Written Answers.

The following are questions tabled by Members for written response and the ministerial replies as received on the day from the Departments [unrevised].

Questions Nos. 1 to 8, inclusive, answered orally.

Farm Waste Management.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

9 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of the farm waste management scheme in 2010; and if he will confirm that it will be awarded in January 2010 as promised. [36213/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The arrangements for payment of grants under the Farm Waste Management Scheme on a phased basis have been confirmed with 40 per cent being paid this year as claims are approved. A further 40 per cent will be paid in 2010 and the remaining 20 per cent in 2011. I have also announced that a special ex-gratia payment not exceeding 3.5 per cent of the value of the deferred amount will be made to farmers whose Farm Waste Management grants have been partially deferred. This payment will be made in 2011 along with the final instalment. All inspections have now been completed and, to date this year, almost €242 million has been paid out to farmers under the Scheme. It is my intention to pay the second instalment of grant-aid to farmers under the Scheme as early as possible in the new year.

Domestic Abattoirs.

Enda Kenny

Question:

10 Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the action he has taken to promote the operation of the small scale local abattoir; if he has instructed the Food Safety Authority Ireland to support the development of the small abattoir; the further action he has taken to promote the sale and consumption of locally produced food in local shops other than supermarkets and in Government Departments and agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36284/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department has awarded financial support to the small meat sector, which includes small slaughterhouses and low-throughput meat establishments. Following a call for applications in December 2007, and a detailed selection and evaluation process in 2008, a total of €7.8m has been awarded to 31 enterprises. This funding will assist food business operators in the sector to improve efficiency, add quality and value to products, produce new and innovative products and develop new markets. Technical support for artisan meat businesses is also available through a dedicated meat technologist employed by Teagasc. The technologist works with food businesses and Teagasc and other institutes to ensure best knowledge, skills and technology is made available through training, advice and technical support.

As regards the Deputy's enquiry about the FSAI, I should point out that the FSAI is an independent body (under the aegis of the Minister for Health and Children) whose remit is to ensure that food produced, distributed or marketed in the State meets the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. The FSAI Artisan Forum provides a platform for discussion between artisan food producers and the FSAI, which addresses food safety and hygiene issues for small artisan food producers without compromising legislative requirements and objectives.

Bord Bia, under the aegis of my Department, is the state agency responsible for market development of food, seafood, drink and horticulture at home and abroad. State Aid rules preclude the use of origin to promote products and Bord Bia has a comprehensive set of marketing and promotional programmes in place, which have been developed in consultation with key stakeholders in the food industry, at a local and national level which take account of the State aid restrictions. Bord Bia's Quality Assurance schemes for products, such as beef, lamb and horticulture, are well known and provide information on origin.

This year Bord Bia has also introduced a "Best in Season" promotional campaign for locally grown produce promotes seasonal local produce. This highlights to consumers which fruit and vegetables are available in Ireland and when they are in season. The key messages include freshness, taste and health benefits. Press and digital media and a best in season website (bestinseason.ie) have focused on strawberries in June, new season potatoes in July and seasonally available vegetables and potatoes in a "back to school" theme for September on emphasising the important role play in a healthy balanced diet for children, particularly as the winter months approach.

The Good Practice Standard and Flag for Farmers' Markets which was launched by Minister Sargent at the Bloom 2009 Festival encourages farmers markets to provide market access to locally produced in-season produce. Farmer's Markets, which are active in the local community, promote the development of loyal customer base and are essential in guaranteeing regular cash flow for small businesses. Public Procurement must be in accordance with guidelines set out by the Department of Finance. Interest for local goods generally depends on the financial level of the contract.

Sheep Production.

Olivia Mitchell

Question:

11 Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the average income for sheep farmers of €9,000 is an adequate wage; the action he is taking to ensure a viable sheep production industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36293/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Deputy seems to be referring to the Teagasc National Farm Survey 2008, which shows the average Family Farm Income (FFI) for sheep enterprises was €9,593 last year. The Survey also indicates that sheep farms received an average of €15,816 in direct payments in 2008. In addition, account needs to be taken of off-farm income. More than half of all sheep farms in Ireland were shown to have some form of off-farm employment in 2008.

I have acknowledged previously the particular difficulties being experienced by the Irish sheep sector. The downward pressure on production and demand being experienced by this sector is not unique to Ireland. All of the main sheep-producing countries in Europe and indeed worldwide are facing problems, with reducing flocks, pressure on income and producers leaving the sector. The sector benefits significantly from the main Schemes operated by my Department — the Single Farm Payment, the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme and REPS. I also allocated €7 million from this year's Single Farm Payment National Reserve to hill sheep farmers, in the form of an Uplands Sheep Payment. It is estimated that some 12,500 hill sheep farmers will benefit from this once off payment. In addition, Bord Bia will spend up to €1 million this year on the promotion of sheep and lamb at home and abroad and Teagasc has allocated almost €1.5 million for sheep research.

The needs of the sector have also been taken into account in deciding how to use the unspent CAP funds for the next three years. Of the €25 million or so available annually, I have decided to allocate €18 million annually to sheep farmers, in the form of a Grassland Scheme. This Scheme will act as a significant support to incomes in the sheep sector. Also, under proposed amendments to the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013, which has been forwarded to the EU Commission, an indicative figure of €8 million has been allocated for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities to assist sheep farmers in reducing labour input. A decision from the EU Commission on the amended Programme, including this measure, is expected later this year.

All of these additional supports will be of significant benefit to the sheep sector. In addition, I believe that the report of the Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group — the "Malone Report" — provides an excellent blueprint for the future development of the sector. While most of the group's recommendations are the responsibility of the industry itself, a number are within the remit of my Department and its state agencies, who have made very good progress in advancing them. Areas of development include:

the establishment of ‘Sheep Ireland' to take over the Department's current breed improvement programme and develop a new one;

work on mechanical carcase classification for lamb, which should provide greater price transparency, a pre-requisite for efforts to improve quality and respond to the needs of the market;

the establishment of the Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme in 2007, which is operated by Bord Bia and now has over 7,000 participants; and

a programme developed by Teagasc, for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which will provide an opportunity to engage with sheep farmers on the use of the latest management practices and to identify research and development needs.

While the sector is facing significant challenges at present, I am confident that it will benefit appreciably from the combination of financial support and the actions being taken by my Department, its agencies and the industry, on foot of the Malone report.

Departmental Bodies.

Willie Penrose

Question:

12 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the process involved in establishing the newly proposed dairy consultative group, specifically as to the composition of the group. [36220/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Last week I announced my intention to establish a consultative group to advise me on medium and long term measures for the dairy sector. I did this following the special Council of Ministers meeting on the 5th of October, where we had a thorough discussion on the need for measures to manage the dairy market in the period up to and beyond quota abolition in 2015. At that meeting it was agreed to set up a High Level Group of Member States, chaired by the EU Commission's Agriculture Director General, to examine the type of arrangements to be put in place.

In specific terms, the High level Group will examine medium term and long term ways of stabilising dairy farmers' incomes and improving market transparency. In its work towards delivering a comprehensive report by June 2010, the Group will examine means through which contractual arrangements in the supply chain can contribute to the highest possible returns for producers, giving them more bargaining power in the process and providing a buffer against extremes of market volatility such as those that are being experienced at present. It will also examine existing market instruments and consider what other means, including a dairy futures market, could contribute to the objective of price stability in the longer term.

As the first meeting of the High Level group took place earlier this week I was anxious to establish a Consultative Group so that I could hear the views of the experts here on issues emerging at the High Level Group. In particular the ideas, knowledge and expert opinion of the Irish dairy sector will provide key perspectives on how the sector needs to be developed and supported into the future. The consultative group will be representative of all the stakeholders and I will be asking the IFA, ICMSA, ICSA, Macra Na Feirme, ICOS, IDIA and IDB to nominate representatives. In addition, Teagasc and academic interest will be invited to participate and these invitations are in the process of being issued.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Seán Barrett

Question:

13 Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will extend the REP scheme deadline for spreading slurry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36237/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

For participants in REPS 4, the prohibited period for spreading slurry begins on 15 October. The corresponding date laid down in REPS 3 is 31 August, but I announced on 24 August that in view of the exceptional weather conditions during the summer I was bringing this into line with REPS 4. This is the same as the date on which the prohibited period begins for all farmers under the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations. These Regulations are a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Common Fisheries Policy.

Christy O'Sullivan

Question:

14 Deputy Christy O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to submit to the EU Commission Ireland’s position in relation to the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36071/09]

John Cregan

Question:

15 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is in a position to respond to the EU Commission Green Paper on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36079/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together as they cover similar ground.

As you are all probably aware at this stage, the European Commission published a Green Paper last April on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The launch of this paper was aimed at stimulating broad public debate on the future of the CFP ahead of the next review of the Policy, scheduled for 2012. The Policy, which was first put in place in 1983, has been subject to reviews every 10 years. The most recent review was in 2002. The Commission hopes that the consultation process initiated by the Green Paper will provide feedback from Member States and stakeholders on the CFP that will guide the Commission's work on the upcoming review of the Policy. All Member States, including Ireland, have been invited to submit written comments by 31 December 2009.

I, along with Minister of State Tony Killeen strongly believe that this review must be informed by the views of our stakeholders, so that a clear and robust Irish position can be developed. Following the publication of the Green Paper, Minister of State Killeen appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to oversee the consultation process with Irish stakeholders. Dr. Cawley is actively seeking the views of all stakeholders in order to ensure that the Irish submission on the reform of the CFP is as detailed and comprehensive as possible. Following advertisements in the National and Fishery Newspapers, a web portal was set up on the Fishing Net website for the public at large to electronically submit their observations on the CFP. I would urge those who wish to contribute to the debate to use this facility so their individual concerns and comments can be considered before our response to the Commission on the Green Paper is finalised.

To discuss the reform of the CFP directly with the fishermen themselves, Minister of State Killeen — along with Dr Cawley — attended a series of meetings around the country at the end of August. He talked with fishermen about what changes they would like to see made to the CFP, and he listened closely to their views as they are best placed to understand the current Policy's problems and shortcomings. Further meetings involving stakeholders, including processors, environmental NGOs and the aquaculture sector are planned during the next couple of weeks. The outcome of these meetings will be compiled by Dr Cawley into a formal report and this will inform Ireland's national position during the CFP review.

In addition to these efforts, the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has undertaken a process to develop its position on the matter. The result of its deliberations will feed into Dr Cawley's work programme and the formation of Ireland's position on the review. The FIF held a conference on the CFP review on Friday, 9 October, at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport. At this seminar a large gathering of fishermen from all around the country listened to contributions from a broad range of experienced experts in the field of fisheries.

As I mentioned earlier, our written comments on the reform of the CFP must be submitted to the Commission by the end of the year. The Commission will then publish a summary of its consultations with Member States in 2010. This will be followed by a legislative proposal to the Council and the European Parliament to be adopted in 2011, with a view to its entering into force in 2012. It has been acknowledged across the EU Member States that the current CFP has not worked effectively and that a complete overhaul of the Policy is necessary. We are in full agreement with the view that fisheries management needs to be simplified. New measures are required that will involve fishermen more directly with the Policy while improving its ability to sustain and rebuild the fish stocks upon which our industry is dependant.

From an Irish perspective, our long-term priority is to have a strong, sustainable and profitable seafood industry that supports fishing and related economic activities in our coastal communities. These communities need to maintain jobs in the catching, supply and processing sectors. To do that, they need to maintain their access to the marine resources in our waters. Our coastal communities and family-owned fleet have traditionally been sustained by our available national quotas. Those quotas were granted under the CFP as public goods to the Member States, based on traditional levels of activity in Member States' fleets and for the purpose of protecting those fleets and those communities. In Ireland these have, over the last quarter century, been distributed as public goods to meet seasonal, regional and local needs of our fleet.

Without access to quotas, our fleet and local fishing ports would wither and die. Therefore, as part of the reform process, we need to ensure that our fishing fleet's future access to resources is sustained. This access to resources also will need to grow substantially as stocks are rebuilt. It is vitally important that the reform of the CFP does not (as some would want and are actively pressing for) result in large European fishing companies being able to accumulate concentrations of fish quotas and fishing effort to the detriment of family-owned fleets and traditional coastal communities.

While not wanting to pre-empt the outcome of the consultations, our purpose must be to create and retain jobs and industrial opportunities in our Coastal areas. This imperative is doubly important given the current economic climate. I believe that to maintain the social and economic fabric of these communities, quotas and fishing effort should be retained at a national level and in public ownership. Suggestions that promote internationalisation, Individual Transferable Quotas, transferable effort and the concentration of activity amongst large European companies would, I feel, be counter productive and would ultimately result in the loss of jobs for our local coastal economies.

In Ireland, our fishing communities are dependant on all elements of the fleet, both large and small. Hence we do not accept the view put forward by some that only small inshore fleets are socio-economically important and that the larger fleets and the resources they access can be internationalised into a "European" fleet. Indeed, in Ireland a large proportion of onshore employment in the seafood sector is dependant on the largest vessels operating from, and landing into, Irish ports. This is critical in areas such as Donegal and the South West. If those vessels and those quotas were transferred away from the country, or into freezer vessels, Ireland would lose a large part of the economic benefit and jobs it derives from the seafood sector. We will endeavour to protect against this happening in the Reform Process.

Ireland shoulders a large burden in relation to the management and the policing of the CFP in our zone. This was recognised in the founding documents of the CFP, and was set out as a consideration in the unanimous Hague Declaration in 1976 which granted Ireland the Hague Preferences as part of the integral structure of the CFP. In return for this, Ireland gave its support for the extension of the Exclusive Economic Zone's of the European States to 200 miles, thus enabling the birth of the CFP. In the intervening decades, Ireland has done its part in administering the CFP in our zone. As long as we retain a viable fishing industry, with access to the vital resources in our waters, we will to the best of our ability continue to fully protect and sustain the stocks in our area and administer a reformed CFP that ensures the future prosperity of our seafood sector at sea and on land.

The Reform of the CFP is a major issue for all of Europe and we in Ireland are committed to working closely with the FIF, other stakeholders, our Member State colleagues and the Commission to strengthen the Policy for the betterment of fisheries as a whole and the traditional coastal communities which are dependant on it. We will work to have a Common Fisheries Policy that takes account of the unique structure of the Irish fishing industry.

Organic Farming.

Mary White

Question:

16 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the role of and the functions to be carried out by an Forás Orgánach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36077/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Forás Orgánach was established to drive forward the development of the organic sector in Ireland. It replaces the National Steering Group for the Organic Sector which completed its second three-year term earlier in 2009. Forás Orgánach was established to build on the work of the National Steering Group and its predecessor, the Organic Development Committee. Forás Orgánach is made up of individuals with expertise in particular areas who can bring their talents and specialist knowledge to the efforts to develop the organic sector further. It is chaired by Mr Noel Groome, Managing Director of Groome's, a major employer in the fresh food industry. The scope of the group is to provide a platform for progress and change within the organic sector.

The objectives of Forás Orgánach are:

To achieve a targeted increase in conversion to organic production.

To promote organic within the mainstream media.

To highlight the benefits of organic produce to the broader consumer base.

To replace imports with home organic produce.

To promote awareness of the potential export market.

To create business opportunities between the retail/produce sectors.

Forás Orgánach, which has already met twice, has set down a number of goals. These goals include using the current Organic Farming Action Plan to reach the objectives I have just mentioned, and revisiting the plan regularly to reassess its relevance. Expert sub-groups will be set up within Forás Orgánach to carry out specific tasks. There is also a plan to develop a comprehensive document on the business and financial aspects of organic farming.

Dairy Sector.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

17 Deputy Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether dairy farming here, as currently structured, can compete on the world market; and his further views on the price which will be returned from the world market based on current expert forecasts. [36212/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

As we all know, the international dairy industry is facing serious challenges at present. Markets for dairy products are extremely weak across the world, primarily due to a collapse in demand caused by the global economic downturn. Over the past couple of years we have witnessed extremes of volatility in dairy product prices on an unprecedented scale. During 2007 dairy prices reached record high levels during the international commodity price boom. In 2008 world dairy markets returned to far lower levels and has continued into this year. We have seen the effect of these international low level prices finding their way back through the milk chain to primary producers.

Dairy farmers incomes are comprised of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. Market forces have a major influence on the price paid to farmers for milk. World market prices determine the returns received by dairy processors and these in turn are reflected in the price paid to farmers. In essence, farm gate prices normally reflect the returns from international markets of dairy product sales. As the milk price is greatly influenced by supply and demand market support schemes can only have a limited effect on prices. For a dairy producing country like Ireland, where we export the vast majority of our product, this new framework is particularly relevant. Ultimately the market is the source of income and to maximise income the focus has to be on competitiveness, efficiency and innovation.

The Common Agricultural Policy contains support measures to help us manage the market. During the Health Check negotiations last year I fought hard to keep the important measures in place. Since the start of the current crisis I have pressed the Commission to use the available market instruments. Most of these supports have now been activated since the beginning of the year and have helped to stabilise the situation. Over the past month there has been comprehensive discussion of the dairy sector at the Council of Ministers. Twenty countries have now signed a statement calling for an EU approach that would combine short term measures with a medium to long term strategy to deal with volatility in the milk sector. At a special Council meeting last week it was agreed to establish a High Level Group to examine the sort of measures that could be put in place. I have decided to set up a consultative group to advise me on the medium and long term measures that will best position the Irish dairy sector for the future.

It is important to remember that the medium term prospects for global dairy markets are good. Growth in wealth and population is forecast to stimulate strong levels of demand for dairy products and returns will improve to all parts of the sector. The Government is committed to ensuring that the Irish dairy sector reaches its full potential. One of the major challenges in the medium term will be to ensure that Irish farming and the agri-food sector is at the heart of an evolving high-value food market, which is focussed on quality and innovation. This is at the core of Government strategy which sets out a series of actions to develop a competitive, innovative and consumer focussed agri food sector.

On-farm Investment Schemes.

Shane McEntee

Question:

18 Deputy Shane McEntee asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans regarding the reinstatement of the young farmers’ installation aid and early retirement programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36287/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Young Farmers' Installation Scheme was closed to new applicants on 14 October 2008. I have no immediate plans to reopen entry to this Scheme at this time. I have reopened the Early Retirement Scheme until 30 October 2009 with a view to accepting as many as possible of those applications that were completed or close to completion at the time entry to the scheme was suspended on 14 October 2008.

Food Safety.

Paul Connaughton

Question:

19 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money paid out by him to date to producers and food processors arising from the pork dioxin problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36252/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

To date a total of €69m has been paid to pigmeat processors under the Pigmeat Recall Scheme, €30m to primary processors and €39m to secondary processors.

Departmental Offices.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

20 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the various phases of the plans to reorganise his Department’s offices around the country. [36223/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

On 15th July, the Government approved my plan for a reorganisation of my Department's Local Office Network. The plan involves reducing, from 57 to 16, the number of offices from which the Department will operate District Veterinary, Forestry and Agricultural Environment and Structures support services in the future. Improvements in business processes, information technology and communications will allow the Department to provide a quality service to our clients from the 16 enhanced offices set out in the plan. The first phase of the re-organisation will involve the enhancement of four regional offices, Drumshanbo, Navan, Enniscorthy and Waterford, and consequential office closures in Sligo, Longford, Drogheda, Carlow, Kilkenny, Dundalk, Wicklow and Dungarvan. The schedule and details for the subsequent phases have yet to be finalised.

Supports for Young Farmers.

Niall Blaney

Question:

21 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the measures he has put in place to support young farmers, both in terms of on-farm investment and the allocation of milk quota to new entrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36066/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I have made provision of €9.75 million in 2009 to meet existing commitments under the Young Farmers' Installation Scheme and the preceding equivalent schemes. In addition, I have recently announced my intention to introduce a new range of aid measures in relation to on-farm investments, some of which will be particularly targeted at young farmers. These measures will be introduced as soon as EU approval is received for the measures in question and following agreement on the specific cash-limits available for each measure.

The allocation of milk quota to new entrants to dairying has been a key component of milk policy for some time, and I am glad to say that the long-standing arrangements for making quota available to new entrants under the Milk Quota Trading Scheme have been significantly enhanced recently with the allocation of 200,000 litres of milk quota to 70 new entrants to dairying. As the Deputy will be aware, the first of five annual one per cent increases in quota agreed under last November's Health Check of the CAP reform became available on 1 April of this year. In addition to using three-quarters of this increase to boost the quotas of active milk producers, I decided that, at a time when the dairy sector is facing many serious challenges, it was more important than ever to make every effort to encourage new thinking and new methods.

All in the industry are agreed on the importance of attracting new blood, so I decided to introduce a new scheme, on a pilot basis, that would make a serious effort to identify people who have a future in dairying and can demonstrate not just their potential but also their commitment to the sector. While the amount of quota that was available was limited, I am satisfied that the 14 million litres that has been allocated under the scheme has gone to high quality applicants, and I look forward to learning of the positive impact they will have on the sector in the coming years. I have also stated my intention to consider, in the context of the availability of a further one per cent of additional quota in 2010, what further potential may be available to expand the eligibility for the scheme to new and recent entrants next year following a review of this scheme.

I should also take the opportunity to emphasise what I alluded to earlier, namely, that the allocation of milk quota to new entrants continues under the Milk Quota Trading Scheme, as it did previously under the Restructuring Scheme. Since the inception of the Trading Scheme in 2007 alone, more than 60 million litres of milk quota has made its way into the hands of young farmers, and they currently have an opportunity to further augment that figure under the latest phase of the Trading Scheme, which closes for applications on 23 October.

European Council Meetings.

James Reilly

Question:

22 Deputy James Reilly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his main areas of interest on the agenda for the Agriculture Council meeting in October 2009 in Luxembourg; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36308/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The next meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council is scheduled to take place on 19th and 20th October. The provisional agenda indicates that it will deal with both agriculture and fisheries items. As regards agriculture, the main item to be discussed is the situation in the dairy market. The Commission proposals on short term measures to address the current crisis in the sector will be presented and discussed. The proposed measures include the extension of the existing emergency powers provision in the single Common Market Organisation Regulation to the milk sector and amending the current rules on quota buy-up schemes to provide for the ring fencing of super levy collected on bought-up quota, for national restructuring measures. The Commission will also present its quarterly report on the dairy market.

The other agriculture item relates to genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Council will be asked to decide on three proposals on the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize for food and feed and for the same use as any other maize with the exception of cultivation.

In so far as fisheries is concerned, political agreement will be sought on a proposal to establish a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy (CFP). Political agreement will also be sought on a Regulation fixing fishing opportunities for fish stocks in the Baltic Sea for 2010 and there will an exchange of views on the EU/Norway annual consultations for 2010. A significant proportion of the Council will be taken up with trilateral meetings on the control Regulation.

All matters discussed at Council are of interest to Ireland and this Council is no exception. I am particularly interested to hear the Commission analysis of the dairy market and I look forward to participating actively in the discussions around the Commission report, the proposals and the situation in the sector in general. Discussions on the dairy sector are not however confined to Council and as well as the usual Council preparatory meetings including the Special Committee on Agriculture, the situation in the dairy sector is being considered at Ministerial level by a group of 21 Member States including Ireland with a view to establishing a common position. In addition a High Level Group mandated to examine the medium to long term future of the EU dairy sector has been established. This Group which had its first meeting on Tuesday of this week will meet monthly between now and next June when it will present its final report. It is also intended to hold consultations with stakeholders starting at the next months meeting.

Equally the fisheries items are of great significance to Ireland and again I will be participating fully in the discussions to ensure the best possible outcome from an Irish perspective. I will be abstaining on the proposals on GMOs.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

23 Deputy Deirdre Clune asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the funding which has been made available to fulfil obligations under the early retirement scheme; if farmers with legitimate expectations under the scheme will receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36249/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I have been conscious that a number of applications were completed or close to completion at the time entry to the Early Retirement Scheme was suspended on 14 October 2008. It became apparent recently that there would be a saving on the 2009 allocation for the Scheme. On this basis I took the decision to reopen the Scheme until 30 October with the intention of accepting as many as possible of those applications that were completed or close to completion at the time entry to the scheme was suspended.

Afforestation Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

24 Deputy Jan O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to review the afforestation programme. [36219/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Under the new Programme for Government I am committed to reviewing state forestry policy to take account of its critical role in relation to climate change and its importance to construction, bio-energy, bio-diversity and its potential to deliver long-term employment in other downstream industries. I intend to begin this work as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

25 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the alternative cost cutting proposals put forward by an organisation (details supplied) in view of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme report. [36231/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

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.

Transport of Animals.

Liz McManus

Question:

26 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the animal transport regulation proposals at EU level; and the policy he has adopted regarding same. [36214/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The transport of animals is governed by Council Regulation (EC) 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. The Commission is undertaking a review of this legislation but proposals have not yet been put forward by the Commission. In view of the importance of the export trade in live animals, I expressed my concerns to Commissioner Vassiliou regarding any proposals being put forward that would have an adverse affect on our live export trade. I wish to assure the Deputy that I will participate fully in the discussions on any proposals that may emerge to ensure that account is taken of Ireland's interests.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

27 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions which are taking place with a view to carbon reduction within the agricultural sector. [36227/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Ireland is currently facing two greenhouse gas emission targets. The first of these is the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which limits Ireland's total national emissions to 13% above the baseline estimate in the Kyoto Period (2008-2012). Ireland's Agriculture sector will make a very significant contribution to achieving the Kyoto target with emissions from the sector projected to fall by 8.5% on 1990 levels by 2012.

The EU package on climate change and energy security agreed in December 2008 seeks to deliver a 20% reduction in total EU greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (relative to 1990 levels), increasing to 30% in the event of an international agreement on global emissions reductions and at the same time to increase to 20% the share of renewable energy. As part of the package, the target for Ireland's non-trading sector emissions, including agriculture, is to reduce emissions by 2020, by an amount equal to a reduction of 20%, relative to 2005 levels. The EPA estimate that emissions from the agriculture sector will fall by over 9% by 2020 on 2005 levels. An in-depth analysis of potential emissions reduction measures for the agriculture sector suggest that further cost effective abatement is limited to 4% of emissions.

To assist the Government in identifying the most appropriate means of achieving Ireland's non-trading sector target, the cabinet committee on climate change and energy security is examining the emissions reduction potential of the non-trading sector and will report to Government on the optimum alternatives to achieve this goal.

Aquaculture Development.

John Cregan

Question:

28 Deputy John Cregan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the EU Commission plans to promote the European aquaculture industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36078/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I welcome the EU Commission's comprehensive and wide ranging strategy on the Sustainable Development of Community Aquaculture which incorporates the promotion of an environmentally sustainable industry, focused on safety and quality of EU aquaculture production. It is anticipated that the Aquaculture strategy will provide the framework to promote a competitive and diverse aquaculture industry, supported by the most advanced research and technology, covering the whole supply chain and meeting consumer demands in a sustainable manner.

Farm Inspections.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

29 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position with regard to on-farm nitrates regulations inspections; if he has come to an agreement with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to avoid duplication of inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36266/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Local Authorities are the designated competent authorities for the purposes of the European Communities (Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Water) Regulations (SI No. 101 of 2009). However, I have agreed that inspections to meet the requirements of the Nitrates Regulations will be undertaken by my Department. My objective is to ensure that the duplication of on-farm inspections is avoided for practical reasons, to minimise costs and to simplify the inspection arrangements from the farmer's perspective.

It is envisaged that my Department will carry out inspections on behalf of the Local Authorities. Detailed arrangements, including criteria for farm selection, inspection protocol and cross reporting will be agreed between both Departments, in consultation with the Local Authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency. Inspections to be carried out as part of this new arrangement will be in addition to the existing inspections carried out by my Department.

Discussions are ongoing between officials of my Department, the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and representatives of the Local Authorities to finalise arrangements in relation to these matters. It must be emphasised however that Local Authorities remain the designated competent authorities for the purposes of the Nitrates Regulations. As such, Local Authorities retain duties and powers to investigate pollution incidents and complaints under the Nitrates Regulations.

Animal Identification Scheme.

Pat Breen

Question:

30 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the position regarding the proposal for electronic tagging of sheep; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36240/09]

Tom Sheahan

Question:

87 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the programme for electronic tagging of sheep has been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36192/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 87 together.

The introduction of electronic identification (EID) for sheep was agreed at EU level in late 2003. At that time, it was agreed to defer the implementation date until January 2008. The Council revisited this issue in December 2007 when it was agreed that the deadline for the compulsory introduction of EID should be definitively set for 31 December 2009. I have consistently opposed the mandatory introduction of EID and have sought its introduction across the Irish sheep industry on a voluntary basis. There has, however, been a lack of support from other EU Member States or from the European Commission for a voluntary scheme. In these circumstances, and notwithstanding my opposition to EID, I have had my Department engage with the European Commission and other Member States, in an effort to secure amendments so as to achieve the best implementation conditions for Irish sheep farmers.

I am glad to say that a number of significant concessions that should ease the burden on the sector in implementing EID were recently agreed with the Commission and other Member States. This is an important step in the right direction. I should say that for my part I am anxious that whatever system is finally implemented imposes the least burden possible on the sheep sector.

Food Safety.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

31 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has engaged in discussions with the Health Service Executive with regard to streamlining food safety monitoring and control; if he has advocated the establishment of the Food Safety Authority as the authority in charge of food safety with all other organisations accountable directly to the FSAI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36195/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The F.S.A.I. was established by the FSAI Authority of Ireland Act, 1998 under the aegis of Department of Health and Children. Section 11 of that Act assigns overall responsibility for food safety in Ireland to the F.S.A.I. In accordance with the provisions of Section 46 and 48 of the Act, my Department carries out functions under service contract acting on behalf of and as an agent for the Authority. I am satisfied that the system of the F.S.A.I. carrying out its functions through service contracts has operated well.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Noel Treacy

Question:

32 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions which have taken place at the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers in relation to the Common Agricultural Policy post-2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36069/09]

Noel Treacy

Question:

60 Deputy Noel Treacy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views in relation to the need for a strong well funded Common Agricultural Policy post-2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36068/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 60 together.

A first policy debate on CAP post 2013 took place at the Informal Agriculture Council in September last year under the French Presidency. The Czech Presidency continued the debate in the first months of 2009, focusing, in particular, on the issue of direct payments to farmers. The Swedish Presidency Programme provides for further discussion later this year, concentrating on rural development issues. In addition to these discussions at Council, both I and my officials have engaged with other Member States and the Commission bilaterally on the future of the CAP.

Notwithstanding the discussions to date, concrete proposals have yet to emerge on the shape of EU agriculture policy beyond 2013. The Commission is expected to bring forward a formal communication in mid 2010 on the future of the CAP, followed by legal proposals in mid 2011. A first round of formal negotiations will commence on the Communication, leading possibly to the agreement of Council Conclusions, while the more intense phase of formal negotiations will commence once the legal proposals are tabled. My own view, which I have expressed at meetings of the Council and bilaterally to my Ministerial colleagues, is that we must maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union in the future to take account of the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. Any reduction in food production in the EU would be taken up elsewhere, where less efficient production systems exist, and would result in a heavier carbon footprint. We must also undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions — economically, socially and environmentally.

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

To achieve these objectives, there is a continuing need for an active and appropriately resourced European agricultural policy. That policy needs to recognise the role that a cohesive agriculture & rural development policy can play in addressing future energy needs, addressing environmental concerns and providing a secure and sustainable food supply in Europe. I launched a consultation process in July last with stakeholders to obtain their views on what EU agriculture policies would serve Ireland and the EU best in the years to come. I am very pleased with the response received to date and I would call on those organisations which have not already made submissions to let me have their views as soon as possible. All submissions received will be carefully examined and will help to inform our position in the very important negotiations that lie ahead.

Proposed Legislation.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

33 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the main provisions and aims of the proposed forestry Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36197/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The purpose of the Forestry Bill is to reform and update the legislative framework relating to forestry in order to support the development of a modern forestry sector that enshrines the principles of sustainable forestry management and protection of the environment. The Bill will, among other provisions, introduce a more streamlined felling licensing system, allow for change of land use from forestry to other sustainable uses and provide a statutory basis for Forest Service Guidelines and Forest Management Plans. The Bill itself is currently being drafted by the Parliamentary Draftsman.

Departmental Reports.

Seymour Crawford

Question:

34 Deputy Seymour Crawford asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he will publish the report into the pork dioxin contamination issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36258/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Review Group is considering the report and recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas committee which it received on 26th May 2009 as well as a range of submissions from interested parties. As I advised the Joint Oireachtas Committee I established a Review Group, chaired by Dr. Patrick Wall, to make recommendations on whatever adjustment of controls or other measures are necessary in the light of the experience gained during the dioxin contamination incident. The work of the Group is ongoing and I expect it to report by the end of the month to both the Minister for Health and Children and myself.

On-farm Investment Schemes.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

35 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if the 5,000 farmers excluded from the farm improvement scheme in 2007 will be given priority in the recently announced new grant schemes. [36232/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Farm Improvement Scheme was introduced by my Department in July 2007 with funding of €79 million as agreed under the Partnership Agreement, Towards 2016, and was suspended on 31 October 2007 as applications received had reached this level of funding. 12,675 applications were received from farmers prior to the closing date of the Scheme and these applications have been processed within my Department up to the level of funding available.

The various on-farm investment schemes referred to in my recent announcement will be targeted, however, at specific groups of farmers and applications for grant-aid under these schemes will be subject to both eligibility and assessment criteria in order to determine those which will be approved for grant-aid. Applicants who did not receive approval under the Farm Improvement Scheme will, of course, be eligible to apply for the various aid schemes when they are introduced where they comply with the specific eligibility criteria laid down in the scheme concerned.

Horticultural Production.

Tom Hayes

Question:

36 Deputy Tom Hayes asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether the horticultural producer groups are a fundamental part of the horticultural production supply chain; the action he has taken to support producers’ groups and prevent closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36279/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My Department consistently supports the Horticulture sector with its grant aid schemes. The EU Scheme of Aid for Producer Organisations (POs) in the Fruit and Vegetables Sector encourages producers to organise themselves into Producer Organisations (PO) in order to strengthen their position in the market. More flexible terms and conditions were introduced for the PO Scheme from 2008 under Regulations (EC) Nos. 1234/2007 and 1580/2007. My Department has secured nearly €35M in EU Aid for Irish POs for the operational programmes which they implemented between 1999 and 2008. These programmes allow fruit and vegetable growers to implement annually approved business plans to improve the quality and commercial value of their produce and promote the use of environmentally aware cultivation practices.

Milk Quota.

Niall Blaney

Question:

37 Deputy Niall Blaney asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on whether there is further scope for the allocation of additional quota to young farmers as a result of the outcome of the Common Agricultural Policy health check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36067/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

When I announced recently the allocation of milk quota to 70 new entrants to dairying, which arose from the first of five annual increases of one per cent in milk quotas agreed under the CAP Health Check, I stated my intention to consider what further scope might be available to allocate quota to young farmers when the next one per cent falls due for allocation in 2010. This process will be informed by a full review of the operation of this year's scheme, which will be conducted in the coming months.

Adventure Courses.

John O'Mahony

Question:

38 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the progress made on the plans to provide high rope adventure courses in forests here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36303/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Following approaches from a number of potential aerial trail operators interested in operating such facilities on Coillte lands, the company examined the issue of locating aerial trail adventure systems in a small number of appropriate locations across the country. An operator was chosen as the preferred operator and planning permission was granted to operate such a facility at Lough Key Forest Park. However, the preferred operator has since indicated that, due to changed financial circumstances, it will not be taking up the option. I understand from Coillte that it will therefore re-advertise for expressions of interest from operators who may be interested in operating aerial trails on its lands.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Seán Connick

Question:

39 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the role he envisages of a sustainable food and agricultural policy in addressing the inter-related global challenges of climate change, population growth and water scarcity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36075/09]

Seán Connick

Question:

75 Deputy Seán Connick asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the need to develop an overall EU strategy to address the twin challenge of achieving food security and dealing effectively with climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36074/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 75 together.

The Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change aims to finalise an international agreement on global greenhouse gas emissions reductions in Copenhagen in December. The Government supports the EU commitments to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020 and to scale up this reduction to as much as 30% as part of a new global climate change agreement.

At the same time the international community is committed to reducing by half the number of malnourished people in the world by 2015, but the latest estimates from the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations show that the number of hungry people could actually increase by a further 100 million in 2009 and pass the one billion mark. For this reason the World Summit on Food Security will be held in Rome in November to consider the actions that must be taken to reduce and eradicate hunger. Ireland strongly supports the international effort to eradicate hunger and believes that we must significantly intensify our efforts in this regard.

United Nations projections suggest that the world population will rise from the current 6.8 billion to 9.2 billion by 2050, with an associated 70% increase in demand for food. At the same time, more than ever, food production is facing competition for land and water resources due to the increasing demand for crops for the production of bioenergy and from urban development. I am concerned at the scale of these challenges, and I believe that there needs to be greater attention on how best to reconcile the twin objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emission while increasing food production and improving access to food. Reconciling these objectives is vital for our collective futures, but presents significant challenges that need to be addressed directly and jointly.

At the Council of Agriculture Ministers in September 2008 and again in July and September 2009, I raised the challenge of reconciling climate change targets with our regional and global food security objectives. We have also repeatedly highlighted this issue in EU and UN discussions leading up the Copenhagen conference. I believe that our efforts are having some impact that there is now growing awareness of this issue.

As well as contributing to the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to unavoidable changes to our climate, agriculture must also deliver other major environmental priorities. These include, maintaining a high level of biodiversity, helping to preserve natural habitats and the protection of endangered species. In my view, sustainable agricultural production, sustainable land use and land use management is the key to achieving these priorities. Coherent EU and UN policy on these matters is important in the context of any agreement at Copenhagen and in the long term beyond 2020.

Departmental Expenditure.

Máire Hoctor

Question:

40 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his spending proposals for the use of the unspent single payment scheme funds, announced in the context of a revised rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36065/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Under the agreement reached in November 2008 on the Health Check of the CAP, I secured approval to use previously inaccessible unspent Single Payment Scheme funds to address, among other things, specific disadvantages affecting certain sectors in economically vulnerable or environmentally sensitive areas. Member states may also provide support to farmers for specific agricultural activities providing agri-environmental benefits.

Resulting from this agreement Ireland gained access to in the region of €25 million in additional funding for each of the next three years 2010, 2011 and 2012 for these targeted measures. In considering how these moneys might be best spent my objective was to achieve the most effective and efficient outcome for Irish agriculture. With this in mind and having consulted widely with all relevant stakeholders including the farming organisations and having regard to the provisions of the regulations, I decided to allocate the available funds as follows: €18 million each year for the next three years on a grassland scheme to support incomes in the sheep sector, €6 million each year for the next three years on a grassland dairy efficiency programme aimed at encouraging a significant improvement in efficiencies on dairy farms, and €1 million for each of the three years 2010, 2011 and 2012 to support high environmental value farming, with tourism spin-off, in the Burren, County Clare, continuing and mainstreaming the pilot scheme operated by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

In addition to this agreement I successfully negotiated for the use of the national reserve element of these funds from 2009. In this regard I have already announced that approximately €7 million will be paid to hill sheep farmers as a once off payment in the form of an uplands sheep payment, benefiting approximately 12,500 hill sheep farmers.

Grant Payments.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

41 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason for the reported 15,000 queried applications in respect of single farm payment. [36226/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

Agreement was reached in the Council of Ministers in June to allow for an advance of the single payment scheme payments to begin issuing on 16 October, a full six weeks earlier than the 1 December commencement date provided for under the rules of the scheme. As well as earlier payments, the level set for the amount of the advance payable was set at an unprecedented 70%. While some member states are not in a position to make advance payments, this is not the case in Ireland and I can confirm that arrangements are in place for the commencement of these payments in accordance with this very welcome concession and payments will begin to issue to applicants' accounts over the coming days. The 30% balancing payments will begin to issue with effect from 1 December.

Approximately 123,700 applications were submitted to my Department under the 2009 single payment scheme. At least 92% of these applications, worth over €800 million, are now fully clear for the first payment run on 16 October. My Department is continuing to process applications and I have made arrangements for further frequent payment runs to ensure that newly finalised applications are paid without delay.

In order to ensure that payments under the single payment scheme are maximised between now and the end of 2009, I would take this opportunity to urge all applicants who have received queries from my Department in connection with their application to respond as a matter of urgency with the necessary clarifications.

Sugar Beet Production.

Michael Creed

Question:

42 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will investigate the possibility of re-establishing the sugar beet industry here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36185/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

As part of the reform of the EU sugar regime in 2006, a temporary restructuring scheme was introduced with the aim of reducing EU sugar production in order to comply with WTO and other international obligations. The scheme provided an incentive for sugar processors to renounce sugar quota and dismantle the associated sugar processing plant and it provided compensation for affected stakeholders. Greencore, the sole Irish sugar processor and holder of the entire Irish quota allocation, decided to avail of this scheme and accordingly the company renounced the quota and dismantled the last remaining Irish sugar factory at Mallow in compliance with the conditions of the scheme. This brought the Irish sugar industry to an end. The stakeholders concerned have now received their compensation payments in full.

As a result of the restructuring scheme the overall EU sugar quota was reduced by almost 6 million tonnes, of which the Irish quota contributed some 200,000 tonnes. Any proposal to review the EU sugar quota would be a matter for the EU Commission in the first instance and any proposal to re-establish a sugar factory in Ireland would, subject to the availability of quota, be a matter for commercial decision by interested parties.

Dairy Sector.

Brian O'Shea

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

84 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps taken by him following recent confirmation of occurrence of equine piroplamosis in a number of thoroughbred horses at an equine facility in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36072/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 62 and 84 together.

Equine Piroplasmosis is a tick-borne protozoal disease of horses and other equidae that is common in most parts of the world but not normally found in Ireland. Samples submitted by the private veterinary practitioner attached to a racing stable in County Meath to a UK reference laboratory indicated serological positives for piroplasmosis among some of the horses on the holding. My Department was notified of positive laboratory results on three of the horses on 2 of September 2009, following which a full epidemiological investigation was launched. Animals that moved to and from the affected holding were traced and all animals on the affected holding itself along with all traced animals were tested.

Arising from this, a second related holding in County Wicklow was found to be affected and this holding has also been restricted and subject to investigation. In addition to the initial UK testing, further testing and analysis has been carried out in Irish laboratories — either the Irish Equine Centre in Kill, County Kildare or the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Backweston. While investigations are ongoing I am hopeful that the incident of piroplasmosis has now abated on the facility in County Meath.

Food Labelling.

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

46 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the recent action taken on the traceability of pork products and the labelling of genuine Irish meat products to distinguish them from imported processed meat products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36299/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The EU regulations on food law require that food business operators have systems in place to be able to identify any person from whom they have been supplied with a food. They must also have a system in place to identify the other businesses to which their product has been supplied. In other words a food business operator at each and every stage in the food chain must be able to identify the source of its inputs as well as having details of the first recipient of its output.

I am satisfied that the meat sector generally is meeting the traceability standards required under this legislation. Nevertheless and following the dioxin contamination incident, my Department, in conjunction with industry, is continuing to examine the potential to improve traceability at processing level. I also established a review group to carry out a comprehensive review of the dioxin contamination incident. This group will make recommendations on whatever adjustments of controls are necessary in the light of the experience gained in dealing with this incident. I expect that this group will cover the issue of traceability in its report.

I have pursued improvements to the labelling of meat and meat products. My Department notified the draft Health (Country of Origin of Poultrymeat, Pigmeat and Sheepmeat) Regulations 2007 to the European Commission in December 2007. These would have required the country of origin of meat to be indicated on the labels of meat and products containing over 70% meat.

Following a series of communications between the European Commission and my Department, the Commission directed Ireland not to adopt the draft national regulations. The main reason for the Commission's stance was that the proposed regulations did not fulfil the requirements of the EU labelling directive (2000/13/EC) concerning the permissibility of non-harmonised national legislation. It contended that the draft regulations would create a disproportionate obstacle to trade. The Commission view, which is supported by the majority of other member states, is that labelling matters should be dealt with on a harmonised EU basis rather than on an individual national basis.

Ireland is pursuing harmonised EU rules on origin labelling in the context of a proposed EU regulation on the provision of food information to consumers. The Department of Health and Children is the lead Department for that proposal and has been reflecting Ireland's position at relevant meetings on the subject.

Question No. 47 answered with Question No. 43.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Joe Costello

Question:

48 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of farmers penalised under the REP scheme in 2008; the breakdown of this figure; and the reason for the imposition of penalties. [36207/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

There were 3,381 penalties applied to farmers under the REP scheme in 2008. These are listed in the following table. The number of farmers affected is smaller, however, as multiple breaches of the scheme were detected in a number of instances.

Reason	Number
Adjustment for area change	1,294
Any other reason	312
Undertakings in respect of farmyard not carried out as planned	205
Non-compliance with requirements of option 1 (report on tao 1 form)	169
Recommended quantity of lime not applied	143
Quantity of organic N exceeded planned limits by 10% or more	119
Bovines not excluded from wells and watercourses marked blue on map	117
Farm boundaries not stockproofed	94
Hedgerows/stonewalls not maintained as specified in plan	71
Non-compliance with requirements of option 2 (report on tao 1 form)	61
Application lodged 7 working days late	49
Application lodged 1 working day late	48
Quantity of organic N applied not kept within the scheme maximum limit	47
Application lodged 6 working days late	44
Stock not wintered as set out in plan	39
Application lodged 3 working days late	38
Application lodged 8 working days late	35
Application lodged 2 working days late	34
Planned waste storage facilities not provided	33
Application received thereafter	33
Application lodged 5 working days late	30
Application lodged 4 working days late	29
Quantity of chemical P or N exceeded planned limits by more than 10% or scheme limits	28
Planned animal housing facilities not provided	22
Application lodged 9 working days late	22
Record sheets (1 to 7) not completed in accordance with specification	19
Herbicide or chemical/organic fertilisers applied within 1.5m of hedgerows/stone walls/field margins	17
Quantity of chemical P or N exceeded planned limits by =10%	17
Specified conservation/management practices not carried out as detailed on plan	16
Non-compliance with linnet habitat SM5	15
Fences not located the specified distance from wells/watercourses	14
Planned silage storage facilities not provided	13
Listed habitats not retained as specified	13
Field boundaries,hedgerows and stonewalls on map not retained	12
Limits of N (chemical or organic) exceeded	11
Tillage field margins widths not in conformity with reps requirements	10
Application lodged 10 working days late	10
Quantity of N applied exceeded more than 10% of that planned	9
Application lodged 13 working days late	9
Application lodged 11 working days late	7
Application lodged 12 working days late	7
Application lodged 15 working days late	7
Waste discharging into watercourses/drains	6
Non-compliance with traditional Irish orchard SM2	5
Records not kept as prescribed	4
Application lodged 14 working days late	4
Application lodged 16 working days late	4
Application lodged 17 working days late	4
Application lodged 21 working days late	4
Application lodged 24 working days late	4
Non-compliance with long-term setaside (riparian zone) SM4	3
Application lodged 18 working days late	3
Slurry spread during prohibited period	3
Chemical P limit exceeded	2
Application lodged 19 working days late	2
Non-compliance with corncrake SM1	2
Monuments/features not being retained as specified in plan	1
Non-compliance with rare breeds SM3	1
REPS 1A not lodged within specified periods	1
Revised plan not submitted within specified periods	1
Application lodged 20 working days late	1
Non-compliance with stocking limits set out on plan. Limits exceeded by 10-20%	1
Non-compliance with stocking limits set out on plan. Limits exceeded by more than 20%	1
Non-compliance or withdrawal of organic licence SM6	1
Non-compliance with SM6	1

Dairy Sector.

Johnny Brady

Question:

49 Deputy Johnny Brady asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the level of support provided by the EU Commission in relation to the difficult market situation being faced by dairy producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36059/09]

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

53 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the proposals he is putting at EU level to stabilise dairy markets; and the level to which he is proposing to increase the intervention price. [36211/09]

Niall Collins

Question:

86 Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the efforts he has made to secure EU supports for milk producers here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36056/09]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

92 Deputy Brian O’Shea asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the guarantees he has secured from the European Commission that intervention stocks of both butter and skimmed milk powder will be firmly held until milk prices have recovered well in excess of break even and only released very carefully and in a manner which ensures it will not disrupt markets. [36216/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 53, 86 and 92 together.

Since the start of 2009 the Commission has reactivated a range of measure provided for in the CAP Health Check, beginning with the early operation of the private storage scheme for butter. Then, in January export refunds were reintroduced to support the export of dairy products outside the EU and these have been increased several times, most recently in June. In March, public intervention schemes for butter and skimmed milk powder were opened which allowed the purchase of product up to set limits at a fixed price. When the mandatory limits of 30,000 tonnes and 109,000 tonnes respectively were purchased at the intervention price the schemes were continued under tendering arrangements at close to the intervention prices. To date some 83,000 tonnes of butter and 282,000 tonnes of skimmed milk powder have been funded under these schemes. Also, 135,000 tonnes of butter has been aided under the private storage scheme, which was extended beyond the August closing date.

In early July the Council of Agriculture Ministers agreed to the use by the Commission of emergency provisions to allow it to extend the intervention periods for butter and skimmed milk powder for 2009 beyond the normal end-August closing dates to 28 February 2010, and to replicate this mechanism in August 2010 if necessary. The Commission has also removed the so-called "free at frontier" threshold price governing the export of cheese from the EU, which I had been pressing the Commissioner to review for some time in bilateral contacts and at meetings of the Council.

Over the past month there has been comprehensive discussion of the dairy sector at the Council of Ministers. Twenty ministers, including myself, have now signed a statement calling for an EU approach that would combine short term measures with a medium to long term strategy to deal with volatility in the milk sector. At a special Council meeting last week it was agreed to establish a High Level Group to examine the sort of measures that could be put in place. That group will report in June 2010, and I have decided to set up a consultative group to advise me on the medium and long term measures that will best position the Irish dairy sector for the future.

I also welcomed the commitment given by Commissioner Fischer Boel at last week's special Council to manage the release of stocks from Intervention in a prudent manner. We are seeing some tentative signs of an improvement in dairy markets, though a solid recovery is still uncertain and it is crucial that the disposal of stocks from intervention is handled in a sensitive manner and in a way that does not undermine the market at this critical time.

EU Directives.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

50 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has consulted with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in relation to the extension of the time for the spreading of slurry following the extension given to farmers in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36082/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I consulted with my colleague, the Minister for Environment Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, and there is on-going regular contact between officials of both Departments on a number of issues related to the Nitrates Regulations (SI No. 101 of 2009). The prohibited period for the spreading of slurry commences on 15 October in all parts of the country as required by the Nitrates Regulations. These regulations are a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

The planned review of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme in 2010 will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to put forward their views on the question of the most appropriate dates for the prohibited periods for spreading fertilisers that are a mandatory requirement under the EU Nitrates Directive. Any adjustment to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme will require the agreement of the EU Commission.

Sheep Production.

Sean Fleming

Question:

51 Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if additional funding will be provided in 2010 to assist the sheep sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36073/09]

Denis Naughten

Question:

91 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to support the sheep industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36080/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 91 together.

The sheep sector is already a significant beneficiary from the main schemes operated by my Department, which include the single farm payment, the disadvantaged areas scheme and REPS. In recognition of the difficulties faced by this sector, I have also allocated €7 million from this year's single farm payment national reserve to hill sheep farmers, in the form of an uplands sheep payment. Moreover, Bord Bia will spend up to €1 million this year on the promotion of sheep and lamb at home and abroad and Teagasc has allocated almost €1.5 million for sheep research.

The Deputies will also be aware that under the final agreement on the CAP Health Check, Ireland will have access to additional funds of the order of €25 million annually from unspent CAP funds for three years from 2010 onwards. I decided to allocate €18 million of this funding annually, from 2010 to 2012 inclusive, to sheep farmers, in the form of a grassland scheme. In addition, under proposed amendments to the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013, which has been forwarded to the EU Commission, an indicative figure of €8 million has been allocated for sheep fencing and mobile handling facilities to assist sheep farmers in reducing labour input. A decision from the EU Commission on the amended Programme, including this measure, is expected later this year.

Further steps to support the industry, centre on the recommendations of the Sheep Industry Development Strategy Group, which I believe provides a clear framework for progress. While the responsibility for implementing most of the group's recommendations fall on the industry itself, a number are within the remit of my Department and the state agencies under its aegis, who have made clear progress in implementing them.

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

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

The Lamb Quality Assurance Scheme was established in 2007. This Scheme is operated by Bord Bia and now has over 7,000 participants.

Teagasc has developed a comprehensive plan to restructure its sheep support services, including a programme for Technology Evaluation and Transfer farms, which include hill and lowland areas. This approach will provide an opportunity to engage with sheep farmers on the use of the latest management practices and to identify research and development needs.

All of these actions — on the part of my Department, its state agencies and the industry — coupled with the considerable financial support for the sector, provide significant assistance to the sector, at a time when many sectors are struggling. I am confident that these can greatly benefit the sector.

Fishing Industry Development.

Tom Sheahan

Question:

52 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the award of permits to mussel fishermen in Cromane, County Kerry, in 2009; his views on whether changes should be introduced to the procedures surrounding the award of such permits in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36191/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

In agreement with the European Commission, a new regulatory regime was developed in relation to wild fisheries following a European Court of Justice finding that Ireland was not in compliance with its obligations under the EU Birds and Habitats Directives. The new regime sets out a process involving the submission of a Fisheries Management Plan, usually by the local fishermen assisted by BIM, the appropriate assessment of that plan by the Marine Institute and public and statutory consultation. In addition, an Advisory Committee made up of the Department, BIM, Marine Institute, the Sea fisheries Protection Authority, fishing industry representatives and the Environment Pillar representing environmental interests advise me in relation to these matters.

The mussel seed fishery in Cromane, County Kerry was opened this year and permits granted in accordance with the new regulatory regime. A meeting to review the operation of the new regulatory regime is currently being planned by the Department and representatives of interested parties will be invited to attend. However it is not likely that the overall design of the new regulatory system will be changed for next year but changes may be made to the procedures if improvements can be identified.

Question No. 53 answered with Question No. 49.

Common Fisheries Policy.

Martin Ferris

Question:

54 Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will be seeking increased quota for Irish fishermen as part of the review of the Common Fisheries Policy. [36199/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

As the Deputy is aware, the European Commission published a Green Paper last April on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy. The launch of this paper was aimed at stimulating broad public debate on the future of the CFP ahead of the next review of the Policy, scheduled for 2012. The Policy, which was first put in place in 1983, has been subject to reviews every ten years. The most recent review was in 2002.

I, along with Minister of State. Deputy Tony Killeen, strongly believe that this review must be informed by the views of our stakeholders, so that a clear and robust Irish position can be developed. Following the publication of the Green Paper, the Minister of State, Deputy Tony Killeen, appointed Dr. Noel Cawley to oversee the consultation process with Irish stakeholders. Dr. Cawley is actively seeking the views of all stakeholders in order to ensure that the Irish submission on the reform of the CFP is as detailed and comprehensive as possible.

The Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, is happy to hear proposals that will support a greater share of the fish stocks for Irish fishermen. We have benefited up to now from the application of the "Hague Preferences" whereby when the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for traditional Irish stocks are at a reduced level, Ireland benefits with a higher share of the TAC. Under the current CFP, this benefit is not an automatic entitlement but must be secured each year at the December Fisheries Council. This has in recent times been a hard fought battle as other member states lose out when Ireland secures its additional quotas. Therefore, the first priority for Ireland must be to protect this entitlement and to seek to have it reflected as a permanent entitlement in the new CFP. I also see scope for increasing quotas for Irish fishermen as stocks are rebuilt across our area in a sustainable successfully managed and reformed CFP.

To discuss the reform of the CFP directly with the fishermen themselves, the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen, along with Dr Cawley, attended a series of meetings around the country at the end of August. He talked with fishermen about what changes they would like to see made to the CFP, and he listened closely to their views as they are best placed to understand the current Policy's problems and shortcomings. In addition to these efforts, the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has undertaken a process to develop its position on the matter. The result of its deliberations will feed into Dr Cawley's work programme and the formation of Ireland's position on the review.

The FIF held a conference on the CFP review on Friday, 9 October, at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport. At this seminar a large gathering of fishermen from all around the country listened to contributions from a broad range of experienced experts in the field of fisheries. Further meetings involving stakeholders, including processors, environmental NGOs and the aquaculture sector are planned during the next couple of weeks. The outcome of these meetings will be compiled by Dr. Cawley into a formal report and this will inform Ireland's national position during the CFP review. All member states, including Ireland, have been invited to submit written comments by 31 December 2009 and I am satisfied that the consultation process put in place will ensure that the views of all stakeholders are fully understood and we are in a position to meet this deadline.

Value for Money Reviews.

Bernard Allen

Question:

55 Deputy Bernard Allen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has concluded consideration of a value for money review on the issue of temporary veterinary inspectors; the action he proposes to take arising from this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36194/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

This Value for Money (VFM) review relates to the use of the services of TVIs in slaughter plants which are under the supervision of my Department. TVIs are engaged, as and when required, to assist the Department's official veterinarians in the performance of ante mortem and post mortem tasks at approved plants. The Department expects to be in a position to publish this review in the near future. Its recommendations will be considered carefully, as is the case for all such VFM reviews, and decisions will be taken as appropriate to ensure the most efficient and effective service delivery.

Infectious Diseases.

Joanna Tuffy

Question:

56 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of the swine influenza virus in pigs here in view of the recent reports of an outbreak at a farm in County Cork. [36233/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

On 29 September 2009 the first case of pandemic influenza A/H1N1 was confirmed in Ireland in a pig breeding herd in County Cork. A second case in a breeding/fattening unit in County Cavan was subsequently notified to the Department on 9 October. In both cases, the disease was mild, had low impact on production and has no significance as regards food safety. It is believed that the most likely source of transmission to the pig herds was from infected persons. In both cases the pigs are now fully recovered and showing no clinical signs.

These outbreaks are not unexpected events given the widespread occurrence of the pandemic virus in humans and the possibility for occasional transmission from humans to pigs. In recent months the A/H1N1/2009 virus has been detected in pigs in Canada, Australia, Argentina, and more recently in Norway and Northern Ireland. The Department has recommended that increased biosecurity measures on pig farms be implemented, and that the Code of Practice for Pandemic Influenza A/H1N1 in pigs, which had already been drawn up by the Department in consultation with the pig producing stakeholders be adhered to. This code, recently distributed to all pig keepers in the country, sets out the actions that pig keepers should take to reduce the risk of introduction of influenza viruses to pig herds, how to manage the disease if it is confirmed in a herd and how to prevent its onward transmission.

Influenza in pigs is not a public health concern, nor should consumers be concerned about eating pork or pork products. The FAO, the WHO and the OIE, in a combined statement have advised that influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to humans through eating processed pork or other food products derived pigs. In line with OIE standards, the guidelines agreed at EU level do not recommend to cull infected pig herds or to prohibit the normal movement of clinically healthy animals for slaughter.

Bovine Diseases.

Margaret Conlon

Question:

57 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the benefits that arise from the approval, by the EU Commission, of Ireland’s application for official brucellosis-free status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36062/09]

Margaret Conlon

Question:

67 Deputy Margaret Conlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the value to farmers here arising from the relaxation of various controls following the approval, by the EU Commission, of Ireland’s application for official brucellosis-free status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36063/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 57 and 67 together.

Following the recent EU Commission decision granting Ireland officially brucellosis-free status, I announced a series of significant changes to the Brucellosis Eradication Scheme on 8 September 2009 as follows:

an increase in the age threshold for annual round testing to 24 months;

an increase in the validity period of the pre-movement test from 30 days to 60 days;

an increase in the age-limit for the pre-movement test for female animals from 12 to 18 months and, in view of the lower risk attached to their movement, to 24 months for bulls;

an increase in the "one sale" rule for bulls from 12 to 24 months.

In addition with effect from 1 January 2010, dairy herds scheduled to be tested in 2010 and 2011 will now only be tested every second year. This will exclude some 550,000 animals each year from the round test and, when taken in conjunction with the increase in the age threshold to 24 months which is being introduced immediately, will remove some 1.35 million animals from the annual testing programme .

There are considerable benefits arising from these changes in relation to public health, the alleviation of distress to farmers whose herds are affected, the relaxation of restrictions on trade in live cattle and a significant reduction in the cost of testing to farmers. On the latter point, the revised arrangements will remove the need to test approximately a quarter of all eligible animals during the course of the annual herd test. In addition, the extension of the pre-movement test to 60 days combined with the increase in the age threshold to 18 months for female animals for this test will result in further significant savings for farmers. The total saving from these changes is estimated to be in the region of €5 million.

The attainment of official brucellosis-free status was a landmark in the history of disease eradication in Ireland and I would like to thank everybody involved in this successful outcome for their co-operation and sustained effort over many years. However, there is no room for complacency with regard to this disease and we must continue to be vigilant and ensure that we retain our high animal health status which, as I have said, has significant benefits for all concerned, in terms of on-farm costs, public health and market access.

Agrifood Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

58 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future development of the agricultural sector; if he is conscious of the need to ensure security of supply and a reliable price structure for producers; if his attention has been drawn to the concerns of the farming community in this area at the current time; the steps he will take to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36201/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

As Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, I fully acknowledge the difficulties facing the farming community this year and have been consistently working both within Government and at EU level, to alleviate the current problems being faced by the sector. I have initiated a series of measure to assist the sector, a key element is the bringing forward of the single farm payment and I have also negotiated and retained significant support measures which have been put in place by the EU Commission in relation to the dairy sector.

With regard to the future, work is being advanced on the introduction of a new development plan for the agrifood sector in the period up to 2020 to maintain the impetus gained from the successful 2010 and 2015 strategies. This plan will naturally address major issues such as food security, competitiveness and market focus.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

59 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has calculated the full extent of the negative impact on individual producers of budgetary cutbacks imposed by his Department in 2009; if it is intended to introduce any amelioration measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36200/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The impact of the decisions taken in the 2009 budget and supplementary budget will vary from individual to individual depending on their participation in certain schemes or the extent to which they may benefit from the measures affected.

The Deputy will be aware that the 2009 budget and supplementary budget were framed against the background of a global recession and a serious deterioration in the public finances. As a small open economy Ireland is, of course, particularly exposed to the global downturn and the international credit crisis. In response to this situation, the Government embarked on a strategy to restore the credit system, get the public finances under control and to provide the necessary stimulus to restore confidence in the economy. It was against this background that the very difficult decisions taken in the context of determining the budgetary allocations for agriculture were made.

Notwithstanding the difficult economic and budgetary situation, funding of €1.9 billion gross is provided for my Department in the 2009 budget. When combined with EU funding of about €1.4 billion administered by my Department, this represents a very substantial commitment by Government to supporting and developing the agri-food sector.

Furthermore, in recognition of the difficult circumstances in which farmers find themselves, I have announced the commencement of advance payments of 70% of the single payments scheme payments amounting to €800 million which will commence in the next few days. This is the first time that an advance of this magnitude has been paid at this early stage of the year. The payment of some €220 million under the Disadvantaged Area Scheme commenced last month. The combination of these two schemes with the REP scheme and the suckler cow scheme will result in payments by my Department of more than €1.8 billion to Irish farmers in 2009. This is in addition to more than €300 million in investment support available for the agri food and fisheries sectors, and almost €120 million in supports for the forestry and bio energy sectors.

Work is also continuing on a number of other fronts, including continuing investment in R&D in the agri sector, the provision of investment support for the processing sectors, the protection of Irish farms from animal and plant diseases. I am also continuing my efforts, along with ministerial colleagues in other like minded member states, to ensure the deployment of the full range of EU market support instruments to support the dairy sector through this very difficult time.

I am also proceeding with efforts to further develop the agriculture sector within the budgetary constraints. In that context, I recently announced my intention to introduce a new €179 million Agri Environment Scheme, a new targeted on farm investment scheme worth €113 million, and proposals to spend €75 million in unspent single payment scheme funds to support incomes in the sheep sector and efficiency improvements on dairy farms. I am acutely aware of the pressure on farm incomes and of the difficulties being faced by farm families and I am firmly committed to providing the highest possible levels of support for them and for the agri-food sector.

Question No. 60 answered with Question No. 32.

Sheep Production.

Joe Costello

Question:

61 Deputy Joe Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his Department is undertaking an investigation at meat factories in respect of lamb imports; and the details of such investigations and the names of the factories being investigated. [36206/09]

Joan Burton

Question:

70 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the investigations his Department is currently conducting in respect of sheep movements and sheep imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36205/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

65 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of the EU Agriculture Council meeting of 5 October 2009, particularly in relation to the dairy sector. [36203/09]

Willie Penrose

To discuss the reform of the CFP directly with the fishermen themselves, Minister of State Killeen along with Dr Cawley, attended a series of meetings around the country at the end of August. Minister of State Killeen talked with fishermen about what changes they would like to see made to the CFP, and he listened closely to their views as they are best placed to understand the current Policy's problems and shortcomings. In addition to these efforts, the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF) has undertaken a process to develop its position on the matter. The result of its deliberations will feed into Dr Cawley's work programme and the formation of Ireland's position on the review.

The FIF held a conference on the CFP review on Friday, 9 October, at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin Airport. At this seminar a large gathering of fishermen from all around the country listened to contributions from a broad range of experienced experts in the field of fisheries. Further meetings involving stakeholders, including processors, environmental NGOs and the aquaculture sector are planned during the next couple of weeks. The outcome of these meetings will be compiled by Dr Cawley into a formal report and this will inform Ireland's national position during the CFP review. All Member States, including Ireland, have been invited to submit written comments by 31 December 2009 and Minister of State Killeen is satisfied that the consultation process put in place will ensure that the views of all stakeholders are fully understood and we are in a position to meet this deadline.

Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 61.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 65.

Organic Farming.

Mary White

Question:

72 Deputy Mary Alexandra White asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the outcome of the recent review of the organic farming scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36076/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

My colleague Minister of State Sargent recently announced the outcome of the review of the organic farming scheme under which support is paid to farmers in the sector.

It is my intention, subject to the outcome of the Estimates process and a review of the budgetary situation for 2010, to reopen the organic farming scheme from 1 January 2010. The scheme will be reopened with revised conditions and will include two main changes.

Firstly there will be a requirement for applicants to have completed an approved training course. The courses have been organised by Teagasc and will start in the week commencing 20 October. A farmer who has previously participated in the organic farming supplementary measure of the rural environment protection scheme will be exempted from the requirement to complete this training course. Secondly, as part of the application process, all applicants will have to submit a detailed five-year business plan. The submission of this plan will help my officials to assess the level of farming activity and sustainability of the business of each individual application and, if the scheme is over-subscribed, to identify those that are most likely to deliver increased organic output nationally.

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

73 Deputy Jim O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of additional applications for the farm retirement scheme that have been admitted or are being considered for admission to the scheme following his recent announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36132/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 October 2009 and no decisions on applications will be taken until after that date.

Sugar Industry.

Joan Burton

Question:

74 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the amount of money which was sanctioned by the European Union to upskill and retrain workers in the Mallow and Carlow areas in view of the overhaul of the EU sugar regime; the funding which made available; if that fund was drawn down from the EU; if so, the amount of that fund that has been spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36204/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The temporary scheme for the restructuring of the sugar industry, introduced as part of the reform of the EU sugar regime in 2006, provided for payment of EU restructuring aid to three groups of stakeholders: sugar processors, beet growers and specialized beet machinery contractors. The overall amount of aid available was calculated at the rate of €730 per tonne of sugar quota renounced, which in Ireland's case was approximately 200,000 tonnes.

To draw down the aid, the sugar processor was required to prepare and implement a restructuring plan, which had to include an environmental plan covering factory demolition and site remediation and a social plan detailing ‘the actions planned with respect to re-training, redeployment and early retirement' of the factory workers concerned. The EU regulations did not specify how the aid was to be allocated amongst the various costs in the restructuring plan.

The restructuring plan submitted by Greencore duly incorporated a social plan in respect of the former Mallow factory workers. The plan did not apply to the former employees of the Carlow factory, which had already closed prior to the reform of the EU sugar regime. In addition to early retirement and redundancy packages, the social plan included support services for the departing Mallow workers such as career counselling, financial advice including pension advice, pre-retirement programmes for those aged over 50 years, job-seeking support and ‘Start your own business' programmes. In accordance with the EU regulations, the restructuring aid for the Irish beneficiaries was drawn down in full and paid in two instalments in 2007 and 2008.

Question No. 75 answered with Question No. 39.

EU Directives.

David Stanton

Question:

76 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the representations he has received from farming organisations and groups with a view to having the slurry spreading deadline extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36184/09]

David Stanton

Question:

93 Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions he has had with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government with regard to extending the slurry spreading deadline in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36183/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 93 together.

Officials from my Department and the Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government have had detailed discussions and I have also discussed this matter with my colleague Mr John Gormley T.D., Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I have had representations from farm bodies and a number of farmers requesting an extension to the spreading period for slurry.

The prohibited period for the spreading of slurry commences on 15th October in all parts of the country as required by the Nitrates Regulations (SI No. 101 of 2009). These Regulations are a matter in the first instance for my colleague the Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The planned review of Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme in 2010 will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to put forward their views on the question of the most appropriate dates for the prohibited periods for spreading fertilisers that are a mandatory requirement under the EU Nitrates Directive. Any adjustment to Ireland's Nitrates Action Programme will require the agreement of the EU Commission.

Departmental Reports.

Andrew Doyle

Question:

77 Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the impact the recommendations of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programme to abolish Bord Bia and Bord Iascaigh Mhara would have on the future of the agri-food and fisheries sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36196/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The Report of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and expenditure Programmes is being considered in the context of determining the budgetary framework and in the preparation of the 2010 Estimate for my Department. In that context my deliberations on the 2010 Estimates will, of course, take full account of the effect of the proposals in the report, including those relating to An Bord Bia and BIM, on the agri food and fisheries sector. I can assure the deputy that these deliberations will be informed by a continued commitment to the development of a strong, sustainable, export focused agri food and fisheries sector.

Afforestation Programme.

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

78 Deputy P. J. Sheehan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number, nature and amount of planting area applications made to his Department for forestry grants at each stage in 2009; if he will compare this with the previous five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36198/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The number of applications received in my Department for approval to plant forestry in each of the past 5 years is set out in Table 1.

Table 1: Pre approval applications received
	Forms	Hectares
2004	2,815	30,158
2005	2,361	23,300
2006	2,169	18,687
2007	1,251	13,718
2008	1,303	13,844
2009 to date	1,630	13,193

The number of applications received in my Department for payment of establishment grants for planting forestry in each of the past 5 years is set out in Table 2.

Table 2
	Forms	Hectares
2004	1,039	9,425
2005	1,413	11,808
2006	955	5,691
2007	871	6,237
2008	778	6,145
2009 to date	654	5,498

Pigmeat Sector.

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

79 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total cost to date of the pig dioxin scare in December 2008. [36210/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The payments to date as a result of the dioxin incident total €102.4 million. This comprises the following: Primary Processor: €30m, Secondary Processors: €39m Producers: €23.6m, Renderers and other costs: €9.8m

On-farm Investment Schemes.

Máire Hoctor

Question:

80 Deputy Máire Hoctor asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the details of the new targeted scheme for on-farm investment, announced as part of a revised rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36064/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

As part of proposals in relation to the use of unspent Single Payment Scheme and Modulation funds and the European Economic Recovery Programme, I have announced that, in the case of on-farm investment schemes, I intend to introduce support for a number of specific categories of farmers which shall be focused on supporting productive investment.

The measures shall include: a scheme for young dairy farmers to make the necessary investment to adjust to expanding dairy opportunities and promote the operation of cost-effective commercial operations by young farmers; aid for sheep fencing and handling facilities to assist sheep farmers in reducing labour input in a vulnerable sector; aid for young trained farmers for water harvesting and conservation equipment, which will reduce water costs on farms; animal welfare grants (a) for pig producers to assist in the conversion to loose housing for sows; and (b) for poultry producers to assist in the conversion to enriched cages, free range or barn systems. The measures will be strictly cash-limited and are currently being considered by the EU Commission. The measures will be introduced as soon as relevant EU approval has been obtained and following agreement on the specific cash-limits available for each measure.

Fur Farming.

Phil Hogan

Question:

81 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to publish legislation banning fur farming; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35936/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The renewed Programme for Government includes a commitment to phase out fur farming over three years. I have asked my officials to examine what legislative changes are necessary to give effect to that commitment.

Beef Exports.

Denis Naughten

Question:

82 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he is taking to support a live cattle trade to Britain; the numbers exported to date in 2009; the corresponding figure for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36081/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The live export trade is an important element of Ireland's meat and livestock industry providing a complement to the beef trade. The following table sets out the exports of live cattle in 2009 to the United Kingdom and the corresponding figures for 2008.

Destination	1 January – 4 October 2009	1 January – 4 October 2008

Northern Ireland	61,491	21,535
Great Britain	7,180	1,171
United Kingdom	68,671	22,706

Bord Bia continues to work closely with the industry in monitoring and developing emerging opportunities for Irish livestock in the United Kingdom, the Continent and international markets. This includes contact with leading retailers in Britain to establish their interest in cattle born in Ireland and finished in Britain.

Fallen Animal Collection Scheme.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

83 Deputy Ruairí Quinn asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the status of proceedings aimed at bringing down the costs of disposing of fallen animals. [36222/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

The disposal of fallen animals is subject to EU Regulations, notably Regulation (EC) No 1774 of 2002. These regulations require that animals which die on-farm must generally be disposed of through approved knackeries and rendering plants. My Department's contribution to the Fallen Animals Scheme ceased with effect from 14th April 2009. This was as a result of budgetary constraints and also reflects the greatly reduced incidence of BSE in this country. However I have continued to provide financial support for the collection of certain fallen animals, in particular bovines over 48 months of age, for sampling, as required under the ongoing national BSE surveillance programme.

With the ending of the Fallen Animals Scheme the cost of collection and rendering for animals not covered by the new scheme became a matter for negotiation between the individual collectors/rendering plants and their customers. My Department is continuing, within the boundaries of legal requirements, to make every effort to facilitate measures to maximise flexibility and enable reduction of costs in the rendering/collection system. This includes allowing cross border trade, permitting direct delivery by farmers to authorised plants, considering removal of some costs currently built into the rendering process and encouraging indigenous use of meat and bone meal (MBM) for energy purposes.

Approval conditions have been drawn up to facilitate the collection of fallen animals direct from farms by approved rendering plants, including arrangements to provide for TSE testing of these animals where required. Discussions are also ongoing between my Department and farmer and hunt representatives, to consider the feasibility of extending the network of plants authorised to act as knackeries.

Question No. 84 answered with Question No. 45.

Pigmeat Sector.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

85 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will respond to reports that the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland were not adequately informed of the actions taken by his Department following the crisis surrounding dioxin in pig meat in December 2008. [36224/09]

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

On 4 December my Department issued a Press Release to indicate that it was investigating in close collaboration with the F.S.A.I., the source of a contaminant in animal feed. This followed the disclosure of non dioxin like marker PCBs in pork fat. The F.S.A.I. contacted the Food Standards Agency in the U.K. about the matter that day. The first indication that Northern Ireland was implicated in receiving possibly contaminated feed was on the evening of Thursday 4th December 2008. On Friday 5th December my Department provided full details to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland.

When dioxins were identified on 6 December and the F.S.A.I. required a full recall of all Irish pork and bacon products from pigs slaughtered in Ireland since 1st September 2008 the information was immediately put in the public domain by way of a press announcement. The FSAI arranged to issue an alert notification on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) to advise the EU Commission and all EU Member States. There was also direct contact between the FSAI and the Food Standards Agency in London and in Belfast that evening.

Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 49.

Question No. 87 answered with Question No. 30.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Mary Upton

Question:

88 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if his attention has been drawn to the report by an organisation (details supplied) which states that the REP scheme contributes more to the Exchequer than it costs; and if this report will inform his approach to the REP scheme in future. [36234/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

I am aware of the statement by the organisation concerned. However, REPS 4 was closed to new applicants in July against the background of the situation in the public finances, the resources available to my Department and the substantial increase, over the past year, in the number of REPS participants. A record 16,718 applications were received up to the closing date of 15 May for 2009, and further applications which were received up to the time of closure will be processed as applications for 2010. Payments due to REPS farmers for 2009 will be the highest ever and all participants already in REPS will continue to receive annual payments until their current contracts run their course

I plan to introduce a new agri-environment scheme in 2010 which will reduce compliance costs to participants and which will provide a menu of targeted actions from which farmers may choose. In August 2009 I invited submissions on the proposed new scheme and the report referred to was included in a submission received for the named organisation. Funding for the new scheme will include the additional modulation funds which I ensured will be retained for the benefit of Irish farmers in the negotiations on the CAP "Health Check". It will also include additional matching Exchequer funding. The details of the scheme are in the process of being finalised and will require the approval of the European Commission, which has already received an outline of our proposals.

Farm Inspections.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

89 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of inspections to be carried out under the single payment scheme in 2009; the number carried out to date in 2009; and the number of penalties imposed. [36208/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

In the context of delivering the Single Payment Scheme, my Department is required to carry out on-the-spot inspections on a number of farms covering such issues as eligibility under the Scheme, compliance with EU legislation in the areas of the environment, food safety, animal health and welfare and plant health and ensuring that the farm is maintained in good agricultural and environmental condition. A minimum of 5% of Single Payment Scheme applicants is required to be inspected under the eligibility rule. These checks are carried out to verify that the actual area claimed in the Single Payment Scheme application form corresponds to the area held by the farmer and to ensure there are no overlapping claims, or duplicate claims. Up to two thirds of these inspections are carried out without a farm visit and using the technique of remote sensing.

The rate of on-farm inspection required for cross-compliance is 1% of those farmers to whom the Statutory Management Requirements or GAEC apply. Under the relevant Regulations 5% of producers must be inspected under the Bovine Animal Identification and Registration requirements together with 3% of sheep producers covering 5% of the National flock. For the 2009 Scheme, there were a total of 11,391 farms selected for inspection out of some 130,000 who have applied for the Single Payment Scheme — over 100,000 of these are also applicants under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme. The value of both schemes to Irish farmers is some €1.5bn. Over 3,000 of these inspections are carried out without a farm visit using the technique of remote sensing.

All inspections relating to land eligibility have been carried out and are being processed for payment. Currently, 1,063 applicants will be paid on a lesser amount than they claimed as a result of a minor area discrepancy while a further 233 have recorded penalties as the discrepancy was greater than 3% of the area found. Inspections relating to Cross Compliance are still ongoing but with 3,792 completed there are currently 404 penalties in place.

Beef Imports.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

90 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the attempts he has made to convey Irish concerns on the importing of Brazilian beef to the European Commission. [36228/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

In December 2007 the Commission proposed more severe restrictions on Brazilian imports to the Community. This arose from the findings of EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) during its various missions to Brazil. These restrictions were recommended by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain & Animal Health (SCoFCAH) and proposed that imports be limited to a small number of farms that could meet the criteria laid down by the FVO. Ireland could not support proposal and argued that a total ban on beef imports from Brazil was justified in view of the FVO's findings. Other Member States however supported the Commission's proposal which was duly adopted Commission Decision No. 2008/61/EC.

Following this there have been a number of FVO missions which continue to report shortcomings in the Brazilian system. When these reports were discussed at SCoFCAH meetings other Member States continued to support the Commission's approach of restricting imports as opposed to applying a total ban.

Question No. 91 answered with Question No. 51.

Question No. 92 answered with Question No. 49.

Question No. 93 answered with Question No. 76.

Cross Compliance Measures.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

94 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the specific irregularities relating to cross-compliance measures that led to his Department being fined €715,000. [36229/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)

There are no specific irregularities relating to cross compliance measures that led to my Department being fined by the European Commission. The position is that, following a preventative audit by the European Commission in 2005 examining the introduction of the Cross Compliance system in Ireland, the auditors were not satisfied that all farmers selected for an on-the-spot check under the cross-compliance rules were examined for all Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) applicable to them.

For 2005, my Department had selected farmers for cross-compliance inspection on the basis of risk pertaining to each individual SMR. We thus selected 1% of farmers for inspection under each individual SMR while the Commission contended that we should have selected 1% of farmers and inspected them for compliance with each individual SMR applicable to them. The Commission argued that this system was required under the Regulations in force at that time.

The Commission originally proposed a disallowance of €1.769m. My Department maintained that the system of risk analysis adopted by Ireland was at least as effective as the system proposed by the Commission. Following detailed bilateral discussions and a meeting with the Conciliation Body the Commission reduced the disallowance to €0.715m. It should be noted that the EU regulations governing selection of the control sample for cross-compliance were amended in 2007 so as to allow a risk selection similar to that adopted by Ireland in 2005.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

95 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the costs incurred by her constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at her Department in respect of leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36379/09]

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

My Department has not incurred any costs associated with the design, production, delivery etc of leaflets by my constituency office or by the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at my Department or by the constituency offices of any of our predecessors in 2007, 2008 or to date in 2009.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

96 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by her and the Ministers of State at her Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36393/09]

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

The total cost related to foreign travel undertaken by all Ministers and Ministers of State at my Department from January 2007 to the end of September 2009 was as follows:

Year	€
2007	146,980.61
2008	184,369.39
2009 (to end-Sept.)	43,907.26

These figures include all identifiable costs related to flights, accommodation, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs which were paid for by my Department. They include costs related to accompanying staff of the relevant Minister or Minister of State's office. Where Ministerial foreign travel was organised by an agency of the Department, certain costs related to the Ministerial delegation were borne directly by the relevant agency.

Grant Payments.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

97 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants provided to Industrial Development Authority related projects nationally per year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36421/09]

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

Over the five-year period, 2004 to 2008, IDA Ireland paid out a total of €391,008,000 in grants to its client companies. Details of these payments are set out in the attached tabular statement:

IDA Grant Payments to client companies in each year 2004-2008
Year	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Amount	€	€	€	€	€
Total	62,579,000	82,949,000	92,391,000	75,088,000	78,001,000

Job Creation.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

98 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland in Waterford per year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36426/09]

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

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains in companies that are supported by Enterprise Ireland. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level. Figures for 2009 will not be available until early 2010. The number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Waterford in each of the 5 year period 2004-2008 are shown on the attached tabular statement:

Table showing the number of jobs created in Enterprise Ireland supported companies in Waterford over the 5 year period 2004-2008.
Waterford	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Number	299	162	409	763	167

Grant Payments.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

99 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants provided to Enterprise Ireland related projects in Waterford per year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36427/09]

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

Enterprise Ireland offers a comprehensive range of services, including both financial and non-financial supports, to companies with a business strategy that encompasses the elements required for business success. Enterprise Ireland provides a wide variety of supports and development programmes to client companies, including the Community Enterprise Centre scheme, Centres of Excellence, the Enterprise Platform Programme, Enterprise START Programme and Innovation Vouchers.

Enterprise Ireland assesses applications for financial assistance according to a number of criteria, including cost benefit modelling, commercial evaluation and technical assessment in order to ensure value for money to the exchequer. Enterprise Ireland has supported a variety of projects in Waterford over the last five years through both direct and indirect grant aid to companies, Community Enterprise Centres and Educational Institutes in Waterford. The value of grant payments to Enterprise Ireland supported companies in County Waterford in each year of the 5 year period 2005-2009 are shown on the attached tabular statement.

Table showing the value of grant payments to companies in County Waterford over the 5 year period 2005-2009.
Payments to Companies in County Waterford
2005	2006	2007	2008	Ytd 2009
Payments	€1,225,384	€902,595	€1,155,414	€2,025,818	€1,949,942

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

100 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants provided to Industrial Development Authority related projects in Waterford per year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36428/09]

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

Over the five-year period, 2004 to 2008, IDA Ireland paid out a total of €21.5m in grants to its client companies in Co. Waterford. Details of these payments, on a year-by-year basis, are set out in the attached tabular statement.

Table Showing IDA Grant Payments to client companies in Waterford in each of the years 2004-2008
Year	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Amount	€1,554,000	€3,337,000	€4,643,000	€7,265,000	€4,740,000

Job Creation.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

101 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland here per year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36430/09]

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

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains in companies that are supported by Enterprise Ireland. Data is compiled on an annualised basis and is aggregated at county level. Figures for 2009 will not be available until early 2010. The numbers of jobs created by Enterprise Ireland supported companies in each year of the 5 year period 2004-2008 are shown in the tabular statement.

Table showing the number of jobs created in Enterprise Ireland supported companies over the 5 year period2004-2008.
2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
12,564	14,316	15,052	15,776	10,522

Grant Payments.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

102 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants provided to Enterprise Ireland related projects nationally per year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36431/09]

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

Direct to business support includes grant and equity payments to companies in areas including R & D, training and broad company development. Third level support involves grants to researchers in the third level sector, support for collaborative R & D and infrastructural investment. These figures do not include supports such as Venture Capital Funding; Infrastructural Payments e.g. Community Enterprise Centres and payments to other third parties e.g. City and County Enterprise Boards. The annual breakdown of payments by Enterprise Ireland in direct financial supports to industry and third level institutions in each year of the 5 year period 2004-2008 are shown in the tabular statement.

Table showing the value of grant payments to companies over the 5 year period 2004-2008.
Type of Support	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	Total
	€’000	€’000	€’000	€’000	€’000	€’000
Direct to Business	64,437	64,272	68,889	79,456	105,716	382,770
Dept. of Agriculture Dairy Fund				2,985	25,084	28,069
Third Level	33,373	47,896	49,171	62,498	67,346	260,284
Total	97,810	112,168	118,060	144,939	198,146	671,123

Job Creation.

Brendan Kenneally

Question:

103 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of jobs created by the Industrial Development Authority here each year over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36456/09]

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

The Forfás Annual Employment Survey reports on job gains in companies that are supported by IDA Ireland. Data are compiled on an annualised basis and are aggregated at county level. Over the five-year period, 2004 to 2008, a total of 53,679 new jobs were created in IDA supported companies. The number of jobs created in each of those years is shown in the tabular statement.

Number of IDA jobs created over the last five years
Year	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
New Jobs Created	10,959	12,041	11,866	9,976	8,837

Employment Rights.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

104 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the status of the review process on employee representation as outlined in point 9.3 of the Transitional Agreement 2008 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36496/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

106 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her proposals to outlaw the victimisation of employees for involvement in trade union activity with regard to item 9.4 of the Transitional Agreement for 2008 to 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36498/09]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 106 together.

The law and practice relating to the status of collective bargaining in this country, and the arrangements to support it and address issues of victimisation and discrimination against those who seek to promote it, were matters which were discussed at length during the social partnership discussions which led to the conclusion of the Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009. The Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009 (paras 9.1 — 9.3) provides for the establishment of a review process which would consider the legal and other steps necessary to enable the employee representation mechanisms that had been established under previous agreements — and in legislation — to operate as they had been intended.

The Towards 2016 Review and Transitional Agreement 2008-2009 (para 9.4) also commits the Government to bringing forward legislative proposals to prohibit the victimisation of trade union members and to prohibit the incentivisation of persons not to be members of a trade union.

With a view to progressing work on both commitments, a Review Group on Employee Representation — chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach and on which my Department; the Department of Finance; trade unions; and employers are represented — has been put in place to examine these issues. Informal engagement has taken place between the parties and position papers have been submitted by the employer and trade union representatives on the issues requiring the Group's consideration.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

105 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of working days lost to her Department as a consequence of trade union leave for 2008; the trade union leave arrangements for staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36497/09]

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

During 2008 staff of my Department availed of 17 days paid trade union leave. The trade union leave arrangements in place in my Department are in accordance with Department of Finance Circular 14/1980 — "Facilities for non full-time representatives of staff associations/unions".

Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 104.

FÁS Training Programmes.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

107 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the unions which have been contracted by FÁS with regard to the union-led learning network; the value and duration of each contract; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36499/09]

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

FÁS has informed me that in September 2007 it awarded a number of contracts under the union learning networks programme. That support was provided under the Strategic Alliances Initiative for projects to train low-skilled workers and to promote life-long learning. This is in line with the provisions of Towards 2016.

These projects provide for the development of a regional infrastructure to recruit, train and support voluntary workplace learning advocates whose job is to then encourage the vocational development of their low skilled colleagues. In this regard, the voluntary workplace learning advocates must identify the training needs of the learner. The voluntary workplace learning advocates are identified mainly, though not exclusively, by local employee committees and in consultation with employers. The voluntary workplace learning advocate generally undertakes 5 days of training in advocacy skills and approaches that leads to a FETAC NFQ Level 5 qualification. Details of the union learning network programmes are set out in the Annex.

The ICTU contract to date has involved the recruitment of 8 Regional Co-ordinators to promote the programme and build relationships with unions and employers. In turn, the recruitment and training of the workplace learning advocates is now gathering momentum and is on target for completion within the deadline. As a direct follow on from the ICTU training of workplace learning advocates, some 1,200 low-skilled learners have already undertaken learning courses to date.

As a result of the SIPTU training of 50 workplace learning advocates the training needs of over 800 low-skilled workers have been assessed to date. A separate contract between FÁS and SIPTU to the value of €1,321,583 provides for the delivery of courses by SIPTU's IDEAS Training Institute to learners. 350 learners have received training to date.

ANNEX
Union	Contract Duration	Value of Contract	Workplace Learning Advocates training target	Workplace Learners training target	Trained to date
		€m
ICTU	26/8/2008-30/9/2010	3.890	460	Not applicable	116
SIPTU	1/6/08-30/6/2011	0.684	50	Not applicable	50
SIPTU	1/6/08-30/6/2011	1.322	Not applicable	1,000	350

Workplace Innovation Fund.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

108 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies availing of the work place innovation fund for each of the past three years; the number of applications refused in each; the reason for refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36500/09]

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

The Workplace Innovation Fund (WIF) was introduced in April 2007 to operate over the period 2007-2009. The aim of the Workplace Innovation Fund (WIF) is to support small and medium sized enterprises that are committed to workplace innovation and developing the role of employee participation and involvement as enablers of change and productivity improvements. The fund is administered jointly by Enterprise Ireland and the National Centre for Partnership and Performance. Since April 2007 to date 36 companies have been approved for WIF funding.

	Applied	Approved	Refused
2007	23	22	1
2008	14	13
2009		1*
Total	37	36	1

*Carryover from applications in 2008.

The single rejected application was to be reconsidered at a future date pending receipt of additional information, which was not forthcoming.

Departmental Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

109 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff members who have been dismissed from her Department in each of the past five years and their grade and reason for dismissal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36501/09]

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

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

My Department is charged with leading the cross-governmental drive to reduce administrative burdens on business. We are doing this in a prioritised way, drawing on the experiences of other Member States who are also involved in this international effort. Departments are currently identifying the "Information Obligations" contained in their legislation that are likely to be causing the biggest burdens for business. When the top Information Obligations have been identified, these priorities will be measured. Following this, simplification plans will be developed, detailing how the reductions are to be carried out.

Work is well advanced in my Department in measuring information obligations in company law, employment law and health and safety law. My Department has identified 34 priority information obligations across these three areas, details of which follow this reply. The priorities were identified through consultation with business groups and experts and by comparison with the results of the UK measurement exercise. It is envisaged that measurement of the 34 Information Obligations will be completed by the end of 2009. Other Departments are listing and prioritising the Information Obligations contained in the legislation under their responsibility. Measurement of priorities identified across all sectors of government will be carried out during 2010. When these measurements have been concluded, simplification plans will be developed. Following this, simplification will be carried out during 2011 and 2012.

Top Eight Company Law IOs
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Companies	Source of Initiative
1	Keeping of Books of Account	Every company must keep books of account that correctly record and explain company transactions; that enable the financial position of the company to be determined at any time; that enable the directors to ensure that annual accounts of the Company will comply with the Companies Acts and if applicable the IAS Regulations; and that will enable the company to be readily and properly audited. The books must be continuously and consistently maintained. the books should contain entries of all monies expended and received, a record of assets and liabilities, a record of goods purchased and sold, records of invoices received, statements of stock held by the company, records of services provided and invoices relating thereto. The books must give a true and fair view of the state of the companies affairs and should explain transactions. The books should be kept at the registered office or wherever the directors think fit. If kept outside the state returns must be made so that directors know the position of the company with reasonable accuracy. Books, accounts and returns must be available in an official language of the State at all reasonable times for inspection by officers of the company. Records must be maintained for 6 years.	s 202 1990 CA	ongoing	any company
2	Abridged Accounts	Where a company annexes abridged accounts to the annual return required to be sent to the registrar under s 156 1963 CA, they must be signed as required by s 156 and also must contain a statement from the directors that they have relied on the exemptions in ss 10-12 on the grounds the company is either a small or medium sized company and also the auditors report must be sent with the return stating that it is their opinion that the directors are entitled to annex abridged accounts to the return. Such a copy of the auditors report in relation to entitlement to annex abridged accounts to the return must be certified by a director and a secretary to be a true copy of such a report.	s 18 1986 C(A)A	annual	companies availing of the exemptions under ss 10-12 of the 1986 C(A)A	The 1986 C(A)A gives effect to Directive 78/660/EEC. Note: this act does not apply to specific companies- which are laid out in s 2 1986 C(A)A

Top Eight Company Law IOs *— continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Companies	Source of Initiative
3	Annual General Meetings	A company must hold a general meeting as its annual general meeting once a year. It is necessary that a meeting which is to be the AGM must be specified as such in any of the notices calling it. .	s 131(1) 1963 CA	annual	all
3	Annual General Meetings	If a general meeting is deemed to be an annual general meeting by resolution, then the company must forward a copy of the resolution to the registrar of companies within 15 days	s 131(3)(4)(5) 1963 CA	annual	all
3	Length of Notice for Calling Meetings	An AGM requires 21 days notice in writing; any other meeting which is not an AGM or a meeting for the passing of a special resolution — 14 days notice in writing if the company is not either private or unlimited, 7 days notice in writing if the company is private or unlimited. Note that notice means clear notice — ie exclusive of both the day on which the notice is served and also the day of the meeting.	s 133 (1) 1963 CA; see also Sch 1 Table A Part 1 (51) 1963 CA; Sch 1 Table A Part II (4); Schedule 1 Table C (8) 1963 CA; Sch 1 Table E Part II (4) 1963 CA; see also s 38 1983 C(A)A	recurring	all
3	Notice Of Meetings	Every notice of a meeting of a company must state that members who are entitled to attend and vote can also appoint a proxy to speak and vote in his/her stead. It must be clear that the proxy need not be a member.	s 136 (3) 1963 CA	recurring	any company having a share capital.
3	Notice Of Meetings	Where notice of a meeting is given to the company for the purpose of a resolution requiring extended notice, then the company must give its members notice of the meeting, or if not practicable shall give notice by means of an advertisement in a daily newspaper circulating in the area or by other means allowed in its articles, at least 21 days before the meeting.	s 142 (1) 1963 CA	on event	all
4	Minute Books	Every company must enter minutes of all general meetings, meetings of directors and meetings of committees of directors, in books kept specifically for minutes.	s 145 (1) 1963 CA; Sch 1 Table A Part 1 (89) 1963 CA	ongoing.	all
4	Minute Books	The Director can require the production of the minute books maintained under s 145 (1) for inspection and can also take copies of the contents of the books. Companies and officers of the company are under a duty to facilitate the director here.	s 145 (3A) 1963 CA	on event	all

Top Eight Company Law IOs *— continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Companies	Source of Initiative
4	Minute Books	Minute books of any general meeting of the copy must be kept at the registered office of the company and must be available for inspection by any member without charge for at least two hours a day during business hours. A member can request a copy of any such minutes and is entitled to such a copy within 7 days of the request on payment of a small fee.	s 146 (1)(2) 1963 CA	ongoing	all
5	Register of Members.	Every company is obliged to maintain a register of its members which must include their names, addresses, the shares they hold, the amount paid or agreed to be paid on the shares of each member, the date at which person became a member, the date at which any person ceased to be a member. These details must be entered within 28 days of the agreement with the company to become a member, or within 28 days of the company’s registration in the case of a subscriber to the memorandum. Regarding the date at which a person ceases to be a member, this must be entered within 28 days of a person ceasing to be a member. If a company has converted shares into stock and given notice to the registrar, then the register of members must also show the amount of stock each member holds instead of the amount of shares.	s 116 (1)(2)(3)(4) 1963 CA	ongoing	all
5	Register of Members.	The company must keep the Register of Members at its registered office, or at another company office if that is where the work of making it up is done or if a third party maintains the register for the company, it may be kept at their office. However the company cannot keep the register of members outside the state. The company must also give the registrar notice of the place where the register of members is kept and also of any change in that place. However no notice is required where the register has at all times since its creation been kept at the company’s registered office.	s 116(5)(6)(7)(8) 1963 CA	ongoing	all

Top Eight Company Law IOs *— continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Companies	Source of Initiative
6	Register of Directors and Secretaries.	Every company must maintain a register of directors and secretaries at its registered office. It should detail the directors’ names, address, date of birth, nationality, occupation, and any other directorships of bodies corporate held, or which have been held by him. Details should include directorships held in the last ten years, but need not include companies which are wholly owned within the same group. Secretaries’ names and addresses should be detailed. Note: Any changes should be entered within 14 days and the registrar of companies must also be notified. (Form B10) Note: The register must be kept open for inspection for at least 2 hours in each day by any member of the company without charge, and by any other person on payment of a small fee. Any person can request a copy of the register on payment of a small fee, the company must furnish that copy within 1- days of their request.	s 195 1963 CA	ongoing.	all
7	Notice of Directors on all Business Letters	Companies must detail the name, any former name and nationality (if not Irish) of every Director on any business letter where the company name appears. (The Minister can grant exemptions)	s 196(1) 1963 CA	ongoing.	any company registered under the 1963 or 1908 Act unless registered before 23/11/1916, any company registered outside the State but with an established place of business in the state unless established before 23/11/1986, any company licensed under the Moneylenders Act 1933.

Top Eight Company Law IOs *— continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Companies	Source of Initiative
8	Substantial Contracts etc with Directors and others to be disclosed in accounts.	Where a holding company prepares group accounts under s 150 1963 CA they must contain details of 1) any transaction or arrangement of a kind described in s 31 1990 CA entered into by the company/subsidiary for a person who was at the time a director, director of the holding company or a connected person; 2) any agreement by the company or its subsidiary to enter into any such transaction for a person who was at the time a director, director of the holding company or a connected person; 3) any other transaction with the company or subsidiary in which a person who was at the time a director, director of the holding company and who had a material interest in the transaction either directly or indirectly. Note: This excludes transactions and arrangements between one company and another in which a director is only interested by virtue of being a director; contracts of service between a company and one of its directors or a director of its holding company or one of its subsidiaries; a transaction not entered into during the relevant period and any transaction made before the commencement of this section. Note: ss 42 and 43 detail the particulars to be included where s 41 applies. Note: Arrangements mentioned in s 32(2) are excluded. See s 45 1990 CA.	s 41(1)(6)(7) 1990 CA; see also ss 42 and 43 and 45 1990 CA	on event	companies preparing group accounts under s 150 1963 CA; excludes a company which is a holding company of a bank.

Top Eight Company Law IOs *— continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Companies	Source of Initiative
8	Substantial Contracts etc with Directors and others to be disclosed in accounts.	Where a company prepares accounts other than a holding company such accounts must contain details of 1) any transaction or arrangement of a kind described in s 31 1990 CA entered into by the company/subsidiary for a person who was at the time a director, director of the holding company or a connected person; 2) any agreement by the company or its subsidiary to enter into any such transaction for a person who was at the time a director, director of the holding company or a connected person; 3) any other transaction with the company or subsidiary in which a person who was at the time a director, director of the holding company and who had a material interest in the transaction either directly or indirectly. Note: This excludes transactions and arrangements between one company and another in which a director is only interested by virtue of being a director; contracts of service between a company and one of its directors or a director of its holding company or one of its subsidiaries; a transaction not entered into during the relevant period and any transaction made before the commencement of this section. Note: ss 42 and 43 detail the particulars to be included where s 41 applies. Note: Arrangements mentioned in s 32(2) are excluded. See s 45 1990 CA.	s 41(2)(6)(7) 1990 CA; see also ss 42 and 43 and 45 1990 CA	on event	any company preparing accounts other than a holding company, excludes a company which is a holding company of a bank.

Top Eleven Employment Law IOs
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Businesses	Source of Initiative
	Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2004
1	Posting of Notices	An employer of any workers shall post in the prescribed manner such notices as may be prescribed for the purpose of informing them of any matter related to an employment regulation order affecting such workers.	s49(2) 1946; see also s7 1976	on event	Does not apply to employers with regard to agricultural workers. Applies to all other employers.	Irish Legislature
	National Minimum Wage Act 2000
2	Records	An employer shall keep such records as are necessary to show that each of his or her employees is being paid not less than the minimum hourly rate of pay to which he or she is entitled in accordance with this Act. The records shall be kept at the premises or place where his or her employee works or, if the employee works at two or more premises or places, the premises or place from which the activities that the employee is employed to carry on are principally directed. The records shall be retained for at least 3 years from the date of their making.	s22(1) 2000	on event	all	Irish Legislature
3	Statement of Average Hourly Rate of Pay	An employer shall, upon request from an employee, within 4 weeks after receiving the employee’s request, give to the employee a written statement of the employee’s average hourly rate of pay during any pay reference period falling within the 12 month period immediately preceding the request.	s23(4) 2000	on event	all	Irish Legislature
3	Statement of Average Hourly Rate of Pay	The statement shall contain details of: (1) the reckonable pay components paid or allowed to the employee, (2) the working hours of the employee calculated, (3) the average hourly pay actually paid or allowed to the employee, (4) the minimum hourly rate of pay to which the employee is entitled.	s23(4) 2000	on event	all	Irish Legislature

Top Eleven Employment Law IOs —*continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Businesses	Source of Initiative
3	Statement of Average Hourly Rate of Pay	The statement shall be signed and dated by or on behalf of the employer. A copy shall be kept by the employer for a period of 15 months beginning on the date on which the statement was given to the employee.	s23(5) 2000	on event	all	Irish Legislature
	Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
4	Records of Compliance	An employer shall keep such records, in such form, if any, as may be prescribed, as will show whether the provisions of this Act (and, where applicable, the Activities of Doctors in Training Regulations) are being complied with in relation to the employee. The records shall be retained by the employer for at least 3 years from the date of their making.	s25(1) 1997; EC (Organisation of Working Time)R 2004, Reg. 11(1)	on event	all	European (Directive 93/104/EC)
4	Records of Compliance	The records shall be kept at the premises or place where his or her employee works or, if the employee works at two or more premises or places, the premises or place from which the activities that the employee is employed to carry on are principally directed or controlled.	s25(1) 1997; EC (Organisation of Working Time)R 2004, Reg. 11(1)	on event	all	European (Directive 93/104/EC)
4	Records of Compliance	The records shall contain details of compliance with regard to: (1) daily rest periods, (2) rests and intervals at work, (3) weekly rest periods, (4) payment for Sunday work, (5) weekly working hours, (6) nightly working hours, (7) entitlement to, and times and pay for, annual leave, (8) entitlement to, and rate of pay for, public holidays, (9) payment of any holidays or public holidays compensation owing at the time of cesser of employment.	Ss11-16 and Ss19-23 1997	on event	all	European (Directive 93/104/EC)

Top Eleven Employment Law IOs —*continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Businesses	Source of Initiative
4	Form of Record of Compliance	The records shall contain the following particulars and documents: (1) the name of each employee concerned, (2) the employee’s PPS, (3) a brief statement of his or her duties as an employee, (4) a copy, as appropriate, of the statement provided to each employee concerned in accordance with the provisions of the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, or any order or regulation made under that Act, that relates to him or her.	Organisation of Working Time (Records) R 2001, Reg. 3(a)	on event	all	European (Directive 93/104/EC)
	Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003
5	Written Statement of Employer	An employer of an employee on a fixed-term contract shall inform the employee in writing, as soon as practicable, of the objective condition determining the contract.	s8(1) 2003	on event	all	European (Directive 1999/70/EC)
5	Written Statement of Employer	Where an employer proposes to renew a fixed-term contract, the employer shall inform the fixed-term employee in writing of the objective grounds justifying the renewal of the fixed-term contract and the failure to offer a contract of indefinite duration, before the renewal of the contract.	s8(2) 2003	on event	all	European (Directive 1999/70/EC)
	Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001
6	Written Statement of Terms of Employment	An employer shall, not later than 2 months after the commencement of an employee’s employment with the employer, give or cause to be given to the employee a statement in writing containing the particulars of the terms of the employee’s employment.	s3(1) 1994	on event	all	European (Directive 91/533/EEC)

Top Eleven Employment Law IOs —*continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Businesses	Source of Initiative
6	Written Statement of Terms of Employment	It shall include certain details: (1) the full names of the employee and employer, (2) the address of the employer in the State or, where appropriate, the address of the principal place of the relevant business of the employer in the State or the registered office, (3) the place of work or, where there is no fixed or main place of work, a statement specifying that the employee is required or permitted to work at various places, (4) the title of the job or nature of the work for which the employee is employed, (5) the date of commencement of the employee’s contract of employment, (6) in the case of a temporary contract of employment, the expected duration thereof or, if the contract of employment is for a fixed term, the date on which the contract expires.	s3(1)(a)-(f) 1994	on event	all	European (Directive 91/533/EEC)
6	Written Statement of Terms of Employment	It shall include certain details: (1) the rate or method of calculation of the employee’s remuneration and the pay reference period for the purposes of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, (2) that the employee may, under section 23 of the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, request from the employer a written statement of the employee’s average hourly rate of pay for any pay reference period as provided in that section.	s44 National Minimum Wage Act 2000	on event	all	Irish Legislature

Top Eleven Employment Law IOs —*continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Businesses	Source of Initiative
6	Written Statement of Terms of Employment	It shall include certain details: (1) the length of the intervals between the times at which remuneration is paid, (2) any terms or conditions relating to — (i) hours of work (including overtime), (ii) paid leave (other than paid sick leave), (iii) incapacity for work due to sickness or injury and paid sick leave, and pensions and pension schemes, (3) the period of notice which the employee is required to give and entitled to receive (whether by or under statute or under the terms of the employee’s contract of employment) to determine the employee’s contract of employment or, where this cannot be indicated when the information is given, the method for determining such periods of notice, (4) a reference to any collective agreements which directly affect the terms and conditions of the employee’s employment including, where the employer is not a party to such agreements, particulars of the bodies or institutions by whom they were made.	s3(1)(h)-(m) 1994	on event	all	European (Directive 91/533/EEC)
6	Written Statement of Terms of Employment	It shall be signed and dated by or on the behalf of the employer.	s3(4) 1994	on event	all	European (Directive 91/533/EEC)
6	Written Statement of Terms of Employment	A copy of the statement shall be retained by the employer during the period of the employee’s employment and for a period of 1 year thereafter.	s3(5) 1994	on event	all	European (Directive 91/533/EEC)

Top Eleven Employment Law IOs —*continued*
No.	Obligation	Description	Reference	Compliance	Businesses	Source of Initiative
7	Notification of Changes to Terms of Employment	Whenever a change is made or occurs in any of the particulars of the statement furnished by an employer to an employee, the employer shall notify the employee in writing of the nature and date of the change as soon as may be thereafter, but not later than one month after the change takes effect, or, where the change is consequent on the employee being required to work outside the State for a period of more than 1 month, the time of the employee’s departure.	s5(1) 1994	on event	all	European (Directive 91/533/EEC)
7	Notification of Changes to Terms of Employment	Not required in relation to a change occurring in provisions of statutes or instruments made under statute or of any other laws or of any administrative provisions or collective agreements referred to in the statement.	s5(2) 1994	on event	all	European (Directive 91/533/EEC)
	Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007
8	Notification of Grounds for Dismissal	Where an employee is dismissed, an employer shall, if so requested, furnish to the employee within 14 days of the request, particulars in writing of the principal grounds for dismissal.	s9 1993	on event	all	Irish Legislature
	General Provisions
9	Information to Inspectors and Authorised Officers	An inspector or authorised officer may require an employer or the representative of such employer to make available to him or her any such records, documents or other information as he or she deems necessary to show compliance with the provisions of the Act.	s33(2)(c) National Minimum Wage Act 2000	on event	all	Irish Legislature
10	”	”	s8(3)(c) Organisation of Working Time Act 1997	on event	all	European (Directive 93/104/EC)
11	”	”	s9(1)(c) Payment of Wages Act 1991	on event	all	Irish Legislature

Top 15 Health & Safety Information Obligations
No.	Obligation	Rating(Max = 81)	Reference	Business Sector	IO Category
1	Classification, packaging & labelling of chemicals	54	Reg 6 European Communities (Classification, Packaging, Labelling and Notification of Dangerous Substances) Regulations, 2003 to 2008 (S.I. Nos 116 of 2003, 25 of 2006, and 272 of 2008)	Manufacturing	Application or Notification to or Communication with Authority
2	Hazard warning labels	54	Reg 9 (3) Safety, Health And Welfare At Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations, 2001 (S.I. No. 619 of 2001)	All	Signs & Notices
3	Record of inspections of work equipment	54	Reg. 30 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007)	All	Registers & Records
4	Register of reports of examination of lifting equipment	54	Reg. 54(2)(a) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007)	All	Registers & Records
5	Registration of chemicals	54	Chemical Act 2008 (Number 13 of 2008) and TITLE II Chapter 1 of EC Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)	Manufacturing	Application or Notification to or Communication with Authority
6	Safety and Health Plan for construction projects	54	Reg. 16 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 504 of 2006)	Construction	Plan or Procedure or Risk Assessment
7	Safety data sheets for chemicals	54	Chemical Act 2008 (Number 13 of 2008) and Article 31 of EC Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)	All	Notice to or Communication with other parties
8	Safety statement	54	S.20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005	All	Plan or Procedure or Risk Assessment

Top 15 Health & Safety Information Obligations *— continued*
No.	Obligation	Rating(Max = 81)	Reference	Business Sector	IO Category
9	Confirmation of the verification of construction workers certificates	36	Reg. 25 (2)(b) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 504 of 2006)	Construction	Application or Notification to or Communication with Authority
10	Information for pregnant employees or those that have recently given birth	36	Reg. 152 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 299 of 2007)	All	Communication or Training
11	Notification of injuries or death	36	Reg. 59 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 1993 (S.I. No. 44 of 1993)	All	Application or Notification to or Communication with Authority
12	Record of notification of accident or dangerous occurrence	36	Reg. 17 (1)(e) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 504 of 2006)	Construction	Registers & Records
13	Risk assessment SAFETY STATEMENT (#13)	36	S.19 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005	All	Plan or Procedure or Risk Assessment
14	Safety File	36	Reg. 8(1) of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 504 of 2006)	Construction	Registers & Records
15	Written procedures for demolition operations on a construction site	36	Reg. 94 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 504 of 2006)	Construction	Plan or Procedure or Risk Assessment

Employment Support Services.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

117 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of companies which have applied for funding from the temporary job subsidy scheme; the number of jobs that will be subsidised; the number of applications accepted; the number rejected; the amount paid out to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36523/09]

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

The temporary Employment Subsidy Scheme applies to vulnerable but viable companies in the manufacturing or internationally traded service sectors. It will involve the payment of a subsidy to firms to retain an agreed level of jobs. After the deadline of the 4 September last, Enterprise Ireland, which is managing the scheme, received 561 eligible applications seeking employment subsidies for 9,130 jobs. Enterprise Ireland is considering these applications. As the first payments to successful applicants are due to commence in December of this year, no payments have been made to date.

In some instances, this rate is less than the combined percentages for nascent and new firm entrepreneurs. This is because, in circumstances where respondents qualify as both nascent and new firm entrepreneurs, they are counted only once. In addition to those who are currently involved in the early-stages of a business, there are many individuals who have set up businesses they have continued to own and manage for a longer time. These individuals are referred to in the tables as "established business owners", using an index which captures the percentage of individuals in a population that have set up businesses that they have continued to own and manage and which has paid wages or salaries for more than 42 months. The rate given in the table for established business owners is the rate for those in the adult population aged 18-64 years inclusive.

Table 1: Entrepreneurial Activity GEM Reports
Year	NASCENT Entrepreneurs 1	New Firm Entrepreneurs 2	Early Stage Entrepreneurs 3	Established Firm Entrepreneurs 4
	%	%	%
2001	7.2	4.8	12.1	N/A
2002	5.7	4.2	9.1	8.1
2003	5.1	3.8	8.1	6.7
2004	4.4	3.6	7.7	6.5
2005	5.7	4.7	9.8	8.1
2006	4.5	2.9	7.4	7.8
2007	4.2	4.2	8.2	9.0
2008	3.3	4.3	7.6	9.0

Table 2: Company Registrations
Year	Incorporation Of New Companies
1999	18,761
2000	18,232
2001	14,345
2002	13,845
2003	14,388
2004	15,690
2005	17,302
2006	19,297
2007	18,797
2008	14,784
2009 (Jan-Sept)	9,956

Source: CRO.

Table 3: New VAT Registrations
Year	New VAT Registrations
2000	19,061
2001	25,472
2002	25,014
2003	28,501
2004	31,937
2005	35,842
2006	39,827
2007	33,757
2008	25,727

Source: Revenue Statistical Reports.

Industrial Development.

Phil Hogan

Question:

124 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the financial and grant assistance paid from EU and national sources in respect of a factory (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36552/09]

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

The company in question has not been grant aided by Enterprise Ireland in respect of its operation in Freshford, County Kilkenny. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has informed me that no other national or EU grant was paid to this company in respect of its plant at Freshford, County Kilkenny. I will set out the facilities operated by the company and the assistance received in respect of them. A company operation (sheep processing) in Camolin, County Wexford has been paid approximately €86,000 in grants by Enterprise Ireland since 2003. The company has a second lamb processing plant at Navan, County Meath. Since 2003, no grant moneys have been provided towards this facility. A beef processing facility in Bunclody, County Wexford has been paid grants of approximately €74,000 by Enterprise Ireland since 2003. The company's operations at Bunclody and Camolin were approved grants of €4.507 million and €3.544 million respectively under the Beef and Sheepmeat Fund announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in May 2009.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

125 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by herself and the Ministers of State at her Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36563/09]

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

The total cost of official domestic travel incurred by all Ministers and Ministers of State at my Department from January 2007 to the end of September 2009 was as follows: 2007, €86,607.41; 2008, €121,543.63; and 2009 (to the end of September), €76,016.33. These figures include all identifiable costs incurred by the Ministers and Ministers of State which were paid for by my Department in relation to official domestic travel. Certain other travel-related costs, such as the provision of a car by the State for the Minister, are not borne by my Department.

Redundancy Payments.

Finian McGrath

Question:

126 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will support a matter (detail supplied) in Dublin 9. [36583/09]

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

The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department received statutory lump sum applications for the company concerned in July 2009. I understand that the claims are being processed. Subject to the necessary information being provided in support of the claims, I expect payment to issue to the claimants within the next two or three weeks. Currently, the average time it takes to process rebate applications from employers filed on-line is seven months while claims submitted by post are taking eight months. The Redundancy Payments Section of my Department is processing applications filed on-line from March 2009 and those submitted by post from February 2009.

In respect of lump sum payments paid directly to employees in instances where employers are unable to pay the statutory redundancy entitlements, the redundancy payments section is, in general, processing claims dating from June 2009. Given the unprecedented increase in redundancy payment claims lodged with my Department since late 2008, it has proved impossible to maintain the customer service targets that previously obtained. The scale of the challenge is evident from the statistics that show incoming redundancy claims with a cumulative figure for the first nine months of 2009 at 60,785 an increase of 122% on the same period last year (27,373). This figure of 60,785 exceeds the claims lodged for the full year 2008 (40,607). Indeed, 2008 itself was an exceptional year compared to earlier years, when claims received were of the order of 25,000.

Efforts continue to be made by the Tánaiste and I to deliver more acceptable turnaround processing times for redundancy payments given the difficulties that this gives rise to for both individual employees and the business community. Measures already taken include the reassignment of 26.7 additional staff (full-time equivalents) from other areas of the Department to the redundancy payments area since early 2009 with an ongoing review of trends and demands — the current number of staff serving in the redundancy payments section in terms of full-time equivalents is 53.8; the prioritisation of the Department's overtime budget towards staff in the redundancy payments section to tackle the backlog outside normal hours; the establishment of a special call handling facility to deal with the huge volume of telephone calls from people and businesses who are naturally concerned about their payments, using the facilities and co-operation of the National Employment Rights Authority — this centre has received an average of 12,500 calls per month this year with an estimated 60% relating to redundancy payments; the provision of better quality information relating to current processing times on the Department's website; and an engagement with the Revenue Commissioners to facilitate the offset of redundancy rebate payments by employers against outstanding tax liabilities with the Revenue Commissioners. The Tánaiste and I will continue to monitor closely the impact of these changes against the continuing influx of redundancy claims and will consider further measures to deal with the situation if current measures prove to be inadequate.

Public Procurement.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

127 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will amend the rules for construction tenders by public bodies and local authorities in order that small building contracts of less than €5.25 million can be awarded to any one of a short-list of approved contractors and in the case of civil engineering projects up to a limit of €15 million to apply an open tender process subject to firms meeting agreed minimum standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36586/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

National guidelines dealing with the procurement of public works projects below the EU financial threshold can be found in the "Procurement Process for Works Contractors, GN 2.3" of the Capital Works Management Framework on my Department's website, www.constructionprocurement.gov.ie. This document provides guidance on the short listing of approved contractors (i.e. the restricted procedure) which is permitted as a standard option for public works contracts valued at less than €5.15 million (EU threshold). The use of short listing can also be used as a standard option for projects above the EU thresholds under Irish and European law.

In relation to allowing all firms that meet the minimum suitability standards participate in tender competitions for public works contracts, including civil engineering contracts, the guidance also allows this approach to be used by contracting authorities as a standard option. Further information on the use of suitability assessment methods for the works contracts is available in the Capital Works Management Framework published on my Department's website mentioned above. In addition, in light of pressures facing SMEs, my Department, in consultation with the Government contracts committee for construction, is finalising guidance to public authorities on the determination of appropriate levels of financial capacity of tenderers relevant to particular contracts.

National Lottery Funding.

Joe McHugh

Question:

128 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Finance the amounts of money that have been spent annually by the national lottery in the years 2000 to 2006; the percentages of these annual amounts that have been spent annually by the national lottery on local projects in the same years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36366/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The surplus generated by the National Lottery is surrendered to the Exchequer and is allocated to a number of Departments in the context of the annual Estimates process. The attached copies of Appendix 1 of the Revised Estimates for Public Services for each of the years 2000 to 2004 show the allocation of National Lottery funding in each of these years, by Department. The annual amounts are 2000, €152 million; 2001, €167 million; 2002, €220 million; 2003, €201 million; and 2004, €236 million.

Since 2005, the total allocation for subheads which had formerly been funded entirely from the proceeds of the National Lottery has exceeded the funds available from the National Lottery. Therefore, the subheads in Appendix 1 for subsequent years include both National Lottery and Exchequer funding. In 2005, approximately 64% of total expenditure on these subheads, or €211 million, came from the National Lottery, while in 2006 the corresponding figure was 50% or €200 million. What might be regarded as local projects are mainly funded under the headings "Supports for Community and Voluntary Sector" and "Local and Community Development Programmes" under the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the "Sports Capital Programme" under the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism. On this basis, the percentage of National Lottery funding spent annually on local projects is as follows: 2000, 32%; 2001, 39%; 2002, 42%; 2003, 44%; 2004, 47%; 2005, 43%; and 2006, 35%.

Table 1 — 2002
APPENDIX I: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2001 Provisional Outturn	2002 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
6. Office of the Minister for Finance
L. — Charitable Lotteries Fund	7,618	—	7,618	7,618	—	7,618

25. Environment and Local Government
B.3 — Grant-in-aid Fund for Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly	—	10,993	10,993	—	11,903	11,903
B.4 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes	—	1,604	1,604	—	1,732	1,732
Subtotal:—	—	12,597	12,597	—	13,635	13,635
26. Office of the Minister for Education and Science.
B.1 — Grant-in-Aid Fund for General expenses of Adult Education Organisations	722	—	722	762	—	762
B.9 — Grant-in-Aid Fund for general expenses of youth and sport organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities	23,347	—	23,347	25,892	—	25,892
B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish	1,167	—	1,167	1,185	—	1,185
B.11 — Publications in Irish	237	—	237	245	—	245
B.14 — Grant-in-Aid Fund for General Expenses of Cultural, Organisations Scientific and Educational Organisations	909	—	909	830	—	830
Subtotal:—	26,382	—	26,382	28,914	—	28,914
33. Health and Children
B.7 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	9,608	—	9,608	9,944	—	9,944
K.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities	—	2,539	2,539	—	2,539	2,539
Subtotal:—	9,608	2,539	12,147	9,944	2,539	12,483

Table 1 — 2002 —*continued*
APPENDIX I: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2001 Provisional Outturn	2002 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
34. Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Q. — Participation in World Exposition in Hanover — Expo 2000	758	—	758	100	—	100

35. Tourism, Sport and Recreation
C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities	—	26,994	26,994	—	37,414	37,414
		.
C.5 — Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other expenditure in relation to sports activities (Grant-in-Aid)	18,265	—	18,265	24,261	—	24,261
Subtotal:—	18,265	26,994	45,259	24,261	37,414	61,675
36. Defence
Y. — Coiste an Asgard	640	—	640	625	—	625

40. Social, Family and Community Affairs
U. —Grants for Community and Voluntary Service	37,362	—	37,362	47,104	—	47,104

41. An Chomhairle Ealaíon
B. — Grant under Section (5) (1) (a) of the National Lottery Act, 1986 (Grant-in-Aid)	8,888	5,079	13,967	8,888	4,679	13,567

42. An Roinn Ealaíon, Oidhreachta, Gaeltachta agus Oiléan
I — Íocaíocht le Ciste na Gaeilge (Deontas-i-gCabhair)	2,222	—	2,222	2,227	—	2,227
P.2. — Grant-in-Aid for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)	2,012	5,511	7,523	2,083	5,741	7,824
Subtotal:—	4,234	5,511	9,745	4,310	5,741	10,051
Grand Total:—	113,755	52,720	166,475	131,764	64,008	195,772

TABLE 2 — 2003
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2002 Provisional Outturn	2003 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
6. Office of the Minister for Finance
L. — Charitable Lotteries Fund	7,618	—	7,618	7,618	—	7,618

25. Environment and Local Government
B.3 — Grant-in-aid Fund for Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly	—	11,903	11,903	—	11,536	11,536
B.4— Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes	—	1,152	1,152	—	1,900	1,900
E.2 — Grant-in-Aid for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)	2,083	5,741	7,824	1,971	5,077	7,048
Subtotal:—	2,083	18,796	20,879	1,971	18,513	20,484
26. Education and Science.
B.1 — Grant-in-Aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations	762	—	762	800		800
B.9 — Grant-in-Aid Fund for general expenses of youth and sport organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities	25,711	—	25,711	27,123	—	27,123
B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish	1,146	—	1,146	1,185	—	1,185
B.11 — Publications in Irish.	244	—	244	66	—	66
B.14 — Grant-in-Aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Organisations Scientific and Educational Organisations	818	—	818	291	—	291
Subtotal:—	28,681	—	28,681	29,465	—	29,465
33. Health and Children
B.7 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	9,944	—	9,944	10,193	—	10,193
J.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities	—	2,539	2,539	—	2,539	2,539
Subtotal:—	9,944	2,539	12,483	10,193	2,539	12,732

TABLE 2 — 2003 —*continued*
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2002 Provisional Outturn	2003 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
34. Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Q.1 — Participation in World Exposition in Hanover — Expo 2000	40	—	40	16	—	16

35. Arts, Sport and Tourism
C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities	—	61,323	61,323	—	61,000	61,000
C.4 — Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other expenditure in relation to sports activities (Grant-in-Aid)	27,261	—	27,261	26,597	—	26,597
Subtotal:—	27,261	61,323	88,584	26,597	61,000	87,597
36. Defence
X. — Coiste an Asgard	625	—	625	657	—	657

40. Social and Family Affairs
Q. — Money Advice and Budgeting Service (a)	9,287	—	9,287	—	—	—
R.3 — Family Resource Centres (a)	4,384	—	4,384	—	—	—
U. — Miscellaneous Services (part) (a)	762	—	762	—	—	—
Subtotal:—	14,433	—	14,433	—	—	—
42. An Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta
C. — Íocaíocht le Ciste na Gaeilge (Deontas-i-gCabhair)	2,403	—	2,403	2,400	—	2,400
J. — Grants for Community and Voluntary Service	30,431	—	30,431	29,740	—	29,740
Subtotal:—	32,834	—	32,834	32,140	—	32,140
43. An Chomhairle Ealaíon
B. — Grant under Section (5) (1) (a) of the National
Lottery Act, 1986 (Grant-in-Aid)	8,888	4,679	13,567	11,249	2,000	13,249
Grand Total:—	132,407	87,337	219,744	119,890	84,052	203,942

This service was funded from the National Lottery in 2002 but is Exchequer funded in 2003.

TABLE 3 — 2004
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2003 Provisional Outturn	2004 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
6. Office of the Minister for Finance
L. — Charitable Lotteries Fund	7,618	—	7,618	7,618	—	7,618

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government
B.3 — Grant-in-aid Fund for Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly	—	11,536	11,536	—	11,599	11,599
B.4 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes	—	1,900	1,900	—	2,069	2,069
E.2 — Grant-in-aid for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)	1,971	5,077	7,048	2,000	5,100	7,100
Subtotal:—	1,971	18,513	20,484	2,000	18,768	20,768
26. Education and Science
B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations	800	—	800	822		822
B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of youth and sport organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities	27,121	—	27,121	28,624	—	28,624
B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish	1,177	—	1,177	1,185	—	1,185
B.11 — Publications in Irish	66	—	66	66	—	66
B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations	272	—	272	263	—	263
Subtotal:—	29,436	—	29,436	30,960	—	30,960
27. An Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta
C. — Íocaíocht le Ciste na Gaeilge	2,326	—	2,326	2,675	—	2,675
K. — Grants for Community and Voluntary Service	26,922	—	26,922	27,309	—	27,309
Subtotal:—	29,248	—	29,248	29,984	—	29,984

TABLE 3 — 2004 —*continued*
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2003 Provisional Outturn	2004 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
33. Health and Children
B.7 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	10,193	—	10,193	10,478	—	10,478
J.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities ...	—	2,539	2,539	—	2,539	2,539
Subtotal:—	10,193	2,539	12,732	10,478	2,539	13,017
35. Arts, Sport and Tourism
C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities	98	61,000	61,098	—	63,597	63,597
C.4 — Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other expenditure in relation to sports activities (Grant-in-Aid)	26,597	—	26,597	29,000	—	29,000
D.10 — Grants to An Chomhairle Ealaíon	11,249	2,000	13,249	17,008	3,500	20,508
Subtotal:—	37,944	63,000	100,944	46,008	67,097	113,105
36. Defence
X. — Coiste an Asgard	657	—	657	693	—	693
Total:—	117,067	84,052	201,119	127,741	88,404	216,145

TABLE 4 — 2005
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2004 Provisional Outturn	2005 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
6. Office of the Minister for Finance
L. — Payments to the Promoters of certain Charitable Lotteries	7,618	—	7,618	7,730	—	7,730

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government
B.3 — Fund for Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly	—	11,599	11,599	—	11,947	11,947
B.4 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes	—	2,069	2,069	—	2,131	2,131
E.2 —Grant for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)	2,000	5,100	7,100	2,050	5,270	7,320
Subtotal:—	2,000	18,768	20,768	2,050	19,348	21,398
26. Education and Science.
B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations	822	—	822	848	—	848
B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of youth and sport organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities	28,622	—	28,622	33,889	—	33,889
B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish	1,151	—	1,151	1,209	—	1,209
B.11 — Publications in Irish	66	—	66	69	—	69
B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations	254	—	254	269	—	269
Subtotal:—	30,915	—	30,915	36,284	—	36,284

TABLE 4 — 2005 —*continued*
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2004 Provisional Outturn	2005 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
27. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
C. — Payments to Ciste na Gaeilge	2,741	—	2,741	3,362		3,362
K. — Grants for Community and Voluntary Service	29,964	—	29,964	32,026	—	32,026
Subtotal:—	32,705	—	32,705	35,388	—	35,388
35. Arts, Sport and Tourism
C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities	—	80,704	80,704	—	61,926	61,926
C.4 — Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other expenditure in relation to sports activities (Grant-in-aid)	29,000	—	29,000	32,573	—	32,573
D.10 — An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Grant-in-Aid).	17,008	3,500	20,508	19,412	3,588	23,000
Subtotal:—	46,008	84,204	130,212	51,985	65,514	117,499
36. Defence
Y. — Coiste an Asgard (Grant-in-Aid) ...	693	—	693	1,123	—	1,123

39. Health and Children
B.2 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	3,536	—	3,536	3,722	—	3,722

40. Health Service Executive
B.11 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	6,942	—	6,942	7,018	—	7,018
C.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities	—	2,539	2,539	—	2,539	2,539
Subtotal:—	6,942	2,539	9,481	7,018	2,539	9,557
Grand Total:—	130,417	105,511	235,928	145,300	87,401	232,701

TABLE 5 — 2006
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2005 Provisional Outturn	2006 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
6. Office of the Minister for Finance
L. — Payments to the Promoters of certain Charitable Lotteries	7,729	—	7,729	8,618	—	8,618

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government
B.3 — Fund for Task Force on Special Housing Aid for the Elderly	—	11,024	11,024	—	12,141	12,141
B.4 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes	—	2,066	2,066	—	1,977	1,977
E.2 — Grant for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)	1,891	4,863	6,754	1,699	4,313	6,012
Subtotal:—	1,891	17,953	19,844	1,699	18,431	20,130
26. Education and Science.
B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations	782		782	701	—	701
B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of youth and sport organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities	31,267	—	31,267	28,087	—	28,087
B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish	1,046	—	1,046	978	—	987
B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations	234		234	218		218
Publications in Irish	64		64	—		—
Subtotal:—	33,393	—	33,393	29,984	—	29,984
27. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
C. — Payments to Ciste na Gaeilge.	3,016	—	3,016	2,781		2,781
K1. — Grants for Community and Voluntary Service	29,552	—	29,552	30,033	—	30,033
Subtotal:—	32,568	—	32,568	32,814	—	32,814

TABLE 5 — 2006— continued
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2005 Provisional Outturn	2006 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
35. Arts, Sport and Tourism
C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities		52,395	52,395	—	45,858	45,858
C.4 — Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other expenditure in relation to sports activities (Grant-in-Aid)	30,056	—	30,056	31,539	—	31,539
D.7 — An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Grant-in-Aid)			21,223	18,504	990	19,494
Subtotal:—	30,056	52,395	103,674	50,043	46,848	96,891
36. Defence
Y. —Coiste an Asgard (Grant-in-Aid)	1,036	—	1,036	606	—	608

39. Health and Children
B.2 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	3,434	—	3,434	3,085	—	3,084

40. Health Service Executive
B.11 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	6,476	—	6,476	5,818	—	5,813
C.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities	—	2,343	2,343	—	2,053	2,053
Subtotal:—	6,476	2,343	8,819	5,818	2,053	7,871
Grand Total:—	116,583		210,497	132,667	67,333	200,000

TABLE 6 — 2007
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2005 Provisional Outturn	2006 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
6. Office of the Minister for Finance
L. — Payments to the Promoters of certain Charitable Lotteries	7,729	—	7,729	8,618	—	8,618

25. Environment, Heritage and Local Government
B.3 — Fund for Task Force on Special
Housing Aid for the Elderly	—	11,024	11,024	—	12,141	12,141
B.4 — Communal Facilities in Voluntary Housing Schemes	—	2,066	2,066	—	1,977	1,977
E.2 — Grant for An Chomhairle Oidhreachta (Heritage Council)	1,891	4,863	6,754	1,699	4,313	6,012
Subtotal:—	1,891	17,953	19,844	1,699	18,431	20,130
26. Education and Science
B.1 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Adult Education Organisations	782		782	701	—	701
B.9 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of youth and sport organisations and other expenditure in relation to youth activities	31,267	—	31,267	28,087	—	28,087
B.10 — Grants to Colleges providing courses in Irish	1,046	—	1,046	978	—	987
B.14 — Grant-in-aid Fund for general expenses of Cultural, Scientific and Educational Organisations	234		234	218		218
Publications in Irish	64		64	—		—
Subtotal:—	33,393	—	33,393	29,984	—	29,984

TABLE 6 — 2007 —*continued*
Appendix 1: NATIONAL LOTTERY ALLOCATIONS
Vote/Subhead	2005 Provisional Outturn	2006 Estimate
	Current	Capital	Total	Current	Capital	Total
	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000	€000
27. Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs
C. — Payments to Ciste na Gaeilge	3,016	—	3,016	2,781		2,781
K1. — Grants for Community and Voluntary Service	29,552	—	29,552	30,033	—	30,033
Subtotal:—	32,568	—	32,568	32,814	—	32,814
35. Arts, Sport and Tourism
C.1 — Grants for sporting bodies and the provision of sports and recreational facilities		52,395	52,395	—	45,858	45,858
C.4 — Irish Sports Council — General Assistance to Sports Organisations and other expenditure in relation to sports activities (Grant-in-Aid)	30,056	—	30,056	31,539	—	31,539
D.7 — An Chomhairle Ealaíon (Grant-in-Aid)			21,223	18,504	990	19,494
Subtotal:—	30,056	52,395	103,674	50,043	46,848	96,891
36. Defence
Y. — Coiste an Asgard (Grant-in-Aid)	1,036	—	1,036	606	—	608

39. Health and Children
B.2 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	3,434	—	3,434	3,085	—	3,084

40. Health Service Executive
B.11 — Grants to Health Agencies and other similar organisations	6,476	—	6,476	5,818	—	5,813
C.2 — Building, Equipping and Furnishing of Health Facilities	—	2,343	2,343	—	2,053	2,053
Subtotal:—	6,476	2,343	8,819	5,818	2,053	7,871
Grand Total:—	116,583		210,497	132,667	67,333	200,000

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

129 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36381/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

My Department has not incurred any costs associated with leaflet, design production, delivery and other related costs in respect of my own constituency office in the period since I was appointed Minister for Finance in May 2008 to date in 2009. This is also the case in respect of my predecessor for the period 2007 to May 2008. I have been informed by the Office of Public Works that they have not incurred any costs associated with leaflet, design, production, delivery and other related costs in respect of the constituency office of the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, in the period since he was appointed. This is also the case in respect of his predecessors for the period 2007 to May 2008.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

130 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36395/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

In the time available, it has not been possible to provide the information requested by the Deputy. Every effort is being made to collate the information and I will reply directly to the Deputy when this process is completed.

Departmental Correspondence.

Michael McGrath

Question:

131 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied). [36407/09]

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

The Commissioners of Public Works are progressing the matter and will issue a response shortly.

Public Sector Pay.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

136 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost of creating a new tax band for all income between €36,400 and €44,000 for a single person and the equivalent for a couple of 30%, of 33% and of 35%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36480/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

It is assumed that the threshold for the proposed new tax bands mentioned by the Deputy would not alter the existing standard rate band structure applying to single and widowed persons, to lone parents and married couples. I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year cost to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, of the introduction of these new rates of 30%, 33% and 35% could be of the order of €335 million, €240 million and €180 million respectively, depending on how each band is structured. Given the current band structures, there would be major issues to be worked out as to how such a new rate could be integrated in practice into the current system and how this would affect the relative position of different types of income earners. The figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.

Public Service Recruitment.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

137 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his views on the common pool for recruitment to promotional positions in local authorities, the Health Service Executive and vocational educational committees amongst others; if he will provide more promotional positions to open competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36481/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The common recruitment system for Clerical/Administrative grades has been in place for over twenty years. The system provides for the filling of certain posts (at Grade IV to VII level) by competition confined to employees of Health Boards, Local Authorities, VECs, Institutes of Technology and certain other health and local government agencies (known as the "Common Recruitment Pool"). Issues in relation to the common recruitment pool were addressed in the Social Partnership Agreement "Sustaining Progress" when the social partners agreed to conduct a cross-sectoral review of recruitment issues pertinent to the grades concerned including the issue of greater accessibility and the introduction of a graduate entry level.

The recommendations of the Review Group established to review the issues were reflected in the discussions and agreement reached on the successor social partnership agreement "Towards 2016" concluded by the social partners. The "Towards 2016" Agreement provides for the implementation of arrangements whereby 20% of the posts at Grades V to VII would be filled by open competition, specialist posts would continue to be filled by open competition and to provide for recruitment and entry at graduate level. Under the "Towards 2016" Agreement the implementation of the provisions regarding the common recruitment pool is a matter for the relevant sectors where the pool operates.

National Asset Management Agency.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

138 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the extent to which the National Asset Management Agency will take into account planning permissions attached to undeveloped sites in valuing assets that it will buy from the banks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36493/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

Section 74 of the NAMA Bill provides that in determining the long-term economic value of a bank asset, one of the factors NAMA will consider will be the market value of the property. Section 77 provides that in making valuation regulations the Minister may have regard to land and planning considerations that may exert an influence on the future value of the asset concerned. Clearly, if planning permission is attached to a site this will affect the determination of its value.

Tax Code.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

139 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance the cost of a wine, beer and spirit licence for retailers, publicans and restaurateurs for each year since 1997 to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36494/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

The rates of excise duty on liquor licences that were in force in 1997 are set out in column A of the table below. There has been no increase in the meantime in the rate of duty that applies to retailers' on-licences for the sale of spirits (that is, the standard pub licences).

The rates of duty for retailers' off-licences for the sale of spirits, beer and wine were increased by the Finance Act 2008 and the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008: the revised rates are detailed in columns B and C, respectively, of the table. The rates of duty for retailers' on-licences for the sale of beer and wine were also increased by the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008, and the revised rates are shown in column C of the table. The rate of duty that applies in respect of the granting of a special restaurant licence is unchanged since 1997. The duty payable in respect of the renewal of such a licence was increased by the Finance (No. 2) Act 2008. The revised rate is shown in column C of the table.

		A	B	C
Category of Licence	Level of Annual Turnover	Rate of Duty
		Rates 1997	Finance Act 2008	Finance (No. 2) Act 2008
		€	€	€
Retailers’ On-Licences:
Spirits (Publican’s Licence)	Less than €190,500	250
	€190,500 but less than €381,000	505
	€381,000 but less than €635,000	1,140
	€635,000 but less than €952,500	1,775
	€952,500 but less than €1,270,000	2,535
	€1.27m or more	3,805

Beer		250		500
Wine		250		500
Retailers’ Off-Licences:
Spirits		250	300	500
Beer		250	300	500
Wine		250	300	500
Special Restaurant Licence
New		3,805
Renewal		250		500

Leo Varadkar

Question:

145 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the yield from applying income tax to all off-course winnings, bets, prizes and the national lottery. [36588/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

146 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the yield from applying a tax of 20% on all off-course winnings, bets and prizes including the national lottery. [36589/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.

Basic data on prizes is not available on which to base an accurate estimate of the yield to the Exchequer from these proposals. It is also difficult to understand how a tax of 20% or income tax could be applied to the value of bets placed; such bets are already subject to betting duty. However, in relation to the taxation of winnings from off-course betting, some rough estimates can be made.

The base to which betting duty applies is approximately €3 billion per annum and assuming a payout rate of 85% would lead to gross winnings of around €2.55 billion. A direct tax of 20% would produce a nominal full year gross yield of approximately €500 million. The application of income tax to such winnings, assuming an average marginal rate of tax, would produce a nominal full year gross yield of the order of €850 million. On a similar basis, the nominal full year gross yield from a direct tax of 20% on National Lottery prizes would be of the order of €90 million and from the application of income tax, assuming an average marginal rate of tax, would be approximately €150 million.

However, it must be stressed that these estimates assume no significant behavioural change on the part of the affected taxpayers and therefore may not be an accurate measure of the yield that would actually transpire in reality. Moreover, the application of income tax to these amounts could also lead to deductions for allowable losses, personal allowances and other relevant costs, thereby reducing the level of income that would actually be subject to tax. This would be a particular concern with respect to betting and gambling generally.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

147 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance if he will estimate the yield from a 20% income levy applied to all earned income excluding social welfare; and the additional revenue from applying a 40% income levy on income above €80,000. [36590/09]

Leo Varadkar

Question:

148 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Finance his estimate of the yield from a 3% income levy applied to all personal income including social welfare with no threshold or ceiling; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36591/09]

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 147 and 148 together.

I am advised by the Revenue Commissioners that the estimated full year yield to the Exchequer, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, from applying a 20% income levy to all earned income, excluding social welfare income, is estimated to be of the order of €14 billion. On the same basis, the additional full year yield from applying a 40% income levy on income above €80,000 (i.e. an extra 20% on income above €80,000) would be approximately €1.6 billion. The full year yield, estimated by reference to 2010 incomes, from a 3% income levy applied to all personal income, excluding social welfare income and with no threshold or ceiling, is estimated to be of the order of €2.3 billion.

Payments from the Department of Social and Family Affairs comprise means-tested payments and non-means tested payments. In accordance with the 2009 estimates, the total cost of these payments in 2009 would be in the region of €20 billion and 3% of this figure is €600 million. Apart from those related to Social Welfare payments, the figures are estimates from the Revenue tax-forecasting model using actual data for the year 2007 adjusted as necessary for income and employment trends for the year 2010. They are therefore provisional and likely to be revised.

Child Care Services.

James Bannon

Question:

149 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the funding which is available to assist a person (details supplied) in County Longford to meet the cost of the continued running of a Montessori school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36470/09]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the implementation of the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) as well as the new free Pre-School year of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme, which is being introduced from January next. The NCIP provides capital grant funding for the development and refurbishment of childcare services as well as support funding for community based childcare services, under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS), to enable them to charge reduced childcare fees to disadvantaged and low income working parents. Capital expenditure over the course of the NCIP is expected to amount to approximately €190 million and create over 25,000 additional childcare places. I regret to advise the Deputy that, due to the economic turndown, the capital programme closed to new applicants in April of this year.

The new ECCE scheme will allow qualifying children to avail of a free pre-school place in the year before they commence primary school. In January 2010, the scheme is open to private and community based pre-school services which are notified to the Health Service Executive (HSE) or registered with the Irish Montessori Educational Board (IMEB). Services which choose to participate in the scheme, will receive grant funding from my Office based on a capitation fee of €2,450 per annum for each qualifying child. In return, the service will be required to provide appropriate programme based activities as part of the free pre-school year. Full details of the scheme, including the terms and conditions which will apply, are available on my Office's website at www.omcya.ie.

Following the announcement of the scheme in April of this year, my Office wrote to pre-school services operating in the State, inviting them to apply in respect of the period January to August 2010. Where a service did not apply to enter the scheme in January 2010, but wishes to do so from September 2010, it will have an opportunity to apply in early 2010.

Health Service Staff.

Phil Hogan

Question:

150 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide an additional dermatologist for the south-east region, as was recommended in November 2003 by Comhairle na nOspidéal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36367/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

154 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if applications submitted for the fair deal nursing home support scheme will be backdated to 27 October 2009 if they are eligible. [36413/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)

The legislation provides that anyone in an approved private nursing home immediately prior to the 27th October who applies for and receives State support under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme will have their support backdated to that date (27th October).

Richard Bruton

Question:

155 Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has guidelines governing the fitness of a person to sign a consent which avoids a court procedure under the fair deal scheme. [36414/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)

I understand the Deputy's question to refer to a person's capacity to apply for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. It is a well established common law principle that individuals must be presumed to have capacity until the contrary is proven. The new Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 provides, for the first time, for an explicit statutory statement of this common law presumption. In so doing, the Act is in keeping with the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission's Report on Vulnerable Adults and the Law: it seeks to respect the dignity and autonomy of applicants to the maximum extent possible while also promoting legal certainty in relation to the common law principle of the presumption of capacity.

This principle of the presumption of capacity forms the basis for dealing with all applications under the scheme. It also constitutes the starting point for assessing capacity under section 21 of the Act in the context of applications for the appointment of care representatives. Finally, under the Act, the administration of the scheme, and preparation of any guidelines in respect of its administration, is the responsibility of the HSE. Guidelines may be prepared by the HSE and must be approved by the Minister for Health and Children.

Health Services.

Sean Sherlock

Question:

156 Deputy Seán Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of an application for optical benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36436/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Health Service Suppliers.

Denis Naughten

Question:

157 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the meat suppliers in the Health Service Executive west; the duration and value of their contracts; the meat products involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36452/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy Trevor Sargent)

The information requested is being provided by the Health Service Executive and will be forwarded to the Deputy directly.

Patient Private Property Fund.

Denis Naughten

Question:

158 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children, further to Parliamentary Question No. 487 of 16 September 2009, when repayments will be made in the western region; the timetable for the completion of this process and the reclaim procedure for the next of kin; the individuals dealing with the cases in each Health Service Executive region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36453/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The first payments of interest retained on invested Patient Private Property funds by the HSE have now been made to clients. The task of calculating and processing retained interest payments will re-commence during November 2009, when payments for the remainder of HSE South will commence. Payments to clients resident in the western region will commence most probably in early 2010.

The HSE will where possible make payments of retained interest to the Patients' Private Property accounts of clients. If such accounts are not currently being operated, the HSE will seek to identify the present whereabouts of these clients, or their representatives, so that these funds may be transferred directly. The task of distributing retained interest will be managed by the PPPA Central Unit in Tullamore, Co. Offaly in co-operation with relevant staff at each local Care Centre, where relevant client records are retained.

Health Services.

James Bannon

Question:

159 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding an appointment for orthodontic treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36472/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

James Bannon

Question:

160 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health and Children the course of action a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath should take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36474/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Health Service Staff.

Leo Varadkar

Question:

161 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the common pool for recruitment to promotional positions in the Health Service Executive among others; if she will provide more promotional positions to open competition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36477/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

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

Children in Care.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

162 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Health Service Executive has received written confirmation that all statutory requirements relating to fire safety and building control have been complied with in homes for children within the care system; the details of homes which have not provided this confirmation; the number of children who have been admitted to these homes since the date the HSE requested confirmation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36514/09]

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

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

Vaccination Programme.

Paul Kehoe

Question:

163 Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans for swine influenza vaccination of persons over 65 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36527/09]

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The Health Service Executive is finalising its plans to offer everyone in the state pandemic vaccine. The vaccine is arriving in small quantities initially and total delivery will be spread over a 12 month period and therefore we need an ordered sequence of giving the vaccine to the people most in need first. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee and the Pandemic Influenza Advisory Committee have advised on the priority groups for vaccination based on the epidemiology of the disease and the availability of vaccine. The advice is that the vaccine should be given to the population in the following order:

Those with chronic illness aged between 6 months and 65 years and all pregnant women of more than 14 weeks gestation

Health Care Workers (HCWs)

Children between 6 months and 18 years

Adults >65 years

The rest of the population.

It is envisaged that Mass Vaccination Teams comprising of doctors, nurses and administration staff will vaccinate the over 65s in specially created clinics.

Nursing Homes Repayment Scheme.

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

Care of the Elderly.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a placement will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36611/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Health and Children (Deputy Áine Brady)
Share

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

Health Service Allowances.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
168 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of domiciliary care allowance applications received in each of the past five years to date; the number granted, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36618/09]

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

Since 1st April 2009 new applicants for Domiciliary Care Allowance apply to the Department of Social and Family Affairs. Prior to this date application was made to the Health Service Executive. Therefore I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Services for People with Disabilities.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
169 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36826/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Deputy John Moloney)
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The National Disability Strategy is a priority for this Government. This is evidenced by the commitments in the renewed Programme for Government to prioritise the interests of people with a disability and advance the National Disability Strategy.

The Government has demonstrated its commitment to people with disabilities by providing additional funding of €10 million in 2009 for the provision of 125 additional therapy posts (speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and social workers) in disability and mental health services targeted at children with disabilities of school-going age. These posts have now been allocated to priority areas of need identified by the Health Service Executive, in particular to address gaps in existing services for children with disabilities. A recruitment process is well underway and the majority of these posts will be filled this month with the remainder to be filled in December.

As part of the Government's Value for Money and Policy Reviews for 2009-2011, a Review of the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Disability Services in Ireland is being undertaken. This in-depth review of Disability Services will assess how well current services for people with disabilities meet their objectives and support the future planning and development of services. The evaluation will focus on the current provision of disability services and explore the way forward for the development of services within a value for money and policy framework. The objectives of the Review are to

Examine disability services in Ireland funded by the HSE, including the statutory and non-statutory sectors.

Deliver a comprehensive analysis of data in relation to services and service providers.

Review current policy objectives and provide policy objectives for future service provision

I expect the review to develop proposals to achieve optimal effectiveness and efficiency with the existing substantial resources expended on health and personal services for people with a disability. A structured consultation process with both service users and service providers will be an integral part of the Review. I met with Inclusion Ireland yesterday following their press conference and encouraged them to start formulating their views and documenting any examples of best practice, efficiencies and effectiveness which should be brought to the attention of the review project team.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
170 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36386/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
Share

No such costs have been incurred by the Department of Transport.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
171 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36400/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
Share

The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be provided to him as soon as possible.

Rail Services.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
172 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Transport if a matter (details supplied) will be supported. [36451/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
Share

I refer the Deputy to the answer given yesterday to Dáil Questions Nos. 201 and 202. The position remains unchanged.

Air Services.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
173 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport if has had discussions with Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus board members appointed by the Government regarding the recent job cuts announcements by Aer Lingus; if he was advised in advance of its proposals; if he expressed a view on such proposals either before or after the company announcement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36535/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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The cost-restructuring plan recently announced by Aer Lingus Group plc is entirely a matter for the Board and management of the company. I was not advised by the company of the details of the plan in advance of the announcement to the Stock Exchange. A representative of the company briefed officials from my Department on the details of the plan on 7th October following the company's announcement to the Stock Exchange.

In an introductory meeting with the new CEO of the company on 17th September, the CEO indicated to me that the company expected to announce its cost-restructuring plan in October and that very hard decisions would have to be taken if the company was to survive in the long term. I outlined clearly to the CEO Government Aviation Policy on connectivity & competitiveness, Regional and Development policy. I would encourage Aer Lingus management and employees to engage constructively in the consultation process, which the company has now commenced, to get the airline through this difficult period and emerge stronger in the future.

Public Transport.

Joan Burton
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Joan Burton
Question:
174 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the position with respect to the use of the Dublin Port tunnel by the 41X Dublin Bus service; the applications currently under consideration by him in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36541/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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The initiation or alteration of a bus service by Dublin Bus is subject to compliance with a requirement to give advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators. Where proposed services by the Company are deemed to be in competition with services that are the subject of a licence held by a private bus operator issued under the Road Transport Act, 1932, Dublin Bus is required to obtain my consent under section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 before the Company can introduce such services. On 12th June 2008, approval was granted by my Department to Dublin Bus to operate its morning 41X services from Swords to Belfield via the Port Tunnel.

Dublin Bus notified my Department on 8th July 2008 of its proposal to operate the existing 41X services from the City Centre to Swords in the evening via the Port Tunnel. A decision on this proposal has been deferred until such time as prior applications in relation to this route are finalised. Applications are dealt with on a first come first served basis and Dublin Bus is aware of these procedures generally and have been advised of the position in respect of this particular application. Details of applications are treated as confidential until they are finalised.

Joan Burton
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Joan Burton
Question:
175 Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Transport the position with respect to the re-location of the 37 bus terminus to the Blanchardstown Town Centre or elsewhere; the applications currently under consideration by him in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36542/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
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The initiation or alteration of a bus service by Dublin Bus is subject to compliance with a requirement to give advance notice to my Department and to compliance with the provisions of Section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 concerning competition with licensed private operators. Where proposed services by the Company are deemed to be in competition with services that are the subject of a licence held by a private bus operator issued under the Road Transport Act, 1932, Dublin Bus is required to obtain my consent under section 25 of the Transport Act 1958 before the Company can introduce such services.

My Department received a proposal from Dublin Bus on 1st May, 2008 to alter the terminus of Route 37. It was deemed that this proposal would give rise to competition with an existing licensed service and accordingly, Dublin Bus were advised on 9th June, 2008 that an application in accordance with Section 25 of the Transport Act, 1958 was required. Dublin Bus subsequently submitted a revised proposal for this route. This was considered by my Department and again it was determined that this amended proposal would also give rise to competition with an existing licensed service. The Company were again advised that an application in accordance with Section 25 of the Transport Act, 1958 was required should the Company wish to pursue the introduction of this revised service.

A revised proposal regarding this route was received from Dublin Bus on 3rd April 2009 and this alteration was approved by my Department on the same date. The Company submitted a further notification regarding this route on 12th August 2009, which is currently under consideration in my Department.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
176 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Transport the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36570/09]

Minister for Transport (Deputy Noel Dempsey)
Share

The information sought by the Deputy is being compiled and will be provided to him as soon as possible.

Road Traffic Offences.

Joe McHugh
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Joe McHugh
Question:
177 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offices and civil servants involved in the administration of the penalty points system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36365/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The Garda Síochána Fixed Charge Processing Office, located in Thurles, Co. Tipperary, is responsible for the administration of the Fixed Charge Processing System, which was developed by An Garda Síochána to enable computer aided processing of offences contrary to the Road Traffic Acts which incur fixed charges. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the number of civil servants involved in the administration of the Fixed Charge Processing Office, as at 30 September, 2009, is 62.8 whole-time equivalents. The administration of penalty points is a matter for the Department of Transport.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
178 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36384/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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In the period in question no costs have been incurred by my Department associated with the design, production, delivery or otherwise of constituency related leaflets.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
179 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36398/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I refer the Deputy to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 132 of 8 October 2009. The position is as stated in that reply.

Prison Medical Service.

Jack Wall
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Jack Wall
Question:
180 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, further to Parliamentary Question No. 637 of 6 October 2009, if this matter will be re-examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36440/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am advised by the Irish Prison Service that, having conducted a further examination of this case, it was found that a request for the release of the medical file of the person referred to by the Deputy was forwarded in error by his General Practitioner to Portlaoise Prison and not the Midlands Prison where he had been incarcerated. The request has now been redirected to the Midlands Prison and a copy of the prisoner's medical records will be issued by registered post to his General Practitioner this week.

Citizenship Applications.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
181 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [36444/09]

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
182 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [36445/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 182 together.

I have been informed by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS) that a letter regarding the status of the first named person referred to by the Deputy issued on 9 October, 2009 as requested by her on 7 October 2009. I have also been informed by the INIS that an application was received from the second named person on 8 October 2009 regarding changing their current status in the State. This application is currently under consideration and a decision will issue shortly. The INIS further informs me that a valid application for a certificate of naturalisation from the second named person referred to in the Deputy's Question was received in the Citizenship Division of my Department in April 2009.

All valid applications are dealt with in chronological order as this is deemed to be the fairest to all applicants. The average processing time from application to decision is now at 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.

Garda Operations.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
183 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will confirm that adequate resources are available to gardaí at Tallaght Garda Station, Dublin, to allow them continue to support the endeavours of a forum (details supplied) to ensure that bus services in Tallaght are not threatened and curtailed by incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly in the lead up to Halloween; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36446/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that local Garda management will continue to participate in the group referred to by the Deputy. The Forum is considered to be successful by stakeholders, and its members, including An Garda Síochána, work to address immediately any difficulties identified. I am further informed that policing plans are being prepared to deal with any anti-social behaviour that may occur during the Halloween period.

Finian McGrath
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Finian McGrath
Question:
184 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a matter (details supplied) will be supported. [36450/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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I am informed by the Garda authorities that the location referred to is in the Clontarf Garda Sub-District. Local Garda management is aware of difficulties being experienced by residents in the area as a result of anti-social behaviour and several persons have been arrested as a result of such behaviour. A member of the local Community Policing Unit is allocated specifically to this area and liaises with the local community. An active Neighbourhood Watch Scheme is in place and holds regular meetings. These are attended by the community Garda and issues raised are attended to.

The area is subject to regular patrols by uniform and plain clothes personnel, including the Community Policing Unit, supplemented by the Garda Mountain Bike Unit and the District Detective and Drug Units, the Divisional Crime Task Force and Traffic Corps personnel. Persons and vehicles are regularly stopped and searched in the area. Local Garda management closely monitors such patrols and other operational strategies in place, in conjunction with crime trends and policing needs of the communities, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public. The situation will be kept under review, with paramount consideration being given to the needs of residents.

Incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour reported to the Garda authorities are the subject of investigation and dealt with appropriately, including by juvenile or adult caution, fixed charge notices or initiating criminal proceedings. Any persons found engaging in such behaviour will continue to be dealt with appropriately in accordance with the law. Current policing plans in the area are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences, including the prevention of crimes of violence against persons and property and the maintenance of an environment conducive to the improvement of the quality of life of residents. This strategy is central to the delivery of the policing service to the area in question.

Proposed Legislation.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
185 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will enact the ban on upward only rent reviews into law; if he is reconsidering this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36478/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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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.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
186 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36568/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
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The cost of domestic travel expenses paid directly to the Ministers and Ministers of State attached to this Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is as follows:

Cost

Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D.

€18 (2009 – €18)

Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D.

€406 (2008 – €406)

Mr. Michael McDowell T.D.

€Nil

Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D. (Minister of State)

€34,293 (2009 – €11,189, 2008 – €15,909 and 2007 – €7,195)

Mr. Frank Fahey T.D. (Minister of State)

€18,467 (2007 – €18,467)

Mr. Sean Power T.D. (Minister of State)

€37,880 (2008 – €24,134, 2007 – €13,746)

The payments to Ministers of State relate for the most part to mileage expenses incurred for official travel made using their own vehicle. The conditions and rates of mileage payments are set centrally by the Department of Finance.

Crime Levels.

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
187 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offences in which a knife was involved to date in 2009; the number of murders in which a knife was involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36597/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
Share

In the time available it has not been possible for the Garda authorities to supply the details requested by the Deputy. I will be in contact with the Deputy when the information is to hand.

Charles Flanagan
Share
Charles Flanagan
Question:
188 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of offences to date in 2009 committed by suspected offenders on bail, broken down by offence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36598/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
Share

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes provision for the compilation and publication of crime statistics by the Central Statistics Office, as the national statistical agency, and the CSO has established a dedicated unit for this purpose. I have requested the CSO to provide the statistics sought by the Deputy directly to him.

Residency Permits.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
189 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if consideration on compassionate grounds will be given in respect of residency in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36622/09]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Deputy Dermot Ahern)
Share

I refer the Deputy to Parliamentary Question No. 126 of Thursday, 26 February, 2009, and the written Reply to that Question. The person concerned, accompanied by her three minor children, applied for asylum on 11 October 2005. The three children were included on their mother's asylum application. In accordance with Section 9 of the Refugee Act 1996 (as amended), the person concerned and her children were entitled to remain in the State until her application for asylum was decided. Her asylum application was refused following consideration of her case by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner and, on appeal, the Refugee Appeals Tribunal.

Arising from the refusal of her asylum application, and in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Immigration Act 1999 (as amended), the person concerned was notified, by letter dated 26 January 2009, that the Minister proposed to make Deportation Orders in respect of her and her children. She was given the options, to be exercised within 15 working days, of leaving the State voluntarily, of consenting to the making of Deportation Orders or of making representations to the Minister setting out the reasons why Deportation Orders should not be made against her and her children. In addition, she was notified of her entitlement to apply for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with the European Communities (Eligibility for Protection) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 518 of 2006).

The person concerned submitted an application for Subsidiary Protection in the State in accordance with these Regulations and this application is under consideration at present. When consideration of this application has been completed, the person concerned will be notified in writing of the outcome.

In the event that the application for Subsidiary Protection is refused, the position in the State of the person concerned, and that of her children, 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.

The Deputy might wish to note that following the initial refusal of the asylum application of the person concerned, she applied to be re-admitted to the asylum process in accordance with the provisions of Section 17(7) of the Refugee Act 1999 (as amended). This application was approved which gave rise to the fresh, and ultimately unsuccessful, consideration of her asylum claims. This is the primary reason for the delay in having her asylum claim finalised.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
190 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36382/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
Share

My Department has not provided any funding to my constituency office or the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at this Department for leaflet design, production, delivery or other related costs in 2007, 2008, or to date in 2009.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
191 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36396/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
Share

As the Deputy will appreciate, Ministers serving at my Department, by the nature of its responsibilities, are obliged to undertake a significant amount of official travel overseas. In regard to official travel overseas, I have included below, in tabular form, the total costs incurred on accommodation, commercial flights and travel subsistence for 2007, 2008 and 2009 (January — August) in regard to each Minister and Minister of State who has served in my Department in this period. In addition to these Ministerial costs, there may be other incidental costs incurred at the destination, by the delegation as a whole; such costs are not collated centrally.

My Department is fully compliant with the Department of Finance guidelines on foreign travel. My Department also operates its own detailed internal travel guidelines and practises which ensure cost effective travel practises, both in Headquarters and throughout our network of 75 diplomatic missions abroad. The central aim of the Departmental travel policy, which applies to both Ministers and officials, is to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.

Minister for Foreign Affairs — Travel Costs 2007-2009

2007

2008

2009 (January – August)

€

€

€

Airfares

Minister Ahern

8,092

18,738

Minister Martin

4,875

2,896

Accommodation

Minister Ahern

9,517

5,271

Minister Martin

8,010

4,358

Subsistence

Minister Ahern

4,975

1,942

Minister Martin

3,928

1,802

Total:

22,584

42,764

9,056

Ministers of State — Travel Costs 2007-2009

2007

2008

2009 (January – August)

€

€

€

Airfares

MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.

2,340

MOS Michael Kitt T.D.

7,750

10,918

MOS Peter Power T.D.

26,260

19,020

MOS Dick Roche T.D.

17,087

19,669

8,101

MOS Noel Treacy T.D.

4,736

Accommodation

MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.

2,022

MOS Michael Kitt T.D.

276

1,913

MOS Peter Power T.D.

2,876

4,510

MOS Dick Roche T.D.

1,272

7,758

647

MOS Noel Treacy T.D.

736

Subsistence

MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.

903

MOS Michael Kitt T.D.

1,077

880

MOS Peter Power T.D.

3,714

3,001

MOS Dick Roche T.D.

1,499

6,145

1,709

MOS Noel Treacy T.D.

1,598

Total:

41,296

80,133

28,895

It should be noted that MoS Dick Roche is also a Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach and that other travel costs may be a charge on that Department.

It should also be noted that Ministers of State generally do not use the Government Jet and avail of scheduled flights in most instances.

Debt Relief.

Brendan Howlin
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Brendan Howlin
Question:
192 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing burden of international debt on poorer countries; the way he considers that this burden affects African countries in particular; if he will provide details of any policy initiatives currently being formulated by him for the purpose of addressing this issue at international level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36406/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs (Deputy Peter Power)
Share

Ireland has played an important role internationally on the issue of alleviation of the debt burden on developing countries. The Government's policy strategy, which was prepared jointly by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Finance, was published in 2002. It supports the total cancellation of the debts of the world's poorest countries. A review of the strategy is now being undertaken by the two Departments and I expect it will be completed by the end of 2009.

Ireland's bilateral assistance to the developing world is strongly focused on the poorest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, and has always been exclusively in the form of grants rather than loans. The Government has also provided significant resources for initiatives to ease or cancel the debt burden on developing countries. The two main international instruments which have been established to address the issue are the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) and the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative. The MDRI came into effect on 1 July 2006, and provides for cancellation of eligible debt from the World Bank, the African Development bank and the International Monetary Fund for many of the world's poorest and most indebted countries. To date, 25 countries have benefited from debt relief under the MDRI. Ireland's share of the total cost of debt relief provided by the World Bank under the initiative is €58.64 million. The Government contributed this amount in full in 2006.

Ireland has also contributed over €20 million to the HIPC initiative, which is implemented by the World Bank and the IMF, with the objective of reducing the debt burden of qualifying countries to sustainable levels. Overall, some $70 billion in debt service relief has been approved under the HIPC initiative for 33 countries, 27 of which are in Africa.

I am concerned that progress achieved on the debt problem could be undermined by the impact of the economic crisis. Some of the Least Developed Countries, particularly in Africa, are now facing serious short term difficulties in financing basic services. The IMF estimated earlier this year that the 25 Least Developed Countries which have been most seriously affected by the economic crisis already face a $25 billion budgetary shortfall in 2009.

I welcome the work now underway in the World Bank to develop a Crisis Response Facility which would provide quick and effective assistance for the most vulnerable countries in the face of economic crisis. I also believe it is important to ensure that these international efforts, and the efforts of the developing countries themselves, are not undermined by further irresponsible lending or borrowing. The Government supports the development of an international consensus on responsible lending and borrowing procedures and I welcome the dialogue which the World Bank has opened with civil society groups on the complex issues involved.

Ireland will remain actively engaged on the debt issue internationally. In particularly, we want to ensure that the IMF and the World Bank continue to help low income countries meet their development financing needs without re- accumulating unsustainable levels of debt.

Kidnapped Aid Workers.

Charlie O'Connor
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Charlie O'Connor
Question:
193 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions being taken to achieve the release of persons (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the interest of people here in this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36553/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
Share

I am extremely concerned for the welfare of Sharon Commins and her Ugandan colleague Ms.Hilda Kawuki, who have been in captivity for over 100 days now. Mr Al Gailani, the Sudanese Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, was appointed by the Sudanese Government as our official point of contact and has been in contact on almost a daily basis with our Ambassador to Sudan, Mr Gerry Corr, who remains with a strong interagency team in situ in Sudan. I am also in regular contact with Mr Al Gailani.

The Irish team in Sudan is continuing its work to secure the safe release of the two hostages. During my own visit to Sudan on the 6 and 7 September I impressed upon the Sudanese Government the need to persuade the kidnappers to free Sharon and Hilda and to bring this unacceptable situation to a swift and peaceful end. My visit was also useful in terms of emphasising that the release of the women is a priority at the highest political level for this Government, and in ensuring that the issue remains at the top of the Sudanese agenda, including at Ministerial level. More recently, on the 23 September, during my visit to New York, I availed of the opportunity to meet with the Sudanese Government at a senior level and also asked for the assistance of the US Government to use whatever influence it can on the Khartoum authorities to secure the release of the two women.

I have been in ongoing contact with the Commins family and our Embassy in Kampala has kept the Kawuki family informed of developments. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would not be appropriate for me to go into the details of sensitive discussions which have taken place. I can, however, assure the Deputy that our efforts are continuing as intensely as ever.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
194 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36566/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
Share

In regard to official domestic travel, I have included below, in tabular form, the total costs incurred on such travel for 2007, 2008 and 2009 (January-August) in regard to each Minister and Minister of State who has served in my Department in this period.

My Department is fully compliant with the Department of Finance guidelines on travel. My Department also operates its own detailed internal travel guidelines and practices which ensure cost effective travel practices, both in Headquarters and throughout our network of 75 diplomatic missions abroad. The central aim of the Departmental travel policy, which applies to both Ministers and officials, is to minimise official travel costs and to achieve value for money for expenditure necessarily incurred, consistent with the effective discharge of official duties.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Domestic Travel Costs 2007-2009

2007

2008

2009 (January – August)

€

€

€

Transport

Minister Ahern

Minister Martin

Total:

Accommodation

Minister Ahern

Minister Martin

120

Total:

Subsistence

Minister Ahern

18

Minister Martin

Total:

Ministers of State, Domestic Travel Costs 2007-2009

2007

2008

2009 (January– August)

€

€

€

Motor Travel Allowance*

MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.

8,177

MOS Michael Kitt T.D.

13,322

17,697

MOS Peter Power T.D.

15,175

17,845

MOS Dick Roche T.D.

13,311

28,467

16,931

MOS Noel Treacy T.D.

36,462

Other Transport

MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.

MOS Michael Kitt T.D.

MOS Peter Power T.D.

MOS Dick Roche T.D.

MOS Noel Treacy T.D.

Accommodation

MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.

MOS Michael Kitt T.D.

82

266

MOS Peter Power T.D.

288

97

MOS Dick Roche T.D.

MOS Noel Treacy T.D.

Subsistence

MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.

219

MOS Michael Kitt T.D.

291

MOS Peter Power T.D.

627

145

MOS Dick Roche T.D.

MOS Noel Treacy T.D.

*There is no official car provided to Ministers of State, figures reflect the motor travel allowances claimed for official travel undertake, subject to guidelines as set out by the Department of Finance.

Foreign Conflicts.

Finian McGrath
Share
Finian McGrath
Question:
195 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will support a matter (details supplied). [36579/09]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Micheál Martin)
Share

In reply to Priority Question No. 7 on 23 September 2009, Minister Roche on my behalf gave the Government's initial views on the Goldstone Report and the findings it contains. As stated in that reply:

The exhaustive findings and recommendations made by Judge Goldstone and his colleagues deserve the most serious consideration by all those concerned with the defence of human rights. It is appropriate that the report should receive full and urgent consideration at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

That consideration began at the Human Rights Council on 29 September, and Ireland, although not a member of the Council, intervened in support of the seriousness and credibility of the Report, and the need to respond to and act upon it. The letter received by the Deputy, which I myself also received, criticised the postponement of consideration of a draft Resolution on the Report to the next HRC session in March, and called instead for the matter to be returned to the HRC. A Special Session of the Human Rights Council has now been called to discuss the Goldstone Report, and this is taking place in Geneva today and tomorrow.

It is for the HRC, which commissioned the Report, to consider in the first instance how to take it forward. In view of the length and detail of the Report, and the wide-ranging nature of its recommendations, this process will undoubtedly continue beyond the Special Session, and indeed could well involve other international fora as well, in the event of the very serious allegations documented not being properly and independently investigated by Israel and the authorities in Gaza.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
196 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36374/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
Share

There were no costs incurred by the Department for leaflet design, production, delivery or other related costs for either my constituency office, since becoming Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in May 2008, or that of Minister of State Mansergh, since becoming Minister of State at the Department in May 2008.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
197 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 [36388/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
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The total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by myself since becoming Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in May 2008, by my predecessors and former Ministers, the late Mr. Seamus Brennan, TD and Mr. John O'Donoghue TD, and by the Minister of State in my Department Mr. Martin Mansergh TD in 2007, 2008 and 2009 is €75,683.09.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
198 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36558/09]

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism (Deputy Martin Cullen)
Share

Since becoming Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in May 2008, the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by myself and the Minister of State in my Department is €1,661.87.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
199 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36376/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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My Department did not incur any costs in relation to leaflet design, production, delivery or other related costs in 2007, 2008 or to date in 2009, either in my own constituency office or the constituency office of the Minister of State at my Department. While a small number of handouts have been prepared, when required, by the constituency offices, these were prepared and copied in-house and therefore incurred no design, production or delivery costs.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
200 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 [36390/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
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The relevant expenditure, all of which was incurred in the course of carrying out necessary official business on behalf of my Department, is set out in the tables below.

Table 1: Official Foreign Travel — Minister

Year

Total Cost

€

2007

24,693

2008

41,739

2009 to date

13,796

Table 2: Official Foreign Travel — Ministers of State

Year

Total Cost

€

2007

8,566

2008

4,090

2009 to date

910

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
201 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36560/09]

Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív)
Share

The relevant expenditure, which was incurred in the course of carrying out necessary official business on behalf of my Department, is set out in the tables below.

Table 1: Official Domestic Travel — Minister

Year

Total Cost

€

2007

1,246

2008

2,588

2009 to date

704

Table 2: Official Domestic Travel — Ministers of State*

Year

Total Cost

€

2007

9,179

2008

22,708

2009 to date

9,850

*includes standard mileage costs for official travel in own car.

Social Welfare Code.

Billy Timmins
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Billy Timmins
Question:
202 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to rent allowance; the limits for a couple in receipt of social welfare with no children; the amount they can be allocated; the amount for a single person with no children in receipt of social welfare; the criteria for a single person to rent accommodation and for the Health Service Executive to pay the rent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36418/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
Share

The purpose of the rent supplement scheme is to provide short-term support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. Payment of rent supplement is normally calculated to ensure that a person, after the payment of rent, has an income equal to the rate of supplementary welfare allowance appropriate to their family circumstances, less a minimum weekly contribution of €24, which recipients are required to pay from their own resources. Many recipients pay more than €24 because they are also required, subject to income disregards, to contribute any additional assessable means that they have, over and above the appropriate rate of supplementary welfare allowance, towards their accommodation costs.

Rent supplement is also subject to a limit on the amount of rent that an applicant may incur. Rent limits are set at levels that enable different types of eligible households to secure and retain basic suitable rented accommodation, having regard to different rental market conditions that prevail in various parts of the State. The objective is to ensure that rent supplement is not paid in respect of overly expensive accommodation having regard to the size of the household.

The maximum rent which a person may incur and still qualify for rent supplement is prescribed in regulations. These regulations are time limited so that they can be adjusted in the light of rent levels generally and the wider economic climate. The most recent regulations cover the period to 31 May 2010. A copy of the current rent limits for all counties and household categories, including couples with no children and single people with no children, is appended.

In order to qualify for rent supplement, a person must be habitually resident in the State, be a bona fide tenant, satisfy a means test and be able to demonstrate that they are eligible for and in need of social housing. The qualifying criteria are the same for couples and single people with or without children. More detail is available on the Department’s website: http://www.welfare.ie/EN/Schemes/SupplementaryWelfareAllowance/Pages/RentSupplement. aspx

Maximum Rent Levels from 1 June 2009

Single person in shared accommodation

Couple in shared accommodation

Single person

Couple with no children

Couple with 1 child or one-parent family with 1 child

Couple with 2 children or one-parent family with 2 children

Couple with 3 children or one-parent family with 3 children

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

(8)

€

€

€

€

€

€

€

Dublin

92

92

122

186

930

1,110

1,110

Wicklow

92

92

122

177

880

1,110

1,110

Kildare

92

92

112

166

880

1,110

1,110

Longford

66

66

94

112

131

144

158

Westmeath

66

66

94

112

131

149

163

Offaly

66

66

94

112

131

149

163

Laois

66

66

94

112

131

149

163

Limerick

66

66

103

122

140

158

172

Tipperary Nth.

66

66

94

122

140

158

172

Tipperary Sth.

76

76

108

122

140

158

158

Clare

66

66

94

122

140

158

172

Louth

66

66

108

122

149

158

186

Monaghan

66

66

85

113

131

140

172

Cavan

66

66

85

113

131

140

172

Meath

66

66

108

131

163

177

186

Donegal

66

66

85

112

131

138

158

Leitrim

66

66

85

112

131

138

153

Sligo

66

66

94

112

140

158

158

Wexford

76

76

108

122

140

158

158

Waterford

76

76

108

122

140

158

158

Carlow

76

76

108

122

140

158

158

Kilkenny

76

76

108

122

140

158

158

Kerry

71

71

94

143

143

171

183

Cork

71

71

108

143

163

177

189

Mayo

66

66

108

108

163

180

180

Galway

66

66

108

131

163

186

186

Roscommon

66

66

108

108

163

180

180

The values refer to weekly values except for the values in Column 6, Column 7 and Column 8 for Dublin Kildare and Wicklow which are monthly values.

Carers Strategy.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
203 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason the carer’s strategy has not yet been published; when she will do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36476/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
Share

The Government is acutely aware and appreciative of the contribution made by carers to people needing ongoing care and support. In recognition of this, considerable improvements have been made in recent years in services and supports for carers. Over the past decade, weekly payment rates to carers have greatly increased, qualifying conditions for carer's allowance have significantly eased, coverage of the scheme has been extended and new schemes such as carer's benefit, half-rate carer's allowance and the respite care grant have been introduced and extended.

In Budget 2009, the rate of carer's allowance for those aged 66 or over increased by €7 to €239 per week and for those aged under 66 by €6.50 to €220.50 per week. These increases took effect from January 2009. Recipients of carer's allowance are also eligible for household benefits and free travel and the respite care grant. It is estimated that the combined expenditure on carer's allowance, carer's benefit, the respite care grant and half-rate carer's allowance will be €650 million in 2009.

In addition, my colleague the Minister for Health and Children has over recent years, provided significant additional investment either to put in place, or expand, a range of community based services such as Home Helps, Home Care Packages, Day/Respite Care, and Meals-on-Wheels. All of these are designed to support recipients and their families, so that those requiring care can remain in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.

During 2008 an interdepartmental group, chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach, with secretariat support provided by my Department, undertook work, including a public consultation process to develop a National Carers' Strategy. However, because of the prevailing economic situation, it was not possible to set targets or time lines which could be achieved. In that context, rather than publishing a document which did not include any significant plans for the future, the Government decided not to publish a strategy. This position remains unchanged. The work carried out by the interdepartmental group and the submissions made to it have been useful and will, of course, contribute to the development of carers policy in the future.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
204 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the costs incurred by her constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at her Department in respect of leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36385/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
Share

All such costs were incurred through the one-stop-shop at the Houses of the Oireachtas and were vouched and verified.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
205 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at her Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36399/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The total costs of foreign travel incurred by my predecessors and me for 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 are set out in the following table:

Year

Location

Purpose of trip

Costs

€

Mary Hanafin

2009

Boston

Represent Irish Government at Funeral of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

1,052

Jonkoping, Sweden

EU meeting.

990

Vienna

Conference for Ministers of Family Affairs.

746

Stockholm

OECD Conference on Disability and Employment

1,110

Philadelphia & Atlanta

St. Patrick’s Day 2009.*

8,633

Brussels

Meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs.

202

Prague

Parental Childcare & Employment Policy meeting.

379

2008

Paris

Meeting of Ministers as part of French Presidency

941

Romania

Accompanying the President during official Presidential visit.

55

Brussels

Ministerial Council meeting for Employment, Social Policy and Health ministers.

180

Martin Cullen

Miami & Atlanta

St. Patrick’s Day 2008.

17,564

Seamus Brennan

2007

Rome

St. Patrick’s Day 2007

2,545

*Includes people carrier costs for full Delegation in both locations i.e. DFA, IDA and Enterprise Ireland officials in Philadelphia and Atlanta.

The totals shown include the cost of flights paid directly to the relevant travel company and the cost of accommodation paid directly to hotels and the expenses which are incurred by our Embassies and reimbursed to them by the Department.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
206 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal in respect of child benefit will be concluded in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36402/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me 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.

Jimmy Deenihan
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Jimmy Deenihan
Question:
207 Deputy Jimmy Deenihan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made on the appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for jobseeker’s allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36411/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me 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.

Question No. 208 withdrawn.

Social Welfare Code.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
209 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views regarding the financial difficulties experienced by people who were formerly self-employed and who have no entitlement to jobseeker’s benefit and due to the current economic climate cannot obtain employment; her plans to introduce a scheme of self-employed social insurance to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36441/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The range of benefits and pensions to which different groups of workers may establish entitlement reflects the risks associated with the nature of their work. This in turn reflects the rate of contribution payable. Self-employed people including Artists are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 3% and are consequently eligible for a narrower range of benefits than general employees who, together with their employers, pay a total social insurance contribution of 14.05%, excluding levies, under the full-rate PRSI Class A.

Self-employed workers are not insured against short-term benefits such as illness and jobseeker's payments — these are only available to people covered by PRSI Classes A, E, H and P. This reflects the need for coverage for various contingencies, the rate of contributions that self-employed people pay, the practicalities of administering and controlling access to short-term payments and the annualised system of contributions that these same people enjoy. A system of separate arrangements for employed and self-employed workers within a social insurance context is common in other European social protection systems.

There are no immediate plans to extend cover for short-term benefits to this group of insured workers. Any such measure would have significant financial implications and would have to be considered within a budgetary context. Consideration would also have to be given to an appropriate increase in the rate of the PRSI Class S contribution.

Self-employed workers who do not qualify for an insurance-based benefit may establish entitlement to assistance-based payments such as Jobseekers Allowance. They can apply for the means-tested Jobseeker's Allowance if their business ceases or if they are on low income as a result of a downturn in demand for their services. In general their means will take account of the level of earnings in the last twelve months in determining their expected income for the following year. In the current climate account is taken of the downward trend in the economy. It is accepted that future earnings may be lower than those of previous years and this is factored in projecting future earnings, with account being taken of the potential for significant upward or downward variations in income from one year to the next.

Computerisation Programme.

Bobby Aylward
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Bobby Aylward
Question:
210 Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will supply scanners to businesses (details supplied) to allow them access the swipe cards which recently issued to social welfare recipients in view of the fact that there is confusion with the old system at the present time between the businesses and the recipient; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36442/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Department supports government policy which aims to facilitate the greater use of electronic payment systems in the economy in the interests of developing a world class payments environment in Ireland. Our payment strategy is designed to ensure that cost effective arrangements are in place for making payments to social welfare customers by using a range of payment options and to ensure that new payment facilities are made available to customers as they arise. Currently some 90% of customers receive their payment electronically direct to their post office or financial institution.

A range of measures were undertaken to inform customers of the change in payment methods and to address any concerns they may have regarding the use of the social services card to collect their payment at post offices. Each person is informed by personal letter of the change in their payment arrangement. A social services card, along with a covering letter explaining how to use the card, is also issued to them. Posters are displayed in all post offices, citizen's information centres and throughout the Department's local office network. An Post and the Irish Postmaster's Union (IPU) are committed to assisting customers in the use of cards for collecting their payment

The Social Services Card is used as a key for accessing the An Post counter system and for identifying customers. Where the counter systems are not yet in place in non-automated post offices or PostBank offices, payment is made by way of a paper post draft. An Post are currently in the process of upgrading all post offices to facilitate electronic payment transfer. The upgrading of An Post counter systems, and the Post Office network, are a matter for the board of An Post which comes under the remit of the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. The PostPoint electronic transactions services infrastructure is a matter for Postbank Ireland Limited.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Paul Connaughton
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Paul Connaughton
Question:
211 Deputy Paul Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding a jobseeker’s assistance appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36462/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me 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.

Pension Provisions.

Róisín Shortall
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Róisín Shortall
Question:
212 Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the estimated savings to the Exchequer if the qualifying year for the contributory State pension and State contributory transition pension were increased by one year respectively. [36466/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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It is estimated that €260 million could be saved if the qualifying year for the State Pension (Contributory) and State Pension (Transition) was increased by one year. However, it is important to note that these estimated savings do not take account of additional expenditure that may be incurred through knock-on effects on other areas if people of these age groups qualified for unemployment or illness-related payments. The Government is currently finalising the National Pensions Framework which will be published before the end of the year. Any decisions on amending state pension age will be considered in that context.

Social Welfare Benefits.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
213 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused child benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36471/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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In order to qualify for a range of Social Welfare payments, including Child Benefit, applicants are required to satisfy the Habitual Residence condition (HRC). This condition was introduced on 1st May 2004. The HRC requires the applicant to satisfy the Deciding Officer that they meet certain conditions, including that their centre of interest is in Ireland and that their future intentions, as demonstrated, are to remain in Ireland. The legal right to undertake employment and be self-supporting are considered by the Deciding Officer when the person's centre of interest and future intentions are being examined. In order for Romanian nationals to be employed in Ireland, they are required to have a work permit. The person concerned does not have such a permit.

The Child Benefit application was refused on 18th May 2009 as the Deciding Officer, having considered all the circumstances, did not consider that the person concerned satisfied the HR condition as her centre of interest and future intentions have not been clearly established due to her inability to work legally in Ireland, or alternatively to support herself independently. The person concerned was notified of the decision in writing on 18th May 2009 and given the right of appeal.

Pension Provisions.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
214 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been refused a State transition pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36473/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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In order to qualify for a State Pension (Transition) at age 65, a person must have a yearly average of at least 24 reckonable social insurance contributions from their commencement of insurable employment up to the end of the tax year prior to their 65th birthday. The person concerned does not qualify for a State Pension (Transition) as she only has a yearly average of 2 reckonable contributions. PRSI contributions paid in respect of periods of self employment are not reckonable for State Pension (Transition). They are reckonable for State Pension (Contributory), which is payable from age 66.

Social Welfare Appeals.

Jack Wall
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Jack Wall
Question:
215 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position of an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare against the decision to refuse their application for guardian’s payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36520/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me 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.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
216 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by herself and the Ministers of State at her Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36569/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The official domestic travel requirements of Ministers are met by using State cars with official Garda drivers, the costs of which are met from the Garda Síochána Vote. No other additional costs were incurred by me or by my predecessor in 2008 or in 2009 to date. The additional costs incurred in 2007 by the late Minister Brennan are set out in the following table:

Year

Type

Purpose of trip

Costs

€

2007

Refreshments

Meeting in advance of opening of Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo Offices

38.90

Subsistence

Official Opening of Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo offices

41.55

Subsistence

Official Opening of refurbished Galway office

93.62

Since my appointment as Minister I have incurred no Travel and Subsistence costs for Domestic Travel.

Pension Provisions.

Willie Penrose
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Willie Penrose
Question:
217 Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of married women claiming the contributory State pension for each year from 1990 to 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36581/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Department of Social and Family Affairs does not maintain annual statistics on the marital status of people who are claiming State Pension (Contributory) or State Pension (Transition), as qualification is on an individual social insurance basis. However, the attached table shows the break-down between male and female SPT and SPC recipients from 1990 to date (Note, in 2007, provisions were made for individuals on SPT, on reaching the age of 66, to be automatically transferred to SPC, payable at the same rate).

Year

SPC — Male Recipients

SPC — Female Recipients

SPT — Male Recipients

SPT — Female Recipients

1990

47,804

26,666

37,715

10,760

1991

46,480

26,280

40,500

11,740

1992

46,323

26,388

42,458

12,727

1993

45,465

26,396

44,564

13,836

1994

44,622

26,198

47,326

14,885

1995

43,333

25,846

49,807

15,954

1996

42,413

25,575

52,576

17,164

1997

43,770

53,828

26,252

17,965

1998

44,969

26,737

56,212

19,104

1999

48,856

27,385

58,589

20,279

2000

55,650

30,567

57,699

20,671

2001

60,477

34,394

58,971

21,355

2002

66,382

38,913

60,899

22,156

2003

71,916

42,054

63,152

23,357

2004

74,961

43,692

65,536

24,334

2005

79,632

44,979

66,369

24,678

2006

88,786

50,938

66,378

24,708

2007

159,168

78,431

4,140

1,711

2008

166,869

83,248

5,015

2,227

2009*

174,241

88,000

5,804

2,667

*Figures to October 2009.

Social Welfare Benefits.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
218 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when rent allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36612/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Health Service Executive has advised that according to its records, an application for mortgage interest supplement has not been received from the person concerned. It is open to the person concerned to contact his local community welfare officer with a view to making an application for mortgage interest supplement.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
219 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of domiciliary care allowance applications received in each of the past five years to date; the number granted, refused or pending; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36617/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The transfer of the Domiciliary Care Allowance scheme from the Health Service Executive to this Department arose from a Government decision on 28th February 2006 to reallocate certain functions between Departments and Agencies as part of the health service reform programme.

The transfer of the scheme in 2009 took place in two stages:

From 1st April 2009, all new claims for Domiciliary Care Allowance have been decided by the Department.

From September 2009, the Department took over responsibility for the payment of all Domiciliary Care Allowance claims from the Health Service Executive.

The Deputy will appreciate, therefore, that this Department does not have the information sought in relation to the scheme before 1 April 2009.

In the period 1st April 2009 to 9th October 2009 a total of 2430 applications were received in the required format, of which 1688 cases have been fully processed by the Department. Of these applications, 633 were awarded while 1055 were deemed not to be eligible for Domiciliary Care Allowance. 742 applications are currently pending. Where a person is not satisfied with the decision of a Deciding Officer they may seek to have the decision reviewed or they may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Information on applications prior to 1 April 2009 is a matter for the Minister for Health and Children.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
220 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if mortgage support will be offered to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [36620/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The Health Service Executive has advised that according to its records, an application for mortgage interest supplement has not been received from the person concerned. It is open to the person concerned to contact his local community welfare officer with a view to making an application for mortgage interest supplement.

Special Educational Needs.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
221 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36827/09]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Deputy Mary Hanafin)
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The issues raised in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy relate primarily to the provision of educational and other supports to young children with an intellectual disability and are, accordingly, matters which fall to be addressed by my colleagues, the Minister for Education and Science and the Minister for Health and Children. Insofar as issues of income support are concerned, I will be mindful of the issues raised in the correspondence, but the Deputy will understand that these issues will be considered in the context of the forthcoming Budget process and that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
222 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36377/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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No such costs for leaflet design, production, delivery or other related costs have been borne on the Vote for my Department for the years 2007, 2008 or to date in 2009.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
223 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 [36391/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the total cost of foreign travel is as follows:

Year

Minister

Minister of State

€

€

2007

4,344.48

2,671.70

2008

3,570.33

NIL

2009 (to date)

523.00

NIL

Both the Minister of State at my Department and I availed of the Ministerial Air Transport Service for foreign travel during the period in question. The amount of flying time involved was as follows:

Aircraft

Flying Time in Minutes

Gulfstream

4,260

Learjet

840

With regard to cost of travel, my Department follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings:

(a) The direct cost, i.e. the costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services; and

(b) The total cost, i.e. the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, i.e. depreciation and personnel costs.

The costs associated with Air Corps aircraft used in provision of Ministerial Air Transport Service are as follows:

Aircraft

Average Direct Cost Per Hour

Average Total Cost Per Hour

€

€

Gulfstream

4,050

7,890

Learjet

1,270

2,950

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
224 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Defence the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36561/09]

Minister for Defence (Deputy Willie O’Dea)
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With the exception of use of the Ministerial Air Transport Service there were no costs incurred by me or by Ministers of State at my Department in 2007, 2008 or to date in 2009. I availed of the Ministerial Air Transport Service for domestic travel during the period in question. The amount of flying time involved was as follows:

Mode of Transport

Flying Time in Minutes

Helicopter EC135

570

Helicopter AW139

415

The Department of Defence follows the normal practice in the aviation business of costing aircraft by reference to the cost per flying hour under either of two headings:

The direct cost, i.e. the costs which are additional to those associated with having the aircraft and which only arise when the aircraft is flown including maintenance, fuel and support services; and

The total cost, i.e. the direct cost plus the costs associated with having the aircraft, i.e. depreciation and personnel costs

The costs associated with Air Corps aircraft used in provision of Ministerial Air Transport Service are as follows:

Aircraft

Average Direct Cost Per Hour

Average Total Cost Per Hour

€

€

Learjet

1,270

2,950

EC 135

430

1,590

AW 139

1,470

3,130

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
225 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36380/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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My Department has not provided any funding to my constituency office or the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at this Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
226 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [36394/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The total cost of foreign travel incurred by me and the Ministers of State at my Department during 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is as follows:

Year

2007

2008

01 Jan – 13 Oct 2009

Total Expenses

€43,505.18

€55,474.01

€30,082.74

Tax Code.

Billy Timmins
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Billy Timmins
Question:
227 Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the new local government charge for second homes in the case of a person who has been left the family home in which a family member has the right to live for his or her lifetime, so the person cannot enter the house or rent it to anyone in view of the fact that the family member is living in it; if, in view of this the person will be exempt from the new €200 charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36454/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The Government has decided to broaden the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on all non-principal private residences. The charge, which is set at €200, is payable by the owners of private rented accommodation, holiday homes and any other residential property that is not the owner's sole or main residence. While detailed guidance has been provided to local authorities for the purpose of applying the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, covering, inter alia, the terms and definitions used in the Act and their broad application, interpretation and implementation of the legislation is a matter for the local authorities in the first instance.

Building Regulations.

Thomas Byrne
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Thomas Byrne
Question:
228 Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the estimates for compliance with recent legislation requiring building energy rating certificates; the proposals he will introduce to increase the enforcement of this legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36459/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The EU Directive on the Energy Performance of Buildings, which was transposed into Irish law by the European Communities (Energy Performance of Buildings) Regulations 2006 — 2008, introduced a requirement for a Building Energy Rating (BER) system. The Regulations clearly and unambiguously specify that any person who offers a building for sale or letting on or from 1 January 2009 or any agent acting on their behalf, is required to produce a copy of the BER certificate to any person expressing an interest in purchasing or taking a letting in the building. A person who contravenes these requirements commits an offence, unless the building in question is specifically exempted under Article 3 of the Regulations, and is liable, on prosecution by the Building Control Authority in whose functional area the building is situated, to a fine not exceeding €5,000. At present there are some 74,000 Building Energy Rating (BER) certificates in place in respect of dwellings and over 2,000 BER certificates in place for buildings other than dwellings.

In relation to improving compliance, Circular Letter BC 4/2009 — Enforcing Building Regulations Part L and Building Energy Ratings — issued to all Building Control Authorities on 17 February 2009. The Circular Letter, among other things, asked all local authorities to write to estate and letting agents within their functional area drawing their attention to the mandatory requirement for BER certificates in respect of buildings offered for sale or letting on or from 1 January 2009 and indicating that full compliance was expected from building owners and agents acting on behalf of owners.

With regard to continuing to improve compliance with and awareness of the BER system, my Department will continue to work closely with the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, SEI and the 37 local Building Control Authorities to promote awareness of the obligations which arise under the Regulations. SEI has already conducted a wide range of information and awareness campaigns and, later this Autumn, will engage in a further comprehensive advertising campaign to remind buyers of their rights and vendors of their obligations under the Regulations. In addition, the Renewed Programme for Government provides for the introduction of a mandatory requirement for the display of BER ratings where properties are advertised for sale or letting.

Housing Grants.

James Bannon
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James Bannon
Question:
229 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he will publish his review in relation to the three types of grants that currently exist under the one scheme for older persons and people with disabilities; if he will provide a simplified application form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36475/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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Earlier this year, my Department commissioned the Centre for Housing Research to undertake an evaluation of the revised suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, which were introduced on 1 November 2007. The evaluation aims to determine the effectiveness of the revised schemes in providing a more accessible framework of grant assistance to applicants, identify issues influencing the effectiveness of the schemes in meeting the housing needs of older people and people with a disability and to make recommendations for the future operation of these schemes within available resources. I expect to receive the evaluation report in late November and to publish it as soon as possible after considering its recommendations.

Local Authority Staff.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
230 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the common pool for recruitment to promotional positions in local authorities amongst others; if he will provide more promotional positions to open competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36482/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The Common Recruitment Pool system, which has been in operation for more than 20 years, provides for the filling of posts at Grades V to VII in local authorities and other relevant agencies by competition confined to Local Authorities, Health Boards, Vocational Education Committees, Institutes of Technology and certain other health and local government agencies. Since 1 January 2007, arrangements are in place for 20% of posts at Grades V to VII to be filled by open competition.

A commitment under Towards 2016 to introduce a graduate entry level to local authorities is currently being progressed. Issues relating to the achievement of these commitments are currently being discussed with the relevant unions and staff interests. A significant Programme of Public Sector Reform is also now included in the Renewed Programme for Government including new initiatives in relation to hiring and promotion criteria, and increased open competition for senior Public Service appointments.

Planning Issues.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
231 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if there is a statutory impediment that would prevent local authorities from informing councillors of scheduled pre-planning discussions before they take place and from allowing councillors from the relevant local area to attend these discussions either as observers or advocates for the public and community interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36491/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that a person who has an interest in land and who intends to make a planning application may, with the agreement of the planning authority concerned (which shall not be unreasonably withheld), enter into consultations with the planning authority in order to discuss any proposed development in relation to the land and the planning authority may give advice to that person regarding the proposed application. The section also provides that, in any such consultation, the planning authority must advise the person concerned of the procedures involved and the requirements of the permission regulations, and must also indicate the relevant objectives of the development plan which may have a bearing on the decision of the planning authority.

A planning authority must also keep a record in writing of any consultations under this section that relate to a proposed development, including the names of those who participated in the consultations, and that a copy of such record shall be placed and kept with the documents to which any planning application in respect of the proposed development relates. Section 247 makes no reference to the matter of informing elected members about scheduled pre-application consultations or to the attendance of members at such consultations.

Local Authority Staff.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
232 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the payment of bonuses to local authority officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36492/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
Share

Following the recommendation of the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector (Part 2 of Report No.38 of 25 September 2000)a scheme of Performance Related Awards was introduced in the local authority sector for Managers, Assistant Managers and Directors of Services commencing with the calendar year 2003. The purpose of the scheme was to encourage and reward excellence within the sector. Under the scheme, participants prepare a statement of objectives at the beginning of the year and a self-assessment of performance at the end of the year. Objectives and assessments are subject to approval by the Committee for Performance Awards (CPA), who also make the final determination of the amounts on awards. The pool for performance awards was set at 10% of the pay bill for the group concerned and with individual participants eligible to receive payments of up to 20% of pay.

Details of awards made under the scheme are contained in the annual reports of the CPA which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Awards were defined in terms of their distribution as a percentage of pay, the range of monetary values, and the number of recipients. Awards were made each year from 2003 to 2007. No performance awards have been made in respect of 2008. The scheme for the Local Government Sector is currently suspended.

Local Authority Housing.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh
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Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
233 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of people who have been officially removed from local authority housing lists during each of the past five years for refusing accommodation offered by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36515/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
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Under Section 11 of the Housing Act 1988, as amended, the management of the housing waiting list and allocation of tenancies in local authority dwellings is a matter for the local authority concerned. The number of households on a local authority's waiting list continuously fluctuates as households on the list are allocated housing, others moved from the list, and new households apply for housing support. My Department does not hold information in relation to the numbers currently on waiting lists in local authorities or the numbers of people who have been removed from the lists.

Planning Issues.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
234 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on exempting public representatives from paying the fee to make an observation on a planning issue to the council and An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36522/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The fee for making submissions or observations to a planning authority in respect of a planning application is €20. It was introduced in the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. Since the enactment of the 2000 Act, planning authorities are statutorily obliged to acknowledge submissions on planning applications and to consider those submissions before making decisions on planning applications. Persons who make submissions are also entitled to be notified of:

any new information provided;

the decision of the planning authority;

an appeal against the decision of the planning authority.

As stated in my Department's Development Management Guidelines, a public representative does not have to pay the fee when making an enquiry with a planning authority as to the position regarding an application or when supporting or objecting to the application in general terms without elaborating on the grounds of the application or on a submission by an observer. However, where a public representative makes a formal submission, i.e. elaborates on the grounds of an application or a submission or raises a substantive new issue, the submission cannot be considered by the planning authority unless it is accompanied by the appropriate fee. I consider this reasonable in view of the requirements on the planning authority as set out above.

The fee for making submissions or observations to An Bord Pleanála in respect of a planning appeal is €50. However, it should be noted that where a person has already made a submission to the planning authority on the application, there is no need for him/her to make a further submission as the Board will consider the entire planning authority file, including all submissions or observations received. There are no proposals to amend these provisions at the present time.

Local Authority Housing.

Jack Wall
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Jack Wall
Question:
235 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if an Irish citizen who is married to a citizen of another country, can apply to their local authority, in which area they were born, for the tenancy of a local authority house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36530/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
Share

The assessment and allocation of an individual household for social housing support is a matter for the local authority concerned. Under section 11 of the Housing Act 1988, I am precluded from being involved in a decision by a housing authority as to whether a particular household is eligible for support and indeed the allocation of that support. In relation to general guidance given by my Department to local authorities regarding eligibility for local authority housing, there is a general requirement that all members of an applicant's household must have appropriate residency status, which entitles the individual members of that household to remain in the country. In the context of determining what particular form of residency status is required, my Department is guided by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law reform.

Jack Wall
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Jack Wall
Question:
236 Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the guidelines to which families have to adhere under local authority legislation in relation to anti-social behaviour or actions (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36533/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
Share

The tenancy agreement for dwellings let by housing authorities under the Housing Acts generally contains provisions in relation to anti-social behaviour. Under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 ("the 2009 Act") there is a requirement that specific terms and conditions be set out in the tenancy agreement prohibiting anti-social behaviour in, or in the vicinity of, the dwelling by the tenant or a household member or any other person residing at or lawfully in the dwelling. Tenancy agreements in respect of leased properties also contain provisions relating to anti-social behaviour.

Under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, a local authority tenant, or the local authority itself in certain circumstances, may apply to the District Court for an excluding order against an individual member of the household who is believed to be engaging in anti-social behaviour. The 2009 Act provides for an amendment of the 1997 Act to broaden the definition of anti-social behaviour to include behaviour that causes alarm, impairs the use or enjoyment of a person's home or results in damage to or defacement of property.

In line with the generality of tenancies of private rented accommodation, tenancies entered into under the Rental Accommodation Scheme [RAS] are subject to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. This Act prohibits a tenant from engaging in anti-social behaviour in, or in the vicinity of, a dwelling to which the Act applies and allows a landlord to terminate any tenancy where the tenant is engaging in or allowing others to engage in such behaviour, subject to a notice period of only 7 days in the case of serious anti-social behaviour or 28 days in the case of less serious but persistent behaviour. The Residential Tenancies Act also provides that a third party affected by anti-social behaviour may, subject to certain conditions, take a case to the Private Residential Tenancies Board against a landlord who has failed to enforce tenant obligations. Under section 25(5) of the 2009 Act, a housing authority may notify a landlord where it becomes aware of anti-social behaviour by a RAS tenant in contravention of the 2004 Act and the landlord is thereupon required, if he or she has not already done so, to terminate the tenancy in accordance with the 2004 Act.

Housing authorities also have statutory powers to refuse to sell a house under tenant purchase and affordable arrangements to a person the authority has reason to believe is or has been engaged in anti-social behaviour or where a sale to that person would not be in the interest of good estate management. The 2009 Act makes provision to extend this to cover sales under the new schemes of incremental purchase and tenant purchase of apartments.

The Centre for Housing Research has also produced good practice guidelines on preventing and combating anti-social behaviour and has organised training courses for local authorities in this regard. Furthermore, I will commence shortly section 35 of the 2009 Act, which requires the elected members of each housing authority to adopt an anti-social behaviour strategy. This strategy must include procedures for making an anti-social behaviour complaint to a housing authority and details of initiatives for preventing and reducing anti-social behaviour in the housing authority's own housing stock. Criminality associated with anti-social behaviour is addressed under the Criminal Justice Acts, responsibility for which rests with my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Turbary Rights.

Denis Naughten
Share
Denis Naughten
Question:
237 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the conclusions reached following a recent meeting (details supplied); the date and location of the meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36545/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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Minister Finneran and I have had several discussions in regard to turf-cutting in designated raised bogs. We recently considered the issue of ensuring that the views of all parties, including those directly affected by any restrictions on turf cutting, are reflected in deliberations on the matter. This will be considered further by the Inter Departmental Working Group that I have established to advise me on the cessation of turf cutting in these sites.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
238 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will furnish a reply to correspondence (details supplied); the reason for the three month delay in responding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36546/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The correspondence referred to in the question was acknowledged but a full response has not yet issued. Aspects of the correspondence are relevant to the work of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on the Cessation of Turf Cutting in Designated Areas and these have been referred to it for its consideration, along with other submissions received. The detailed technical and scientific issues raised in the correspondence do not fall within the terms of reference of the Inter-Departmental Group. My Department has examined these issues and I expect to be in a position to provide a response in the near future.

Local Authority Housing.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
239 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the fees charged by local authorities for each area in respect of Part V affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36548/09]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy Michael Finneran)
Share

The administration and processing of applications under the various affordable housing schemes is a matter for individual local authorities, and one in which my Department has no direct function. Accordingly, my Department does not have detailed information on the range of fees applied by individual authorities in providing access to prospective purchasers of affordable housing.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
240 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36564/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
Share

The cost of official domestic travel incurred by me and the Ministers of State at my Department during 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009 is as follows:

Year

2007

2008

01 Jan – 13 Oct 2009

Cost

€79,245.59

€120,071.01

€49,412.07

Water and Sewerage Schemes.

Bernard J. Durkan
Share
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
241 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if it is expected to allocate the necessary funding to Kildare County Council to enable the Ballyna group water scheme to proceed in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36571/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
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The Ballyna Regional Water Supply Scheme is included for funding in my Department's Water Services Investment Programme 2007 — 2009, at an estimated cost of €11.5 million. My Department awaits the submission of Kildare County Council's brief for the appointment of consultants to prepare a Preliminary Report for the scheme.

Local authorities were asked in July 2009 to submit an assessment of needs for water and sewerage services to my Department by the end of next week. These assessments will form a key input to the development of the 2010 to 2012 Water Services Investment Programme, which it is anticipated will be published in early 2010. In conducting their assessments, local authorities have been asked to prioritise schemes and contracts for progression over the coming years based on key environmental and economic criteria. The Department is awaiting the finalisation of this process in order to determine the priority to be attached to schemes, including Kildare County Council's proposals for the Ballyna scheme.

Proposed Legislation.

Ciaran Lynch
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Ciaran Lynch
Question:
242 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when legislation regarding dog breeding establishments will be brought before Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36592/09]

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)
Share

Work is underway in drafting an amendment to the Control of Dogs Acts and I hope to publish my proposals in the near future. The draft Bill proposes to give statutory effect to the recommendations of the Working Group that had been established to review the management of dog breeding establishments. The Working Group recommended that a dog breeding establishment be defined as ‘a premises containing more than 5 female dogs, aged over 4 months, with breeding potential'. The draft Bill proposes that dog breeding establishments be required to register with the relevant local authority, that they pay a registration fee and that they meet a minimum set of veterinary, welfare and other standards, together with some associated requirements. I intend to publish the proposed legislation as soon as possible.

Energy Conservation.

Ciaran Lynch
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Ciaran Lynch
Question:
243 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the local authorities who have put in place an energy efficiency plan to date in 2009; the action he will take with regard to local authorities who do not have a plan in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36594/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The Government has set a target of achieving 20% energy efficiency savings across the economy in 2020. Recognising the opportunity for the public sector to fulfil an exemplary role in this context, we have set a further, ambitious target of achieving 33% savings on energy use across this sector, also in 2020. On 8 May this year I published the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) which sets out 90 actions that Government are either already taking or will take in the period to 2020 to achieve our energy efficiency targets. Importantly, the NEEAP contains a list of specific actions designed to improve the energy efficiency of the public sector.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is currently rolling out a programme which will assist the Public Sector, including local authorities, in achieving its targets, whilst demonstrating to the wider community the benefits of energy efficiency. This will be achieved through a mix of financial support, advice, assessments and training, best practice dissemination and group supports. SEI will support our public sector institutions in identifying possible energy efficient measures to be undertaken and provide guidance on drafting individual energy efficiency action plans. Central to this work will be the reporting by public sector bodies of actions taken to reduce energy usage. Given the inter-relation between the energy efficiency and climate change agendas, my Department will forge close links with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in order to minimise the administrative burden on public sector bodies.

I will soon convene a high-level Public Sector Energy Efficiency Working Group, comprising representatives of all key public sector institutions, including of course, the local authorities. This Group will oversee the implementation of the public sector energy efficiency agenda.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
244 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36375/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
Share

There are no costs incurred by my Department in relation to leaflet design, production and delivery for my constituency office or constituency offices of the Ministers of State for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. Costs incurred in this regard are reimbursed from the One-Stop-Shop in the Houses of the Oireachtas. Full details are available from the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
245 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [36389/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
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The expenses related to overseas travel paid by my Department to my Ministers of State and I since the establishment of the Department in June 2007 are detailed in the following table. Please note that Minister of State Lenihan was assigned to my Department on 22nd April 2009 and has not incurred expenditure in respect of foreign travel to date.

Minister

2007

2008

2009

Total

€

€

€

€

Eamon Ryan

11,020

29,454

13,901

54,375

Tony Killeen

1,685

17,386

—

19,071

Sean Power

—

3,444

747

4,191

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
246 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36559/09]

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)
Share

In the time available it has not been possible to collate the information requested by the Deputy. The information will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Grant Payments.

Denis Naughten
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Denis Naughten
Question:
247 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon will receive their REPS 4 payment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36372/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

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, including the application from the person named, has commenced to facilitate the release of payments at the earliest possible date.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
248 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36373/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

There are no costs to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to Constituency office costs for leaflet design, production and delivery.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
249 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [36387/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The information requested is being compiled and will be made available as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
250 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of Ministers of State at his Department in relation to political websites in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36528/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

There are no costs to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to Constituency office costs for political websites.

Compensation Schemes.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
251 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the compensation package offered to qualifying applicants for the pork recall compensation scheme, including the deciding criteria for acceptance into the scheme; the amount paid to date in 2009; the persons to whom it was paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36536/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The agreement concluded with pig processors in December 2008 involved making available a facility of €180 million from the public finances to assist processors in funding the recall and destruction of certain pork products from the market and product in storage. The criteria for acceptance into the Scheme are set out in the Scheme document published by my Department on 24 December 2008, a copy of which has already been provided directly to the Deputy by my office.

To date, a total of €69m has been paid to qualifying applicants under the Scheme, €35m in 2008 and €34m to date in 2009. Of this, €30m has been paid to primary processors and €39m to secondary processors. Payments are still continuing and it is not possible to provide a final list of all beneficiaries, or the total sums involved. However, a list of the applicants who have received payment to date is being supplied separately to the Deputy.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
252 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the costs incurred by his constituency office, and the constituency offices of Ministers of State in his Department, in relation to the advertising of clinics, public meetings and other events and services in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36556/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

There are no costs to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in relation to Constituency office costs for advertising of clinics, public meetings and other events.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
Share
Leo Varadkar
Question:
253 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36557/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

The various costs requested are being assembled and the information will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Agrifood Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan
Share
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
254 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he proposes to take to address the issue of collapsing prices in the agri sector with particular reference to the fact that costs remain disproportionately high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36599/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

There is no doubt that certain parts of the industry are facing significant challenges this year, although, some reduction in input prices should help to soften the impact of these difficulties. In the dairy sector I have successfully pressed for action at EU level to support market prices. I continue to work with colleagues from other Member States to ensure the maximum possible support for the sector.

For the medium term outlook the European Commission forecast a gradual recovery aided by growth in global food demand due to population increase and also a longer-term decline in the growth of food-crop productivity. With this in mind work is being advanced on a new development plan for the agrifood sector for the period to 2020. It will focus on the critical issues of competitiveness, the challenges from the global economic downturn, currency fluctuations, climate change and how best to maximise the opportunities arising from a growing international food and energy crop markets.

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
255 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to restore the REP scheme in full; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36600/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

REPS 4 was closed to new applicants in July against the background of the situation in the public finances, the resources available to the Department and the substantial increase, over the past year, in the number of REPS participants. Almost 17,000 applications were received up to the closing date of 15 May for 2009, and further applications which were received up to the time of closure will be processed as applications for 2010. Payments due to REPS farmers for 2009 will be the highest ever and all participants already in REPS will continue to receive annual payments until their current contracts run their course.

I plan to introduce a new agri-environment scheme in 2010 which will reduce compliance costs to participants and which will provide a menu of targeted actions from which farmers may choose. Funding for the new scheme will include the additional modulation funds which I ensured will be retained for the benefit of Irish farmers in the negotiations on the CAP "Health Check". It will also include additional matching Exchequer funding. The details of the scheme are in the process of being finalised and will require the approval of the European Commission, which has already received an outline of our proposals.

Agricultural Exports.

Bernard J. Durkan
Share
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
256 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of new markets identified for agricultural produce in the beef, lamb, pig meat and dairy sectors; the number of markets that have ceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36601/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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Irish beef exports in recent years have been targeted at the high-value UK and Continental EU markets, with these destinations accounting for 99% of exports in 2007 and 98% in 2008. Efforts to secure alternative market outlets have continued in recent years and have seen agreements on market access reached with Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, South Africa and Indonesia but exports have remained concentrated on the EU markets.

There has been a relatively stable pattern to the destination markets for Irish sheepmeat in recent years. In both 2007 and 2008, in excess of 99% of Irish sheepmeat exports was accounted for by nine countries, namely: France, United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. Cultural differences regarding the consumption of sheepmeat mean that opportunities to increase sales to other European countries are limited while sales outside the EU are negligible. Bord Bia continues its effort to maintain and build market share in existing markets and to be in a position to develop any new opportunities that may arise in the future.

With regard to pigmeat, in addition to the other EU Member States, Ireland also exports to approximately 21 international markets including Japan, China and the U.S. Initial communications have begun with New Zealand, Australia and Vietnam with a view to gaining market access to these countries. Russia and China are currently closed to Irish pigmeat due to last December's dioxin problem. We are continuing our efforts to regain access to these countries through the provision of information and on-going contacts.

Irish dairy products are exported to other EU Member States and to over 100 countries worldwide. The amount of exports to any particular destination varies in accordance with changes in the supply/demand dynamics in particular regions of the world and in respect of the various dairy products involved. In overall terms, Ireland's dairy exports amounted to €2.2 billion in 2008. The UK represented the largest single share of export sales with 32%. The rest of the EU accounted for 48%, while North America and Africa accounted for 6% and 7% respectively. As international demand changes there will be an increasing emphasis on consumer food markets, particularly in the EU, US and high growth emerging economies, together with strategically expanding marketing and distribution capability worldwide. My Department will continue to work with Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and the industry to identify and develop other potential markets.

Agrifood Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
257 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans for the future development of the beef, sheep, pig, lamb, cereal and dairy sectors with a view to making the necessary provision for the future of the industry, bearing in mind the competition from third countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36602/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

It is my job as Minister to plan to help the agri food sector to meet all challenges to all sectors in the coming decade. In order to do this the sector must improve competitiveness so that it can capitalise on the inevitable global recovery and meet the challenges in the coming decade. Addressing the agri food industry's capacity to compete successfully at home and overseas has assumed a new urgency and my belief is that a new development plan for the period to 2020 is required to maintain the impetus gained from the very successful Agri-Vision 2015 strategy. Work is being advanced on this plan which is focusing on the critical issue of competitiveness, the challenges from the global economic downturn, currency fluctuations, climate change and how best to maximise the opportunities arising from a growing international food and energy crop markets. This plan will cover all of the sectors referred to by the Deputy.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
258 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the discussions he has had or proposes to have with his EU colleagues with the objective of adopting a short, medium and long-term plan for the agricultural sector, bearing in mind the need to provide for security of supply, reasonable income for the producer and the need for the EU to be self-sufficient in so far as possible in the agriproduction sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36603/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
Share

According to the European Commission's latest statistics, the EU's overall trade in agricultural produce is fairly close to balance with its total trade of almost €153 billion in 2007, split between imports of €77.4 billion and exports of €75.1 billion. Broadly speaking, the EU is a net importer of raw products such as tropical products, certain fruit and vegetables and oils/oilseeds while it is a net exporter of more processed products such as food preparations and beverages.

European food security and agricultural production issues are dealt with through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is constantly evolving to meet the demands of increased globalisation, including our responsibilities under the WTO, and the need to remain competitive on EU and world commodity markets. The CAP has responded to change through a series of reforms in recent decades. In the initial discussions on the shape of the CAP after 2013, I and other Ministers, have emphasised the crucial importance of ensuring the security of supply of safe, high quality food for European consumers

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
259 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has had discussions with his EU colleagues with a view to ensuring the future of the food production sector throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36604/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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There have been a number of discussions at EU Council level on the future of European food production in the context of the CAP after 2013. This issue has also been to the forefront of bilateral contacts with other Member States. My own view on the future of EU food production, which I have expressed at meetings of the Council and bilaterally to my Ministerial colleagues, is that we must maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union to take account of the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. Any reduction in food production in the EU would be taken up elsewhere where less efficient production systems exist and would result, inter alia, in a heavier carbon footprint. The EU must also undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions — economically, socially and environmentally.

There will be major challenges ahead from climate change, increased competition on world and EU markets, the international recession and other factors. We must ensure that we have the capacity to cope with the challenges and fully exploit the opportunities as they emerge. To do so our whole sector, from farm to fork, must be highly efficient and competitive. It must also be innovative, producing the products that changing consumer tastes demand, and it must be relentlessly focused on quality and safety. To achieve these objectives, there is a continuing need for an active and appropriately resourced European agricultural policy. That policy needs to recognise the role that a cohesive agriculture and rural development policy can play in addressing future energy needs, addressing environmental concerns and providing a secure and sustainable food supply in Europe.

Sugar Beet Production.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
260 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the countries within the EU currently involved in sugar production from sugar beet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36605/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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The 2006-2009 scheme for the restructuring of the European sugar industry, which was implemented as part of the reform of the EU sugar regime, resulted in the EU sugar quota being reduced by 5.2 million tonnes to 13.3 million tonnes. EU sugar production is now concentrated in 18 Member States (as opposed to 23 before the reform) which enjoy favourable agronomic conditions. They are Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom. Over 75% of production is accounted for by 7 of these Member States, namely (in order of size of quota) France, Germany, Poland, UK, Netherlands, Belgium and Italy.

Common Agricultural Policy.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
261 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his plans to ensure a reasonable standard of income throughout the agricultural production sector with particular reference to the future needs in terms of food production here and throughout the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36606/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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Agricultural production in Ireland and the EU and farm income must be viewed in the context of a reformed and evolving Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which has placed much more emphasis on market orientation and competitiveness. Following the decoupling of direct payments from production, farmers can now take advantage of the freedom to farm for the market, allowing them to focus on meeting the requirements of the consumer in a competitive manner.

In the context of discussions on the future of the CAP after 2013, I have repeatedly said that the EU must maintain a strong agricultural production base in the European Union to take account of the challenges ahead in meeting increased demands for food. The EU must also undertake food production and distribution in a manner that is sustainable in all its dimensions — economically, socially and environmentally. There will be major challenges ahead from climate change, increased competition on world and EU markets, the financial crunch and other factors. We must ensure that we have the capacity to cope with the challenges and fully exploit the opportunities as they emerge. To do so our whole sector, from farm to fork, must be highly efficient and competitive

Dairy Sector.

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
262 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which the costs to the dairy producer here compare with those in the UK, France and other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36607/09]

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
264 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the extent to which milk prices to the dairy producer here compare with those in the UK, France and other EU countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36609/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 262 and 264 together.

Analysis of Irish dairy farming shows a wide variation in performance efficiencies between high and low cost producers. There is a difference of approximately 56% in the cost base between those with the lowest production cost and those with the highest, amounting to 9c/litre. Production costs vary across the EU, but Ireland has an advantage compared to other Member States through our largely grass based systems of production.

Dairy farmers incomes are comprised of the market price paid for milk and direct income support from the EU. Market forces have a major influence on the price paid to farmers for milk. World market prices determine the returns received by dairy processors and these in turn are reflected in the price paid to farmers. In essence, farm gate prices normally reflect the returns from international markets of dairy product sales. Ireland's peripheral geographic location and highly seasonal grass based production curve has resulted in a dairy production profile heavily based on storable product. Those commodity products, such as butter and milk powders, are low margin products and this is reflected in the milk price.

The following table below shows the milk prices per 100kg for the EU27 member states for August of 2009.

EU Country

Milk Price August 2009

€/100kgs

Cyprus

50.58

Finland

38.11

Greece

36.60

Italy

31.50

France

29.95

Portugal

27.94

Spain

27.18

Netherlands

27.02

United Kingdom

26.07

EU 27

25.77

Austria

25.32

Sweden

25.08

Denmark

24.49

Bulgaria

24.43

Slovenia

24.08

Luxembourg

23.98

Poland

22.45

Czech Republic

22.42

Germany

22.18

Ireland

22.04

Belgium

21.59

Hungary

20.50

Slovakia

19.54

Estonia

19.38

Romania

18.41

Latvia

15.95

Lithuania

15.57

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
263 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he proposes to take to address the issues raised by dairy farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36608/09]

Bernard J. Durkan
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
265 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the steps he proposes to take nationally or in conjunction with his EU colleagues to address the issue of collapsing prices for the dairy producer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36610/09]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Deputy Brendan Smith)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 263 and 265 together.

The Common Agricultural Policy contains support measures to help us manage the market. During the Health Check negotiations last year I fought hard to keep the important measures in place. Since the start of the current crisis I have pressed the Commission to use all appropriate market instruments. Most of these supports have now been activated since the beginning of the year and have helped to stabilise the situation.

Since the start of 2009 the Commission has reactivated a range of measure provided for in the CAP Health Check, beginning with the early operation of the private storage scheme for butter. Then, in January export refunds were reintroduced to support the export of dairy products outside the EU and these have been increased several times, most recently in June. In March, public intervention schemes for butter and skimmed milk powder were opened which allowed the purchase of product up to set limits at a fixed price. When the mandatory limits of 30,000 tonnes and 109,000 tonnes respectively were purchased at the intervention price the schemes were continued under tendering arrangements at close to the intervention prices. To date some 83,000 tonnes of butter and 282,000 tonnes of skimmed milk powder have been funded under these schemes. Also, 135,000t of butter has been aided under the private storage scheme, which was extended beyond the August closing date.

In early July the Council of Agriculture Ministers agreed to the use by the Commission of emergency provisions to allow it to extend the intervention periods for butter and skimmed milk powder for 2009 beyond the normal end-August closing dates to 28 February 2010, and to replicate this mechanism in August 2010 if necessary. The Commission has also removed the so-called "free at frontier" threshold price governing the export of cheese from the EU, which I had been pressing the Commissioner to review for some time in bilateral contacts and at meetings of the Council.

Over the past month there has been comprehensive discussion of the dairy sector at the Council of Ministers. Twenty ministers, including myself, have now signed a statement calling for an EU approach that would combine short term measures with a medium to long term strategy to deal with volatility in the milk sector. At a special Council meeting last week it was agreed to establish a High Level Group to examine the sort of measures that could be put in place. That group will report in June 2010, and I have decided to set up a consultative group to advise me on the medium and long term measures that will best position the Irish dairy sector for the future. I also welcomed the commitment given by Commissioner Fischer Boel at last week's special Council to manage the release of stocks from Intervention in a prudent manner. We are seeing some tentative signs of an improvement in dairy markets, though a solid recovery is still uncertain and it is crucial that the disposal of stocks from intervention is handled in a sensitive manner and in a way that does not undermine the market at this critical time.

Question No. 264 answered with Question No. 262.

Question No. 265 answered with Question No. 263.

Departmental Staff.

George Lee
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George Lee
Question:
266 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science the average wage and number of staff employed by his Department each year from 1997 to 2008 broken down by job title and grade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36368/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The information sought is not readily available but I have requested officials of the Personnel Unit of my Department to compile this information and forward it to you as soon as possible.

School Transport.

Phil Hogan
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Phil Hogan
Question:
267 Deputy Phil Hogan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will arrange financial assistance for the transport of a child (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36369/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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Under the terms of my Department's School Transport scheme, a pupil with special needs is eligible for school transport if s/he is attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class / special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education and Science criteria. My Department is examining the background to the case referred to by the Deputy, in the details supplied. A decision regarding the provision of school transport, under the terms of the scheme, will be made, as soon as possible.

Departmental Expenditure.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
268 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the costs incurred by his constituency office and the constituency offices of the Ministers of State at his Department for leaflet design, production, delivery and other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36378/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the constituency offices for the Minister and Minister of State in my Department have not incurred costs for leaflet design, production, delivery or other related costs in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
269 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the total cost of foreign travel, including flights, accommodation, food, subsistence, travel and other incidental costs, incurred by the Minister and Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009. [36392/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The information requested by Deputy is currently being collated by my officials, but unfortunately it has not been possible to fully gather all the relevant data in the time available. I will reply directly to the Deputy as soon as the information has been fully collated.

Schools Building Projects.

George Lee
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George Lee
Question:
270 Deputy George Lee asked the Minister for Education and Science when he will provide funding for the building of a school (details supplied) in Dublin 14; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36401/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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A major capital project for the school to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.

School Accommodation.

Emmet Stagg
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Emmet Stagg
Question:
271 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will accept the proposals put forward by the board of management of a school (details supplied) in County Kildare for the development of the school to a two stream school on a phased basis; and if he will sanction the provision of capital funding to enable the commencement of construction of additional classrooms. [36409/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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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 a total of 42 locations across the country based on significant changes to the demographics of those areas. The locations involved include the area to which the Deputy refers. The Forward Planning Section is in the process of carrying out detailed analysis and reports for each of these locations in order to identify the school accommodation requirements for each area up to and including the school year 2014/2015. Decisions on how best to meet the accommodation needs of all of the areas concerned will be taken in this context.

Departmental Expenditure.

Charles Flanagan
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Charles Flanagan
Question:
272 Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Education and Science the amount of money spent on capital projects in schools (details supplied) in County Laois in 2009 in tabular form; the amount which will be spent in respect of each school before the end of 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36417/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The detail of money expended from the capital subheads of my Department on the schools to which the Deputy refers is contained in the following tabular statement. Payments are made when valid invoices are presented to the Department. As payments are dependent on the receipt of valid invoices, it would be premature to state what exact payments might arise in respect of each of these schools between now and the end of the year.

In relation to the proposed new primary school at Summerhill Portlaoise, it is proposed to provide two new schools on a greenfield site to facilitate the amalgamation of Scoil Náisúnta an Chroí Naofa, St Paul's Primary School and Scoil Násiúnta Mhuire. This site is to be acquired by Portlaoise parish subject to planning permission. In relation to the Deputy's query regarding a proposed new secondary school in Portlaoise, I can inform the deputy that two new post-primary schools are being provided in Portlaoise under the Department's PPP programme. Each school will accommodate 850 pupils and both schools are being provided on the shared site on the Borris Road. The new schools are for St. Mary's CBS (all boys) and Scoil Chriost Rí (all girls). Construction commenced in March 2009 and the schools should be ready for occupation in September 2010.

Roll Number

School Name

County

For

Issued

Amount

€

07442U

Borris in Ossory Convent

Laois

PSDP fees

22/05/2009

6,804.00

Borris in Ossory Convent

Laois

Survey Fees

19/05/2009

5,147.50

17064U

St Patricks NS

Laois

Energy Efficiency Scheme 2009

Oct-09

1,520.75

St Patricks NS

Laois

Architectural planning fees

25/09/2009

8,546.35

St Patricks NS

Laois

Architectural planning fees

10/09/2009

6,574.11

St Patricks NS

Laois

Architectural planning fees

18/08/2009

22,384.84

St Patricks NS

Laois

Architectural planning fees

18/08/2009

7,034.03

St Patricks NS

Laois

Contingency 2008

05/06/2009

32,446.37

19747M

Scoil Bhríde

Laois

Temporary Accommodation 2009

22/09/2009

69,686.04

Scoil Bhríde

Laois

Furniture Pre 2009

19/01/2009

7,027.15

20071L

Scoil Bhríde

Laois

Furniture 2009

21/09/2009

2,500.00

Scoil Bhríde

Laois

Temporary Accommodation 2009

22/07/2009

70,000.00

Scoil Bhríde

Laois

Furniture pre 2009

11/03/2009

2,500.00

Total

242,171.14

School Transport.

Brendan Howlin
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Brendan Howlin
Question:
273 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science if it is permissible for a child to utilise the school bus ticket funded by their parents to avail of a scheduled Bus Éireann service before 6 p.m. on evenings when they remain at school to participate in a homework club; if such arrangements were permissible in the past; if a policy change has been made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36419/09]

Minister of State at the Department of Education and Science (Deputy Seán Haughey)
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Bus Éireann is responsible for the day to day operation of school transport services throughout the country. This is a complex national operation operating during each school year supporting in the region of 75,000 post primary pupils, 52,000 primary and 8,000 special needs pupils. The majority of pupils are allocated a reserved seat on a dedicated contracted service with approximately 9,000 pupils, generally residing in urban areas and environs, using regular public transport services where these exist. A separate payment is made by the Department in respect of those pupils travelling on such regular transport services.

Children travelling under the school transport scheme on either dedicated school transport services or general public scheduled services are provided with seats to and from schools. This arrangement enables children to attend classes during normal school hours. A school transport ticket is not a general commuter ticket that is valid on all regular public transport services at all times and it is not offered as such. Given the numbers being transported nationally, it would not be possible without incurring additional expenditure to offer the flexibility to all eligible pupils to travel on the regular public transport services, other than in accordance with the terms specified on their tickets.

Schools Refurbishment.

Brendan Howlin
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Brendan Howlin
Question:
274 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the emergency improvement works which have been approved by his Department in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford; when work on these improvements will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36420/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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An application for funding under the Emergency Works Scheme from the school referred to by the Deputy was recently approved by my Department. The works to be done include the upgrade of mechanical and electrical services, fire safety installation, replacement of windows and other health and safety works. Under the Emergency Works Scheme funding is approved on a devolved basis. It is a matter for the relevant school management and their consultant to manage the project with regard to cost control, value for money, the tendering process, appointment of a building contractor and having the works commenced at the earliest possible date.

Schools Building Projects.

Brendan Howlin
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Brendan Howlin
Question:
275 Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason no progress has been made in relation to the building project sanctioned in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Wexford for which tender documents have been available since November 2007 in view of his statement that 2009 funding for school capital projects could not be fully utilised owing to planning and design delays; if he will ensure that this project progresses to completion without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36422/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The project to which the Deputy refers is currently at an advanced stage of architectural planning. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction is dependent on the prioritisation of competing demands on the funding available under the Department's capital budget. The proposed building project will be considered in the context of the Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme for 2010 and subsequent years. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the delivery of the project at this time.

Education Schemes.

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
276 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he, or a suitable member of his Department, will examine the recommendations of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to bringing Chinese students into State funded public schools here for a year’s study; if he will meet with the organisation to discuss the possible merits of this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36435/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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My Department is willing to examine the relevant recommendations from the organisation in question. The possibility of a meeting between my officials and the organisation can be considered in light of this examination.

Proposed Legislation.

Pádraic McCormack
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Pádraic McCormack
Question:
277 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Education and Science when the Student Support Bill 2008 will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36437/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The Deputy will be aware that a number of amendments to the Student Support Bill in relation to legal and policy issues which have arisen since Second Stage are being advanced by my Department in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. The Bill makes provision for the transfer of responsibility for student grants to the VEC sector. In the existing budgetary situation, resources are not currently available to advance transition to new administrative arrangements in the immediate future. However, it is not possible to say definitively at this point when new administrative arrangements can be put in place and I am anxious, in light of the commitment to put all student grants on a statutory footing, to provide a statutory basis for all student grants for the intervening period.

Therefore, I am endeavouring to progress to a single scheme of grants as provided for in the Bill at the earliest possible date, while further exploring the options for administrative streamlining in the context of budgetary considerations and the Government's overall programme of public service reform, Transforming Public Services. This will require further amendments to the Bill and my Department has been working closely with the Office of the Attorney General in that regard. Subject to any technical, drafting and legal considerations arising, I hope to be in a position to have these amendments advanced sufficiently in order to progress to Committee Stage in the autumn session. I hope to be in a position to have these amendments finalised shortly with a view to progressing to Committee Stage in the autumn session. It is not possible, therefore, to say definitively at this point when the Student Support Bill will be enacted.

School Staffing.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
278 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on the common pool for recruitment to promotional positions in vocational education committees among others; if he will provide more promotional positions to open competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36483/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Arrangements in respect of Administrative staff in Vocational Education Committees were agreed having regard to the terms of paragraph 31.33 of the Towards 2016 agreement which is concerned with the Common Recruitment Pool. These arrangements were put in place whilst recognising the differences in size and scope of VECs both as individual employers and as a sector comprehended by the common recruitment pool arrangements. These arrangements are outlined in Circular 91/2008. A copy of the Circular, which issued to the Chief Executive Officer of each VEC in September 2008, is below for your information. I understand that these arrangements are working satisfactorily in the VEC sector; and, that they are to be reviewed following a period of 3 years or the completion of the second cycle of the arrangements detailed in Circular 91/2008.

Circular Letter No: 0091/2008.

To the Chief Executive Officer of each Vocational Education Committee

Towards 2016

Common Recruitment Pool

Agreed Arrangements for the VEC Sector

Dear Chief Executive Officer,

I refer to Paragraph 31.13 of Towards 2016 in respect of administrative staff in Vocational Education Committees which is concerned with the Common Recruitment Pool and states;

A cross-sectoral review of recruitment issues relevant to the grades covered by the common recruitment pool was completed under Sustaining Progress. The recommendations of the Review Group will be fully implemented by the parties in 2006, that is, graduate entry and recruitment to specialist posts. The parties also agree that arrangements for the filling of 20% of posts at Grades V to VII inclusive by open competition will be in place by end 2006. Specialist posts will continue to be filled by open competition and will be reckoned for the purposes of satisfying the 20% requirement. The first vacancies arising after 1st January 2007 may be filled by open competition.

The following arrangements have been agreed for the VEC sector having regard to the terms of the Towards 2016 agreement and in recognition of the differences in size and scope of VECs both as individual employers and as a sector comprehended by the common recruitment pool arrangements.

Sequencing of Posts

It is agreed that every fifth post will be filled by open competition within the sequence. It will be a matter for each VEC to decide which of the first five vacancies is filled by open competition having regard to the particular requirements of the VEC. Where a post is filled by open competition the following four vacancies at the level of the grades comprehended by this agreement will be filled from the Common Recruitment Pool. It is acknowledged that flexibility in the first filling at individual VEC level is both desirable and necessary and as a consequence it is not intended that all VECs will fill their first vacancy by open competition.

The effective date of operation of these arrangements will be 1st January 2007. Any appointments made by individual VECs since that date will be taken into account for the purposes of the sequencing outlined above. Specialist posts filled by open competition and will be reckoned for the purposes of satisfying the 20% requirement

It is agreed that where a post has been identified for filling by open competition and is subsequently filled from within the common recruitment pool then that post will reckon for the purposes of satisfying the 20% requirement.

These arrangements will be reviewed by all the parties following a period of 3 years or the completion of the second sequence of five vacancies whichever is the earlier in the light of experience.

Register of Posts

VECs will maintain a register of the filling of all posts under these agreements in a manner which is immediately available to the local union branch.

Any queries regarding the content of this circular should be addressed to External Staff Relations, Department of Education and Science, Marlborough St, Dublin 1 (e-mail: Micheal_Lenihan@education.gov.ie).

Conor McCourt

Post Primary

16 September 2008

Central Applications Office.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
279 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason Central Applications Office forms are distributed to secondary schools when more than 75% are returned on-line; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36484/09]

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
280 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason the distribution of Central Application Office forms is carried out by An Post when other operators have offered to do it more cheaply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36485/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.

The CAO is a private (not-for-profit) company and receives no State funding. The higher education institutions have delegated to the CAO the task of processing centrally applications for admission to their first year undergraduate courses. Neither my Department nor the Higher Education Authority has any role to play in relation to the operation of the CAO.

School Enrolments.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
281 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the reason and the length of time a secondary school must keep a place open for a student who does not return to school at the start of an academic year or term without notifying the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36486/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The question of enrolment in individual schools is the responsibility of the managerial authority of those schools. It is therefore a matter for each individual Board of Management to determine how it provides in its enrolment policy for the circumstances outlined by the Deputy.

Schools must also ensure that they fulfil their obligations under the Education Welfare Act 2000. The Act requires that the principal of a recognised school maintains a register in respect of all students attending that school and it is also mandatory under the Act to report on attendance. Under the Act, recognised schools are required to establish and maintain a School Register. The School Register must include the names of all children who have a place in the school and the date of first attendance. Under Section 20 of the Act, a student's name can only be removed from a School Register, where:

A school has received confirmation that the student is registered in another school or

A school has received confirmation that a student has been registered with the NEWB as in receipt of an education in a place other than a recognised school.

Where students are retained on the register solely for the purposes of meeting the requirement of Section 20 of the Education Welfare Act, schools are not permitted to include such pupils in their enrolment numbers for the purposes of teacher allocation or capitation funding.

Site Acquisitions.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
282 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on securing a permanent site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when work will commence on the permanent school buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36487/09]

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
283 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on securing a permanent site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when work will commence on the permanent school buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36488/09]

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
284 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress made on securing a permanent site for a school (details supplied) in Dublin 15; when work will commence on the permanent school buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36489/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 282 to 284, inclusive, together.

I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Questions 1221, 1222 and 1223 of 16 September 2009 in relation to the acquisition of school sites and permanent buildings for the schools in question. The position remains unchanged.

Mature Students.

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
285 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of mature students registered in third level education in 2009; the number of mature students registered in third level courses in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36509/09]

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
286 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of mature students who have dropped out of third level education in 2009; the number of mature students who have dropped out of third level education in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36510/09]

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
287 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the breakdown of mature students registered in respect of institutes of technology, colleges and universities in 2009 and for each of the past ten years; the breakdown of mature students who drop out in respect of institutes of technology, colleges and universities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36511/09]

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
289 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science the effect of the economic recession on the enrolment of mature students into third level education. [36513/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 285 to 287, inclusive, and 289 together.

The table below shows the number of mature students (23+) who entered third level institutions for the first time from 1998/1999 to 2008/2009 by sector. The proportion of all new entrants to higher education institutions in those years who were mature students is also shown. Data for mature new entrants to part-time undergraduate courses, which is only available for the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 academic years, is also shown. Attrition rates are not currently available; however the Higher Education Authority is compiling a report on the issues of retention, progression and completion which will include an analysis of mature students. The report will be available early next year.

As shown in the table, considerable progress has been made in increasing the number of mature students entering higher education. One of the key objectives of the National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education, which I launched in July last year, is to progress the lifelong learning agenda through the development of a broader range of entry routes and a significant expansion of part-time/flexible courses in higher education. My Department is providing funding to a number of flexible learning projects under the Strategic Innovation Fund. An example of this is the recently launched Bluebrick.ie portal which allows prospective learners search and apply for part-time and flexible learning courses across the 14 Institutes of Technology.

Over 12,000 applications from mature students have been received by the CAO for full-time higher education programmes for the 2009/2010 academic year. This represents an increase of 30% on 2008/2009 and is likely to reflect the fact that many people who have been made redundant in the current economic climate have decided to return to education to upskill. Since the beginning of the year the Government has also launched a number of new initiatives to support unemployed people return to education and engage in upskilling. In the higher education sector measures include 2,500 new places to enable unemployed people pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses on a part-time basis; 280 places on a range of newly developed accelerated Level 6 Certificate programmes and over 900 places on a range of newly developed part-time transition programmes.

Mature Full-Time Undergraduate New Entrants to Higher Education by Sector

Universities Mature New Entrants to HE

% of all University New Entrants

IoT New Entrants to HE

% of all IoT New Entrants

Other Colleges MatureNew Entrants to HE

% of all other College New Entrants to HE

%

%

%

1999/2000

1,095

7.00

no data

no data

181

13.00

2000/2001

921

6.00

2,061

10.50

182

12.00

2001/2002

1,257

8.00

2,009

10.50

169

10.50

2002/2003

1,395

8.80

1,788

10.40

207

12.70

2003/2004

1,589

9.70

1,683

9.90

247

14.50

2004/2005

1,461

8.40

1,576

9.90

166

13.90

2005/2006

1,516

9.30

1,870

11.30

212

11.30

2006/2007

1,767

10.00

2,134

13.00

225

11.80

2007/2008

1,867

10.10

2,120

13.50

246

13.00

2008/2009

2,044

10.30

2,489

14.50

249

12.65

Other Colleges include: Mary Immaculate College Limerick, St. Patricks College Drumcondra, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Mater Dei College, National College of Art and Design.

Mature Part-Time Undergraduate New Entrants to Higher Education 2007/2008 to 2008/2009

Mature New Entrants to Higher Education

of all New Entrants to Higher Education

%

2007/2008

3,813

86

2008/2009

4,493

86

Arthur Morgan
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Arthur Morgan
Question:
288 Deputy Arthur Morgan asked the Minister for Education and Science if there are supports in place for mature students in third level education; if he or the Higher Education Authority will implement supports for mature students in third level education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36512/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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Over the past decade there have also been sustained levels of investment in the access programmes of higher education institutions. Each university has a dedicated Mature Student Officer who will liaise directly with a mature student in relation to their needs. In addition each Institute of Technology has an Access Officer who has responsibility for assisting mature students. These programmes play a key role in targeting the increased access and successful participation of mature students. Measures include the encouragement of prospective learners through open days, taster courses and outreach work with the further education and community sector. They also include programmes of post-entry support including the mentoring of mature students and learning support. Since 2006 a Strategic Innovation Fund has supported closer collaboration between higher education institutions in a number of key policy areas, including work to broaden routes of access to higher education and increase flexibility in models of course delivery.

The main financial support available to students in higher education is the Maintenance Grant. Mature students who are entering approved courses are eligible for financial assistance where they satisfy the relevant conditions including those relating to residence, means, age, nationality and previous academic attainment. Under the student grant schemes a mature candidate, if approved, is automatically provided with the higher non-adjacent rate of maintenance which, this year, ranges from €855 to €6,690 dependent on individual circumstances. The entitlement to the non-adjacent rate applies regardless of how far the college is from the mature candidates residence and whether or not the candidate is dependent on or independent of his/her parent(s) or guardian(s).

The NDP funded ‘Third Level Access Measure' is also supporting the participation of mature students in higher education, in particular those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The Student Assistance Fund is available in all recurrently funded higher education institutions. The Millennium Partnership Fund provides financial assistance for further and higher education students who are experiencing financial difficulties whilst participating in their studies. Mature students who have additional needs arising due to a disability or learning difficulty can make an application to the Fund for Students with Disabilities. Applications for support can be made via the access or disability service in the institution.

Last year I launched a National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2008-2013. This plan builds on investment of resources and work that has taken place to date and sets new targets for the future including participation by mature students in Higher Education. A mid-term review of progress in the implementation of this plan and the achievement of these objectives will be conducted by the Higher Education Authority in 2010.

Question No. 289 answered with Question No. 285.

Schools Building Projects.

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
290 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science when a school (details supplied) in County Dublin will be provided with new accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36526/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I can confirm that the school to which the Deputy refers has made an application to my Department for large scale capital funding. The application has been assessed in accordance with the published prioritisation criteria for large scale building projects and assigned a Band 1 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 Department's 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 site acquisition and initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. 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.

Ministerial Meetings.

Olwyn Enright
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Olwyn Enright
Question:
291 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will meet with representatives from a vocational education committee (details supplied), having made written requests for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36543/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I met with a delegation from this the school in question last November. Recently I have received a request from the VEC for a further meeting. I will consider this request in the context of my other diary commitments and respond shortly.

Schools Building Projects.

Olwyn Enright
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Olwyn Enright
Question:
292 Deputy Olwyn Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the commencement of building works at a school (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36544/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The Deputy will be aware that on 12 February, 2009, I announced details of 25 projects to commence architectural planning. It was not possible to include the project for the school in question in that announcement. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Michael Ring
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Michael Ring
Question:
293 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Education and Science when major capital funding will be provided for a new school building in respect of a school (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36550/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The Department is in receipt of an application for major capital funding from the school to which the Deputy refers. More recently, the Department was informed by the School's Board of Management that the community has secured a three acre greenfield site and have drawn up plans for a new permanent school building. The progression of all large scale building projects, including this project, from initial design stage through to construction phase will be considered in the context of my Department's multi-annual School Building and Modernisation Programme. However, in light of current competing demands on the capital budget of the Department, it is not possible to give an indicative timeframe for the progression of the project at this time.

Ministerial Travel.

Leo Varadkar
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Leo Varadkar
Question:
294 Deputy Leo Varadkar asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost of official domestic travel including all transport costs, accommodation, meals and other incidentals incurred by himself and the Ministers of State at his Department in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36562/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. My Department will arrange to compile and forward the details requested as soon as possible.

Departmental Reports.

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
295 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the actions that relate to his Department in respect of the smart economy document announced by the Government; the progress which has been made to implement these actions to date in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36595/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The information requested by the Deputy is being prepared by my officials and I will have it conveyed to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Programme for Government.

Brian Hayes
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Brian Hayes
Question:
296 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Education and Science the cost in relation to the commitments entered into in the recently published revised programme for Government. [36596/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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The recently published Revised Programme for Government provide for a number of specific measures in the education sector including a commitment to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio for the lifetime of the Government, 500 teaching posts over the next three years, funding for 28 additional psychologist posts, standard capitation grants to schools being maintained and an extra allocation being made available to schools for needs such as book rental schemes and curricular activities.

The commitment to maintain the standard capitation grants to schools will not give rise to additional costs only insofar as it relates to increases in the school going population, the costing of which would form part of the annual estimates and budgetary process. While the precise costs of the additional teaching posts cannot be determined until the actual appointments are made it is anticipated that every teacher appointed will give rise to an initial annual pay cost of approx. €46,000 on appointment rising to an average of €64,000 over time. This does not include any additional capital cost which may arise through the provision of additional classrooms where required. The funding of the additional 28 psychological posts is expected to give rise to an additional full year cost of approx €2.3m. The exact level of additional funding for schools for the consolidated grants will be considered in the context of the estimates and budgetary process.

The Revised Programme also provides for other measures which have the potential to give rise to additional costs for the education sector. These include for example delivery of 100 MBs Broadband for all second level schools by 2012 and roll out of new digital access devices for teachers and students. However it is not possible to give an exact costing at this early stage unit the implementation arrangements are worked out. As the Deputy is aware the Revised Programme for Government is for delivery over the period to 2012.

Special Educational Needs.

Fergus O'Dowd
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Fergus O'Dowd
Question:
297 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36825/09]

Minister for Education and Science (Deputy Batt O’Keeffe)
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I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of appropriate educational intervention and supports for children with special educational needs continues to be a key Government priority. This is reflected in the fact that my Department was the only Department other than Social Welfare that got an increase this year.

The Deputy will be aware of my commitment to ensuring that all pupils, including those with special educational needs, can have access to an education appropriate to their needs preferably in school settings through the primary and post-primary school network. There has been unprecedented investment in providing supports for pupils with special needs in recent years. There are now about 19,000 adults in our schools working solely with pupils with special needs. This includes over 10,000 Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) — compared with just 300 in 1997. There are over 8,000 resource and learning support teachers in our schools compared with just 2,000 in 1998. Over 1,000 other teachers support pupils in our special schools. As well as this significant increase in the numbers of additional teachers and SNAs directly providing appropriate education and care supports for children with special educational needs, much investment has taken place in the provision of transport, specialist school accommodation, home tuition, assistive technology and equipment.

I assume that the reference in the correspondence to special classes being cut relates to my Department's decision earlier this year to suppress a number of special classes for pupils with a mild general learning disability (MGLD). I would like 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 MGLD. My Department examined the enrolment numbers in these special classes and found that a number of classes did not have the minimum number of 9 pupils required to retain the special class teacher. Over half of the classes suppressed had five or fewer children. Schools which had MGLD special classes were allowed to keep them as long as the number of pupils enrolled was 9 or more.

The special classes which closed pre-date the 2005 General Allocation Model of allocating additional teacher support to schools to enable them to meet the needs of pupils with MGLD 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 classes that have been suppressed will be able to receive additional teaching support through the teaching resources allocated to primary schools under the General Allocation Model.

The correspondence also referred to the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act, 2004. The Deputy will be aware that this Government is committed to the full implementation of EPSEN at the earliest possible date. A significant number of sections of the Act have already been commenced, principally those establishing the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and those promoting an inclusive approach to the education of children with special educational needs. In the light of the current financial circumstances, it is not possible to proceed with full implementation in 2010 as originally envisaged. Notwithstanding this, a commitment has been made in the renewed Programme for Government to develop, in consultation with stakeholders, a costed multi-annual plan to implement some priority aspects of the EPSEN Act, focusing on measurable and practical progress in education and health services for children with special needs.

Furthermore, as announced in the renewed Programme for Government, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) will be provided with funding for 28 additional posts to bring the number of NEPS psychologists to 210. This means that every school in the country will have access to NEPS which provides assessment and psychological advice for schools to enable them to provide appropriate supports and programmes for children with special educational needs. The renewed Programme also commits the Government to no further increase in the pupil teacher ratio in primary and second level schools for the lifetime of this Government. Under the renewed programme we will provide 500 teaching posts between primary and second levels over the next three years.

I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that children with special educational needs will continue to receive an education appropriate to their needs. I intend to build on the progress that has been achieved in recent years which has seen a huge increase in resources for special needs. The NCSE will continue to support schools, parents and children and teachers and special needs assistants will continue to be deployed to schools to meet children's needs in line with my Department's policy.

Minister for Foreign Affairs — Travel Costs 2007-2009
	2007	2008	2009 (January – August)
	€	€	€
Airfares
Minister Ahern	8,092	18,738
Minister Martin		4,875	2,896
Accommodation
Minister Ahern	9,517	5,271
Minister Martin		8,010	4,358
Subsistence
Minister Ahern	4,975	1,942
Minister Martin		3,928	1,802
Total:	22,584	42,764	9,056

Ministers of State — Travel Costs 2007-2009
	2007	2008	2009 (January – August)
	€	€	€
Airfares
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.	2,340
MOS Michael Kitt T.D.	7,750	10,918
MOS Peter Power T.D.		26,260	19,020
MOS Dick Roche T.D.	17,087	19,669	8,101
MOS Noel Treacy T.D.	4,736
Accommodation
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.	2,022
MOS Michael Kitt T.D.	276	1,913
MOS Peter Power T.D.		2,876	4,510
MOS Dick Roche T.D.	1,272	7,758	647
MOS Noel Treacy T.D.	736
Subsistence
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.	903
MOS Michael Kitt T.D.	1,077	880
MOS Peter Power T.D.		3,714	3,001
MOS Dick Roche T.D.	1,499	6,145	1,709
MOS Noel Treacy T.D.	1,598
Total:	41,296	80,133	28,895

Table 1: Official Foreign Travel — Minister
Year	Total Cost
	€
2007	24,693
2008	41,739
2009 to date	13,796

Motor Trade.

Back to table of contents

	Cost
Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D.	€18 (2009 – €18)
Mr. Brian Lenihan T.D.	€406 (2008 – €406)
Mr. Michael McDowell T.D.	€Nil
Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D. (Minister of State)	€34,293 (2009 – €11,189, 2008 – €15,909 and 2007 – €7,195)
Mr. Frank Fahey T.D. (Minister of State)	€18,467 (2007 – €18,467)
Mr. Sean Power T.D. (Minister of State)	€37,880 (2008 – €24,134, 2007 – €13,746)

	2007	2008	2009 (January– August)
	€	€	€
Motor Travel Allowance*
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.	8,177
MOS Michael Kitt T.D.	13,322	17,697
MOS Peter Power T.D.		15,175	17,845
MOS Dick Roche T.D.	13,311	28,467	16,931
MOS Noel Treacy T.D.	36,462
Other Transport
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.
MOS Michael Kitt T.D.
MOS Peter Power T.D.
MOS Dick Roche T.D.
MOS Noel Treacy T.D.
Accommodation
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.
MOS Michael Kitt T.D.	82	266
MOS Peter Power T.D.		288	97
MOS Dick Roche T.D.
MOS Noel Treacy T.D.
Subsistence
MOS Conor Lenihan T.D.	219
MOS Michael Kitt T.D.	291
MOS Peter Power T.D.		627	145
MOS Dick Roche T.D.
MOS Noel Treacy T.D.

	Single person in shared accommodation	Couple in shared accommodation	Single person	Couple with no children	Couple with 1 child or one-parent family with 1 child	Couple with 2 children or one-parent family with 2 children	Couple with 3 children or one-parent family with 3 children
(1)	(2)	(3)	(4)	(5)	(6)	(7)	(8)
	€	€	€	€	€	€	€
Dublin	92	92	122	186	930	1,110	1,110
Wicklow	92	92	122	177	880	1,110	1,110
Kildare	92	92	112	166	880	1,110	1,110
Longford	66	66	94	112	131	144	158
Westmeath	66	66	94	112	131	149	163
Offaly	66	66	94	112	131	149	163
Laois	66	66	94	112	131	149	163
Limerick	66	66	103	122	140	158	172
Tipperary Nth.	66	66	94	122	140	158	172
Tipperary Sth.	76	76	108	122	140	158	158
Clare	66	66	94	122	140	158	172
Louth	66	66	108	122	149	158	186
Monaghan	66	66	85	113	131	140	172
Cavan	66	66	85	113	131	140	172
Meath	66	66	108	131	163	177	186
Donegal	66	66	85	112	131	138	158
Leitrim	66	66	85	112	131	138	153
Sligo	66	66	94	112	140	158	158
Wexford	76	76	108	122	140	158	158
Waterford	76	76	108	122	140	158	158
Carlow	76	76	108	122	140	158	158
Kilkenny	76	76	108	122	140	158	158
Kerry	71	71	94	143	143	171	183
Cork	71	71	108	143	163	177	189
Mayo	66	66	108	108	163	180	180
Galway	66	66	108	131	163	186	186
Roscommon	66	66	108	108	163	180	180

Year	Location	Purpose of trip	Costs
			€
Mary Hanafin
2009	Boston	Represent Irish Government at Funeral of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.	1,052
	Jonkoping, Sweden	EU meeting.	990
	Vienna	Conference for Ministers of Family Affairs.	746
	Stockholm	OECD Conference on Disability and Employment	1,110
	Philadelphia & Atlanta	St. Patrick’s Day 2009.*	8,633
	Brussels	Meeting of Ministers for Employment and Social Affairs.	202
	Prague	Parental Childcare & Employment Policy meeting.	379

2008	Paris	Meeting of Ministers as part of French Presidency	941
	Romania	Accompanying the President during official Presidential visit.	55
	Brussels	Ministerial Council meeting for Employment, Social Policy and Health ministers.	180
Martin Cullen	Miami & Atlanta	St. Patrick’s Day 2008.	17,564
Seamus Brennan
2007	Rome	St. Patrick’s Day 2007	2,545

Year	Type	Purpose of trip	Costs
			€
2007	Refreshments	Meeting in advance of opening of Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo Offices	38.90
	Subsistence	Official Opening of Carrick-on-Shannon and Sligo offices	41.55
	Subsistence	Official Opening of refurbished Galway office	93.62

Year	SPC — Male Recipients	SPC — Female Recipients	SPT — Male Recipients	SPT — Female Recipients
1990	47,804	26,666	37,715	10,760
1991	46,480	26,280	40,500	11,740
1992	46,323	26,388	42,458	12,727
1993	45,465	26,396	44,564	13,836
1994	44,622	26,198	47,326	14,885
1995	43,333	25,846	49,807	15,954
1996	42,413	25,575	52,576	17,164
1997	43,770	53,828	26,252	17,965
1998	44,969	26,737	56,212	19,104
1999	48,856	27,385	58,589	20,279
2000	55,650	30,567	57,699	20,671
2001	60,477	34,394	58,971	21,355
2002	66,382	38,913	60,899	22,156
2003	71,916	42,054	63,152	23,357
2004	74,961	43,692	65,536	24,334
2005	79,632	44,979	66,369	24,678
2006	88,786	50,938	66,378	24,708
2007	159,168	78,431	4,140	1,711
2008	166,869	83,248	5,015	2,227
2009*	174,241	88,000	5,804	2,667

Year	Minister	Minister of State
	€	€
2007	4,344.48	2,671.70
2008	3,570.33	NIL
2009 (to date)	523.00	NIL

Aircraft	Average Direct Cost Per Hour	Average Total Cost Per Hour
	€	€
Gulfstream	4,050	7,890
Learjet	1,270	2,950

Mode of Transport	Flying Time in Minutes
Helicopter EC135	570
Helicopter AW139	415

EU Country	Milk Price August 2009
	€/100kgs
Cyprus	50.58
Finland	38.11
Greece	36.60
Italy	31.50
France	29.95
Portugal	27.94
Spain	27.18
Netherlands	27.02
United Kingdom	26.07
EU 27	25.77
Austria	25.32
Sweden	25.08
Denmark	24.49
Bulgaria	24.43
Slovenia	24.08
Luxembourg	23.98
Poland	22.45
Czech Republic	22.42
Germany	22.18
Ireland	22.04
Belgium	21.59
Hungary	20.50
Slovakia	19.54
Estonia	19.38
Romania	18.41
Latvia	15.95
Lithuania	15.57

Roll Number	School Name	County	For	Issued	Amount
					€
07442U	Borris in Ossory Convent	Laois	PSDP fees	22/05/2009	6,804.00
	Borris in Ossory Convent	Laois	Survey Fees	19/05/2009	5,147.50

17064U	St Patricks NS	Laois	Energy Efficiency Scheme 2009	Oct-09	1,520.75
	St Patricks NS	Laois	Architectural planning fees	25/09/2009	8,546.35
	St Patricks NS	Laois	Architectural planning fees	10/09/2009	6,574.11
	St Patricks NS	Laois	Architectural planning fees	18/08/2009	22,384.84
	St Patricks NS	Laois	Architectural planning fees	18/08/2009	7,034.03
	St Patricks NS	Laois	Contingency 2008	05/06/2009	32,446.37

19747M	Scoil Bhríde	Laois	Temporary Accommodation 2009	22/09/2009	69,686.04
	Scoil Bhríde	Laois	Furniture Pre 2009	19/01/2009	7,027.15

20071L	Scoil Bhríde	Laois	Furniture 2009	21/09/2009	2,500.00
	Scoil Bhríde	Laois	Temporary Accommodation 2009	22/07/2009	70,000.00
	Scoil Bhríde	Laois	Furniture pre 2009	11/03/2009	2,500.00
	Total				242,171.14

	Universities Mature New Entrants to HE	% of all University New Entrants	IoT New Entrants to HE	% of all IoT New Entrants	Other Colleges MatureNew Entrants to HE	% of all other College New Entrants to HE
		%		%		%
1999/2000	1,095	7.00	no data	no data	181	13.00
2000/2001	921	6.00	2,061	10.50	182	12.00
2001/2002	1,257	8.00	2,009	10.50	169	10.50
2002/2003	1,395	8.80	1,788	10.40	207	12.70
2003/2004	1,589	9.70	1,683	9.90	247	14.50
2004/2005	1,461	8.40	1,576	9.90	166	13.90
2005/2006	1,516	9.30	1,870	11.30	212	11.30
2006/2007	1,767	10.00	2,134	13.00	225	11.80
2007/2008	1,867	10.10	2,120	13.50	246	13.00
2008/2009	2,044	10.30	2,489	14.50	249	12.65

	Mature New Entrants to Higher Education	of all New Entrants to Higher Education
		%
2007/2008	3,813	86
2008/2009	4,493	86

Dáil Éireann debate - Thursday, 15 Oct 2009

Written Answers.

Farm Waste Management.

Kathleen Lynch

Domestic Abattoirs.

Enda Kenny

Sheep Production.

Olivia Mitchell

Departmental Bodies.

Willie Penrose

Rural Environment Protection Scheme.

Seán Barrett

Common Fisheries Policy.

Christy O'Sullivan

John Cregan

Organic Farming.

Mary White

Dairy Sector.

Kathleen Lynch

On-farm Investment Schemes.

Shane McEntee

Food Safety.

Paul Connaughton

Departmental Offices.

Ruairí Quinn

Supports for Young Farmers.

Niall Blaney

European Council Meetings.

James Reilly

Farm Retirement Scheme.

Deirdre Clune

Afforestation Programme.

Jan O'Sullivan

Departmental Expenditure.

Emmet Stagg

Transport of Animals.

Liz McManus

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Sean Sherlock

Aquaculture Development.

John Cregan

Farm Inspections.

Jimmy Deenihan

Animal Identification Scheme.

Pat Breen

Tom Sheahan

Food Safety.

Andrew Doyle

Common Agricultural Policy.

Noel Treacy

Noel Treacy

Proposed Legislation.

P. J. Sheehan

Departmental Reports.

Seymour Crawford

On-farm Investment Schemes.

Joanna Tuffy

Horticultural Production.

Tom Hayes

Milk Quota.

Niall Blaney

Adventure Courses.

John O'Mahony

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Seán Connick

Seán Connick

Departmental Expenditure.

Máire Hoctor

Grant Payments.

Sean Sherlock

Sugar Beet Production.

Michael Creed

Dairy Sector.

Brian O'Shea

Charles Flanagan

Aquaculture Development.

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Oct 2009