of ceasing his employment, though the EAT has the power to extend the lump sum deadline from 52 weeks to 104 weeks. The 52 week deadline applies both to the making of a claim to the employer (Form 77) and to the making of a claim to the EAT in a situation where the employer disputes payment of redundancy.

A claim can be made to the EAT by submitting a form called a T1-A directly to the Tribunal. These forms can be obtained from the EAT website http://www.eatribunal.ie.

As I previously indicated under the Redundancy Payments Scheme all eligible employees are entitled to a statutory redundancy lump sum payment on being made redundant. Payment of statutory redundancy is, in the first instance, a matter for the employer. In general, a redundancy situation exists where an employee's job no longer exists. It is up to the employer concerned to determine whether or not there is in fact a redundancy situation. Disputes in this regard can be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) for adjudication. It should be noted that time limits exist as explained in above.

This individual may be entitled to claim a redundancy lump sum in the event of lay off. A lay off situation is intended to cover temporary situations where the services of an employee are not required because of lack of work and the employer gives notice that the break in employment is of a temporary nature. If the lay-off continues, the question arises as to whether it is in fact a temporary measure or could potentially be a redundancy rather than a lay-off situation. It is the employer who initially decides whether or not there is a redundancy situation but in the case of a dispute, the matter should be referred to the Employment Appeals Tribunal for a decision.

The employee is entitled, after a period of lay-off of four consecutive weeks or a broken series of six weeks within a 13-week period, and, subject to meeting the normal eligibility criteria for redundancy, to seek statutory redundancy. The employee can, by serving written notice (Form RP 9) on the employer claim redundancy because of the lay-off situation. Notice must be submitted not later than four weeks after the lay-off ceases. A copy of the RP 9 form may be had from my Department or may be downloaded from the Department's website at www.entemp.ie.

In this situation, an employer has a period of 7 days within which to provide a counter-notice to the employee saying that within 4 weeks of the date of the claim for redundancy, it will be possible to offer not less than 13 weeks work without lay off.

Job Initiatives.

Tom Hayes

Question:

90 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of job clubs here; the number of clients they have dealt with individually with a breakdown for every job club in each of the past three years; and if she will make a statement on their role in tackling unemployment. [32621/09]

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

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

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

Year

Number

2006

6,417

2007

7,100

2008

8,814

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

The following table contains a list of throughputs for Job Clubs for 2006 and 2008, a breakdown for 2007 is currently being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy at a later date.

Region

Number of Job Clubs

Total 2006

Number of Job Clubs

Total 2008

South West

4

4

Total

427

410

North West

5

5

Total

486

815

Midlands

9

8

Total

893

896

North East

5

5

Total

546

919

West

4

4

Total

436

447

South East

5

4

Total

538

536

Dublin Region

19

19

Total

2158

3928

Mid West Region

8

8

Total

933

863

Overall Totals

59

6,417

57

8,814

Tax Code.

Tom Hayes

Question:

91 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the agreement in place in relation to taxation and income levy on the gratuity of retained firefighters; the way the health levy is applied to this sum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32025/09]

In 2008, all serving retained firefighters were given the option of either joining the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS), which is contributory for all reckonable service, and receiving a pension and lump sum on retirement, or remaining outside the LGSS in order to avail of the existing gratuity arrangements for retained firefighters, which are non-contributory. All retained firefighters appointed since 2008 are also given this option. Retained firefighters who had already retired in 2008 were also offered the option of joining the LGSS on the understanding that they repaid their gratuity and paid contributions on all reckonable service.

Communications Masts.

Mattie McGrath

Question:

92 Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Finance his policy on the erection of communication masts at Garda stations; if the masts require planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32041/09]

Telecommunications masts are erected at Garda Stations to support the communications system, and thereby facilitate the services and activities of An Garda Síochána. All developments carried out by the Commissioners of Public Works, on behalf of An Garda Síochána, are done so in accordance with Part 9 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001.

The Commissioners of Public Works, as managers of the State Property Portfolio, license third parties to install telecommunications equipment on Garda masts. The purpose of this is to extract maximum value from State assets and generate revenue for the State. This policy has been in operation for several years.

Tax Code.

Joe McHugh

Question:

93 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has engaged Northern Ireland customs officials in discussion about vehicle registration; if so, if he will report on these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32155/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

94 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will report on work carried out by customs on vehicle registration taxation since the beginning of 2009; the amount of revenue that this has generated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32159/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 93 and 94 together.

It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to work carried out in relation to the enforcement of Vehicle Registration Tax Regulations.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue enforcement officers, who are based at numerous locations around the country, carry out regular and on-going checks to identify and deal with breaches of the VRT Regulations. This applies particularly in relation to the permanent retention of unregistered vehicles in the State or in the possession of State residents. Co-ordinated national enforcement campaigns also take place in order to detect infringements in this area.

Between 1 January and 31 August 2009, Revenue enforcement officials challenged a total of 15,161 vehicles. Of these vehicles challenged, written warnings were issued in 1,832 cases, which resulted in the collection of €2,539,194 in VRT and a further 1,433 vehicles were seized for breaches of VRT legislation. Court convictions have been obtained in 10 cases with fines totalling €20,162 imposed. Several other cases are due before the Courts or are under consideration for proceedings. The above figures include the results of a VRT blitz conducted during March and April this year in which 3,256 vehicles were challenged that resulted in the collection of €548,000 in VRT.

I am also informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Revenue officers regularly conduct informal discussions with Northern Ireland customs officials on vehicle registration matters. While no formal forum exists, discussions on vehicle registration matters are normally specific enquiries in relation to individual vehicles which have been presented for registration, or in relation to specific investigation being conducted, usually involving multiple vehicles, associated with cross border VAT fraud.

National Asset Management Agency.

Joe McHugh

Question:

95 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that the establishment of the National Asset Management Agency is accompanied by a guarantee from banks that stocking loans will be provided to farmers subject to terms and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32167/09]

The flow of credit is essential to the proper functioning of the economy. All of the Government's actions to stabilise the financial system have been undertaken in order to ensure that the banks continue to fulfil their essential function in providing credit for individuals and businesses which includes the farming community.

The Deputy will be aware that much has been done to ensure the provision and monitor the flow of credit to viable businesses. These measures include specific commitments attaching to the State's recapitalisation of Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland. A Credit Clearing Group has also been established, involving business groups including the Irish Farmer's Association, banks, State agencies and Departments which is examining cases of credit refusal referred to it.

The primary objective of NAMA is to cleanse the balance sheets of participating banks ensuring they are in a position to lend to the economy. The Government continues to examine potential options in relation to specific credit supply measures attaching to NAMA.

Departmental Expenditure.

Pat Breen

Question:

96 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Finance, further to Parliamentary Question No. 229 of 16 September 2009, the date on which this lease (details supplied) is due to expire. [32398/09]

In the light of a current volatile commercial property market, and the intention of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to rationalise its regional network of offices, the Deputy will appreciate that the date when the lease of the District Veterinary Offices in Raheen Business Park, Limerick expires is considered to be commercially sensitive at this time.

Disabled Drivers.

Jack Wall

Question:

97 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Finance the mechanism which is open to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare to appeal the decision not to grant them a primary certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32440/09]

The initial application for a Primary Medical Certificate under the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers (Tax Concessions) Regulations 1994, is made to the Senior Medical Officer of the relevant local Health Service Executive administrative area. If the Primary Medical Certificate has been refused in this case, the named person may appeal the refusal to the Medical Board of Appeal, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. I would point out that the Medical Board of Appeal is independent in the exercise of its functions.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

98 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer of purchasing and training sniffer dogs for use by the security and customs services in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32442/09]

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the costs associated with the training and procurement of detector dogs for the Customs Service in the past 5 years were as follows:

Year

2008

33,802

2007

91,411

2006

66,594

2005

133,314

2004

55,519

The above costs include the cost of travelling and subsistence for the officers being trained as dog handlers.

Road Signage.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

99 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Finance the reason adequate signage has not been provided by the Office of Public Works for a hall (details supplied) having been previously requested; the further reason the OPW has to date refused to meet the members of the local authority to discuss the opportunities of using this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32013/09]

Directional road signs have been provided by the Office of Public Works for erection by the Local Authority. My officials have been in correspondence with the Local Authority on the matter of usage of the Desmond Banqueting Hall, and have indicated their willingness to meet with the Local Authority at a mutually agreeable time and date.

National Debt.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

100 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Finance his estimate and forecast on the level of the national debt for each year from 2008 to 2013; the cost of servicing this debt from the Central Fund for each year from 2008 to 2013; the composition of such debt servicing costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32037/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

129 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide an estimate of the total cost of servicing the national debt, including National Asset Management Agency bonds, for the years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32386/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 100 and 129 together.

At end 2008, the national debt stood at €50.4 billion and at end-August 2009 it stood at €69.3 billion. The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) have advised that the main factor influencing the projected increase in the national debt out to 2013 is the planned Exchequer deficit for each of these years. In addition, there may also, in any given year, be some non-cash adjustments related to factors such as premiums and discounts on the issue of new bonds — in 2008, these amounted to €124 million.

Table 1: Supplementary Budget forecasts for the Exchequer Balance 2009-2013

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Exchequer Balance

-€20.35bn

-€19.9bn

-€17.8bn

-€13.4bn

-€9.4bn

In respect of 2009, the Supplementary Budget forecast an Exchequer deficit of €20.35 billion. Since then a capital injection of €4 billion has been agreed for Anglo Irish Bank, of which €3.8 billion had been paid at end-August 2009. This increases the forecast Exchequer deficit by this amount but does not impact on the General Government Balance (GGB) under EUROSTAT accounting rules.

The General Government Debt is the standard measurement of gross indebtedness used for comparative purposes within the EU. It is a wider measure of debt than the national debt and includes the debt of the Exchequer, the extra-budgetary funds, the non-commercial state-sponsored bodies, as well as the debt of local authorities. As reported to EUROSTAT in the April EDP Maastricht returns, the General Government Debt stood at 43% of GDP at end-2008. Based on the forecasted position for the General Government Debt at Supplementary Budget time, the expected trajectory for the General Government Debt over the period to 2013 is outlined in the following Table 2.

Table 2: General Government Debt developments

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

GG Debt % of GDP

59%

73%

78%

79%

77%

The NTMA advise on the likely total debt servicing costs for future years. These costs for the period 2008-2013 are set out in the following Table 3. The NTMA have advised that, as is usual, the estimates for debt servicing costs were prepared on the basis of the prevailing market conditions for Irish Government bonds at the time of the Supplementary Budget. As with other budgetary estimates, these forecasts, which align with the recently published NTMA Annual Report, will be reviewed as part of the forthcoming budgetary process.

Table 3: Supplementary Budget forecast Debt Servicing Costs 2009-2013 & Outturn 2008

Outturn 2008

Forecast 2009

Forecast 2010

Forecast 2011

Forecast 2012

Forecast 2013

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

€bn

Interest

1.5

3.2

5.0

6.4

7.5

8.2

Sinking Fund* and other debt management expenses

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.8

0.9

0.9

Total Debt Service Cost

2.1

3.9

5.8

7.3

8.4

9.1

Rounding may affect totals.

*The sinking fund provision is a transfer from the current account of the Exchequer to the capital account of the Exchequer — it has no impact on the overall Exchequer balance — and represents an element of paying off the principal.

With regard to the servicing of NAMA bonds, I indicated on the 16th of September that the cash flow produced will be sufficient to cover interest payments on the NAMA bonds and operating costs. This projection is based on provisional information and will depend on the outcome of a loan by loan assessment to be undertaken by NAMA.

State Banking Sector.

Finian McGrath

Question:

101 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support a matter (details supplied). [32072/09]

I refer the Deputy to the comments I made in the course of my Second Stage Speech on the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) Bill 2009 on 16 September 2009 on the effect that NAMA will have on individual institutions. I indicated that while the banking system can be revived and serve the economy in a proper manner, the existing structures cannot remain the same. Already a number of banks are developing restructuring plans to meet EU requirements arising from recapitalisation. I am confident that this restructuring process will result in a reformed and reinvigorated banking system. While it is too early to define a definitive shape for this new banking system, it will be a focus of my work over the coming weeks.

Cigarette Smuggling.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

102 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Finance the steps being taken to combat the illicit trade in cigarettes; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that it is estimated that the loss in revenue to the Exchequer is of the order of €500 million annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31170/09]

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners who are responsible for the collection of tobacco products tax and tackling the illicit trade in cigarettes and tobacco products that their strategy for tackling this illicit trade is focussed both on intercepting and seizing illicit consignments at the point of importation and also on carrying out checks at retail outlets, markets and commercial premises etc. This is achieved through a combination of freight intelligence, risk profiling and scanning in the case of smuggling in maritime freight. In the case of passengers arriving by air from high risk source countries where cheap cigarettes are freely available, targeting smugglers is carried out on the basis of risk profiling by Revenue Officers based at all the main airports. Where feasible, large consignments are placed under surveillance and allowed to proceed to their destination under a controlled delivery with a view to identifying those responsible for the importation. These operations are normally carried out on a multi-agency basis with the assistance of the Gardaí.

Illicit cigarettes that escape detection at the point of importation are also seized inland in the course of intelligence- based checks carried out at retail outlets, markets, commercial premises etc. Follow-up investigations are also conducted both at home and abroad with a view to identifying those responsible and instituting criminal proceedings where the necessary evidence has been obtained.

Revenue's strategies in these areas are under continuous review. This includes the adequacy of existing staffing resources and equipment. In this regard, taking cognisance of the interception and seizure of a number of consignments of counterfeit cigarettes bearing bogus Irish tax stamps concealed in maritime freight imported from China, it is planned to introduce a new tobacco tax stamp with added security features shortly. In addition, the purchase of a second mobile container scanner has been approved with delivery due later this year.

Revenue works closely with the individual tobacco manufacturers and the Irish Tobacco Manufacturers Advisory Committee (ITMAC) with a view to identifying illicit cigarettes on sale in the State, current trends and trading patterns. There is also close co-operation and sharing of information between Revenue and the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC). In addition, on an EU wide basis, Revenue actively co-operates and shares information with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and with other Customs Administrations in the Member States. Furthermore, Ireland, along with the other Member States, has also ratified two international agreements concluded by OLAF with global cigarette manufacturers, Philip Morris International and Japan Tobacco International, with a view to tackling the illicit trade in counterfeit and contraband cigarettes.

As regards the estimated cost to the Exchequer mentioned, Revenue has previously acknowledged the difficulty in determining the potential tax loss as a result of the illicit tobacco trade because of the multiple factors that have to be taken into account. For instance, a drop in the overall tax take may be partly due to a decline in smoking levels as a result of the various anti-smoking campaigns. Increased legal purchase of duty paid cigarettes in other EU Member States for personal use is also a factor, particularly in the context of low cost air travel and more frequent foreign holidays. This, of course is perfectly legal in the context of the EU principle of freedom of movement. Consequently the reliable information available, which Revenue can analyse, is mainly the quantity of contraband cigarettes intercepted and seized by Customs, the revenue at risk on those cigarettes and the volumes of cigarettes on which duty is collected each year.

Details of the above for each of the past three years are as follows:

Year

No. of cigarettes duty paid

No. of cigarettes seized

Revenue at risk

(Million)

(Million)

(€ Million)

2006

5,604.88

52.38

14.40

2007

5,401.70

74.52

20.49

2008

4,940.57

135.24

39.49

As regards the estimated cost to the Exchequer, Revenue very tentatively estimate that about 20% of cigarettes consumed in Ireland may be untaxed. This is in line with previous trade estimates, equating to a tax loss of approx. €380m. However, it should be noted that this estimate includes legal cross-border shopping purchases for personal consumption along with smuggled counterfeit and contraband cigarettes.

Court Accommodation.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

103 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Finance the status of the proposed upgrades and restoration to Doneraile Court in County Cork by the Office of Public Works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32095/09]

A programme of conservation works is ongoing at Doneraile Court, including the repair of the main staircase. Further works are planned in the immediate future to provide staff accommodation in the main house and conservation works to ancillary buildings, such as the coach house and the gardeners' cottages, subject to the availability of funding.

Flood Relief.

Michael Ring

Question:

104 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance if a report (details supplied) has been submitted to the Office of Public Works from Mayo County Council. [32116/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

105 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the work which will be carried out in areas (details supplied) in County Mayo by the Office of Public Works. [32118/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

106 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Finance the funding made available by the Office of Public Works for work needed in areas (details supplied) in County Mayo. [32120/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 to 106, inclusive, together.

Mayo County Council has this week submitted to the Office of Public Works applications under the funding scheme for flood mitigation works, referred to in my reply to the Deputy's Questions on this matter on 16 September. The Mayo County Council applications refer to a number of specific locations, including Glenisland. None of the applications received refer to any of the other locations specifically mentioned by the Deputy. It would be open to the Council to submit applications for these locations.

Mayo County Council's applications will be given full consideration, having regard to the overall number of applications received from Local Authorities seeking funding for small scale mitigation works and the availability of funds. It is expected that a decision will be made in a few weeks in relation to the allocation of funding by the OPW. The carrying out of any works in these areas would be a matter for Mayo County Council.

Tax Code.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

107 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance the commencement date of the Government levy on cheque books; the revenue that has been collected since its inception; the purpose of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32140/09]

Stamp duty exists on cheques in order to provide Exchequer revenue. The stamp duty on cheques predates the founding of the State and it was a feature of the Stamp Act 1891 which consolidated all existing stamp duty provisions. The yield from the duty on cheques, which also includes bills of exchange, promissory notes and drafts, in the 10 years 1999 to 2008 inclusive, was €160.8 million. Figures for earlier years can be obtained if required. However, the specific information is not readily available and could not be obtained without conducting a protracted investigation of the Revenue Commissioners' records.

North-South Trade.

Joe McHugh

Question:

108 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the cost to the Exchequer in lost trade to Northern Ireland since the introduction of Budget 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32157/09]

As the Deputy may be aware, the Revenue Commissioners and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) prepared a report, at my request, on the Implications of Cross Border Shopping for the Irish Exchequer. The report was published on my Department's website on 20 March 2009. The report estimated the likely value of cross-border shopping in 2009 to be in the range of €450m to €700m, with a potential loss in Exchequer revenues arising from reduced VAT and excise yields of between €72m and €112m. In addition, a possible corporation tax loss in the range of €20m to €31m is tentatively estimated. It should, however, be noted that any estimate for corporation tax is provisional and should only be considered as indicative of the potential loss.

The report noted that the main causes of price differentials between goods in Northern Ireland and the Republic, are operating costs, profit margin (mark-up), taxes and the rapid depreciation of Sterling against the Euro. While changes in the standard VAT rates widened some price differentials, their impact however remains small compared to the size of the change in the exchange rate.

The report also noted that there is rather limited availability of quantifiable data on cross border shopping, and with a view to improving the data available, Revenue and the CSO have worked on questions for inclusion in the Quarterly National Household Survey (QNHS) that should facilitate a more detailed assessment of cross-border shopping in the future. It is expected that the results of the QNHS Cross Border shopping module will be available by end October 2009.

Joe McHugh

Question:

109 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he or his officials will formally meet with the British Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to Strand II and Strand III of the Good Friday Agreement before the introduction of his budget for the development of a strategy to combat the impact of sterling-euro price differentials and to stimulate North-South trade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32170/09]

As the Deputy may be aware, I met with Chancellor Darling earlier this year and discussed a range of financial and budgetary matters. I also generally meet him and other European Finance Ministers at the monthly ECOFIN council meetings in Brussels. However, I have no plans to meet the Chancellor in advance of the Budget.

In relation to North South Trade, the Irish Government remains strongly committed to North/South cooperation and we will continue to explore ways in which we can work closely with our colleagues in the North to advance our common interests.

State Banking Sector.

Joe McHugh

Question:

110 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance if he will use the establishment of the National Asset Management Agency to secure guarantees from banks that temporary credit arrangements and stocking loans will be provided to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32171/09]

The flow of credit is essential to the proper functioning of the economy. All of the Government's actions to stabilise the financial system have been undertaken in order to ensure that the banks continue to fulfil their essential function in providing credit for individuals and businesses which includes the farming community. The Deputy will be aware that much has been done to ensure the provision and monitor the flow of credit to viable businesses. These measures include specific commitments attaching to the State's recapitalisation of Allied Irish Bank and Bank of Ireland. A Credit Clearing Group has also been established, involving business groups including the Irish Farmer's Association, banks, State agencies and Departments which is examining cases of credit refusal referred to it.

The primary objective of NAMA is to cleanse the balance sheets of participating banks ensuring they are in a position to lend to the economy. The Government continues to examine potential options in relation to specific credit supply measures attaching to NAMA.

Vehicle Compounds.

John O'Mahony

Question:

111 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the safeguards in place to ensure that vehicles seized by the Revenue Commissioners are not damaged or destroyed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32184/09]

John O'Mahony

Question:

112 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of compensation claims received by the Revenue Commissioners in relation to vehicles damaged or destroyed while in their custody; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32185/09]

John O'Mahony

Question:

113 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the number of vehicles in the custody of the Revenue Commissioners which have been damaged or destroyed by fire in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the location of each incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32186/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 to 113, inclusive, together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the majority of vehicles seized by their enforcement staff are stored in the State Warehouse in Dublin. This Warehouse was designed and constructed specifically with security as a prime consideration. Seized vehicles are kept within a gated secure compound with 24 hour/7 day onsite security, including the use of CCTV surveillance. Revenue operates a number of other small compounds around the country to facilitate the shorter-term storage of seized vehicles. These include both walled and palisade compounds, as well as lock-up units. Every effort is made to ensure that vehicles are safely stored. Revenue is conscious of the need to safeguard all such vehicles. For operational and security reasons, details of security measures cannot be divulged but they do include CCTV monitoring, alarm systems and mobile security checks.

Since 1 January 2007, there has been only one incident of fire damage to seized vehicles. This occurred at around 1.30 am on the night of Saturday 20th June 2009 when 4 vehicles were either completely destroyed or substantially damaged by fire in the Revenue vehicle compound attached to Michael Davitt House, Castlebar, Co Mayo. The vehicles had previously been seized for VRT offences by Revenue's Anti Evasion Team. Gardaí investigating the incident are satisfied, having reviewed CCTV footage, that it represented an arson attack on the vehicles from outside the compound and that access wasn't gained to the compound itself. Their investigations are ongoing. Revenue has subsequently been in contact with the owners of the four vehicles and is corresponding with their legal representatives.

Other than the above incident, there have been two compensation claims received since 1st January 2007 in respect of seized vehicles allegedly damaged while in the possession of the Revenue Commissioners. In one case, the alleged incident occurred on 1st May 2007. The case was closed with no compensation paid. In the second case, the alleged damage to the vehicle occurred on 21st September 2005 and a compensation claim was received on 19th July 2007. The case is still open. Neither of these two vehicles was destroyed.

Decentralisation Programme.

Mary White

Question:

114 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding the decentralisation of offices of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to Carlow; when construction of the new building is expected to commence and to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32350/09]

A number of key projects were identified as priority elements of the decentralisation programme in the Government announcement of 14 October 2008. The construction of a new decentralised office for staff of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in Carlow, in conjunction with a new headquarters for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Portlaoise, and a new headquarters building in Mullingar for the Department of Education and Science, was one of the projects given priority status.

The proposed decentralised offices in the above three locations are being procured by means of a Public Private Partnership as a single Design, Build, Finance and Maintain contract.

The award of a contract for this major project will be subject to Government approval.

Tax Code.

Joe McHugh

Question:

115 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance his position on the taxation of public sector retirement gratuities; his views on whether the imminent taxation of gratuities is driving experienced public sector workers into early retirement; his further views on whether these early retirements are removing vital local knowledge from our public services and resulting in a diminishing return; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32367/09]

On the issue of the tax treatment of retirement gratuities for public servants, the position is that under statutory pension schemes and pension schemes approved by the Revenue Commissioners there is no liability to income tax in respect of retirement gratuities or lump sums paid to members of such schemes on retirement. In this regard, it should be noted that the tax arrangements for retirement lump sums apply in respect of pension schemes in both the public and private sectors.

The Commission on Taxation has recommended changes to the tax treatment of retirement gratuities and this recommendation, together with the many other recommendations in the Commission's Report, will be considered by me and my Government colleagues in due course.

As regards the impact of early retirements on public services the position is that there is a constant turnover of experienced staff in all public service organisations and it is a matter for local management to ensure that systems and procedures, including succession planning, are in place to ensure that service delivery standards are protected as much as possible.

State Banking Sector.

Joan Burton

Question:

116 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the progress regarding the investigations into wrongdoing at Anglo Irish Bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32373/09]

As the Deputy is aware the various external investigations into alleged wrongdoing at Anglo Irish Bank are ongoing. The Bank is co-operating with all of these investigations and will continue to do so. While the Financial Regulator, the Garda Fraud Office and the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement have committed significant resources to their investigations, the matters under investigation are highly complex and it will take some time to establish the precise details of what actually transpired.

The bodies concerned are independent in carrying out their functions and do not report to me on their progress. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to comment on their likely outcome. However, like all concerned I am anxious that the investigations are completed as swiftly as possible by the agencies involved.

Joan Burton

Question:

117 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the details of subordinated bond buy back operations at Anglo Irish Bank since its nationalisation including the price paid, the underlying book value, the counterparty and the net effect of such operations on the capital adequacy ratios of the bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32374/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

118 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the details of subordinated bond buy back operations at Anglo Irish Bank since its nationalisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32375/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 117 and 118 together.

On the 22nd July 2009 Anglo Irish Bank Corporation Limited launched a €3.2 billion "any and all" fixed price cash tender offer for five Tier 1 securities, one Upper Tier 2 security and one lower Tier 2 security. The purchase price paid for the Tier 1 securities was 27% of nominal value, for the Upper Tier 2 security was 37% of nominal value and for the lower Tier 2 security was 55% of nominal value. €2.5 billion of securities were tendered by investors which corresponds to a weighted average success rate across all of the securities of 77%. For information I attach a copy of the "Market Notice regarding the Tender Offer Results" which was issued by the Bank at the completion of the process. The profit arising from the buy back process was €1.6bn.

The transaction, along with the subsequent €0.8 billion capital injection from the Government significantly bolstered the Bank's Core Tier 1 capital ratio and had only a marginal impact on the Total Capital ratio. I do not have details of the counterparties concerned because of the nature of the trading and the fact that such information is commercially sensitive.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Joan Burton

Question:

119 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the capital adequacy ratios of each of the credit institutions covered by the bank guarantee scheme; his views on the level of tier one capital appropriate for commercial banks operating here, above and beyond the regulatory minima; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32376/09]

I assume that the Deputy's question refers to the regulatory capital ratios for the covered institutions.

As the Deputy will be aware, the total capital ratios and core tier one ratios for the covered institutions are set out in the NAMA Supplementary Documentation provided to the House last week.

The following table sets out the latest published total capital ratio and tier one ratio for each of the covered institutions.

Institution

Core Tier 1 ratio

Total capital ratio

Date

%

%

AIB

8.5

10.7

30 June 2009

Bank of Ireland

9.5

15.2

31 March 2009

Anglo Irish Bank

1.4

8.2

31 March 2009

Irish Life and Permanent

9.2

9.3

30 June 2009

Irish Nationwide Building Society

9.4

11.6

31 July 2009

EBS

7.7

10.6

30 June 2009

The figures for Anglo Irish Bank do not include the impact of capital injected into the Bank by the State or the impact of the repurchase of certain debt instruments, both of which have a substantial impact on both the Core Tier 1 and total capital ratios of Anglo Irish Bank.

I have been advised by the Financial Regulator that the regulatory solvency total capital ratio is 8% and the Core Tier 1 ratio is 4%.

Joan Burton

Question:

120 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the net loan to deposit ratios of each of the credit institutions covered by the bank guarantee scheme; his views on the loan to deposit ratios appropriate for commercial banks operating here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32377/09]

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to the total loans and advances to customers and customer's accounts in each of the institutions. As set out in the NAMA Supplementary Documentation provided to the House last week, the net loan to deposit ratios for each of the credit institutions are as follows:

Institution

Net loan to deposit ratio

Date

%

AIB

156

30 June 2009

Bank of Ireland

161

31 March 2009

Anglo Irish Bank

195

31 March 2009

Irish Life and Permanent

308

30 June 2009

Irish Nationwide Building Society

154

31 December 2008

EBS

164

30 June 2009

Section 39 of the Covered Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme states that a covered institution shall comply with any targets on assets and liabilities to be set by the Regulatory Authority after consultation with the Minister. These targets may include, but are not limited to loan/deposit ratio.

The Financial Regulator has advised me that it has not specified a particular Loan to Deposit Ratio for commercial banks operating here.

Financial Services Regulation.

Joan Burton

Question:

121 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the progress made regarding the proposed reform of the financial regulatory superstructure here; the details of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32378/09]

The Government has agreed a range of reforms of the regulatory structures for financial regulation. A new single fully integrated regulatory institution, the Central Bank of Ireland, will be established, replacing the current two pillar structure under the existing Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland. The new structure will be responsible for both the supervision of individual firms and the stability of the financial system generally, combining micro-prudential and macro-prudential supervision in the one institution to achieve the highest performance standards for the new organisation.

Within the new regulatory structures, the consumer information and education role, currently carried out within the Consumer Directorate in the Financial Regulator will be re-assigned to the National Consumer Agency (NCA) which is being amalgamated with the Competition Authority. Regulation for consumer protection, including the development and enforcement of codes of practice, remains within the new Commission as an integral part of conduct of business regulation.

A high level group, chaired by my Department and including representatives of the Central Bank and Financial Regulator, has been established to expedite the implementation of the Government's decision and undertake appropriate consultations. As I indicated in my Second Stage speech on the National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009, I expect draft legislation providing for these reforms of the regulatory structures for financial regulation to be published before the end of the year.

The Deputy will also be aware that I recently announced that Professor Patrick Honohan will succeed Mr John Hurley as Governor later this month and a new Head of Supervision will be appointed shortly. In addition supervisory capacity is being significantly enhanced through new resources and additional expert staff.

Joan Burton

Question:

122 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the position regarding a new Financial Regulator; when he will make an appointment to this position; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32379/09]

As part of the reform of the financial regulatory system, a new Director of Financial Supervision will have responsibility for the supervision of regulated institutions. The recruitment process for this position is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that an appointment will be made in the coming weeks.

State Banking Sector.

Joan Burton

Question:

123 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will appoint a High Court inspector to Anglo Irish Bank to conduct an investigation into procedures and operations at the bank which led ultimately to the nationalisation of the bank in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32380/09]

As the Deputy will be aware several regulatory bodies are carrying out investigations of behaviour at Anglo Irish Bank including in particular, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, the Garda Fraud Office and the Financial Regulator. The various regulatory bodies will make their reports in due course. I am of course anxious that the investigations are completed as swiftly as possible. This seems the most appropriate approach.

Financial Institutions Support Scheme.

Joan Burton

Question:

124 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the valuation methodology for the transfer of assets to National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32381/09]

Eligible bank assets identified for transfer to NAMA will be valued in accordance with the valuation methodology set out in Part 5 of the NAMA Bill 2009 as initiated and contained in draft regulations which were published with the NAMA supplementary documentation on 16 September.

Joan Burton

Question:

125 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the methodology for calculating the fee paid by participating institutions in the bank guarantee scheme; the sums paid to date in 2009 by each of the institutions under the scheme; the liabilities currently covered by the bank guarantee at each institution; the amount of money currently in the Central Bank account dedicated to the receipt of these fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32382/09]

The methodology for calculating the charge, which is paid on a quarterly basis is:

A × B ×1

4

where:

A = the Covered Liabilities for such Payment Quarter, being the average of the Covered Liabilities of the Covered Institution as of the last day of each of the three months preceding the first day of such Payment Quarter,

B = the Charge Factor. The charge factor as set out in Section 16 of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 incorporates an assessment of the risks attaching to each individual institution. These are therefore, highly commercially sensitive, and will not be revealed.

The sum raised to date in 2009 for the provision of the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Scheme 2008 is €261,159,734 which represents payments for three quarters. In total, the sum raised for the provision of the guarantee (including accumulated interest) which is held in a mandated account in the Central Bank is €371,227,020. The Deputy will appreciate that the charge paid and the covered liabilities for each covered institution would allow the Charge Factor to be calculated. Accordingly, only aggregate figures are being released.

I have consistently stated that it is my firm intention that the sums raised for the provision of the guarantee should cover the long term cost to the State for providing it. In the context of the six month review of the charge which was recently undertaken by my Department, and given the shortfall in moneys raised from the charge to date, the charge factor levied on each institution has been reviewed and new, higher rates will be charged for the remainder of the scheme. The rates have been calculated so as to recover the estimated €1billion cost of the scheme over its lifetime and to ensure that the taxpayer does not bear any unnecessary cost.

In addition, the covered institutions are obliged to pay all administrative costs associated with the scheme. The administrative costs are composed of staff costs as well as the costs for the provision of legal and financial advice to both myself and my Department. In July, my Department billed the covered institutions €2,495,449 for the period to end May 2009 which was received promptly.

In accordance with the scheme, I recently published the average quarterly liabilities of the covered institutions in Iris Oifigiúil. These are as follows:

1st Quarter value at September 30

365,046,247,030

2nd Quarter average October — December value

352,664,683,524

3rd Quarter average January — March value

317,507,470,647

4th Quarter average April — June value

275,294,936,349

Joan Burton

Question:

126 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his plans to provide for the extension of the bank guarantee scheme; if he will exclude any of the liabilities currently covered from any such extension, notably dated subordinated debt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32383/09]

The Deputy will be aware that it is the Government's intention to put a State guarantee in place for the future issuance of debt securities with a maximum maturity of up to five years. Access to longer-term funding in line with the mainstream approach in the EU is expected to contribute significantly to supporting the funding needs of the banks and to securing their continued stability.

The enactment of the Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act on 26 June 2009 has provided a power to extend the guarantee by order beyond its current expiry date of 29 September 2010. In this regard, work is continuing on the drafting of a scheme, the introduction of which requires EU State aid and Oireachtas approval.

On 16 September last, I published an outline of the main elements of the proposed new guarantee scheme, called the draft Credit Institutions (Eligible Liabilities Guarantee) Scheme or ELG Scheme, which is available on the Department of Finance website. The ELG scheme must be approved in accordance with EU State aid rules and discussions are continuing in this regard with the European Commission. The new scheme will be somewhat more targeted, and in this regard dated subordinated debt or asset covered securities issued after the introduction of the ELG scheme will not be guaranteed either under the ELG scheme or under the Credit Institutions (Financial Support) scheme. A key feature of the ELG scheme will be the ability of covered institutions to access unguaranteed funding.

National Asset Management Agency.

Joan Burton

Question:

127 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if he will provide a detailed breakdown, by asset class, by institution and by geographic location of underlying security, the level of impairment of the assets scheduled to be transferred to the National Asset Management Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32384/09]

The NAMA supplementary documentation pack circulated to the Oireachtas on 16 September contains information on the potential NAMA portfolio including a breakdown of the assets expected to transfer by institution, by sector and by location. These projections are based on provisional information collated by the interim NAMA.

NAMA will take a bottom up approach to the valuation of assets. This approach will be independent of any impairment charges assessed by the participating institutions.

State Banking Sector.

Joan Burton

Question:

128 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the private firms who provide, or have provided, legal, regulatory or financial advice to him in relation to the ongoing banking crisis since August 2008; the amount of money paid to each of these firms in 2008 and to date in 2009; the amount of the retainer paid to each of these firms since their services were engaged; the sum budgeted for the provision of services by each of these firms for the years 2009 and 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32385/09]

As the Deputy is aware, I have received advice on the banking crisis from the Attorney General's Office, the Central Bank, the Financial Regulator and the NTMA. The private consultancy firm which provided legal, regulatory or financial advice to me on the banking crisis since August 2008 is set out below.

Arthur Cox solicitors have been engaged by my Department since September 2008 to provide advice in relation to general banking matters including the Bank Guarantee scheme, the nationalisation of Anglo Irish Bank and the recapitalisation of AIB, Bank of Ireland and Anglo Irish Bank. The company was paid €1,628,024 in 2008 and €2,254,263 has been paid to date in 2009. The sum of €5.4 million has been allocated for legal advice for 2009 and an estimate of €3 million has been set aside for legal advice in 2010.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers was retained by the Financial Regulator in late 2008 to assist the Financial Regulator with a review of the financial and capital positions of Irish banks and to enable the Financial Regulator to advise the Government on what action needed to be taken. The work undertaken involved an initial high level assessment of the capital and liquidity levels of the institutions, stress testing of the institution's loan portfolios over a three year period, and review the valuation of properties held as collateral against the main property loans.

The total fees paid by the Financial Regulator to the company in respect of the work was €3.8 million, which has been completed. In addition, the Financial Regulator has paid €0.84 million to Jones Lang La Salle for financial and property consultancy services in relation to the Bank Guarantee Scheme.

The National Treasury Management Agency paid a total of €7.3 million to Merrill Lynch for investment banking advice up to 30 June 2009. Following a competitive tender process in July, Rothschild have now been awarded the contract for investment banking advice. The NTMA has also retained an economist however the terms of his contract with the NTMA were agreed on a confidential basis. In addition, following a competitive tender process, the NTMA engaged HSBC and Arthur Cox to provide advice in relation to NAMA.

Question No. 129 answered with Question 100.

Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Question:

130 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance his views on the estimate provided by the Comptroller and Auditor General in his recent annual report that the total public sector pension liability is in the order of €108 billion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32387/09]

The latest estimate for the gross accrued liability for public service occupational pensions is €108 billion as of December 2008. This estimate is set out in the recent annual report of the Comptroller and Auditor General. This accrued liability figure is a single monetary amount representing the present value of all expected future superannuation payments to current staff and their spouses in respect of service to date, plus the full liability for all future payments to current pensioners and to their spouses. The large size of the figure is due to the fact that it represents a projection of aggregate pension payments that will be spread over perhaps 70 years into the future.

The estimate of the accrued liability should not be confused with the actual cash funding that will be required in the future. The more meaningful measure of public service pension costs is the actual annual gross outgo on pensions, which is expected to amount to 1.6% of GNP in 2009. The latest forecast is for this outgo to rise to 2.4% of GNP by 2023. The projected increase arises from the growth in public service employment in the past and from increasing longevity.

The 2008 Finance Accounts, to be published shortly, will include the estimate of €108 billion for the total liability of public service occupational pension schemes as at 31 December 2008. The derivation of the accrued liability figure follows the approach set out in the new accounting standard issued by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, IPSAS 25.

Commission on Taxation.

Joan Burton

Question:

131 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance if any payments, payments in kind or reimbursements were made to members of the Commission on Taxation; if sums remain outstanding; if he will provide such information for each member of the commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32388/09]

In recognition of the commitment involved in the participation of members on the Commission on Taxation the following fee structure was put in place by my Department when the Commission was established:

A fee of €700 per day where a commitment of a half day or more was required;

A fee of €350 per day where a commitment of less than half a day was required.

In respect of the Chairman the equivalent figures are €1,000 and €500 respectively.

I understand that the Commission is in the process of finalising arrangements with my Department to pay the final tranche of fees that are due to members of the Commission. Based on payments made to end June 2009 and on fees estimated to be due for commitments from that date, the following table indicates the total amount of gross fees payable to Commission members for the period March 2008 to August 2009. The Deputy may wish to note that all payments by my Department to the Commission members are chargeable to tax under Schedule E and subject to deductions (tax, PRSI and levies, as appropriate).

I am informed that reimbursement of travel expense amounted to a total of €537.60.

Cumulative amount payable to Members in fees

Name

2008

2009

Arnold, Tom

6,650

12,950

Burke, Julie

14,000

15,750

Collins, Micheál

14,000

32,550

Convery, Frank

9,100

12,600

Daly, Frank

54,0001

65,6002

Donohue, Tom

8,050

20,300

Fahy, Eoin

11,900

22,050

Hayes, Brendan3

Nil

Nil

Hunt, Colin

7,0004

Nil

Leech, Sinead

12,250

19,950

Lucey, Con

11,200

17,150

McCoy, Danny

11,550

16,450

O’Rourke, Feargal5

Nil

Nil

O’Sullivan, Mary

16,800

24,500

Redmond, Mark

15,7506

Nil

Soffe, Willie

12,600

23,450

Somers, Deirdre

5,6007

Nil

Walsh, Mary

12,250

26,600

Total

222,700

309,900

1 Figure reflects a voluntary deduction of 20% on fees payable from 1 December 2008.

2 See footnote 1.

3 Fees were not paid to Mr Hayes or Mr. O’Rourke at their request.

4 Fees were not paid to Colin Hunt from September 2008 at his request.

5 See footnote 3.

6 Fees were not paid to Mark Redmond from December 2008 at his request.

7 Fee paid up to her resignation from the Commission in September 2008.

EU Funding.

Joan Burton

Question:

132 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the EU structural funds allocated to Ireland, broken down by region, for each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013; if any of these funds remain to be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32389/09]

For the purposes of EU Structural and Cohesion Funds, Ireland is designated into two NUTS (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) II regions, namely the Border, Midland and Western (BMW) Region and the Southern and Eastern (S&E) Region. Under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, Ireland has been allocated €750 million of EU Structural Funds for the period 2007-13. Of this €458 million has been allocated to the BMW Region and €292 million to the S&E Region.

Ireland's National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF), which sets out the strategy for using these Funds, was approved by the European Commission in July 2007. The BMW, S&E and Human Capital Investment Operational Programmes implementing the strategic priorities in the NSRF were approved by the European Commission in October and November 2007. The annual allocations are set out in table 1, which follows, and reflect the full amount of Structural Funds available to Ireland over the 2007-2013 programming period. Table 2 sets out the same information broken down by region.

A further €151 million has been allocated under ERDF for smaller Territorial Co-operation Operational Programmes, including the PEACE III Programme and the INTERREG Programmes for Ireland/Northern Ireland/Scotland and Ireland/Wales.

Table 1 — Ireland's indicative financial allocation for NSRF

Total

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Total ERDF

375,362,372

95,791,745

80,123,038

63,789,267

46,770,097

29,044,643

29,625,536

30,218,046

Total ESF

375,362,370

95,791,744

80,123,038

63,789,267

46,770,097

29,044,642

29,625,536

30,218,046

Total all Funds — NSRF 2007-2013

750,724,742

191,583,489

160,246,076

127,578,534

93,540,194

58,089,285

59,251,072

60,436,092

Table 2 — Ireland's indicative financial allocation for NSRF — regional breakdown

Region

Fund

Total

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Southern & Eastern

ERDF

146,603,534

19,719,928

20,114,327

20,516,613

20,926,946

21,345,484

21,772,394

22,207,842

Border, Midlands & Western

ERDF

228,758,838

76,071,817

60,008,711

43,272,654

25,843,151

7,699,159

7,853,142

8,010,204

Total ERDF

375,362,372

95,791,745

80,123,038

63,789,267

46,770,097

29,044,643

29,625,536

30,218,046

Southern & Eastern

ESF

146,603,534

19,719,928

20,114,327

20,516,613

20,926,946

21,345,484

21,772,394

22,207,842

Border, Midlands & Western

ESF

228,758,838

76,071,817

60,008,711

43,272,654

25,843,151

7,699,159

7,853,142

8,010,204

Total ESF

375,362,370

95,791,744

80,123,038

63,789,267

46,770,097

29,044,642

29,625,536

30,218,046

Total all Funds — NSRF 2007-2013

750,724,742

191,583,489

160,246,076

127,578,534

93,540,194

58,089,285

59,251,072

60,436,092

Joan Burton

Question:

133 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which Irish credit institutions have drawn down European Investment Bank funds for the purpose of on-lending to small and medium enterprises here; the efforts he has made to encourage these institutions to draw down these funds; the nature of the financial products being employed by the Irish credit institutions to support Irish SMEs with financial backing from the EIB; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32390/09]

The European Investment Bank announced on 3 October 2008 that it was increasing lending for European small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help mitigate the effects of the current credit crisis. This support is in the form of a €30 billion facility to provide loans to commercial banks for onlending to SMEs to fund medium to long-term investment projects.

Four banks operating in Ireland now have access to the EIB facility: Allied Irish Bank (AIB), Bank of Ireland (BoI) and Ulster Bank have access to €100 million each and Bank of Scotland Ireland has access to €50 million.

The overall SME Facility is an important initiative from the EIB and I have strongly urged the Irish financial institutions to utilise the facility to the maximum extent possible with a view to making the additional funding involved available to SMEs as soon as possible.

The allocation of the loans and the drawdown of the funds is a commercial matter for the banks. The indications are that substantial amounts of lending under the facility have been approved across a wide range of sectors. However, it is important to emphasise that the EIB makes funding available for onlending to SMEs as part of its mandate to assist the development of the SME sector. As a result, commercial banks that borrow from the facility are required to ensure that the money is onlent to SMEs for investment and expansion of their activities. Investment can include the purchase of tangible assets (other than land unless vital to the investment), spending on development, planning and financing costs during the construction phase of a project, spending on research and development and building up distribution networks.

It follows that there are constraints on lending from the EIB scheme. Borrowing for short-term working capital is generally not eligible, although a permanent increase in working capital required to develop an expanding SME would qualify. Loans for cash flow or the refinancing of other debt and generally for the takeover of other businesses would not qualify.

Small and Medium-Size Enterprises.

Joan Burton

Question:

134 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the adequacy of access to finance and working capital for small and medium enterprises, particularly for micro-enterprises with fewer than ten staff; his views on the finding of the recent Mazars review of lending to SMEs; the actions he has taken on foot of this report; his plans to bring forward new proposals on foot of the recommendations contained in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32400/09]

Access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is of major concern to the Government. Making additional funds available for SME lending was a condition of the recapitalisation agreements with AIB and Bank of Ireland. The banks report quarterly on their commitments under recapitalisation and the Supplementary Documentation (Green Book) issued by the Department of Finance last week contains details of SME lending by the two banks, based on those reports. The figures show a significant flow of SME lending. Bank of Ireland report drawdown of €1.5 billion, while AIB report €1.3 billion "additional credit sanctions" and €859 million drawdown in the first half of this year. It is clear that credit drawdown/approvals are down on the same period last year, but the amounts are still substantial and represent a significant level of activity.

The Mazars Review covered the supply and demand for credit by SMEs, using both bank data and a survey of SMEs. It is clear from the review that demand for credit is at a much reduced level. In addition, the survey shows that refusal rates also vary by sector from 6% to 48%. Average refusal rates for Micro SMEs were 30%. However, the consultants also examined a sample of files where credit was refused and found that, in general, refusal seemed reasonable in the context of normal commercial and business criteria.

To help tackle credit problems, the Government has established the Credit Supply Clearing Group with bank, business 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.

As part of the ongoing work of the Government's Credit Supply Clearing Group, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment launched an email link on 28 August last calling for submissions from viable businesses that have been refused credit by banks. Such businesses, where the flow of credit appears to be blocked, can now send their details to a dedicated email contact point at the Department, creditsupplyclearinggroup@entemp.ie.

As part of its support for SMEs the Government has also provided €100 million for an Enterprise Stabilisation Fund. Under the scheme, Enterprise Ireland can give up to €500,000 to viable companies with robust business models that are facing difficulties as a result of the current economic environment. In addition the Temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme will provide a subsidy of €9,100 per employee over 15 months to qualifying exporting enterprises in the manufacturing and-or internationally traded services sectors.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

135 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Finance the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32413/09]

Since 19 May 2009 my Department has paid suppliers and contractors as follows: 90.3% within 15 days, 7.8% between 15 and 30 days and 1.9% after 30 days.

Flood Relief.

Finian McGrath

Question:

136 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [32543/09]

I understand from my officials that this matter is the responsibility of Dublin City Council, as it appears to be a stormwater drainage problem. It is open to the City Council, if there are fluvial flooding conditions contributing to flooding problems, to submit a request to OPW for funding for minor flood mitigation works and studies.

National Lottery Funding.

John O'Mahony

Question:

137 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Finance the recipients of National Lottery funding for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the amount given in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32550/09]

The amounts paid to applicants for assistance under the Charitable Lotteries Scheme which is funded from the surplus generated by the National Lottery in each of the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are shown in the following tables:

Organisation

2005 Payment

REHAB Lotteries

5,314,135.75

Gael Linn

407,161.87

Irish Cancer Society

358,683.57

Polio Fellowship

358,683.57

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

350,631.91

Irish Lung Foundation Limited

219,885.64

Asthma Society of Ireland

141,773.42

The Hanly Centre

101,179.79

Irish M.E.Trust

176,136.97

Drogheda Community Services Centre

82,042.46

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

80,209.75

Longford Cathedral Circle

50,270.19

Associated Charities Trust

38,426.67

Irish Wheelchair Association

22,063.18

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co. Ltd.

15,648.87

Cappoquin Community Development Co. Ltd.

12,235.58

Cope Foundation

152.24

The Liffey Trust

145.07

Total

7,729,466.50

Organisation

2006 Payment

REHAB Lotteries

5,748,664.10

Gael Linn

479,224.00

Irish Cancer Society

418,411.48

Polio Fellowship

418,411.48

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

391,823.88

Asthma Society of Ireland

367,530.85

Irish Lung Foundation Limited

225,301.87

The Hanly Centre

124,999.44

Irish M.E.Trust

100,138.84

Drogheda Community Services Trust

96,003.66

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

94,458.06

Longford Cathedral Circle

60,652.17

Associated Charities Trust

41,942.28

Irish Wheelchair Association

18,697.16

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co. Ltd.

18,528.59

Cappoquin Community Development Co. Ltd.

13,212.12

Total

8,618,000.00

Organisation

2007 Payment

REHAB Lotteries

5,504,073.16

Gael Linn

541,587.06

Irish Cancer Society

413,738.27

Polio Fellowship

413,738.27

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

316,656.75

Asthma Society of Ireland

557,013.55

Irish Lung Foundation Limited

205,152.00

The Hanly Centre

168,343.93

Irish M.E.Trust

98,105.07

Drogheda Community Services Trust

100,742.84

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

104,943.51

Longford Cathedral Circle

62,209.77

Associated Charities Trust

42,214.67

Irish Wheelchair Association

7,615.56

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co. Ltd.

17,004.60

Cappoquin Community Development Co. Ltd.

16,049.06

Lyreacrompane Community Development Ltd.

27,938.48

Slieve-Ardagh Rural Development

20,873.44

Total

8,618,000.00

Organisation

2008 Payment

REHAB Lotteries

5,185,163.72

Gael Linn

610,413.50

Irish Cancer Society

429,746.96

Polio Fellowship

429,746.96

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

232,048.76

Asthma Society of Ireland

643,315.93

Irish Lung Foundation Limited

172,890.95

The Hanly Centre

166,103.69

Irish M.E.Trust

96,853.98

Drogheda Community Services Trust

105,947.06

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

121,469.12

Longford Cathedral Circle

61,162.26

Associated Charities Trust

39,113.35

Irish Wheelchair Association

5,417.42

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co. Ltd.

14,200.02

Cappoquin Community Development Co. Ltd.

16,896.90

Lyreacrompane Community Development Ltd.

26,776.64

Friedrich’s Ataxia (FASI)

198,949.67

Slieve-Ardagh Rural Development

22,708.23

St. Kieran’s Community Centre

39,074.86

Total

8,618,000.00

Flood Relief.

Tom Hayes

Question:

138 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Finance if funding will be provided to ensure that necessary works will be carried out at Ardfinnan, County Tipperary to address the flooding problem and ensure that people’s homes are not at further risk. [32570/09]

A formal application for funding for works to address the flooding problem in Ardfinnan was submitted to the Office of Public Works by South Tipperary County Council in early September. The application is currently being considered in conjunction with applications submitted by other local authorities in recent weeks for funding for flood mitigation works or studies at specific locations. A decision will be made in relation to the funding application for Ardfinnan shortly.

Tax Code.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

139 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance if and when a P45 will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32587/09]

I have been advised by the Revenue Commissioners that while the issuing of P45s is a matter for the employer, they will contact the taxpayer directly in relation to his request.

Health Service Allowances.

Jack Wall

Question:

140 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the position of a back-to-school clothing and footwear allowance application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32020/09]

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

Pension Provisions.

Joan Burton

Question:

141 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if, as discussed during the Finance Bill 2009, she is making provision to exclude a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15, who has no pension benefits under a scheme, from having to pay the pension levy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32103/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

142 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will exclude a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 from paying the pension levy. [32500/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.

The individual mentioned was entitled to join the employee superannuation scheme when it was opened up to part-time workers in 2005. The employer has confirmed that she was issued an option to join the scheme (under circular 23/2005), and purchase her pre-scheme service, which she did not avail of. However, on retirement, she may be entitled to a non-pensionable gratuity.

All employees, including full time and part time employees on the payroll, who are, or are entitled to be, members of a public service occupational pension scheme or pension arrangement are subject to the deduction provided for under the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act, 2009.

I can confirm that the levy applies to all employees of St. Michael's House as this employer is deemed to be a public sector employer for the purposes of the legislation (Sections 1(i), 2(1)(b)(i) and 2(1)(b)(iii) refer).

Health Service Allowances.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

143 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on a back-to-school allowance application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32511/09]

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

Health Service Funding.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

144 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are plans to further cut funding available to an organisation (details supplied) in view of the 3% budget cuts imposed since 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32007/09]

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.

Nursing Home Subventions.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

145 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on a nursing home subvention application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32042/09]

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

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

146 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [32048/09]

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

Sean Sherlock

Question:

147 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for the back-to-school clothing scheme by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32058/09]

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

Paul Connaughton

Question:

148 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Health and Children when a decision will be made on an application to the Health Service Executive by a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32062/09]

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.

Finian McGrath

Question:

149 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [32090/09]

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

John O'Mahony

Question:

150 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the number and cost of agency hours for each hospital in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32108/09]

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

Dan Neville

Question:

151 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children when a back-to-school allowance will be granted in respect a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [32110/09]

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

Medical Cards.

John McGuinness

Question:

152 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will expedite the approval of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [32115/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Jack Wall

Question:

153 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive an earlier date for a hospital appointment at Naas General Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32133/09]

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

Child Care Services.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

154 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a grant will be approved in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32145/09]

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

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.

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.

Muscular Dystrophy.

Joe McHugh

Question:

155 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will meet with representatives of an organisation (details supplied) further to a commitment made by her in the course of a Dáil debate on 21 May 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32160/09]

Following the Dáil Debate on 21 May 2009, I met with Duchenne Ireland on 16 June 2009. The issues discussed at that meeting included Research, Clinical Trials and Standards of Care for the treatment of boys with duchenne muscular dystrophy. The issues raised by Duchenne Ireland are under active deliberation and receiving detailed consideration within the Department.

National Treatment Purchase Fund.

Joe McHugh

Question:

156 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the way the National Treatment Purchase Fund will base its pricing structure for beds in nursing homes; if there will be room for negotiations following the pricing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32172/09]

Under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has responsibility for the negotiation of prices for the provision of long-term residential care services with private nursing home providers. This negotiation is based on the definition of "long-term residential care services" as set out in the Act and on supplementary policy information provided by the Department.

The Act defines "long-term residential care services" as maintenance, health and personal care services. The Department has further clarified that this includes: bed and board, nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person, laundry service, and basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living.

This information forms the basis for the NTPF to agree prices with private nursing homes. These prices will be fixed for the term of the agreement.

The NTPF's negotiating role under the scheme will be an ongoing one. Re-negotiations will take place at regular intervals. This will enable both parties to an agreement to take account of inflation and other developments on a periodic basis. It will also enable new entrants to the nursing home sector to participate in the scheme.

Foreign Adoptions.

Joe McHugh

Question:

157 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason Vietnam recently agreed to process 20 packs that were in Vietnam after the former bilateral agreement on adoption had lapsed; if she will confirm that these couples had received referral before the collapse of the agreement on 1 May 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32173/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, I visited the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in June/July last. During the course of our discussions on the agreement, the situation of 20 applications on hand in Hanoi, which were due to be returned by the Department of International Adoptions in Vietnam, was discussed. The Vietnamese side agreed to process the 20 applications as a gesture of goodwill.

I made this request having regard to the unique position of the 20 families in this category. They were at a very advanced stage of the process and their applications were submitted to the Department of International Adoptions by the 1st April deadline although they had not received a referral before the expiry of the agreement on May 1st.

The gesture by the Vietnamese Government reflects the good relationship between the two countries and the genuine desire of both sides to continue this relationship into the future. I briefed the House in detail last week on the broader developments regarding the bi-lateral agreement over the period since then. All applications currently being dealt with by the Vietnamese Government — including these 20 — will be processed to conclusion as part of transitional arrangements provided for by the Vietnamese side.

Hospital Services.

Joe McHugh

Question:

158 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans for embalming in all hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32178/09]

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

Proposed Legislation.

Joe McHugh

Question:

159 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children the timeframe for the introduction of legislation on the regulation of sunbeds; her plan for future use of sunbeds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32179/09]

I have asked my Department to prepare proposals for consideration by the Government to restrict the use of sunbeds. My first priority is to prohibit the use of sunbeds by people under 18 years and provide for the placing of warning notices in sunbed salons and other places where sunbeds are available for use by the public. I have also asked my Department to investigate if a complete ban on the use of sunbeds is possible. As the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment has responsibility for product safety matters generally, discussions have been arranged between the two Departments to consider product safety matters arising in the context of the proposed legislation.

Pending consideration by Government, I am not in a position to say when these provisions might be introduced.

Medical Aids and Appliances.

Michael Ring

Question:

160 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason orthopaedic footwear is not being approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [32190/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

161 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will set up a dedicated inquiry line to assist with medical card queries, in view of the recent changes to the handling of medical card applications, with the setting up of the CPRS, and the subsequent rise in constituent queries. [32192/09]

Up to the start of this year, medical card and GP visit card applications were processed in the Health Service Executive's (HSE's) 32 local health areas. However, under the HSE's 2009 Service Plan, the processing of all medical card and GP visit card applications will transfer to the Executive's Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS) in Dublin. The change is being implemented on a phased basis and has commenced with the PCRS processing all medical card applications for persons aged 70 or over. The phased implementation will allow the situation to be continuously monitored and, if required, modified to address any issues arising. The PCRS is committed to responding to all queries from Oireachtas members and the wider public. Its phone number is 01-8647100.

The HSE has advised my Department that local health offices will continue to provide advice and necessary supports to people applying for medical cards. They will also deal with queries of a general nature about the medical card scheme and, along with the HSE National Helpline (1850 24 1850) will handle enquiries from clients in respect of their medical card entitlements.

Under the new arrangements, the HSE will be aiming for a turnaround time of 15 days or less for all medical card applications. Emergency applications will be dealt with immediately with a card issuing within 24 hours. Applications from people whose income exceeds the income guidelines but have a case to be considered on medical or hardship grounds will also be processed by the PCRS.

The HSE has also advised that this measure, while realising health sector efficiencies and savings, will not have an adverse affect on patient care or the quality of service provided and when fully implemented will ensure: Improved turnaround time for the processing of applications; Equitable application of eligibility across the country; Consistency of service provision to customers; Clearer lines of governance and accountability; and Improved unified data.

This project is an example of the type of innovation signalled in the Transforming Public Services Programme announced by the Taoiseach last November. It demonstrates how improved services can be delivered within the more limited resources available in a way which meets the needs of citizens in a modern society.

I will convey the Deputy's suggestion about the setting up of a dedicated phone line for medical card and GP visit card queries to the HSE for consideration.

Health Services.

Finian McGrath

Question:

162 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [32194/09]

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

Finian McGrath

Question:

163 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [32195/09]

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.

Ambulance Service.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

164 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the Dublin ambulance service, as set out in the 2008 annual report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32204/09]

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 views of the Comptroller and Auditor General in relation to ambulance services in Dublin will be considered in this context.

Health Services.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

165 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a five day placement with language support is not available to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [32207/09]

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.

Cancer Screening Programme.

Joe McHugh

Question:

166 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children if breast cancer services will be retained and secured at Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, in view of the hospital’s status as an outreach of Galway University Hospital; her plans to downgrade or remove any breast cancer services from Letterkenny General Hospital; if she will meet with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss its concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32213/09]

The matters raised by the Deputy in relation to breast cancer services at Letterkenny General Hospital relate to the provision of healthcare services and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on these matters.

In relation to Donegal Action for Cancer Care (DACC), my office will be in touch with DACC in due course to make the necessary arrangements for a date for a meeting.

Hospital Charges.

Denis Naughten

Question:

167 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 214 of 7 October 2008, the steps she will take to include the classification of haemochromatosis as a lifelong chronic illness covered by the general medical service; if she will direct the Health Service Executive to instruct all hospitals to provide venesection only as an outpatient procedure and as a result address the current charges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32215/09]

There are currently no plans to extend the list of eligible conditions covered by the Long Term Illness Scheme, which was introduced on a statutory basis in 1971. In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of general practice consultations.

I am in discussions with the Health Service Executive to ensure that there is a consistent policy in relation to the provision of venesection services throughout the country.

Water Quality.

Phil Hogan

Question:

168 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children if recommendations have been made by the consulting engineers engaged by her in the audit of fluoridating supplies to ensure compliance with the code of practice; if the consulting engineers have identified any missing on-line monitoring and automatic fail-safe shutdown equipment necessary for safety; the name of the plants lacking this equipment; the cost of bringing all fluoridating water supplies into compliance with the code of practice nationally; the number of fluoridating supplies that are in full compliance; if she will name all those not in compliance; the cost of the national audit by the consulting engineers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32222/09]

In May 2008 consulting engineers were engaged by the Expert Body on Fluorides and Health to conduct a national audit of the fluoridation process at water treatment plants. The cost of the project was €232,000. The final draft of the report is close to completion and will be available shortly.

Foreign Adoptions.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

169 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm the date and venue of the meeting expected to take place before the end of September 2009 between her and Vietnamese officials to finalise a new draft bilateral inter-country adoption agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32351/09]

I outlined in some detail the developments regarding discussions on a bilateral inter-country adoption agreement with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam last week. I referred, in particular, to two significant reports which have been undertaken regarding child welfare, protection and adoption in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Firstly, in August, 2009, the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, with the technical assistance of UNICEF in that country, published a report entitled "Creating a protective environment for children in Vietnam: An assessment of child protection laws and policies, especially children in special circumstances in Vietnam" .

Secondly, a draft report on inter-country adoption in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has been prepared by the International Social Services (ISS). This report was commissioned by UNICEF in co-ordination with the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice. It aims, inter alia, to "identify and address problems in both domestic and Intercountry Adoption processes with a view to assisting Vietnam in its preparations to ratify the Hague Convention".

While work is continuing on the draft of the Agreement under discussion, the scheduling of a meeting between officials of both countries will await the outcome of my consideration of these two reports. I am currently awaiting finalisation of the ISS Report.

Michael McGrath

Question:

170 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding a bilateral adoption agreement with Russia; and when she expects such an agreement will be finalised. [32362/09]

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

Under the proposed new legislative regime, prospective adoptive parents will be able to adopt from countries that have ratified the Hague Convention as well as from those countries with which Ireland has a bilateral agreement based on Hague standards. As part of the preparations for the likely passage and entry into force of these new legislative arrangements, my Office has been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs to identify and negotiate with countries who continue to seek homes abroad for children in need of alternative care 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. 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 determined to a considerable degree by the Government of the Russian Federation.

I believe that it would be imprudent to indicate at this time as to whether or when an agreement can be reached with the Russian Federation. However, I will continue to advance this matter with the assistance of my colleague Minister Martin and of his officials in both Dublin and Moscow. 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 Aids and Appliances.

Michael McGrath

Question:

171 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a medical device to a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [32363/09]

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

Consultancy Contracts.

Joe McHugh

Question:

172 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health and Children in relation to Health Service Executive sanctioned projects, the number of consultancy contracts that are ongoing; the number of these projects that will be completed within a definitive period; if she will list these deadlines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32369/09]

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

Nursing Homes Support Scheme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

173 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 454 of 16 September 2009, if she can clarify a statement made (details supplied) in relation to the introduction of the nursing home support scheme; if she will adhere to the October 2009 introduction time that she indicated previously; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32395/09]

Negotiations are ongoing between the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and the private nursing home providers in respect of the maximum prices to be charged under the scheme. The HSE, as the scheme administrator, is also engaged in the finalisation of its procedures in respect of the scheme.

The Minister intends to commence the Nursing Homes Support Scheme once the negotiation process with private providers has concluded and the HSE has finalised its procedures. It is not possible to be more specific at this time, particularly as the stipulation of an exact date could undermine the negotiation work of the NTPF.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

174 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health and Children the percentage of payments made by her Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32415/09]

The percentages of invoices paid to suppliers and other contractors by my Department since 19 May 2009 within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days, are set out in the table below.

Payments between 19/05/09 to 18/09/09

Percentage of invoices paid (%)

Invoices paid within 15 days

99.96

Invoices paid 16 to 30 days

0.04

Invoices paid after 30 days

0.00

Foreign Adoptions.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

175 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the licence of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to Vietnamese adoptions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32439/09]

Adoption agencies are licensed by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the context of bi-lateral agreements with the state of origin of such agencies. In the absence of a bi-lateral agreement with Ireland, no Irish agency is licensed to operate in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at this time. This does not affect the registration of such agencies under Irish law.

Suicide Incidence.

John McGuinness

Question:

176 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children her response and that of the Health Service Executive to the number of cases of suicide here; and the numbers of same for each of the past two years and to date in 2009. [32487/09]

‘Reach Out' – A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, sets out a policy framework for suicide prevention. The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees 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; implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services; dedicated suicide resource officers; the provision of funding to the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF); supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention and developing mental health awareness campaigns.

In addition to the €8m available to the HSE for suicide prevention initiatives, once-off funding of €1m 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 outcome of this process —’Teenage Mental Health: What helps? and What hurts?’ was launched on 15th June 2009. The campaign will be launched in October.

A 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 deliberate self-harm by 5% by 2010 and a further 5% by 2016.

Data on mortality is compiled by the Central Statistics Office and published in the Annual and Quarterly Reports on Vital Statistics. The provisional figures for deaths by suicide for the years 2007 and 2008 are 460 and 424 respectively. These figures are subject to revision as some undetermined deaths may be recorded as suicide following a coroner's inquest. Figures for 2009 are not yet available.

Community Care.

Michael Ring

Question:

177 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the assistance available at night-time for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [32492/09]

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

Medical Aids and Appliances.

John O'Mahony

Question:

178 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will provide a person (details supplied) in County Mayo with an art assist machine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32506/09]

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

Health Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

179 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if continued rehab care will be arranged in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if she will provide a long-term care package. [32545/09]

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

Hospital Staff.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

180 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of consultants in each public hospital here; the number of non-consultant hospital doctors in each public hospital here; the number of admissions in each public hospital here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32553/09]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

182 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children the process currently in place to approve and appoint new consultants to public hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32555/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 182 together.

As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Services.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

181 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a third geriatrician will be appointed for the mid-west region; if support staff will be appointed to work as part of the new geriatricians team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32554/09]

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

Question No. 182 answered with Question No. 180.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

183 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if a tender has been accepted for the proposed critical care unit at the Mid-western Regional Hospital, Limerick; the amount of this tender; if it differs significantly from the original projected cost; the time-frame for the development and opening of this unit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32556/09]

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

Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

184 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children when an appointment (details supplied) will be made; the reason for delaying this appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32567/09]

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

Mental Health Services.

Denis Naughten

Question:

185 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 9 June 2009, the status of the mental health day hospital capital project in Roscommon town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32568/09]

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

Hospital Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

186 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when hip replacement surgery will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32592/09]

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

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

187 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when orthodontic treatment will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32593/09]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

188 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive a psychological assessment and or an EEG scan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32594/09]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a European health insurance card will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32595/09]

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

Community Care.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

190 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if and when provision will be made for a weekly nurse visit to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32596/09]

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

Medical Cards.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

191 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a medical card renewal will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32597/09]

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

Health Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

192 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when primary medical certification will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32598/09]

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

Health Service Allowances.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

193 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a review of an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 20 will be undertaken; when all documentation forwarded to her Department by this person will be returned to them; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32600/09]

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.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

194 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a back to school allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32603/09]

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

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

195 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a back to school allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32605/09]

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

National Lottery Funding.

John O'Mahony

Question:

196 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Health and Children the recipients of national lottery funding for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the amount given in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32785/09]

The funding made available by my Department to voluntary organisations is from the National Lottery Fund. The breakdown by programme is provided and a list of each body in receipt of funding is published in the Appropriation Accounts audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General and is set out in the following tables.

The Health Service Executive funds a wide range of voluntary bodies to provide services on its behalf or which are similar or ancillary to the services it provides. This funding includes the allocation of funds from the National Lottery Fund under its Vote. Therefore, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to provide details of the funding provided and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

2005

Acute Hospitals

836,500

Childcare

316,799

Disability Services

528,400

Health Promotion

143,901

Mental Health

450,020

Services for Older People

1,206,330

Social Inclusion

242,250

Nursing

3,000

Total

3,727,200

2006

Acute Hospital

1,010,000

Childcare

570,473

Disability Services

285,158

Health Promotion

209,500

Mental Health

695,000

Services for Older People

957,319

Social Inclusion

60,000

Primary Care

27,550

Total

3,815,000

2007

Acute Hospitals

1,158,800

Childcare

586,500

CMO

27,000

Disability Services

286,715

Health Promotion

45,000

Mental Health

677,000

Services for Older People

749,035

Primary Care

3,450

Social Inclusion

369,500

Total

3,903,000

2008

Childcare

623,500

Disability Services

745,178

Acute Hospitals

522,500

Services for Older People

609,222

Primary Care

10,000

Mental Health

598,600

Cancer and Blood Policy

365,000

Health Promotion

191,500

Adoption Board

252,000

Social Inclusion

67,500

Total

3,985,000

2005

Organisation

Address

Amount Paid

Aoibhneas Women’s Refuge

Dublin 17

2,000

Association of Irish Clinical Embryologists

Dublin 2

20,000

Association of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Ireland

Dublin 7

20,000

Autism West Limited

Galway

50,000

Best Buddies Ireland

Newbridge Co Kildare

50,000

Bodywhys

Blackrock, Co Dublin

15,600

Brainwave The Irish Epilepsy Association

Dublin 12

2,500

Caherconlish Caherline Community Council Ltd

Caherconlish, Limerick

2,000

Caring for Carers Ireland

Abbey Street, Ennis

40,000

Caring for Carers Limerick Branch

Limerick

60,000

Carrigoran House

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare

42,000

Carrigoran House

Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare

47,670

Castlebridge Community Centre

Castlebridge, Co Wexford

20,000

Cloughjordan Active Retirement Association

Cloughjordan Co Tipperary

6,000

Cobh Youth Services Ltd

Cobh, Co Cork

10,000

Coiste Aosach na nOileán

Lettermore, Co Galway

40,000

Common Purpose

Dublin 7

2,100

Community Awareness of Drugs

Dame Court Dublin 2

4,000

Console (Bereaved by Suicide Foundation)

Grace Park Road Dublin 9

100,000

Cork Counselling Services Ltd

Cork City

80,000

Cuan Mhuire Teoranta

Bruree Co Limerick

55,000

Cuidiú — Irish Childbirth Trust

Ashford, Co Wicklow

6,000

Dóchas Family Centre

Clondalkin Dublin 22

36,000

Donnycarney Community and Youth Centre Ltd

Donnycarney Dublin 5

2,500

Down Syndrome Ireland

30 Mary Street, Dublin 1

15,000

Down Syndrome Ireland

30 Mary Street Dulbin 1

15,300

Drogheda Community Services

Drogheda Co Louth

100,000

Dublin Rape Crisis Centre

Dublin 2

12,000

Dun Laoghaire Lions Club

Blackrock Co Dublin

9,000

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd)

Thompson House Cork

50,000

Embrace

4 Fairyville Lawn, Cork

70,000

Family Ministry

Cork

10,000

Finglas Senior Help Line

Finglas West Dublin 11

5,000

Foynes & District Community Council Ltd

Foynes, Co Limerick

20,000

Friends of St Patrick’s Association

Kilkenny

20,935

Frenchpark Community Playgroup

Frenchpark Co Roscommon

40,000

Galway Travellers Support Group

Galway

25,000

Glin Homes for the Elderly Ltd

Glin Co Limerick

100,000

Grow in Ireland

Forrest Mews, Swords

15,000

Hooked

Salthill Galway

1,000

Irish Anaesthetic & Recovery Nurses Association

Togher Cork

3,000

Irish Association of Suicidology

Castlebar Co Mayo

20,000

Irish Association of Suicidology

Castlebar Co Mayo

7,500

Irish Chronic Pain Association

Coleraine House Dublin 7

4,500

Irish Family Planning Association Limited

Dublin 1

7,500

Irish Gerontological Society

Wilton Cork

10,000

Irish Haemochromatosis Association

Rathgar Dublin

25,000

Irish Kidney Association

Block 43A Park West Dublin 12

500,000

Irish Kidney Association

Block 43A Park West Dublin 12

50,000

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

Coleraine Street Dublin 7

140,000

Irish Progressive Association for Autism

Bessborrough Cork

23,000

Irish Raynaud’s & Scleroderma Society

Foxrock Dublin 18

13,500

Irish Red Cross (Leenane/Haam Branch)

Leenane Co Galway

6,000

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament

Dublin 3

140,000

Irish Society for Mucopolysaccharide Diseases

Ballyneety Limerick

28,000

Irish Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society

Knockmaroon Castleknock Dublin

30,000

JADD Projects Ltd

Jobstown Tallaght Dublin 24

15,000

Johnny — Gay Peer Action Group

105 Capel Street Dublin 1

3,000

Kerry Hospice Foundation

Tralee Co Kerry

100,000

Kerry Mental Health Association (Killorglin Branch)

Killorglin Co Kerry

50,000

Killahan School — Pre-School Autism Unit

Tralee Co Kerry

15,000

Knockanure Development Association

Kilmorna,Listowel, Co Kerry

50,000

Laharn Community Action Group Ltd

Glantane Mallow Co Cork

4,500

Leitrim Lifestart

Manorhamilton Co Leitrim

15,000

Lifestart National Office

Sligo

30,000

Longford Community Resources

Longford

40,000

Mallow Social Services Council

Mallow Co Cork

45,000

Mead Day Care Centre

Donaghmede Dublin 13

20,000

Meningitis Trust

Bray Co Wicklow

16,750

Mental Health Association

Loughrea Co Galway

28,000

Mental Health Ireland

Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin

57,000

Mna Feasa

Knocknaheeny Cork

15,600

Music Network Ltd

Dublin Castle Dublin 2

12,000

National Infertility Support & Information Group

Togher Cork

20,000

Newtown/Donadea Senior Citizens Group

Kilcock Co Kildare

6,000

Oak House Resource Centre

Portarlington Co Laois

4,000

One in Four

Dublin 2

100,000

Open Heart House

Dublin 7

20,000

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Ballsbridge Unit)

32 Clyde Road Ballsbridge Dublin4

140,000

Order of Malta (Ballinrobe Unit)

Ballinrobe Co Mayo

60,000

Outhouse Ltd

Dublin 1

70,000

Pre-school for Travellers

Ballyhaunis Co Mayo

6,799

Samaritans (Limerick/Tipperary Branch)

Limerick

8,020

Schizophrenia Ireland

Dublin 7

20,000

Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary

Southill Co Westmeath

15,000

Social Communication Research Programme Limited

Trim Co Meath

80,000

Southill Family Resource Centre

O’Malley Park, Limerick

7,000

St. Andrew’s Centre

Greenhills Dublin 12

15,000

St. Helena’s Womens Awareness Group

St. Helena’s Road Dublin 11

11,577

St. John’s House of Rest

202 Merrion Road Dublin 4

55,000

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Portrane

Blackrock Co Dublin

11,000

St. Mary’s Community Benefit Fund

Rathmines Dublin 6

35,000

St. Mary’s Parent and Toddler Group

Wheaton Hall, Drogheda Co Louth

2,000

St. Mary’s Senior Citizens Club

Corbally Limerick City

2,000

Summer Fun 2005 — Camp

Harbour Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

2,000

Tallaght Community Arts Centre (TCAC)

Old Bawn Road Tallaght Dublin 24

5,000

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland

Bunratty Drive Dublin 17

8,225

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (Dun Laoghaire)

Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin

50,000

The Coeliac Society of Ireland

Dublin 7

30,000

The Endometriosis Association of Ireland

Balbriggan Co Dublin

6,624

The Association of Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy Ire .

Blackrock Co Dublin

4,500

Thursday Club Clarina

Clarina Co Limerick

10,000

Tiny Tots Parents & Toddler Group

Westport, Co Mayo

2,000

Tralee Refugee Support Services

Tralee Co Kerry

10,000

Volunteer Stroke Scheme

Dublin 12

4,000

West of Ireland Alzheimer Foundation

Ballindine Co Mayo

100,000

Westgate Foundation

West Village, Ballincollig Co Cork

60,000

3,727,200

An amount of 5,200 was returned from the 2003 funding and was awarded in 2005.

2006

Ref

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

Acute Hospitals

Brú Columbanus, Cardinal Way, Bishopstown, Cork City

50,000

Acute Hospitals

Cancer Fund Donegal Town Limited, Ardeskin, Donegal Town, Co. Donegal

100,000

Acute Hospitals

Children in Hospital Ireland, Carmichael Centre, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, D7

90,000

Acute Hospitals

Europa Donna Ireland, The Irish Breast Cancer Campaign, P.O. Box 6602, D8

10,000

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, D12

550,000

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, D12

35,000

Acute Hospitals

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, St. John’s House, 32 Clyde Road, D4

80,000

Acute Hospitals

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (Thurles), Rossa Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

75,000

Child Care Legislation Unit

Nova Helpline Ltd., Upper Ormond Quay, D7

100,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Calry Select Vestry/Catacombs Project, Calry Rectory, The Mall, Sligo

100,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Castlelyons Community Centre, Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co. Cork

10,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Clondalkin Partnership, Camac House, Oakfield Industrial Estate, Clondalkin, D22

109,210

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Cobh Youth Services Ltd, 16 Midleton Street, Cobh, Co. Cork

25,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Cork Children’s Chorus, Cliffdene, Castlegreina Park, Boreenmanna Road, Cork

10,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Edgeworthstown Community Childcare Committee, c/o Old School House, Ballymahon Road, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford

45,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Inver Arts & Crafts Group, c/o Glengad, Pollathomas, Ballina, Co. Mayo

2,944

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Inver Foroige Club, c/o Inver, Barnatra, Ballina, Co. Mayo

1,600

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Killawalla Community Council, Killawalla, Westport, Co. Mayo

20,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Knockadoon Camp, Ballymacoda, Co. Cork

75,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Raphoe Community Playscheme, c/o 234 St. Eunan’s Tce, Raphoe, Lifford P.O., Co. Donegal

4,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Vita House Family Centre, Abbey Street, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon

30,000

Health Promotion Policy

Cuan Mhuire Teoranta, Cuan Mhuire, Cardington, Athy, Co. Kildare

45,000

Health Promotion Policy

Cuidiú — Irish Childbirth Trust, Carmichael House, Nth Brunswick Street, D7

6,500

Health Promotion Policy

Dublin North East Drugs Task Force, ‘Le Cheile’, Clancarthy Road, Donnycarney, D5

15,000

Health Promotion Policy

Eurochild International Project (CWPC Ltd), Tigh Filí, Thompson House, MacCurtain Street, Cork

25,000

Health Promotion Policy

Meningitis Research Foundation, 63 Gardiner Street Lower, D1

25,000

Health Promotion Policy

Meningitis Trust, P.O. Box 102, Bray, Co. Wicklow

3,000

Health Promotion Policy

National Network of Womens Refuges and Support Services, 27 Church Street, Athlone, Co. Westmeath

50,000

Health Promotion Policy

Southill Family Resource Centre, 267-268 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

10,000

Health Promotion Policy

The Coeliac Society of Ireland, Carmichael Centre, 4 North Brunswick Street, D7

30,000

Disabilities

Glasnevin Educate Together National School, Church Avenue, Glasnevin, D9

6,433

Disabilities

Inclusion Ireland, Unit C2, The Steelworks, Foley Street, D1

80,000

Disabilities

Irish Progressive Association for Autism, Unit 1G, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork

40,000

Disabilities

National Parents’ and Siblings’ Alliance, 31 Magenta Hall, Santry, D9

35,000

Disabilities

St. Joseph’s Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Portrane, St. Ita’s Hospital, Portrane, Co. Dublin

24,000

Mental Health Services

Console (Bereaved by Suicide Foundation), All Hallows College, Drumcondra, D9

50,000

Mental Health Services

Cork Counselling Services, 7 Fr. Mathew Street, Cork City

96,000

Mental Health Services

Dolmen Clubhouse Ltd, Cualgara, Teeling Street, Ballina, Co. Mayo

30,000

Mental Health Services

Family Centre, Chapel Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

3,000

Mental Health Services

Galway Mental Health Association, c/o 73 Manor Court, Knocknacarra, Galway

28,500

Mental Health Services

Genesis Psychotherapy & Family Therapy Services Limited, Blackcourt Road, Corduff, Blanchardstown, D15

100,000

Mental Health Services

Irish Association of Suicidology /International Association for Suicide Prevention, 16 New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

50,000

Mental Health Services

The Irish Institute of Naturopathic Medicine Ltd, The Fulcrum, Colliga House, Knockanarrigan, Glen of Imaal, Co. Wicklow

75,000

Mental Health Services

Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

100,000

Mental Health Services

Pieta C.P.S.O.S. (Centre for the Prevention of Self-Harm or Suicide), Old Lucan Road, Co. Dublin

30,000

Mental Health Services

Slí Eile Housing Association, Dromina, Charleville, Co. Cork

10,000

Mental Health Services

Southwest Counselling Centre, Emmets Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry

15,000

Mental Health Services

Thurles Lions Trust Housing Association Limited, c/o Neil J. Butler & Co Solicitors, Friar Street, Thurles, Co. Tipperary

100,000

Disabilities

Arthritis Ireland, 1 Clanwilliam Square, Grand Canal Quay, D2

10,725

Disabilities

Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, D3

20,000

Disabilities

Irish Wheelchair Association for the Acquired Brain Injury Network, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, D3

10,000

Disabilities

Myasthenia Gravis Association, Lavalla, Ballynacally, Ennis, Co. Clare

18,000

Primary Care 1

Clondalkin Women’s Network, Quarryvale, Clondalkin, D22

7,550

Primary Care 1

National Association of the Ovulation Method of Ireland, 119 Patrick Street, Cork

10,000

Services for Older People

Boherbue Parish Hall Committee, Boherbue, Mallow, Co. Cork

15,000

Services for Older People

Castlebridge Community Centre, The Avenue, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford

20,000

Services for Older People

Charleville Sheltered Housing Services, Tower House, Church View, Charleville, Co. Cork

10,000

Services for Older People

Clarecastle Daycare Centre Limited, Co. Clare

30,000

Services for Older People

Clondalkin Senior Citizens Social Club, c/o 45 Cappaghmore, Clondalkin, D22

4,000

Services for Older People

Cloughjordan Active Retirement Association, Co. Tipperary

7,000

Services for Older People

Community of Lough Arrow Social Project, Gleann Community Centre, Drumnacool via Boyle, Co. Sligo

20,000

Services for Older People

Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick

60,000

Services for Older People

Embury Close Sheltered Housing, Rathkeale Road, Adare, Co. Limerick

30,000

Services for Older People

Friends of Clonakilty Day Care Centre, Hospital Grounds, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

50,000

Services for Older People

Galway Contact for the Elderly, 189 Corrib Park, Newcastle, Galway

10,000

Services for Older People

Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, 90 Fairview Strand, D3

175,000

Services for Older People

Killala Senior Citizens Group, Killala Community Centre, Killala, Co. Mayo

30,000

Services for Older People

Kilmoyley Community Care, c/o Ballyhemican, Kilmoyley, Co. Kerry

20,000

Services for Older People

Limerick Senior Citizens Club, CIE Social Club, Carey’s Road, Limerick

16,000

Services for Older People

Marino and District Community Centre Limited, c/o 12 Shelmartin Avenue, Marino, D3

70,000

Services for Older People

Mulranny Day Centre Housing Co. Ltd., St. Brendan’s Village, Mulranny, Co. Mayo

5,100

Services for Older People

Music Network Ltd., The Coach House, Dublin Castle, D2

8,000

NL 06/20

Services for Older People

Nás na Ríogh Housing Association Ltd, Ellenborough House, Dublin Road, Naas, Co. Kildare

70,000

Services for Older People

North Fingal Rural Transport Company Ltd., Security House, Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin

60,000

Services for Older People

Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus Ltd, Family Centre, Ennis Road, Newmarket-on Fergus, County Clare

8,750

Services for Older People

Queen of Peace Dinner Club, c/o Good Shepherd Convent, Roxboro Road, Limerick

2,000

Services for Older People

Raphoe Friday Seniors Club, Volt House Resource Centre, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

5,000

Services for Older People

Stroke Unit Limerick, c/o Rehabilitation Centre, St. Camillus Hospital, Shelbourne Road, Limerick

28,000

Services for Older People

Stroke Unit Limerick, c/o Rehabilitation Centre, St. Camillus Hospital, Shelbourne Road, Limerick

2,500

Services for Older People

St. Martin’s GAA Community Centre, Piercestown, Co. Wexford

15,000

Services for Older People

St. Michaels Day Care Centre, Cappamore, Co. Limerick

10,000

Services for Older People

St. Vincent’s Day Centre for the Elderly, St. Vincent’s Health Centre, Station Road, Tipperary Town

6,080

Services for Older People

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

15,000

Services for Older People

Summerhill Active Retirement Group, Third Age Centre, Summerhill, Co. Meath

10,000

Services for Older People

Terrerath Community Alert, Cassagh, New Ross, Co. Wexford

1,000

Services for Older People

Westgate Foundation, Westgate, West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

40,000

Social Inclusion

Aisling Group/Bradán Day Program, P.O. Box 26, Bradan House, Navan, Co. Meath

45,000

Social Inclusion

Cáirde, 19 Belvedere Place, D1

15,000

NL 06/ 214

Acute Hospitals

St. John Ambulance Brigade of Ireland

10,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Kiltubrid Afterschool Club, Drumcong, Carrick-on-Shannon

2,000

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Ramelton Community Youth Project, c/o Ramelton Community Centre, Pound Street, Ramelton, Co. Donegal

1,300

NL 06/ 209

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Coiste Ionad Curam Leanaí

5,000

NL 06/ 148

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Lifestart Cherry Orchard

5,000

NL 06/ 212

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Lifestart National Office

9,419

NL 06/ 181

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Little V.I.P. Playschool

5,000

NL 06/ 94

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Oasis Counselling Service

5,000

NL 06/ 33

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Millennium Holiday Home Project Ltd

3,000

NL 06/ 136

Child Welfare and Protection Policy Unit

Liberty House Parents Group/Children’s Clubs

2,000

NL 06/197

Disabilities

Western Care Association

10,000

Disabilities

Embrace, 4 Fairyville Lawn, The Lough, Cork

12,000

Disabilities

The Galway Association, Blackrock House, Salthill, Galway

10,000

NL 06/ 145

Disabilities

St. Brigid’s School Summer Fun

1,000

Mental Health Services

Alliance for Mental Health, c/o Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

2,500

NL 06/120

Primary Care 1

National Infertility Support & Information Group, P.O. Box 131, Togher, Cork

10,000

Services for Older People

Ballymote Active Retirement Association, Pastoral Centre, Tubbercurry Road, Ballymote, Co. Sligo

1,389

Services for Older People

Conna Community Council Housing for the Elderly Association Ltd, Social Centre, Conna, Co. Cork

10,000

NL 06/ 196

Services for Older People

Duagh Community and Family Resource Centre

10,000

Services for Older People

Finglas Senior Helpline, c/o 817 Ratoath Road, Finglas West, Dunlin 11

2,500

Services for Older People

Friends of Castlecomer District Hospital, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny

10,000

Services for Older People

Kare Social Services, 2 Sybil Hill Road, Raheny, D2

13,000

Services for Older People

Kilkenny Branch Alzheimer Society, c/o Caredoc, Waterford Road, Kilkenny

10,000

Services for Older People

Lucan Active Retirement Association, c/o Timberley, Leixlip Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin

1,300

NL 06/ 201

Services for Older People

Our Lady’s Manor Nursing Home

5,000

NL 06/ 167

Services for Older People

Serenity Active Retirement

5,000

Services for Older People

Sixmilebridge & District Community Complex Society Limited, Main Street, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare

7,000

Services for Older People

St. John’s Rest and Day Care Centre, Knock Shrine, Knock, Co. Mayo

11,500

NL 06/135

Services for Older People

Templemore Community Services, Bank Street, Templemore, Co. Tipperary

12,000

Acute Hospitals

DARA (Defibrillation and Resuscitation Access), Slatta, Roosky, Co. Roscommon

10,000

NL 06/ 62

Services for Older People

Tinahely Active Retirement Association

2,500

NL 06/ 123

Services for Older People

St. Brigid’s Senior Citizens Club

2,700

Mental Health Services

Dublin Clubhouse Alliance T/A Empowering People Ireland, 24-26 Upper Ormond Quay, D7

5,000

NL 06/ 182

Disabilities

St. Anne’s Special School

8,000

Total

3,815,000

No.

122

2007

Ref

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 07/130

Acute Hospitals

Children in Hospital Ireland, Carmichael Centre, Coleraine House, Coleraine St., Dublin 7

50,000

NL 07/137

Acute Hospitals

Europa Donna Ireland, The Irish Breast Cancer Campaign, P O Box 6602, Dublin 8

173,800

NL 07/63

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Head Office, Donor House, Block 43A Park West, Dublin 12

600,000

NL 07/78

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Head Office, Donor House, Block 43A Park West, Dublin 12

65,000

NL 07/132

Acute Hospitals

Order of Malta Ambulance Corps, St. John’s House, 32 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Co. Dublin

140,000

NL 07/45

Acute Hospitals

St. John Ambulance Brigade — Southern Command, 49 Sarsfield Terrace, Richmond Hill, Cork

130,000

NL 07/115

C.M.O.

Irish Patient’s Association Ltd., 24 Church Road, Ballybrack, Co Dublin

27,000

NL 07/141

Childcare

Clondalkin Junior Montessori School A.M.I., 10 Newlands Drive Clondalkin Dublin 22

15,000

NL 07/50

Childcare

Clondalkin Partnership, Unit D, Nangor Road Business Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

130,000

NL 07/37

Childcare

Cobh Youth Services Ltd., “Glencree”, 89 Norwood Park, Cobh, Co. Cork

40,000

NL 07/33

Childcare

Don Bosco Teenage Care Housing Association, Carmichael Centre, North Brunswick St, Dublin 7

5,000

NL 07/87

Childcare

First Step Child Care Centre, Listry Community Council Ltd., Faha, Killarney, Co Kerry

5,000

NL 07/117

Childcare

Helping Hands Adoption Mediation Agency Ltd., Forge Lodge, Forge Hill, Cork

300,000

NL 07/1

Childcare

Home — Start Lucan, Ballyowen Castle Community Centre, Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, Co. Dublin

45,000

NL 07/21

Childcare

Muckross Community Play-School, Faughbawn, Muckross, Killarney, Co. Kerry

5,000

NL 07/13

Childcare

New Ross Community Pre-school, 12 Longstone Drive, Irishtown, New Ross, Co. Wexford

15,000

NL 07/48

Childcare

Parent Network for the Institutionalised Child, 53 Castlelands, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

6,000

NL 07/35

Childcare

Sligo Social Services Council Ltd, Charles St., Sligo

2,500

NL 07/11

Childcare

Teach Oscail FRC Project, Tullachmongan Resource Centre, Killymooney Drive, Cavan

3,000

NL 07/16

Childcare

The Open Door Network, Ist Floor CDP, Rock Business Park, Rock St., Tralee, Co. Kerry

15,000

NL 07/77

Disability Services

Artane/Beaumont Family Recreation Centre Limited, Kilmore Road, Artane, Dublin 5

30,000

NL 07/138

Disability Services

Bord Bainistíochta Scoil Chrónáin, “Tir an Fhia” Newtown Upper Rathcoole Co Dublin

40,000

NL 07/23

Disability Services

Cashel na Cor Learning Disability Association Ltd, Umrican, Buncrana, Co. Donegal

15,000

NL 07/26

Disability Services

Clare Federation for People with Special Needs, Fergus View, Cusack Road, Ennis, Co. Clare

8,479

NL 07/2

Disability Services

Duhallow Carers Network, Knocknacurra, Boherbue, Mallow, Co. Cork

1,500

NL 07/5

Disability Services

Dyslexia Association of Ireland — Wexford Branch, Mulrankin, Bridgetown, Co. Wexford

2,000

NL 07/122

Disability Services

EMBRACE, 4 Fairyville Lawn, The Lough, Cork

35,000

NL 07/94

Disability Services

Friends of Ballyboden, 16 Leopardstown Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin

5,000

NL 07/158

Disability Services

Friends of Ballyowen Meadows, Beechpark Stillorgan Co Dublin

3,000

NL 07/40

Disability Services

Killahan National School — Autism Unit, Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry

8,000

NL 07/82

Disability Services

Marino School, Church Road, Bray, Co Wicklow

15,000

NL 07/70

Disability Services

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, 71-72 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

6,000

NL 07/34

Disability Services

National Association for Deaf People, 35 North Fredrick St., Dublin 1

10,000

NL 07/57

Disability Services

National Parents and Siblings Alliance (NPSA), 31 Magenta Hall, Santry, Dublin 9

10,000

NL 07/54

Disability Services

North End United AFC, Lyndale, Coolcotts, Wexford

10,000

NL 07/43

Disability Services

Parents and Friends of St. Anthonys, Millview, Tomnalosset, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford

30,000

NL 07/102

Disability Services

Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, St Mary’s, Delvin, Co Westmeath

12,736

NL 07/110

Disability Services

Special Olympics Ireland, 4th Floor, Park House, North Circular Road, Dublin 7

45,000

NL 07/66

Health Promotion Policy

CanTeen Ireland, North Brunswick St, Dublin 7

6,000

NL 07/93

Health Promotion Policy

Gorey Heartsafe Project Group, 132 Hazelwod, Gorey, Co Wexford

20,000

NL 07/64

Health Promotion Policy

The Coelic Society of Ireland, Carmichael Centre, 4 North Brunswick St, Dublin 7

10,000

NL 07/73

Health Promotion Policy

The Music Network Ltd, The Coach House, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2

9,000

NL 07/145

Mental Health Services

Family Ministry, 34 Paul Street Cork

10,000

NL 07/22

Mental Health Services

3Ts Turn The Tide of Suicide, 3 Arkle Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18

200,000

NL 07/30

Mental Health Services

Centre for the Prevention of Self-Harm or Suicide, Pieta House, Old Lucan Road, Lucan, Co. Dublin

100,000

NL 07/152

Mental Health Services

Console, All Hallows College Drumcondra Dublin 10

25,000

NL 07/119

Mental Health Services

Cork Counselling Services, 7 Fr. Mathew Street, Cork (approved 5/12/07)

90,000

NL 07/36

Mental Health Services

Mayo Mental Health Association, Ballyglass P.O. Claremorris Co. Mayo

50,000

NL 07/74

Mental Health Services

Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

170,000

NL 07/7

Mental Health Services

Post Natal Distress Support Group, Beal Inse, Upper Riverstown, Glanmire, Cork

12,000

NL 07/76

Mental Health Services

St Vincent’s Hospital, Convent Ave., Richmond Road, Fairview, Dublin 3, Newsroom, RTE, Donnybrook, Dublin 4

10,000

NL 07/90

Mental Health Services

The Irish Association of Suicidology, 16, New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo

10,000

NL 07/42

Primary Care 1 (Fergal Goodman)

Irish Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Society, 17 Dundela Park, Sandycove, Co. Dublin

3,450

NL 07/14

Services for Older People

Active Retirement Ireland, 1-2 Eustace Street, Dublin 2

10,000

NL 07/86

Services for Older People

Age & Opportunity, Marino Institute of Education, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9

35,000

NL 07/92

Services for Older People

Ballyduff Community Centre, Ballyduff, Co Kerry

20,000

NL 07/84

Services for Older People

Caring for Carers Ireland, 2 Carmody Street Business Park, Ennis, Co Clare

54,100

NL 07/67

Services for Older People

Castlebridge Community Centre, The Avenue, Castlebridge, Co. Wexford

45,000

NL 07/58

Services for Older People

Comhlacht, Tithe Soisialta agus Forbairt an tSulain Teoranta, Doirinchullin, Cuil Aodha, Maighcromtha, Co. Chorchai

40,000

NL 07/56

Services for Older People

Drombana Day-Care Centre, Bohercoyle, Ballysimon, Co. Limerick

17,500

NL 07/55

Services for Older People

Fermoy Geriatrics Association, Cluain Dara, Duntahane, Fermoy, Co. Cork

75,000

NL 07/162

Services for Older People

Finglas Senior Help Line, Co-Ordinator 817 Ratoath Road, Finglas West, Dublin

5,000

NL 07/111

Services for Older People

Limerick Senior Citizens Club, Vokes Villas, Ballinacurra, Limerick

10,000

NL 07/44

Services for Older People

Longford Active Retirement Association, ‘Lucanto’, 35 Templemichael Glebe, Longford, Co. Longford

2,000

NL 07/118

Services for Older People

Mater University Hospital, Postgraduate Medical Centre, 48 Eccles Street, Dublin 7

8,470

NL 07/25

Services for Older People

Meelin Community Hall, Knockskely, Tullylease, Charleville, Co. Cork

40,000

NL 07/121

Services for Older People

Nazareth House Management Ltd, Church Hill, Sligo

200,000

NL 07/85

Services for Older People

Nazareth House Nursing Home, Malahide Road, Dublin 3

100,390

NL 07/61

Services for Older People

Newtown — Donadea Senior Citizens, Ballycannon, Kilcock, Co. Kildare

6,000

NL 07/96

Services for Older People

Southill Family Resource Centre, 267/268 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

3,525

NL 07/83

Services for Older People

St Vincent’s Day Care Centre for the Elderly, St Vincent’s Health Centre, Station Road, Tipperary

8,550

NL 07/32

Services for Older People

St. Senan’s Social Services, Robertstown, Foynes, Co. Limerick

1,500

NL 07/144

Services for Older People

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, 43 Northumberland Avenue Dun Laoghaire Co Dublin

60,000

NL 07/47

Services for Older People

The Carer’s Support Group, 621 Riverforest Leixlip Co. Kildare

2,000

NL 07/52

Services for Older People

Westgate Foundation, Westgate, West Village, Ballincollig, Co. Cork

5,000

NL 07/149

Social Inclusion

Cuan Mhuire Teo, Bruree Co Limerick

100,000

NL 07/103

Social Inclusion

Southill Family Resource Centre, 267-268 Avondale Court, O’Malley Park, Southill, Limerick

18,000

NL 07/69

Social Inclusion

Urban Outreach Ltd, 1 Boyneview, Slane, Co Meath

100,000

NL 07/18

Social Inclusion

CAIRDE, 19 Belvedere Place, Dublin 1

1,500

NL 07/53

Social Inclusion

Le Cheile Family Resource Centre (Mallow) Ltd, 33 Fair St., Mallow, Co. Cork

100,000

NL 07/20

Social Inclusion

Open Heart House, 2 St. Mary’s Place, Dublin 7

15,000

NL 07/28

Social Inclusion

Raising Issues Drama Group, 19 Grey St., Off Meath St., Dublin 8

5,000

NL 07/135

Social Inclusion

Family Life Centre, St. Brigids, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 (approved 5/12/07)

25,000

NL 07/156

Social Inclusion

St Vincent de Paul, c/o Sea Road, Bundoran, Co Donegal

5,000

3,903,000,84

2008

Ref

Division

Organisation

Amount Paid

NL 08/8

Child Care

Doneyloop Youth Club, Doneyloop Community Centre, Doneyloop, Castlefin, Co Donegal

77,200

NL 08/128

Childcare

Home-Start Lucan, Ballyowen Castle Community Centre, Ballyowen Lane, Lucan, Co Dublin

80,000

NL 08/22

Childcare

Leitrim Lifestart,The Glens Centre, Manorhamilton, Co Leitrim

56,600

NL 08/49

Childcare

Childminding Ireland, 9 Bulford Campus, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow

30,000

NL 08/59

Childcare

Ballinagh Playground Association, Drumlion, Ballinagh, Co. Cavan

3,000

NL 08/61

Childcare

Irish Foster Care Association, The Pharmacy Corner, Mayfield Terrace, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16

50,000

NL 08/71

Childcare

Irish Chinese Contact Group, 49 East Avenue, Parkgate, Frankfield, Cork

10,000

NL 08/73

Childcare

Mountain Neighbourhood Youth Family Project, c/o Holy Family School, Dunedin Park, Monkstown Farm, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin

78,800

NL 08/77

Childcare

Treoir, 14 Gandon House, IFSC, Dublin 2

25,000

NL 08/84

Childcare

Tullaghan Community Playgroup Ltd., Tullaghan, Co. Leitrim

3,900

NL 08/40

Childcare

Ballymachugh Childcare Group Ltd., House No. 2, Realtog Centre, Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan

5,000

NL 08/35

Childcare

Christ The King Girls Primary School, Turner’s Cross, Cork

10,000

NL 08/14

Childcare

Liscarroll Community Council, c/o Ted Burke, Knockbarry, Liscarroll, Mallow, Co Cork

10,000

NL 08/99

Childcare

Teen Parents Support Programme, 24 Dunbar Street, Cork

10,000

NL 08/19

Childcare

Lixnaw Playground Group, Lixnaw, Co Kerry

10,000

NL 08/124

Childcare

Ballymun Network for Assisting Children and Young People, Axis Centre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin 9

5,000

NL 08/79

Childcare

Ballyhass Community Childcare Facility Ltd. Ballyhass Cecilstown Macroom Co Cork

10,000

NL 08/108

Childcare

The Holiday Home Project, 19 Manor Street, Dublin 7

10,000

NL 08/3

Childcare

Clondalkin Community Montessori School Ltd, 31 St Brigids Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

25,000

NL 08/173

Childcare

Ballyglass Community Council Ltd

50,000

NL 08/21

Childcare

Castlebridge Community Development Co-Operative Society Ltd., Castlebridge Community Centre, Castlebridge, Co Wexford

5,000

Total 16

623,500

NL 08/63

Disability Services

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, 71/72 North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

9,300

NL 08/16

Disability Services

EMBRACE, 4 Fairyville Lawn, The Lough, Cork

35,000

NL 08/44

Disability Services

Ballyowen Meadows School, Beechpark, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin (cheque requested)

5,000

NL 08/145

Disability Services

Down Syndrome Ireland,Citylink Business Park, Old Naas Road , Dublin 12

54,150

NL 08/36

Disability Services

Freastogail Mhuire MXD National School Autism Unit, Killahan National School, Abbeydorney, Tralee, Co. Kerry

4,000

NL 08/46

Disability Services

St. Paul’s Special School, Beaumont Woods, Beaumont, Dublin 9

33,000

NL 08/65

Disability Services

Irish Deaf Youth Association, 30 Blessington Street, Dublin 8

5,000

NL 08/67

Disability Services

Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 8

150,000

NL 08/37

Disability Services

Suntower Gardens, c/o Scoil Mochua, Old Nangor Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

20,000

NL 08/20

Disability Services

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, National Headquarters & Training Centre, Model Farm Road, Cork

100,000

NL 08/12

Disability Services

Deaf Community Centre Ltd., 96A O’Connell Street, Limerick

8,090

NL 08/6

Disability Services

Headway Ireland, 1/3 Manor Street, Business Park, Manor Street, Dublin 8

5,000

NL 08/87

Disability Services

Riding for the Disabled Association, Raphoe & East Donegal, Alt Upper, Castlefin, Lifford, Co Donegal

15,000

NL 08/01

Disability Services

Setanta Special School, Beechpark, Stillorgan, Co Dublin

10,000

NL 08/116

Disability Services

Scoil Aonghusa Special School, Cahir Road, Cashel, Co Tipperary

50,000

NL 08/115

Disability Services

Intro Art, Room 1, 4th Floor, 121-122 Capel Street, Dublin 1

3,000

NL 08/28

Disability Services

Hope Project, St Joseph, Ballinabearna, Ballinhassig, Co Cork

2,500

NL 08/92

Disability Services

Irish Progressive Association for Autism

15,000

NL 08/163

Disability Services

St Aidans Day Care Centre

52000

NL 08/129

Disability Services

Tithe Cois Tra, Rathlackan, Carrowmorelacken, Ballina, Co Mayo

6960

NL 08/125

Disability Services

Nuerofibromatosis Association of Ireland, 5 St Laurence Grove, Chapelizod, Dublin 20

2000

NL 08/118

Disability Services

West Donegal Parents and Friends Assoc of the Mentally Handicapped, Lower Keadue, Burtonport, Co Donegal

30,678

NL 08/152

Disability Services

Neurological Alliance of Ireland, Coleraine House, Coleraine Street, Dublin 7

1500

NL 08/174

Disability Services

The Children’s Sunshine Home (C.S.H)

128,000

Total 18

745,178

NL 08/42

Acute Hospitals

Irish Kidney Association, Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, Dublin 12

500,000

NL 08/69

Acute Hospitals

Irish Red Cross — Roscrea Branch, 4 John’s Court, Birr, Co. Offaly

7,500

NL 08/113

Acute Hospitals

Cystinosis Foundation Ireland, 1 Terenure Place, Dublin 6W

15,000

Total 3

522,500

NL 08/26

Services for Older People

Mallow Day Care Centre, Courtview, New Road, Mallow, Co Cork

15,000

NL 08/81

Services for Older People

St Vincents Day Care Centre, Station Road, Tipperary

10,000

NL 08/119

Services for Older People

Dungloe Hospital Golden Jubilee, Dungloe Community Hospital, Dungloe, Co Donegal

15,000

NL 08/70

Services for Older People

Serenity Active Retirement, Dunmore, Culdaff, Co. Donegal

10,000

NL 08/72

Services for Older People

Rialto Day Care Centre, 468 South Circular Road, Rialto, Dublin 8

35,700

NL 08/86

Services for Older People

Friends of St Ita’s Community Hospital, c/o Fergus Scanlan, Killoughteen, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick

80,000

NL 08/25

Services for Older People

Coiste Seanoiri Ceann Trá Club Na Sinsear Teo, Ventry Community Hall, Ventry, Dingle, Co Kerry

46,000

NL 08/131

Services for Older People

Ballina Senior Citizens Urban Transport Initiative, Church Road, Ballina, Co Mayo

30,000

NL 08/139

Services for Older People

St Lukes Social Service Centre, 77 Kilbarron Park, Kilmore West, Coolock, Dublin 5

10,000

NL 08/146

Services for Older People

Pallasgreen Active Ireland,Brackile, Pallasgreen, Co Limerick

2,500

NL 08/141

Services for Older People

Coiste Ionad Na Seandaoine,Meenaniller, Derrybeg, Co Donegal

7,490

NL 08/62

Services for Older People

Dromcollogher & District Respite Care Centre, Ross, Dromcollogher, Co Limerick

45,000

NL 08/91

Services for Older People

Nazareth Social Club, Church Hill, Sligo

25,152

NL 08/9

Services for Older People

St. Gabriels’ Nursing Home, Glenayle Road, Edenmore, Dublin 6

66,380

NL 08/122

Services for Older People

Clarecastle and District Daycare Ltd, 1 St Flannans Avenue, Clarecastle, Co Clare

50,000

NL 08/143

Services for Older People

Ballybunion Active Retirement Association, 22 Glor na dTonn, Ballybunion, Co Kerry

2,000

NL 08/89

Services for Older People

Finglas Senior Citizens Help Line, 817 Ratoath Road, Finglas West, Dublin 11

4,000

NL 08/142

Services for Older People

Drogheda Senior Citizens Interest Group, 8 Workspace Mayoralty Street, Drogheda, Co Louth

6,000

NL 08/161

Services for Older People

Order of Malta Care Project

65000

NL 08/130

Services for Older People

Tithe Cois Tra Daycare for Elderly and Disabled,Rathlackan, Carrowmorelacken, Ballina, Co Mayo

2000

NL 08/117

Services for Older People

Lucan Active Retirement Association, 97 Dara Court, Celbridge, Co Kildare

2000

NL 08/167

Services for Older People

Raheen Hospital Support Group

70000

NL 08/177

Services for Older People

Limerick Senior Citizens Club

10000

Total 18

609,222

NL 08/83

Primary Care / GMS

Irish Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Society, P.O. Box 2958, Foxrock, Dublin 18

10,000

Total 1

10,000

NL 08/55

Mental Health

CONSOLE, All Hallows College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

100,000

NL 08/97

Mental Health

Samaritans Ireland, P.O. Box 11218, Blackrock, Co Dublin

200,000

NL 08/96

Mental Health

Tallaght Travellers Youth Service (TTYS), Unit 5 Brookfield Enterprise Centre, Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

20,000

NL 08/48

Mental Health

CARP Killinarden, Killinarden Way, Tallaght, Dublin 24

9,600

NL 08/107

Mental Health

Mental Health Ireland, Mensana House, 6 Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin

80,000

NL 08/127

Mental Health

Irish Associaton of Suicidology, 16 New Antrim Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo

12,000.00

NL 08/76

Mental Health

Beacon of Light Counselling Centre, 4 Collinstown Grove, Neilstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

20,000

NL 08/54

Mental Health

St. Michael’s Family Life Centre, Church Hill, Sligo

20,000

NL 08/162

Mental Health

Teen-Line Ireland

26,000

NL 08/138

Mental Health

Cork Counselling Services,7 Fr Matthew Street, Co Cork

105,000

NL 08/164

Mental Health

Free Mental Health Campaign trading as FREE

6,000

Total 7

598,600

NL 08/64

Cancer and Blood Policy

Irish College of General Practitioners, 4-5 Lincoln Place, Dublin 2

15,000

NL 08/50

Cancer and Blood Policy

ARC Cancer Support Centre, ARC House, 65 Eccles St., Dublin 7

32,000

NL 08/112

Cancer and Blood Policy

CD’s Helping Hands, Knockdoemore, Claregalway, Co Galway

78,000

NL 08/154

Cancer and Blood Policy

Friends of Sligo General Hospital,Sligo General Hospital , Co Sligo

170,000

NL 08/82

Cancer and Blood Policy

Little Way Cancer Support Centre, 4 Woods Way, College Road,Clane, Co Kildare

70,000

Total 5

365,000

NL 08/30

Health Promotion Unit

Cuidiú — Irish Childbirth Trust, Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7

5,500

NL 08/102

Health Promotion Unit

North Kerry Together Ltd., 58 Church Street, Listowel, Co Kerry

20,000

NL 08/123

Health Promotion Unit

COPE Waterside House, Courthouse Square, Galway City

1,000

NL 08/121

Health Promotion Unit

The Bridge Recovery Group Ltd, 7 O’Connell Avenue , Turners Cross, Co Cork

30,000

NL 08/110

Health Promotion Unit

Irish Countrywomen’s Association, 58 Merrion Road, Dublin 4

100,000

NL 08/160

Health Promotion

Alpha One Foundation

20,000

NL 08/158

Health Promotion

Southill Family Resource Centre

15,000

Total 4

191,500

NL 08/140

Adoption Board

International Adoption Association, Terenure Enterprise Centre, Terenure, Dublin 6W

12,000

NL 08/132

Adoption Board

Barnardos Post Adoption Service, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8

30,000

NL 08/153

Blood Policy

Irish Haemochromatosis Association,2 Annahagh Close, Latlurcan, Co Monaghan

110,000

NL 08/137

Adoption Board

Helping Hand’s Adoption Facilitation Board,Forge Lodge, Forge Hill, Co Cork

100,000

Total 3

252,000

NL 08/68

Social Inclusion

Sharing Point, 114 Castle Farm, Shankill, Dublin 18

40,000

NL 08/169

Social Inclusion

Open Heart House Ltd

27,500

Total 1

67,500

Overall amount paid

3,985,000

Number of organisations

106

Health and Children 2008 Allocation:

3,985,000

Amount allocated to date:

3,985,000

Balance available for allocation:

Rural Transport Services.

Frank Feighan

Question:

197 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide a commitment that the budget for rural transport will be retained. [32002/09]

Billy Timmins

Question:

206 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Transport the position of the rural transport programme in view of the recommendations in the special group on public services numbers and expenditure report and in view of the fact that vulnerable people are depending on same; if same will be continued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32357/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 206 together.

As you are aware, the Minister for Finance, Mr Brian Lenihan T.D., established a Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, under the chairmanship of Mr Colm McCarthy, to examine the current expenditure programmes in each Government Department and to make recommendations for reducing public service numbers so as to ensure a return to sustainable public finances. In July 2009, the Minister for Finance received the Special Group's report and brought it to Government, and the Report was published in full. Among other things, the report recommends the abolition of the Rural Transport Programme.

The Government will be reflecting on the Report's recommendations over the months ahead. Decisions on implementation will rest with the Government and Dáil Éireann, including in the context of preparing the Budget for 2010 and later years. The Government has referred the Report for analysis and comment by the Oireachtas Committee on Finance and General Affairs prior to the Budget in December.

Road Network.

Michael Ring

Question:

198 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Transport if a report (details supplied) has been submitted to his Department from Mayo County Council. [32117/09]

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 statutory function of each road authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993, to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection of works to be funded from these grants is also a matter for the local 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. Mayo County Council submitted a report to my Department in relation to damage to roads caused by flooding in July this year. This report is currently being considered by my Department. 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.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

199 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will approve the tender submitted by Kerry County Council for the new bridge at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32143/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

208 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if he will approve the successful tender for the provision of a new bridge at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32494/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 208 together.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority. My Department gave approval to Kerry County Council to go to tender for the Ballinagar Bridge project in May this year. Tender proposals for the project, which I have been advised are expected shortly, will be considered when they are received.

Parking Regulations.

George Lee

Question:

200 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Transport his plans to regulate the private clamping industry in view of the aggressive clamping (details supplied) that is taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32031/09]

The practice of clamping or the removal of vehicles on private property does not come within the scope of road traffic legislation and I have no plans to legislate in this area.

Road Network.

Joe McHugh

Question:

201 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport the process that will apply to 2010 grant applications in respect of roads programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32180/09]

Joe McHugh

Question:

203 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if a unit within the National Roads Authority will be responsible for dealing with representations from public representatives regarding local and regional roads programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32182/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 and 203 together.

The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads, including bridges, in its area, is a statutory function of each road authority in accordance with the provisions of section 13 of the Roads Act, 1993. Works on such roads are a matter for the relevant local authority to be funded from its own resources supplemented by State road grants. The initial selection and prioritisation of projects to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.

New arrangements for the management and administration of regional and local road grants were introduced on 1st September 2009. These arrangements were put in place on foot of the existing statutory framework which places responsibility for the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads with local authorities.

From 1st September, last, the National Roads Authority agreed to undertake the management of the Regional and Local Roads Investment Programme on behalf of my Department. The National Roads Authority will recommend grant allocations for regional and local roads for 2010 and subsequent years, which will be subject to final approval by the Minister for Transport. A circular was issued to all local authorities on 18 August last to advise them of the Department's agreement with the NRA. The authorities were further advised that all correspondence in relation to regional and local road grants, including correspondence in relation to individual projects and programmes should be addressed to the NRA from 1st September 2009.

The handling of representations from public representatives in relation to the regional and local roads investment programme remains a function of my Department. The 2010 grant allocations will be announced early in the New Year.

Joe McHugh

Question:

202 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement on the National Roads Authority’s budgetary systems in the future: if there will be an annual NRA budget for local and regional roads; if there will be an annual NRA budget for national routes; and if there will be one overall budget for all roads. [32181/09]

Capital funding in my Department is generally dealt with under the Transport 21 investment framework. In this context, an amount is allocated on an annual basis to the National Roads Authority (NRA) from my Department's overall Vote. The NRA is responsible under the Roads Act 1993 (as amended) for the allocation of this funding to individual national road projects. Similarly, an amount is allocated on an annual basis from my Department's overall Vote for regional and local roads. From 2010 the NRA will administer the distribution of this funding to local authorities on my behalf. Previously my Department had carried out this administration work. The present practice of having separate sub-heads within my Department's Vote for national and for local and regional roads will continue.

Question No. 203 answered with Question No. 201.

Maritime Safety.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

204 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact all commanding officers of State ships and a large proportion of Naval bridge watch-keepers hold qualifications which he does not recognise as valid for navigation and watch-keeping purposes as is allowed for under STCW95; his views on making an administrative decision to grant these persons licences in recognition of their training, professionalism and maritime experience in coastal and international waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32191/09]

Ireland is a party to the International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) Convention' on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) and amongst its provisions is a requirement for parties to the Convention to communicate information to the IMO on the measures adopted to implement the Convention nationally. This information is subject to periodic scrutiny by the IMO.

The relevant EU Directive requirements are transposed into Irish law by the Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations 2007. In addition to the periodic auditing carried out by the IMO Ireland is also subject to inspection of its maritime education, training and certification system by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) on behalf of the European Commission (EC). It is, therefore, essential that the issue of STCW Certificates of Competency to seafarers by the Marine Survey Office (MSO) in my Department be carried out strictly in accordance with the STCW regulations. Otherwise Ireland could be subject to infringement proceedings by the EC.

In order to assist Irish Naval Service personnel wishing to attain an STCW — Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Certificate of Competency (OOW), the MSO has a system in place that requires Naval Service Officers to complete six months merchant sea service and to complete an OOW course at the National Maritime College, Ringaskiddy. This scheme is designed to satisfy the requirements of the Convention. It is not possible to exempt individual candidates for STCW certification from completing all the elements of this scheme as to do so could jeopardise Ireland's compliant status at the IMO and would have severe implications for holders of Irish Certificates of Competency.

Public Transport.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

205 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Transport when a decision will be made on an application for a bus licence by a person (details supplied) in County Galway to run a workers bus from Ballygar to Galway city; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that no such transport exists at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32200/09]

I can confirm that an application for a bus passenger licence from the operator in question was received in my Department on 1 September 2009. This application is currently being processed by my Department, who will be in contact with the applicant in the near future.

Question No. 206 answered with Question No. 197.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

207 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32419/09]

There has been 98% payment in full within 15 days by the Department of Transport since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors. This rises to 99.2 % when the effective implementation date for the Government decision of 15th June is taken into consideration. There has been 99.6% payment in full within 30 days by the Department of Transport since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors. There has been 00.37% payment of longer than 30 days.

Question No. 208 answered with Question No. 199.

Public Transport.

John O'Mahony

Question:

209 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Transport when he will approve and issue licences to Bus Éireann following submissions made by it for route changes in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32507/09]

My Department has only one current application for a route change in County Mayo. The change in question is part of a restructuring of the overall route on the Galway to Derry service.

As this is an international service it is governed by Council Regulation (EEC) No 684/92. Under this regulation any amendment to a regular service requires the agreement of all Member States concerned before it can be approved. Accordingly details of the proposed restructuring on this route have been sent to the Northern Ireland Authorities for approval and once received my Department will finalise the restructuring request.

George Lee

Question:

210 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Transport the number of bus stops that have been installed on a road (details supplied) in Dublin 18 on which no bus routes operate in 2009; when the bus routes were cancelled; the month that these bus stops were installed; the cost of these bus stops; the cost of installing the bus stops; the cost to remove same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32516/09]

This is a day-to-day operational matter for the company concerned and not one in which I have any role.

Irish Language.

Joe McHugh

Question:

211 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on whether the failure to recognise Irish sign language as an official language breaches the 1998 British-Irish Agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32158/09]

The Deputy will appreciate that interpretation of the law in relation to a particular subject matter is not a function of mine in relation to a Parliamentary Question. However, I can refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 257 of 28 April, 2009. The position remains that the Government has no proposals to give recognition to Irish sign language as a third official language.

Policy in the area of language for people with disabilities is reflected in the Education Act 1998 (learning through Irish Sign Language), the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 (language assessment) and the Disability Act 2005 (Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by Public Bodies).

Asylum Applications.

Finian McGrath

Question:

212 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the details of payments made to members of the presenting officers panel to attend hearings of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal; his plans for this panel; if he can confirm that there has been a significant decline in the number of new asylum seekers applying to the Office of Refugee Applications Commission to date in 2009 compared to the past three years; if, in view of this development, he will be deploying existing civil service resources currently assigned to dealing with fresh applications to attending hearings of the Refugee Appeals Tribunal that are currently being served by the panel; the savings to the budget of the ORAC by making such a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32046/09]

ORAC received 4,314 asylum applications in 2006, 3,985 in 2007 and 3,866 in 2008. The total number of asylum applications received to the end of August this year stands at 1,954. The Deputy will be aware that various factors have an impact on asylum numbers and an accurate prediction of future trends is difficult to make. A Presenting Panel of legally qualified persons was established by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) in early 2009 to represent the Commissioner at appeal hearings before the Refugee Appeals Tribunal (RAT), and thereby support ORAC presenting officers in this regard.

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 its establishment 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, including in relation to the provision of accommodation and other support services. As the work of the panel has not yet been completed, it is not proposed to discontinue its operation at the present time.

The schedule of fees payable to the Panel at present, taking account of the 8% reduction in fees earlier this year arising from a Government decision in relation to professional fees, is as follows:

Prepare file and represent Commissioner at oral Hearing

276

Oral Hearing Husband and Wife similar cases

414

Oral Hearing Husband and Wife different cases

552

Deemed withdrawn / withdrawal

92

Adjourned / Postponed

Zero

Total payments made to panel members between February 2009 and end August 2009 after deduction of withholding tax amounts to €150,514.

With regard to the staffing issue raised by the Deputy, I would point out that staff allocations in the asylum and immigration areas are kept under review on an ongoing basis having regard to changing trends in asylum applications and demand for immigration services generally. Over the past number of years, some 90 posts have been redeployed from ORAC mostly to meet increased demands for immigration related services. Additional posts are in the process of being redeployed at the present time with the main priority being to reduce the number of cases on hand in other areas of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) and increase the number of removals of persons who are found to have no protection needs or other grounds to remain in the State. This in turn will contribute to reducing overall asylum and immigration costs to the State.

Garda Recruitment.

Finian McGrath

Question:

213 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding a matter (details supplied). [32047/09]

The maximum recruitment age for admission as a trainee full time member of An Garda Síochána is set at 35 years of age. This age was selected taking into account a number of criteria including the significant training cost which can only be recouped by serving a sufficient period and the operational requirements of the Force in terms of having an age profile appropriate to the demands placed on members in the course of their duty.

Citizenship Applications.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

214 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people over the age of 18 years awaiting issue of their naturalisation certificate as of 15 September 2009; the number of same who took the oath of naturalisation and submitted the €950 fee prior to 15 August 2009; and the reason for the delay. [32147/09]

The number of people over the age of 18 awaiting issue of their naturalisation certificate as of the 15th September 2009 was 1043. The number of applicants currently awaiting the issue of their certificate of naturalisation who have made their declaration of fidelity to the nation and loyalty to the State and paid the €950 fee prior to 15 August 2009 was 6. In each of the 6 cases further correspondence with the applicant has been necessary. There are various reasons why this occurs, the most common being that there is an issue with the supporting documentation submitted by the applicant. Once the matter is resolved the certificate of naturalisation is issued.

Family Reunification.

Mary Upton

Question:

215 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will carry out an investigation into the request for family reunification by a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12; if civil marriage ceremonies carried out in Sri Lanka are considered to be valid in this jurisdiction; if there is any precedent for accepting marriage certification from Sri Lanka in this jurisdiction; the reason this person was not informed of this concern prior to 10 September 2009; if he has satisfied himself that this application has been dealt with as promptly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32150/09]

I wish to refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question number 641 that I answered on 16 September 2009.

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service is unable to make a determination in this application for family reunification on the basis of the documentation submitted to date. In this regard a letter was sent to the person concerned on 10 September 2009 requesting them to obtain a declaration from the Irish Courts under Section 29 of the Family Law Act, 1995 indicating that the marriage in question is a valid one. In determining whether a foreign marriage is valid under the Family Law Act, 1995 it is a matter for the Courts to determine the formalities required by the law of the place or society in which the marriage was celebrated, and also to determine whether the marriage complied with those formalities. The onus is on the applicant to show that their marriage is valid and recognised for the purpose of Family Reunification. As soon as the person concerned submits the necessary Court declaration, the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service will finalise the application for Family Reunification.

Citizenship Applications.

Phil Hogan

Question:

216 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when an application for naturalisation will be decided in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in view of the fact that they applied in March 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32221/09]

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 March 2006.

The average processing time from application to decision is now at 24 months. More complicated cases can at times take more than the current average, while an element of straight forward cases can be dealt with in less than that timescale. However, I understand that the person concerned is a refugee. In accordance with the Government's obligations under the United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, every effort is made to ensure that applications from persons with refugee status are dealt with as quickly as possible. Officials in the Citizenship Division inform me that further processing of the application is ongoing and the file will be submitted to me for a decision in due course.

The length of time taken to process each application should not be classified as a delay, as the length of time taken for any application to be decided is purely a function of the time taken to carry out necessary checks.

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 it is not undervalued and is only given to persons who genuinely satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria.

Proposed Legislation.

Chris Andrews

Question:

217 Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the legislation for the abolishment of upwards only rent reviews will be implemented. [32352/09]

As indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question no. 766 of 16 September 2009, when Section 132 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009 was brought forward in July, I made it clear that an appropriate period of time would be needed to allow the market to factor in the very significant changes which were being introduced. That remains the position. While I have taken no final decision on a commencement date, I would note that the section will not be commenced before 1 December at the earliest as that is the date which has been chosen for other sections in the Act.

Garda Recruitment.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

218 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the reason Garda reservists must resign from the reserve before applying to join the Garda on a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32353/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

219 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of applications that have been received by reservists to join the Garda full-time; the number of same who were refused on the basis of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32354/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

231 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of Garda Reserve members who have applied to become full-time gardaí but were unsuccessful; and the reason they were rejected. [32437/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 218, 219 and 231 together.

There is no requirement for Reserve Gardaí to resign before applying to join the force as a full-time member. In actual fact membership of the Reserve potentially enhances an applicant's chances of securing a position as a full-time Garda. The Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointments) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (SI 509 of 2006) provide that the Public Appointments Service, when interviewing applicants, must give "due recognition to any satisfactory service by the person as a reserve member of the Garda Síochána".

If a Reserve Garda is successful in his or her application to join as a full-time member and is offered a place as a full-time trainee, he or she must then resign from their Reserve membership before taking up the place as a trainee as the two functions are wholly separate and distinct. The Admissions and Appointments Regulations for full-time Gardaí are predicated on a trainee being a civilian who can only be appointed to membership of the force upon successful completion of his or her traineeship.

Applications to become members of An Garda Síochána are processed by the Public Appointments Service on behalf of An Garda Síochána. Admission to become a member is subject to the provisions of the Garda Síochána (Admissions and Appointment) Regulations as amended, which include a provision covering minimum and maximum recruitment ages. Any applicant who does not meet the criteria as set out in the Regulations is not allowed progress through the competitive process.

The specific information on the number of Garda reserve members who apply to join An Garda Síochána on a full time basis and fail due to the age requirement or otherwise is not readily available.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

220 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his refusal to raise the age limit for recruitment to the Garda from 35 years relates to concerns about the cost of pensions or fitness levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32355/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

224 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of successful applicants to the Garda Síochána since September 2005 who started their training after they reached their 36th birthday; and their ages when they started training. [32430/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

225 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of successful applicants to the Garda Síochána who applied at the age of 35 and will now have to wait to start their training because of the moratorium; and what their ages will be when the moratorium is lifted and they start their training. [32431/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

232 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the list of criteria and the reason that he and the Garda Commissioner consider people over the age of 35 unsuitable for full-time service in the Garda Síochána. [32438/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 220, 224, 225 and 232 together.

Recruitment in An Garda Síochána is governed under Statutory Regulation namely, the Garda Síochána (Admission & Appointments) Regulations 1988/2005 as amended by Regulation 3 of the Garda Síochána (Admission & Appointments) Regulations 2004. The most recent change to the upper age limit was made by Statutory Instrument 749/2004 which amended regulation 164 of 1988 and increased the maximum entry age for admission as a trainee Garda from 26 years to 35 years.

This upper age limit of 35 was set having regard to equality legislation and also took into account the following criteria:

(1) The cost of training

(2) The need for recruits to serve for a sufficient period of time as full members of the service to recoup this cost.

(3) The operational requirements of the service in terms of having an age profile appropriate to the physical demands placed on members in the course of their duty.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of successful applicants to An Garda Síochána since 2005 who started their training after their 36th birthday, and their ages, was as set out hereunder:

Age

Number

36 Years old

5

37 Years old

1

Total

6

I have requested the information from the Garda Authorities in relation to the number of successful applicants who applied at the age of 35 and have not yet started their training and I will revert to the Deputy when the information is to hand.

The moratorium on Public Service recruitment now applies to Garda recruitment, but I intend to review the position during the course of 2010 in consultation with the Garda Commissioner and my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Asylum Applications.

Jack Wall

Question:

221 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position of an application to remain in the State in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32360/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 17 October 2001. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned was entitled to remain in the State until his application for asylum was decided. His asylum application was refused following consideration of his case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner. He subsequently withdrew his appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of his asylum application, and in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 23 July 2002, 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 not have a Deportation Order made against him.

The person concerned, separately, made an application for permission to remain in the State under the revised arrangements for non-EEA parents of children born in the State prior to 1 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 Scheme. Following consideration of this application the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 16 November 2005, that the Minister had refused this application.

Subsequently, in accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was again informed, by letter dated 31 January 2007, 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 not have a Deportation Order made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Residency Permits.

Bernard Allen

Question:

222 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a decision will be made on an application for family reunification in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork in view of the fact that their application was submitted more than a year ago. [32364/09]

I am informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that the person in question made an application for Family Reunification under Section 18 of the Refugee Act 1996 on behalf of his father in November 2008.

The application has recently been approved and the person in question has been informed of same.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

223 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32416/09]

I can inform the Deputy that 58% of invoices received by my Department since the 19th May 2009 have been paid in full within 15 calendar days, 98% of all invoices have been paid within 30 days and 2% were paid after 30 days. It should be noted that the details relate to calendar days and not working days. The average time to pay an invoice received during this period was 16 calendar days.

Questions Nos. 224 and 225 answered with Question No. 220.

Garda Training.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

226 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of processing each successful applicant from their first application to starting in Templemore. [32432/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

227 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of each garda trainee from when they start in Templemore to completion of their training after two years, excluding salaries and increment payments. [32433/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

228 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of processing each successful applicant for the garda reserve, from their first application to starting in Templemore. [32434/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

229 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of each garda reserve trainee from when they start in Templemore to completion of their probation after two years. [32435/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 226 to 229, inclusive, together.

The specific information sought in relation to costs associated with trainee Gardaí and Garda Reservists and their applications is not readily available and would involve the aggregation of costs from a wide variety of sources requiring a disproportionate amount of Garda time and resources relative to the information sought.

I can advise the Deputy however that the overall allocation for the Garda Reserve in 2009 is €1.28 million. Garda Authorities have also advised that the annual running cost for the Garda College at Templemore, which has responsibility for training Garda recruits, is approximately €28 million.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

230 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of successful applicants who have resigned from the regular Garda Síochána during their training and probation period, excluding trainees who resigned in lieu of dismissal. [32436/09]

The number of student Gardaí and probationer Gardaí who resigned in each of the years 2007, 2008 and to 31st August 2009 was as follows:

2007

2008

2009 (to 31 August 2009)

Student Gardaí

17

21

1

Probationer Gardaí

28

19

5

Corresponding information in relation to previous years is not readily available.

Question No. 231 answered with Question No. 218.
Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 220.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

233 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress to date of a residency application in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32588/09]

The person concerned applied for asylum on 20 September 2006. Following investigation by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, it was established that the person concerned had previously made an asylum application in Germany and, as such, a determination was made, in accordance with the provisions of the Dublin II Regulations, that the person concerned should be transferred to Germany for the purposes of having his asylum application examined there. This determination was upheld following an appeal to the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the Refugee Applications Commissioner's determination, a Transfer Order was signed in respect of the person concerned on 22 November 2006. This Order was served on the person concerned, by letter dated 23 November 2006, which placed a legal obligation on him to ‘present' himself at the Offices of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB), on Wednesday 29 November 2006, to make arrangements for his formal transfer to Germany. The person concerned failed to ‘present' on this occasion and was therefore classified as having evaded his transfer. The person concerned became illegally resident in this State at that time.

The person concerned continued to evade his transfer with the consequence that the Transfer Order ultimately expired leaving Ireland responsible for processing the asylum application of the person concerned. At this point the case of the person concerned was referred back to the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner for the purposes of having his asylum claims investigated. Subsequently, the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner made a recommendation that the person concerned be refused a declaration of refugee status. This recommendation was upheld on appeal to the Refugee Appeal Tribunal.

In accordance with Section 3 of the Immigration Act, 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was informed, by letter dated 26 September 2008, that the Minister proposed to make a Deportation Order in respect of him. He was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of a Deportation Order or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why a Deportation Order should not be made against him. In addition, he was notified of his entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations, 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned will then be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

234 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will regularise residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare for study in Trinity College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32589/09]

I wish to inform the Deputy that the mother of the person to whom he refers has permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme. In 2007, the person concerned was granted permission to remain, in line with that granted to her mother, up to 2 June, 2010. This permission to remain is under Stamp 4 conditions which permit study.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

235 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the current position of an application for residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32590/09]

The person concerned, then a minor, arrived in the State in the company of his mother on 23 October 1997. His mother subsequently made an application for asylum which was refused. The mother of the person concerned was subsequently granted permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a parent of an Irish citizen child, born before 1 January 2005, in accordance with the revised arrangements announced on 15 January 2005, commonly referred to as the IBC/05 scheme. The person concerned was not included in his mother's permission to remain in the State at that time as he was an adult by then.

In early 2008 the person concerned sought permission to remain in the State on the basis of being a family dependant of the parent of an Irish born child who had been granted permission to remain in the State under the IBC/05 Scheme. By letter dated 18 March 2009 the person concerned was informed that he had failed to demonstrate current residency as a family dependant in the State and consequently his quest to remain in the State on that basis was refused.

Subsequently, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 31 March 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 a Deportation Order should not be made against him. Representations were received on behalf of the person concerned at that time.

The position in the State of the person concerned will now be decided by reference to the provisions of 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. All representations submitted will be considered before the file is passed to me for decision. Once a decision has been made, this decision and the consequences of the decision will be conveyed in writing to the person concerned.

Travel Documentation.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

236 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when travel documents will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32591/09]

The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) informs me that an appointment was arranged with the person concerned to attend INIS on 12 June 2009 to collect the three travel documents which was not fulfilled.

I am informed that the person concerned has been contacted by INIS and requested to attend the office at 13/14 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2 on Wednesday 23 September 2009 to collect the travel documentation.

EU Enlargement.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

237 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on accession discussions being held between Iceland and European Union. [32070/09]

Iceland formally submitted its application for membership of the European Union to the Swedish Presidency on 17 July 2009. The General Affairs Council in July agreed to refer it to the European Commission for its opinion (avis), in accordance with established procedures. Given that its application is currently under consideration with the European Commission, no formal accession discussions are being held between Iceland and the European Union at this time.

If the Commission returns a positive opinion on Iceland's state of preparedness, as would be expected, the Council would then consider whether to open accession negotiations on the 35 chapters of EU law. Accession negotiations are a complex and open-ended process, and the outcome — as in any negotiation — cannot be predetermined.

In our bilateral contacts, we have told the Government of Iceland that we are supportive of their desire to join the European Union.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

238 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32414/09]

Payment of invoices by this Department is governed by the provisions of the Prompt Payment of Accounts Act, 1997 as amended by the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations 2002. The Act, which came into force in January 1998, initially provided for the payment of interest on invoices which are unpaid after 45 days from date of receipt. In August 2002, the point at which interest becomes due was reduced to 30 days. As the Deputy will be aware, following a Government Decision in May of this year, Government Departments were asked, where possible, to make payments within a 15 day period.

The payment procedures in place in my Department are designed to avoid undue delay in the processing and payment of valid invoices. Every effort is made to make payments as soon as possible and the Department is generally successful in making payments within the 30 day period.

The number of late payments (i.e. paid after a 30 day period) in each year represents a very small part of the total number of payments made. For example, in 2008, my Department made over 11,000 payments in Ireland, of which only 18 were late payments under the terms of the Acts mentioned above, less than 0.2% of the total payments made.

In regard to the data available concerning payments made within a 15 day payment period, all Government Departments are now required to submit quarterly reports to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with details about the length of time taken to make payments (i.e. within 15 days, within 30 days and after 30 days). The existing payments system is currently being modified so that the information needed for such reporting can be extracted. Data for the first such quarterly report, for the period ending 30 September, is currently being collated for submission by 15 October. I have arranged for a copy of the first quarterly report to be sent to the Deputy as soon as it is ready.

Sports Capital Programme.

George Lee

Question:

239 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if there has been a reduction in the building costs of projects (details supplied) in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council in view of the falling cost of construction; if so, the reduction in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32029/09]

All successful applicants under the Department's Sports Capital Programme are required to submit at least three comparable quotations to the Department for each aspect of the works being funded before an allocation is formally approved. In order to ensure value for money in the provision of facilities, the terms and conditions of the Programme specify that in each case, the contract/order should be placed with the contractor/supplier providing the most economically advantageous quotation. In addition, the Department's technical advisers, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has a monitoring role in relation to projects allocated more than €150,000 in one or more rounds of the Programme.

Of the allocations in question, records in my Department indicate that one was allocated on 2000 and paid in 2002. Of the remainder, tenders have been submitted in respect of only one project and the tenders for that project indicate that the final cost will be lower than that estimated at the time of application. Support for projects under the Programme is typically capped at 70% of the final cost of the project. Where an allocation exceeds that amount, the Department may consider a request for a change of purpose from the grantee or the surplus allocation may be withdrawn.

Arts Funding.

Finian McGrath

Question:

240 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the status of a grant (details supplied); the steps that have been taken by Athlone Town Council to progress the initiative since accepting the grant in May 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32122/09]

Finian McGrath

Question:

241 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if funding was allocated to a location (details supplied) in County Westmeath; his views on whether this funding has been awarded in order to develop a dedicated contemporary gallery and artist’s studio and such funding was not conditional to a specific location in Athlone town. [32123/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.

In April 2007 an amount of €32.4m was allocated to 67 projects under the ACCESS II (Arts & Culture Capital Enhancement Support Scheme). In May 2008, the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism allocated a further €10.2m in funding to 13 additional projects which had been placed on the reserve list for funding by the independent selection committee.

Athlone Town Council was one of the 13 additional projects and was allocated €650,000 towards the development of a two part scheme — a contemporary Art Gallery and Artists' Studios in Athlone.

The planned location of the Gallery is beside Fr. Matthew Hall, Athlone (on the west bank of the Shannon) and the Studios will be located in St. Mary's Hall on Abbey Road, Athlone (on the east side of the river). The premises are a five-minute walk apart.

My Department has recently received detailed plans in relation to the Art Gallery and a Planning Resolution under Part 8 of the Planning and Development Acts was passed by Athlone Town Council on 5 May 2009 in that respect. A Tender Report and other documentation is awaited from Athlone Town Council in order to progress this project.

Sports Capital Programme.

Seán Power

Question:

242 Deputy Seán Power asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if outstanding legal difficulties have been resolved in relation to an application for a National Lottery grant from a sporting club (details supplied) in County Kildare; when the grant will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32201/09]

There are no legal issues outstanding in relation to any allocation made to the grantee in question under the Sports Capital Programme. All allocations made to the grantee in question under the Programme prior to 2007 have been paid. Payment of the 2007 allocation of €100,000 was authorised by my Department on 14 September last.

A further allocation of €20,000 was made to the grantee in question under the Programme in 2008 and tax clearance information in respect of a contractor is awaited from the grantee before this allocation can be formally approved. The club have been reminded of the need to submit the tax clearance information by telephone on 7 and 15 September 2009 and by letter on 18 September 2009.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

243 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32406/09]

The percentage of payments made by my Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, 30 days and longer than 30 days was 84.13%, 12.30% and 3.57% respectively.

Arts Funding.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

244 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number, cost and nature of the projects funded by Culture Ireland in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32541/09]

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

245 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the projects and individual artists funded by Culture Ireland over the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32542/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.

In 2008 Culture Ireland awarded €3,226,000 to 380 grant applicants across artforms under the quarterly grant scheme which enabled Irish artists to present their work in 44 different countries. Culture Ireland's strategic programme of showcasing the work of Irish artists to international programmers and presenters to facilitate their selection for presentation at subsequent high profile international festival/events cost €732,000 in 2008 and included APAP Arts Presenters Showcase in New York, Venice Architecture Biennale, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival, Dublin Dance Festival, Frankfurt Book Fair and Music from Ireland showcases.

The projects and individual artists funded over the past 12 months by Culture Ireland under the quarterly grant rounds and showcase programme are listed in following tables.

Visual Arts September 2008

Name

Amount

Tristan Fennell participating in the Singapore International Photography Festival October 2008

800

Molesworth Gallery presentation of “Pripyat” by Nicky Larkin at the Optica Video Art Festival, Madrid, Spain from the 16th to 18th October 2008

500

Áine Phillips, performing in “Exist 08”, International Festival of Live Art in Brisbane, Australia from the 22nd to 26th October 2008

1,000

Harry Moore presenting a photographic exhibition, “A Tale of Two Cities”, at Barristers Gallery, New Orleans from the 8th November – 29th December 2008

800

Amanda Coogan presenting an exhibition and live performance at the Trace Gallery, Cardiff in November 2008

1,000

Denis McNulty exhibiting at the Sao Paulo Bienal, Brazil with four other international artists from the 2nd- 6th November 2008

2,000

Declan Rooney presenting a solo exhibition “Many Shades of Black” at the MOP in Sydney from 3rd – 26th November 2008

1,500

Amanda Coogan performing at the International Performance Festival at the Asiatopia, Bangkok from the 14th – 16th November 2008

2,000

Clodagh Emoe presenting a solo exhibition “Here Somewhere” at the Mart House Gallery, Amsterdam from the 21st November to 21st December 2008

2,000

Immagini D’Irlanda in Umbria presenting an exhibition by Janet Mullarney and Concert by Kay McCarthy as part of the 3rd Riflessidiversi Festival in Magione, Italy from the 18th – 25th October 2008

1,500

Patrick Jolly participating in a group show at the LA County Museum, Los Angeles from the 27th November 2008 – 23rd January 2009 and 2 exhibitions in Hanbury Street Project Space, London from the 4th – 25th November 2008 and at the Sketch Gallery, London from the 20th November – 13th January 2009.

3,000

Ard Bia Gallery participating in Preview Berlin – The Emerging Art Fair from the 30th October – 2nd November 2008

1,000

Trish Morrissey presenting a solo exhibition of photographs and video works at the Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne from the 5th June – 1st August 2009

3,000

Stephan Brandes presenting a solo exhibition at Robert Drees Gallery, Hanover, Germany in February – March 2009 and to present work at Art Cologne in May 2009

2,500

Circa art Magazine promotions at major Art Fairs and Biennales worldwide and arrange e-flux international art listing service in 2009

3,500

Aleana Egan presenting a solo exhibition at Mary Mary Gallery, Glasgow, Scotland from the 15th November – 20th December 2008

1,000

Benjamin Gaulon presenting an exhibition of work by selected Irish visual artists at Saint – Étienne Biennial of Design, Lyon, France from the 15th to 30th November 2008

3,500

Visual Arts Ireland presenting the publication “Printed Project” at Printed Matters NY Art Book Fair, New York from the 23rd to 26th October 2008

4,000

Exhibition by David Beattie, Karl Burke and Chris Fite – Wassilak at studio 1.1 London from the 8th January to 1st February 2009

4,000

Exhibition of George Bolster’s art installation “Reckoner” at MASS MoCA from April 2009 until March 2010

3,000

Clare Langan participating in “Sounds and Visions – Art Film and Video from Europe” at Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Israel from the 6th February – 20th April 2009

10,000

Smart Project Space Foundation selection of Irish artists participating in an exhibition project at the Smart Project Space, Amsterdam from the 10th January to the 21st February 2009

8,000

Séan McCrum organising a solo international exhibition in Newfoundland, Canada from September 2009 – September 2010

8,000

Achill Artist Group presenting an exhibition in Cologne, Germany in March 2009

9,000

Rubicon Gallery participating at Art Forum, Berlin from the 31st October – 3rd November 2008, Pulse, Miami from the 3rd – 7th December 2008 and ARCO, Madrid from the 11th – 16th February 2009

15,000

Síun Hanrahan participating in the exhibition “The Pressure of a Sign: Visible Invisible” at CACE, Porto from the 31st Jan – 1st March 2009 and Centre for Contemporary Art Ujazdowski Castle, Warsaw from the 28th January – 27th February 2010

8,000

Green on Red Gallery participating at the NADA Art Fair, Miami, 5th – 9th December 2008.

5,000

Niamh O’Malley presenting a solo exhibition at the HIAP Project Room, at the Cable Factory, Helsinki from the 2nd – 19th December 2008.

500

Visual Arts December 2008

Name

Amount

Barry Hughes presenting a solo exhibition in association with the 411 Gallery, Shanghai in April 2009

750

Marie Brett presenting a exhibition of work at the NES Centre, Skagastrond, Iceland from the 4th – 29th March 2009

850

Michelle Browne presenting a visual arts performance “The Bearer” at the National Review of Live Art, Glasgow on the 12th February 2009

1,200

Peter Fulop presenting a solo exhibition at the Sculpture Factory, Jingdezhen, China in May 2009

1,300

Christine Mackey participating in a collaborative programme and exhibition in Argentina from the 9th – 23rd March 2009

1,100

Enda O’Donoghue presenting a solo exhibition at the Irish Arts Center, New York from the 27th April – 23rd June 2009

2,500

Katie Holten presenting an exhibition in the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf from May – August 2009

1,700

Stephen Lawlor presenting a solo exhibition at the Galleri Astley Culture Centre, Bergslagen, Sweden, from the 15th March 2009 – 12th April 2009

2,500

Dan Murphy organising a photographic exhibition in China as part of a Chinese Irish exchange, 2009 – 2010

3,500

Janet Pierce presenting an exhibition at Galleries Artfelt, New Delhi from the 6th – 21st March 2009

4,000

Limerick City Gallery of Art presenting “Into Irish Drawing” at CCI, Paris, France and Aktuele Kunst Hengelo, The Netherlands from the 13th September – December 2009

5,000

The George Moore Society presenting “Ground: Contempory art from Ireland” at the American Irish Historical Society, New York, from the 26th February – 29th March 2009

15,000

RHA Projects presenting work by John Gerrard at the Venice Art Biennale in June 2009

25,000

Varvara Shavrova presenting “Untouched” a multi media project at the festival of Irish Culture Shanghai from the 14th March – 12th April 2009

2,500

Green on Red presenting a solo exhibition of Denis McNulty work at the Volta NY Art Fair, 5th – 8th March 2009.

5,000

Fion Gunn presenting two collaborative exhibitions of Irish and Chinese artists – “Our Books, Our Lives” and the “City” in Beijing, 1st – 31st March 2009.

14,000

James Ryan, 411 Galleries, presenting the exhibition “Drawing Eire” in Shanghai, Beijing and Hangzhou, March 2009 onwards

20,000

Visual Arts March 2009

Name

Amount

Sarah Holly Pereira presenting a solo exhibition at the Muse at 269 gallery, Portobello, London in May 2009

750

Louise Manifold presenting a solo exhibition at the PS122 Contemporary Arts Centre, New York from the 14th May – 12th June 2009

1,200

Mark Clare presenting a solo exhibition at the Galeria xx1, Prague in June 2009

1,200

Atsushi Kaga presenting a solo exhibition in Galeria Leme project in Sao Paulo, Brazil in August 2009

1,000

Anthony Haughey presenting a visual arts installation at the Gallerie Arena for the 40th Les Rencontres s’Ales 09 from the 8th July – 13th September 2009

1,000

Sirius Arts Centre attending the Lodz International Photography Festival, Poland from the 7th – 10th May 2009

2,000

Anthony Kelly presenting “Practical Dreaming” at the Courtyard Arts Centre, Hertfordshire from the 18th June – 25th July 2009

1,000

Daphne Wright presenting an exhibition “Prayer” in three galleries, Quad, (Derry), Picture This, (Bristol) and Bluecoat, (Liverpool) from the 9th May – 28th June 2009

1,000

Christine Mackey, Cliona Harmey and Saoirse Higgins exhibiting work at the European Mobile Lab for Interactive Media Artists in Greece from the 20th May – 10th June and Poland from the 19th October – 9th November 2009

3,000

Antoin O’Heocha presenting an exhibition in Vilnius from the 1st July – 30th October 2009

3,000

Conall Gleeson presenting an exhibition at the Portland Isle, Dorset, UK from May – September 2009

400

Rubicon Gallery exhibiting at Art Brussels Art Fair from 24th – 27th April 2009

7,500

Nina Canell presenting a solo exhibition at the Kunstverein, Hamburg, from the 26th September – 31st December 2009

2,000

Margaret Tuffy presenting an exhibition at the Tuule Makinen gallery as part of the Finnish – Irish Festival, Finland from the 29th September – 18th October 2009

4,000

Molesworth Gallery exhibiting at Next 2009 Art Fair, Chicago from the 1st – 4th May 2009

7,500

Green on Red Gallery exhibiting at Volta Art Fair, Basel from the 8th – 13th June 2008

7,500

Niamh Flanagan presenting an exhibition in Debica, Poland from the 4th – 18th September 2009 and Gorlice, Poland 15th January – February 2010

3,000

Richard Gorman presenting a solo exhibition at the Mitaka City Gallery of Art, Tokyo, Japan from the 11th September – 24th October 2010

15,000

Ian Joyce presenting a solo exhibition at the Czech Museum of Fine Art, Prague from 7th October – 29th November 2009

6,000

Mother’s Tankstation exhibiting at “Open Space 2009” at Art Cologne 6th – 22nd April and “Art Statements” Art Basel 40, 10th – 14th June 2009

15,000

MART presenting an exhibition “Open Door Policy” at the Shunt Vault Gallery, London, from 16th – 25th July 2009

3,000

Jesse Jones participating at the 11th International Istanbul Biennale with her project ‘Mahoganny’ from 12th September – 8th October 2009.

10,000

Visual Arts June 2009

Name

Amount

Sheila McCarron exhibiting as part of a group show at the Turn – Berlin gallery, Germany from the 14th – 26th August 2009

500

Foundation Centre for Photography presenting photographic exhibition “Bill Doyle’s Ireland” at the 111FotoArtFestival 2009, Bielsko-Biala, Poland from the 9th – 25th October 2009

1,000

Wendy Dison presenting a solo exhibition at the Tricycle Theatre Co Gallery, London from the 7th September – 17th October 2009 and at the Brindley Theatre, Cheshire from the 14th November 2009 – 2nd January 2010

1,000

Sean Campbell presenting exhibition of work at Goggle Works, Pennsylvania from the 20th September – 8th November 2009

1,000

MYK Henry presenting a performance art piece at the 10th Open Performance Art Festival in Beijing from the 7th August – 27th September 2009

1,000

Rob Vance presenting a photographic exhibition at the Everyman Theatre and Bistro, Liverpool from the 20th – 25th November 2009

1,000

Garrett Phelan participating in a group exhibition “The End of the Line: Attitudes in Drawing” at the Fruitmarket Gallery, Liverpool from the 14th November 2009 – 10th January 2010

750

Kevin O’Dwyer exhibiting sculptures at the Goggle Works Center for the Arts, Pennsylvania in collaborating with Michael Brolly from the 20th September – 8th November 2009

1,000

Eddie Kennedy presenting an exhibition of new paintings at the John Cacciola Gallery, Chelsea, New York from the 2nd – 29th September 2009

1,000

Alena Egan and Michael John Whelan presenting exhibition “First Window Open” in a gallery in Berlin, Germany from the 25th September – 17th October 2009

350

The Molesworth Gallery participating at the Preview Art Fair Berlin from the 22nd – 27th September 2009

5,000

Oisin Byrne presenting an exhibition at the Lewis/ Frank Gehry Library, New jersey from the 5th October 2009 – January 2010 and at the Bridge Gallery from the 3rd October – November 2009

3,000

Graphic Studio Dublin presenting “Artists Proof” a fine art print exhibition at the Centrespace Gallery, UK from the 17th September – 18th October 2009

3,000

Linda Quinlan and Rob Canning exhibiting “Automatic” at the Auto – Italia Gallery, London from the 28th August – 20th September 2009

2,000

Maud Cotter presenting “Rumpus Room” at the Point B Gallery, New York in November 2009

6,000

Mothers Tankstation participating at the Artissima Art Fair, Turin, 5 – 8 November and the Art Positions, Art Basel Miami Beach, 3 – 6 December 2009

15,000

Gerard Byrne presenting an exhibition at the Centre d’édition contemporaine, Geneva from the 9th October – 28th November 2009

3,000

5 Irish Artists presenting their work at M.K. Ciurlionis National Museum of Arts as part of the Kaunas Biennale from October – November 2009

5,000

Kerlin Gallery participating at the Frieze Art Fair, London from the 15th – 18th October 2009

7,500

Cló Ceardlann na gCnoc participation by Irish artists in Samkura exhibition in Greece, Georgia, Armenia and Portugal from June 2009 – September 2011

20,000

Theatre and Dance September 2008

Name

Amount

Ursula Mawson Raffalt performing “Ephemeral silence or the universe of D.A.N.T.E at the Chapter Arts Centre Cardiff, Wales from the 29th March – 19th April 2009 and the Etropolis Theatre and the Ion Sava Centre for Theatrical Research, the National Theatre, Bucharest, 3rd August – 6th September 2009

4,000

Miriam Lambert performing “ Goldilocks and the Three Bears” at the 25th World performing Arts Festival, Pakistan from the 13th – 23rd November 2008

2,000

Fishamble Theatre Company presenting “Forgotten” at the Unity Theatre, Liverpool as part of the Liverpool Irish Festival from the 21st – 22nd October 2008

2,500

Aindrias Stack theatre/music show/storytelling performances in NYU, New York on the 3rd November 2008, Boston Irish Theatre 10th November 2008 and Irish Arts Foundation, San Francisco November 2008

4,000

Orla Barry performing “The Scavenger’s Daughter” at the Tate Modern, London on the 13th December 2008

3,000

Ursula Mawson Raffalt performing at the International Theatre Festival in Sibiu, Romania from the 28th May – 04th July 2009

8,000

Fishamble Theatre Company presenting “Rank” by Robert Massey at the Tricycle Theatre, London from the 3rd – 22nd November 2008

30,000

Druid Theatre Company performing “The New Electric Ballroom” at the Perth International Festival in February 2009

70,000

Nessa Cronin speaking at the Symposium “ Playboy of the Western World: then and now” on 19th October 2008

600

Daghdha Dance Company presenting “Sense and Meaning” in Edinburgh College of Art on the 15th December 2008

2,000

Elena Glannotti performing as part of the Movement Research Improvisation Fall Festival, New York from the 1st – 14th December 2008

2,000

MIFA Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts presenting the triple dance bill “Irish Cream” at the War Memorial Auditorium, 16th – 20th March 2009

10,000

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company performing at the Centro Cultural Los Talleres, Mexico in January 2009

4,000

Colin Dunne performing “Out of Time” at the Barbican Theatre as part of the BITE’09 International Performance Festival in February 2009 and at the East Festival, London from the 5th – 10th March 2009

15,000

Siamsa Tíre performing in collaboration with San Francisco dance company Printz Dance Project at the Cowell Theatre, San Francisco from the 4th – 8th November 2008

10,000

Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre performing “Giselle” at the Perth International Arts Festival, Australia from the 28th February – 08th March 2009

55,000

The Gate Theatre and the 2009 Sydney Festival will present a season of plays by Brien Friel.

75,000

Blue Raincoat Theatre performing “The Strange Voyage of Donald Crowhurst” at the 11th Turkish State Theatre’s International Festival from the 27th March -8th April 2009.

30,000

Theatre and Dance December 2008

Name

Amount

Ursula Mawson-Raffalt presenting “ephemeral silence or the universe of d.a.n.t.e. #1” in Aarhus, Denmark from 20th – 22nd March 2009

1,000

Prof Anthony Roche/ Irish participation in seminars,talks and readings to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Brian Friel at New York University on 2nd May 2009

3,000

Megan Riordan performing “Luck” at the Arches Theatre Festival, Glasgow and Shunt Vaults, London in April 2009

4,000

Irish Arts Center presenting “Voyage for Freedom: Frederick Douglass in Ireland and Barack Obama in America” at the Irish Arts Center from the 17 – 21 March 2009

3,000

Sarah Jane Scaife performing scenes from “An Anthology of Irish Literature” in Beijing March 2009.

5,000

Irish Arts Center presenting “Ladies and Gents” by Paul Walker at Bethesda Fountain, Central Park, NY from 16th March to 12th April 2009.

20,000

Barabbas Theatre Company performing “Circus” at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas, New Haven, Connecticut from the 13th – 21st June 2009

35,000

Daghdha Dance Company presenting “Choreography for Blackboards” at the Zodiak Centre, Helsinki from the 6th – 7th February 2009

4,000

Irish National Youth Ballet Company performing at the Youth Dance Festival in Nettuno, Italy on the 9th May 2009

5,000

Bealtaine (Age and Opportunity)/ joint collaboration and performance at the Dance Life Festival 2009, Sapporo, Japan from the 9th – 17th March 2009

8,000

Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre and English National Opera / co-production of “The Rite of Spring” at the London Coliseum in November 2009

100,000

Gare St Lazare presenting “First Love” by Samuel Beckett in New Haven Connecticut, USA from 16th – 20th June, Grahamstown, South Africa 3rd – 6th July and Capetown, South Africa from the 8th – 12th July 2009

9,000

Team Educational Theatre Company performing “Devotion” in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa in Autumn 2009

35,000

Dance Base presenting “Dialogue” by Fearghus Ó Conchuir from 5th – 23rd August and “Raw” by Fidget Feet from 18th – 30th August 2009 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

75,000

Dance Theatre of Ireland performing “Block Party” at international dance festivals in Korea in April – May 2009 and at the Greenwich & Docklands Festivals, London in June 2009

40,000

Irish Modern Dance Theatre performing “The White Piece” by John Scott in Dance Landscapes, a network of three festivals in Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine from the 18th – 27th April 2009

35,000

The London St Patrick’s Day Festival, Irish participation, 15th March 2009.

8,000

Theatre and Dance March 2009

Name

Amount

CircuSorcas performing an outdoor circus show at the International Arts Festival in Aurioac, South France 19th – 22nd August 2009

4,000

Dylan Tighe directing at the Gate Theatre, Notting Hill, London from the 23rd June – 18th July 2009

1,000

Gavin Kostick performing “The Heart of Darkness” at the London Literature Festival, London from the 9th – 11th July 2009

6,000

Donal O’Kelly Productions performing a tour of “Jimmy Joyced” in Portugal 16th – 19th June and Trieste, Italy 28th June 2009

7,500

Pan Pan Theatre Company performing “The Crumb Trail” at Hebbel Am Ufer, Berlin from the 18th – 20th June and TBA Festival, Portland, US from the 9th – 12th September 2009

38,000

Fishamble Theatre Company performing “Noah and the Tower Flower” in Bulgaria 27th – 30th May, and at the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, Romania 2nd – 3rd June 2009

12,000

Legitimate Bodies Dance Company performing at the Prague Dance Festival from the 17th – 18th June 2009

1,000

Angie Smais performing a new solo work at the Islington Dance Festival, London on the 29th June 2009

800

Elena Giannotti performing at the Islington Arts Festival 2009 “Moving Voices” in London from the 27th June – 10th July 2009

800

Excel Dance Residency performing a tour of South Korea from the 15th May – 2nd June 2009

2,500

Fabulous Beast performing “Giselle” at the Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, Canada in May 2010

30,000

Fishamble Theatre Company performing the “Pride of Parnell Street” at 59E59, New York from the 1st September – 4th October 2009

60,000

Gare St Lazare performing “Moby Dick” at the Rubicon Theatre, Ventura, California in July – August 2009

9,000

Ouroboros Theatre Company performing extracts from “Making History” and “Translations” at Centre Culturel Irlandais Paris 5th – 7th June and in Leuven, Belgium on 9th June 2009

3,000

Theatre and Dance June 2009

Name

Amount

Colin Dunne performing “Out of Time” at the da:ns Festival in Esplanade Theatre, Singapore from the 27th – 28th October 2009

4,000

Iseli/ Chiodi Dance Company presenting a collaborative programme of duets with Rex Levitates Dance Company at International Dance Festival Maracaibo 2009, Venezuela and Festival Internacional De Danza Morelos Tierra De Encuentro, Mexico in November 2009

5,000

Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre presenting Giselle as part of the World Stage 09:10 programme at the Harbourfront Centre, Toronto from the 4th – 8th May 2010

30,000

Fabulous Beast Dance Theatre presenting Giselle at the Sydney Festival from the 24th – 30th January 2010

60,000

Alan Stanford performing “In the Company of Oscar Wilde” in Munich, Germany on the 17th October 2009

300

Megan Riordan Making Strange Theatre Company performing “Luck” at the 2nd annual 1st Irish Theatre Festival at 59E59 Theatre Company from the 19th September – 4th October 2009

4,000

The Performance Corporation presenting two live performances at the Electronic Church, Berlin in the end of July 2009 and in Café Oto, London in December 2009

3,000

Irish Arts Center presenting production of “The Cambria” by Donal O’Kelly at the Irish Arts Center from the 16th September – 11th October 2009

8,000

Sean Tyrrell, a tour of a show based on life of John Boyle O’Reilly in USA in September 2009

2,000

Brokentalkers performing “In Real Time” at the Noordezon Festival, Griningen, Holland from the 27th – 29th August 2009

3,000

Fishamble presenting production of “Forgotten” at the LOKALl International Theatre Festival, Reykjavik from the 3rd – 6th September 2009

3,500

Clowns without borders performing in Palestine from September – October 2009

8,000

The Abbey Theatre presenting production of Mark O’Rowe’s “Terminus” at the Merlyn Theatre during the Melbourne International Arts Festival 2009 from the 9th – 13th October 2009

23,500

Wexford Arts Centre presenting production of “Tales from Rainwater Pond” by Billy Roche at the 1st Irish Festival by Origin Theatre Company from the 5th – 26th September 2009

13,000

Origin Theatre Company organising 1st Irish 2009 at the Origin Theatre from the 1st September 2009 – 4th October 2009

8,000

Music September 2008

Name

Amount

Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society three concerts of Irish music and song – Ger Foley on the 4th October 2008, Tommy O’Sullivan on the 23rd October 2008 and Cherish the Ladies on the 7th December 2008 in Fairfield, USA

700

David Flynn and Loana Petcu – Colan David Flynn and Ioana Petcu – Colan performing a recital of at the Academia de Muzica in Cluj – Napoca in January 2009

600

Vienna Songwriting Association Gemma Hayes, Maria Doyle Kennedy and The Hollows to perform at 4th Blue Bird Festival Vienna from the 20th – 22nd November 2008

1,000

Eugene Irish Cultural Festival Chulrua and Maldon Meehan performing at the 6th annual Eugene Irish Cultural Festival from the 6th – 7th March 2009

1,500

Derek Gleeson and Irish soloists performing works by Irish composers with the Vratza Philharmonic in Philharmonic Hall, Vratza, Bulgaria on the 11th December 2008

1,000

Gerry O’Connor, Siobhán Armstrong and Róisin Elsafy performing at the Brighton Early Music Festival from the 24th – 26th October 2008

600

Irish Composers Collective performing a concert of new Irish music at the University of York, 1st November 2008

1,000

Glyder performing at the Synchronicity Festival, Kanpur, India on the 25th October 2008

1,800

Copenhagen Irish Festival organising the annual Irish Cultural Festival from the 6th – 9th November 2008

1,500

Seamus Begley performing a tour of traditional Irish music, song and dance performanes at two festivals in Australia and a number of other venues in Australia and New Zealand from the 6th March – 2nd April 2009

5,000

Kerry Records inviting David and Kieran Munnelly to perform “An Irish Christmas” at seven venues in California 29th November – 14th December 2008

1,000

Honor Heffernan performing at ten venues across six cities in India from 12th – 30th November 2008

6,000

Danú performing a Christmas tour in Canada from the 3rd to 20th December 2008

6,000

Ceol Productions presenting tour “Irish Christmas in America” involving Téada, Karen Casey, Cara Dillon, Tommy Martin, Gráinne Hambly, Sienna Hickey and Abbey Magill from 29th November – 17th December 2008

4,000

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann performing the 36th annual North American Concert tour from the 7th – 21st October 2008

7,500

Royal Irish Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra performing concerts in Connecticut, Virginia and New York from the 23rd – 25th January 2009

10,000

Wigt Productions organising two tours of Irish music in the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland between November 2008 and May 2009

10,000

Ergodos, Irish composers attending concerts of contemporary Irish music, 16th Dec, Amsterdam and 18th Dec Berlin 2008

2,775

Irish musicians participating in Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival from the 14th January- 1st February 2009.

25,000

Music December 2008

Name

Amount

Fergal Dowling performing at the Ohrenhoch der Gerauschlade sound art Gallery, Berlin from the 18th – 20th March 2009

400

Tonos Early Music Ensemble performing “Music of the Wild Geese” recital and lecture at the Royal Society for Arts, London on the 26th February 2009

300

Tyneside Irish Cultural Society presenting a series of concerts by traditional Irish musicians from the 29th January – 23rd April 2009

1,000

Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society presenting traditional Irish music concerts in Fairfield, CT, US from January – March 2009

500

Noelie Mc Donnell performing at the Folk Alliance conference / showcase, Memphis, US from the 18th – 22nd February 2009

750

Irene Buckley presenting performance of “Evolution of close double stars” at the New York Electroacoustic Music Festival from the 2nd – 4th April 2009

1,200

Sonya Keogh performing and leading workshops in Tokyo and other venues in Japan, from the 12th – 26th March 2009

1,000

Irish Arts Foundation presenting concerts by Beoga, Swallows Tail and other artists at venues in Leeds, UK, from February – April 2009

1,000

Emmet Scanlan performing at the Folk Alliance conference / showcase, Memphis, US from the 18th – 22nd February 2009

2,000

Martin Healy performing concerts, Montserrat, West Indies from the 12th – 22nd March 2009

1,500

Aindrais Stack performing “Around the World on 80 Quid” at festivals in Australia and New Zealand, February – April 2009

1,500

Embassy of Ireland in Latvia Organising “Voices from Ireland” festival of songwriting, Riga, Latvia from the 13th – 17th March 2009

3,000

Romana Kokoska Pulchartova presenting the Callino Quartet at the Marble Hall, Prague Castle on the 7th April 2009

2,000

Líadan performing concerts in Texas, New York and New Jersey from the 6th – 14th March 2009

3,000

Irish Diaspora Foundation presenting three Irish music concerts in the London Irish Centre, Birmingham Irish Centre and Manchester Irish World Heritage Centre from the 4th – 6th March 2009

2,500

Kevin Brady (Organics)/Organics performing a tour of Mexico from the 25th March – 5th April 2009

4,500

Magnetic Music GmbH presenting a 15 concert tour by Fallen Angels, Outside Track and Searson in Germany and Switzerland from the 12th – 29th March 2009

3,000

Ensemble Scratch the Surface performing concerts in Brighton, Manchester and London from 12th – 17th July 2009

2,000

Mary Dullea Fidelio Trio performing a tour in China from the 1st – 15th June 2009

6,500

Ceoltoiri na Sionainne performing at the North American Comhaltas Convention, St Louis from the 16th – 19th April 2009

3,000

Patrick Garrett/Beoga performing a US tour from the 27th Feb – 28th March 2009

3,000

Cantor Music/Carmel Conway and band performing a US tour from the 26th February – 17th March 2009

1,000

Camerata Ireland performing at the La Chaise Dieu and Berlioz Festivals in France on the 26th and 27th August 2009

10,000

Gráda performing a US tour from the 26th February – 29th March 2009

3,000

Opera Theatre Company performing Handel’s “Orlando” at the Buxton Festival from the 13th – 27th July 2009

30,000

Na Píobairí Uilleann US tour and UK tour of “Piperlink” from May – September 2009

17,000

El Feile presenting Festival in Barcelona, Madrid and Bilbao from the 12th – 21st March 2009

10,000

Irish World Academy of Music and Dance presenting a concert in Paris by ACADEMOS Irish World Strings, March 2009

7,000

Our Lady’s Choral Society performing Handel’s “Messiah” in the Vatican, Rome on the 12th February 2009

15,000

U.S Ireland Alliance /Irish Artists performing at the “Oscar Wilde” event in Los Angeles, February 2009

40,000

Irish Arts Center presenting “Sweet Rosie O’Grady:An Irish Salute to Tin Pan Alley” at Symphony Space, New York, 16 March 2009.

3,000

Music March 2009

Name

Amount

Association of Irish Composers performing at the Time of Music Festival, Viitasaari, Finland on the 12th July 2009

1,400

Dr Patrick Zuk presenting “The Fleischmanns and their circle” at Durham University from the 12th – 14th July 2010

1,300

Friends of the Irish Harp Centre performing at the 10th European Festival of Youth Music, Linz, Austria from the 21st – 24th May 2009

5,000

Crash Ensemble performing a US tour in May 2010

52,000

KM Friendship Ireland performing “A musical Gift from Ireland” in Japan from the 20th – 30th June 2009

12,000

Irish Artists to perform at Catskill Irish Arts Week, New York, 12th –18th July 2009.

6,000

Shamrock Traditional Irish Festival presenting four concerts in Fairfield, Connecticut, from the 7th April – 12th June 2009

1,000

Shaun Davey performing at the Sibiu Theatre Festival, Romania, 6th – 7th June 2009

17,000

SC Irish Arts Weekend presenting Irish Artists Weekend in Columbia, South Carolina, from the 19th – 21st June 2009

800

Martin Quinn & Angelina Carberry performing concerts at two Celtic Summer Camps in the US from 13th – 19th July 2009

1,500

The Outside Track performing a tour of Canada from the 24th July – 9th August 2009

2,500

Kilfenora Ceili Band performing at the Milwaukee Irish Festival 2009, USA from the 13th – 16th August 2009

6,000

Return to Camden Town Festival presents a selection of Irish artists at the London Irish Centre, UK from the 23rd October -1st November 2009

12,000

Gráda performing concerts in Australia, New Zealand and Japan from June – July 2009

6,000

Celtic Colours International Festival presents a selection of Irish artists in Cape Breton in October 2009

40,000

European Union Youth Orchestra performing a European tour from 25th July – 26th August 2009

20,000

Music June 2009

Name

Amount

Enda Bates attending the International Gaudeamus Music Week for performance of own composition String Quartet No 1in Amsterdam from the 7th – 13th September 2009

240

Fergal Dowing attending the International Society for Contemporary Music’s World Music Days 2009, Gothenburg, Sweden for performance of own composition Manchester Material the 1st – 4th October 2009

290

David Flynn attendance at performance of own award winning composition “String Quartet No2 The Cranning” at Summergarden Festival in Museum of Modern Art, New York on the 19th July 2009

550

William Dowdall to perform recitals and conduct workshops based on contemporary Irish solo flute music, New Zealand, 24 July, 31 July, Australia, 14th – 15th August and 17th August 2009

700

Lorcán Mac Mathúna performing at the LIFEM 09 Festival, King’s Place, London from the 4th – 7th November 2009

600

Mary Bergin, Liz and Yvonne Kane, Denis Liddy & Elvie Miller and John Hoban performing concerts in Fairfield, Connecticut, USA 20th July – 12th September 2009

600

Conal O’Grada performing at the Musique Royale summer concert series in Nova Scotia 19th – 30th July 2009

1,000

Aylish E Kerrigan performing recital programme in the Bell Hall, Wuhan Conservatory of Music, China from the 16th November – 4th December 2009

1,200

Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop for Jennifer Walshe’s to work with ensemble and attend performance of her composition, “Passenger” by the Solistenensemble Kaleidoskop at the “Halle” of the Radialststem V, Berlin from the 20th – 22nd November 2009

1,000

Celebration of work of Kevin Volans to include concerts, film screening and discussion on his work at the Wigmore Hall London on the 31st October 2009

2,000

Cullen Pipe Band performing at“The Piping Live Festival 2009” at the National Piping Centre, Glasgow on the 14th August 2009

1,000

Finnish Irish society, Irish musicians participating in the 24th Finnish – Irish Festival from the 25th September – 4th October 2009

4,000

Karen Egan performing La Charlatanne at the Lainsuojattomat 10th International Theatre Festival, Finland from the 1st – 6th September 2009

2,000

Rattle the Boards touring in Western Canada from the 30th September – 12th October 2009

5,000

The Henry Girls performing at the LA Irish Film Festival from the 24th – 27th September 2009

6,000

Sonya Keogh for participation in the International Youth in Concert – Vilnius 2009 performing at Sv Kotrynos Baznycia, Lithuania on the 13th July 2009

800

Irish artists participating in the 23rd Tyneside Irish Festival, Newcastle from the 11th – 25th October 2009

2,500

Irish Arts Center, “Masters in Collaboration11: Andy Irvine meets John Doyle” from the 11th – 13th September 2009

5,000

Irish musicians, poets and filmmakers participating in the Irish Festival of Oulu from 1st – 4th October 2009

5,000

Thomas Moore Festival, concert at Washington Conservatory of Music on the 13th March 2009 and Carnegie Hall, New York on the 15th March 2009

5,000

Benjamin Dwyer, David Farrell, Izumi Kamura, Kenneth Edge, Tina Kinsella, Michael Dwyer and Brian Kavanagh performing at the Biennale of Riberao Preto, Brazil 23rd – 27th October 2009

11,000

Plankton Co LTD presenting Altan and Anuna in 11 Celtic Christmas concerts in various venues throughout Japan from the 27th November – 13th December 2009

10,000

Festival Interceltique Lorient, presenting traditional Irish musicians and dancers at Lorient

4,000

Cross Border Orchestra performing in 5 venues in New York and Washington from the 26th – 30th October 2009

20,000

Ioana Petcu Colan presenting 6 concerts involving collaboration between Irish and Spanish classical musicians in Iglesia de Sant Pere, Barcelona from September – December 2009

4,000

Literature September 2008

Name

Amount

Clare Muireann Murphy participating in the Jaipur Literature Festival, India from the 21st – 25th January 2009

1,000

Moya Cannon performing a poetry reading at the Festival International De Poesia De Granada, Nicaragua, USA in February 2009

1,000

CLE Irish Book Publishers Association programme of events involving Irish authors at the 26th Karlsruhe Book Exhibition, Germany from the 14th November – 7th December 2008

4,000

Eilean Ní Chuilleanain poetry readings and discussions in Prague and Brno 12- 15 November

750

Louis de Paor and John Spillane performing at the International Poetry Festival Islands without Borders, Czech Republic, from the 11th – 13th November 2008

1,500

Literature December 2008

Name

Amount

Literature Across Frontiers/Vona Groarke and Conor O’Callaghan performing at the Literary Café and Academy, Prague, on the 17th and 18th February 2009

900

Maurice Scully giving poetry readings in various venues, California from the 1st – 7th April 2009

800

Paul Perry giving readings at the University of Central Missouri and in the Writers Place, Kansas City in March 2009

1,000

Billy Ramsell giving readings at the March Hare Poetry Festival, Newfoundland, Canada from the 11th – 14th March 2009

1,500

Edition Rugerup/ Nimrod Forlagab/Gabriel Rosenstock and translator giving a reading at the Leipzig Book Fair on the 13th March 2009

1,500

Kevin Higgins and Susan Millar DuMars giving readings at the 2009 AWP (Association of Writers and Writing Programmes) Conference in Chicago from the 11th – 14th February 2009

1,400

The Munster Literature Centre/William Wall and Thomas McCarthy giving readings at the Shanghai Literary Festival and Irish Week from the 10th – 15th March 2009

2,500

Perth Writers Festival / Sebastian Barry participating in the Perth Writers Festival, Australia from the 26th February – 2nd March 2009

2,500

Oilibhéar Ó Braonáin / Dr Ian Malcolm to give a public lecture on the Irish Language and the Ulster Protestant tradition at the European School, Luxembourg on 12th February 2009

1,000

Alliance Francaise Dublin presenting the 10th Franco-Irish Literary Festival in Dublin Castle on the 3rd- 4th April 2009

5,000

Literature March 2008

Name

Amount

John Holten reading at the Midnight Poetry Readings, Berlin on the 8th May 2009

400

John F Deane reading at the University of Massachusetts, Boston from the 18th – 27th June 2009

500

Fintan O’Toole lectures at the Fourth Symposium of Irish Studies in South America at the National University of La Pampa, Argentina from the 7th – 14th September 2009

2,000

John Banville reading in Wuppertal, Kassel and Paderborn, Germany 20th – 24th April 2009

2,000

Selection of Irish writers read at the University of Aberdeen Writers Festival UK from the 15th – 17th May 2009

2,000

Readings by five Irish poets at the International Istanbul-Beyoglu Poetry Festival, Turkey from the 21st – 26th April 2009

9,000

Kieran Furey reading at the Toronto Small Press Group Fair, Canada in June 2009

600

Four Irish writers participate in the Irish Literary Festival in Porto, Portugal, 8th-10th October 2009

3,000

Literature June 2008

Name

Amount

Ann Leahy performing lectures and readings at the Catawba College Salisbury, North Carolina in October 2009

1,000

Clare Muireann Murphy participating in Fest ’09 (Federation of European Storytelling) and performing at festival in Lausanne, Switzerland from the 5th – 7th August 2009

800

Alan Jude Moore conducting series of readings at a number of locations/events in California USA 1st – 19th September 2009

1,500

Gavin Warren performing at the International Society for the Study of Irish Literatures conference, at the Wellington Church and at the Loft, Glasgow from the 27th – 28th July 2009

1,000

Joe Brennan engaging in storytelling in a number of venues in New Delhi, India from the 14th – 21st November 2009

1,000

Wigtown Festival Irish participation in the Wigtown Book Festival from the 25th September – 4th October 2009

3,000

Irish Arts Center participation of Irish poets in Poetry Fest 2009 at the Irish Arts Center on the 7th November 2009

2,500

Paddy Bushe performing at Kirchheimbolanden on the 17th October and Kaiserslauntern on the 23rd October 2009

3,000

Colum McCann performing at the International Literature Festival Berlin in September 2009

2,000

Poetry Ireland Michael and Enda Longley readings and lectures in St Petersburg and Moscow 5th – 8th October 2009

2,700

Glucksman Ireland House New York Public Events Series September 09 – April 2010 to include readings and talks by Irish writers, playwrights and film artists

4,000

Ronan Sheehan presenting The Irish Catullus at the Edinburgh Bookshop on the 15th August 2009

2,000

Mary Grehan delivering talks on Irish practice on arts and health in Hong Kong, and Australia from the 4th – 16th November 2009

1,000

Film September 2008

Name

Amount

Conor Finnegan screening of films at the Fiae Film Festival at the Rio De Janeiro Museum of Modern Art, Brazil from the 6th – 14th November 2008

1,500

Neasa Ní Chianain screening of “Fairytale of Kathmandu” in the Best of Input event in Taiwan from the 5th – 7th December 2008 and at the Adelaide Film Festival from the 19th February – 1st March 2009

2,500

Cork Film Festival promotion of Irish short filmmaking at Clermont Ferrand Short Film Festival, France from the 31st January – 7th Feb 2009

9,000

Irish Filmakers attendance at “Around the World in 14 Films” festival in Berlin, Germany from the 28th November – 06th December 2008

600

Screening two Irish Documentary films at the Sheffield International documentary Film Festival from the 5th – 9th November 2009

1,350

Elizabeth Harkman attending the Short Film Festival Encounters Festival 9th – 22nd Nov 2008

3,500

Boston Irish Film Festival organising the 10th Annual Boston Irish Film Festival from the 9th – 12th November 2008

6,000

Christina Gangos participating at the Tbilisa International Film Festival in December 2008

500

Eamon Connolly- 1i Productions attending screening of his film ‘Eternal’ in Palestine from 29th Nov-7th Dec 2008.

1,500

Alpha Pictures organising the 2nd Irish Film Festival ‘Casa Del Cinema’ Rome, Italy from t 8th-11th December 2008.

10,000

Film December 2008

Name

Amount

Kerry Film Festival promoting Irish Short film at the Sundance Film Festival, January 2009

1,500

Marc – Ivan O’Gorman presenting a selection of short films at the Mint Gallery, New Delhi from the 13th – 29th March 2009

3,000

Paul Rowley presenting feature documentary “Seaview” in Berlin and to tour ten cities in February – March 2009

4,000

Zero Em Comportamento/Irish participation and presentation of Irish cinema in the IndieLisboa Film Festival, Lisbon from the 23rd April – 3rd May 2009

5,500

David P Kelly Films presenting the London Irish Film Festival in various London venues from the 7th – 15th March 2009

7,000

Cork Film Festival presenting a showcase of Irish cinema at the Festival International du Cinéma Méditerranéen du Tetouan, Morocco from the 29th March – 6th April 2009

6,000

Seamus Byrne presenting “Eamon” at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2009

3,000

Esperanza Collado presenting Irish film programme in Margenes festival of experimental film and art, Madrid, from the 23rd – 29th May 2009 in Madrid, Spain

8,000

Fleadh Foundation organising the Craic film and music festival in New York from the 11th – 14th March 2009

12,000

Tony O Donohue presenting “A Film from my Parish – 6 Farms” at the Sundance Film Festival, in Utah, USA from 15 – 25 January 2009.

2,000

Film June 2009

Name

Amount

Alex Synge screening “Split Lip” at the Straight 8 Film Festival in London in August 2009

200

Moira Tierney presentation of her films and discussion on her work at the Versmidjan á Hjalteyri Arts Centre Iceland from the 20th – 27th August 2009

1,000

Cecilia McAllister screening of film “Féileacán” at the 13th Rhode Island International Film Festival from the 4th – 9th August 2009

1,000

Nessa King programme of regular screening of Irish films and associated events at the London Irish Centre in 2009

600

Solus Film Collective presenting film programmes at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Egypt, El Teatro, Tunisia and La Maison Des Cineastes, Mauritania between September – November 2009

5,000

Roots Reel Films organising the 1st Irish Film Festival in conjunction with Metro Cinemas in Hyde Park, Johannesburg from the 26th – 30th August and V&A Waterfront Cape town from the 2nd – 6th September 2009

6,000

Architecture March 2009

Name

Amount

Irish Architecture Foundation tour of Lives of Spaces exhibition including Belfast and London in 2009 and 2010

25,000

Culture Ireland Showcases Over Past 12 Months

Name

Amount

Dublin Theatre Festival 2008

58,000

Association of Arts Presenters APAP New York 2009

152,000

Music from Ireland Showcases

60,000

Venice Art Biennale 2009

210,000

Edinburgh Festivals 2009

195,000

Dublin Dance Festival 2009

25,000

12 points Jazz Festival 2009

12,000

Tourism Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

246 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he has taken to reduce costs to the hotel and catering industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32572/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

247 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if his attention has been drawn to the financial position of hotels, pubs and guest houses in the current economic climate; his proposals to address same in view of the need to promote and maintain the tourism sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32573/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

248 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps he has taken or proposes to take to identify the issues negatively affecting the tourism industry here; his proposals to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32574/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the steps that have been taken to ensure the cost effectiveness of the tourism industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32575/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

250 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism if he has taken initiatives by way of policy directive to assist the tourism industry in view of the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32576/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 to 250, inclusive, together.

Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show a reduction of 10.4% in the number of overseas visitors to Ireland for the first seven months of 2009 compared with the corresponding period of 2008. While any reduction in the number of overseas visitors is disappointing, it must be seen in context. Ireland enjoyed several years of successive growth in visitor numbers, reaching a record of just over 8 million in 2007.

There is no doubt that the period to date in 2009 has been very difficult for tourism globally and this trend has been reflected in overseas visitor numbers to Ireland. There have been significant declines in GDP, personal spending and consumer confidence across all our major source markets. Exchange rates, particularly the dollar and sterling, and reduced air access to the island of Ireland have also had a negative impact on the number of visits to Ireland.

In this context, I am fully aware of the many issues affecting the hotel and catering industry, including the issues of costs and competitiveness. I keep in regular contact with the key industry representative groups, including the Irish Tourist Industry Confederation, the Irish Hotels Federation and the Restaurants Association of Ireland. While the management and effectiveness of individual companies is a matter for those companies themselves Fáilte Ireland has a range of measures to help the tourism industry to address costs and competitiveness. In particular, they have refocused their programmes to meet the enterprise support needs of businesses in the tourism sector in the current difficult climate. In 2009 they will be investing almost €6 million in the form of direct supports and advice for tourism enterprises.

The key elements of Fáilte Ireland's support package in 2009 include:

a new mentoring support service providing one-to-one advice,

a new "Biz-Check" service is being rolled out designed to provide operators with on-site business diagnosis and solutions support, covering issues such as costs and margins, cost control, pricing and cash-flow management, which are crucial to effective management of businesses,

a further expansion of the "e-Biz" initiative to improve on-line marketing and e-business skills generally within the industry,

a significant investment in on-site training of industry employees in customer care and food preparation.

The industry is responding well to the initiatives and the take up on the programmes is very positive.

Furthermore, I am glad to see that the changes that I had called for in Sunday pay rates in the hotel and catering sectors are now taking place. As a result, the cost in those sectors of labour on Sundays nationally will now be at time and a third as agreed through the JLC process. Given the high labour input in the tourism industry these important changes should have a positive impact.

As regards marketing, Tourism Ireland is keeping its marketing programmes for 2009 under constant review, to ensure necessary flexibility and responsiveness. It front-loaded its campaigns across all markets to secure as much business as possible for the peak and shoulder season and has now intensified its tactical and cooperative marketing activity for the second half of the year with an €18 million autumn campaign.

On the domestic front, Fáilte Ireland committed to its largest ever campaign to promote home holidays in 2009, with in excess of €3 million being invested in a year-round marketing programme promoting awareness of, and interest in, taking a home break. The Autumn Initiative, co-ordinated and implemented by Fáilte Ireland with funding from members of the tourism industry, was launched last week by An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., and is intended to boost business between now and the end of the year.

While I know that our businesses and tourism agencies are responding positively to current challenges, it is just as important that the strategic framework for tourism development responds to the changing environment. Accordingly, I established the Tourism Renewal Group, which has been tasked with reviewing and, where appropriate, renewing the current tourism strategy to ensure that it is focused for the short term and, looking further ahead, that the tourist industry is well placed to benefit from the upturn when it comes. I understand that the Group has now completed its deliberations and is currently finalising its report, which will contain recommendations in the form of a Framework for Action for the period to 2013. I expect this report will be submitted to me very shortly.

The industry deserves great credit for its commitment to quality in responding to the current challenging economic conditions through more flexible pricing and offering special value offers and packages. I am confident that, with the support of the agencies, the tourism sector here has the capacity to manage the current cyclical slowdown and that, looking further ahead, the Renewal Group's Review will help the sector to return to sustainable growth in the medium term.

Sport and Recreational Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

251 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the amount of funding available to his Department from the proceeds of the national lottery or other sources for the provision of sporting, recreational or community facilities throughout the country for 2008 and 2009; the amount drawn down to date in 2009 in respect of both years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32577/09]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

253 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the degree to which funding available through his Department has been allocated and drawn down by the various sporting and recreational bodies to which it was allocated to date in 2009; the way this compares with previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32579/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 253 together.

I presume that the Deputy is referring to the Sports Capital Programme and I will confine my reply to that Programme. Under the Sports Capital Programme, which is administered by my Department funding is allocated to sporting and community organisations at local, regional and national level throughout the country. Since 1998, over €725 million has been allocated to over 7,400 projects across the country. €56 million has been provided in my Department's vote in the 2009 Estimates to cover payments to be made from the C1 subhead, out of which grants are paid for the provision of sports and recreation facilities. The corresponding figure for 2008 was €58m. Total payments of €43m were made from this sub-head as at close of business on 17 September last. The corresponding figure for 2008 was €49m. No allocations under the Sports Capital Programme have been made in 2009.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

252 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the number of sporting, recreational or voluntary bodies throughout County Kildare that have made application for grant aid to his Department from the proceeds of the national lottery or other sources in 2008 and to date in 2009; the numbers that have been successful; the number refused and those pending; when it is expected that these matters will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32578/09]

A total of 44 applications were received from County Kildare in 2008 under the Sports Capital Programme. The allocations under the 2008 programme were published at the end of July 2008 and a list of the grant allocations, including those to 21 clubs in Kildare for 2008 together with allocations to projects in County Kildare under previous years allocations, is available on the Department's website at http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/. No round of the Sports Capital Programme has taken place to date in 2009 and accordingly no applications have been received in the Department this year from sporting, recreational or voluntary bodies in County Kildare.

Question No. 253 answered with Question No. 251.

Arts Plan.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his policy towards the promotion of the arts at local level directly or through intermediary bodies under the aegis of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32580/09]

I refer the Deputy to my answers in this House previously to this question and in particular to the policy as outlined in replies to Questions 2407/09; 2680/09 and 2682/09 answered together on 28 January 2009; Question 16413/09 of 28th April 2009 and Question 23816 of 16th June 2009 last. The Deputy may be assured that if there are major policy changes in this regard that they will be well signalled. In the meantime, I will continue to work to maximise public investment in arts, culture and the creative sectors.

Film Industry Development.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the extent to which his policy proposes to assist or encourage the film industry with particular reference to the use of this country for location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32582/09]

I refer the Deputy to my answer to Parliamentary Question No 65 of Thursday 17 September 2009.

National Lottery Funding.

John O'Mahony

Question:

256 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the recipients of national lottery funding for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the amount given in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32788/09]

The elements of the Department's Vote which are part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery are as follows:

Subhead C.1: Grants for sporting bodies and for the provision of sports and recreational facilities under the Sports Capital Programme;

Subhead C.3: Grant-in-Aid provided to the Irish Sports Council in respect of general assistance to sports organisations and expenditure in relation to sports activities; and

Subhead D.7: Grant-in-Aid provided to the Arts Council in respect of arts activities.

In relation to the Grants-in-Aid to the Irish Sports Council and the Arts Council, allocation decisions are made by the agencies themselves and the Department has no function in this matter.

In relation to the Sports Capital Programme, details of the numerous allocations and recipients of grants in each of the years in question are available on the Department's website at www.dast.gov.ie. The total expenditures in respect of Subheads, C.1, C.3 and D.7 for the years 2005 to 2008, inclusive, are as set out in tabular form below.

Year

Sports Capital Programme

Irish Sports Council

Arts Council

Total

2008

60,137,000*

57,182,000

81,620,000

198,939,000

2007

63,724,000*

54,025,000

83,000,000

200,749,000

2006

60,053,000*

40,914,000

82,310,000

183,277,000

2005

56,782,000

34,425,000

66,233,000

157,440,000

*Includes capital carryover from previous year.

Rural Social Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

257 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be approved the child dependant increase and qualifying spouse increase. [32086/09]

The person referred to by the Deputy has been approved for an increase for a Qualifying Adult and Child Dependant as part of her payment under the Rural Social Scheme.

Michael Ring

Question:

258 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if farm income is exempt from calculations of qualifying payments for rural social scheme participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32087/09]

In general, farm income is not assessable in determining an entitlement to either an increase for a Qualified Adult and/or Child Dependent on the Rural Social Scheme.

Community Development.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

259 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the future plans for the community development projects; the current number of such projects; the funding allocated in 2009; and the source of that funding. [32208/09]

Currently, there are 181 Community Development Projects/groups funded under my Department's Community Development Programme. The allocation for the Programme for 2009 is €20.9m. I understand that some projects attract funding from other sources. My Department is currently undertaking a review of these projects and I expect to have the results later this year. In addition, my intention to integrate the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme, in order to provide more efficient and streamlined social inclusion services to those people in the country who need them most, is on record.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

260 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the employment rights of staff of community development projects in the event of a project being closed down; and the redundancy arrangements which would apply. [32209/09]

Community Development Projects funded under the Programme are either private companies limited by guarantee in their own right or are hosted by a private company limited by guarantee. Accordingly, the issues raised by the Deputy are matters for the boards, in accordance with the relevant employment legislation.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

261 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32408/09]

My Department is committed to reducing the payment period to business suppliers as announced on 20 May 2009 by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. In that regard, payments due on invoices from business suppliers since 19 May 2009 have been made by my Department as follows:

%

Within 15 days

92.46

Within 30 days

99.99

Longer than 30 days

0.01*

*A single payment of less than €300 was involved.

Departmental Programmes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

262 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the status of the community support for older people grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32488/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

263 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when funding will be made available under the community support for older people grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32489/09]

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

I refer the Deputy to my reply to questions 817, 819, 821 and 822 of 16 September 2009. The Scheme remains suspended pending the finalisation of the review and related decisions.

Inland Waterways.

Willie Penrose

Question:

264 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will confirm that he has received correspondence (details supplied) dated 10 January 2008; if in this context, the issue will be addressed by the provision of a small landing stage or jetty on each side of Raleigh’s bridge over the Royal Canal at Heathstown, Coralstown, The Downs, Mullingar; if the provision of these jetties which will cost in the region of €38,000 will be put in place; if he will take steps to ensure that the small landing stage of jetty on each side of the bridge is installed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32615/09]

I am advised that the correspondence referred to by the Deputy has been received by Waterways Ireland, which has confirmed that it has replied. I am advised also that a proposal for the installation of the landing jetties referred to is being considered in the context of the Waterways Ireland Business Plan for 2010.

National Lottery Funding.

John O'Mahony

Question:

265 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the recipients of National Lottery funding for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the amount given in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32789/09]

Details of payments in excess of €6,350 made under those subheads of my Department's Vote that are part-funded by the National Lottery are included as part of the annual Appropriation Accounts for my Department. The subheads in question relate to:

Ciste na Gaeilge;

Grants for Community and Voluntary Services; and

Local and Community Development. The published Appropriation Accounts for the years 2005 to 2008 are available in the Dáil Library and also on the website of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (www.audgen.gov.ie).

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

266 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive the back to education allowance. [32001/09]

One of the qualifying conditions for participation in the back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme is that an applicant must be commencing his/her first year of an approved course of study.

The person concerned sat the third year examinations of his course in May, 2003 but was not successful. He is now re-commencing the third year of his course of study. Consequently, a Deciding Officer has disallowed his back to education allowance claim from 7 September, 2009. A letter informing him of this decision has been issued to him. It is open to him to ask for a review of this decision and he can contact his local Social Welfare Office in this regard.

Brian Hayes

Question:

267 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [32008/09]

According to the Department's records, the person referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of jobseeker's benefit since 4th November, 2008. He has not made an application under the back to education allowance scheme. On the basis of the information he supplied, he would not satisfy the qualifying criteria for receipt of the back to education allowance as the Master's course he is pursuing is not recognised for the back to education allowance (BTEA) scheme.

The objective of the back to education allowance scheme is to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market. The scheme covers courses of education from second level to Higher Diploma level in any discipline (level 8 in National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) and to a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary and Secondary Teaching, level 9 in NFQ) which add significantly to a person's employability. Other postgraduate qualifications (level 9 or level 10) are not included.

The possession of qualifications at level 9 or above in the NFQ is not regarded as a prerequisite to re-entering the workforce and at present there are no plans to extend the scheme to cover courses at this level. A small number of cases have arisen where a college has admitted a person who holds no third level qualification to a Master's course on the basis of relevant life experience and these cases have been allowed on an exceptional basis. However, the person concerned does not fall into this category as he already holds a primary degree.

This current approach is considered appropriate in the context of targeting scarce resources at those in greatest need. The scheme will continue to be monitored in the light of the changed economic circumstance in order to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.

Family Resource Centres.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

268 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the level of funding which has been cut from the budget of the family resource centres here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32015/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

269 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will commit to fully supporting the work of the family support agency in providing family mediation services and the family and community services resource centre programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32016/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

270 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the suggested cutbacks proposed in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes to the family support agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32017/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

271 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a 70% loss in funding would be suffered by family resource centres if the proposed cuts in the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes Report were implemented; her views on whether such cuts would have a detrimental effect on the centres ability to provide services to service users; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32018/09]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

275 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will commit to undertaking a consultation process with the National Forum of Family Resource Centres and the Family Support Agency before making any cutbacks to their budgets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32055/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

301 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will confirm that there are no plans to close family resource centres here in view of the vital services that are being provided by these centres especially for those who are unemployed, on lower incomes and single parents; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32540/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 to 271, inclusive, 275 and 301 together.

The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes made a range of recommendations relating to the Department of Social and Family Affairs including recommendations relating to the Family Support Agency and its programmes. The Department will consider, as part of the Estimates and budgetary process for 2010, the Report’s recommendations and decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.

However, I have held discussions with representatives from the Family Support Agency and the Family Resource Centre National Forum regarding this matter.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

272 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will confirm receipt of an appeal of a refusal of disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; when this appeal will be processed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32024/09]

Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was discontinued following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford her an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal. In addition to her grounds of appeal the person concerned has submitted additional medical evidence which has been forwarded to the Chief Medical Assessor for his opinion.

The person concerned has also submitted an Invalidity Pension appeal which is being similarly processed.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Michael Ring

Question:

273 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [32027/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing is appropriate in this case. Appeals against disallowance of social welfare entitlements are not decided by Medical Assessors of the Department.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

274 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32044/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 275 answered with Question No. 268.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

276 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on a carer’s allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32064/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

277 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that people who have exhausted their jobseeker’s benefit and are awaiting the processing of their jobseeker’s allowance applications are being refused supplementary welfare allowance; and the steps she proposes to deal with this situation. [32073/09]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme (SWA) is administered on behalf of the Department by the Community Welfare Service of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Officials in the Department have contacted HSE management in the Community Welfare Service who have been unable to find evidence of a problem of routine refusals of SWA where a jobseekers allowance claim is pending. However, if the Deputy has particular cases in mind I can arrange to have specific enquiries made.

The SWA scheme is delivered locally by community welfare officers who interview claimants when they present to claim SWA and decide on entitlement based on all of the facts of the case and the relevant legislative provisions. There is a right of appeal against the decision of a community welfare officer to an Appeals Officer of the Health Service Executive and thereafter to the Chief Appeals Officer of the Department.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

278 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if carer’s allowance is included as income when calculating a family’s entitlement to back to school clothing and footwear allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32074/09]

The back to school clothing and footwear allowance (BSCFA) scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible families to assist with the extra costs when their children start school each autumn. The allowance is not intended to meet the full cost of school clothing and footwear but only to provide assistance towards these costs.

A person may qualify for payment of an allowance if they are in receipt of a social welfare or Health Service Executive payment, are participating in an approved employment scheme or attending a recognised education and training course and have household income at or below certain set levels. The income limits for the BSCFA scheme for 2009 are € 560 for a couple with one child and € 407 for a person with one child. The limit is increased by €26 for each additional child.

In line with other secondary payments, a means test is applied to ensure that limited resources are directed to those in greatest need. In general, all household in come, including welfare payments such as carer's allowance, is assessable as means under the BSCFA scheme. The exceptions to these rules are that any income received in the form of Family Income Supplement (FIS), Higher Level Education grants or the first €120 earnings from employment of a rehabilitative nature is disregarded for the purposes of the BSCFA scheme.

Over €58m has been paid to 120,600 claimants to date in 2009, in respect of the BSCFA scheme. Any further improvements to the scheme, or amendments to the qualifying criteria, would have to be considered in a budgetary context and in the light of resources available for improvements in social welfare payments generally.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Pat Breen

Question:

279 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a jobseeker’s allowance appeal will be finalised in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32079/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been received and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

280 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position with regard to the illness benefit appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [32084/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at an oral hearing, disallowed the illness benefit appeal of the person concerned.

However, following the submission of additional information the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case and contacted the person concerned requesting her to forward the results of recent medical examinations. When received, the medical evidence was forwarded to the Chief Medical Assessor for his opinion and the case has now been referred back to an Appeals Officer for further consideration. The Chief Appeals Officer will write to the Deputy when the appeal has been determined. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Pension Provisions.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

281 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason she has not applied the pension insolvency protection scheme to the pension scheme of a company (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32088/09]

The Pensions Insolvency Payments Scheme (PIPS) is being established by the Minister for Finance on a pilot basis for a three year period.

This scheme is intended as an option of last resort and a social protection measure to assist pension schemes where the sponsoring employer is insolvent and the pension scheme is being wound up in deficit. The PIPS is intended to make it cheaper to pay for the pensions of retired pension scheme members, so that more money is available for the pension benefits of those who have not yet retired. This scheme uses the definition of insolvency which applies to the insolvency payments scheme administered by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment and as set out in the Protection of Employees (Employers Insolvency) Act 1984. The company mentioned by the Deputy will not qualify for the scheme as it is not an insolvent company as defined in the 1984 Act.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Billy Timmins

Question:

282 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; if, in view of the health circumstances and correspondence from their doctor in the case, the allowance will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32102/09]

Payment of disability allowance, to the person concerned, was refused following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was opened, and in the context of that appeal, her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for disability allowance.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford her an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal. On receipt of her response the relevant departmental papers will be requested from the Department and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 283 withdrawn.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

284 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal of an application for carer’s allowance will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32135/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Staff.

David Stanton

Question:

285 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 21 and 159 of 25 June 2009, if the number of facilitators stands at 70; the locations of each facilitator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32137/09]

The number of facilitators currently in place is 61.5 (half post is due to a work sharing arrangement). It is envisaged that this number will increase to 70 in the coming months.

The facilitator service is available locally to all social welfare recipients via the local network. Facilitators are assigned to cover a geographical area. They hold open clinics and meet with people who have been referred either by the social welfare local office, the employment support section 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 facilitators directly or via the appropriate local office.

A list showing the number and location of facilitators follows for the information of the Deputy.

Locations of Facilitators

Currently 61.5 Facilitators in Place

Apollo House

1

Athlone

1

Athy

1

Ballina

1

Ballyfermot

1

Ballymun

1

Bishop’s Square

1

Blanchardstown

1

Bray

1

Buncrana

1

Carlow

1

Castlebar

1

Cavan

1

Clondalkin

1

Clonmel

1

Coolock

1

Cork

5

Drogheda

1

Dún 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

1

Newbridge

1

North Cumberland St

1

Nutgrove

1

Portlaoise

1

Sligo

1

Swords

1

Tallaght

1

Thomas St

1

Thurles

1

Tralee

2

Tuam

1

Tullamore

1

Waterford

2

Wexford

3

David Stanton

Question:

286 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the responsibilities and duties of facilitators working for her; the training funds, grants and so on under which these facilitators can allocate funding; the amount available under these funds and grants in 2008 and 2009; if an annual per person limit in accessing training or other employment supports and funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32138/09]

The Department's facilitators work with social welfare recipients of working age, including jobseekers, lone parents, people in receipt of disability welfare payments and people providing care, to enable them to participate fully in society.

Facilitators work with social welfare recipients to identify appropriate training or development programmes which will enhance their skills and improve their employment chances, as well as help them to continue to develop personally. Facilitators, who are located throughout the country and are assigned to cover defined geographical areas, work with individuals to develop progression plans for them. They work closely with FÁS and other agencies at a local level to identify and target appropriate education, training and development opportunities.

A facilitator deals with referrals from local offices, the Department's inspectorate and people in receipt of social welfare payments who may themselves decide to seek the service of a facilitator. The facilitator service may also be sought by someone who has a business idea, who wishes to avail of the back to work enterprise allowance or by someone who intends to return to education under the back to education programme. In addition, one of the roles of the Department's facilitators is to engage with other agencies to enhance local working relationships and to ensure that agencies work together to provide services to customers in receipt of welfare payments. Facilitators are also engaged in extensive information provision to individuals, organisations and communities, about the services of the Department.

In addition to the local referral system, a formal targeted programme of activation was introduced under the NDP. Under this programme, the Department actively selects cases for referral to facilitators. The current economic climate has determined that a large part of a facilitator's work at present is with people on the live register.

Facilitators have two funding streams available to them: the Activation and Family Support Programme (AFSP) and the Technical Assistance and Training Scheme (TATS).

The purpose of the AFSP is to enable the Department to assist local organisations and agencies to implement projects addressing the disadvantaged personal, social and economic circumstances of recipients of welfare payments and their families. Projects are usually co-funded by the AFSP and funds from other agencies or organisations.

The AFSP is designed to fund once-off projects to support and test the effectiveness of the projects it funds. In this regard, the AFSP is not designed to be a source of on-going funding. The application of the funds is largely responsive in that, as needs are identified by local organisations and agencies, applications for funding can be made to the AFSP via the local Facilitators. The AFSP h as a budget of €6 million annually for 2008 and 2009 and it is not allocated on the basis of a per person limit.

Under the technical assistance and training scheme (TATS), a welfare recipient may qualify for a grant up to a maximum of €1,000. The grant i s mainly targeted towards certain business start-up expenses of clients in receipt of the back to work enterprise allowance scheme. This fund is designed to enhance the person's prospects of succeeding in becoming independent of the social welfare system through support for training in the areas of starting a business, book-keeping/accounts, preparation of business plans, marketing, literacy and computer training or assistance with the purchase of small items of equipment. It is administered through the Department's facilitator network based in social welfare local offices.

The maximum amount of TAT available to an individual is €1,000. The TATS has a budget of €3 million annually for 2008 and 2009.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

287 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made in the appeal for carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32144/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the person concerned has withdrawn her carer's allowance appeal.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

288 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of properties in Cork city and county to which her Department contributes rent supplement payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32153/09]

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 (HSE).

There are currently 9,640 recipients of rent supplement in Cork. A breakdown of recipients by city and county is not available.

Joe McHugh

Question:

289 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of farmers who will fall into social welfare categories as a result of the closure or the REP scheme four to new applicants; the cost to her Department of same; the area from which savings will be made to meet this cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32156/09]

The Rural Environment Protection Scheme, REPS 4, was closed to new entrants in July of this year. However, under the Rural Development Programme a new agri-environment measure will be introduced and individuals who have been affected by the closure of REPS 4 can apply for this new scheme. On this basis, estimation of the number of farmers who may apply to social welfare schemes as a result of the REPS 4 closure or any associated costs arising is not possible at this time.

The Department of Social and Family Affairs provides support for farmers on low incomes through the Farm Assist scheme which is a means-tested payment broadly similar to the jobseeker's allowance scheme. It features a more generous means test, which takes account of the specific nature of farming and, unlike jobseeker's allowance, farmers claiming this payment do not need to be available for work outside of the farm in order to qualify.

In recent years changes have been made to Farm Assist which means that it is now easier for low income farmers to qualify for support under the scheme. For instance, in January of this year the rates of payment for the scheme were increased. Improvements in the method of assessing earnings from insurable employment were also introduced in September 2007 which provides further gains for families claiming farm assist, where either spouse is also in insurable employment.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

290 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on the appeal for domiciliary care allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32163/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

291 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a guardian’s payment will be awarded in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32164/09]

A claim for Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory) has been received from the person referred to and is being assessed by the Department. As part of this assessment the claim has been referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector in order to establish if the conditions of entitlement are fulfilled. As soon as a report on all relevant issues is received from the local Inspector a decision will be made and notified to the applicant without delay.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Pat Breen

Question:

292 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32220/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Jack Wall

Question:

293 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32348/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought in this case. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for early consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

294 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the percentage of payments made by her Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32417/09]

Details of payments made by the Department to suppliers and other contractors from 19 May 2009 to 17 September 2009 are set out in the following table.

Number of days from receipt of valid invoice in Department to payment

Percentage of payments

1-15 days

49%

16-30 days

36%

Over 30 days

15%

The Department is reviewing and where necessary adapting its business processes to ensure that invoices received on or after 15 June 2009 are paid within 15 days.

Social Welfare Appeals.

John Browne

Question:

295 Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason disability allowance was not approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [32423/09]

Payment of disability allowance, to the person concerned, was refused following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was not medically suitable for disability allowance.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford him an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of his appeal. In addition to his grounds of appeal the person concerned has submitted additional medical evidence which has been forwarded to the Chief Medical Assessor for his opinion. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Code.

Dinny McGinley

Question:

296 Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if a master’s degree is covered under the back to education allowance; if not, her plans to amend the regulations in view of the number of persons with primary degrees who are finding it impossible to find employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32429/09]

The objective of the back to education allowance scheme is to equip people on social welfare payments with qualifications that will enable them to obtain employment in the labour market. The scheme covers courses of education from second level to Higher Diploma level in any discipline (level 8 in National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)) and to a Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary and Secondary Teaching, level 9 in NFQ) which add significantly to a person's employability. Other postgraduate qualifications (level 9 or level 10) are not included.

The possession of qualifications at level 9 or above in the NFQ is not regarded as a prerequisite to re-entering the workforce and at present there are no plans to extend the scheme to cover courses at this level. A small number of cases have arisen where a college has granted an exemption from the requirement to hold a primary degree and has admitted a person to a Master's course on the basis of relevant life experience. In the context of the ongoing review of the operation of the scheme, it has been decided to extend entitlement to BTEA in these instances on an exceptional basis.

The focus of the back to education allowance is on providing assistance to the highest possible number of those in greatest need in terms of meeting the requirements of a modern labour market. People in possession of a third level qualification have already achieved a high level of academic attainment which should impact positively on their employment prospects. At present there are no plans to extend the scheme to cover Master's courses in general. The scheme will continue to be monitored in the light of the changed economic circumstance in order to ensure that it continues to meet its objectives.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

297 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the proposals she has to abolish treatment benefit such as dental, optical and aural in the case of a practice in County Waterford (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32486/09]

The proposals contained in the report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes (McCarthy report) including the proposal therein in relation to the future of the Treatment Benefit Scheme will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Estimates and Budget processes and in the light of available resources. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.

Denis Naughten

Question:

298 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her plans to review the habitual residency condition for the carer’s allowance; the number of applications considered under the habitual residency condition in the past 12 months; the number refused; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32490/09]

A review of the operation of the habitual residency condition (HRC) was published by the Department in February 2007. I have no plans to further review the application of the habitual residence condition at this time.

All applicants for carer's allowance, regardless of nationality, are required to be habitually resident in the State in order to qualify. This is in line with other social assistance payments. The question of what is a person's "habitual residence" is decided in accordance with European Court of Justice case law, which sets out the criteria to be applied in determining whether or not a person is habitually resident. Each case received for a determination on the habitual residence condition is dealt with in its own right and a decision is based on application of the guidelines to the particular individual circumstances of each case. The habitual residence condition helps protect Ireland's social welfare system, while at the same time ensuring that those whose cases are appropriate to the system have access to it when they need it. Any applicant who disagrees with the decision of a Deciding Officer has the right to appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

The statistics below cover the period 21/09/2008 to 21/09/2009.

Number

No. of applications for CA submitted for determination on HRC

662

No. allowed on HRC grounds

427

No. refused on HRC grounds

181

No. awaiting decision

54

Social Welfare Fraud.

Denis Naughten

Question:

299 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the discussions she has had in the past 12 months with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform or the Garda on the sharing of information to combat social welfare fraud; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32491/09]

The Department has an extensive legal structure to support the sharing of data with other Government Departments and specified bodies such as An Garda Síochana for the purpose of combating social welfare fraud. Data matching is a very effective method of identifying high risk social welfare claims for review.

The main example of on-going co-operation with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is data matching with the Irish Prison Service who supply the Department with lists of prison inmates on a regular basis. The lists are cross-checked to identify possible "live" social welfare claims. In such cases, the claim is terminated where it has been established that the claimant is the person who is in prison. In addition, a number of social welfare inspectors are seconded to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB). The officers in CAB are actively engaged in identifying and targeting funds accumulated by criminals. They also investigate and review social welfare entitlements of people who are suspected of deriving assets from criminal activity.

The social welfare inspectors who are seconded on a permanent basis to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) assist both agencies in the pursuit of their respective statutory remits with a particular emphasis on welfare fraud and breaches of immigration legislation. There is close co-operation between the Department and An Garda Síochana on the ground in relation to the multi-agency vehicle checkpoints and personation cases. The multi-agency checkpoints are set-up by the gardai and planned in consultation with other participating agencies. At the checkpoints, Gardaí stop the vehicles and refer certain vehicles to individual agencies where the occupants are interviewed. Staff participating in the checkpoints from the Department are drawn from the Special Investigation Unit, whose main duty is the detection and prevention of fraud and abuse of the social welfare system. Cases of personation are referred by the Department to the gardaí for follow-up investigation and possible prosecution the Department's Central Control Division also deal with individual enquiries from members of the force.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

300 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on an appeal for supplementary welfare allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32495/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal has been partially allowed in this case. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officers decision on 08/08/2009. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 301 answered with Question No. 268.

Social Welfare Benefits.

John McGuinness

Question:

302 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if rent allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a positive response. [32546/09]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes rent supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has advised that it has no record of an application for rent supplement from the person concerned. If the person concerned wishes to make an application for rent supplement, she should contact the community welfare officer at her local health centre.

John McGuinness

Question:

303 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if mortgage support will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied). [32548/09]

The supplementary welfare allowance scheme, which includes mortgage interest supplement, is administered on behalf of the Department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive (HSE). The purpose of mortgage interest supplement is to provide short-term income support to eligible people who are unable to meet their mortgage interest repayments in respect of a house which is their sole place of residence. The supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of mortgage interest, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance, appropriate to their family circumstances, less a minimum contribution of €24 per week, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. A non-dependent adult household member is also required to contribute a minimum of €24 per week towards the mortgage payment.

The Health Service Executive has advised that it refused payment of a mortgage interest supplement to the person concerned, on the grounds that the household income is sufficient to meet the mortgage interest repayment when account is taken of the minimum contribution payable by the person concerned and the non-dependent household member, towards the mortgage repayment. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision of the Executive, it is open for him to appeal to a HSE Appeals Officer and thereafter to the Chief Appeals Officer of the Department.

Employment Support Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

304 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the details of grants, loans or other financial assistance available to unemployed persons to purchase a taxi licence or to prepare a car for use as a taxi. [32551/09]

The Department of Social and Family Affairs provides supports designed to assist and encourage unemployed people, lone parents, people with disabilities and other social welfare recipients to return to the active labour force. It operates a number of schemes designed to assist unemployed people who wish to take up self employment. The short term enterprise allowance (STEA), introduced from 1 May 2009, provides immediate access to support where people who have lost their jobs and qualify for Jobseeker's Benefit wish to set up a business. Payment under the scheme is at the same rate and for the same duration as their entitlement to Jobseeker's Benefit.

The back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) is designed to provide a monetary incentive for people who are longer term dependant on social welfare payments to develop a business while allowing them to retain a reducing proportion of their qualifying social welfare payment, plus secondary benefits, over two years; 100% in year 1 and 75% in year 2. The qualifying period required for access to back to work enterprise allowance (BTWEA) is 12 months provided a person has an underlying entitlement to Jobseeker's Allowance. A person in receipt of a social welfare payment who decides to set up as a self- employed taxi operator may be eligible to apply for the STEA or the BTWEA back to work enterprise allowance. However, one of the important steps under both schemes is that those taking up self-employment must first have their business venture approved as viable and sustainable.

In the context of the STEA and BTWEA schemes, the department operates a technical assistance and training scheme (TATS) under which a participant may qualify for a grant up to a maximum of €1,000 towards certain business start-up expenses. This fund is designed to enhance the person's prospect s of succeeding in becoming independent of the social welfare system through support for training in the areas of starting a business, book-keeping/accounts, preparation of business plans, marketing, literacy and computer training or assistance with the purchase of small items of equipment. It is administered through the Department's facilitator network based in social welfare local offices. Facilitator are aware of the difficulties in the taxi industry and are not providing assistance under the technical assistance and training scheme to new taxi businesses.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Jack Wall

Question:

305 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32564/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an oral hearing of this case took place on 12 August 2009. At the hearing the person concerned provided additional medical evidence which the Appeals Officer referred to the Chief Medical Assessor for his opinion. The case has now been referred back to the Appeals Officer for further consideration. The Chief Appeals Officer will write to the Deputy when the appeal has been determined. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Olwyn Enright

Question:

306 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if arrangements have been put in place in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Laois to hold an oral appeal hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32565/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing on 23 September 2009. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

307 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a back to school allowance will be awarded in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32604/09]

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BSCFA) scheme is administered on behalf of the department by the community welfare service of the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The HSE has advised, that according to its records, it has not received an application for BSCFA from the person concerned.

Application forms are available at reception points in local health centres or alternatively are available to download from the websites of the Community Welfare Service at http://communitywelfareservice.ie/cws or from the website of the Department of Social and Family Affairs at:

http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/SupplementaryWelfareAllowance/Pages/BacktoSchoolClothingandFootwearAllowance.aspx .

The completed application form should be returned to the Health Service Executive, Eastern Region at PO Box 16132, Dublin 7 before 30 September 2009.

An applicant for BSCFA is notified of the decision on their application by the HSE. The HSE free-phone number 1800 201 698 can be used to ascertain the status of a claim at any time.

Social Welfare Appeals.

John McGuinness

Question:

308 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if an carers allowance appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be approved in view of the new medical information submitted. [32614/09]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been received together with new medical information from the person concerned. The case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joe McHugh

Question:

309 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Defence the cost of maintaining Lifford and Rockhill Army barracks, County Donegal, since their closure. [32161/09]

The costs incurred to date in 2009 in maintaining Lifford and Rockhill Barracks are €12,428.84 and €15,783.86 respectively.

Joan Burton

Question:

310 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32409/09]

Details of the time taken, from the receipt of a valid invoice, to pay suppliers and other contractors since 19 May 2009 are as follows:

Percentage of invoices paid

%

Within 15 days

90

Within 30 days

97

Longer than 30 days

3

National Lottery Funding.

John O'Mahony

Question:

311 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Defence the recipients of National Lottery funding for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the amount given in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32787/09]

Coiste an Asgard is part-funded by the National Lottery. The amount for each of the years in question is outlined in the table below:

Year

Amount

2005

1,123,000

2006

749,000

2007

879,000

2008

803,000

Social and Affordable Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

312 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines under which local authorities operate when revaluing shared ownership homes on an annual basis to determine the purchasers’ rental rate; and his views on the lack of transparency in the process. [32011/09]

Under the shared ownership scheme houses are acquired by a local authority and leased to the shared owner, who purchases at least 40% of the value of the house and rents the remaining equity from the local authority. The shared owner must purchase full ownership outright within 30 years.

For transactions commenced on or after 1 January 2003, the annual rent is calculated at 4.3% of the value of the local authority equity and, thereafter, is increased by a fixed 4.5% on 1 July each year. The rent is used to repay the interest element of the borrowings on the local authority's equity. Any excess or shortfall in rent collected, using this formula in comparison to using the prevailing interest rates, is offset against the outstanding equity each year.

For transactions entered into between 1 May 1998 up to 31 December 2002, rent is calculated at 4½% (5% before 1 May 1998) of the value of the local authority share updated annually on the 1 July by reference to the most recently published CPI.

Local authorities advise all potential applicants on the operation of the scheme including the calculation of the rental element and I am satisfied that it operates in an open and transparent manner.

Pension Provisions.

Tom Hayes

Question:

313 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if the local government superannuation scheme is open to members of the retained firefighters workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32025/09]

In 2008, all serving retained firefighters were given the option of either joining the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS), which is contributory for all reckonable service, and receiving a pension and lump sum on retirement, or remaining outside the LGSS in order to avail of the existing gratuity arrangements for retained firefighters, which are non-contributory. All retained firefighters appointed since 2008 are also given this option. Retained firefighters who had already retired in 2008 were also offered the option of joining the LGSS on the understanding that they repaid their gratuity and paid contributions on all reckonable service.

Homeless Persons.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

314 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the steps he has taken to improve the coordination of funding for homeless services between his Department, the Department of Health and Children and the Health Service Executive in order that capital and Revenue funding works in tandem. [32028/09]

I am conscious of the need to ensure effective coordination of capital and revenue funding streams for homeless services and this matter is addressed in the Government Strategy on homelessness, The Way Home, and the associated Implementation Plan. The issue of improved co-ordination at local level is a matter, in the first instance, for consideration by the management group of the relevant Local Homelessness Consultative Forum, which includes senior officials from the local authority and the Health Service Executive (HSE). These structures are now being placed on a statutory footing under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. In addition, at national level, my Department maintains close interaction with the Department of Health and Children and the HSE, through a range of formal structures and other arrangements.

Election Management System.

George Lee

Question:

315 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the person responsible for the compilation of the marked register and its distribution to local election candidates in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32034/09]

Article 92 of the Local Elections Regulations 1995 provides that the relevant local authority returning officer is responsible for retaining the marked copies of the register of electors used at polling stations at a local election. Article 92(3) of the Regulations requires the returning officer to retain the marked copies of the register for a period of 6 months after the election and then to cause them to be destroyed (unless otherwise directed by an order of a court or the local authority returning officer has reason to believe that the copies may be required for the purposes of instituting or maintaining a prosecution for an electoral offence or for the purposes of a petition).

Article 94 of the Regulations requires the marked copies of the register of electors, retained by the local authority returning officer under these provisions, to be open to public inspection at such time and under such conditions as may be specified by the returning officer. Article 94 also requires the returning officer to supply copies of or extracts from the marked registers to any person demanding the same, on payment of such fees not exceeding the reasonable cost of copying and subject to such conditions as may be determined by the local authority.

Special Areas of Conservation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

316 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway concerning the sale of a bog to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32065/09]

I refer to my reply to Question No. 1028 of 16 September 2009. The position is unchanged.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

317 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Galway in respect of the sale of a bog to his Department; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that contracts were signed more than a year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32066/09]

Contracts of sale in this case have not been executed on my behalf.

Having regard to available budgetary resources, priority is being given under the scheme this year to those wishing to sell their interest in the 32 raised bog sites which were nominated for designation as Special Areas of Conservation in 1999. For these sites, the derogation given by the Government, which allowed the continuation of turf cutting for personal domestic use, expires in 2009.

The persons in question in this case own land within Killure Bog, a Natural Heritage Area designated in 2004, and the 10 year derogation period will not expire until 2014. Land transactions within this area, accordingly, will not qualify for priority attention this year.

Housing Grants.

Finian McGrath

Question:

318 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [32071/09]

The Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme for People with a Disability is administered by the local authorities and all matters relating to compliance with the terms and conditions of the scheme, the processing and approval of applications and the payment of grants to individual applicants are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Tom Hayes

Question:

319 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the status of an application for funding for the Fethard and Burncourt water supply scheme, County Tipperary; if the outstanding documents have been submitted to his Department; when funding will be released by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32146/09]

The Fethard and Burncourt Regional Water Supply Scheme is included for funding under my Departments Water Services Investment Programme 2007-2009 at an estimated cost of €14.5 million.

South Tipperary County Council's contract documents for the scheme are awaited in my Department.

Election Management System.

John O'Mahony

Question:

320 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the Local Election (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999, in which successful candidates are given an extra seven days to make their disclosures in contrast to unsuccessful ones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32187/09]

Section 13(1)(a)(ii) of the Local Elections (Disclosure of Donations and Expenditure) Act 1999, as amended, provides that an elected member of a local authority shall, within 90 days next following the polling day at an election, furnish in person to the local authority concerned, a statement in writing of all election expenses (whether paid or not) incurred. Section 13(1)(a)(iii) of the Act provides that an unsuccessful candidate shall, within 90 days following the polling day at an election, furnish in person to the local authority concerned a statement in writing of all expenses (whether paid or not) incurred. Returns in respect of the local elections held on 5 June 2009 should therefore have been submitted to each local authority no later than 3 September 2009.

Section 20(1) of the Act provides that where an unsuccessful candidate at an election fails to furnish to the local authority concerned, within the period specified for this purpose, a statement of donations and election expenses or a statutory declaration pursuant to section 13(1)(a)(iii), the person shall, on the expiry of such specified period, be disqualified for membership of any local authority for the remainder of the term of office of the members of the local authority concerned.

Section 20(2) of the Act provides that where a member of a local authority elected at the election fails to furnish to the local authority concerned, within the period specified for this purpose, a statement of election expenses or a statutory declaration pursuant to section 13(1)(a)(ii) the member shall be suspended from membership of the authority for the period of 7 days commencing on the expiry of the time specified for this purpose, or a lesser period ending on the compliance by the member with the requirements of section 13, and if at the end of that period the member has not complied with the requirements of section 13, the member shall be disqualified for membership of any local authority.

Social and Affordable Housing.

Finian McGrath

Question:

321 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the €3 million contribution from the social housing investment programme towards the recreational facilities as proposed for a park (details supplied) in County Sligo, has not been released by his Department despite the fact that a written guarantee was issued by his Department to Sligo Borough Council on 16 May 2007 stating that the allocation, if required, would be available in 2008; when the moneys will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32196/09]

In accordance with the objectives set out in the Policy Framework for the Regeneration of Local Authority Estates, my Department advised Sligo Borough Council in 2007 that their allocation would be increased by €3m in 2008 to provide for the development of recreational facilities at Cleveragh. This was contingent on the projects in question fitting in with framework objectives and the overall Master Plan for the regeneration of the Cranmore area.

The recent decision by Sligo Borough Council not to include any specific objective for a critical new access link to the east of Sligo in their draft development plan, in line with current and previous development plans, will impact on the potential to provide a new compact and sustainable model of development for Sligo, including the future regeneration of the Cranmore area.

The council's current work programme includes the design and procurement of renewal works at Cranmore Place, progressing the Mounds project and the part construction of the Cleveragh Regional Park. My Department is currently examining the impact of the council's decision on the long-term sustainable options for the regeneration of the Cranmore area. Any decision on the Cleveragh Regional Park project and the wider Cranmore regeneration programme must await the outcome of this examination.

EU Directives.

Michael Creed

Question:

322 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will review the application of the nitrates directive legislation, particularly its application regarding the spreading of fertiliser containing phosphates and potash when soil test analysis indicates low levels of these in the soil; if he will consider devolving to local offices of the local authority permission to deviate from the dates within which it is currently not permissible to spread slurry or apply chemical fertiliser; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32202/09]

The objective of the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters) Regulations is to protect ground and surface waters from pollution caused by nutrients from agricultural sources. The regulations apply to fertilisers containing nitrogen or phosphorus and do not control the use of potassium (potash).

The permitted fertilisation rates of phosphorus are based on an index system linked to soil fertility. Where soil test analysis indicates low phosphorus levels, phosphorus may be applied in accordance with crop requirements while ensuring that the maximum fertilisation rates set out in the regulations are not exceeded.

Open and closed periods for the spreading of fertilisers are set in order to ensure the protection of waters. The dates for these periods are specified in the regulations thereby providing clarity for both farmers and the enforcement agencies. It is not proposed to amend the regulations in this regard. In recognition of the poor weather conditions this year approaching the end of the closed period, an extension to the latest date for applying chemical fertiliser, up to the 28 September, was granted.

Waste Management.

Phil Hogan

Question:

323 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of prosecutions and the level of fines imposed on non-compliant companies in respect of packaging regulations; if enforcement of the packaging regulations has been funded with its own separate budget; if enforcement of the packaging regulations have been properly structured with specific staff; if the local authorities are the agencies with responsibility for enforcement of the packaging regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32346/09]

Enforcement of waste legislation, including actions against illegal activity, is a matter for the local authorities and the Office of Environmental Enforcement. Data from the OEE shows that in 2008, 2034 inspections were carried out under the packaging regulations by the local authorities. While the OEE compiles statistics on the total number of prosecutions taken under the Waste Management Act, data are not collected specifically with regard to packaging.

I believe that enforcement of waste legislation is essential and I am providing €7.4m grant assistance from the Environment Fund to local authorities this year to support continuing waste enforcement. Some 120 local authority waste enforcement staff are funded under this grant scheme. In July 2008 I issued a policy direction under section 60 of the Waste Management Act 1996 to local authorities and the EPA to prepare, and publish, an Enforcement Policy in respect of Unauthorised Waste Activities and each authority completed this task by the end of 2008. The funding allocated will enable local authorities to implement their plans and carry out a detailed programme of enforcement during 2009.

Enforcement of the Packaging Regulations is a matter for each local authority within its functional area and my Department continues to be actively engaged with industry and the competent authorities to explore all methods to drive compliance with the Packaging Regulations. Packaging inspection planning is subject to the EU Recommendation for Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections in Member States (2001/331/EC) (RMCEI). This means that inspection plans and enforcement policies provide a basis for assigning priority based on risk and allocating available resources accordingly and allowing for consistent enforcement of environmental legislation (including Packaging Regulations) by local authorities. Inspection plans are subject to auditing by the EPA. These inspection plans provide the platform for a national systematic approach to inspection and enforcement and the OEE, through its Environmental Enforcement Network, has guided the development and implementation of local authority inspection plans under RMCEI since 2006.

Planning Issues.

Mary Wallace

Question:

324 Deputy Mary Wallace asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of planning charges that have not been collected by each local authority in view of the published figures demonstrating the debt owed by each local authority in loans at the end of 2008; the efforts that are being made to collect those outstanding charges; if he can distinguish between charges owed for one-off housing separate and for other developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32366/09]

I understand that the Question refers to development contributions payable to planning authorities under the Planning and Development Act 2000.

As Minister, my role is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each planning authority.

Section 48 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 provides that planning authorities may levy development contributions in respect of public infrastructure and facilities provided by, or on behalf of, the local authority that benefit development in the area. Development contribution schemes are drawn up by each planning authority and approved by the elected members following a public consultation process. It is a matter for the members of the planning authority to determine the level of contribution and the types of development to which they will apply.

Details of individual development contribution schemes are available directly from each planning authority. 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. The collection of any outstanding development contributions is a matter for each planning authority. Where any payments required in respect of development contributions are not settled, such payments may be pursued by the planning authority through the courts as a contract debt.

Wildlife Conservation.

Noel O'Flynn

Question:

325 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of requests received from persons (details supplied) regarding a licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32393/09]

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

328 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will provide the licence to enable greyhound coursing clubs to net hares for the 2009-10 coursing season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32493/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 328 together.

My responsibilities, under the Wildlife Acts, relate to the conservation of populations of certain protected species. Where a hunting licence under the Wildlife Act 1976 is required, each licence application is dealt with individually having regard to the conservation impact on the particular species in line with the provisions of the Act.

My Department has granted licences under the Wildlife Acts to the Irish Coursing Club on behalf of their affiliated clubs to facilitate the tagging and the capture of hares in relation to the holding of coursing meetings in the coming 2009/2010 season. I have received no formal requests from the Irish Coursing Club to meet and discuss the Hare Netting Licence.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

326 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32412/09]

On 19 May 2009, the Government decided to reduce the payment period for invoices for goods and services received by central Government Departments from 30 to 15 calendar days, in respect of valid invoices, for goods or services received on or after 15 June 2009.

Details of my Department's payments, since 15 June 2009, are as follows.

Invoices Paid Within 15 Days

Invoices Paid Between 15 to 30 Days

Invoices Paid After 30 Days

86%

11%

3%

Local Authority Funding.

Phil Hogan

Question:

327 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the level of outstanding debt in respect of each local authority including the amount of finance required to discharge contractual obligations across all programme headings with particular reference to water, waste water and Part V housing commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32425/09]

The overall amount of debt outstanding in city and county councils at the 31 December 2008, the latest date for which I have audited figures, is some €4.9 billion. The information requested is set out in the following table.

Balance at 31/12/08

County Councils

Carlow

43,967,551

Cavan

23,390,981

Clare

121,519,712

Cork

512,949,872

Donegal

136,160,895

Fingal

510,969,433

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

190,929,250

Galway

99,726,417

Kerry

90,535,793

Kildare

176,839,584

Kilkenny

63,577,261

Laois

137,178,773

Leitrim

13,248,895

Limerick

80,840,766

Longford

50,928,216

Louth

8,919,041

Mayo

100,489,383

Meath

80,437,955

Monaghan

34,751,503

North Tipperary

48,084,133

Offaly

70,099,791

Roscommon

18,697,164

Sligo

60,596,078

South Dublin

279,743,688

South Tipperary

77,084,155

Waterford

51,566,560

Westmeath

90,900,732

Wexford

146,377,238

Wicklow

71,050,821

Subtotal

3,391,561,642

City Councils

Cork

199,797,550

Dublin

1,039,306,241

Galway

153,773,784

Limerick

32,699,776

Waterford

101,084,306

Subtotal

1,526,661,657

Total

4,918,223,299

As part of their budgetary process the elected members of the local authority agree a rolling three year capital budget and identify the priorities for the coming year.

The provision of water services infrastructure is funded by my Department through the Water Services Investment and Rural Water Programmes. It is open to local authorities to seek my Department's approval for borrowing to meet costs arising on capital programmes which are not met from their own resources or from the Exchequer through schemes of grant assistance. Draw downs on foot of borrowing amounting to a maximum of €215 million have been approved for water services projects in 2009. Applications for loans and overdrafts are considered by my Department on a case by case basis.

The information in respect of Part V housing is not held in my Department.

In 2009 local authorities have budgeted to spend some €11 billion in total between current and capital programmes. Debt finance is one of the sources of funding available to local authorities in the normal course of business to finance this expenditure. Other sources of funding include current and capital income, grants and subsidies.

Question No. 328 answered with Question No. 325.

Tax Code.

John O'Mahony

Question:

329 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the exemptions that are available to persons under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 second home tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32513/09]

The Government decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 per dwelling and payment must be made by 30 September 2009.

The most important exemption under the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 is for principal private residences. If a person owns a property other than one that they reside in as their principal private residence, then it may be liable for the charge.

Further exemptions provide, for example, for buildings that are newly constructed but unsold and form part of the trading stock of a business; with heritage merit; let directly or indirectly by local authorities for social housing; let by voluntary housing bodies; the subject of a shared ownership arrangement with local authorities; and buildings for which commercial rates are paid. In addition exemptions apply where a person purchases a property for use as a principal private residence provided they dispose of their existing property within 6 months; a charity owns the property; and where a spouse or ex spouse has an interest in a property after a divorce or separation agreement but does not reside there. Granny flats and principal private residences that have to be vacated due to long term illness are also exempt if certain criteria are fulfilled.

The fact that a house is not used or lived in does not of itself remove the liability of an owner to the charge. The definition of a ‘dwelling' in the legislation is relevant when considering whether a residential property that is not used or lived in is liable to the charge. My Department has issued guidelines to local authorities which includes suggested indicators as to what makes a house suitable for use as a dwelling for the purposes of determining any liability to the charge. These indicators include the structure of the house, whether or not it has a roof, whether or not it is so affected by dampness as to render it unsuitable for habitation, and whether or not it has sanitary facilities including a water closet and water supply.

National Lottery Funding.

John O'Mahony

Question:

330 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the recipients of National Lottery funding for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the amount given in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32790/09]

The following expenditure subheads in my Department's Vote are part funded by the National Lottery: B.1.14 Communal Facilities in Voluntary and Co-operative Housing Schemes; and B.2.4 Private Housing Grants G.1 Heritage Council.

Details of Lottery funded expenditure elements in each programme in the period from 2005 to 2008 are set out in the following table:

Subhead

2005

2006

2007

2008

€m

€m

€m

€m

Communal Facilities in Voluntary and Co-operative Housing Schemes

2.131

2.444

1.922

2.998

Private Housing Grants — Special Aid for the Elderly

11.947

15.011

15.232

14.700

Heritage Council

7.320

7.435

8.138

9.529

Details of funding provided in respect of Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes are published in the Department's Annual Appropriation Accounts published by the Comptroller and Auditor General which are available on their website at www.audgen.gov.ie in the reports section.

Subhead B.2.4 relating to Housing Grants involves the provision of grants to adapt private housing to meet special housing needs, disabled persons grants, thatching grants etc. The National Lottery element of these provisions in the table relates to Special Housing Aid for the Elderly. The Department's Appropriation Accounts provides a breakdown of the amounts paid to the various Health Services Executive Regions.

The Heritage Council provides support to various bodies and individuals to carry out work under its heritage grant schemes. Details of the projects assisted are provided in the Council's Annual Reports which are available on their website at www.heritagecouncil.ie in the publications section.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

331 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32407/09]

My Department aims, in its dealings with suppliers of goods and services, to pay all invoices as soon as possible after the goods and services have been satisfactorily delivered and the supporting documentation necessary to enable the payment has been received by my Department. Since 19 May 2009 86% of all payments made to suppliers have been within 15 days; 8% have been between 16 and 30 days with 6% having been paid after 30 days.

Telecommunications Services.

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

332 Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding the roll-out of broadband in areas (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32426/09]

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 Sligo are available at www.broadband.gov.ie. I would add that information contained on this website is provided by the service providers.

As regards the National Broadband Scheme (NBS), interested parties can verify, using their specific Electoral Division (ED) Reference Number (which is available from their local authority) whether their specific area falls within the NBS coverage area. The current service status of each ED within the NBS coverage area is available at www.three.ie/nbs.

Food Industry.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

333 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the sales growth of the agrifood sector over the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32021/09]

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) publishes detailed data on the food-manufacturing sector in its Census of Industrial Production (CIP), which is an annual publication. The CIP is available under the Industry publications section of the CSO website at http://www.cso.ie/. The following table gives details, in terms of the annual turnover for companies in the agrifood sector for the ten year period between 1997 and 2006, the most recent year for which data are available:

Sector/Year

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

(€million)

Manufacture of Food Products, Beverages and Tobacco

15,392

16,187

17,864

19,517

20,799

20,501

22,560

22,674

22,646*

23,281*

*Food and beverages only.

Source: CSO, Census of Industrial Production.

Grant Payments.

Michael Creed

Question:

334 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will reconsider an alleged overclaim by a person (details supplied) in County Cork for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 regarding their single farm payment and area-based compensation and in view of the fact that the alleged overclaim in respect of this case for each of the years is less than 3% of the total claim; if he will agree to waive the monetary fine as agreed in respect of the overclaim in 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32039/09]

Payments under the Single Payment Scheme may be made only in respect of eligible land and applicants under the Scheme are obliged annually to declare the land parcels available to them; details of the eligible area of the land parcels are recorded on the Department's Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS). Details of the use and area claimed for each of some one million parcels on the LPIS system are registered and continually monitored by the Department.

Each year in advance of the closing date for the Single Payment Scheme (15th May), the Department sends pre-printed application forms (which include a list of parcels declared by the applicant in question the previous year) to each applicant. It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that the details in each year's application are accurate. Therefore, applicants are advised of the need to confirm their right to declare such parcels and to make the appropriate deductions to the area of eligible parcels as necessary, for example, where a house or other building has been constructed, and to submit maps with their applications to allow accurate deductions to be made. It is also necessary for applicants to exclude ineligible features such as scrub. Therefore, the LPIS database has to be amended on an ongoing basis to reflect any permanent changes such as parcel boundary changes, addition of new parcels, etc.

Following a recent review of the land parcels declared by the person named, it appeared that the person named had made insufficient allowance for ineligible areas, as a result of which it appeared that the person named had been overpaid. This finding is in addition to the finding in respect of the over-claim under the 2008 Scheme, which was identified at a ground inspection. However, I am now arranging for an official of my Department to contact the person named directly, following which there will be a full review of the of the case.

Pat Breen

Question:

335 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be awarded payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32078/09]

The person named is the administrator of the estate of his late brother. The payment in question is the 2005 Single Payment Scheme. This has now been cleared and it is expected that payment should be lodged in the appropriate payee account within the coming days.

Michael Ring

Question:

336 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position of a REP scheme four payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the application has been accepted; and when approval will be expected. [32092/09]

Applications to join REPS 4, which must comprise an application form and a full agri-environmental plan, were accepted up to close of business on 9 July 2009. The person named did not submit an agri-environmental plan with his application by the closing date and the application is, therefore, ineligible under the terms of the scheme.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Finian McGrath

Question:

337 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to Question No. 537 of 7 July 2009, if he will consider further cases in which farmers were making arrangements to meet the requirements of the early retirement scheme before the scheme was suspended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32124/09]

The Early Retirement Scheme was suspended for new applications on 14 October 2008. I am conscious that some potential applicants were at an advanced stage of preparing an application when entry to the scheme was suspended and had made, or were making, arrangements to meet the requirements of the scheme. I have been reviewing these cases against a background of competing demands for limited resources. I will announce the outcome of that review shortly.

Grant Payments.

Finian McGrath

Question:

338 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position in a payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan. [32127/09]

Payments under the Single Payment Scheme may be made only in respect of eligible land. Applicants under the scheme are obliged annually to declare the land parcels available to them. Details of the eligible area of the land parcels are recorded on the Department's Land Parcel Identification System. Details of the use and area claimed for each of some one million parcels on the system are registered and continually monitored by the Department. Each year, in advance of the closing date for the Single Payment Scheme, 15 May, the Department sends pre-printed application forms, which include a list of parcels declared by the applicant in question the previous year, to each applicant. It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that the details in each year's application are accurate. Therefore, applicants are advised of the need to confirm their right to declare such parcels and to make the appropriate deductions to the area of eligible parcels as necessary, for example, where a house or other building has been constructed, and to submit maps with their applications to allow accurate deductions to be made. It is also necessary for applicants to exclude ineligible features such as scrub. Therefore, the Land Parcel Identification System database has to be amended on an ongoing basis to reflect any permanent changes such as parcel boundary changes, addition of new parcels, etc. Following a recent review of the land parcels declared by the person named, it appeared that the person named had made insufficient allowance for ineligible areas, as a result of which it appeared that the person named had been overpaid. However, following a written appeal, an official of my Department was in direct contact with the person named and, following clarification and information received, a further review now shows that sufficient deductions in respect of ineligible areas were made. Therefore, the question of overpayment does not arise. The person named is being formally advised, in writing, of the successful outcome of his appeal.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Finian McGrath

Question:

339 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if there is a mechanism for an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo. [32132/09]

My Department has no involvement in the contract for the provision of services between the person named and his REPS planner. As no application for participation in REPS 4 was received by the closing date, the appeals process in relation to such applications does not apply in this case. REPS 4 is now closed. However, I plan to introduce a new agri-environment scheme in 2010, for which the person named may be in a position to apply. Work is under way within my Department on finalising the content of this new scheme, which will be subject to approval by the European Commission.

Grant Payments.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

340 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be approved for REP scheme four payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32142/09]

An application to join REPS 4 was received from the person named on 9 July 2009. It is being processed. If the application is valid, a start date of 1 January 2010 will be approved and a first instalment payment of 75% will issue in autumn 2010.

Banking Sector.

Joe McHugh

Question:

341 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether unwillingness in 2009 by banks to extend credit to farmers is damaging the cattle trade here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32166/09]

Beef production is an extremely valuable component of the Irish economy. It had an export value of €1.69 billion in 2008, representing 20% of total Irish food and drink exports. Some 90% of Irish beef production is exported, which makes Ireland the largest net beef exporter in the northern hemisphere and the fourth largest in the world. In common with all agricultural commodities, beef production is a function of market conditions and has remained relatively stable in recent years. During 2009, beef production has fallen in the majority of EU member states, with an overall decline of some 6%, largely as a consequence of challenging economic times. Ireland is no exception to this, with volumes down almost 8%. An important factor in influencing the numbers available for production is live exports. They continue to be an important outlet for our cattle, providing an essential element of competition with the beef trade. In recent years, the vast majority of Ireland's live beef trade has been with other EU member states. In 2009 to date, the live trade to the UK has increased by almost 250%, while shipments to other EU member states have doubled. While Ireland remains one of the foremost suppliers of beef into the European market, it is evident that, as a result of the downturn, import requirements in our main markets have declined somewhat. Sales in retail and food service outlets, both of which remain extremely important to Irish exporters, have fallen and are expected to remain weaker than their long-term trend for the foreseeable future. In common with much of the EU, prices have come under downward pressure this year. This is largely due to the economic downturn and the subsequent decline in demand for beef in particular and meat in general. It must be remembered that prices increased considerably in recent years and prices are still above 2007 levels. The anticipated tightening in supplies in the EU, coupled with lower imports from South America during the rest of 2009, is expected to alleviate some of the pressures being experienced, although the extent of this remains unclear.

Grant Payments.

Michael Ring

Question:

342 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position of a disadvantaged area scheme payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [32189/09]

An application under the 2009 Disadvantaged Areas Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2009. The Terms and Conditions governing the scheme require, inter alia, that applicants maintain a minimum stocking density on their holding of 0.15 livestock units per forage hectare declared, for at least three consecutive months, during the calendar year of application. However, where the holding of an applicant is identified as not meeting this minimum requirement, the person in question is invited to submit evidence of satisfactory stocking i.e. Flock Register, Horse Passports or details of a REPS or Commonage Framework Plan, which provides for a lower stocking level. The person named was written to on 3 September 2009 and invited to submit appropriate evidence of the numbers of livestock maintained on his farm, as departmental records do not show the person as having yet achieved the minimum stocking density. On receipt of a satisfactory response from the person named, the application will be further processed with a view to payment at an early date.

Pat Breen

Question:

343 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32217/09]

An application under the Single Payment (Disadvantaged Areas) Scheme was received from the person named on 11 May 2009. This application was selected for and was the subject of a ground eligibility and full cross-compliance inspection. The file is being processed. It is expected that any payment due under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme will issue shortly. The 70% advance payment under the Single Payment Scheme is not due to issue until 16 October 2009.

Michael Creed

Question:

344 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive payment under REP Scheme Four; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32358/09]

The application from the person named has been examined and my officials are awaiting clarification of certain issues before the application can be processed further. Payments to 2009 REPS 4 participants cannot issue until all administrative checks on all applications have been completed. This process is under way and the first instalment payment of 75% will commence later in the year.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

345 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32405/09]

Since 19 May 2009, 85.15% of suppliers and contractors to my Department have been paid in full within 15 days, 13.23% have been paid within 16 to 30 days and 1.62% have been paid after 30 days of receipt of the invoices. In the future, the objective is to ensure that all payments are made within 15 days of receipt of invoices, in accordance with Government policy.

Milk Quota.

M. J. Nolan

Question:

346 Deputy M. J. Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when persons (details supplied) in County Carlow can expect to have a decision made on their milk quota application. [32501/09]

I announced details of the scheme for the allocation of milk quota to New Entrants on 10 June last with a closing date of 31 July. The purpose of the scheme is to make allocations of 200,000 litres of milk quota available to suitable new entrants to dairying. An application from the named person was received in my Department. The processing of applications is being finalised. I hope to be in a position to allocate the quota to the successful applicants before the end of September.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

347 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding a REP scheme four application in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32508/09]

REPS 4 is a measure under the current Rural Development Programme 2007-13 and is subject to EU Regulations which require detailed administrative checks on all applications, including plan checks, to be completed before the first 2009 payments issue. Processing of applications has commenced to facilitate to release of payments at the earliest possible date.

Question No. 348 withdrawn.

Departmental Expenditure.

Denis Naughten

Question:

349 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has evaluated the submission by an organisation (details supplied) on alternative savings to the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Report; the elements which he will implement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32569/09]

My Department has received a submission from the organisation named setting out its response to the Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and expenditure Programmes. The submission will be examined, together with any other submissions that may be received, in determining the budgetary framework and in the preparation of the 2010 Estimate for the Department.

Special Educational Needs.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

350 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason adequate resources in line with best practice and established precedent have not been provided for a person (details supplied) who recently started second level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32012/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

School Transport.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

351 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a situation in an area (details supplied) in County Waterford in which a number of secondary school pupils have been left without school transport; the measures he will take to rectify this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32033/09]

Under the terms of my Department's Post Primary School Transport Scheme, a pupil is eligible for transport if s/he resides 4.8 kilometres or more from her/his local post primary education centre. A service may be established where a sufficient number of eligible pupils, within an area, apply for transport to the post-primary centre of the catchment area in which they live.

In a case where there are not enough eligible pupils residing in an area to warrant the establishment of a service, a transport grant may be paid by the Department to the parent/guardian of the eligible pupils concerned. The scheme is not designed to facilitate parents who choose to send their children to a post-primary centre outside of the catchment area in which they reside. However, children who are fully eligible for transport to the post-primary centre in the catchment area in which they reside, may apply for transport on a concessionary basis to a post-primary centre outside of their own catchment area — otherwise known as catchment boundary transport. These children can only be facilitated if spare seats are available on the bus after all other eligible children travelling to their local post-primary centre have been catered for. Such children have to make their own way to the nearest pick up point within that catchment area. In general, catchment boundary tickets are issued on a first come, first served basis.

The Transport Liaison Officer for Waterford City has advised that the pupils in question reside in the Tramore catchment area and therefore may only apply for catchment boundary school transport to Waterford City Post-Primary Centre subject to the terms outlined above.

School Accommodation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

352 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish the report of the pilot project to create an inventory of school accommodation in County Kildare which was initiated in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32049/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

358 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the software and licensing issues relating to accessing the information in the County Kildare inventory of school accommodation report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32056/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

359 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish the May 2003 evaluation report on the inventory of school accommodation pilot project for County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32057/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 352, 358 and 359 together.

I will arrange to send a copy of the report in question to the Deputy. My Department's licence for parts of the inventory software has lapsed and it does not intend renewing this as the data gathered in relation to the condition of the school buildings has relevance for a relatively short number of years. However, floor layout plans and other drawing data gathered during the course of the pilot inventory are still largely relevant and continue to be used by the Department's Technical staff as appropriate. As the Deputy will be aware from a response to a previous PQ, arrangements are being made to conduct a survey of accommodation at primary and post-primary level which will establish the position relating to the extent of all accommodation. The specifications for this inventory are being finalised with a view to commencing the work at an early date.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

353 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the eight new primary schools, containing 2,800 school places and the one new post primary school with 350 places in the first phase which was promised for delivery September 2009 by the developing area unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32050/09]

I can confirm that the first phase of a new post-primary school building with accommodation for up to 350 pupils has been completed and is in operation. The building's flexible design allowed for the opportunity to provide sufficient accommodation for a new start-up primary school as part of the first phase. This accommodation is available for use as a new primary school in 2010 if the demand is there. The design allows for the accommodation to revert for post-primary use in the future, as required.

With regard to the remaining seven primary schools I can confirm the following: four schools have been completed and handed over to the relevant school authorities; one school has been partially handed over with the remaining accommodation to be handed over next month; one school is due to be handed over in October and the final school is currently out to tender and is expected to be on site in the fourth quarter of 2009.

School Accommodation.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

354 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the full inventory of school buildings stock which is due to be developed by late 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32051/09]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

356 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the implementation of a unified data model designed to rationalise, standardise and unify his Department’s main data holdings in order to provide a solid foundation to build new systems relating to the school building stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32053/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 and 356 together.

The Department's unified data model is based on three core entities, namely Educational Organisation, Pupil and Staff Member. The Educational Organisation aspect of the model has been implemented and went live in February, 2007. Essentially, the implementation facilitates the recording and maintenance of school details, such as address, in a central location.

Work on planning the development of an Inventory of School Accommodation to be compiled during the 2009/10 school year has been ongoing since early this year and is now well advanced. The detailed functional specification for the Inventory of School Accommodation has now been completed and work is currently underway on the development phase of the project with a view to completion of the implementation phase. The Inventory of School Accommodation, when completed, will provide key data and statistics on the existing school building stock throughout the country.

The methodology currently being developed for the compilation of the Inventory comprises a form to be completed online in respect of each school during the 2009/10 school year. The Inventory form will be appended to the schools' Esinet portal platform. This is a platform for interactive communication between the Department of Education and Science and its partners, customer and clients, including schools. The Inventory of School Accommodation project which will provide schools with the facility to electronically transmit details of their school building stock, to the Department, will be completed as quickly as possible.

Schools Building Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

355 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is policy to contact schools directly which his Department anticipates will require expansion and development; if so, the mechanism and the format of contact that is utilised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32052/09]

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. 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 more than 40 selected locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas.

Consistent with the primacy of the role of the Patron under the Education Act, 1998, this information has been circulated in writing to all existing school Patrons as part of the process of determining where existing schools should be expanded and new schools provided. The responses of the Patrons will be taken into account in finalising the extent and nature of school accommodation provision in the relevant areas.

Question No. 356 answered with Question No. 354.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

357 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the range of factors, other than the priority band rating, for school projects which determine the prioritisation and selection of school projects which are sanctioned by him to proceed for design and construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32054/09]

The progression of school building projects, whether to commence architectural planning or to proceed to tender and construction, is undertaken with regard to the availability of funding and the priority attaching to projects.

Priority is established primarily on the basis of a projects' band-rating in accordance with the Criteria for Prioritising Large Scale Projects, details of which are published on my Department's website. However, there a range of other factors taken into account in the selection of projects. These factors include:

the need to achieve an appropriate balance of capital expenditure on a multi-annual basis between primary and post-primary building projects

the need to ensure that contractual commitments are not entered into in any particular year which might not be capable of being met in future years

the need to ensure adequate funding is available for the purchase of sites for key projects

the need to provide additional school places in rapidly developing areas to meet increasing demand while at the same time balancing this with the need to maintain investment in the improvement of existing school buildings.

the stage of progression through the architectural design process, that is whether or not the project is technically ready to proceed to tender and construction

whether the project was previously allowed to proceed to tender but did not do so for various reasons All of these factors have to be considered before making a final selection of projects for the purposes of developing a school building programme.

Questions No. 358 and 359 answered with Question No. 352.

School Accommodation.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

360 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; his proposals for an extension to the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32060/09]

As the Deputy may be aware a project to provide an Additional Classroom, a PE hall and Ancillary accommodation was completed in August 2005, at the school to which he refers. The school have recently submitted an application for additional temporary accommodation.

The application and subsequent appeal submitted by the school was assessed with reference to the current accommodation, staffing and enrolment trends. In the context of the available funding and the number of applications received for that funding, it is not possible to approve all applications at this time. It was deemed that the current accommodation is sufficient to meet the schools accommodation requirements at this time.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

361 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the overcrowding at a school (details supplied) in County Galway; his proposals to extend this school in the near future; if there is currently a devolved grant system which would allow the board of management to provide the extension even if a substantial amount of funding had to be raised locally; if his attention has further been drawn to the urgency in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32061/09]

I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project referred to by the Deputy, are now available on my Departments website at www.education.ie.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.

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.

An application for additional temporary accommodation was submitted by the school and was assessed with reference to the current accommodation, staffing and enrolment trends. In the context of the available funding and the number of applications received for that funding, it is not possible to approve all applications at this time. It was deemed that the current arrangement between the school in question and the Agricultural College was adequate to accommodate an additional class, if necessary.

Brian Hayes

Question:

362 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science, following the introduction of a new scheme which he announced in July 2008 which allows schools with an urgent pressing need for additional accommodation which is likely to last more than three years, the schools which have been approved; the schools that are currently being approved; the schools which avail of the option of using their grants either to purchase prefabs or to construct permanent classrooms for the same amount; the total number of schools that have applied under this scheme for such facilities; if he can confirm that only one school has drawn down funding under this scheme to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32063/09]

The schools approved funding for the purchase of prefabricated classroom(s)/construction of permanent classroom(s) in 2008 and 2009 are listed in the tabular statement. The list indicates which schools have opted to provide permanent accommodation for the same funding. The Deputy will note that a number of schools have not yet indicated to my Department which option they intend to pursue. €3.4m has issued to 44 schools to date this year. 70% of approved funding may be drawn down when a project goes to construction and the balance when a project is completed, subject to the necessary certification being supplied to my Department.

Approval for Prefab Purchase

County

Ref.

School

Prefab/Permanent

Carlow

01415K

Scoil Phadraig, Rathoe

Pre-fab

Carlow

04077I

St. Brigid’s NS, Tullow

Pre-fab

Carlow

13507I

Scoil Mhuire Lourdes, Tullow

Permanent build

Carlow

13607M

St Columba’s NS, Tullow

Permanent build

Carlow

17501Q

Scoil Binn an Choire, Bennekerry

Pre-fab

Carlow

18424G

St. Joseph’s NS,

Pre-fab

Cavan

08453H

Crubany NS

Pre-fab

Cavan

08490N

St. Clare’s School, Ardmhuire

Permanent Build

Cavan

14399N

Kilgarry NS

Pre-fab

Cavan

16083T

St Mary’s NS

Pre-fab

Cavan

16316Q

St. Mary’s NS, Arva

Cavan

18059J

St. Anne’s NS, Bailieborough

Pre-fab

Cavan

19363R

Mullahoran NS, Kilcogy

Permanent Build

Cavan

19608V

St. Kilian’s NS, Mullagh

Pre-fab

Cavan

20172R

St. Joseph’s NS, Kingscourt *

Pre-fab

Clare

04548V

Scoil Seanain Naofa, Clonlara

prefab

Clare

14757N

Scoil na Mainistreach, Quin

Pre-fab

Clare

16908S

Sixmile Bridge NS

Pre-fab

Clare

16946D

Parteen NS

prefab

Clare

17517I

Doolin Mixed NS

Permanent Build

Clare

17801F

Scoil na Maighdine Muire, Broadford

prefab

Clare

18032M

Clonmoney NS, Ennis

Pre-fab

Clare

18555V

Lissycasey NS, Ennis

Permanent build

Clare

19233E

St. Clare’s

Permanent build

Clare

19274S

St Conaires School

prefab

Clare

19414I

St. Anne’s NS, Ennis

Clare

19442N

Ruan Central National School

permanent build

Clare

19698C

St. Aidan’s NS, Shannon

Pre-fab

Clare

19838P

Gaelscoil Mhicil Ciosog

Clare

20075T

St. Mochulla’s NS, Ennis Rd.,Tulla

Pre-fab

Cork

01867W

Castlelyons NS

Permanent Build

Cork

02278I

Presentation NS, Millstreet

Pre-fab

Cork

04152T

Scoil Mhaoiliosa, Knockavilla, Upton

Permanent Build

Cork

08972I

Castlelack NS

Permanent Build

Cork

09537S

Ballinadee NS

Permanent build

Cork

11249C

Burnfort NS, Mallow

Permanent Build

Cork

12004A

Mallow No. 1 School

Pre-fab

Cork

12015F

Liscarroll NS

Permanent Build

Cork

12395S

Rusheen NS

Cork

12447L

Baltydaniel NS

permanent build

Cork

12456M

St. Molaga’s NS

permanent build

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS

Cork

13543M

Derrinacahara

Cork

13728B

Castletownshend NS, Skibbereen

permanent build

Cork

13980L

Togher BNS

prefab

Cork

14014N

Ballydesmond NS, Mallow

prefab

Cork

14726C

St. Multose NS, Kinsale

Pre-fab

Cork

14839P

Clondrohid NS, Macroom

pre-fab

Cork

15484J

SN An Chroi Naofa, Glounthanne

pre-fab

Cork

15594Q

Grange NS, Fermoy

permanent build

Cork

16246V

Dromclough NS, Bantry

Pre-fab

Cork

16900C

St. Patrick’s SNS, Skibereen

Pre-fab

Cork

16901E

St. Patrick’s BNS, Skibbereen

Pre-fab

Cork

17103E

Scoil Chlochair Mhuire

Pre-fab

Cork

17251T

Ovens National School

Pre-fab

Cork

17360B

SN Mhuire, Bothar Mala

prefab

Cork

17667E

St. Patrick’s NS, Whitechurch

prefab

Cork

17868O

Scoil Freastogail Muire

Cork

17876O

Presentation PS, Fermoy

Cork

17950W

Holy Family NS

permanent build

Cork

18377A

Scoil Iosaif Naofa, Fermoy

Pre-fab

Cork

18497K

Scoil Inse Ratha, Little Island

Permanent Build

Cork

18567F

St. Patrick’s NS, Inch, Killeagh

Cork

18883P

Scoil iosagain Infants’ NS, Mallow

Cork

19224D

Kilmeen NS

Cork

19256Q

Scoil Ghobnatan, Mallow

Pre-fab

Cork

19351K

Kilcredan NS, Ladysbridge

prefab

Cork

19410A

St Killians Special School

Cork

19415K

Scoil An Athar Tadhg, Carraig na bhFear

prefab

Cork

19672H

Scoil Mhuire na nGrast, Belgooly

Cork

19761G

St. Peter’s NS, Dungourney

Permanent Build

Donegal

10062E

Creeslough NS, Letterkenny

Permanent build

Donegal

12077E

Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Letterkenny

Pre-fab

Donegal

13563S

SN Chill Choinnigh, Glenties

Permanent build

Donegal

16242N

Scoil Phadraig Noafa

Pre-fab

Donegal

16820E

Scoil Cholmcille, Newtowncunningham

Pre-fab

Donegal

16880W

Scoil Naomh Colmcille, Carndonagh

Donegal

17607J

SN Seiseadh Ui Neill

Permanent Build

Donegal

18172F

Gleneely NS, Killygordon

Donegal

18241V

Scoil Cholmcille, Drumman

Donegal

18520C

Scoil Phadraig, Clonmany

Pre-fab

Donegal

18611F

Carrick NS

Donegal

19685Q

St. Cartha’s NS, Kilcar

Donegal

19724A

Little Angels Special School, Letterkenny

Pre-fab

Dublin

13217W

Holy Family NS, Rathcoole

Pre-fab

Dublin

13217W

Holy Family NS

pre-fab

Dublin

15569R

Scoil Moibhi, Skerries

Pre-fab

Dublin

16567S

St Brigids Convent NS

Pre-fab

Dublin

17263D

SN Muire an Seanbhaile, Oldtown

Pre-fab

Dublin

17472M

Baile Falbach, Lusk

Dublin

17595F

Cill Coscain NS

Dublin

17978V

Naiscoil Ide, Raheny

Pre-fab

Dublin

18412W

St Patricks Girls NS — Donabate

Pre-fab

Dublin

19114T

Scoil Naomh Padraig

Pre-fab

Dublin

19114T

Scoil Naomh Padraig, Rathfarnham

pre-fab

Dublin

19374W

Jesus & Mary PS, Goatstown Road

Dublin

19435Q

St Francis Xavier JNS

Pre-fab

Dublin

19456B

St. Cronan’s Junior NS, Swords

Dublin

19505L

SN Oilibheir, Balbriggan

Dublin

19542R

St. Thomas JNS, Esker, Lucan

Pre-fab

Dublin

19566I

Our Lady Queen of the Apostles NS, Clondalkin

Dublin

19590F

Scoil Mochua, Clondalkin

prefab

Dublin

19707A

St Ronans NS

Dublin

19721R

Holy Family JNS, Swords

Dublin

19782O

St. Brigid’s JNS, Tallaght

Pre-fab

Dublin

19837N

Drimnagh Castle PS, Long Mile Road

Permanent Build

Dublin

19850F

Scoil an Cheathair Alainn, Ladyswell

Pre-fab

Dublin

19878E

Holy Rosary PS, Tallaght

permanent build

Dublin

19924I

Harold’s Cross NS, Clareville Road

prefab

Dublin

20012S

Griffith Barracks Multi-denominational School, Sth. Circular Road

pre-fab

Dublin

20095C

Gaelscoil Bhrian Boroimhe

Dublin

20130B

St. Patrick’s NS, Diswellstown Rd., Castleknock

Pre-fab

Dublin

20141G

The Harold National School

Pre-fab

Dublin

20145O

Swords Educate Together

Galway

05754G

Craughwell NS, Galway

Pre-fab

Galway

09060L

Bawnmore NS, Claregalway

Galway

12095G

SN Antoine, Clifden

Pre-fab

Galway

12954F

Scoil Bhride Lackagh, Turloughmore

Galway

15523Q

St. Joseph’s NS, Kinvara

Galway

16943U

Nicholas NS,

Galway

16943U

St. Nicholas’NS, Claddagh

Galway

17118R

SN Naomh Fursa, Headford

Pre-fab

Galway

17280D

Athenry Boys’ NS, Knockaunglas

Pre-fab

Galway

17282H

Scoil na mBraithre

Galway

17444H

St Josephs NS, Carrabane, Athenry

prefab

Galway

17668G

Scoil na bhForbacha

Galway

18021H

SN an Chroi Ro Naofa, Belclare, Tuam

Permanent Build

Galway

18042P

Presentation Primary School, Tuam

prefab

Galway

18460K

Milltown NS

Permanent Build

Galway

18746F

Scoil Mhuire, Athenry

Permanent Build

Galway

19388K

Clonberne NS, Ballinasloe

Permanent Build

Galway

19449E

St. Oliver Plunkett NS, Athenry

Galway

19965W

Scoil Mhuire, Clarinbridge

Galway

19994G

Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh,

prefab

Galway

19997M

Scoil Bhrige agus Bhreandain Naofa, Corandulla

Permanent build

Kerry

02418V

Knockaderry NS, Farranfore

prefab

Kerry

15945T

Firies NS, Church Road, Firies

Permanent Build

Kerry

16217O

Scoil Bhreac Chluain, Annascaul

prefab

Kerry

17710C

Scoil an Chuileannaigh

Permanent Build

Kerry

18832V

Castlemaine NS

Permanent Build

Kerry

19487M

Holy Cross Mercy School, Killarney

Kerry

19512I

St. Oliver’s NS

prefab

Kerry

19957A

Dromclough NS,

prefab

Kerry

20013U

Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail

prefab

Kerry

20158A

Tralee ETNS

Kildare

15769C

Scoil Eimhin Naofa

Pre-fab

Kildare

16566Q

Scoil Naomh Brid

Kildare

16706G

St. Joseph’s BNS

Pre-fab

Kildare

17341U

Maynooth BNS

Kildare

17674B

St. Anne’s NS, Straffan

Pre-fab

Kildare

17968S

Two Mile House NS, Naas

Pre-fab

Kildare

18288B

Scoil Mhicil Naofa, Athy

Pre-fab

Kildare

18449W

St Conleths NS

Kildare

18650P

Newtown NS, Enfield

Pre-fab

Kildare

18650P

Newtown NS, Enfield

Pre-fab

Kildare

19675N

St. Brigid’s NS, Kilcullen

Pre-fab

Kildare

19797E

Scoil Bhride — Clane

prefab

Kilkenny

16827S

St. Leonard’s NS, Dunamaggin

Permanent Build

Kilkenny

16875G

St. Patrick’s NS, Kilmacow

Pre-fab

Kilkenny

17108O

St. John’s Junior School, Michael Street

Pre-fab

Kilkenny

17357M

Piltown NS

Pre-fab

Kilkenny

17589K

Scoil Naisiunta Chiarain Naofa

Pre-fab

Kilkenny

18660S

St Nicholas NS, Windgap

permanent build

Kilkenny

19626A

St. Canice’s Co-ED NS, Granges Road

Pre-fab

Kilkenny

19856R

Gaelscoil Osraí

Pre-fab

Laois

07183W

Mountmellick Convent,St Joseph’s

prefab

Laois

16070K

Scoil Phadraig Naofa BNS, Mountmellick

Pre-fab

Laois

17493U

Rosenallis NS

Permanent Build

Laois

17617M

Killeshin National School

Pre-fab

Laois

18150S

Scoil an Fhraoich Mhoir, Portlaoise

Pre-fab

Laois

19286C

Scoil Mhuire Portlaoise

Pre-fab

Leitrim

15194A

Scoil Naomh Caillin, Carrick-on Shannon

Permanent Build

Limerick

06516S

Kildimo NS

Pre-fab

Limerick

09401Q

Monagea NS, Newcastle West

prefab

Limerick

13459A

Galbally NS

prefab

Limerick

14305B

Ballylanders NS

prefab

Limerick

15226K

Caherline NS

prefab

Limerick

16444C

St. Patrick’s Girls’ NS

prefab

Limerick

18612H

Ahalin NS, Ballingarry

Limerick

19800N

Milford NS, Grange, Castletroy

Longford

20124G

St. Mary’s NS, Edgeworthstown

Pre-fab

Louth

01434O

St Colmcille’s NS, Tullydonnell

prefab

Louth

17862C

Realt Na Mara — Dundalk

Pre-fab

Louth

18107R

Realt Na Mara — Dundalk

Pre-fab

Louth

18148I

Scoil Bhride, Dunleer

Pre-fab

Louth

18312S

Monksland NS

Pre-fab

Louth

19214A

St Marys Special School

Louth

20163Q

Scoil Eoin Baiste

Pre-fab

Mayo

07054L

Cullen’s NS, Mayo

Pre-fab

Mayo

12350T

SN na h-Aille, Ballinrobe

Permanent Build

Mayo

13145A

St. Colmcilles NS, Westport

Permanent Build

Mayo

13389F

St. Joseph’s NS, Swinford

Pre-fab

Mayo

14205U

Mayo Abbey NS

prefab

Mayo

15257V

Quignamanger NS, Ballina

Permanent Build

Mayo

18070U

Muire gan Smal, Claremorris

Pre-fab

Mayo

18561Q

St Joseph’s NS, Rehins, Ballina, Mayo

Permanent Build

Mayo

18712L

Knockrooskey NS, Westport

Pre-fab

Mayo

18754E

SN Naomh Seosamh, Achill

Pre-fab

Mayo

18848N

St. Peter & Paul NS, Foxford

Pre-fab

Mayo

18922W

Cloonliffen NS

permanent build

Mayo

19812U

Foxford NS,

Meath

01309L

St. Patrick’s NS, Slane

prefab

Meath

16100Q

St. Joseph’s Mercy Primary School, Navan

prefab

Meath

17839H

Duleek Boys’ NS

Meath

17840P

Duleek Girls’ NS

prefab

Meath

17856H

Donore NS

prefab

Meath

17947K

St Brigid’s NS, Boardsmill, Trim

pre-fab

Meath

17969U

Scoil Mhuire — Navan

prefab

Meath

17986U

St Joseph’s NS, Boyerstown

prefab

Meath

18040L

St. Patrick’s NS, Slane

Pre-fab

Meath

18130M

St Patricks NS, Johnstownbridge

Permanent Build

Meath

18132Q

Scoil Mhuire, Kells

Pre-fab

Meath

18358T

St. Fiach’s NS, Ballinacree

Permanent Build

Meath

18453U

St Michaels National School, Rathmolyn

Pre-fab

Meath

19486K

St Declan’s NS, Ashbourne

Pre-fab

Meath

19813W

St. Dympna’s NS, Kildalkey

prefab

Meath

20032B

Dunboyne Jnr School

prefab

Meath

20033D

Dunboyne Snr School

Monaghan

18256L

Scoil Bhride, Silverstream

Offaly

15325M

St. Patrick’s NS

Permanent Build

Offaly

17508H

Scoil Colmcille, Durrow

Permanent Build

Offaly

17746A

St. Colman’s NS, Mucklagh, Tullamore

Pre-fab

Offaly

18057F

Scoil Mhuire, Kilcruttin Tullamore

prefab

Offaly

18364O

Scoil Muire Banríon, Edenderry

prefab

Offaly

19713S

Scoil Eoin Phoil, Tullamore

Pre-fab

Roscommon

14966W

Kilteevan NS

Pre-fab

Roscommon

15413J

Brideswell NS

prefab

Roscommon

15557K

Scoil Muire gan Smal, Cloonfad, Ballyhaunis

Permanent Build

Roscommon

18395C

Cloonakilla NS, Athlone

Pre-fab

Roscommon

18626S

Glanduff NS, Athlone

Pre-fab

Sligo

18053U

Sooey NS

prefab

Sligo

18543O

Cloghogue NS, Castlebaldwin

prefab

Sligo

18575E

Scoil Naomh Molaise, Grange

Pre-fab

Sligo

19964U

Scoil Mhuire gan Smal PS, Ballymote

Permanent Build

Tipperary

18345K

SN Iosef Naofa, Roscrea

Permanent Build

Tipperary

18379E

Barnane NS, Templemore

Pre-fab

Tipperary NR

04005G

Scoil Naomh Peadar, Horse & Jockey, Thurles

Permanent build

Tipperary NR

15560W

Bishop Harty NS, Nenagh

Pre-fab

Tipperary NR

16344V

St. Mary’s Junior Boys’ School, Nenagh

Tipperary NR

17296S

Ballinahinch NS

Permanent Build

Tipperary NR

18775M

St. Michael’s NS, Holy Cross, Thurles

prefab

Tipperary SR

11605V

St. Thomas the Apostle NS, Cashel

prefab

Tipperary SR

15299O

Gaile NS, Thurles

prefab

Tipperary SR

17694H

Cloneen NS, Clonmel

Permanent Build

Tipperary SR

17779P

Powerstown NS, Clonmel

Pre-fab

Tipperary SR

19305D

Tankerstown NS, Bansha

Permanent build

Waterford

14989L

Passage East NS

prefab

Waterford

18235D

St Marys BNS

prefab

Waterford

19955T

Presentation Primary School, Slievekeale Rd.

pre-fab

Westmeath

08100U

St. Patrick’s NS, Killucan

Pre-fab

Westmeath

17102C

Clonbonney NS, Athlone

prefab

Westmeath

17167H

St Oliver Plunkett BNS

Westmeath

18036U

Scoil Dhiarmada, Castlepollard

Pre-fab

Westmeath

18640M

St. Joseph’s NS, Killucan

Pre-fab

Westmeath

18744B

All Saints N.S. Mullingar

Pre-fab

Westmeath

19205W

St. Tola’s NS, Delvin

Pre-fab

Westmeath

20063M

Scoil an Chlochair, Kilbeggan

Pre-fab

Wexford

13335F

Court NS, Gorey

Pre-fab

Wexford

15367F

Riverchapel NS, Gorey

Pre-fab

Wexford

15407O

Ballythomas NS, Gorey

Pre-fab

Wexford

16605A

Kilrane National School

Permanent Build

Wexford

16673R

Cushinstown NS, Foulksmills

Pre-fab

wexford

16673R

Cushinstown NS, Foulksmills

prefab

Wexford

17005E

Glynn NS , Glynn.

prefab

Wexford

16673R

Cushionstown NS

Wexford

17858L

Kilanerin NS, Gorey

Pre-fab

Wexford

19352M

Scoil Realt na Mara, Kilmore

Wicklow

10131U

St Josephs NS

prefab

Wicklow

11372B

Scoil Mhuire, Réalt na Mara

Permanent Build

Wicklow

16634H

St. Laurence O’Toole’s NS, Roundwood

Pre-fab

Wicklow

17304O

St Brigid’s NS, Annacurra

Wicklow

18242A

Scoil Aodán Naofa, Carnew

Wicklow

18470N

Scoil Naomh Brid

Wicklow

19339U

Stratford Lodge NS, Baltinglass

Permanent Build

Wicklow

19754J

Bray School Project, Killarney Road, Bray

Permanent Build

Wicklow

20243O

Gaelscoil na Lochanna, Blessington

Wexford

08221J

St. Seanan’s Primary school

Pre-fab

Cavan

11205F

Killeshandra NS

Permanent Build

Cork

13976U

St. Matthias NS, Ballydehob

Permanent Build

Cavan

17625L

Knocktemple NS

Permanent Build

Kilkenny

16485Q

St. Brendans NS, Newmarket, Hugginstown

Permanent Build

Cork

08828B

Kilcorney NS

Permanent Build

Cork

11262R

Dromina NS

Permanent Build

Cork

17363H

Scoil Cros tSeain

Pre-fab

Donegal

16672P

St Patricks NS

Pre-fab

Donegal

18076J

Scoil Mhuire Gan Small

Dublin

17936F

St John the Baptist SBNS

Pre-fab

Dublin

19006Q

Belgrove BNS

Pre-fabs

Dublin

19503H

Scoil Chronain

Dublin

19549I

St Fintians NS

Galway

05754G

Craughwell NS, Galway

Permanent Build

Galway

12954F

Scoil Bhride

Galway

14383V

SN Padriah Naofa

Permanent Build

Galway

16071M

Scoil Chroi Naofa

Galway

16936A

Scoil Padriag naofa

Galway

18268S

Killeeneen NS

Galway

19965W

Scoil Mhuire — Clarinbridge

Kerry

10049M

Loughguitane NS

Permanent Build

Kerry

17012B

SN an Fhossa

Kerry

17710C

Cullina NS

Kildare

17341U

Maynooth BNS

Kildare

17931S

St Brigids NS

Kildare

18092H

Cadamstown NS

Permanent Build

Laois

15933M

Camross NS

Permanent Build

Laois

18206T

The Rock NS

Laois

20169F

Castletown NS

Leitrim

01125B

St Josephs

Limerick

16946D

Parteen NS

Limerick

20181S

GS an Raithin

Longford

20124G

St Marys, Edgeworthstown

Pre-fab

Mayo

07075T

St Feichins NS

permanent build

Mayo

16904K

Lankill NS

Meath

17480L

Kentstown NS

Meath

17520U

Robinstown NS

Monaghan

13632L

Annalitten NS

Tipperary

15008A

Shronell NS

Tipperary

18345K

SN Iosaf Naofa

Permanent Build

Tipperary

19422H

Cloughjordan NS

Waterford

18488J

Scoil Naomh Gobnait

Westmeath

18212O

Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire

Permanent Build

Westmeath

19205W

St Tolans NS

Wexford

12841P

St Patricks NS

Wicklow

17826V

SN Coroine Muire

Laois

20071L

Scoil Bhride

Permanent Build

Cork

14116V

Kilbrittan NS

Donegal

19971R

Gaelscoil Adhamhain

prefab

Laois

13741Q

Rath NS

prefab

Dublin

02872U

St Mary NS

Clare

14757N

Scoil na Mainistreach

Pre-fab

Cork

04118T

Bishop Ahern NS

permanent build

Galway

19380R

Kilkerrin NS

Permanent build

Waterford

19970P

Portlaw NS

prefab

Dublin

19617

St Martins De Porres

Kildare

18430B

Robertstown NS

Kildare

18445O

SN Scoil Treasa

Permanent Build

Meath

19867W

Gael Scoil na Rithe

Pre-fab

Donegal

12077E

Scoil Naomh Fiachra

Pre-fab

Kerry

13615L

Scoil Eoin

Permanent Build

Meath

18413B

Scoil Naomh Treasa

Permanent build

Offaly

20267F

Scoil Bhride

Cork

15550I

Ballyheada NS

Cork

19672H

Scoil Mhuire na nGrast

Dublin

17507F

St Patricks NS

Pre-fab

Donegal

16138S

Raphoe Central NS

Cork

13662U

Scoil Mhuire Naionain

Laois

20100P

Kolbe Special School

Carlow

16938E

Fr. Cullen’s NS, Tinryland

Offaly

17637S

St Josephs, Ballingar

Meath

01421F

Kilskyre NS, Kells

Cork

13450F

Rushbrooke NS, Cobh

Cork

13779S

Dromahane NS, Mallow

Kildare

17567A

Allen NS, Kilmeague, Naas

Galway

17221K

SN Cholmcille Naofa, Castlegar

Waterford

18380M

Faithlegg NS, Faithlegg

Permanent Build

Wicklow

18489L

Tinahely NS, Tinahely

Donegal

19724A

Little Angels Special School, Knocknamona, Letterkenny

Galway

13416F

SN Leitir Meallain, Leitir Meallain

Cork

17600S

Scartleigh NS, Saleen, Cloyne

Waterford

19885B

Gaelscoil Philib Barun, Tramore

prefab

Meath

17175G

St. Ultan’s NS, Bohermeen, Navan

Pre-fab

Monaghan

00359V

St. Louis Girls’ National School, Park Road, Monaghan

prefab

Louth

14578N

Collon National School, School Lane, Collon, Co. Louth

Sligo

15337T

Scoil Naomh Mhuire, Castlegal

Galway

17506D

St. Brendans N.S., Duniry, Kylebrack, Loughrea

Cavan

19608V

St. Killian’s NS, Mullagh, Kells

Dublin

20223I

GS Eiscir Riada, Bothar an Ghrifin, Leamhcan

Permanent Build

Longford

17561L

SN Samhthann,Ballinalee

Permanent Build

Roscommon

18454P

Corrigeenroe NS, Boyle

Cork

20024C

Bun Scoil Mhuire, Youghal

Permanent Build

Sligo

19495L

Carbury NS, The Mall

Dublin

17263D

St. Mary’s NS, Oldtown

Permanent Build

Cavan

17625L

Knocktemple NS, Knocktemple, Virginia

Pre-fab

Clare

18624O

Killaloe Girls’ Convent Primary School, Killaloe

Permanent Build

Cork

18100D

Lisgriffin NS, Goleen, Skibereen

Cork

12281D

Walterstown NS, Walterstown, Cobh

Cork

04953H

Ballyhass NS, Cecilstown, Mallow

Dublin

19474D

St. Colmcille’s JNS, Knocklyon, Templeogue

Pre-fab

Dublin

19742C

St. Colmcille’s SNS, Knocklyon, Templeogue

Tipperary

16111V

Killusty NS, Fethard

Waterford

01711O

Kilrossanty NS, Kilmacthomas

Kildare

09414C

St. Laurences NS, Ballitore

Galway

15027E

Eglish NS, Eglish, Ahascragh, Ballinasloe

Pre-fab

Waterford

16748W

Kill NS, Kill

Meath

17520U

Scoil Mhuire, Robinstown PS, Robinstown, Navan

Westmeath

18640M

St. Josephs NS, Rath Ghuaire, Killucan

Wexford

19317K

St. Anne’s NS, Rathangan, Duncormick

Wexford

19419S

Gorey Central School, Charoltte Row, Gorey

Leitrim

19423J

St. Patrick’s NS, Drumshanbo

Meath

20082Q

Gaelscoil Thulach na nOg, Br. Ruisc, Dun Buinne

Pre-fab

Tipperary

20085W

GS Charraig na Siuire, Carrick-on-Suir

Wexford

18687P

Ballyduff NS, Ballyduff, Camolin

Cavan

18393V

Crossreagh NS, Crossreagh, Mullagh

Galway

19803T

Scoil Sheamais Naofa, Bearna

Permanent Build

Louth

18148I

Scoil Bhride, Dunleer

permanent build

Cork

19989N

Scoil Mhuire na Trocaire, Castle Orchard, Buttevant

Laois

19747M

Scoil Bhride, Knockmay, Portlaoise

Pre-fab

Limerick

20233L

Scoil Chaitriona, Cappamore

Kildare

06209J

Athy Model School, Dublin Road, Athy

Pre-fab

Galway

13365O

Scoil Mhuire, Oranmore

Pre-fab

Laois

13741Q

Rath NS, Ballybrittas, Portlaoise

prefab

Westmeath

17182D

St. Michael’s NS, Castletown-Geoghegan, Mullingar

Permanent Build

Louth

17726R

Tullyallen NS, Tullyallen, Drogheda

Pre-fab

Donegal

18605K

St. Patrick’s BNS, Carndonagh

Wexford

18707S

Castlebridge NS, Castlebridge

Permanent Build

Cork

12041G

St. John the Baptist NS, Midleton

Pre-fab

Cork

17024I

Scoil na Croise Naofa, Mahon

Pre-fab

Laois

19286C

Scoil Mhuire, Portlaoise

Pre-fab

Limerick

11955C

Coolcappa NS, Coolcappa, Ardagh

Mayo

19387I

St Dympna’s

Mayo

14671D

Creevagh NS, Carrowmore, Lackin, Ballina

prefab

Mayo

13667H

St. Josephs NS, Bonniconlon, Ballina

Cork

18713N

Scoil Naomh Fionan, Nohoval, Belgooly

Galway

17668G

Scoil na bhForbacha

prefab

Galway

13914V

Scoil Naomh Seosaimh, Buaile Beag, Bearna

Dublin

19991A

GS na Camoige, Clondalkin

Pre-fab

Galway

19401W

Scoil Chaitriona, Renmore

Laois

18150S

Scoil an Fhraoich Mhoir, The Heath, Portlaoise

Existing Pre-fabs

Cork

14839P

Clondrohid NS, Clondrohid, Macroom

prefab

Galway

17547R

St. Brendan’s NS, Woodford, Loughrea

Kildare

17873H

St. Conleth’s Infant PS, Newbridge

Longford

19467G

St. Mel’s NS, Ardagh

Monaghan

19469K

St. Oliver Plunkett NS, Loughmourne, Castleblayney

Permanent Build

Longford

19987J

Scoil Mhuire, Newtownforbes

Pre-fab

Wexford

12841P

St. Patrick’s NS, Ballyroebuck

Carlow

18609

Scoil Fiontan Naofa, Rathmore, Tullow

Carlow

01215C

Newtown/Dunleekney NS, Muinebheag

Limerick

09927I

St. Joseph’s NS, Granagh

Pre-fab

Monaghan

10429W

Scoil Mhuire, Rockcorry

Pre-fab

Tipperary

18326G

SN Naomh Padraig, Kilcash, Clonmel

Permanent Build

Kilkenny

19856R

Gaelscoil Osrai, Loch Bui

prefab

Monaghan

19736H

Scoil Phadraig, Corduff, Carrickmacross

Pre-fab

Cavan

61051L

St. Clare’s College, Ballyjamesduff

Permanent Build

Cork

62360G

CBS Midletown

Pre-fab

Cork

62421A

Presentation Secondary Mitchelstown

Cork

62460K

St. Francis’ College, Rochestown

Cork

62730N

St. Patrick’s College

Pre-fab

Cork

91499E

Kinsale Community School

Pre-fab

Donegal

62830R

St. Eunan’s College

Donegal

71140Q

Crana College, Buncrana

Pre-fab

Donegal

71230R

Deele College, Raphoe

Pre-fab

Donegal

71240U

Finn Valley College

Pre-fab

Dublin

70010V

Balbriggan Community College

Dublin 13

76085N

Gaelcholaiste Reachrann, Tallaght

Pre-fab

Galway

62880J

St. Joseph’s College, Ballinasloe

Galway

63040Q

Presentation College, Headford

Galway

63050T

Seamount College

Pre-fab

Galway

71250A

Colaiste Naomh Eoin

Galway

76102K

Colaiste an Eachreidh, Athenry

Pre-fab

Kerry

61220I

St. Joseph’s Secondary, Ballybunion

Kerry

61450C

Presentation Secondary, Tralee

Kildare

70730J

Árdscoil Rath Iomgháin, Naas

Pre-fab

Kildare

91372D

Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane

Pre-fab

Limerick

64040V

St. Fintan’s CBS, Doon

Pre-fab

Louth

63870L

Drogheda Grammar School

Mayo

64710R

Sacred Heart SS, Westport

Mayo

72100J

St. Tiernan’s College, Crossmolina

Meath

71980O

O’Carolan College, Nobber

Meath

71990R

St. Oliver’s Post Primary School

Monaghan

72180K

Inver College

Pre-fab

Offaly

65610S

Colaiste Choilm

Pre-fab

Sligo

72350J

Nt Connaught College, Tubbercurry

Sligo

72310U

Coola Post Primary, Sligo

Tipperary

65450W

CBS Thurles

Tipperary

72400V

Comeragh College

Tipperary

72470T

St. Sheelan’s College

Permanent Build

Tipperary

72490C

Gairmscoil Muire

2006 application logged on Lotus only

Tipperary

76069P

Coláiste Pobal Roscrea

Tipperary

65470F

Ursuline Secondary

Waterford

64922J

Stella Maris — Tramore

Waterford

64923L

Tramore CBS

Pre-fab

Waterford

72241E

St. Paul’s Community College, Brown’s Rd

Pre-fab

Westmeath

63221U

Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan

Westmeath

63310T

St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge

Westmeath

91501L

Moate Community School

Wicklow

70770V

St. Thomas’ Community College, Bray

Kilkenny

70641K

Colaiste Osrai (VEC)

Waterford

91509E

Blackwater Community School

Donegal

62861F

Columba College

prefab

Dublin

70020B

Grange Community School

Westmeath

63221U

Mean Scoil an Clochair

Pre-fab

Cork

719090E

Rossa College

Meath

71980O

O’Carolans College

Cork

71101G

St Aidans CC

Limerick

71850B

Drumcollogher CC

Offaly

65582Q

St Marys, Edenderry

Cork

62730N

St Patricks, Gardiner Hill

Pre-fabs

Mayo

64640W

St Josephs Secondary

Cork

70931T

Scoil Mhuire

Sligo

65140H

Scoil Mhuire

Pre-fab

Galway

62880J

St Josephs Secondary, Garbally

Pre-fabs

Cork

62140P

St Aloysius College

Louth

71760A

Drogheda College of Further Ed’

Longford

71710I

Ardscoil Phadraig

Limerick

71810M

St. Michael’s College, Cappamore

Limerick

71790

Desmond College, Newcastle West

Monaghan

76091I

Colaiste Oiriall, Ard Fea, Muineachan

Cork

70990M

Colaiste an Chraoibhin, Fermoy

Cork

62370J

Midleton College, Midleton

Pre-fabs

Cavan

70350W

St. Bricin’s College, Belturbet

Cork

62540I

Deerpark CBS

Kilkenny

70600T

Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown

Kerry

61410N

Presentation Secondary School, Miltown

Dublin

60070K

Dominican College, Sion Hill, Blackrock

Cork

62360G

Christian Brothers SS, Midleton

Offaly

91491L

St. Brendan’s Community School, Birr

Wexford

63640R

Christian Brothers SS, Thomas Street

Permanent Build

Cork

72360M

Ballinode College

Pre-fabs

Dublin

60050E

Oatlands College, Mount Merrion

Cavan

61051L

St. Clare’s College, Ballyjamesduff

Wexford

71610E

Bridgetown VS, Bridgetown

Donegal

91408V

Pobalscoil Chloich Cheannfhaola, An Fálcarrach

Permanent Build

Kilkenny

70641K

Colaiste Pobail Osrai, Bothar Urmhumhan

Pre-fabs

Kerry

70560K

Gaelcholaiste Chiarrai, Tra Li

Pre-fab

Kildare

70730J

Ardscoil Rath Iomghain, Rathangan

Brian Hayes

Question:

363 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 24 June 2009, if the 19 schools have now submitted these invoices; the reason a school would not submit such an invoice when the prefab was in place and had been provided by the supplier and the liability for this school was still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32069/09]

My Department grant aids school authorities for appropriate costs associated with rental of temporary accommodation, where such accommodation has been approved by my Department. Payment of the annual rental cost, upon receipt in my Department of the necessary supporting documentation, is generally made to schools in advance and in two instalments, i.e. January-June and July-December where rental is continuing or up to the expected date of cessation if for a shorter period.

The rental agreement for temporary accommodation is a matter to be managed by the school authority and the accommodation provider. Of the small number of schools who have yet to submit invoices for the January-June 2009 rental period, officials in the Planning and Building Unit of my Department have made contact with these schools to establish the position.

Schools Building Projects.

Michael Ring

Question:

364 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science if a contractor has been appointed to construct a new school building (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if so, the name of the contractor. [32096/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

365 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the construction of a new school building (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if the funding is in place for work to begin. [32097/09]

Michael Ring

Question:

366 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when work will commence on the construction of a new school building (details supplied) in County Mayo. [32098/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 364 to 366, inclusive, together.

The project for the school to which the Deputy refers was included in my announcement in February 2009 of projects to proceed to tender and construction.

A stage 2B submission has been received by my Department and is currently being considered. A contract notice seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified contractors has been published on the State's e-tenders website and short-listing of contractors has commenced. However, until the tender process is complete and a contract is put in place it will not be possible to give a definitive date for commencement of construction.

School Staffing.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

367 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will publish the final report of the National Council for Special Education on the review of special needs assistants in schools; if the separate value for money review into special needs assistants has been concluded; if so, if he will publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32134/09]

The Deputy will be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) has been requested by my Department to arrange for its Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) to review special needs assistant (SNA) allocations in all schools with a view to ensuring that the criteria governing the allocation of such posts are properly met. The review is currently under way and it is intended that it will be completed during 2009. The NCSE will not be preparing a report in relation to the review. However, SENOs will communicate directly with schools in relation to the outcome of the review.

My Department is separately carrying out a Value for Money and Policy Review of the Special Needs Assistant Scheme. It is expected that this review will be completed by the end of 2009. Once completed, a final report will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

School Placement.

David Stanton

Question:

368 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange for a school placement in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32136/09]

I wish to advise the Deputy that the enrolment of a child in a school is a matter in the first instance for the parents of the child and the Board of Management of the school concerned. My Department has no role in relation to processing applications for enrolment in schools. Where a school refuses to enrol a pupil, the school is obliged to inform parents of their right under Section 29 of the Education Act 1998 to appeal that decision to the Secretary General of my Department. Where an appeal under Section 29 is upheld, the Secretary General may direct a school to enrol a pupil.

The National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) is the statutory agency which can assist parents who are experiencing difficulty in securing a school place for their child. The Board can be contacted at National Educational Welfare Board, National Headquarters, 16-22 Green Street, Dublin 7 or by telephone at 01-8738700.

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. The responsibility also includes identifying appropriate educational placements for individual children with special educational needs.

My Department encourages parents and school authorities to engage locally regarding pupils' education. It is open to the parents concerned to raise any queries they may have relating to their child's special educational needs directly with the school authorities or with the local SENO. The parent may contact the SENO using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I understand from the NCSE that the local SENO is liaising with the parents of the pupil in question.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

369 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science when construction will commence on the new school at a location (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32149/09]

The building project for the school referred to by the Deputy was included in my announcement in February 2009 of 43 major building projects to proceed to tender and construction.

The project is currently at Stage 2b (Detailed Design). The Design Team's Stage 2b submission has been examined by my Department and a number of issues have been raised. The Board of Management and Design Team have been requested to confirm in writing when all the issues have been addressed, and confirm full compliance. Upon receipt of the necessary confirmations, the project will be considered for progression to Tender Stage.

Oideachas Gaeltachta.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

370 D’fhiafraigh Deputy Brian O’Shea den Aire Oideachais agus Eolaíochta an féidir leis a rá nach gcuirfear i bhfeidhm aon cheann de na moltaí oideachais atá déanta i dtuarascáil Mhic Cárthaigh go dtí go bhfoilseoidh an Rialtas Plean 2028 don Ghaeilge (sonraí tugtha). [32165/09]

Tá géar-riachtanas ann laghduithe suntasacha a dhéanamh i gcaiteachas buiséadach insna blianta romhainn amach. Machnófar na leibhéil caiteachais do mo Roinnse mar chuid den phróiseas Meastachán agus buiséadach do 2010. San áireamh anseo beidh machnamh ar thuarascáil an Ghrúpa Speisialta um Uimhreacha Seirbhíse Poiblí agus um Chláir Chaiteachais. Gnó don Rialtas é na cinntí faoi na gnóthaí go léir a éireoidh as sin.

Ní bheadh sé cuí dhomsa trácht a thuilleadh air seo ag an am seo ar feitheamh toradh na bpróiseas breithniúcháin seo. Tá na pointí a rinne an eagraíocht i gceist nótáilte, áfach, maidir leis an gComhairle Um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, cónascadh scoileanna beaga, na leibhéil foirnithe sa tSeirbhís Náisiúnta Síceolaíochta Oideachais, na hIonaid Oideachais sa Ghaeltacht agus ról na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta. Machnófar iad seo mar chuid den phróiseas foriomlán.

Schools Amalgamation.

Joe McHugh

Question:

371 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure to amalgamate small schools; his further views on whether small schools fulfil important social, as well as educational, functions in rural communities; if he will commit to protecting all Gaeltacht schools from rationalisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32168/09]

The report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes will be considered as part of the Estimates process for 2010. The decisions on all of the issues arising will be a matter for the Government. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage pending the outcome of these deliberative processes.

Education Centre Network.

Joe McHugh

Question:

372 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will commit to maintaining the three education centres that accommodate all of the Gaeltacht schools (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32169/09]

My Department gives support and funding to a network of twenty one full time and nine part time centres and the three centres mentioned by the Deputy operate on a part time basis.

As the Deputy is aware the recently published "Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes" recommended a specific number of options for reducing current spending in my Department. Among these options was a recommendation that there should be a reduction in the allocation for teacher training and funding for Education Centres which also included the closure of part time centres along with amalgamations of full time centres.

The Deputy will appreciate that these recommendations are currently under consideration.

School Enrolments.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

373 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding plans to regulate enrolment policy for primary schools to ensure enrolment policies do not discriminate against minorities in their implementation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32188/09]

The Deputy will be aware that it is the responsibility of the managerial authorities of schools to implement an enrolment policy in accordance with the Education Act and to do so in a manner that respects principles of equality. In this regard a Board of Management may find it necessary to restrict enrolment to children from a particular area or a particular age group or, occasionally, on the basis of some other criterion. This selection process and the enrolment policy on which it is based must be non-discriminatory and must be applied fairly in respect of all applicants.

The rights of minorities are also protected in Equality legislation which outlaws discrimination on nine distinct grounds — gender, marital status, family status, age, disability, race, sexual orientation, religious belief and membership of the Traveller community. The equality legislation makes specific provision for certain aspects of the school system notably ethos and schools whose enrolment is open to one gender only.

In the event that the provisions in the Equality legislation were found to be inadequate by clear evidence of discrimination and additional protections were considered to be desirable I believe that changes to the relevant primary legislation might be necessary rather than attempting to provide them by means of regulations under the Education Act.

On the issue of enrolment policy generally a consultation process took place with the main education partners and the responses received are being considered before formulating specific proposals for action in order to address any anomalous enrolment practice that has been identified by the audit of enrolment policies.

Higher Education Grants.

Jack Wall

Question:

374 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Education and Science the criteria a person must meet to qualify for the top up third level education grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32211/09]

To qualify for the Special Rate of maintenance grant, an applicant must qualify for the ordinary maintenance grant in respect of the 2009/10 academic year. In addition, total reckonable income must not exceed a specified amount, which is €22,308 in the 2008 tax year. On the operative date, 31st December 2008 for the 2009/10 academic year, the reckonable income must include one of the eligible long-term Social Welfare payments prescribed under the scheme.

Schools Building Projects.

Pat Breen

Question:

375 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Education and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 666 of 17 June 2008 when the long term projection assessment in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Clare will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32349/09]

The Forward Planning Section of my Department is in the process of identifying the areas, throughout the country, 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.

The accommodation needs at the school referred to by the Deputy will be considered both within this context and in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme.

Departmental Expenditure.

Joan Burton

Question:

376 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Education and Science the percentage of payments made by his Department since 19 May 2009 to suppliers and other contractors which were paid in full within 15 days, within 30 days and longer than 30 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32410/09]

The Government Decision to reduce the payment period for commercial transactions from 30 to 15 calendar days came into effect from 15 June 2009. The records of payments to suppliers and other contractors made by my Department between 19 May 2009 and 17 September 2009 show that approximately 80% of payments were made within 15 days from the date of receipt of a valid invoice from a supplier, 15% of payments were made between 16 and 30 days while 5% of payments were made after 30 days.

My Department seeks to ensure that prompt payment is made to all suppliers while at the same time satisfying the requirement, under the Public Financial Procedures, that invoices are correctly certified as being in order for payment. In a small number of cases, owing to the nature of some of the services supplied to the Department, analysis of invoices before they can be approved for payment can be quite complex.

School Transport.

Billy Timmins

Question:

377 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding school transport in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32428/09]

My Department has requested Bus Éireann, which operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of my Department, to submit a report on the pupil referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. A decision on the pupil's eligibility for school transport will be made on receipt of this report.

Departmental Expenditure.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

378 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of capital expenditure on schools and other buildings envisaged as vital to maintain the ongoing basic operation of the education system at primary, secondary and third level; if he will provide a copy of his Department’s commissioned OECD report on the infrastructural deficits in the education system; and if the estimated cost of replacing one building at a third level college (details supplied) in Dublin 4 is €455 million. [32441/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, there is an ongoing need for capital investment in educational infrastructure in all sectors due to anticipated demographic increases which will lead to increasing enrolments and participation levels. There will also be a continuing requirement to upgrade existing accommodation in our schools and third-level institutions. The extent of capital expenditure in the education area, as in all other areas, has to take account of overall priorities. However, in recent years, investment in educational infrastructure has been given priority by this Government.

The 2009 capital allocation available to my Department amounts to €813.8m. The capital allocation for subsequent years will be determined as part of the Estimates processes and having regard to competing demands and priorities. Within the schools' sector the 2009 capital allocation amounts to €614m which is just €30m less than the 2008 outturn in the sector. This lower amount is sufficient to deliver the capital programme in 2009 due to the reductions emerging on tender prices for large scale projects, the positive impact of the 2008 rapid delivery programme of new schools in developing areas and the slow-down in the number of new applications for additional accommodation in existing schools.

In the higher education sector, the 2009 allocation amounts to almost €200m all of which is expected to be fully expended by the end of the year. The 2009 allocation is an increase of some €45m relative to the level of direct Exchequer capital expended in 2008 in this sector. Additionally it is the also the case that lower tenders are delivering better value for money on large scale projects.

The HEA is currently in discussions with the College to which the Deputy refers to clarify the most recent budget estimations for the project in question. I will arrange to forward a copy of the OECD report to the Deputy.

Educational Disadvantage.

David Stanton

Question:

379 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of funding allocated to a company (details supplied) in County Cork for work in DEIS schools in 2008, 2009 and projected for 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32443/09]

Funding in respect of 2008 and 2009 amounting to €62,000 and €64,000 respectively was allocated by my Department to the company referred to by the Deputy to provide performances on relevant topics and drama/arts workshops in disadvantaged schools in the area where the company is located. The company is among a number of Theatre and Arts Groups that received funding from my Department over the last ten years or so. This support was drawn from the Department's educational disadvantage budget which is primarily focussed on assisting schools in their efforts to cater for the specific educational needs of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

With the introduction of the DEIS (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) programme in 2006, significant additional capitation funding was made and continues to be made available to the 876 schools in DEIS. DEIS is designed to ensure that schools serving the most disadvantaged communities benefit from the maximum level of support available. There is a need to focus targeted resources on the schools in most need and this approach is in line with the broad thrust of the recommendations of the Comptroller and Auditor General which are set out in his report on Primary Disadvantage of 2006, which recommended that the Department should focus its educational disadvantage measures on those schools serving the most disadvantaged communities.

In light of the current economic downturn the Department's focus is to retain mainstream resources on core interventions in schools. Support for the Theatre Groups is not consistent with this focus and such spending cannot be regarded as a priority. While it is appreciated that the discontinuation of these resources will impact on the groups, given the extremely challenging economic circumstances, difficult decisions had to be made in order to contain public sector spending. As the main focus of Social Inclusion measures is to retain resources in DEIS schools, these schools may at their discretion choose to use some of their additional disadvantaged capitation to avail of the services provided by the Theatre Groups.

My Department fully appreciates the importance of arts and culture to children's education and personal development. The arts help to promote a child's self esteem and enjoyment of learning. They also provide an important vehicle for personal enrichment and cultural expression, as well as creating awareness and respect for other cultures. Working through the arts helps to nurture and develop cognitive, communicative, emotional, imaginative, aesthetic, social, and spiritual intelligences and skills. Learning through guided activity and discovery, with children as active agents in their own learning and enrichment, is a vital part of this process. This is why arts education, through Music, Visual Arts, and Drama, and of course, through language, forms an integral part of the primary curriculum. Schools in DEIS are particularly aware of the importance of the arts in addressing disadvantage, and in promoting success in learning. Many schools in DEIS use the flexible budgets they receive to promote integrated links with community arts organisations and to offer enrichment programmes in support of the curriculum.

Teaching Qualifications.

Brian Hayes

Question:

380 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from St. Patrick’s College of Education, Drumcondra, Dublin, with a bachelor of education degree in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32444/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

381 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from St. Patrick’s College of Education, Drumcondra, Dublin, with a postgraduate qualification in primary education in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32445/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

382 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from Coláiste Mhuire, Marino, Dublin, with a bachelor of education degree in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32446/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

383 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from Coláiste Mhuire Marino, Dublin, with a postgraduate qualification in primary education in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32447/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

384 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick, with a bachelor of education degree in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32448/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

385 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick, with a postgraduate qualification in primary education in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32449/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

386 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from Froebel College of Education, Blackrock, Dublin, with a bachelor of education degree in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32450/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

387 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from Froebel College of Education, Blackrock, Dublin, with a postgraduate qualification in primary education in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32451/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

388 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines, Dublin, with a bachelor of education degree in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32452/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

389 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of students who qualified from Hibernia College, Dublin, with a postgraduate qualification in primary education in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32453/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 to 389, inclusive, together.

My Department has an arrangement with the Colleges of Education whereby data on the student and graduate numbers is collected twice a year. The intention of this arrangement is to collate the data at optimum times in order to capture full and accurate information. This process is now taking place and I hope to have the information that the Deputy requests in the coming weeks. My Department will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as it is available.

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

390 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of primary schools where a teaching post was suppressed due to his decision to increase the staffing schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32454/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

392 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of primary schools in which an English language resource teaching post was suppressed by his decision to change the criteria by which such posts were allocated to schools; the number of such posts suppressed in each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32456/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

415 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown by panel area of the number of primary teachers who were redeployed through the panel system in the last quarter of the 2008-2009 school year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32479/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

416 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of posts suppressed in primary schools at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year; the reason for the suppression of these posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32480/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

417 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of primary schools where a post was suppressed at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year; the reason for the suppression of those posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32481/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

418 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the name and address of each primary school which gained a teaching post at the start of the 2009-2010 academic year due to the enrolment figures on 30 September 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32482/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 390, 392 and 415 to 418, inclusive, together.

The budget measures will impact on individual schools in different ways depending on whether enrolment is rising or declining and the degree to which any one school has more teachers than it is entitled to under the allocation processes. My Department does not keep dual records for teacher allocations to schools based on what they might have been if there were no budget changes. In terms of the position at individual school level the key factor for determining the level of resources provided by my Department is the pupil enrolment at 30 September 2008.

The level of extra teaching support provided in respect of language support to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled and the associated assessed levels of these pupils' language proficiency. It is an annual allocation process that commences in the Spring of each year when schools apply to my Department. Language support posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed following clarification of actual enrolments on 30th September.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department has published provisional information on the Department's website about teacher allocations for 2009/10 school year. This was done as a first step at improving the level of information in the public domain about changes to the staffing allocations in primary schools. The allocations are provisional at this stage and reflect the initial allocation position. Allocations are continuing in respect of special needs, language support and developing posts. The final position for any one school will also depend on a number of other factors such as the outcome of appeals processes and the operation of redeployment arrangements which can mean a teacher remains in his or her existing primary school where a suitable redeployment position does not exist.

The final staffing position for all schools will therefore not be known until later in the autumn. At that stage the allocation process will be fully completed and I remain committed to publishing updated information on teacher allocations which will also include aggregate information on the numbers of primary teachers redeployed through the panel system. At that stage a comparison can also be made between the level of resources allocated to schools this year compared to last year.

Brian Hayes

Question:

391 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of post-primary schools where a teaching post was suppressed due to his decision to increase the staffing schedule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32455/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

393 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of post-primary schools in which an English language resource teaching post was suppressed by his decision to change the criteria by which such posts were allocated to schools; the number of such posts suppressed in each school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32457/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 391 and 393 together.

Teacher allocations to second level schools are approved annually by my Department in accordance with established rules based on recognised pupil enrolment. At the level of individual schools the budget 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. My Department does not keep dual records for teacher allocations to schools based on what they might have been if there were no budget changes.

The level of extra teaching support provided in respect of language support to any school is determined by the numbers of eligible non-English speaking students enrolled and the associated assessed levels of these pupils' language proficiency. It is an annual allocation process that commences in the Spring of each year when schools apply to my Department. Language support posts are approved on a provisional basis initially and will be confirmed following clarification of actual enrolments on 30th September.

Provisional information on teacher allocations to second level schools, whether enrolment related or otherwise, was published on my Department's website. The information represents the position at the time of publication and is not the final position. At this point the allocations process for special needs, language support etc. is still underway. The information on the Department's website will be further updated later in the year when the allocation process is fully completed. At that stage a comparison can be made between the level of resources allocated to schools this year compared to last year.

Question No. 392 answered with Question No. 390.
Question No. 393 answered with Question No. 391.

Special Educational Needs.

Brian Hayes

Question:

394 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of schools in which a special class for children with mild general learning difficulties was suppressed earlier in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32458/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

395 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the details of additional resources supplied by his Department in the 2009/2010 school year to the pupils who were enrolled in special classes for children with mild general learning difficulties suppressed earlier in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32459/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.

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; therefore schools no longer qualify to retain the classes.

Some schools have advised that they had enrolled children with a low incidence disability in classes intended for pupils with a mild general learning disability. These children may qualify for individual resource teaching support through the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and these schools were advised that it is open to them to liaise with the local Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO) in this regard. The Deputy will appreciate that the NCSE allocates such resources and my Department does not retain records in relation to individual allocations. I have arranged for the Deputy's query in relation to this issue to be forwarded to the NCSE for their direct reply.

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.

Details of the schools where classes for MGLD were suppressed are set out below for the Deputy's information.

Mild General Learning Disability (MGLD) Classes in Mainstream Schools

School name

Address

Bailieboro N S

Bailieboro, Co Cavan

Clochar San Dominic

Dunlaoghaire, Co Dublin

Scoil Colmcille Senior

Wyattville, Ballybrack, Co Dublin

Archbishop Mcquaid National School

Loughlinstown, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin

Brackenstown Senior N S

Brackenstown, Swords, Co Dublin

St Helens Senior N S

Martello, Portmarnock, Co Dublin

Scoil Ursula

Blackrock, Co Cork

Scoil Mhuire Banrion

Mayfield, Cork

Our Lady Of Mercy N S

Bantry, Co Cork

Mallow Con N S

Mallow, Co Cork

Rathcormac N S

Rathcormac, Co Cork

Sn Louise De Marillac C

Drumfin rd, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Sn Louise De Marillac

Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Sn Banrion Na Naingeal1

Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Bainrion Na N-Aingal 2

Ballyfermot Upper, Dublin 10

St Gabriels Ns

Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

St Michaels Ns

Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

St Raphaels Ns

Dominican Convent, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

Scoil Mhuire/Seosamh

Mount La Salle, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10

St Josephs G N S

Barry Avenue, Finglas West, Dublin 11

St Kevins B N S

Barry Avenue, Finglas North-West, Dublin 11

Sn An Spioraid Naiomh C

Sillogue rd, Ballymun, Dublin 11

St Josephs Jnr

Balcurris, Ballymun, Dublin 11

St Josephs Senior N S

Balcurris, Ballymun, Dublin 11

St Brigids Senior Girls

St Brigids Senior Girls, Finglas West, Dublin 11

Scoil Mhuire Ogh 1

Loreto College, Crumlin rd, Dublin 12

Muire Na Dea Coirle G

Mourne rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

Muire Na Dea Coirle Inf

Mourne rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

Muire Og 2 Loreto Con

Crumlin rd, Dublin 12

St Peters B N S

Limekiln rd, Greenhills, Dublin 12

St Pauls G N S

Greenhills, Kimmage West, Dublin 12

Lady Of Good Counsel Ns

Mourne rd, Drimnagh, Dublin 12

Holy Cross N S

Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14

Ladyswell N S

Ladywell, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

Scoil Mhuire Sin

Blackestown, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15

Scoil Mhuire

Ballyboden, Dublin 16

St Francis Junior National School

Priorswood, Dublin 17

St Josephs Ns

Macroom Road, Bonnybrook, Dublin 17

Scoil Nano Nagle

Bawnoge, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Neillstown N S

St Peter Apostle N.S, Neillstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

St Marys Junior N S

Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

St Peter Apostle Sen Ns

Neillstown, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

St Ronans N S

Deansrath, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

St Bernadettes Senior N S

Quarryvale, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Sacred Heart N S

Sruleen, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

St Marys School

Greenhills rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Scoil N An Croi Ro Naofa

Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24

S N Aenghusa

Scoil N Aenghusa Sin, Balrothery, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Scoil Cnoc Mhuire Sin

Knockmore Ave, Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24

An Chroi Ro Naofa Sois

Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Scoil Cnoc Mhuire Junior

Knockmore Ave, Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24

St Brigids N S

St. Brigid’s N.S., Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

St Aidans Ns

Brookfield, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Scoil Chaitlin Maude

Cnoc Mhuire, Tamhlacht, Baile Atha Cliath 24

Holy Rosary Primary School

Old Court Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24

St Dominics N S

Tallaght, Dublin 24

St Annes Primary School

Fettercairn, Tallaght, Dublin 24

St Marks Sen Ns

Springfield, Tallaght, Dublin24

St Marys N S

Windsor Ave., Fairview, Dublin 3

Scoil Bhreandain

Coolock, Dublin 5

S N Caitriona Naionain

Coolock, Dublin 5

St Eithnes Senior G N S

Edenmore, Raheny, Dublin 5

Cromcastle Green B N S

Kilmore rd West, Artane, Dublin 5

Scoil Nais Ide Cailini

Kilmore rd West, Artane, Dublin 5

St Malachys B N S

Edenmore, Raheny, Dublin 5

Dominican Convent Girls

Cabra, Dublin 7

St Gabriels N S

Cowper Street, Dublin 7

Goldenbridge Convent

Goldenbridge, Inchicore , Dublin 8

Presentation Primary School

Blackpitts, Dublin 8

S N Muire Gan Smal B

Inchicore, Dublin 8

Sancta Maria C B S

Synge St, Dublin 8

Scoil Na Mbrathar

Francis St, Dublin 8

Scoil Seamus C B S

James St, Dublin 8

St Audoens Ns

Cook Street, Dublin 8

Scoil Treasa Naofa

Petrie Road, Donroe Avenue, Dublin 8

St Patricks N School

Drumcondra, Dublin 9

An Leinbh Iosa Cailini

Whitehall, Dublin 9

Sn Na Maighdine Muire B

Ballymun, Dublin 9

S N Caitriona Sois

Renmore, Galway

Sn Caitriona Sinsear

Renmore, Galway

Scoil An Chroi Naofa

Ballinasloe, Co Galway

St Olivers Ns

Ballycasheen, Killarney, Co Kerry

Scoil Mhichil Naofa

Athy, Co Kildare

St Patricks Ns

Drumshambo, Co Leitrim

Corpus Christi N S

Moyross, Limerick

Galvone Ns

Kennedy Park, Limerick City

Scoil O Curain B

Newcastlewest, Co Limerick

Scoil Mhainchin Buach

Bothar Siolroin, Limerick

S N Ard Mhuire C

Ballsgrove, Drogheda, Co Louth

Scoil Iosa

Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

St Marys Convent N S

Trim, Co Meath

St Marys Bns

St Mary’s Hill, Monaghan

Mercy Primary School

Birr, Co Offaly

St Brendans Monastery

Birr Monastery, Birr, Co Offaly

S N Naomh Brighde Buach

Tullamore, Co Offaly

St Annes Con N S

Castlerea, Co Roscommon

St Marys Convent

Nenagh, Co Tipperary

Sacred Heart Primary School

Roscrea, Co Tipperary

Scoil Na Mbraithre

Nenagh, Co Tipperary

St Senans National Sch

Templeshannon, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford

Sisters Of Charity N S

Ravenswell Convent, Ravenswell, Bray, Co Wicklow

Clochar Muire N S

Rathdrum, Co Wicklow

St Fergals Junior National School

Ballywaltrim, Bray, Co Wicklow

St Laurences N S

Kindlestown, Greystones, Co Wicklow

An T Inbhear Mor B N S

Arklow, Co Wicklow

S N Naomh Michael

Arklow Convent, Arklow, Co Wicklow

St Josephs N S

Templerainey, Arklow, Co Wicklow

Scoil An Choroin Mhuire

Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow

St Fergals Senior Ns

Ballywaltrim, Bray, Co Wicklow

School Staffing.

Brian Hayes

Question:

396 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers retired from primary schools in each month from January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32460/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

397 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary teachers who retired from post primary schools during the period January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32461/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

398 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary principal teachers who retired from primary schools in each month from January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32462/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

399 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary principal teachers who retired from post primary schools during the period January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32463/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

400 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary deputy principal teachers who retired during the period January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32464/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

401 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers holding an assistant principal’s post who retired from primary schools in each month from January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32465/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

402 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of post primary teachers holding an assistant principal’s post who retired from post primary schools in each month from January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32466/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

403 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers holding a special duties allowance who retired from primary schools during the period January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32467/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

404 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers holding a special duties allowance who retired from post primary schools during the period January to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32468/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

431 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary deputy principal teachers who retired from primary schools in each month from January 2009 to August 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32616/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 396 to 404, inclusive, and 431 together.

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the Tabular Statement. Retirements numbers for September are also included but this may, of course, change before the end of this month. The figures for post-primary teachers do not include VEC teachers where the retirements and pension benefit awards are made by the relevant VEC.

Retirement of teachers — January to September 2009

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Total

Primary School Teachers

Principal

15

1

2

8

1

2

3

175

43

250

Deputy Principal

7

5

2

1

1

142

39

197

Assistant Principal

6

1

0

99

22

128

Special Duties

6

1

2

1

1

123

34

168

Sub-total

34

2

8

12

1

4

5

539

138

743

Mainstream teachers

7

1

0

0

0

1

1

56

16

82

Grand Total

41

3

8

12

1

5

6

595

154

825

Secondary, Community and Comprehensive School Teachers

Principal

4

1

0

2

1

0

1

53

5

67

Deputy Principal

2

1

1

0

1

0

0

44

1

50

Assistant Principal

7

4

5

12

1

4

2

373

40

448

Special Duties

1

3

1

1

3

3

2

81

7

102

Sub-total

14

9

7

15

6

7

5

551

53

667

Mainstream teachers

1

0

1

1

2

1

2

41

1

50

Grand Total

15

9

8

16

8

8

7

592

54

717

Brian Hayes

Question:

405 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers holding a special duties post who were promoted to the post of principal since the imposition of the embargo on promotion in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32469/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

406 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers holding an assistant principal post who were promoted to the post of principal since the imposition of the embargo on promotion in the public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32470/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 406 together.

The number of primary teachers holding special duties posts who were promoted to the post of Principal since 27 March 2009 is 65.

The number of primary teachers holding assistant principal posts who were appointed to the post of Principal since 27 March 2009 is 12.

Brian Hayes

Question:

407 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers in temporary positions paid at the unqualified rate during the first two weeks in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32471/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

408 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of primary schools in which teachers in temporary positions were paid at the unqualified rate during the first two weeks in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32472/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 407 and 408 together.

Teachers in primary schools are appointed and employed by the managerial authorities of the schools. They are paid salary on behalf of the managerial authorities by my Department.

There are no unqualified teachers being paid on my Department's payroll and employed in primary schools in a temporary full time capacity in the period referred to by the Deputy.

However, there were 137 primary teachers appointed in a temporary capacity who are paid at the unqualified rate. These are awaiting registration with the Teaching Council. On confirmation of registration they will be paid at the qualified rate.

Brian Hayes

Question:

409 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of retired primary teachers being paid for temporary work in schools during the first two weeks in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32473/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

410 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the names and addresses of primary schools in which retired primary teachers were paid for temporary work during the first two weeks in September 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32474/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 409 and 410 together.

Teachers in primary schools are appointed and employed by the managerial authorities of schools. They are paid salaries on behalf of the managerial authorities by my Department.

The information obtained from the payroll database indicates that ten retired teachers were employed in a temporary capacity during the period referred to by the Deputy.

The data available to my Department at present indicates that those teachers are employed for short periods.

The information requested by the Deputy regarding the names and addresses of the schools in which the retired teachers are employed is not being provided as it may lead to the personal identification of the individual teachers.

Brian Hayes

Question:

411 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who qualified outside the State who were appointed to a permanent position in a primary school in the past two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32475/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

412 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of primary teachers who qualified outside the State who were appointed to a temporary position in a primary school in the past two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32476/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 411 and 412 together.

The Teaching Council was established on a statutory basis in March 2006 to promote teaching as a profession at primary and post-primary levels in Ireland. Teachers who have met the registration requirements of the Teaching Council are permitted to teach in State recognised primary and post-primary schools and have their salaries paid from state funds.

Registration as a teacher at primary or post-primary (including further education) level is governed by Section 31(5) of the Teaching Council Act, 2001. The application process involves the submission of an application form, together with transcripts, proof of identity, evidence of character, other documentary evidence and the application fee. Each application is assessed having regard to set criteria in relation to qualifications and teaching experience as well as evidence of character. At the end of that process, registration may be granted in full or with conditions, or refused.

Teachers are paid according to the level of their assessed qualifications. The details of where these qualifications were obtained are not held centrally on my Department's payroll systems. My Department will arrange for the Teaching Council to provide the Deputy with the number of primary teachers recently registered with Irish qualifications and the number registered with qualifications from outside the State.

Brian Hayes

Question:

413 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers who qualified from colleges of education here in 2009 who were appointed to a permanent position in a primary school in the past two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32477/09]

Brian Hayes

Question:

414 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of teachers who qualified from colleges of education here in 2009 who were appointed to a temporary position in a primary school in the past two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32478/09]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 413 and 414 together.

Registration as a teacher at primary or post-primary (including further education) level is governed by Section 31(5) of the Teaching Council Act, 2001. The application process involves the submission of an application form, together with transcripts, proof of identity, evidence of character, other documentary evidence and the application fee. Each application is assessed having regard to set criteria in relation to qualifications and teaching experience as well as evidence of character.

Teachers are paid according to the level of their assessed qualifications. The details of where these qualifications were gained are not held centrally on my Department's payroll systems and therefore it is not possible to extract the number of teachers appointed who qualified from Irish colleges of education in 2009.

However, I will arrange for information in relation to the number of first time appointments to permanent and temporary posts in primary schools in the 2009/2010 school year to date to be forwarded to the Deputy.

Questions Nos. 415 to 418, inclusive, answered with Question No. 390.

Educational Projects.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

419 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason Ireland has not taken part in international surveys on achievement at primary level since 1995; the steps he proposes to take to correct this omission; the reason Ireland should continue to benchmark its educational achievements at primary level from an educational and competitiveness point of view; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32483/09]

Ireland participated in the IEA Reading Literacy Survey in 1991 and in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Survey in 1995. Since then, national surveys of literacy and mathematics achievement have been conducted at two grade levels in primary schools in 2004 and 2009, and at one grade level in 1998/99. Ireland participated in the Programme for International Student Achievement for fifteen-year olds in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009. The Educational Research Centre conducted all of the above surveys on behalf of my Department. Data were collected internationally for Trends in International Mathematics and Science Survey (TIMMS) in 1999, 2003 and 2007 and for the Progress in International Reading Literacy Survey (PIRLS) in 2001 and 2006, but Ireland did not participate in these studies.

A decision to participate in international surveys has to take account of the research capacity available to administer the surveys, the overall cost of participation and the likely benefits. Arising from Ireland's participation in the first three cycles of PISA, information is readily available on trends in achievement in reading literacy, science and mathematics and a range of other learning outcomes for lower secondary education. As new curricula were being introduced in primary schools from 2001 to 2007, it was not opportune to participate in international studies of curriculum at that stage. The absence of key EU countries from PIRLS and the predominance of developing countries in the survey were also factors in the decision not to participate in the survey. The Department will consider participation in future international studies at primary level in the light of the resources available and the anticipated needs of the education system for evidence for the development of curriculum policy for primary education.

State Examinations.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

420 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on concerns that the education standards at leaving certificate level have been lowered and simplified in order to maintain or enhance examination results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32484/09]

The State Examinations Commission was established by Government in 2003 to assume operational responsibility for the certificate examinations. The role of SEC is to provide a high quality examination and assessment system incorporating the highest standards of openness, fairness and accountability. As part of its remit the SEC is enjoined to maintain standards year on year, and this is achieved through the quality assurance procedures put in place in the preparation of test items and examination papers, in the marking of the examinations, and in the administration of the appeal processes.

All of the SEC's examinations are prepared in accordance with the principles outlined in the document, The Preparation of Test Items — Principles and Protocol, available on its website at www.examinations.ie. The processes operate in accordance with key principles of validity (that the examination measures what is intended in keeping with the syllabus), and reliability (that the examinations produce results which are consistent). Content standards for the syllabus are determined by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, and these are put into effect as a set of performance standards by the SEC.

Examiners receive training, scripts are monitored and a sample is re-marked to ensure that the established standard is applied consistently. In addition, marking schemes are published, and candidates may review their scripts against the marking scheme before making a decision on an appeal. Both the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the State Examinations Commission participate in international educational networks and keep abreast of international developments in this area. In addition, the NCCA engages in widespread consultation with educational and industry stakeholders in regard to ongoing curriculum reform, to ensure that Ireland's education system maintains its quality and relevance in line with best practice.

Ireland has participated in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment of 15 year olds in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009, and the results to date show little variation. In addition to the above, a comparability study and benchmarking exercise of selected subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate against those subjects at A level in the UK was competed by an Expert Group in 2003. The subjects selected for the comparability study were Mathematics, English and Chemistry. The process concluded in the Expert Group's agreement to treat a single Irish Leaving Certificate subject at Higher Level as equivalent to two thirds of an A Level. The approach enabled agreement to be reached on the allocation of UCAS Tariff points to CAO points for the purpose of entry to higher education in the UK. The agreement was put into effect from 2005 onwards. Overall, insofar as can be determined within a context where curriculum continues to evolve in line with changing needs, the information available would suggest that consistent standards are being maintained in the examinations from year to year.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

421 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to conduct research at second level which would examine the outcomes of the leaving certificate examinations with a view to comparing those outcomes with internationally comparable standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32485/09]

I have no plans to conduct research to benchmark the outcomes of the Leaving Certificate against international performance. My Department is not aware of the availability of internationally standardized test instruments or protocols which would enable this to be done readily for this age group. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment published a comparative study in international developments in upper secondary education in 2003. The study highlights the difficulties in comparing the outcomes of post compulsory education given the differing systems across countries. Systems differ in their objectives and structures, their level of academic and vocational integration, the provision of alternance systems, the duration, number of subjects studied, and the impact this has on depth and breadth of learning in individual fields.

Indeed, even within senior cycle education in Ireland, outcomes differ significantly depending on the programme followed, the number of subjects taken, the level at which they are assessed, and the grades achieved. Ireland has participated in the OECD Programme for International Student Assessment in 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009, and in the International Civic and Citizenship Survey in 2009. PISA assesses the performance of 15 year olds across 57 countries in the domains of reading literacy, mathematics and science. The 2006 results show that Ireland:

performed very well in reading, ranking 6th out of 56 countries and 2nd in the EU.

had a mean score which was significantly above average in science, ranking 20th out of the 57 countries

performed at the OECD average in Mathematics, ranking 22nd of 57 countries. There were fewer lower achievers and higher achievers than the OECD average, with the majority of Irish pupils scoring in the mid range of achievement. The results of PISA show performance is largely unchanged in 2006 relative to previous surveys.

In addition to the above, a comparability study and benchmarking exercise of selected subjects in the Irish Leaving Certificate against those subjects at A level in the UK was completed by an Expert Group in 2003. The subjects selected for the comparability study were Mathematics, English and Chemistry. The process concluded in the Expert Group's agreement to treat a single Irish Leaving Certificate subject at Higher Level as equivalent to two thirds of an A Level. The approach enabled agreement to be reached on the allocation of UCAS Tariff points to CAO points for the purpose of entry to higher education in the UK. The agreement was put into effect from 2005 onwards.

Both the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment and the State Examinations Commission participate in international educational networks and keep abreast of international developments in this area. In addition, the NCCA engages in widespread consultation with educational and industry stakeholders in regard to ongoing curriculum reform, to ensure that Ireland's education system maintains its quality and relevance in line with best practice.

Special Educational Needs.

Noel Coonan

Question:

422 Deputy Noel J. Coonan asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has been refused a special needs assistant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32496/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Finian McGrath

Question:

423 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [32504/09]

I assume the Deputy is referring to the discontinuation of the Special Class for pupils with a Mild General Learning Disability (MGLD) in the school in question. 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 the school referred to by the Deputy and therefore the school no longer qualifies to retain the class concerned. The special class which has closed pre-dates the 2005 General Allocation Model of allocating additional teacher support to schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with mild general learning disabilities as well as a number of other high incidence disabilities. All primary schools now have additional teaching support in place for this purpose.

All children with MGLD who were in the class that has been suppressed will be able to receive teaching support through the teaching resources allocated to primary schools under the General Allocation Model. Schools decide themselves how best to use this allocation based on the needs of the pupils and how to adjust their support in line with the changing needs of pupils as they mature. My Department provided a circular SP ED 02/05 to schools to assist them in deploying the General Allocation Model resources.

The Deputy will be aware that my Department's policy is to support the inclusive education of students with special educational needs across the schools system. In this context, a range of supports are provided to schools to enable them cater for pupils with special educational needs. The supports available include additional teaching support, special needs assistant support, school transport and grants for the purchase of teaching materials and specialised equipment.

The Deputy will also be aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie.

Pension Provisions.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

424 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance available to a person (details supplied) to avail of a pension regarding the circumstances surrounding this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32537/09]

The person in question worked for over 22 years as a secondary school teacher until 2003 when he reached mandatory retirement age. Throughout the duration of his service it was open to him on a voluntary basis to become a member of the secondary teachers superannuation scheme which is a contributory scheme. However he did not do so. Accordingly, he was not eligible for any superannuation benefits on retirement. As a non-member of the superannuation scheme he would have paid full rate Pay Related Social Insurance and may have qualified for pension benefits under the social welfare code.

In 1996 under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work (PCW) for teachers significant improvements in superannuation arrangements were introduced. These improvements included a provision whereby, a teacher who became a member of the superannuation scheme could, while in service, retrospectively purchase certain earlier service which s/he had given prior to becoming a member of the scheme. These new arrangements were advised to secondary schools at the time. In addition an information booklet on the superannuation provisions in a Questions and Answers format was issued to secondary schools in 1999/2000. The person in question did not opt to join the superannuation scheme during his service. It is not possible subsequent to retirement to become a member of the scheme or to avail of its benefits as the superannuation scheme does not allow such arrangements.

The matter was considered by the Pensions Ombudsman. However, he formed the view that the Department did not have any discretionary powers to grant a pension and that, in the circumstances, the Pensions Ombudsman did not have any powers to assist the person.

Schools Building Projects.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

425 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application by a school (details supplied) in County Longford. [32560/09]

The building project at the school referred to by the Deputy is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. My Department recently received a Stage 2b submission from the VEC and their design team. Following an initial assessment by my Department and a subsequent meeting with the VEC and their design team, it was pointed out that several items of a technical nature need to be addressed by the design team before this stage can be approved. The VEC and their design team are currently working on the necessary alterations and will submit a revised Stage 2b to my Department in due course.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

426 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application by a school (details supplies) in County Westmeath for a primary school building. [32561/09]

The project for the school referred to by the Deputy has been approved to progress to architectural planning and the project is currently awaiting the appointment of a Design Team. My Department has recently commissioned a study of the school site and is now considering the Engineer's report. Following review of this report my Department will revert to the school regarding the next steps in the progression of the project towards appointment of a Design Team.

Mary O'Rourke

Question:

427 Deputy Mary O’Rourke asked the Minister for Education and Science the status of an application by a school (details supplied). [32562/09]

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that plans are well in train to re-locate the school to which she refers to alternative accommodation. The planning and Building Unit of my Department is working closely with the school authority to ensure that the transfer to this accommodation is as smooth as possible. With regard to the school's application for a new building, this, in common with all such applications, has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned an appropriate band rating. Information in respect of the current school building programme along with all assessed applications for major capital works, including the project in question, are now available on my Departments website at www.education.ie.

The priority attaching to individual projects is determined by published prioritisation criteria, which were formulated following consultation with the Education Partners. There are four band ratings under these criteria, each of which describes the extent of accommodation required and the urgency attaching to it. Band 1 is the highest priority rating and Band 4 is the lowest. Documents explaining the band rating system are also available on my Department's website.

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.

Tom Hayes

Question:

428 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the funding which has been approved in the past year in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if there are further applications for funding with his Department. [32563/09]

The school to which the Deputy refers received a Minor Works grant of €6,166 in December 2008. This annual grant can be used by schools to carry out works of a minor nature. The school was recently approved funding to provide an additional permanent classroom. There are no further applications for capital funding with my Department at present for this school.

Special Educational Needs.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

429 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when classroom assistance will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32583/09]

As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

430 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Education and Science when classroom assistance can be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32584/09]

I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to special needs assistant support. As the Deputy will be aware, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is responsible, through its network of local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs), for allocating resource teachers and Special Needs Assistants to schools to support children with special needs. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support. All schools have the names and contact details of their local SENO. Parents may also contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. I have arranged for the details supplied by the Deputy to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

Question No. 431 answered with Question No. 396.

National Lottery Funding.

John O'Mahony

Question:

432 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Education and Science the recipients of National Lottery funding for 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and the amount given in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32786/09]

In the years 2005 to 2008 the vast majority of the National Lottery funds disbursed by my Department arose from the payment of grants to support Youth Services. National Lottery funds were also disbursed to support Local Drugs Task Forces, Cultural Activities, Irish Language and Adult Education Organisations. Grants to support mainline youth activities were paid directly to national and major regional youth organisations by means of the Youth Services Grant Scheme.

Certain other Youth grants were paid via the Vocation Education Committees or via National/Regional Youth Organisations. Due to the funding arrangements in place to pay allocations to either national/regional organisations or VEC committees it is not possible for the Department to identify to the Deputy each individual group for which a grant was paid in those years.

Data relating to National Lottery funds disbursed by my Department are included in the annual Appropriation Accounts of the Department which are published by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Extracts from the accounts, identifying the National Lottery funds disbursed for the years 2005 to 2008, are set out below in tabular form.

With effect from 1 January 2009 Departmental administrative and Ministerial functions in relation to Youth Affairs Section were transferred from my Department to the Department of Health and Children. If the Deputy has a particular interest in an organisation/project funded by National Lottery funds I would be happy to have my officials obtain the relevant details and communicate them to him.

NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING

National Lottery Voted Funds — Payments in the year ended 31 December 2005

General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.)

33,885,122

Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.)

253,500

Irish Language (Subhead B.10.)

1,203,112

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.)

848,000

36,189,734

Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and OtherExpenditure in relation to Youth Activities

An Óige

200,000

Ballinrobe Area Youth Project, Co Mayo

25,000

Blanchardstown Youth Service Computer Clubhouse

60,000

Cahir Youth Project, Co Tipperary

12,500

Carrigtwohill Area Youth Project, Co. Cork

25,000

Causeway

89,052

Child Protection Training

118,114

Citywise Youth Project, Co. Dublin

12,500

Co. Longford Youth Services

46,000

Cobh Youth Services

46,000

Co-operation Ireland

50,155

Council of Europe English Language Course

42,700

Credit paid over from suspense account

(73)

Daybreak Programme

46,000

Development Fund for Youth Organisations funded under the Youth Service Grant Scheme

300,639

Dunmore/Glenamaddy Youth Project Co. Galway

15,000

European Children’s Theatre Encounter, Cork

30,000

Fethard Area Youth Project, Co Tipperary

25,000

Foroige

52,750

Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme

730,000

Girls Brigade

20,000

Graiguecullen Youth Project

46,000

Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A)

10,965,762

Gweedore Youth Project, Co. Donegal

25,000

Introart

18,000

Irish Deaf Youth Association, Dublin

25,000

Irish Girl Guides

50,000

Kildare Youth Project

46,000

Leargas

506,855

Leargas Youth Week, 2005

20,989

Local Voluntary Youth Councils

65,000

Local Youth Club Grants Scheme

1,270,004

Mid-Way Youth Project, Co Waterford

25,000

Miscellaneous

6,315

Miscellaneous — Youth Information

6,245

National Association of Traveller Centres

21,000

National Youth Arts Programme

63,400

National Youth Conference

11,946

National Youth Council of Ireland

51,000

National Youth Council of Ireland

30,000

National Youth Federation

5,000

National Youth Health Programme

98,787

National Youth Work Advisory Committee

11,167

National Youth Work Development Plan

460,000

Ogras

4,400

Order of Malta

16,000

Other Projects under Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B)

223,637

Rathmines Area Youth Project

25,000

Review of Youth Information Services

57,626

Review of Youth Work

71,684

Scouting Ireland

42,000

Services to Young Travellers, Tallaght

46,000

Shannon Youth Project

46,000

Sliabh Luachra Youth Project

46,000

Special Project for Youth Schemes

14,588,023

The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre

46,000

Tipperary Regional Youth Service

2,400

Transition Support Project, Dublin

46,000

Traveller Visibility Group, Cork

25,000

Waterford Youth Committee Transport Project

25,000

Waterford/Dungarvan Youth Information Centre

20,000

YMCA Project, Dublin

12,500

Young Citizen Award

19,975

Young Mothers in Education Project, Galway

25,000

Youth Card/USIT

5,618

Youth Development Officer posts for VEC’s

635,002

Youth Information Centres

1,926,450

Total

33,885,122

Cultural Activities

Cultural Organisations (Schedule C)

253,500

Irish Language

Courses in Irish

69,000

Publications in Irish

1,134,112

Total

1,203,112

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations

Aontas

430,000

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

23,000

National Adult Literacy Agency

298,000

People’s College

97,000

Total

848,000

Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations

An Óige

219,583

Athlone Community Services

44,797

Catholic Guides of Ireland

313,719

Catholic Youth Care

1,033,620

Church of Ireland Youth Department

216,151

Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge

17,022

Confederation of Peace Corps

93,021

ECO — UNESCO Club

147,566

Experiment in International Living

32,400

Feachtas

107,120

Foróige

2,046,417

Girls’ Brigade

52,674

Irish Girl Guides

448,915

Junior Chamber Ireland

20,612

Macra Na Feirme

543,469

National Association for Youth Drama

121,234

National Federation of Archery Clubs

65,008

National Youth Council of Ireland

617,532

National Youth Federation

2,392,714

No Name Club

102,500

Ogra, Chorcaí

664,120

Ogras

225,371

Order of Malta

57,567

Scouting Ireland

1,035,227

Voluntary Services International

98,152

Young Christian Workers

114,835

YMCA

134,416

Total

10,965,762

Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth

City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant

118,354

Foróige Development Officer, North Co Dublin

46,600

Foróige Development Officer, Co Donegal VEC

32,533

Ronanstown Pilot Project

14,040

Sheelin Project, Co Cavan VEC

12,110

Total

223,637

Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations

Artane School of Music

44,500

Feis Maitiu

44,500

Foras Éireann

12,700

Irish Film Institute

14,000

National Youth Orchestra of Ireland

127,000

School Recital Scheme

10,800

Total

253,500

National Lottery Voted Funds — Payments in the year ended 31 December 2006

General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.)

36,664,106

Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.)

229,200

Irish Language (Subhead B.10.)

1,227,837

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.)

891,000

Total

39,012,143

Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and OtherExpenditure in relation to Youth Activities

Assessor of Youth Work — Salary Costs

29,144

Ballaghadereen Youth Project

50,000

Ballyphehane/Greenmount Project, Cork City

10,000

Belvedere Youth Project, Dublin

50,000

Bishopstown Youth Project, Cork City

50,000

Blanchardstown Youth Service Computer Clubhouse

20,000

Boys Brigade

5,000

Carrigtwohill Area Youth Project, Co. Cork

50,000

Catholic Guides

15,000

Catholic Youth Care

32,250

Causeway

89,246

Cavan RAPID Project

50,000

Child Protection Training

145,481

Church of Ireland Youth Department

15,000

Co-operation Ireland

52,663

Council of Europe English Language Course

45,000

Curragh Youth Project, Co. Kildare

60,000

Development Fund for Youth Work Organisations under the Youth Service Grant Scheme

252,530

Foróige

4,500

Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme

910,000

Gaisce — Funding towards 21st Century

17,237

Girls Brigade

3,000

Glen Youth Project, Cork City

12,500

Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A)

11,560,091

Gweedore Youth Project, Co. Donegal

50,000

ICTU

18,000

Irish Deaf Youth Association, Dublin

50,000

Leargas

547,655

Leargas Child Protection Seminar 2006

4,641

Local Voluntary Youth Councils

65,000

Local Youth Club Grants Scheme

635,002

Local Youth Club Grants Scheme — Administrative Costs

63,000

Lough Gur Project, Co. Limerick

25,000

Macra na Feirme

10,000

Mahon Youth Project, Cork City

12,500

Maynooth Diploma Course

160,000

Milford Community Youth Project, Donegal

50,000

Millstreet Youth Project, Co. Cork

50,000

Miscellaneous Expenses

6,555

Miscellaneous — Youth Information

5,132

Mitchels Youth Work Project, Tralee

50,000

National Association of Traveller Centres

20,000

National Association of Youth Drama

40,000

National Youth Arts Programme

111,845

National Youth Conference

21,061

National Youth Council of Ireland

48,665

National Youth Council of Ireland — IS&W

15,000

National Youth Health Programme

103,736

National Youth Work Advisory Committee

12,040

National Youth Work Development Plan

433,200

Northside Youth Project, Drogheda

50,000

North/South Youth work

4,000

Ogras

26,500

Order of Malta

20,000

Other Projects under Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B)

276,598

Rathkeale Youth Project

48,300

Rathmines Area Youth Project

50,000

Review of Youth Work

17,382

Scouting Ireland

9,000

Special Project for Youth Schemes

16,775,628

Strawberry Hill Youth Development Centre

10,000

The Base Special Youth Programme, Ballyfermot

50,000

The Hive Youth Café, New Ross

50,000

Tramore Youth Project, Waterford

50,000

YMCA Project, Dublin

12,500

Young Irish Film Makers

80,000

Young Mothers in Education Project, Galway

50,000

Youth Card/USIT

4,495

Youth Development Officer posts for VEC’s

926,450

Youth Drop-in Centre, Carraroe, Co Galway

50,000

Youth Information Centres

1,966,579

Total

36,664,106

Cultural Activities

Cultural Organisations (Schedule C)

229,200

Irish Language

Courses in Irish

1,227,837

Total

1,227,837

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations

Aontas

452,000

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

23,000

National Adult Literacy Agency

314,000

People’s College

102,000

Total

891,000

Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations

An Óige

224,157

Athlone Community Services

45,731

Boys Brigade

50,000

Catholic Guides of Ireland

320,255

Catholic Youth Care

1,055,153

Church of Ireland Youth Department

220,654

Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge

19,876

Confederation of Peace Corps

104,959

ECO — UNESCO Club

150,640

Experiment in International Living

33,075

Feachtas

109,351

Foróige

2,319,001

Girls’ Brigade

53,772

Irish Girl Guides

458,267

Junior Chamber Ireland

21,041

Macra Na Feirme

554,792

National Association for Youth Drama

123,759

National Federation of Archery Clubs

66,362

National Youth Council of Ireland

696,897

National Youth Federation (Youth Work Ireland)

2,442,563

No Name Club

109,562

Ogra, Chorcaí

677,956

Ogras

230,067

Order of Malta

58,766

Scouting Ireland

1,058,795

Voluntary Services International

100,197

Young Christian Workers

117,227

YMCA

137,216

Total

11,560,091

Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth

City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant

120,820

Foróige Development Officer, North Co Dublin

95,871

Foróige Development Officer, Co Donegal VEC

33,211

Ronanstown Pilot Project

14,333

Sheelin Project, Co Cavan VEC

12,363

Total

276,598

Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations

Artane School of Music

45,000

Feis Maitiu

44,500

Foras Éireann

12,700

National Youth Orchestra of Ireland

127,000

Total

229,200

National Lottery Voted Funds — Payments in the year ended 31 December 2007

General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.)

42,616,671

Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.)

229,700

Irish Language (Subhead B.10.)

1,178,401

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.)

929,000

Total

44,953,772

Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and OtherExpenditure in relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.)

Assessor of Youth Work — Salary Costs

79,124

Belvedere Youth Project, Dublin

60,000

Causeway

83,056

Child Protection Training

142,267

Co-operation Ireland

55,134

Council of Europe English Language Course

45,000

Curragh Youth Project, Co. Kildare

60,000

Development Fund for Youth Work Organisations

450,969

Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme

933,000

Garda Vetting

300,000

Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A)

12,698,180

Intercultural Strategy

90,000

Irish Girl Guides

35,250

Leargas

692,242

Local Voluntary Youth Councils

65,000

Local Youth Club Grants Scheme

1,600,003

Local Youth Club Grants Scheme — Administrative Costs

63,000

Maynooth Diploma Course

165,000

Milford Community Youth Project, Co. Donegal

13,500

Miscellaneous Expenses

17,235

Miscellaneous — Youth Information

8,365

National Association of Youth Drama

45,000

National Youth Arts Programme

127,000

National Youth Council of Ireland

15,000

National Youth Health Programme

123,500

National Youth Work Advisory Committee

8,568

No Name Club

101,663

North/South Youth Work

5,505

Ogras

24,600

Other Projects under Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B)

349,264

Remember US Youth Project

60,000

Scouting Ireland

291,000

Skibbereen Youth Project, Co Cork

13,500

Special Project for Youth Schemes

19,910,652

VEC’s — Additional Programme Costs

146,200

Young Irish Film Makers

80,000

Young Men’s Christian Association

26,500

Youth Card/USIT

4,640

Youth Officers — Capacity Development of VEC’s

1,488,815

Youth Information Centres

2,114,074

Youth Programme — External Evaluation

24,865

Total

42,616,671

Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.)

Cultural Organisations (Schedule C)

229,700

Irish Language (Subhead B.10.)

Courses in Irish

1,178,401

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.)

Aontas

472,000

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

23,000

National Adult Literacy Agency

327,000

People’s College

107,000

Total

929,000

Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations (Subhead B.9.)

An Óige

240,969

Athlone Community Services

49,161

Boys Brigade

75,250

Catholic Guides of Ireland

344,274

Catholic Youth Care

1,134,290

Church of Ireland Youth Department

237,203

Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge

21,367

Confederation of Peace Corps

171,956

ECO — UNESCO Club

161,938

Experiment in International Living

35,556

Feachtas

117,552

Foróige

2,492,926

Girls Brigade

57,805

Irish Girl Guides

562,512

Junior Chamber Ireland

22,619

Macra na Feirme

596,401

National Association for Youth Drama

133,041

National Federation of Archery Clubs

71,339

National Youth Council of Ireland

787,539

No Name Club

194,074

Ogra, Chorcaí

728,803

Ogras

247,322

Order of Malta

63,173

Scouting Ireland

1,144,117

Voluntary Services International

107,712

Young Christian Workers

126,019

YMCA

147,507

Youth Work Ireland

2,625,755

Total

12,698,180

Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth (Subhead B.9.)

City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant

129,881

Foróige Development Officer, North Co. Dublin

103,062

Foróige Development Officer, Co. Donegal VEC

87,624

Ronanstown Pilot Project

15,407

Sheelin Project, Co. Cavan VEC

13,290

Total

349,264

Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations (Subhead B.14.)

Artane School of Music

45,000

Feis Maitiu

45,000

Foras Éireann

12,700

National Youth Orchestra of Ireland

127,000

Total

229,700

National Lottery Voted Funds — Payments in the year ended 31 December 2008

General Expenses of Youth Organisations and Other Expenditure in Relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.)

43,567,137

Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.)

229,700

Irish Language (Subhead B.10.)

1,431,705

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.)

956,000

Total

46,184,542

Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Youth Organisations and OtherExpenditure in relation to Youth Activities (Subhead B.9.)

Causeway, Exchange Programme

72,298

Child Protection Unit

125,380

Co-operation Ireland Exchange Programme

49,270

City of Cork VEC

36,035

Development of Quality Standards Framework

30,613

Development Fund for Youth Work Organisations

300,000

Gaisce — President’s Award Scheme

956,000

Grants to Youth Organisations (Schedule A)

13,465,132

Intercultural Strategy

39,731

Leargas

638,552

Local Voluntary Youth Councils

58,500

Local Youth Club Grants Scheme

1,800,000

Maynooth Diploma Course

115,000

Maynooth Research

50,000

Milford Community Youth Project, Co. Donegal

15,000

Millstreet Youth Project/Club

30,000

Miscellaneous Expenses

4,498

Miscellaneous — Youth Information

8,735

National Association of Youth Drama

25,000

National Youth Arts Programme

154,278

National Youth Health Programme

142,000

National Youth Work Advisory Committee

6,092

North/South Youth Work

4,915

Other Projects including Disadvantaged Youth (Schedule B)

21,381,006

Quality Standards Framework — Salary and related expenses

89,771

Scouting Ireland

8,900

The Fuse Youth Café, Co. Cork

30,000

The Hive, Wexford

25,000

VEC’s — Capacity Development — Youth Officers

1,561,900

VEC’s — QSF Fund

144,000

Youth Card/USIT

4,164

Youth in Action Programme — Annual Declaration of Assurance — Leargas

4,437

Youth Officers — ICTU

9,000

Youth Information Centres

2,166,930

Youth Information — Support Partnership

15,000

Total

43,567,137

Cultural Activities (Subhead B.14.)

Cultural Organisations (Schedule C)

229,700

Irish Language (Subhead B.10.)

Courses in Irish

1,431,705

Expenses of Adult Education Organisations (Subhead B.1.)

Aontas

487,000

Irish Countrywomen’s Association

23,000

National Adult Literacy Agency

336,000

People’s College

110,000

Total

956,000

Schedule A: Grants to Youth Organisations (Subhead B.9.)

An Óige

246,993

Athlone Community Services

50,390

Boys Brigade

78,631

Catholic Guides of Ireland

354,381

Catholic Youth Care

1,295,147

Church of Ireland Youth Department

246,133

Comhthraenáil na nOgeagrais Gaeilge

21,901

Confederation of Peace Corps

176,255

ECO — UNESCO Club

167,486

Experiment in International Living

39,445

Feachtas

121,991

Foróige

2,590,249

Girls Brigade

62,250

Irish Girl Guides

596,575

Junior Chamber Ireland

23,184

Macra na Feirme

611,311

National Association for Youth Drama

139,367

National Federation of Archery Clubs

74,622

National Youth Council of Ireland

807,227

No Name Club

267,051

Ogra, Chorcaí

749,023

Ogras

255,005

Order of Malta

66,252

Scouting Ireland

1,202,720

Voluntary Services International

111,905

Young Christian Workers

130,669

YMCA

210,570

Young Irish Film Makers

47,000

Youth Work Ireland

2,721,399

Total

13,465,132

Schedule B: Special Projects for Youth (Subhead B.9.)

Dun Laoghaire VEC

501,901

City of Dublin VEC

4,782,197

City of Cork VEC

1,367,153

County Cork VEC

476,672

City of Galway VEC

1,128,766

Co. Galway VEC

38,823

Co. Leitrim VEC

39,109

City of Limerick VEC

482,143

Co. Limerick VEC

405,728

City of Waterford VEC

1,202,187

County Dublin VEC

2,745,071

Co. Wicklow VEC

300,815

Co. Kerry VEC

247,235

Co. Tipperary VEC

230,000

Catholic Youth Care

37,991

National Association of Travellers Centres

871,393

Youth Work Ireland

5,605,293

Offaly County Council

60,240

Tionscadal Oibre don Ogra

76,364

Health Service Executive

61,500

Co. Donegal VEC

106,441

Co. Wexford VEC

115,000

Co. Longford VEC

106,441

City of Dublin Youth Service Board — Annual Grant

133,128

Foróige Development Officer, North Co. Dublin

115,000

Foróige Development Officer, Co. Donegal VEC

115,000

Ronanstown Pilot Project

15,793

Sheelin Project, Co. Cavan VEC

13,622

Total

21,381,006

Schedule C: Analysis of Payments from the Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations (Subhead B.14.)

Artane School of Music

45,000

Feis Maitiu

45,000

Foras Éireann

12,700

National Youth Orchestra of Ireland

127,000

Total

229,700

Top